#caroline Brady | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

bruthaewwwww · 1 month ago

Text

Sharp Shooter (2)

A/n : Here is part 2 for this story im having fun with it but lmk if u want to see something else!

Paige had loved Azzi for as long as she could remember. It wasn’t a love that had been sudden or rushed—it was something that had grown slowly, almost imperceptibly, from childhood. From the first time they met, Paige had been drawn to her. Azzi had a presence about her—something magnetic, something that made her stand out in a room full of people. It wasn’t just the way her hair shimmered in the sunlight or the way her smile could light up even the darkest day. No, it was something deeper, something Paige couldn’t quite put into words, even now.

She remembered the first time she saw Azzi, back when they were kids, and Azzi had been a complete stranger, an outsider in Paige’s world. But in an instant, Azzi had felt like home. From that moment, Paige had wanted to be near her, to protect her, to make her smile. And over the years, she realized that the feelings she had for Azzi weren’t just the kind of love one feels for a best friend. It was something more. Something she couldn’t ignore anymore.

Paige’s heart fluttered just thinking about it. The way Azzi’s laugh was like music, how her eyes sparkled when she was excited, or when she got passionate about something. Everything about her was perfect in Paige’s eyes. She had always seen Azzi as beautiful, even when they were young. But now, as they were both older, Paige couldn’t deny it any longer. Azzi wasn’t just beautiful on the outside—she was stunning, captivating, radiant in ways that Paige couldn’t even explain.

Paige’s cheeks flushed as she thought about her best friend. She felt a warmth spread through her chest, and it had nothing to do with the sunlight coming through the window. The thought of Azzi made Paige’s heart skip, made her stomach flip in a way she didn’t understand but had come to crave. Every time she was near Azzi, Paige found herself lost in the way she made everything feel brighter, the way she could make Paige feel seen in a way that no one else could.

Best friend. That was the title she had given Azzi for so long. It had been safe, easy, and simple—something they both could hold onto. But now, Paige found herself wanting more. So much more. She had never been able to express what she truly felt—what she was really feeling every time she looked at Azzi, every time their hands brushed or when their laughter filled the air. She wanted to be more than just her best friend. She wanted to be the one who made Azzi smile every day. The one who held her when she was upset, who kissed away her fears, who shared every moment of joy and pain.

The desire was overwhelming, the feeling building in her chest like a secret she was desperate to release. Paige wanted Azzi in a way that was terrifying and thrilling all at once. She wanted to kiss her, hold her hand, look into her eyes and know that the love she felt wasn’t one-sided. The thought of it made her heart ache with longing. Every time Azzi came close, every time their bodies brushed or their eyes met, Paige’s pulse would quicken, her breath would catch in her throat, and she would have to fight the urge to lean in, to reach out, to make Azzi hers.

But every time Paige caught herself, the voice in the back of her mind would remind her: Best friend. That’s what they were. That’s what they had always been. The line between friendship and something more was thin and dangerous. And Paige didn’t want to risk losing everything they had by crossing that line. The thought of ruining their friendship terrified her. What if Azzi didn’t feel the same way? What if it all fell apart?

So, Paige kept her feelings locked away, hidden deep inside where only she could feel them, where no one could see her vulnerability. She tried to focus on being a good friend to Azzi, on supporting her, and cherishing the moments they shared. But deep down, the longing never went away. It lingered, a quiet ache in her chest, and Paige knew that one day, sooner or later, she would have to face it. She would have to decide if she could continue living in this unspoken, safe version of love, or if she was brave enough to risk everything for the chance that Azzi might feel the same way.

For now, though, Paige would continue to love her from the sidelines, silently wishing for a moment where the world could shift, where they could be more than just best friends. She closed her eyes and sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips as the thought crossed her mind: Maybe one day.

The soft knock on Paige’s door pulled her from her thoughts. She’d been staring out the window, lost in the quiet morning, but the sound of the knock had her heart racing for no reason at all. Without waiting for a response, the door creaked open, and there stood Azzi, looking as effortlessly gorgeous as ever.

Paige's breath hitched at the sight of her. Azzi was wearing one of Paige’s old oversized sweatshirts, the hem hanging just low enough to make it look like a dress, her hair wild from sleep, and her eyes sparkling with something that Paige couldn’t quite read. She looked so innocent and yet so... dangerous in the best possible way. Azzi's lips curled into a playful smile as she stepped inside, the door closing softly behind her.

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Azzi said, her voice low and teasing as she leaned against the doorframe, watching Paige with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Didn’t think you’d be up yet. How’s the coffee situation going?”

Paige blinked, still a little caught off guard by the way Azzi looked at her—like she was the most interesting thing in the room. She cleared her throat and tried to recover, forcing a grin. “Well, the coffee’s a little on the slow side this morning. But, you know, I’ll survive... I guess.” She shrugged playfully, then added, “You know, you’re kind of a sight for sore eyes. I was just thinking about how good you’d look in my bed.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow, the corners of her mouth twitching as she strolled closer to Paige. “Is that an invitation? Because I’m very tempted to take you up on that.”

