Academic lovers

15 | Game day

The air is crisp and cool, with a slight breeze rustling through the air. The sky is overcast, casting a grey hue over the field. As we make our way to the stands, I can see my breath in the chilly air. The smell of freshly popped popcorn fills the stadium, tempting my taste buds.

I can hear the vendors shouting, "Get your hot popcorn here!" and "Cold drinks, get 'em while they're icy!"

I smiled. Everyone is bundled up in cozy jackets, scarves, and hats, trying to stay warm. The stands are filled with purple and white, which are the school's colours.

The cheerleaders are in full swing, performing their routines on the sidelines, while the mascot is doing flips all around the place.

The ticket booth is bustling with activity, with people lining up to buy their tickets and get into the game. I spotted Roman standing next to the booth, holding a chequebook, while Myvy stood beside him, giving me a friendly wave as soon as she saw me. I returned the gesture with a wave of my own.

"This is amazing, guys." Khelani squealed as she turned around excitedly.

I couldn't help but let out a deep sigh, a smile spreading across my face. This was truly amazing. I had never attended a football game before, always finding an excuse to skip the ones hosted by our school. However, in this moment, I realized just how much I had been missing out on.

As we found our spots on the bleachers, Ciara made a quick detour to grab some popcorn for all of us. I settled into my seat and let my eyes wander across the field.

"Looking for Aiden?" Kehlani perched beside me.

"No, I was just looking around." I stammered

"No need to lie, Zhera; look, he's right there."

I followed her pointed finger, and there he was, sitting on the sidelines.

Aiden's legs were bouncing up and down, his face etched with a serious expression as his eyes remained fixed on the field. His jersey clung to his body, accentuating his physique. His chest rose and fell slowly as he immersed himself in the moment.

Suddenly, our eyes locked, and I blinked. This was the first time we saw each other since he was at my house. His expression immediately changed, the corners of his lips curling up.

Aiden gracefully rose from his seat and waved in my direction, prompting a chorus of excited squeals from the girls surrounding me.

"Oh my, he's waving over here!" one girl exclaimed, fanning her face.

"I know. Do you think he's waving at me?" Another girl whispered with hopeful excitement.

"Please, he's definitely waving at me," a third girl chimed in confidently.

I lightly waved back at him. Aiden mouthed the words, "You're all better now," and I nodded in agreement. With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, he raised his thumbs up and accompanied it with a playful wink.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his antics while the girls around me erupted into squeals.

"Why's everyone squealing like a bunch of pigs?" Ciara said as she handed us our popcorn. Sitting down beside Khelani

Suddenly, the crowd quiets down, indicating that the game is about to start. The players start to warm up as the coaches are talking.

"Oh, it looks like it's starting." Kehlani said, pinching my arm. I wince, slapping her buttery fingers off.

The wind cuts through the air, causing a gentle whistle that adds to the atmosphere. The players take the field, their breath forming small clouds as they finish warming up.

The sound of the referee's whistle pierces through the silence, signalling the start of the game. The first kickoff sends a collective cheer echoing through the stands, mingling with the crisp autumn breeze.

I could see Aiden swarming through the field as he caught the ball. Even though he had the same uniform as everyone else, he still stood out, mostly because of the big number 1 behind his jersey.

I know he forced the school to give him one.

As the first half drew to a close, neither team managed to score. The players made their way to the sides.

Aiden swiftly removed his helmet, vigorously shaking his head to free himself from its confines. Beads of sweat cascaded down his face, and he reached for his shirt to wipe away the moisture, inadvertently revealing his chiselled abs.

The sight elicited an eruption of excitement from the stands, with high-pitched squeals filling the air. I could see him smirking; he definitely did that on purpose.

"This guy knows what he's doing." Kehlani said while fanning herself with a whistle.

I shook my head, muttering,Cocky bastard."

I glanced to my right, noticing Ciara's silence. "What's the matter, C?".

"Oh, it's nothing. I just have to take this phone call," Ciara replied, her tone slightly distracted.

"Make it quick; the next match is about to start." Kehlani exclaimed as she took a huge chuck of Ciara's popcorn.

Ciara shot her a glare, and I laughed.

"God, it's freezing," I muttered, rubbing my hands together.

"I told you to wear something heavier, but no, you wanted to look all cute and fashionable. Now look where it got you," Kehlani scoffed, adjusting her huge puffer jacket snugly around her.

"Sorry, mom," I responded sarcastically, rolling my eyes. Just then, my phone rang. What a coincidence.

I excused myself. "Hello?"

"Where are you, young lady?"

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