#book: stars collide | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

smutallyouwant · 2 months ago

Text

One-Shot World chp. 7

A Good Girl

M reader x Mina

Word Count: 2.5k

[ Praise Kink, Daddy kink, Contains degradation words ]

" ~~ugghh, mmmhhh mhhh "

Moans flooded the room as you entered the boys locker room of the baseball team. You're late in your practice and you don't expect someone to be here at this time. You have to prepare for the practice and get your gear but at the edge of the room you see your star player, Yuan hammering the famous ballerina girl, Mina.

One of her legs was wrapped between Yuan's thighs showcasing her great flexibility. Her pink sweater is a mess revealing her white bra, both of their eyes are locked in each other and you froze there as you peek.

Mina' s arms are wrapped on Yuan's nape as he fucked her steadily in a moderate pace. Mina was famous for switching boyfriends every time and now you're watching her being fucked by your team mate inside of your Baseball team' s locker room.

" Kiss me " Mina said.

Mina was staring at Yuan intently as their mouths collided and made out. The banging of their bodies made you so horny that you cannot remove your eyes from the sight. Yuan's hands roamed on her body, casually grabbing her boobs and caressing her smooth skin. They are seeped into the kiss before Mina's eyes rolled intending to close her eyes but instead had a glance of you as you peek.

Mina released the kiss as she noticed you.

" Hey someone's watching us "

Mina said without a sense of panic.

" Let him watch " Yuan teased Mina.

" Are you crazy? Hey fuck off! Fucking pervert" Mina cursed at you.

You quickly ran out due to embarrassment and you did not dare to look back. You're half way into the baseball field before you noticed that you forgot your bag with your phone inside the room.

You have no choice but to come back. You waited outside, hearing the slight echo of Mina's moans from outside made you wish it was you fucking her instead of your team mate. You sat beside the door and not a minute had passed before the door slammed open.

Yuan with his gear came out first and you entered the room, the sight you saw was Mina fixing her clothes.

" Just get what you need and don't stare at me, you virgin "

Mina said as she stared at you with a grinning annoyance.

" I'm so sorry "

You said before quickly taking your bag and leaving.

After the practice, the coach informed all of you about the upcoming celebration for your team passing on the playoff stages. Later in the evening the team will have a barbeque and drinking sessions.

The night came and some of the boys brought their girlfriends into the party. Yuan was with Mina again tonight and they are annoyingly clingy with each other.

Yuan casually palms her legs and caresses them as all of you are drinking with some pecks in the cheeks, neck and shoulders here and there.

The night went on and some of the players went home already the coach and manager also waved goodbye for the night. Only 7 remained you, Yuan, Mina, 3 players and the other one is the girlfriend of your other team mate.

Yuan is so drunk that he pulled Mina for a kiss and the two made out Infront of you for a solid 10 seconds.

" Oi, you're too drunk Yuan "

" Get a room already you two "

Your team mates said.

The scene reminded you of what happened earlier and you can't help but think of it again. After a few more shots Mina asked the permission to leave with Yuan.

You stayed there until all of your team mates left because there's nothing to do after you went home anyway.

You got out of the shop and noticed Mina from the alley. That's the way to your house but you intentionally went the other way in order to avoid her.

" Oi, virgin ! "

You froze.

" Oh, I didn't notice you, Mina " you said with an awkward smile.

" I can't go home right now, do you have a place? "

" What? I thought you went home with Yuan?"

" He's too drunk, I just booked him a cab to his home. Do you have a place or not? " Mina said with an annoyed tone.

" Yes, I do live alone "

" Perfect, let's go "

She said before grabbing your arms. You can feel her smooth skin and you can almost bump into her boobs. You're as confused as a baby but you're not complaining.

As you opened the door of your room, Mina quickly pulled you for a kiss. You can taste the barbeque and the alcohol from both of your mouths but the sweetness of her scent overwhelmed it. Your hands roamed into her body like Yuan did earlier and Minas hands were tied on you like a snake.

Unlike earlier Mina's hands are exploring every inch of your body before her hands landed on your bulge.

" Did you enjoyed watching me getting fucked earlier? " She teased you with her sharp eyes.

" I saw you watching intently as we made out is this your first time kissing a beautiful girl like me? "

You nodded before licking her collarbone and kissing her neck and shoulders as she talked.

" I just hoped that you stayed and peeked through the end, but maybe I just scared you away "

You can't take it anymore, you pushed her into your bed and pounced on her.

" You're Yuan's girlfriend, is this okay? "

" As long as you'll be my good boy, no one has to find out " Mina exclaimed.

" Do you know how to eat a pussy baby boy?" Mina teases you.

" I don't look like it but I'm not a virgin anymore " You answered.

You quickly pulled her shorts and licked her pussy good. She rested her feet on your back as she scrunched your hair in pleasure.

" That's right, eat my pussy like a good boy "

You used your tongue to swirl the edges of her clit and two of your fingers to pleasure her from the inside.

" Yes that's it, I can't believe you knew how to do that, Ughhh!.~~mhhh "

Mina moans, her eyes rolling and her back arced while trying hard to keep her sanity.

" Keep thrusting your fingers, and rub in upward as you go "

" Flick my clit with your tongue, yes just like that ~~mhhhh god! Keep that up just like that "

You kept on doing her commands, you can feel her pleasure as she scrunches your hair harder with every second.

" Mhhhhh~~ just like that y/n, I'm cummingg " ~ ughh!!! What a good boyyy!! "

She squealed as she squirted on your bed and some went to your face. You kept on fingering her until the last drop of her juices.

" Fuckk, I can't believe that you'd make me squirt like that "

Mina said before moving in front of you, grabbing your pants. She unbuckled your pants and removed them.

" I saw two of your heads peeking earlier, now let me see what you're packing in here " she teased you as she removes your pants.

" Fuck I can't wait to feel this in my pussy. Let me return the favor Y/N "

" I'll be your good girl "

Mina sat you on the bed and she kneeled on the floor to suck on your dick. Mina's head game is no joke, she casually took your 6 inches dick into a fellatio with no signs of difficulty. You can feel her tongue swirl on your shaft as she suckles it in an up and down motion. You laid on the bed and you pulled her to get on too as she gave you a head of the lifetime.

The sight of her silky white skin with her seductive cleavage is enough to make you cum.

" Fuck, what a good girl, keep on sucking like that "

You gave her no warning, you came on her mouth without hesitation. Cum flooded her mouth but she sipped them back into your shaft and swallowed all of it. She released your dick, sighed and catches her breath before showing you her mouth, tongue exposed to prove that she swallowed it all like a good girl that she is.

" Am I a good girl, Y/N? "

" No Mina, you're just a hoe " you teased her.

" What the fuck? I made you cum in my beautiful mouth and you'd call me a hoe? "

" Are you not? Earlier today you're fucking with different guy and now you're sucking my dick, aren't you a whore? "

" Fuck you! " She said giving you the middle finger.

" You fucking ruined the mood, I'm out of here " she added.

" What? I thought you can't wait to feel my dick inside you? "

You said as you grabbed her arms.

" I don't want to sound arrogant but my length is much larger than average"

" Don't you want to take my dick like a good girl? " You taunted her into submitting again.

You pulled her on top of you and you buried your tongue into her mouth. The kiss wiped her angry face away and she's now aligning your shaft into her pussy.

You remove her top as she pushes herself down into your length.

" ~~ugghhhhh "

She moaned softly as it slides slowly in her.

She rides your cock intensely, her body moved like a wave in the ocean as she grinds her pussy into your length.

" ~~~mhhh fuck, your dick reaches so deep, shit "

You grabbed her waist, giving her lower back a support so she can ride you well. As she got tired and started catching her breath, you took the inactive to bounce her up and down by lifting and slamming her in your shaft.

