* Few days later .....*
The school gym was packed.
Lights overhead.
Sweat in the air.
Everyone was screaming for the final match of the season.
Except Kyle wasn't hearing any of it.
Because the bleachers—his lucky corner—the one where she always sat, was empty.
"Focus Levan," Coach barked as the whistle blew.
But how could he?
First half:
They were trailing with two .
20 - 22
And Kyle was off his game.
He kept looking up at the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of her dark bangs ,that cheeky grin, those eyes that always made his nerves settle.
But nothing.
Half-time.
The locker room was heavy with silence.
Rod patted his shoulder. "You good, bro?"
Kyle ran his fingers through his hair, frustrated. "Yeah."
He wasn't.
The door creaked open.
And in came her.
Raye.
Wearing his old team hoodie, a crooked smile on her face.
"Hey, champ."
Kyle stood up in shock, blinking like he was seeing a ghost.
"Where were you?" he asked, his voice a little too sharp, a little too needy.
"Got held up with Jane. But I wasn't going to miss this." She stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I'm sorry, okay?"
He looked down at her, finally breathing again. "You're late."
"But fashionable," she teased, and then pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "Now go win."
Another kiss.
And just like that—he was back.
Second half.
The court felt different.
Kyle moved with confidence now.
Quick passes. Fast drives. Sharp focus.
With every glance toward the bleachers, he saw her. Cheering. Smiling. All his.
Score: 21 - 22
Rod dunked one.
23-23
Final minute.
Kyle dribbled past two defenders. Time slowed.
Three seconds.
Two.
One—
BOOM.
The ball hit the net.
24–23.
Game.
The crowd exploded.
People were screaming.
Rod was hugging anyone in sight.
And Raye?
She was already halfway across the court, running straight to him.
He dropped the ball, scooped her up into his arms, twirling her around as if the world had shrunk to just the two of them.
"I love you," she breathed out against his neck.
Kyle froze.
Then smiled.
"I love you too," he whispered back.
Their lips met in the middle of all the noise.
Pure magic.
Later That Night – The After Party
Fairy lights. Loud music. Laughter all around.
Jane and Rod were dancing like idiots.
Someone handed Kyle a soda. Raye was sitting on his lap, wearing his medal like she won it too.
He kissed her temple.
"Still think you were late on purpose?" he teased.
She smirked. "Would you have scored if I wasn't?"
"Guess we'll never know," he said, leaning in.
But she kissed him before he could finish the thought.
"Raye "someone called as Raye quickly turned breaking the kiss while Kyle growled .
She turned to find Layla who cheeks was tainted red as she cleared her throat.
"Sorry for disturbing ".
"no offence taken , you can leave now " Kyle said matter of fact with a frown not pleased with someone interrupting their kiss . Raye turned to slap his shoulder lightly with a blush as she quickly stood up from Kyle thigh to hear him growl again loudly .
Layla tried to hide her laughter not in the lease offended by his word as Raye quickly hugged her .
She turned to Kyle winking before she left with Layla .
"Congrats Kyle " Layla said loudly laughing as she followed Raye who was also giggling .
"So Layla how is things with you and Josh ?".
"Its going fine , Raye I don't know if I should accept him , his been nothing but sweet , begging ...like I mean he begged me this time around and he has changed too ".
Raye smiled not in the least suprised at that , she was sure he did that ,because he had also begged and apologize to her .
"Layla he also begged me like he knelt down and apologize" Raye confessed turning to stare at Layla who had a surprised expression .
They were currently outside ,away from the lousy music so they could talk more .
" Layla I think you should forgive me , before Kyle suspension he came to me pleading ...almost in tears saying I should talked to you .."Raye trailed off as she held Layla hand turning her so she could face her before she continued. "I know what you are scared of , you might get back together and he might be a different person again but Joshua has changed , for real ".
Layla sighed staring at Raye and then back at the sky which was slowly turning dark . "I want to , but like you said am scared , and it also funny the way he begs and all ...."she chuckled softly before sighing . " Fine I will give him a chance , one last chance ".
Raye heaved a sigh letting the breath she has been holding out . She wouldn't blame Layla if she said she wouldn't forgive him , she doubt she would do the same thing if she was in her shoes but then Layla was a very kind girl and she knew she loved Joshua darely .
Love like they say doesn't easily go away that fast .
"Thank you Layla and you are really a good person " Raye said giving her a tight hug as they slowly released with a satisfied smile . "You know I thought you were so proud and all and now am wishing you were my friend before you know how ".
Layla and Raye laughed out before she said .
"Yeah , but now we are friends so still the same thing ".
"Hmm so would you go meet him ,I think I spotted him a few minutes ago ".
"Yeah sure he is with his friends , I better go meet him and you better go meet you man before he bite my ear off for taking you away from him " Layla said as raye laughed out her face turning in pink .
