Lotte and Lessi Russo

Chapter 6

With a mix of pain and admiration, Lotte managed a weak smile, appreciating Alessia's care and attentiveness. "Yeah, I think I can make it," Lotte replied, trying her best to put on a brave front. "Thanks for being here, Alessia. It's nice to know that someone has my back, like literally."

Alessia's worried expression softened into a gentle smile, and she even tightened her arm around Lotte's shoulder reassuringly. "Of course, Lotte. That's what friends are for, right? We look out for each other."

Friends. Ouch. The word brought an even greater ache to Lotte than her injured leg, which she was painfully aware of too. By now, the situation with Alessia felt like so much more than friendship to Lotte - the moments they shared at the Indian restaurant, the emotions that lingered between them while singing romantic Coldplay songs to each other... Sure, Lotte knew that their "friendship" meant the world to her at them moment, but she couldn't shake the longing for something more. That's why she simply nodded as a response to Alessia's initial question, not trusting her voice to keep quiet about what she truly wanted to say.

Supported by Alessia's strength, Lotte hobbled towards the waiting golf cart. "We'll take Lotte to the medical center, you can go back to training, Alessia," one of the medics said. But Alessia immediately shook her head. "I won't let Lotte go alone." Her determination and loyalty were evident as she stood her ground, refusing to leave Lotte's side. An action that Lotte couldn't help but find pretty cute again.

The medics exchanged a quick glance with the coach, trying to understand the bond between those two players. But with a nod of approval, the coach acknowledged Alessia's decision a few moment later. "Alright, Alessia. You can accompany Lotte to the medical center. We'll manage without you for now. Take care of her."

Alessia's grip on Lotte's shoulder tightened again at this comment, offering silent reassurance and support. Lotte felt a surge of gratitude and warmth, knowing that she had someone like Alessia by her side, someone who would prioritize her well-being over her own success in training or something like that. Alessia obviously cared about her and even if it's just in a friendly manner then Lotte should be happy about it anyways.

In the golf cart, the medics elevated Lotte's leg while a driver took the front seat. Lotte and Alessia sat closely together on the backseat since the cart wasn't that spacious at all. As the three of them made their way to the medical center, Lotte suddenly felt a gentle touch on her hand, causing her to look down. Alessia's pinky finger had lightly bumped into hers, but it seemed more intentional than accidental. Alessia's hand rested on the outer edge of Lotte's knee, subtly inching closer to Lotte's hand. Maybe it was just to reassure Lotte and show her in the silence that Alessia was there for her, but still a smile crept across Lotte's face.

In that moment, Alessia suddenly placed her pinky finger on Lotte's once again. No matter how much her leg hurt, as she intertwined her finger with Alessia's, she felt only the tension and excitement that existed between them. Holding hands in a semi-clasp, Lotte looked up from their hands and met Alessia's gaze.

In that moment, time seemed to slow down, and everything around them blurred into insignificance. It was just the two of them, connected by an unspoken understanding and an undercurrent of emotions. Lotte couldn't help but get lost in the depths of Alessia's blue eyes, feeling like she was being drawn into an entirely different world. Alessia's gaze held a mix of tenderness and vulnerability, as if revealing a side of herself that she had kept hidden until now. Lotte's heart pounded in her chest, the intensity of their unspoken connection overwhelming yet exhilarating.

They remained in that moment, their hands clasped, and their eyes locked in a silent exchange. It was as if they were communicating without words, sharing sentiments and feelings that couldn't be articulated. Being honest, Lotte couldn't help
but wonder whether Alessia might actually feel the same way she does, or if she was reading too much into this moment. Despite the pain in her leg, Lotte found solace in the touch they shared, and the sheer possibility of something more lingering in the air.