" Ughhh~~ ughhh~~ ughh~~ "

You can feel your dick penetrating her walls and Mina can't help but to scream and moan in pleasure. She hugged your neck as she moaned into your ear.

" Am I a good girl for taking your whole dick daddy? Please tell me I'm a good girl daddy "

She wisphered into your ear.

" Yes you're a good girl, Mina "

" Taking my dick is not an easy task, but you did it great "

" Really? Will you give me a reward for that daddy? " She said enthusiastically as she palms your cheek .

" I'll come inside you for being a very good girl " you said while pampering her head.

" Is my pussy that good that you want to fill it daddy? Tell me that my pussy feels good please ~ughhh "

" Your pussy feels so good, Mina "

" Yess cum inside me, cum inside your good girl daddy "

You changed position so you can fuck her more comfortably, you moved into missionary position so you can pummel her as fast and hard as you can.

Mina's legs were wrapped into your waist and thigh, not letting you pull out your dick.

" I'll fill your pussy now, babyy take it "

" Yess dadyyy fill me up! "

" Ughhhh~`` " you moaned in unison.

Mina strengthened her grip into your body as you burst your nut inside her, you let out more strong thrusts to pump out more semen in her.

" Ohh god there's so much! Haha " Mina laughed in shock.

Both of you cleaned each other, but you can't let the night pass by doing it just one time. You took a 15 minute rest before going at it again.

Mina wore her top as you made her lay on the bed with her plump ass exposed. You aligned your already hard length and pushed in through.

Her ass bounced as you pummeled it full force.

" Ohh god! Daddy that's too rough! "

" Take it like a good girl! " You said as you slapped her ass.

" Fuck, you're just a slut with daddy issues Mina "

" Yess daddy I'm already a slut, but I'm your good girl daddy " she begged.

" Then be a good girl and let me do what I want "

" Yes daddy, do anything you want to me "

You pounded her hard not giving a damn with her already climaxing many times.

This is your first time doing 4 rounds of sex in just 2 hours. Mina is just so beautiful and sexy that you can't stop fucking her.

" Ughh, I'm cumming again fuck! "

Mina limped like a vegetable on your bed as you came inside her for the 5th time now. You took this opportunity to take a video of you making out with the half asleep Mina.

You woke up the next day without Mina, Mina messaged you that she went home already. News spreads on your baseball team that Mina broke up with Yuan already.

After your failed championship run for the Baseball cup, you went home tired but suddenly your bell rang.

You now know where to put your frustrations...

----------------------- END ---------------------

#twice imagines #twice smut #twice x reader #twice #kpop smut #twice mina

681 notes · View notes

bueckersstuff · 2 months ago

Text

PART I - PART II - PART III - PART IV

There’s something about being best friends with someone like Paige Bueckers that makes you feel both incredibly lucky and completely exasperated at the same time. You know that sounds contradictory, but if you knew her, you’d get it.

You met when you were eight, and I swear, from the moment you collided on the playground during recess—both of you going for the same ball—you were inseparable.

It wasn’t hard to see that Paige was special. Even back then, she was effortlessly athletic, her natural grace obvious in everything from her jump shots to the way she could race across the court. While other kids had their moments of clumsy falls or awkward movements, Paige glided, even as a little girl.

You weren’t into sports—never were—but you always knew she was going places. You watched her grow from the girl who loved to chase after basketballs into the player who could practically bend the rules of physics to make a perfect shot. She was destined to be a star, and the rest of us? Well, you just had to hang on to her for the ride.

Then there was you—definitely not a basketball star, but no slouch when it came to your studies. You were the type to bury your nose in books while everyone else was at practice. You loved reading, writing, and getting lost in whatever academic challenge you could find. Your classmates always knew you could finish a math test in half the time and nail the history essay before anyone else had even started. You weren’t a superstar in the traditional sense, but you had your own rhythm, and it worked for you.

And yet, despite your different worlds, you and Paige were the best of friends.

You sat next to each other in most of your classes, and your favorite pastimes involved everything from debating which was the best superhero movie, running through the halls of your high school, laughing at something no one else understood. And then there was the teasing—God, the teasing.

Paige was relentless. She’d always tease you for being the "boring academic" while she perfected her crossover dribble, making jokes about how you’d never survive a week of basketball practice. It wasn’t mean-spirited, at least not in the way that some people’s teasing could be. But that didn’t make it any less insufferable.

“Come on, nerd, do you even know what a fast break is?” she’d say, standing with her hands on her hips after yet another practice, eyes gleaming mischievously.

You’d roll your eyes and half-smile, knowing what was coming next.

“Yes, Paige. It’s when someone speeds up the court before the defense can set up. I’ve read a book or two about basketball.”

Her laugh would always follow. “Well, maybe you should try it sometime. You’ll be a star! You could wear your glasses while you play, and the team could call you ‘The Bookworm!’”

You hated it. You hated that she’d get under your skin, making you feel like you should try to be something you weren’t. But at the same time, you secretly kind of liked it. Who else would tease you like that and still be your biggest fan? I mean, Paige was so full of life, so unapologetically herself, that you couldn’t help but admire her for it, even if it drove you crazy.

It wasn’t all teasing, of course. There were those moments when you’d look at Paige, really look at her, and see the layers that the world didn't always get to see—the quiet moments after games when she was just a regular person with regular fears. Like that time she sat next to you in the locker room after a particularly tough loss, not saying much but letting you know she was okay by the way she leaned her head on your shoulder. You were the one with the words in those moments, and she didn’t need to ask for help. You just understood.

In high school, you were those two girls everyone kind of knew—Paige, the basketball prodigy, and you, the girl who could read, write, and speak five languages (okay, maybe just four, but who’s counting?).

People knew you were best friends because you made it so obvious. You were the one who had her back through the drama, through the spotlight, through all the things that came with being someone like Paige. And she was the one who kept you grounded, who pulled you out of your shell, and who still found a way to make you laugh, even when you were too stressed to breathe.

I remember one particular day, not long before you graduated, when the teasing reached a whole new level. Paige had been making jokes all day about how you were going to be "the world’s most successful librarian" or "the next Shakespeare" (thanks, Paige, I think?). By the time lunch came around, you were done.

“Okay, okay,” you said, throwing your hands up in mock surrender as you sat down across from her at your usual lunch table. “I’ll come to one of your practices. You can teach me how to play basketball. But just know that if I end up scoring more points than you, I’m going to bring it up forever.”

Paige’s eyes lit up. “You want in? Alright, let’s see what you’ve got. This is gonna be so much fun.”

It was that day that you realized just how much you loved your friendship. Because while Paige could drive you to the edge of insanity with her teasing, her laughter, her crazy competitiveness—it was all out of love. It always had been. And no matter how much she teased you, she was the first person to defend you when you needed it. No matter how many basketball practices you would never get through without tripping over your own feet, no matter how many times she’d laugh at your inability to dribble, you wouldn’t trade her for the world.

Paige Bueckers, insufferable tease and one of the best friends you could ever ask for.

Things started to change in 2019. It wasn’t immediate, and it wasn’t a loud, dramatic shift, but slowly, like the tide creeping in, everything began to feel different. That was the year Paige was recruited for Team USA’s Women’s U16 National Team. You knew it was coming—her talent was undeniable, and she was just too good to ignore. But still, when the phone call came, when she told you she’d made the team, you felt this rush of pride mixed with something else you couldn’t quite place.

She was going places. Big places. You were still that girl with your nose buried in textbooks, with your quiet, academic achievements to your name. But Paige? Paige was going to represent her country. It was what she’d always dreamed of. You were thrilled for her, of course, but with that thrill came something else—something that felt like the quiet loss of the friend you’d grown up with.

That’s when Azzi Fudd came into the picture.