Paige’s heart raced a little faster at the flirtation in Azzi’s voice. She didn’t know if Azzi was serious or just playing around, but the idea of both sent a thrill through her. Paige leaned back against the headboard of the bed, her tone turning teasing. “You should know, if you climb into my bed, there’s no going back, Azzi. I don’t let people off the hook that easy.”

Azzi’s smile grew, her eyes darkening with something that made Paige’s breath catch. “I’ll keep that in mind... but you’ll have to be careful. I’m really good at getting what I want.” She took a step closer, her voice dropping just enough to send a shiver down Paige’s spine. “And right now, I want you to tell me exactly what you’re thinking.”

Paige swallowed, her stomach flipping. The room suddenly felt smaller, the distance between them shrinking as Azzi stepped even closer. She could smell the faint scent of vanilla and shampoo on Azzi, something so familiar and so intimate. “What I’m thinking, huh?” Paige’s voice came out quieter than usual, betraying the nerves suddenly twisting in her stomach. “Well... you know, I’ve always thought you’d look a lot better in my sweatshirt.”

Azzi’s lips quirked up at the comment. “You think so?” She reached up, brushing her fingers across the sleeve of the sweatshirt, letting the fabric stretch slightly as she gave Paige an exaggerated once-over. “Maybe I’m starting to like it... but I think I’d look even better without it.”

Paige’s breath caught in her throat, her eyes wide. Her heart pounded in her chest. “Azzi, you... You can’t just say things like that and expect me not to lose it.”

Azzi’s laugh was low and warm, filling the space between them. She wasn’t backing down—she was just teasing Paige, enjoying the tension between them, letting the moment hang in the air. “Why not? You think I’m going to back off? I mean, we’re best friends, right? Just... having a little fun.” Her eyes glimmered with an unspoken challenge. “Unless you’re too scared of what might happen if we blur the lines, Paige.”

Paige’s pulse was racing now, and she could feel her face flush. She had to look away for a moment, trying to regain some composure, but the truth was, she didn’t want to pull away. Every inch of her wanted to reach for Azzi, to close the gap and see where this teasing might lead.

But the line between friends and more than friends was still there, thin and fragile, and neither of them had crossed it—yet.

With a shaky breath, Paige looked back at Azzi, her voice quieter but laced with a hint of playfulness. “I’m not scared, Azzi. I’m just waiting for you to make your move.” Her gaze met Azzi’s, daring her, challenging her in a way she hadn’t before.

Azzi smiled, a small but knowing smile, as she stepped even closer, their bodies almost touching now. “Maybe I will, Paige. Maybe I will.” She reached out, a hand brushing lightly over Paige’s arm, sending a current of electricity through her.

The air between them seemed to hum with unspoken words, each of them feeling the tension rising, thick and palpable. Azzi leaned in slightly, her breath warm against Paige’s cheek, before whispering softly, “But for now, I’ll just stick around. Can’t have you getting too comfortable without me, can I?”

Paige swallowed, her heartbeat pounding in her ears. “No... definitely not.”

For a moment, they stood there, close enough to feel the other’s warmth but still not quite crossing that line. But neither of them moved away.

The day stretched out ahead of them, but in that moment, neither of them needed to say another word. The connection was undeniable. It was all right there between them, in the way their bodies seemed drawn to each other, in the lingering touch, in the words left unsaid.

Azzi had just cracked the door open, and Paige wasn’t sure if either of them were ready to step through it—but part of her couldn’t wait to find out.

***

Azzi sat on the bleachers, the familiar hum of the gym swirling around her. The sound of sneakers squeaking against the hardwood floor, the bounce of basketballs, the rhythmic swish of the net—it was all so nostalgic. It had been weeks since she’d been on the court herself, her leg still healing from the injury that had sidelined her. But today, she’d come to watch, to support her team, to be there for the girls who had become more like family to her.

But as she looked around the gym, it wasn’t the drills or the sharp passes that held her attention. It wasn’t the loud calls from the coach, or the sound of the ball hitting the backboard. No, Azzi’s eyes were completely fixed on one person: Paige.

There she was, as usual, a standout even in the middle of a fast-paced practice. Paige’s athleticism was undeniable. The way she moved on the court—fluid, sharp, controlled—was mesmerizing. The ball seemed to gravitate toward her, as if it knew she was the one who could make the play. Azzi couldn’t help but watch, her gaze tracking every movement of Paige’s body, how she dribbled with precision, how she jumped with ease, how her ponytail swished behind her as she made a sharp cut to the basket.

Azzi hadn’t meant to stare, but it was impossible not to. There was something about Paige that always drew her in, something magnetic. The way she carried herself on the court, the way her confidence shone through every play. She was fierce, competitive, and so effortlessly in control. But what Azzi loved most was the way she played with heart. Every move Paige made, every jump, every pass—it all came from a place of passion. A passion Azzi admired more than she had ever admitted to herself.

