Say I love you

05

When the game ends, my friends and I find ourselves stopped near the boys' locker room, from where the basketball players have entered. The atmosphere in the corridor is electric, the white walls of the high school seem to vibrate with the excitement of the fans. The pale neon lights cast a harsh glow over the tense faces of the spectators, their eyes fixed on the locker room door, eagerly awaiting the exit of the game's heroes.My heart pounds in my chest as I stand beside my friends, overwhelmed by the excitement of the moment. The anxious murmurs of the other girls amplify the prevailing nervousness, every second stretching out in feverish anticipation, and I wonder if I'll be able to say even a word when the players finally come out.Among the girls waiting with us, some bite their lips nervously, others wring their hands, reflecting their own anxiety. But despite everything, a wave of excitement runs through the group at every sound from the dressing room, announcing the imminent arrival of the match's heroes. And in the midst of this tense atmosphere, I can't help but wonder how I'll react when I see Jordan emerge triumphant from the room."I still think it's a bad idea to stay here, girls," I articulate for at least the fifteenth time. "We'd better leave."Anna and Stacy exchanged knowing glances, their eyes rolling paradoxically. They know full well that I always lose my temper when it comes to Jordan. Yet they always insist that I talk to him. The one time I tried to talk to him, I couldn't get two words together, and that was when we were alone. I don't think that's likely to change today, especially with this crowd around us. I'm convinced that this time I won't even be able to articulate a single word."We'll just congratulate them on their incredible victory," Sarah drops desperately, "it's not like it's complicated!"A wave of apprehension washes over me as a noise suddenly rings out in the locker room, instantly capturing all our attention. The basketball players make their entrance, each exuding an aura of unshakeable confidence. My eyes are immediately drawn to Bradley within this group, standing next to Jordan, immersed in animated discussion. His casual, laid-back demeanor shines through with striking obviousness, clearly setting him apart from the rest of the crowd. Even if I'm not necessarily charmed by his personality, I have to admit that he's simply captivating. There's something irresistible about his detached manner, his apparent disinterest in the world around him, that makes him incredibly appealing. Bradley truly is an eye-catcher, his natural charisma and carefree demeanor placing him at the center of attention, like a magnet for the curious and the admiring.I mentally slap myself for having such thoughts; this boy doesn't deserve even a hint of interest from me. As his twin brother Cody intrudes on Jordan and Bradley's conversation, Anna whispers in my ear, "Let's go congratulate them." I take a deep breath to try to calm my nerves and head with my friends toward them. Despite the fact that several girls were waiting for them, none dared approach them, except for the cheerleaders who were used to trading with them. As the group began to make their way towards the school exit, a palpable tension reigned in the atmosphere, and it was at this point that Anna let out a "Cody!".They stop dead in their tracks, and Cody is the first to turn in our direction, followed a few seconds later by his other teammates. And as if fate had decided to play a trick on me, my gaze meets Bradley Steward's instead of Jordan Collins'. While everyone now seems to be advancing towards us, Bradley stands back, hands in his pockets.His slim figure is outlined with natural grace, emphasizing his tall stature that makes him stand out from the crowd. His jet-black hair frames his angular face, highlighting his deep green eyes that seem capable of piercing your soul. His Adam's apple rises slightly as he swallows his saliva, adding a touch of charm to his already magnetic allure.Despite his striking appearance, Bradley remains impassive, as if accustomed to attracting all eyes without even paying attention. His relaxed demeanor contrasts with the palpable tension around him, creating a striking contrast that makes him even more captivating.- Anna?I stop concentrating on his physique when Cody's voice comes to my ear, noting with some embarrassment that it's been a while since they stopped in front of us and that I was having fun scrutinizing the features of this bastard who didn't even bother to come towards us.- "What are you doing here?" he asks, arching an eyebrow, plunging his scrutinizing gaze into his sister's.- What's the matter with you? I'm not allowed to congratulate my darling brother?" she retorted with feigned innocence, a mischievous smile dancing on her lips. You could clearly see that Cody was holding back from exaggerated eye-rolling. Like all siblings, these two spent their time bickering, but their bond was undeniable. They were a bit like Wendy and Marine, or Tom and Nina. Yet, despite their incessant bickering, Cody was incredibly protective of his sister. No boy was allowed near her.The hallway was electric, filled with palpable tension. The eyes of the basketball players were riveted on the little group of me and my friends, a gleam of curiosity and anticipation shining in their eyes. You could almost feel the excitement crackling in the air, like an electric shock ready to explode.Bradley, standing back, exudes a controlled coldness, his impassive face revealing little of his state of mind. His gaze seems distant, as if he were elsewhere, indifferent to the surrounding effervescence."Of course, you have the right," he says forcibly, a smile plastered on his lips.Anna, keeping her composure, turns to the group of basketball players and asks serenely: "Aren't you going to introduce us to your friends?"Immediately, a few of the basketball players began to introduce themselves, enthusiastically extending their hands."I'm Alexander," introduced one of them, flashing a charming smile at Anna, who blushed furiously."And I'm Anna," she replied, shaking the outstretched hand."Cody, how come you never told us you had such a pretty sister?" teased one of the players, turning to me, "You're Anna's friend, right?" "Y-yes... I... I'm Kimberly," I stammered, intimidated by the sudden attention.- I'm Ethan," he introduced himself.I smiled awkwardly, nodding affirmatively. It's at this precise moment that my heart misses a beat, as a hand reaches out towards me, Jordan's hand. A smirk curls across his full lips as he calmly articulates, "Call me Jordan."Just as I was about to greet Jordan, Bradley, as aloof as ever, speaks up in a calm tone, "You guys will find me outside."As if a signal had been given, the players begin to turn away, moving away from us. Nevertheless, Jordan doesn't fail to throw in one last comment: "I'm having a party tonight, and all four of you are invited."