Naomi Veleria's sneakers squeaked against the polished gym floor as she stormed into practice, ponytail swinging like a battle flag. The smell of varnish and sweat—the scent of war. Her heart thumped with focus, each beat syncing to the rhythm of ambition. Today wasn't just about training. It was about dominance.
The gym buzzed with chatter until Coach blew the whistle. Everyone quieted—except one. A deep chuckle cut through the silence. Naomi turned, already knowing the source.
Deryc Watson .
Leaning casually against the bleachers like he owned gravity, his smirk was borderline illegal. He twirled a basketball on one finger, eyes locked on her like he was already winning.
"Nice entrance, princess," he said. "The court's not a runway."
Naomi didn't flinch. "Jealous of the attention? I'd be, if I'd just lost three scrimmages in a row."
The team murmured. Coach raised an eyebrow. But Deryc just tossed the ball into the air and caught it with a grin.
"Takes more than trash talk to win a game."
Naomi stepped into the center circle, meeting his gaze with flame in her eyes. "Good. I brought more than trash talk."
As drills began, they were put on opposite teams—Coach wasn't stupid. Passes flew, shots landed, and Naomi moved like a hawk . But every time she glanced his way, there was Deryc, matching her energy play for play.
The tension was there —the way the gym hummed not from dazzling lights, but from the friction of two stars in rotation , destined to collide.
She hated that he was good. No, worse—he was graceful. Naomi scored twice in rapid succession, and for a moment, the court was hers. She glanced at the scoreboard, chest heaving.Then she caught Deryc's eyes again— Affectionately watching her.
The whistle blew. Practice was over.
But the season had just begun. And Naomi knew the biggest rival she'd face wasn't the tournament—it was him .
"but why is he watching me with puppy eyes." In her mind.
While she was lost in thoughts.
Someone whispered , "Good job, princess.But be careful cuz I won't let you go easy every time."
She smirked.
" You never know what happens."