when i fell for the wrong player

CHAPTER 16

 **Zania's POV**

I didn't want to see him.

But life had other plans. College was small, and our paths crossed more often than I liked.The gym was quiet, the soft thump of volleyballs echoing through the hall. I was finishing up drills when I noticed movement near the entrance.

Safeer.

He froze when he saw me. I froze too. My heart did that stupid flutter, the one I swore I would never feel again.

"Zania..." he said softly.

I kept my eyes on my sneakers, hands gripping the ball tightly. "Hi," I muttered, voice cold, trying to mask the storm inside me.

"I... just wanted to say, um..." He hesitated, like the words were crawling out of him inch by inch. "...I hope you're doing okay."

I looked up, meeting his gaze. There was genuine guilt there, but also... something else. Vulnerability. I hated how much it hurt me to see it.

"I'm fine," I said, forcing a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "Really."

He nodded slowly. "Okay... just, I'll leave you to your practice then."I swallowed hard. "Yeah. Thanks."

And when he walked away, my chest felt hollow. I hated it. I hated him. I hated that I still cared.

**Safeer's POV**

Seeing her again was like a punch to the gut. She looked... strong. Independent. Fierce. But fragile too. Fragile because of me.

I wanted to apologize. Beg for a chance. Tell her I'd never let it happen again. But I knew that wasn't fair. Not yet.

"Zania," I said, voice barely above a whisper. "I... I just want you to know I'm sorry. For everything. For her. For... ruining us."

She didn't say anything. Just nodded slightly, eyes averted.I wanted more. I wanted her to look at me, to yell at me, to scream, to cry—anything. But instead... silence.I left the gym with a heavy heart, knowing that love wasn't enough. Trust had to be rebuilt... and I had no idea if I had the time, patience, or ability to do it.