Azzi, a prodigy in her own right, had already started making waves in the basketball world by then. She was fierce, driven, and she and Paige immediately hit it off. They were two peas in a pod—both basketball geniuses, both with an unshakable bond of ambition and determination. You watched from the sidelines as the two of them grew closer over the months. They practiced together, trained together, and even joked together in ways that made you feel like an outsider. Azzi became Paige’s new constant, the person she could lean on during the long hours of practice and travel, the one who shared her dreams of championships and accolades.

And you—you were left behind.

At first, it was subtle. Paige’s messages became fewer and farther between. She was busy, you knew that. She had games, practices, and a whole new world that was opening up to her. But it was the little things that started to hurt.

You’d text her about something random—just like you used to—and you’d get a short, distracted reply. “Busy, sorry, will talk later.” But “later” never came. The “Paige” you used to know was slipping further and further away.

As the months went on, Paige’s attention drifted more toward Azzi. You saw the way they interacted—something beyond friendship, something deeper. Their connection was electric, magnetic. Every time they were together, it was like the world around them disappeared, like they had their own universe in the middle of all the chaos. You tried not to notice it, tried to tell yourself that it was just their bond over basketball, over being in the same world of greatness. But deep down, you knew. You knew that something was happening between them. Something that you couldn’t be a part of.

You didn’t want to admit it, didn’t want to acknowledge that your best friend was slipping away from you. But the truth was clear: Paige wasn’t just getting busier with her career; she was getting closer to Azzi. And with that, she was pulling away from you.

You still supported her, of course. You cheered her on from the sidelines, watching every game, every tournament she played in. You sent her messages—hoping that maybe she’d see them, maybe you could have one of your old conversations—but they were always answered with a brief acknowledgment, nothing more. You didn’t push. You didn’t want to be that friend—the one who made everything about them when it wasn’t supposed to be.

It hurt, though. It hurt more than you were willing to admit.

It was hard to watch Paige and Azzi share everything—laughing at inside jokes you weren’t part of, training together in ways you could never understand, building a future that didn’t have a place for you. And you got it. You did. You weren’t in the same world. They were two rising stars, both with the world at their feet, and you were just… there. You weren’t part of their journey anymore.

But the hardest part? The hardest part was that Paige didn’t even realize what was happening. She didn’t see how much it hurt you to watch her and Azzi grow closer, to feel the distance widening between you. She was so wrapped up in her new life that you barely existed in it. And you didn’t know how to tell her—how to make her understand that you were still her friend, that you were still proud of her, but you also needed her to see you.

You couldn’t tell her you were lonely. You couldn’t tell her that the bond you once had felt like a memory, like something you couldn’t reach anymore. Instead, you took the quiet route. You pulled back. You didn’t call her as often. You didn’t text her every time something reminded you of her. You figured if she had time for you, she’d reach out. But you knew that wouldn’t happen—not in the way it used to.

It was the end of the year when you finally realized something. Paige and Azzi had something going on—something that wasn’t just about basketball. Maybe it was the way they exchanged knowing glances at practices, or the way Paige’s face lit up every time Azzi spoke. Maybe it was the late-night conversations you’d overhear when Paige thought you weren’t listening. You didn’t want to interfere. You didn’t want to make Paige feel like she was betraying you, because you weren’t mad at her—you were just… heartbroken.

You still supported her. You always would. But something had changed. Something was missing. And no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t go back to the way things were.

Paige, your best friend, was slipping away. And Azzi Fudd, who had become her everything, was standing in the space you used to occupy.

You didn’t blame her, not really. People grow, they change. Sometimes they outgrow each other, and sometimes they find new connections that mean more than the old ones. But it didn’t make it any easier.

So you stayed silent. You watched from the sidelines. You cheered, you smiled, and you let go.

But you couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, Paige didn’t need you anymore.

The summer before college was supposed to be a time of celebration, excitement, and the thrill of what lay ahead. You and Paige had spent years imagining this moment. Since you were little, you both had talked about where you'd go to school, what your futures would look like, and the dreams you’d chase together. You had always planned that you'd be there for each other no matter what. You’d go off to college together, as inseparable as ever.

And then came UConn.

Paige had just received a huge call—Geno Auriemma had recruited her to play for the University of Connecticut. Of course, you had known it was coming. Paige had been a star for years, and now, the biggest program in women’s college basketball wanted her.

"Guess what?" she texted you one evening, her excitement practically jumping off the screen. "Geno wants me at UConn. It's official."

You were thrilled for her. This was the dream she had talked about since you were kids, and now it was happening. UConn was where she was meant to be. But when she mentioned something else, something that wasn’t part of the plan, something that made your heart twist—well, that’s when everything started to change.

She told you, "I really want Azzi to come to UConn too. I think it would be perfect for us to play together."

That hit you in a way you didn’t expect. Azzi Fudd—the same Azzi who had gradually become everything to Paige. The girl who had quietly inserted herself into your friendship and your life, until now, she was practically the center of Paige’s world.

You tried not to let it show. You tried not to let it sting, but it did. You had been there with Paige through everything—through the awkward middle school days, the high school highs and lows, and now, you were being pushed aside for someone who had only entered the picture recently. Azzi was going to UConn, and you could already see how the next few years were going to play out: Paige and Azzi, side by side, dominating the court together. Meanwhile, you’d be sitting on the sidelines, watching it all unfold, your own dreams feeling smaller and more distant.

You had already planned on studying business. It was a solid, practical path that made sense for you. But in that moment, you felt the weight of the change, the realization that everything was moving forward—and you weren’t moving forward with Paige the way you thought you would.

So you did something you hadn’t planned on doing. You sent Paige a message that made your stomach churn.

"Hey, I’m actually considering Harvard for business. It’s really good for the program I want, and I’ve been thinking a lot about it. What do you think?"

It was a low blow, you knew that. You weren’t trying to throw it in her face. But in that moment, you couldn’t shake the feeling that this would be the only way to keep your own sense of identity. Maybe it would be easier to start fresh somewhere else—somewhere where you wouldn’t be constantly reminded of how Paige and Azzi’s bond was growing stronger every day.

Paige’s response was subtle, more so than you had expected, but you saw the shift.

"Wow," she replied, her message short. "Harvard’s amazing. I’m sure you’ll be great there. But, um... I guess I thought we’d go to college together, you know?"

There it was. The hurt. You knew she didn’t take it well. The dream you two had shared was now splintering into two separate paths. But despite everything, Paige still gave her approval. It was like she was trying to convince herself that it was okay. That you could both be on your own journeys, even if they weren’t the same.

The months leading up to college were a blur. You both packed up and moved to your respective schools, the excitement of starting fresh hanging in the air. You met new people, made new friends—people who understood you in a way that only other business-minded students could. You threw yourself into your studies, the weight of your decision sinking in, but you knew it was the right one. You had made your choice. You were going to make the most of it, even if it meant growing apart from Paige.

College started, and the messages between you and Paige grew more and more infrequent. She was busy with her basketball commitments, of course. She had her teammates, her coaches, and the demands of being a star athlete. You, on the other hand, had your classes, your friends, and a life that was slowly but surely diverging from hers.

You had heard about Paige’s teammates, names you had only known from the sidelines: Aaliyah Edwards, Nika Mühl, Caroline Ducharme, and Aubrey Griffin. They were all part of the powerhouse UConn team, each one playing a role in creating a dynasty. You’d watch their games on TV from time to time, seeing Paige’s highlights flash across the screen, her name growing bigger with each win. You cheered her on silently, even if it felt like you were cheering from a distance.

You had your own life now, and Paige had hers. She seemed happy—genuinely happy, surrounded by her team, her friends, and Azzi, who had made her way to UConn a year later, just like Paige had hoped. But it didn’t escape your notice how much their bond had only deepened. Azzi was there in every picture, in every moment, their chemistry undeniable. You were just another name in the background now.

