Playing for Keeps

Two Lines, One Truth

"I-I need some air."

Before they can stop me, I slip out of the room, the test still clutched in my hand. I don't know where I'm going, only that I need to move. My feet carry me down the hallway, out the exit, until I'm outside, pressing my back against the cool brick wall.

I take a shaky breath. Then another. My fingers tremble as I pull out my phone.

Sebastian.

I don't even think. I just call him.

It rings once. Twice.

Then his voice, smooth and warm. Familiar. Safe.

"Hey, baby."

My breath hitches. I should tell him. I want to tell him. But the words won't come out.

I close my eyes. Swallow the lump in my throat.

"...Hey," I whisper. "I just wanted to hear your voice."

A pause. Then, softer-

"Everything okay?"

I nod, even though he can't see me. My grip on the phone tightens like it's the only thing keeping me from falling apart.

I force a smile into my voice. "Yeah... yeah, I'm good."

But I'm not. Not even close.

I barely register everything dropping my bag by the door before I see him. Sebastian stands in the middle of his room, fresh out of the shower, towel slung low on his hips, scrolling through his phone.

Normally, this would be my moment to tease him, make some sly remark just to see that cocky grin, but tonight, my chest feels too tight, my thoughts too loud.

He looks up, his green eyes immediately locking onto mine. "You're off early."

I nod, forcing myself to breathe. "I wanted to see you."

It's the truth. Just not the whole truth.

He watches me for a second, his phone still in his hand, his expression unreadable. He knows me too well, and I know he's picking up on the way my voice sounds off, how I'm standing here like I don't trust my own legs.

Then, without a word, he opens his arms. "Come here."

I don't hesitate. The moment I step into him, his arms wrap around me, and I melt against his chest, pressing my face into his skin. His warmth, his scent it settles something in me, but only for a second. Because the truth is still there, sitting heavy in my stomach, waiting to come out.

His lips press against the top of my head, his voice softer now. "What's going on with you?"

I shake my head against him, gripping his back tighter. If I speak, my voice might shake. If I pull away, he might see what I'm not saying.

Sebastian chuckles, but there's a trace of concern behind it. "Damn, you missed me that much?"

I force a laugh, nudging my face deeper into his chest. "Something like that."

Silence stretches between us, thick and unspoken. He rubs slow circles into my back, like he's waiting for me to let him in. My stomach twists. My mind won't stop racing. If I stay quiet too long, he'll start asking more questions.

I need a distraction.

I pull back slightly, forcing a smirk. "Watched your interview today."

Sebastian raises a brow, amused. "Yeah?"

"Mhm." I push a hand through my hair, keeping my tone light. "Same old questions. 'What was going through your mind?' 'How did you feel?' Blah, blah, blah."

He laughs. "That bad?"

"Nah, you did good. You looked good too." I bite my lip, glancing up at him. "You even got Serena and Lilia cheesing."

He smirks, shaking his head. "I swear they're bigger fans than you are."

I roll my eyes. "Doubt it." Then, before I can stop myself, I add, "That last question caught me off guard though."

His expression doesn't change. If anything, he looks like he expected me to bring it up.

"I meant what I said." His voice is steady, certain. "Every word."

My chest tightens. The way he looked into the camera, like he was speaking directly to me. Like nothing in the world could shake the way he felt.

I swallow. I should be happy. But all I can think about is the test still sitting in my bag.

Sebastian tilts his head, his fingers grazing my waist. "You sure you're good?"

I nod, too quickly. "I'm fine, Sebastian."

His eyes flick over my face, searching. His grip on my waist tightens just a little, like he's anchoring me, like he's waiting for me to say more.

"You feel... different." His voice is quiet, thoughtful. "Not bad. Just... something."

I force a small laugh, nudging my forehead against his chest to avoid his gaze. "I'm just tired, that's all."

He doesn't press, but I feel the way his hand lingers at the small of my back, like he's debating whether to believe me.

For now, he lets it go. But I know he won't forget.