She’s Dating The Star Player

The Player

I've lost count of how many times I've secretly peeked at Dustin's direction. He was wearing a black cap today, and underneath it was his thick dark brown hair— the kind that makes you want to run your fingers through it.

I first saw him when I auditioned for our school's cheering squad. I didn't make it past the tryouts because I tripped on the floor when the panel of judges asked me to do a cartwheel.

It was so embarassing and I have no idea what went through my head when I let my bestfriend convince me to audition. Maybe because she was so persistent that if I refused, she would have killed me?

My gaze went back to Dustin. He's so handsome. I heard that some female students from other department have a crush on him. And honestly, who wouldn't? I mean, just look at those rugged features and big brown eyes...

I let out a deep sigh and shifted my attention back to our literature professor, Mrs. Dorothy. She was delivering her disappointment speech again.

Yes, again. She's disappointed every single week. But honestly, I can't blame her. Almost eighty percent of our class got low scores on the last midterm exam.

Luckily, I'm part of the small percentage who passed. I've been reviewing for this midterm since last week— I don't want to fail. Or rather, I can't fail. My studies are the only thing I can excel at. I don't want to disappoint my parents, especially my mom.

Even though my mom didnt say it directly, I can feel the difference in how she treats me compared to my older brother, Elliot. She's always pushing me to be... better, I suppose.

When I was younger, she signed me up for all sorts of lessons. I remember her enrolling me in swimming classes, even though I hated the idea of wearing a swimsuit and showing my body.

And then there was the time she entered me in a costume contest. Guess what happened? I threw up on stage because of anxiety.

I can't blame her for wanting me to find something I'd be good at. I have nothing special about me. All I have is my last name. The total opposite of my mother, who was once known for her charm, beauty, and the life of the party in her prime.

But I cant be like her. I cant be her. I'm just the awkward, anxious, and introverted me.

"All of you, dismissed!" Mrs. Dorothy said, clearly frustrated.

Disappointed sighs spread across the classroom as my classmates groaned in frustration. Many of them started complaining, asking for a retake. Mrs. Dorothy, who was already halfway to the door, turned back and faced us again.

"I'll give those who failed one more chance. Be prepared next week. If you fail again, there's nothing more I can do," she said before finally leaving.

Once again, frustrated murmurs and complaints echoed around me. Even Monica, the top student in our class sitting beside me, was sulking.

We're not really close, but since we've been seatmates since the start of the semester, I've gotten to know her a little. She's set on going to med school—both of her parents are doctors, and her two siblings are nurses.

"I can't believe it! I failed!" Monica exclaimed, looking absolutely devastated as if her world had just ended. "What about you, Mencer? What's your score?"

I silently handed her my test paper. The moment she saw my score, her face fell even further, like she had just lost a bet she was sure she'd win.

"Hey... there's a retake. You can still make up for it," I said, trying to encourage her.

"Let me see your answers. That way, I'll know what material to focus on."

I handed her my test paper. I focused on the Victorian era since I noticed that Mrs. Dorothy often recommended novels from the 18th century during the prelims. I figured that would be the best material to study for the exam— and I was right.

Monica sighed as she returned my test paper. "Can you send me a copy of this through email? I just want to review it."

"Sure. I'll send it to you tonight."

"Thank you!"

I gave her a small nod before packing my things into my bag. As I zipped it up, I noticed Dustin stood up and walked toward the door. My eyes followed him as he stopped to talk to our classmate, Clark.

I took a deep breath and stood up, keeping my head down as I walked down the aisle. But just as I was about to leave, I caught sight of another varsity player in our class.

Garett Hayes.

The basketball team captain.

And the most notorious playboy on campus.

His fist was clenched tightly on top of his desk. Like everyone else who failed, he looked completely defeated. He probably failed too. I caught a glimpse of his test paper— a glaring F was written on it.

Well, what else could I expect from someone like him? It's not that I'm being judgmental— it's just that his reputation is well-known across campus.

