BETWEEN THE LINES

NAVIGATING

The morning sun streamed weakly through the tall hotel windows, painting the hardwood in warm, soft light. The gym was mostly empty — a few early risers from other teams trickled in — but for Ify, Paige, and Azzi, the space felt like theirs.

Ify dribbled, bouncing the ball slowly, letting her thoughts wander. Since the previous night, everything had shifted. Every glance, every touch, every shared joke between Paige and Azzi carried an added layer of meaning. She couldn't stop thinking about it, about them.

Paige dribbled across from her, catching the ball mid-air with that effortless grace that always made Ify's chest tighten. "You're distracted again," Paige said lightly, a smirk tugging at her lips.

"If I am," Ify replied, her voice quiet, "it's because of you two."

Azzi laughed softly, leaning against the wall, arms crossed. "I think we all know that," she said. Her eyes flicked between Ify and Paige with a teasing glint. "Don't pretend you're not thinking about it either."

Ify's cheeks warmed. "I... maybe a little," she admitted, and immediately regretted how honest it sounded.

Paige jogged closer, passing the ball deliberately slowly, letting their fingers brush when Ify caught it. The small contact made Ify's heart skip. Azzi stepped closer from the other side, brushing against her shoulder lightly. It wasn't just accidental anymore — it was deliberate, electric, intimate, and completely intoxicating.

⸻

Practice Scrimmage ~

Later, scrimmage drills began. The energy on the court was electric. Every pass, cut, and screen between them carried double meaning.

Ify found herself passing to Paige more often, almost instinctively, and Paige returned each pass with that lingering gaze, that subtle, knowing smile. Azzi intercepted a pass once, giving Ify a playful shove with her shoulder, her grin teasing but warm.

During a fast break, Ify drove to the basket and got trapped by defenders. Paige's voice rang out clearly: "Middle!" The command was crisp, confident, but the tone carried something more — urgency, care. Azzi flanked the other side, blocking a defender with just enough proximity that Ify's chest warmed.

Ify passed to Paige, who spun and scored. The bench erupted, but the three of them barely noticed. They were caught in the rhythm of each other, the silent, unspoken communication that had always been there, now intensified by their feelings.

Azzi jogged past, slapping Ify's back lightly — the touch lingering just enough to make her heart pound.

⸻

Downtime in the Lounge ~

After practice, the team headed back to the hotel lounge. Ify, Paige, and Azzi naturally gravitated toward each other, a little cluster of calm in the bustle. They sat close — shoulders brushing, knees touching — letting small gestures carry meaning.

Azzi rested her head lightly on Ify's shoulder. "You're so tense," she murmured, voice soft, teasing but gentle.

"I'm not," Ify protested, though the warmth spreading through her chest betrayed her.

Paige laughed softly, resting a hand gently over Ify's. "Yes, you are," she said. "But it's cute."

The three of them shared a quiet laugh, small and private, feeling the weight of their connection without needing to label it further. Fingers brushed lightly, shoulders leaned close, glances lingered longer than necessary. It wasn't dramatic, but it was electric.

⸻

Late Afternoon ~

Later that evening, they returned to the gym for a casual shooting session. Paige made a perfect three-pointer, and Azzi immediately challenged her. "Not bad... but I'm still beating you," she teased, flashing a sly grin at Ify.

"Ify's keeping score for both of us," Paige said, leaning closer to her. "So you better impress her."

Ify's chest tightened. The teasing was playful, but it also carried truth — they both wanted her attention.

Azzi nudged Ify's shoulder gently. "Yeah, all of it," she whispered, leaning in just slightly.

Paige smirked, whispering on the other side: "We just want to see that smile."

Ify felt herself flushed, her pulse racing, but a grin tugged at her lips. "You're impossible," she said, shaking her head, though her voice was soft and full of amusement.

The three of them laughed quietly, the intimacy of the moment deepening their bond.

⸻

Private Hotel Room ~

Back in their hotel room later, they stayed up long past lights-out. Pillows were scattered on the floor, a half-empty bag of snacks between them. They talked, laughed, and sometimes fell into comfortable silence.

Paige rested her head lightly against Ify's shoulder while Azzi's hand brushed hers from across the circle. Fingers lingered, brushing lightly, comforting and teasing all at once. Every contact was electric, but nothing was rushed.

"I don't know how I feel so... full," Ify admitted softly, voice trembling slightly. She looked at both of them, heart pounding. "But it's the best feeling ever."

Paige smiled, softly brushing hair from Ify's face. "Me too. I never expected it to feel like this."

Azzi leaned closer, letting her hand rest lightly on Ify's arm. "It's... scary, but good scary. The kind you want to feel again and again."

They didn't need to rush. They didn't need words beyond the quiet affirmation of their presence and touch. The intimacy wasn't just physical — it was emotional, deep, and tender.

⸻

Falling Asleep ~

Eventually, they curled up in a loose triangle on the floor, bodies close but comfortable, letting the warmth of proximity lull them toward sleep. Fingers brushed lightly, shoulders leaned into each other, quiet murmurs and soft laughter floating between them.

Ify's chest swelled with emotion. She wasn't just part of a team anymore — she belonged with them, with Paige and Azzi, and in the quiet intimacy they were building together.

And as the soft night settled around them, she knew this was only the beginning. Their bond wasn't simple. It wouldn't always be easy. But it was theirs, and that knowledge made her heart feel full, alive, and utterly certain.

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