You tried not to let it hurt. You really did. But it was hard not to notice how Paige’s world was building around her, and how you were fading into the background.

It was no secret to you how hard Paige had worked to recruit Azzi to UConn. She had pulled every string, every connection she could find, making sure Azzi was right where she wanted her. You saw their bond growing stronger, seen more clearly than before. It wasn’t just about basketball anymore—it was about their shared future. Paige had gotten exactly what she wanted, and Azzi was finally there, playing alongside her on the same team.

You didn’t blame Paige. You understood. She had always been someone who knew what she wanted, someone who would do anything to get it. You couldn’t be mad at her for building the life she had always dreamed of. But you couldn’t deny the bittersweet feeling that had settled inside you, watching from the outside.

Your friendship with Paige wasn’t what it used to be. You didn’t have the closeness anymore, the bond that once tied you together. You were happy for her—really, you were—but in that quiet, unspoken way, you knew things would never be the same again.

And maybe that was just part of growing up.

It wasn’t like it used to be. You and Paige—best friends since childhood—had always been so close, but now, everything felt... distant. The conversations were minimal, just a few texts here and there, just enough to keep in touch but not enough to feel like you were a part of each other’s lives anymore.

"How’s school?" she’d text occasionally, and you’d reply with a short update about your business classes. "Busy, but it’s going well," you’d tell her. Paige would then tell you about UConn, about the team, about her and Azzi. She’d send little snippets, but her words were always focused on basketball, her life with the team. They were thriving together, and you were happy for her.

She’d told you, in one of her rare texts, that her and Azzi were officially together. "Yeah, Azzi and I are in a relationship now. It’s crazy, huh? But I think we’re good."

You read the message, paused, and then sent a quick reply. “That’s awesome. I’m happy for you.”

It didn’t sting. You’d accepted things for what they were. Paige was living her dream with Azzi by her side, and you were carving your own path at college. You’d let go of the dream you once shared with her, knowing that life had different plans. You weren’t bitter. You weren’t angry. You just accepted it.

But then, everything shifted.

It was December 2021, and you were adjusting to the fast pace of college life. Your mind was focused on your studies, your friendships, and your own growth. But one night, you received a message that stopped everything in its tracks. It was from Paige.

"Can’t play... Something’s wrong with my knee. I can’t walk. I’m at the hospital."

Your heart dropped. You could feel the weight of her words, the pain behind them. Your first instinct was to drop everything and go to her, to be by her side like you always had been. But reality set in. You had assignments, deadlines, and the pressure of school. You couldn’t just leave, and you hated yourself for it.

You sent her a message. "I’m so sorry. I wish I could be there. Let me know what the doctors say."

She didn’t reply immediately, and when she did, it was just a simple message: "ACL tear. I’m done for the season."

You felt helpless. Paige was heartbroken. You could feel the pain through the screen, and it hurt you too, but there was nothing you could do. All you could offer were the words, the kind of support you knew she’d appreciate. The text messages between you became more infrequent, and soon enough, they stopped altogether.

You kept checking in, but the replies from Paige became shorter and more distant. She was focused on recovery, and her life was still revolving around basketball. You, on the other hand, were learning how to survive in a new world without her there. You didn’t want to push her, but it hurt—being left behind, being so far from her when she needed you the most.

Then, in early 2023, came Azzi Fudd’s injury. You saw the headlines, the news reports, and you knew how it would affect Paige. Azzi had suffered an MCL sprain during a game, and she would be out for several weeks.

In the aftermath, Paige started texting you more, reaching out when she needed someone to talk to.

"You don’t understand," she sent one night, the words filled with raw emotion. "With everything going on between Azzi and me... It’s falling apart. We’re not okay. I feel like everything I’ve worked for is crumbling."

You didn’t know what to say. You had never seen Paige like this, so vulnerable, so unsure. You didn’t want to make her feel worse, but you were there for her, trying to offer whatever comfort you could.

She texted again a few days later. "I don’t know what to do. I miss you. I miss how things used to be."

It felt like a tiny crack in the walls she had built around herself, a sign that maybe, just maybe, she missed you too.

Then, one evening, you received an unexpected notification. It was from Paige—a video call.

You hesitated, then answered. You could see her face, pale and tired, her eyes red from what you could only assume were endless tears.

"I need to talk to you," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "Azzi and I... we’re done. It’s over."

But before she could say anything else, your female friend, Emma, had been hanging out with you. She saw the video call and, in a playful but mischievous mood, show herself on the video. Without thinking, Emma greeted Paige, her voice indifferent and teasing.

"Hey Paige, heard a lot about you." Emma said with a smirk, "What’s up? Just here with my girl."

You could see Paige’s expression drop, a frown forming as she processed the words. But Emma was only joking, trying to lighten the mood, unaware of what was going on. Paige, on the other hand, didn’t find it funny. She didn’t understand.

"You’re with... your girl?" Paige’s voice was cold, her face tight with emotion. "I... I thought... I thought you weren’t …?"

Emma quickly handed you the phone, laughing it off, but you could see the damage already done. Paige’s eyes were filled with hurt, her thoughts racing. She didn’t know Emma, didn’t understand the joke.

That night, Paige left you a message. It was different from the others. It wasn’t just a simple text. It was more—more raw, more filled with emotion.

"You know what? Forget it. I guess I was wrong about everything. I thought we’d still be there for each other, but I guess you’ve moved on. It’s funny how people can just leave you behind when they find someone else. You were my best friend, and now you’re just... gone. Just like everyone else. Thanks for nothing."

You read the message over and over again, your heart sinking with each word. You knew it wasn’t the truth, that Paige had misunderstood everything. But it didn’t matter. The damage was done.

She was bitter now. She had pushed you away in her own way, and you didn’t know how to fix it. You hadn’t meant to hurt her, but somehow, you had.

And so, you were left with nothing but the silence between you, the space that had grown between you and your best friend, the girl who once meant everything to you.

The silence between you and Paige grew deeper with each passing day. The messages, the once-constant check-ins, had completely stopped. You tried, you really did. You sent her texts, not too frequent, but just enough to let her know you were still there. “Hey, how are you? Hope you’re doing okay. Thinking of you,” you’d write, or “If you need someone to talk to, I’m here.”

But there was nothing in return. No reply. No sign of life from her side.

At first, you told yourself she was busy. UConn’s basketball schedule was grueling, and after Azzi’s injury and their breakup, you thought she might just be going through a lot. Maybe she needed space, you rationalized. You didn’t want to push her, but the more you tried to reach out, the more her absence stung. Each unread message was like a slap in the face, a reminder of how quickly things had changed.

It hurt because you’d accepted the changes. When Paige and Azzi grew closer, you had never once resented it. You didn’t like being pushed aside, sure, but you supported them. You’d watched their bond grow stronger, seen how it gave Paige the happiness she had longed for. You didn’t complain. You didn’t walk away. You stood by her, from the very beginning. You never left her side, not even when it felt like you were the third wheel, not even when it seemed like you were losing the girl who had once been your everything.

But now, just one joke—one misunderstanding—and she’d dropped you like you were nothing.

The weight of that hit you harder than anything before. It wasn’t even the joke itself that hurt, but the fact that Paige had been so quick to assume the worst. After everything you’d been through together, after all the years of friendship, she thought that little interaction—that brief moment—was enough to erase you from her life.

Why did you let this happen? Your mind spiraled. You hadn’t meant to hurt her. You hadn’t meant for it to go this far. And yet, here you were, wondering why someone you loved so much could just walk away, leaving you in the dust.

You sat in your dorm room one evening, staring blankly at your phone, scrolling through social media, when the news hit you like a freight train. Paige had suffered another injury—another knee injury. Your heart sank as you read the headline: “Paige Bueckers Out for the Season With Torn ACL—Again.”