She watched as Paige sprinted down the court, the ball in her hands, her focus sharp, her face set in determination. Azzi’s heart skipped a beat as Paige made a perfect pass to a teammate, who then drained a three-pointer. The entire team erupted in cheers, but Azzi couldn’t take her eyes off of Paige. She looked so... alive in that moment, so completely herself. It was a side of Paige that Azzi couldn’t get enough of.

For the longest time, Azzi had kept her feelings for Paige hidden, buried deep inside where she thought they wouldn’t surface. They were best friends—nothing more, nothing less. But over the past few months, it had become harder and harder to ignore the growing pull she felt toward Paige. The way her heart fluttered when they were close, the way every small touch felt like it sent sparks through her body, the way she couldn’t help but smile when Paige flashed her one of those mischievous grins.

She let out a breath, shaking her head slightly, trying to refocus. She shouldn’t be thinking about this right now. Paige was her best friend, her teammate. She wasn’t supposed to be feeling this way. She was supposed to be supporting her, encouraging her, helping her heal, not fantasizing about the way her heart raced every time their hands brushed or how her stomach did flips when Paige smiled at her.

But every time Paige stepped on the court, every time she hit a three-pointer or pulled off an incredible assist, Azzi’s heart swelled. She couldn’t deny it anymore. She was in love with her best friend. And the worst part? She had no idea if Paige felt the same.

“Azzi, are you even paying attention?” A voice broke through her thoughts, and Azzi turned to see one of her teammates, Caroline, standing beside her, a teasing smile on her face.

Azzi blinked, suddenly realizing how long she had been staring at Paige. She cleared her throat, trying to act casual. “Yeah, yeah, just—just taking it all in,” she said, flashing a small grin, though she could feel the heat rise to her cheeks.

Caroline raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. “I’m sure,” she said with a knowing smirk. “But you know, you could be out there with us if your leg wasn’t still being stubborn. We all miss you out there.”

Azzi chuckled lightly, shaking her head. “I miss being out there too. But right now, I’m just happy to watch and cheer everyone on.”

Caroline smirked. “Uh-huh. You sure it’s just the team you’re cheering on?” she teased, nudging Azzi’s shoulder.

Azzi froze for a moment, feeling the blood rush to her face. She could feel the tension in her chest as she glanced back down at Paige, who was now standing on the sidelines, chatting with the coach. Paige’s smile made Azzi’s heart skip, and she quickly looked away, trying to hide her emotions.

“Hey, I’m just here to support, okay?” Azzi said quickly, trying to change the subject.

Caroline’s grin only grew wider. “Of course, Azzi. Of course.”

Azzi sighed, turning her attention back to the court, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Paige. The way she moved so gracefully, the way she handled the ball with such ease, how her presence lit up the court. Azzi’s gaze followed Paige as she jogged to the free-throw line, ready to take a shot.

Paige lined up, her posture perfect. Azzi’s breath hitched as Paige took the shot��smooth, effortless. The ball soared through the air and swished through the net with a satisfying sound.

Azzi couldn’t help but smile, a feeling of pride swelling in her chest. She was so proud of Paige. Of everything she had accomplished.

When Paige turned around and caught Azzi’s gaze, the corners of her lips curled up into a grin. For a moment, Azzi felt like the entire world had stopped. Their eyes locked across the gym, and for a brief second, it was like the rest of the team, the rest of the noise, didn’t matter. It was just her and Paige—two people who had always been there for each other, even if they hadn’t fully understood what they meant to each other just yet.

Azzi quickly turned away, not wanting to be caught staring, but the smile on her face wouldn’t fade. She let out a breath, shaking her head again as if trying to clear the thoughts swirling in her mind. She couldn’t believe this was happening. But maybe, just maybe, it was time to admit to herself what she had known all along.

She was falling for Paige. And she didn’t know where this would lead, but she knew one thing for sure—she couldn’t take her eyes off of her.

***

The sound of the locker room door creaking open echoed through the space, followed by the collective hum of laughter and chatter as the team made their way inside after practice. Paige had just finished washing the sweat off her face, taking a quick glance at herself in the mirror before gathering her things. Her muscles ached from the intense drills, but there was a buzz of adrenaline still running through her veins.

She’d barely started taking off her jersey when the teasing began.

"Paige, you know Azzi was practically glued to you the entire time, right?" Caroline’s voice was laced with amusement as she dropped her duffel bag on the bench, her grin wide as she turned to face Paige.

Paige froze for a second, her heart skipping. "What are you talking about?" she asked, trying to act casual, but there was no way to hide the way her face flushed at the mention of Azzi.

"Oh, come on," Caroline said, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "The whole time she was up there, she couldn’t take her eyes off you. Every shot you made, every pass you threw, she was watching like you were the only one out there." She nudged Paige with her elbow. "Don’t think I didn’t notice."

Paige shifted uncomfortably, trying to act nonchalant as she yanked off her jersey. "She was just... just supporting. You know, as a teammate. Nothing weird about that."

Caroline raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Mm-hmm, sure. Totally normal for her to stare at you like you’re the main event."

