Extra Basket

Chapter 260: Maiden’s In love


Even as the team on the court laughed, bounced, and trained, the shadows of the coming storm stretched across the city. Every decision, every movement, every heartbeat in these walls was being watched, measured, and manipulated. The game had extended far beyond basketball, and the players were caught in the middle of a war where the stakes were survival, empire, and control.

And in the midst of it, Ethan knew one truth, unspoken but crystal clear. (We're not just playing for the championship. We're playing to survive the game no one else sees.)

Meanwhile, the locker room was quiet now, the chaos of practice replaced by the soft hum of fans and distant echoes of bouncing balls. Charlotte Graves leaned against the wooden bench, arms crossed, a faint smirk tugging at her lips as she watched Ayumi stretch lazily on the floor. The afternoon sun painted long streaks across the polished lockers, warming the space with a golden glow.

"Admit it," Charlotte said suddenly, her voice teasing but sharp, "you like Lucas, right?"

Ayumi froze mid-stretch, a surprised laugh escaping her lips. "Excuse me? Me? Like Lucas?" She shot Charlotte a glare that barely masked her own pink flush. "I don't know what you're talking about. He's just… a friend."

Charlotte tilted her head, eyes gleaming. "Friend? Come on, Ayu. I've seen the way you look at him when he scores, when he makes those ridiculous plays… don't think I haven't noticed." She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "You're totally in love with him. Face it."

Ayumi rolled her eyes dramatically, pushing back against Charlotte with mock indignation. "I am not! And even if I was… it's none of your business, Charlotte." But the faint curve of a smile betrayed her words.

Charlotte laughed softly, shaking her head. "Oh, please. Don't act like you've never fantasized about him carrying the team to victory while looking all serious and heroic. Admit it."

Ayumi groaned, sitting up and brushing her hair back. "Fine! Maybe I notice him sometimes. Maybe he's… impressive. But I'm not in love! And it's not like you're innocent either."

Charlotte froze, blinking in mock offense. "Me? Innocent? I—what are you implying?"

Ayumi smirked knowingly, leaning closer. "I'm saying… maybe you've got a little crush yourself. Ethan….Don't deny it."

Charlotte's cheeks warmed, and she quickly turned away, crossing her arms defensively. "Huh… no way. No way. I mean—no." She paused, fumbling for words as if her own denial sounded weak. "It's ridiculous. I don't… like Ethan. Never. Forget you even said that."

Ayumi laughed softly, nudging her shoulder playfully. "Sure, sure. You don't like him. Not at all." She leaned back, eyes twinkling, clearly enjoying Charlotte's flustered state. "But, hey… maybe you're just embarrassed to admit it. Totally normal, you know. Happens to the best of us."

Charlotte groaned, turning fully to face Ayumi, scowling but failing to hide the faint blush that crept across her cheeks. "Normal? This isn't normal! I mean… Ethan's… he's… he's just a friend. I swear. And that's final."

Ayumi tilted her head, raising a single eyebrow in mock judgment. "Uh-huh. Sure. Friend. And I'm the queen of England." She leaned forward conspiratorially. "Face it, Charlotte. You like him. Deep down, you totally do. And don't try to act all mature about it, because I can read you like a book."

Charlotte's lips pressed into a thin line, fighting a smile that threatened to escape anyway. "You're ridiculous. And I can read you too, Ayu. Don't even think you're innocent here. You like Lucas. Admit it. Just admit it."

Ayumi's ears turned faintly red, and she looked down at her hands, twisting her fingers nervously. "I… I'm not—okay, maybe sometimes. But that doesn't mean I like him! I just… care about him, that's all."

Charlotte burst out laughing, shaking her head. "Care about him? Oh, please. Your cheeks are pink. Your voice is soft. You're totally head over heels. Face it, Ayumi. You love him."

Ayumi groaned, hiding her face behind her hands. "Ugh! You're impossible! I don't. I can't… I—ugh!"

Charlotte's laugh softened, and she leaned back on the bench, eyes glinting with amusement. "And there it is. Denial doesn't suit you, Ayu. You've got it bad. Just admit it and let's move on."

Ayumi peeked through her fingers, finally giving in to a small, embarrassed smile. "Maybe… maybe I do. But don't tell anyone!"

Charlotte shook her head, still smirking. "Oh, don't worry. Your secret's safe with me. For now."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the sound of the gym echoing faintly from beyond the doors. The afternoon light bathed them both, soft and golden, a gentle reminder of simpler moments before the chaos returned. Yet beneath their teasing banter, the unspoken truths lingered, twisting in their hearts with the subtle tension of things neither wanted to fully acknowledge.

Charlotte finally leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands, her gaze softening. "But really… don't even try to act like I like him. It's just that…. Ethan. He's… different. I don't know what it is, but he's not like anyone else. And I… I guess I just…"

She trailed off, denying even to herself the feeling she had tried so hard to bury. Ayumi, sensing the shift, smiled gently, understanding without comment.

"I get it," Ayumi said softly. "We're both hopeless in our own ways, huh?"

Charlotte nodded quickly, wiping her hands over her face in feigned exasperation. "Hopeless. That's exactly it. Absolutely hopeless."

And yet, as they sat there, laughing softly at their own foolishness, neither could fully hide the truth from themselves. Denial danced between them like a silent companion, teasing and tormenting them with its persistence. One heart silently pined for Ethan, the other for

Lucas, both tangled in unspoken feelings and gentle affection that neither dared fully embrace.

The sun dipped lower, casting long, stretching shadows across the floor. Outside, the city moved on, oblivious to the private confessions whispered in the warmth of golden light. Inside, two young women sat, caught between love and denial, laughter and longing, and the quiet realization that some truths were far harder to admit than others.

To be continue

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