The room felt like it was spinning. This couldn’t be real. She couldn’t have gone through all that recovery only to face another setback. You immediately tried to text her, but nothing. No reply. It was as if she had disappeared from your life completely.

The guilt consumed you. You knew she was hurting—physically, emotionally, after everything she had been through with Azzi and now this. But you were angry too, angry at how quickly she had shut you out. Angry at the misunderstanding that had created this silence. You hadn’t meant to hurt her, and yet here you were, unable to do anything for the one person who had once been everything to you.

You wanted to fix it. You needed to fix it. You couldn’t just sit by and do nothing.

And that’s when it hit you—a desperate idea, a leap of faith.

You would transfer. You couldn’t stay where you were anymore, not knowing that Paige was hurting and you weren’t there. You couldn’t live with the guilt, the uncertainty, the not-knowing. You needed to be where she was, to be close to her, to try and repair the wreckage that had been your friendship. Maybe this was crazy, maybe it was impulsive, but you didn’t care. You just needed to do something.

You called your parents, explaining the situation in the most frantic way you could. “I’m thinking about transferring to UConn,” you said, your voice shaking. “I can’t stand this anymore. I need to be there for her. I need to make things right.”

They were shocked, of course. They didn’t fully understand. But you didn’t care. You were too far gone in the rush of your emotions, in the desperate need to fix the broken pieces of your friendship with Paige.

The days that followed were a blur. You filled out the transfer papers, contacted the UConn admissions office, and started the whirlwind of transferring to a new school. But it wasn’t just about school—it was about Paige. It was about doing whatever it took to be there for her, to prove that you hadn’t abandoned her, that you would never abandon her, not after everything you’d been through.

And still, there was silence. No word from Paige. No sign that she even cared that you were trying. Each day felt like a punch in the gut, but you kept pushing forward. You kept going, thinking that once you were there, once you were close enough, everything would fall into place.

When you arrived at UConn, everything felt surreal. It was overwhelming, being in a new place, surrounded by new faces, but all you could think about was Paige. Would she even want to see you? Would she care that you had gone to all this trouble just to be by her side? Or would she still see you as the person who had made one mistake, one joke, and ruined everything?

You’d seen the news about Paige's injury. You knew where she was likely to be. The clinic, you remembered. You'd seen enough photos and posts about it to know that’s where they’d be working with her.

You walked to the clinic, your steps quick but uncertain. When you reached the entrance, a security personnel stopped you.

“What’s your name?” he asked, eyeing you suspiciously.

“I’m—” You hesitated for a moment, not sure what to say. But you had to get through. You had to make sure she saw you. “I’m here to see Paige Bueckers.”

The guard’s expression shifted. He looked down at the list in front of him. You told him your name.

“Paige’s friend?”

You nodded. “Yes, I need to talk to her.”

He looked at you for a long moment, then picked up his radio. He spoke briefly into it before turning back to you, his eyes wide. “She knows you're here. You can go in.”

You felt a rush of hope, but as you walked through the door, you could sense the cold air surrounding you. The clinic was quiet, save for the soft hum of machines and the faint sounds of footsteps. When you finally reached the are, you saw Paige sitting on one of the therapy tables, her leg elevated, working with one of the physical therapists.

She didn’t look up immediately, but as you stepped closer, you could feel her eyes on you. There was a long silence before she finally met your gaze.

Her eyes were hard. Hostile. You could see the anger simmering just beneath the surface.

“What are you doing here?” Paige’s voice was sharp, cutting through the tension like a knife. “Did you come to gawk at me while I’m stuck here, injured again? Is that it?”

You swallowed hard, standing your ground despite the hurt twisting in your chest. “No, I didn’t come here for that, Paige,” you said, your voice steady but with a flicker of emotion behind it. “I came because I’m worried about you. I’m here because you’re my friend, and I... I didn’t want to just sit back and do nothing.”

Paige’s jaw clenched, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Worried about me?” She repeated, her voice dripping with bitterness. “Where were you when I needed someone? You just disappeared, and now you think you can waltz in and act like nothing happened?”

The words stung, but you refused to back down. “I’m sorry for what happened between us,” you said, taking a step forward. “I never meant to hurt you. You cut me off, and I respected that, but I’m here now. I’m not leaving, Paige. I’m still your friend.”

She glared at you for a long moment, her gaze piercing, as if she was trying to decide if you were worth the effort of keeping around. “You should’ve stayed gone,” she spat. “I don’t need you here. I don’t need you to ‘fix’ anything. I’m doing just fine on my own.”

Her words hit like a slap, but you stood your ground, refusing to let her push you away. “I don’t care if you think you don’t need me,” you said, voice calm but firm. “I’m not going anywhere. I came here because I care about you. You might not want me here, but I’m staying.”

Paige’s eyes softened for a split second, but then the hardness returned. She turned away from you, her focus back on her rehab. “I told you,” she muttered, her voice distant, “I don’t need you.”

You felt your heart break all over again, but you weren’t going to back down. Not now. Not when you were so close.

“I’m not leaving, Paige,” you said, your voice unwavering. “I’ll be here whenever you’re ready to talk. But I’m not going anywhere.”

You could tell she was trying to ignore you, trying to shut you out. But deep down, you knew you had made the right decision. It didn’t matter how angry or hurt she was. It didn’t matter how much she tried to push you away. You were here for her. You always had been, and you always would be.

And no matter how hostile she acted, no matter how much she hated you in that moment, you were ready to take it. You were ready to fix what had been broken—even if it took everything you had.

You left Paige to continue with her rehab, but before walking away, you turned to her, feeling the weight of everything you were about to say. “I need to sort out my transfer,” you said, your voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside you. “I’ll be settled in soon, so… I’ll be around.”

Paige looked up at you, her face betraying nothing but a mask of indifference, a carefully constructed wall. For a split second, you saw something flicker in her eyes—something soft, maybe even surprised—but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. She didn’t respond. She just nodded, her eyes still hard as she shifted her attention back to her physical therapy.

You left her there, the tension between you two still thick in the air.

Once settled into your new dorm room, you couldn’t help but think about Paige. You had to admit it—no matter how things had changed, you were still concerned about her. You texted her first. “Hey, just checking in. Have you eaten today?”

No reply.

You waited, staring at your phone, and then made up your mind. If she wasn’t going to answer, you’d bring her some food yourself. She hadn’t looked like she was eating much lately, and you couldn’t bear to think of her not taking care of herself. You knew her favorite meal, and that was what you decided to bring. The thought of her, still struggling with her injury, made you feel helpless, but this was something you could do.

You asked your new roommate, Kim, if she knew where Paige’s dorm was. She raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. “You’re going to her dorm? Why?” she asked, half skeptical, half curious.

“We’re childhood friends. I just... I need to make sure she’s okay,” you said quickly, avoiding her gaze.

Kim shrugged. But then gave you directions nonetheless.

The walk to Paige’s dorm felt like it took hours, though it was just a few blocks away. When you finally stood in front of her door, your heart raced. You knocked softly, hoping she wasn’t out. The girl, Nika answered the door, her expression confused as she looked you up and down.

“Who are you?” she asked, eyeing you warily.

You swallowed, trying to stay calm. “I’m… I’m a friend of Paige’s. I’m just here to bring her some food.”

Her eyes widened slightly, like the recognition clicked. “Oh, you’re the one she’s been talking about. I didn’t expect to see you so soon. Hold on.” She stepped aside, and you could tell she was still unsure, but once you said your name, there was something in her eyes—a knowing look, like she understood more than you were letting on.

She called for Paige but received no answer. “She’s probably in her room, trying to sleep off the pain,” Nika said with a shrug, gesturing for you to follow her.

You hesitated at first, unsure whether you should push any further, but Nika gave you a quick nod. “Go on, she won’t bite.”

