THE THINGS THEY HIDE
297 Words
Nothing about it was simple anymore.
Not the way they looked at each other.
Not the way they didn’t.
Because now—
It wasn’t just tension.
It was something real.
And real things?
Had consequences.
THE SECRET
They didn’t talk about it.
Not openly.
Not clearly.
There were no labels.
No definitions.
Just moments.
Stolen ones.
Late practices that lasted longer than necessary.
Quiet conversations in empty hallways.
Hands brushing—then lingering just a second too long.
And kisses—
That weren’t supposed to happen.
But did.
DIFFERENT NOW
This time—
It wasn’t rushed.
Not desperate.
It was slower.
Intentional.
Like they both understood the risk—
And chose it anyway.
Ethan leaned against the locker room door, waiting until the hallway cleared.
Lena stepped closer without hesitation.
No words.
Because they didn’t need them anymore.
His hand found her waist.
Familiar now.
Dangerous in a way that felt… steady.
“You’re staying late again,” he murmured.
“So are you.”
A faint smirk.
“This is your fault.”
“Yeah?”
Her voice softened slightly.
“Yeah.”
And then—
The kiss.
Deeper than before.
Less about tension—
More about connection.
And that—
That was worse.
Because now—
It wasn’t something she could walk away from easily.
THE CRACK
“You’re distracted.”
Coach’s voice cut through her thoughts.
Lena didn’t look away from the ice.
“I’m fine.”
“You’re not.”
Silence.
Because he was right.
Again.
“You’re playing like something’s pulling you off balance.”
Her grip tightened on her stick.
“Fix it,” he said.
No softness.
No patience.
Because this level—
Didn’t allow for weakness.
And Lena?
She didn’t do weak.
Except—
Now she wasn’t sure anymore.
- Writer