"He won't ".
"You are so lucky Raye , and Kyle is a good guy even though he seems scary he still good and you both look perfect.. surely meant for each other ..I wish you good luck and also tell him I said congratulations again "Layla said chuckling softly giving Raye a quick hug before walking into the house again .
"Wow she is such a nice girl " someone said as raye turned abruptly to see Jane who was walking towards her .
"How much did you hear?? ".
"Alot my dear ....alot , and for once I think you are right Joshua had his own fair share of problem and has learnt his lesson ...literally I haven't seen that guy with any girl since like for ever he even got a C- in maths ...that was such a low blow to everyone ".
Raye nodded slowly Joshua had learnt his lesson , at least he wouldn't do it again that was for sure .
"I was shocked too ".
"Evan is the most happiest person ever I dont know who invited him to the party but he drank so much and now he showing the guys some hip-hop dancing move ".
"Really ?" Raye said excitedly seeing Jane nod slowly she was about to go into the house again to see for herself but Jane stopped her .
"The boy passed out a few minutes on Kyle kitchen counter , he is kinda of popular now but I got videos " Jane said wiggling her brows while shaking her phone .
Raye laughed loudly hugging Jane all of a sudden who stilled first before she hugged her too .
"I am so glad you are my best friend Jane , really you are the best - friend a person could ever wish for ....I am not sure that sounds right " Raye whispered softly .
"Who cares" Jane added chuckling as she continued." thanks Ray and am also glad you are my best friend too , and that simply means in my own language you shouldn't get a new best friend " .
Raye scoffed dramatically . "There is no one that could replace my sarcastic friend Jane ".
"I know am one in the world " she said with a satisfied smirk dusting invisible dirt from her shoulder as Raye chuckled .
"So we watching that now or what ???".
"Na when we get home or at least when the party is over , I need to meet Rod in his room ". Jane winked at Raye who muttered an o before laughing out loud .
"Jane your mum is surely going to hear this ".
"Oh please you wouldn't tell my mum no shit ".
"Watch me " Raye said eyes narrowed before they burst out laughing again .
"Ok go on , but I don't think I want to leave tonight , let's stay over with them ".
"Yeah I was going to say that , it's so good we think alike , catch you later bestie " Jane said smiling brightly as she ran to the house again shutting the door quietly.
Raye sighed in contempt staring at the dark sky as the stars twinkled brightly .
Everything was peaceful .
"Finally ," someone sighed dramatically . Raye didn't even need to turn to know who it was as the person came to stand behind her ,wrapping his hand around her waist .
"Hi babe ".
"Hi my little trouble " Kyle said dropping a soft kiss on Raye shoulder who chuckled softly .
"So, what are you doing here " Kyle asked as Raye turned to face him wrapping her hand around his neck .
"Just staring at the sky , thinking about how everything is so peaceful and beautiful".
"Hmm and I spent the last few minutes searching for a little Raye " he said pinching her nose lightly while she stuck her tongue out playfully before saying .
"Not my fault , who asked you to live in such a big house ".
"Really , fine... but I want you now so let's go " he said releasing from the hug , he clasped both their hands together about to move but raye pulled him back .
" No , no no no ".
"Why I deserve a reward for winning?".
"Reward ??" Fine let me give you your reward " Raye said slowly releasing her hand from Kyle grip she stood on her tiptoe before placing a full mouth kiss on his lips and then she turned just as fast as the kiss was to run, but he caught her hand quickly pulling her to his chest again .
"Oh no you don't ..... that's not enough " Kyle said chuckling softly he continued. "Raye look at me ".
Raye kept on laughing before she slowly looked up to meet his eyes she cleaned the corner of her eyes .
Gosh!!
she was laughing too much and her cheeks hurt badly .
"Remember Monday when u ran to me about maths test and remember what I told you next ?".
Raye cleared her throat , she knew what he was talking about but decided to play dumb .
" Let me refresh your memory darling " he moved closer to her face hands running slowly from her waist to squeeze her ass while Raye suddenly gasped burying her heated face in his chest .
"I said I wanted to bounce you all around , and fuck I want to do it now " he whispered in a husk voice biting her ear lightly before he dropped a small kiss on the spot .
"Kyle - "Raye breathed out before she was picked up by Kyle in one swift mood ,in a bridal style .
She gasped loudly wrapping her hand quickly on his neck so she won't fall , but she doubt he would let her fall .
"Aren't you tired from the game ".
"Na am all jacked up and I think I need to exercise for the next big game on Friday".
"Am no ball Kyle " Raye screamed burying her face on his chest not able to meet the people curious gaze as they all laughed out some cheering Kyle up .
" Go captain ".
"Make sure to score a goal down there ".
And somehow, in the chaos of university life,parties , bickering, teasing, sleepovers, heartbreaks, and hallway kisses…
They'd found each other.
....The End .....