With a tight breath, you stepped past Nika and into the dorm, the familiar, comforting scent of Paige’s room hitting you the moment you crossed the threshold. It was a mix of lavender and the faint smell of her favorite candles, something that always felt like home. You stood there for a second, trying to get your bearings, until you finally walked to Paige’s room.

There, lying in bed, was Paige.

She looked almost angelic, her features softened by the pillow beneath her head, eyes closed. But something about her posture—the way her body was tense, even in sleep—told you she wasn’t at peace. You stared at her, lost in the emotions you’d buried for so long. She was still the girl you cared about, the girl who had been your world for so many years. You missed her. You missed the real Paige, the one you used to talk to about everything, the one who was always there, no matter what.

As you stood at the edge of her bed, staring at her, the need to reach out to her—just to touch her hair, to feel her close—overwhelmed you. You could still remember how soft her hair used to be, how it would fall around her face when she was tired, and you wanted nothing more than to be that person again—the one who was there when she needed it.

But before you could touch the strands of hair resting on her forehead, her hand shot up and grabbed yours with a force that startled you.

Paige’s eyes snapped open, and you were met with a glare that felt like it could burn through you. Her eyes were dark with something you couldn’t quite read—anger, frustration, confusion.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Her voice was hoarse, but there was a sharpness to it, a biting edge that sent a cold shiver down your spine. “Why did you come? After everything... after you left, why now?”

You froze, the question hanging heavy between you. You wanted to explain, to tell her how much you missed her, how much you needed her in your life, but the words stuck in your throat.

“I just… I wanted to make sure you were okay,” you said quietly, trying to meet her gaze, to show her that you weren’t here for any other reason than to be there for her. “I brought you some food. I thought maybe you hadn’t eaten. I’m sorry for everything.”

Her hand released yours with a shake of her head. “No. You don’t get to do this. You don’t get to come in here after all that time and act like everything is fine.”

She pushed herself up from the bed, her movements stiff, as if every part of her body was in pain. She was still healing, and you could see it in the way she moved—like every step she took was a reminder of her brokenness. “You should go back to Harvard. Go be with your girl, continue living your perfect life without me.”

Her words hit you like a punch to the gut. The jealousy, the bitterness, it all came rushing at you. You could see the confusion in her eyes, the way she was trying to push you away, but the flicker of longing creeps at you. She was angry. So angry at you for leaving, and yet... there was something else there. Something raw, something painful.

“I didn’t forget about you, Paige,” you said, your voice breaking. “I came here because I’m not going to give up on us. You don’t get to shut me out like this. I’m here for you. I always have been. Even when you were with Azzi, I stayed. I never left, Paige.”

Paige’s face contorted in frustration. “I don’t need you, okay?” Her voice cracked, her anger turning to something more, something deeper. “I don’t need anyone right now. I’ve lost too much. I’ve been through too much... I just can’t do this with you.”

The vulnerability in her voice shook you to your core, but you refused to back down. “I don’t care how much time has passed, Paige. I’m still here. I’m not leaving. I came back for you. You’re not alone in this.”

She swallowed hard, tears welling in her eyes, but she turned away, the pain too much to bear. “Just go, okay? Please. Just go.”

It felt like everything was unraveling in that moment—the words, the emotions, the broken pieces of what had once been the strongest bond you’d ever known. You stood there, helpless, knowing that no matter how much you tried, she wasn’t ready. Not yet.

And so, with one last, heart-wrenching glance, you left her room. You walked away, not knowing if you’d ever get the chance to fix what had been broken.

Settling in at UConn was a strange experience. The campus was both new and familiar at the same time. You had transferred in hopes of finding something to hold onto, a chance to fix the mess that had become your friendship with Paige. But so far, nothing felt right.

You were trying to adjust, surrounded by a new group of friends—some from your classes, some from the dorms. They were nice enough, the kind of people you could see yourself getting along with, and for the first time in a while, you started to feel a little more like yourself. It was a relief to have people who weren’t part of your old world with Paige, people who didn’t know the tangled history between you two.

Still, no matter how hard you tried, your thoughts always wandered back to her. You couldn’t help it. Every time you checked your phone, you half-hoped that maybe, just maybe, you’d get a text from Paige. But there was nothing.

A few casual run-ins with her teammates made your chest tighten. You could see the knowing glances they shot you when you passed by. They were all aware of what had happened, all aware of how things had fallen apart between you and Paige. But none of them said a word. It wasn’t like they didn’t care; it was just that they didn’t know what to say. They respected Paige, and they knew how fragile things were.

Then, one afternoon, as you were walking to the gym to get some work done, you saw her.

Paige.

She was in the gym, but not in the way you expected. She was standing in the corner, dribbling the ball, her injured leg barely touching the floor. She wasn’t pushing herself like she used to, wasn’t running, wasn’t playing. She was just standing there, looking lost. You could tell she was angry—probably at herself, maybe at the world—but it was deeper than that. There was a sadness that clung to her, a rawness that you hadn’t seen before.

She wasn’t using her injured leg at all, just holding the ball with a frown that seemed permanent now. The Paige you knew, the one who’d been so driven, was fading in front of your eyes.

You hesitated, watching her for a moment. The distance between you seemed impossibly wide, but still, something inside you made you move forward. You couldn’t just walk away, not now.

“Paige?” you called softly, but she didn’t turn around at first.

When she did, her face was full of that hostility again, but this time, it was laced with something darker. “What do you want?” she snapped, her voice colder than usual.

You felt a lump form in your throat, but you pushed it down. You had to talk to her, even if she was pushing you away.

“I just… I saw you in here and wanted to check on you. Are you okay?” The words felt hollow coming out, but you meant them. You really did.

Paige glared at you like you were some sort of nuisance. “I’m fine,” she said flatly. “I’m just… working through things.”

“You’re standing there, not even using your leg. That’s not ‘working through things.’” You took a step closer, your voice growing softer. “Paige, you’ve got to heal. You can’t just push it all aside.”

“I said I’m fine,” she repeated, more sharply this time. “I don’t need you here telling me how to do things. You don’t get to come in and act like you care. Not after everything.”

The words cut through you like a knife. She was so angry, so defensive, but you couldn’t leave it like this. Not when you knew deep down there was more to her anger than just the injury.

“What is your problem with me, Paige?” The words were out before you could stop them, and they hung in the air like a challenge, like a question you were terrified to ask.

Paige’s eyes narrowed, her mouth tightening into a thin line. “My problem? My problem is that you went to Harvard. You didn’t keep your promise, and you left me to face a new world all alone! And to top it all, you got yourself a girl without even telling me? I always thought you don’t swing that way, or maybe I just don’t know you at all.” Her voice cracked as she said the words, and you saw the flicker of pain that passed through her eyes, but it was gone in a second.

You stared at her, your chest tightening. “What do you mean, ‘I got myself a girl?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

“Emma,” she said, as if the name itself was a poison. “You found Emma, didn’t you? And you left me behind. You found someone better and didn’t even look back. I couldn’t… I couldn’t deal with that. I thought we were always supposed to be there for each other, but you just… you just moved on. You left me alone.”

You felt the anger rise in you, bubbling up from a place you hadn’t even known existed. The words you’d kept buried for so long rushed out of you like a flood, and suddenly, it felt like everything had been building up to this moment.

“Do you really think it was that simple, Paige?” you snapped, your voice trembling with emotion. “You had Azzi, okay? You had her, and I was the one who stood there, quietly in the background, waiting for you to see me again. I didn’t leave you behind! I was there, supporting you, even when you chose her over me! I let you go, even when it hurt more than anything. But now, now you’re telling me I betrayed you?”

Paige’s face faltered for a moment, her eyes wide with shock. Maybe she had no idea that’s how you felt, that the whole situation had been just as painful for you. She was always so focused on herself, on her world, that she didn’t even see what she had done to you.

