Let's be Together

I gape at the scene in front of me, feeling like I've just stumbled onto the set of some awkward, low-budget rom-com.

There, in the middle of the court, is Millie in her jersey and shorts, her short hair falling messily across her face.

And she's not just with a guy; she's straddling him, clutching his shirt like she's afraid he'll disappear if she lets go.

For a second, my brain malfunctions, and then it clicks—that guy beneath her, looking a little too comfortable, is none other than James. What the actual hell?

Both of them turn and spot me, and their faces mirror my shock. Millie quickly scrambles off him, brushing her hair back with that fierce flick she always does, making her look like a tomboy who's just had her pride dented.

She barks at James to "keep his damn distance," her voice full of annoyance that doesn't even reach her eyes.

I'm left wondering, distance from who, exactly?

James raises his hands in mock surrender, grinning like he's just been told off by a pissed-off cat.

Millie gives me a brief look, then whirls around and heads to her team like nothing happened, leaving me and Juhyuk standing there, completely baffled.

Juhyuk mutters, "What the hell was that?" and honestly, I'm right there with him. My stomach twists as I watch James jog over to us, his face lighting up.

For a second, I feel this rush of embarrassment, remembering how I snapped at him yesterday like a jerk.

He should be pissed, or at least giving me the cold shoulder, but no—he's grinning from ear to ear.

"Hey, beautiful," he greets, his British accent making it sound smooth, followed by a playful wink. Of course, he's gotta throw in a wink.

"Uh... hey," I manage, feeling awkward as hell. He sticks his hand out to shake Juhyuk's, but Juhyuk just glares at him, then stalks off toward Millie without a word.

What's with him?

James just raises an eyebrow and shrugs, joking, "Wow, looks like the breakup was rough," with a smirk that actually makes me laugh.

He joins in, and suddenly, the tension melts a bit. After a second of awkward silence, he asks, "You alright?"

"Yeah," I say with a small chuckle. I feel like I can't keep this tension hanging, so I blurt out an apology, saying, "About yesterday... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you. I was just... not in a great headspace."

He laughs, brushing it off with a wave. "Can't even remember what happened, love. We're all good."

He gives me a friendly pat on the shoulder, his accent somehow making everything sound casual and cool.

I'm honestly a little stunned at how chill he is, even though I was kind of a jerk to him.

And then, suddenly, the entire gym erupts with energy. "Let's go, girls!" The team shouts, hyped up, as they gather in the center of the court, looking fierce and ready to dominate.

My gaze automatically finds Millie, and my heart does this stupid flip again.
I swear, I need to see a doctor, because there's no way this fluttery nonsense is normal. Juhyuk jogs over, grinning as he says, "Come on, let's grab a seat."

But before that, I feel this urge to do what I've always done.

I cup my hands around my mouth and yell, "Good luck, Millie!" Her head snaps up instantly, and for a split second, her usual intense game face softens, just enough for her to give me a small smile and mouth, "Thank you."