Across the room, Ice, who had been quietly changing, couldn’t help but add in with a teasing grin, "You know, she wasn’t the only one noticing. I saw Azzi’s eyes follow you every single time you moved, especially when you made that three-pointer. Looked like she was about to jump over the bleachers to high-five you, if she could."

The other teammates started to laugh, clearly enjoying Paige’s discomfort. Paige tried to smile through it, but it was impossible not to feel the heat in her cheeks. She was trying to keep it cool, trying to act like this was just a joke. But the truth was, the teasing had some truth to it. She had caught Azzi’s eyes lingering on her a few times during practice, and it made her heart beat a little faster each time.

"You guys are being ridiculous," Paige muttered, zipping up her bag and trying to make herself busy with anything other than the conversation.

But the team wasn’t done.

"Oh, don’t act so innocent," Sarah chimed in, a playful smirk on her face as she joined the conversation. "We all saw it. Azzi’s not exactly subtle when it comes to looking at you. And if we're being honest, you were kinda looking back at her too."

Paige’s eyes widened slightly. "What? No—no, I wasn’t."

"Paige," Caroline said, her voice dipping into an exaggerated, mock-serious tone. "You’ve got that look on your face. That 'I-can’t-stop-thinkin’-about-you' look."

Paige let out a soft groan, running a hand through her wet hair in an attempt to hide how flustered she was. "This is ridiculous. Azzi’s my best friend. It’s just—"

"Oh please," Ice interrupted with a laugh. "We’ve all seen the way you two are with each other. Best friends don’t stare at each other like that unless there’s something more going on." She gave Paige a pointed look. "Are you sure you haven’t thought about it?"

Paige bit her lip, her gaze dropping to the floor as her mind flashed back to those moments earlier during practice. The way Azzi had looked at her, the way her smile had lingered just a little too long, the way the air between them felt charged whenever they were close. Paige had definitely noticed it, but she had tried to push the thoughts aside.

“Guys, seriously,” Paige said, trying to make her voice sound more confident than she felt, “There’s nothing more. We’re just friends. That’s it.”

But even as she said it, a small part of her wasn’t so sure. Could it really just be friendship between them? Or was there something else? And was she willing to admit it?

"I dunno," Caroline said, her grin widening. "If I were Azzi, I’d definitely be feeling something. You make a pretty good team out there. And I’m not talking just basketball." She waggled her eyebrows, and the rest of the team burst out laughing.

"Can you guys just stop?" Paige groaned, rolling her eyes in an attempt to mask how awkward she felt. "You’re not helping."

"You’re blushing," Sarah pointed out, her voice filled with amusement.

Paige immediately covered her face with her hands. "I’m not blushing."

"Sure, sure," Caroline said with a wink. "But don’t say we didn’t warn you."

The rest of the team continued to laugh and joke, but Paige couldn’t stop her thoughts from racing. Could they be right? Did Azzi feel the same way? Was there a possibility that this... thing between them could be something more?

Paige couldn’t deny that there were moments when the chemistry between them was undeniable. The way Azzi would look at her with that mix of affection and something deeper, something that made Paige’s heart beat a little faster, even when they weren’t on the court.

She couldn’t help but steal a glance at the clock on the wall. It was nearly time to head out. The rest of the team was getting ready to leave, and Paige knew she’d have to face Azzi soon.

When she finally gathered her things and slung her bag over her shoulder, the teasing had died down a bit, but the playful glances lingered. As Paige made her way toward the door, Caroline caught her eye with a wink. “Good luck, Paige,” she said, her voice just loud enough for the entire locker room to hear.

Paige rolled her eyes but smiled, though she could feel her heart pounding a little faster. She had no idea what was going to happen when she saw Azzi again, but she knew one thing for sure: things were changing. And for the first time in a long while, she didn’t feel so scared of it.

The gym was nearly empty by the time Paige finished changing, the sound of the team's chatter fading into the distance as they all filed out to head home. Paige stayed behind for a bit, feeling a little unsettled after the teasing she’d endured in the locker room. Her mind kept going back to the same thing: Azzi. The way she looked at her during practice, the way their connection had always felt just a little bit... more. It was hard to ignore.

Paige sighed, running a hand through her hair as she walked toward the doors, but then she paused when she spotted KK sitting on the bench, scrolling through her phone. The younger girl had always been someone Paige could talk to, and right now, she needed someone to talk to more than ever.

“Hey, KK,” Paige called softly, walking over and sitting next to her.

KK glanced up from her phone, raising an eyebrow. "What's up, Paige? You look like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders."

Paige chuckled lightly, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I might be,” she muttered, looking down at her shoes. “I’ve... I’ve got something on my mind.”

KK’s expression softened, her usual playful smirk replaced by a more serious look. “You know you can talk to me, right?”

Paige hesitated for a moment, then let out a long breath. “It’s about Azzi.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, but the words felt like they were spilling out before she could stop them.

KK’s eyes widened slightly, but she didn’t interrupt. Instead, she leaned back against the wall, her posture relaxed as she listened intently.