But when she spoke again, her voice was shaky, defensive. “I didn’t ask you to do all that for me,” she said, her pride still holding firm. “I didn’t ask you to stand on the sidelines for me. I didn’t even know… I didn’t even know how you felt, and now you’re blaming me for everything. You think you’re the only one who’s hurt?”

You stood there, the anger and hurt so much you couldn’t even breathe properly. “I’m not blaming you, Paige. I’m just telling you how it is. I never left you, but you let me leave. And now, when I’m here, trying to fix things, you just keep pushing me away.”

Her jaw clenched, and she took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing again. “I’m not doing this with you. I’m not going to let you make me feel guilty for being angry. It’s easier for you to act like the victim, but you’re not.”

You wanted to say more, to break through that wall she’d built around herself. But you could see it now—the pride, the stubbornness in her eyes. Paige was never going to admit that she had been unreasonable. She wasn’t going to let her ego crack, no matter how much you tried to make her see the truth.

You took a step back, your heart heavy with all the unspoken words and unresolved pain. “Fine. If you don’t want to fix this, then I guess there’s nothing left to say.”

You turned, walking away before you could say anything more. You needed to clear your mind, needed to be away from her and the storm of emotions that had just come rushing back.

As you walked out of the gym, the weight of everything—the hurt, the betrayal, the love you’d lost—pressed down on you. And for the first time in a long while, you felt like you didn’t know where to go anymore.

Time passed since that confrontation in the gym, and you had kept your distance from Paige. You focused on your studies, on your courses, on everything that wasn’t Paige Bueckers. It wasn’t easy, but it was the only thing you could do to stop your mind from spiraling every time you thought about her.

UConn became a new chapter for you. You threw yourself into your work, the business courses you were taking, determined to make the most out of your transfer. Your new friends became a source of comfort, and the casual distractions of life kept you from thinking too much about the distance between you and Paige.

Still, it was hard. You’d see her, or at least hear about her, all around campus. She’d be walking with her teammates, laughing, looking like the person she was before. The athlete. The star. You could never avoid seeing her, no matter how hard you tried. But you made a choice to stay out of it. After everything that had happened, you couldn’t keep making excuses for her. You couldn’t keep pretending like things were still the same.

Paige went on with her life, though. Her teammates were by her side, supporting her as she rehabbed and worked on getting back to where she was before the injuries. You’d hear bits and pieces of what she was up to—how hard she was working, how she was getting back to form, how she was laughing with her teammates again. It stung a little, but you buried it under your growing stack of homework and exams.

Every so often, you’d be in the same place as Paige. A quick glance from across the campus, maybe in the cafeteria, maybe at the student center. It was always the same. She’d notice you first, trying to keep her distance, but her eyes would linger for just a second longer than they should have. You’d catch her looking, but she’d quickly turn away, pretending she hadn’t been staring.

The silence between you was deafening. There was no hostility anymore. No cold glares. Just… distance. It was like you were two strangers, living parallel lives at UConn. So close, yet so far apart. And it hurt more than it did when you were at Harvard, the feeling of her being nearby but unreachable.

You stopped texting her. It was a choice you made, and for the most part, you convinced yourself it was the right one. The questions that lingered between you—Why didn’t she reach out? Did she really mean it when she told you to leave her alone?—stayed unanswered. The silence spoke volumes, and you listened to it carefully.

As the school year drew to a close, a whisper came through your ear that Paige had finally been cleared to play again. You heard the news like everyone else, and while part of you felt genuinely happy for her, there was also a part of you that couldn’t bring yourself to reach out. Pride, maybe. Or maybe it was just too late. The wedge between you had only gotten wider, and you didn’t want to be the one to try and fix it now.

But one night, out of nowhere, a ticket showed up in your mailbox. No note, just the ticket.

You stared at it, confused. It was for the next home game, the one you hadn’t planned on going to. And it was from her. You knew it was from Paige. No one else would have known to send it to you. You told yourself you didn’t need to go. You didn’t owe her anything anymore. So you ignored it.

But it happened again. The next game, another ticket.

And again for the one after that.

Each time, it was like a silent plea. Paige was reaching out, but she wasn’t saying anything. No words. Just a ticket. Just an invitation. And yet, you stayed away. You were torn between not wanting to play into her games and still wanting to be there for her. You couldn’t deny that the part of you that still cared about her wanted to go, to support her. But the other part—the part that had been hurt—kept you from taking the step.

Then, during the fourth game, it happened again. Only this time, it wasn’t a ticket that appeared on your doorstep. It was Nika.

“Hey, I’ve got an extra ticket to the game tonight. You should come,” Nika said, with a knowing look in her eyes. You could tell there was something behind it. She wasn’t just being friendly. It was like she was trying to get you to come, to be there.

You frowned slightly. “Why do you want me to go? I’m not really in the mood to watch a game right now.”

Nika shrugged, but there was a subtle, almost sly look in her eyes. “Come on. It’ll be fun. Paige will be happy to see you there. Trust me.”

That sent a chill down your spine. You didn’t know what exactly was going on between Nika and Paige, but something in her tone made you feel like there was more to the story than just a friendly invitation. Maybe there was a hidden agenda you didn’t understand. But at the same time, you didn’t want to question it too much. You just wanted to move on.

So, against your better judgment, you went.

The game was high-energy. The crowd was hyped up, the excitement palpable in the air. But all you could focus on was Paige.

When you stepped into the arena, your eyes immediately locked onto her. She was on the court, warming up, looking focused as ever. She glanced at the crowd, and you saw her eyes flicker over you. You almost wanted to look away, but you didn’t. You just stood there, indifferent, pretending you didn’t care, pretending that it didn’t affect you.

After the game, you decided to leave right away, hoping to avoid another awkward encounter. You were tired of the emotional rollercoaster, tired of feeling like the strings were being pulled every time Paige was nearby. But just as you were about to exit the stands, you heard her voice.

“Hey!” Paige’s voice was tentative, unsure, but you could hear the urgency in it. She had come after you, and for a split second, you wished you could have just kept walking.

You stopped in your tracks but didn’t turn around. Instead, you kept walking, forcing yourself to stay calm, unaffected.

“I didn’t think you’d be here,” Paige said, catching up with you. Her footsteps were light, but they seemed louder than usual in the silence between you two.

“Yeah, well. I’m here,” you replied, keeping your voice flat.

There was a pause, a heavy one, before Paige spoke again. “I’ve been trying to reach you... and I, uh... I don’t know what to say. It’s just... it’s been hard.”

You didn’t say anything at first, just continuing to walk at a steady pace, refusing to let her get under your skin.

“I’m sorry,” she added quietly. “For everything. I know I hurt you. And I didn’t mean to, but—”

“Paige, please,” you interrupted, your voice more distant than before. “I’ve heard it before. And I don’t need to hear it again. You were fine. You got everything you wanted. You had Azzi, and I stayed behind. I accepted it.”

Her face fell, and you could tell the guilt was weighing on her. “It wasn’t like that. It wasn’t just about Azzi. It was everything… I just... I didn’t know how to fix it.”

You stopped walking then, turning to face her, your cold exterior masking everything you really felt. You weren’t going to give in. Not now. Not after everything.

“Well, you didn’t fix it. And now I’m just here, dealing with it. I’ve moved on. You should, too.”

Paige’s face flushed, and you could see the hurt in her eyes, but she didn’t back down. “I didn’t want to lose you, but I felt like I had no choice. It’s all a mess, and I didn’t know what to do…”

You stared at her for a long moment, trying to read her. “It’s too late for that now. We’re both just stuck, right? You and your team. Me and my life. No one to blame, just the way it turned out.”

Paige took a step closer, her voice quiet. “So, that’s it? We’re just done?”