I shook my head and looked away. I continued my way to the door. But my heart when I suddenly heard Dustin's deep, baritone voice. Even the sound of his voice was undeniably attractive.

"Are you coming with us? We won't stay long!"

"I can't. I have practice—"

"E-Excuse me..."

I wanted to curse myself for stuttering like an i***t. This was exactly why I avoided talking to him— I could barely get a word out without stumbling over it.

Dustin casually pushed Clark aside. "Move. Let her through."

I saw him glance at me as I walked past. Oh my god! Did he really look at me? Or am I just imagining things?

I bit my lower lip and shut my eyes tightly as I passed them, trying to calm my racing heart. But as soon as I opened them, I crashed into somethin — solid. My face hitting it directly.

I dropped the two books I was holding, and they fell to the floor with a thud.

Flustered, I quickly bent down to grab them— only to realize the person I bumped into had done the same. Before I could react, our heads knocked together.

"Aw..." I muttered, rubbing my forehead.

I looked up and saw Garett— the basketball team captain and the campus's number one playboy.

He was holding my test paper in one hand, staring at it like he'd just discovered buried treasure. His jaw had literally dropped.

"Can I have my test paper back?" I asked.

Instead of handing it over right away, he looked at me, baffled. "How did you do this?" he asked as he finally returned it.

What just happened? And why is this guy suddenly talking to me?

I shot him a quick glance before tucking my test paper inside my book. "I studied."

I tried to walk past him, but he moved, blocking my path. I looked up, feeling ridiculously small next to his towering frame—I barely reached his shoulder.

"Excuse me."

Instead of moving, he leaned down, bringing our faces level. Then, he flashed his famous rakish grin, ran a hand through his hair, and propped his elbow against the wall.

What is wrong with this guy? Is this how he gets all the girls on campus?

Ugh. No, thanks.

"I need a favor," he said casually.

I frowned. "And what exactly is that?"

"I'll pay you anything in return..." He tapped the tip of my nose lightly. "Just tutor me for the midterm exam."

I scoffed and shook my head. "I'm busy. And I don't need your money."

I turned around, but Garett still followed me, stepping in front of me again to block my path.

"It doesn't have to be money," he said with a smirk. "You can ask me for anything in return..."

"Okay. Then I ask you to get lost." I shot back.

Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away— fast. After a few steps, I glanced over my shoulder and sighed in relief. He wasn't following me anymore.

What a complete flirt. Did he really think every girl in this school was falling at his feet?

*****

I made my way down the hallway, still processing what had just happened. It was the first time I'd ever spoken like that... and for once, I didn't feel nervous or intimidated.

I shrugged it off and headed to my unit. It used to be Mom's place back when she was in college. My older brother, Elliot and our childhood friend Liam, also stayed here for a while.

When I started my freshman year, they decided to rent an apartment with their basketball teammates instead. Now, I shared the place with Elona my bestfriend.

"Hey? I'm home." I knocked on Elona room's before heading to my own room.

I was taking off my clothes, when Elona to walked in. She’s all dressed up— wearing a short black sleeveless dress and thigh-high boots. She also had heavy makeup on.

Back in high school, Elona wasn't like this. She was bubbly, yes, but not a party girl. Now, she's out at a different party every night. She always invites me to come along, but I always refuse.

Aside from the fact that I can't handle big crowds because of a past panic attack, I'm also afraid of being around drunk people and alcohol. It makes me feel unsafe— I don't know...

My parents is not that strict. They didn’t stopped me from going to parties like that. But they always reminded me to never drink anything unless I know exactly where it came from, and never, under any circumstances, try illegal substances. Not that I ever had the slightest interest in them.

"Where are you off to?" I asked Elona, confused.

"Jen's party. You remember her, right? My classmate from one of my subjects? It's her birthday. Come with me?"

I shook my head. "You know I'm not sociable. If I go, you'll just end up worrying about me the whole time."