“I—I don’t know what’s going on, but I can’t stop thinking about her,” Paige continued, her words coming faster now. “I mean, it’s always been Azzi and me, you know? Best friends. Teammates. But lately… every time I look at her, it feels like there’s something else. Like there’s more between us than just friendship, and I don’t know what to do with it.”

KK’s gaze softened, and a knowing smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "You’ve liked her for a while, haven’t you?"

Paige’s breath caught in her throat, and she looked at KK in surprise. “What? No—I mean, yeah, I do, but I’ve never—" She stopped herself, feeling her cheeks flush. “How did you know?”

KK chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Come on, Paige. You’ve been acting like a lovesick puppy for ages now. I’ve seen the way you look at her, how your entire face lights up when she walks into the room. It’s pretty obvious."

Paige’s eyes widened, and she felt a mix of embarrassment and relief. “You knew?” she asked, her voice small. “I never said anything. I never... I never even let on. How could you tell?”

“Let’s just say I’m a little more observant than you give me credit for.” KK leaned forward, resting her arms on her knees. “It’s not hard to see, Paige. Everyone on the team knows you two have a special connection. The way you laugh together, the way you always have each other’s backs. It’s obvious that there’s something more, even if you’re trying to deny it.”

Paige shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of KK’s words. She had never been one to openly admit her feelings, even to herself. She had always brushed them aside, telling herself that it was just friendship—nothing more. But now, hearing KK say it out loud, it felt like everything was out in the open.

“I didn’t want to mess things up with her,” Paige admitted quietly, her gaze dropping to the floor. “Azzi’s my best friend. I don’t want to risk losing that. What if... what if it changes everything?”

KK’s tone softened, her voice full of understanding. “Paige, I get it. Trust me, I do. You don’t want to ruin something that’s so important to you. But if you keep burying your feelings, you might regret it. Sometimes, the best relationships are built on the foundation of friendship. It’s not about just jumping into something—it’s about being honest with each other.”

Paige nodded, chewing on her bottom lip. “But what if she doesn’t feel the same? What if I’m just... imagining things?”

“I don’t think you’re imagining it,” KK said with a reassuring smile. “The way Azzi looks at you, the way she’s always there for you? It’s not just friendship. I think she feels it too. She might be scared to admit it, just like you are. But you’ll never know unless you take the leap and talk to her about it.”

Paige took a deep breath, running a hand through her hair. “I don’t even know where to start. I’ve never—this is all so new to me.”

KK chuckled softly. “You’ve been dancing around this for months, Paige. Trust me, it’s not as hard as you think. Just be honest. With her, and with yourself. If she’s as important to you as you say she is, then it’s worth taking the risk.”

Paige thought about it for a moment, feeling the weight of the decision settling in. She knew KK was right. She had been running from her feelings for too long, afraid of what might happen if she finally admitted them. But KK was right. Azzi was more than a best friend. And maybe, just maybe, she could be something even more if Paige was brave enough to take that first step.

“I don’t know if I can do this,” Paige whispered, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

“You can,” KK said firmly. “You’ve been through a lot together already. And if it’s meant to be, it’ll work out. If it’s not, then at least you’ll have your answer. Either way, you’ll be okay. And Azzi will be okay too. She’s your teammate, your best friend. Nothing changes that.”

Paige let out a breath, feeling the knot in her chest loosen just a little. Maybe it was time. Maybe it was time to finally admit what she had been feeling for so long. And maybe, just maybe, it wouldn’t ruin everything.

“Thanks, KK,” Paige said, her voice a little steadier now. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

KK smiled brightly. “That’s what teammates are for. Now, go talk to Azzi. You’ve got this.”

With a final, encouraging smile, Paige stood up, feeling lighter than she had all evening. She had a lot to think about, and a lot to say, but for the first time in a long time, she felt ready to face it.

And when she found Azzi later, she would be honest. Honest about everything.

***

It had been a long day for Paige. After practice, she had kept herself busy, pushing away the thoughts of Azzi that had been circling in her mind since the team’s teasing in the locker room. She couldn’t help it; Azzi was always on her mind. But now, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the evening air cooled, Paige found herself searching for her best friend.

She had texted Azzi earlier but hadn’t gotten a reply. Maybe she was busy, maybe she was just preoccupied, but Paige didn’t want to let the day end without at least talking to her. After everything that had been building up—her feelings, the constant tension between them, the moments that felt more than friendship—Paige just needed to see her. Needed to know if it was all in her head, or if there was something more.

She walked across campus, her sneakers crunching against the gravel as she made her way to Azzi’s dorm. With every step, her thoughts raced, wondering if Azzi was feeling the same way she was. Maybe she just needed to be honest, to open up about how much she meant to her.

When Paige reached the door to Azzi’s room, she hesitated for a moment, knocking softly. No response. She knocked again, this time a little louder, but still nothing.

Paige’s heart started to race. Maybe Azzi wasn’t in. She pulled out her phone and sent her another text: Where are you? But before she could even put her phone away, the door creaked open, and Paige’s breath caught in her throat.