You swallowed hard, the lump in your throat growing as you tried to push down the emotions that were threatening to spill over. “I don’t know. Maybe it is.”

There was another silence, one that felt heavier than anything that had come before. Paige opened her mouth to speak again, but you didn’t give her the chance. You turned and walked away, leaving her standing there.

And as you walked back to your dorm, you could still feel the weight of her gaze on your back, burning into you.

The days blurred into one another. Your life at UConn was steady—study sessions, lectures, and the occasional hangout with your new friends. You kept your head down, determined to finish your studies and keep away from the chaos of your past. But as much as you tried to distract yourself, there was no escaping it.

Every time you checked your phone, you saw the media posts—the team's photoshoots, the constant updates, the shining moments of Paige and Azzi together. They looked like they were thriving, inseparable, like nothing had ever happened. It triggered something deep inside you—something you’d been trying to bury. The anger, the betrayal, the pain of seeing them so... perfect together.

It made your blood boil. How dare she? How dare Paige get mad at you for moving on with your life at Harvard when she was busy with hers? She had Azzi. She had everything she wanted, and you were left with nothing but a cold, hollow feeling in your chest.

You’d never wanted to feel this way—bitter, resentful, angry—but there was no denying it.

One evening, after a particularly long week of burying your feelings and getting lost in textbooks, your friends invited you to go to the pub. You’d never been one to drink much, but tonight, you needed a release. So, you agreed, wanting to drown the gnawing frustration eating away at you.

The pub, named The Huskies’ Den, was lively as usual. Laughter and chatter filled the air, and the clinking of glasses was a constant background noise. You found yourself letting go, getting lost in the crowd, your mind momentarily distracted from everything that had been weighing on it.

But then, as if the universe had a cruel sense of humor, Paige walked in. She was with her teammates, laughing, her presence lighting up the room as she always did.

At first, you tried to ignore it. You were drunk, and part of you told yourself you didn’t want to ruin the night. But as you watched her, something inside you snapped. You couldn’t pretend anymore. Not tonight.

You approached her, the heat of alcohol making you braver than usual. Paige looked up when she saw you, her expression shifting, flickering between surprise and something else—something unreadable.

“Paige,” you said, your voice thick with the mix of anger and hurt that had been simmering beneath the surface for months. “What the hell is this? You’re mad at me for what happened between us but look at you. You’re with Azzi again, acting like everything is fine. How could you?”

Her teammates fell silent, watching the two of you with uncertain glances, but neither you nor Paige paid them any mind.

Paige took a step toward you, her face a mixture of confusion and apprehension. “What are you talking about?” she asked, her voice quieter now, more vulnerable than before. “Azzi and I are just friends, okay? We’re not together anymore.”

You laughed bitterly, the sound bitter and sharp. “Yeah, sure, just friends. You think I don’t know what you’re doing? You think I didn’t notice how you pushed me aside for her? For her, Paige. For Azzi. You think that makes it better? You think it changes anything?” Your voice grew louder, drawing attention. “You shut me out, Paige. You left me behind for her. You moved on, and I had to watch it all happen. I had to sit back and pretend like it didn’t hurt.”

Her eyes widened, and she opened her mouth to speak, but you didn’t let her. “I’ve been stuck with this shit in my head, wondering what happened to us. Why did you pick her over me? I’ve been stuck here, trying to figure out what the hell happened to us, to me, while you’re out there acting like you’ve got everything together,” you shot back, your words harsh, the alcohol making them sharper than you intended.

Paige opened her mouth, but you didn’t give her the chance to speak again.

“You’re happy with Azzi, aren’t you? You’ve got everything you need with her. Meanwhile, I’m stuck in this mess, watching you from the sidelines like I’m some kind of outsider.”

Her eyes flickered, guilt creeping into her expression. “It’s not like that, I—”

You didn’t let her finish. “No, it’s exactly like that. You have her, and you’ve got your life, and I’ve just been the one left behind. Again.”

Paige’s expression shifted, and she lowered her gaze. “I didn’t mean to hurt you,” she said softly.

The words, however, didn't bring you any comfort. “You didn’t mean to hurt me?” you repeated, your anger boiling over. “You abandoned me, Paige. You keep choosing her over me, and then saying I’m the one who left and betrayed you. Be so fucking for real right now.”

Paige’s eyes softened for a moment, but you could see it—the hesitation, the wall she’d built to keep you out. “I... I didn’t know it would hurt you this much. I thought you’d be fine. I thought I was doing what was best for everyone, including you.”,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The words didn’t reach you, not when the hurt had already festered for so long. You stepped closer, your chest tight with everything you had been holding in. “Best for me? You forgot me, Paige. And now you’re acting like nothing happened.”

Paige flinched, and you could see the guilt in her eyes. She opened her mouth to apologize again, but this time, there was something different about her. Something more vulnerable. She stepped closer to you, her voice softer now.

Paige took a step forward, her face filled with regret. She reached out, her hand lightly brushing your arm. “I’m sorry,” she said, her voice soft. “I never wanted to make you feel like that. I thought I was doing what was best for everyone, but I see now that I was wrong.”

For a brief moment, you saw it—the vulnerability in her eyes, the regret she couldn’t hide. But the anger still burned. You had done everything, and she had pushed you away.

“I don’t know how to fix this,” you muttered, feeling the weight of everything you had been carrying. “And it’s too late for apologies now.”

Paige's hand dropped from your arm, her face falling as you turned away from her, your frustration overwhelming. But before you could walk off, she reached out again, her voice now pleading. “Wait... can we just... can we talk more? I want to fix this.”

You didn’t respond. You didn’t even turn back. You just kept walking.

The night felt like it would never end, but it wasn’t long before the alcohol started to take its toll. You were drunk, really drunk, and your head was spinning. The frustration from earlier—the hurt, the confusion—was still there, but it felt distant now. All you wanted was to escape it all.

That’s when you felt a hand on your arm. You turned, your vision blurry, and saw Paige standing there, her face serious, but there was something else in her eyes—something softer, more gentle.

“You’ve had enough,” she said, her voice like a calm in the storm.

You tried to protest, but your words were slurred. Before you could say anything, she was guiding you out of the pub, her arm around your waist for support.

“I’m taking you back to my dorm,” she said, her tone firm but not unkind. “You need rest. I don’t care what you say right now.”

You barely had the energy to argue. She led you through the campus, taking you back to her dorm, not asking for your consent, but instead just doing. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was the years of familiarity between the two of you, but you didn’t protest.

She helped you into her room, carefully making sure you didn’t fall. You collapsed on the bed, your head spinning, the world around you a hazy blur.

Paige sat next to you, her presence surprisingly gentle, as she began to take care of you. She made sure you were comfortable, checked your pulse, and even tucked you in. You tried to speak, tried to say something—anything—but the words didn’t come.

As you drifted in and out of consciousness, you felt her presence beside you, her hands gently smoothing your hair away from your face. Despite everything that had happened, despite all the anger and hurt, her touch was comforting. It was the touch of someone who had been there for you once before, and maybe—just maybe—was starting to care again.

Maybe it was the alcohol, making your eyes see shit, but Paige looks like she’s at peace. And when you feel yourself drifting off to sleep, you might have heard her murmur, “You’re here. You’re actually fucking here”, while holding you close.

The night passed in a blur, and you didn’t know what would happen when you woke up. But for now, you were in her room. Paige had taken you in, cared for you when you needed it most. And somewhere deep down, you felt like maybe, just maybe, things could start to heal.

#paige bueckers #uconn #uconn huskies #uconn wbb #azzi fudd #paige bueckers x reader #paige bueckers fic #paige x reader #paige x azzi #pazzi #nika muhl #wlw #wlw post #lesbian #sapphic #lesbianism #wlw yearning #wnba #womens basketball

479 notes · View notes