She rolled her eyes. "Fine! That just means we'll be together there!"

"I'm good here. I've been wanting to watch this series anyway." I pulled on my oversized sweatshirt.

Elona sat on my bed and pouted. "We just finished our exams. We deserve a break! Come on, let's go!"

"I am taking a break—"

"Oh, please. Watching some boring series doesn't count."

"It's not boring. It's actually really good."

She huffed. "Whatever! If you don't come with me, I'll start flirting with your brother. You dont want me as your sister-in-law, do you?" She smirked, playfully.

I laughed. "Please, you'd just be another one of his playthings. You know he's still crazy about Shannon."

Shannon is one of our childhood friend.

Elona frowned and crossed her arms. She's had a crush on my brother for as long as I can remember. Even back in grade school, she never tried to hide it.

But my brother? He only sees one girl—Shannon. She's been separated from her boyfriend for a long time, yet she still hasn't moved on. All my brother can do is wait and hope.

It's sad, but honestly? It's pathetic. Why hold on to someone who may never love you back? And what if her ex comes back? He'd just end up hurting himself because, let's be real, Shannon would still choose him.

"Just come with me already!" Elona insisted. "I swear, we won't stay long."

"You know I'm not into that stuff, Elona. I'll just end up coughing from all the cigarette smoke."

"We'll only be there for thirty minutes, tops. Please?" She grabbed my arm. "Can you really let your best friend go alone? What if something happens to me?"

"Then don't go—"

"But I am going. So you might as well come with me. Or do I need to remind you how many times I defended you from bullies back then?" She smirked.

I sighed and shook my head. "Alright, fine. But we're not staying long."

She squealed and hugged me tight. "I swear we won't stay long!"

*****

LOUD party music blasted in the air as we stepped out of the Uber I had booked. People were coming and going through the large gate of the three-story house, laughter and chatter blending with the beat.

As soon as we walked in, I scrunched my nose and coughed. The heavy mix of cigarette smoke, perfume, and sweat was suffocating. The living room was packed with people drinking, dancing, and shouting over the music. The air was thick with heat and noise.

"El, I think I'll just wait outside." I could barely breathe. The smell and the loud music were too much.

Elona, who was leading me through the crowd while holding my hand, turned to look at me. "Go to the backyard instead. It's cooler there. Come on, I'll take you."

"I can go by myself," I assured her.

She shook her head. "I'm coming with you—"

She didn't get to finish her sentence when Sean— her new boyfriend, suddenly appeared.

In our two years of college, my best friend had gone through multiple relationships. Meanwhile, I was still stuck at zero.

"Hey, sexy," he murmured, grabbing her ass before kissing her.

Just like that, I no longer existed in their world.

"I'll go outside," I muttered.

I didn't wait for a response and headed straight to the backyard. There were still people around, but not nearly as many as inside. The music was quieter, and the air felt fresher.

I sat down on an empty couch, glancing around. A small group of guys in varsity jackets stood a few steps away, talking and laughing.

I froze the moment I recognized Dustin.

My heart pounded in my chest. He's here!

His head turned in my direction, but I wasn't sure if he was actually looking at me or at someone behind me. So I stayed still, pretending not to notice.

Then, he waved.

I didn't move. I wasn't even sure if it was meant for me. But when I saw him start walking toward me, I quickly looked away. I didn't want to embarrass myself—what if he was approaching someone else?

"Are you alone?"

Slowly, I lifted my gaze.

And there he was... standing right in front of me.

And not just that— he was talking to me!

"Mercer, right? We're classmates in Literature—Mrs. Dorothy's class."

Say something! Or he'll think you're a total weirdo and never talk to you again!

"U-Uh... y-yeah..." I stammered, nodding like an i***t. "I-I remember you..."

His lips curled into a smile. "Oh, really? So, are you here alone? Or are you with someone?"

"She's with me," a voice cut in before I could answer, making me turn.

The moment I saw who it was, my brows knitted together.

Garett Hayes?