There, standing in the doorway, was Azzi. But she wasn’t alone.

Paige’s eyes darted to the guy standing next to her—tall, with messy brown hair, wearing a basketball hoodie. Paige couldn’t help the small pang of jealousy that hit her chest, even though she didn’t know why. Maybe it was because she had spent so many hours with Azzi, and now here was someone else—someone who clearly had her attention.

Azzi’s eyes widened when she saw Paige standing there, the air thick with the sudden awkwardness. “Oh, hey Paige, what’s up?”

Paige’s gaze flickered between Azzi and the guy, her mind working to catch up with the situation. “Uh, I was just... looking for you,” she said, her voice coming out a little softer than she intended. “I wanted to talk.”

Azzi smiled, though there was something unreadable in her expression. “Sure, but... I was just hanging out with—uh, this is Nate.” She gestured toward the guy beside her, who smiled politely, his hands in his pockets. “He’s on the team too. We’re just... catching up.”

Paige’s stomach twisted, but she forced a smile, nodding. “Nice to meet you,” she said, trying to keep her voice neutral.

Nate gave a small wave, then looked over at Azzi. “I should probably get going anyway. We can hang out later, yeah?”

Azzi nodded, her smile softening. “Yeah, for sure. Catch you later.”

As Nate walked out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar, Paige stood frozen, her mind racing. She wanted to feel happy for Azzi. Of course she did. But something about the way Azzi’s attention had been so easily pulled away from her made her chest ache.

The silence between them stretched out, thick with tension.

Azzi turned to Paige, biting her lip. “What’s going on?” she asked, her voice gentle, but there was a flicker of concern in her eyes.

Paige swallowed, trying to ignore the feeling in her gut. “I was just... looking for you, I guess. I wanted to talk.”

Azzi nodded, glancing at the door as if wondering whether or not she should close it. She did, but the room still felt too small, too intimate. The space between them seemed to grow even wider. “I’m sorry I didn’t get back to your text,” Azzi said, her tone apologetic. “I didn’t mean to ignore you.”

“It’s fine,” Paige said, though it didn’t feel fine. She couldn’t quite place it, but seeing Azzi with another guy, even if it was just as friends, stung in a way she hadn’t expected. She had never been possessive of Azzi. She had always supported her, and she had never minded sharing her time. But now, standing in her room with that subtle reminder of the world outside of their friendship, it felt... different.

Azzi took a step toward her, her eyes softening. “You okay?” she asked, her voice a little more serious now, sensing the shift in Paige’s mood.

Paige tried to shake it off, forcing herself to meet Azzi’s eyes. “Yeah, just... just wanted to talk, like I said.”

Azzi gave her a soft smile, taking another step closer. “Okay. Well, what’s on your mind?”

Paige could feel the weight of her words pressing down on her. She had been waiting for the right moment to say everything she had been holding back, but now that she was standing here, with Azzi so close and the atmosphere thick with the awkwardness of the moment, she wasn’t sure she could say it.

Azzi reached out, gently placing a hand on Paige’s arm, as though sensing her hesitation. “You’ve been quiet lately. What’s going on?”

Paige looked down at Azzi’s hand on her arm and felt a strange rush of emotion flood her chest. The honesty she had been seeking from Azzi seemed so much more elusive now, with her standing there, so effortlessly beautiful, so unaware of how much she was stirring inside Paige.

“I just—” Paige paused, her words tangled. “I just didn’t expect to walk in here and find you hanging out with someone else. It’s stupid. I know. I’m just... I guess I’m still trying to figure out where I stand with you. Where we stand.”

Azzi’s eyes softened with understanding, and she stepped closer, her hand still resting on Paige’s arm. “You’re my best friend, Paige. I don’t want anything to change that. I promise you.”

But even as she said it, Paige couldn’t help but wonder if that was enough. Would it be enough to keep them the same when everything between them had started to feel... different?

Paige swallowed again, her voice barely a whisper. “But what if I want more, Azzi? What if I want us to be something more?”

Azzi’s gaze faltered for just a split second, before she took a deep breath, clearly processing the words that had just spilled from Paige’s lips. And for the first time, Paige wondered if she had just broken everything wide open.

The tension in the room grew heavier as the silence stretched on, each second feeling like an eternity. Azzi stood there, her hand still on Paige’s arm, but her grip was no longer comforting. There was something in her expression that Paige couldn’t quite place—something guarded, something distant.

Paige’s heart beat loudly in her chest. The words that had been sitting on the tip of her tongue for weeks, maybe even months, felt heavy in her throat, like they had been begging to be said, but now that the moment had arrived, she wasn’t sure if she could take them back. “Azzi, I—”

Azzi sighed, cutting her off. “I want to, Paige. I really do.” Her voice was softer now, but there was a quiet, almost painful hesitation behind it. “I’ve felt this way for a while. But I’m scared.”

Paige blinked, her pulse quickening. “Scared?” she echoed. “Scared of what?”

Azzi stepped back, running a hand through her hair as she tried to find the right words. “I’m scared of ruining everything, Paige. I can’t... I can’t risk it. We’re teammates. We’re friends. This—whatever this is—could ruin everything we’ve worked for.”

Paige felt the words hit her like a punch to the gut. Her mouth went dry, and for a moment, she didn’t know what to say. “What do you mean, ‘ruin everything’? We’ve been friends for how long? Why would it mess things up?”

Azzi’s eyes darted around the room, as if she were searching for the right way to explain herself. “We have a good thing, Paige. A great thing. And if we cross that line, what happens if it doesn’t work? What happens if it changes things between us? The team is everything to me. I don’t want to risk jeopardizing that... especially with you. You mean too much to me.”

Paige’s chest tightened. The hurt and frustration started to seep through, and her voice grew sharper. “So what, you’re saying you want to keep things the way they are? Just... pretend like nothing’s changed? Like I haven’t been falling for you for months?”

Azzi flinched, but her expression didn’t soften. “I didn’t ask for you to feel that way. You think I want to feel this way, Paige? You think I don’t want more? But I can’t just throw everything away for some risk of—of what? A feeling that might not even last? I’m scared it will mess up everything, and I can’t—”

“You think I’m some kind of fling?” Paige interrupted, her voice rising. She could feel her heart racing, the sting of the words cutting deeper than she had expected. “Is that what you think? That this is just some silly crush? Because it’s not. And I’m not just gonna sit around waiting for you to figure it out. I deserve more than that.”

Azzi’s face flushed, but there was an edge of frustration in her tone now, too. “I didn’t say it’s a crush, Paige. You think I don’t care about you? That I haven’t been feeling the same way? But this isn’t just about us. It’s about the team. You think I don’t see the way the others look at us? The way things would change? The tension? I can’t—”

“Oh, so now it’s about the team?” Paige spat, her emotions bubbling to the surface. “What about us, Azzi? What about what we’ve been building? I can’t believe you’re making excuses like this.”

Azzi’s hands clenched at her sides, her voice shaking now. “I’m not making excuses. I’m trying to protect what we have. This team. Our friendship. I don’t want to risk it, Paige. I can’t. Not like this.”

Paige took a step back, feeling the anger and hurt swirl inside her. “So you’re telling me you’d rather live in this... limbo? Never knowing? Never trying? Just because you’re too scared to take a chance?”

Azzi didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she ran a frustrated hand through her hair, the weight of the conversation pressing down on her. “It’s not that simple.”

Paige’s voice cracked, frustration and pain breaking through her defenses. “It’s exactly that simple, Azzi. You’re scared, and I get it, but you can’t keep pushing me away like this. I’m not gonna wait forever for you to decide whether you want me or not. You don’t get to tell me that I’m not important enough to take that risk for.”

Azzi’s eyes flickered with emotion, a flash of guilt crossing her face. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. You mean everything to me, Paige. I just... I can’t lose you. Not like that. I don’t want to risk our entire world falling apart because of me.”

“And I don’t want to be stuck here wondering if I’m just your friend, or if I’m something more,” Paige retorted, her voice growing harder. “I’m tired of this back and forth. You want me, Azzi, I know you do. But you’re too scared to admit it, and I’m tired of waiting around for you to get over whatever this fear is.”

Azzi opened her mouth to speak, but the words didn’t come. Her expression was a mixture of frustration, guilt, and uncertainty. She could see the hurt in Paige’s eyes, and it was breaking her. But her fear—the fear of what it would mean for everything they had—was stronger.

Paige took another step back, her chest tightening with the weight of the emotions swirling between them. “I can’t keep doing this, Azzi. I can’t keep pretending everything’s fine when it’s not. You either want this, or you don’t. I need to know where we stand.”

The silence between them felt suffocating. Azzi’s gaze softened, but her words were laced with regret. “I don’t know how to make it work, Paige. I just... I don’t know.”

With those words hanging in the air, Paige shook her head, swallowing the lump in her throat. She turned and walked out of the room, leaving Azzi standing there, her heart racing and her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

As Paige left, the only thing she knew for sure was that she couldn’t keep waiting for Azzi to make up her mind. And whether Azzi realized it or not, Paige was running out of patience.

Paige’s heart pounded in her chest as she stormed back to her room. Her hands trembled with a mix of anger and hurt as she pushed the door open with more force than necessary. The room felt suffocating, the air thick with the weight of everything unsaid. She slammed the door behind her, the sound echoing in the empty space.

She paced back and forth, her thoughts a tangled mess. Why was she doing this? Why couldn’t Azzi just see what they had? The words they exchanged—each one more painful than the last—replayed in her mind like a broken record. Azzi had said she wanted more, but then backed away, citing her fear of ruining the team. And it was that fear, that hesitation, that had stung the worst. She wasn’t good enough, not even for a chance, and that thought gnawed at Paige’s insides.

With a frustrated growl, Paige grabbed a pillow from her bed and threw it against the wall, her chest tightening with emotion. Why couldn’t she just let herself be happy? Why couldn’t Azzi just see that this was something worth fighting for?

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, and Paige glanced down to see a text from kk.

kk: Where are you? We need to talk.

Paige clenched her jaw. She didn’t feel like talking. She didn’t feel like explaining herself. But the thought of kk, of someone who understood her—someone who could tell her the truth, no matter how painful—made her send a quick reply.

Paige: I’m in my room. Come by when you can.

A few minutes later, the sound of a knock echoed through the door, followed by kk’s voice.

“Paige? You in there?”

Paige didn’t answer at first, her face buried in her hands. She couldn’t deal with any of it right now. Not the team, not Azzi. Just everything. But when she heard kk open the door, she felt the weight of her friend’s concern.

kk stepped in, immediately noticing the tension in the room. “You’ve been pacing again,” she said softly, her eyes scanning the messiness of Paige’s emotions. “What happened?”

Paige let out a shaky breath. “I’m so pissed. So fucking mad, kk.”

kk sat down on the edge of the bed, her expression sympathetic but calm. “Tell me what happened. Start from the beginning.”

Paige exhaled slowly, her fingers gripping the edge of her bed as she spoke. “Azzi. She... she told me she wants more, but she’s scared. Scared that if we try anything, it’ll mess up the team, mess up what we have. She doesn’t want to risk it.”

kk raised an eyebrow, her lips pressing together. “And you’re pissed because she’s afraid?”

“I’m pissed because she’s making excuses,” Paige snapped, standing up again, her fists clenched by her sides. “I’ve been waiting for so long for her to realize it, for her to stop being so damn scared and just... be with me. But no. She’s not ready to take the risk. She says I’m her best friend, but she’s too afraid to cross that line because of the team. What about us, kk? What about how I feel?”

kk’s eyes softened with understanding. “I get it. I really do. But you can’t force her, Paige. She’s dealing with a lot. This isn’t just about you. She’s scared of losing you too.”

Paige shook her head, her frustration building. “That’s the thing, though. She says she wants it. She says she wants more. But she’s not willing to actually do anything about it. I can’t keep waiting around for her to make up her mind. I don’t want to live in this limbo anymore.”

kk sighed, rubbing her temples. “Look, I know you’re frustrated, but you can’t change how she feels right now. Maybe she needs more time to process it. You’re both on a team. It’s not easy to just flip a switch and change everything.”

Paige stood silent for a moment, her gaze fixed on the floor. kk’s words were hitting harder than she wanted them to. It wasn’t that she didn’t understand; it was that it was so much harder to accept. The waiting, the uncertainty—it was all becoming too much.

“I just don’t know how much longer I can wait,” Paige muttered, her voice a mix of defeat and anger. “I don’t know if I can keep pretending everything’s fine when it’s not.”

kk watched her for a long moment before speaking gently. “You don’t have to. But maybe... maybe you should talk to her. Really talk to her. Tell her how you feel. And listen to her too. If you’re both scared, it’s not gonna get easier unless you’re honest with each other.”

Paige nodded, though it didn’t feel like enough. It wasn’t enough to ease the ache in her chest. She needed Azzi to stop being afraid. She needed her to take a chance.

***

Meanwhile, in Azzi’s room, things weren’t any better. Azzi had barely been able to keep it together since the argument with Paige. After Paige left, Azzi had collapsed onto her bed, the weight of her emotions crashing down on her all at once.

She knew she had hurt Paige. She could see the hurt in her eyes, and it killed her to know that she was the one causing it. But Azzi couldn’t help her fear. The thought of risking everything, of potentially losing the team, of losing her friendship with Paige—it was too much.

Azzi’s breath hitched as she tried to push the tears away, but they came anyway. Her body shook as the tears fell, her heart aching with the weight of the decision she knew she had to make, but wasn’t ready for. She needed someone to talk to, someone who wouldn’t judge her for being scared.

That’s when the door opened. Caroline stepped inside, her presence gentle but firm, as if she already knew what was happening. “Azzi... you okay?” Caroline’s voice was soft, almost like a whisper, but it carried so much weight.

Azzi wiped her eyes, trying to hold back the tears. “I just... I don’t know what to do, Caroline. I don’t want to lose Paige, but I’m scared. I can’t risk everything we have. I can’t—”

Caroline sat down next to her on the bed, her voice calm but insistent. “You have to talk to her, Azzi. You can’t keep running from it. If you care about her, if you want something more, you have to tell her. But you also have to be honest with yourself.”

Azzi took a shaky breath, her heart racing. “What if I mess it up? What if it’s not worth it?”

Caroline reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder, offering a quiet comfort. “You won’t know unless you try. But you have to decide what you really want. Do you want to lose her, or are you willing to take the risk? Because right now, you’re standing in your own way.”

Azzi sniffled, nodding slowly as she took in Caroline’s words. “I’m so scared.”

“I know,” Caroline said softly. “But you can’t live in fear forever.”

#azzi fudd #paige #paige buckets #paige bueckers #paige x azzi #pazzi #uconn wbb #azzi35 #caroline ducharme #kk arnold #ice brady #ice

155 notes · View notes