She just loved his traits the first day she saw him, 'cause he had the height, the voice, the attitude, and the actions to match. You just loved who he was. This was the first time Kylie laid eyes on her upperclassman, Devon—a tall, thick guy who played basketball both in and out of school. Devon was the captain of the basketball team at their Academy, where sports meant everything.
They first spoke after bumping into each other—Devon's sportswear fell to the ground, and Kylie had to apologise for the accident. Devon also apologised, and when he realised he didn't know her name, she introduced herself.
Kylie: I'm sorry for bumping into you… you know, I get clumsy when I'm stressed.
Devon: Oh, don't worry. It was my bad for not moving out of your way…?
Kylie: …Kylie.
Devon: Okey dokey… Kylie. I'm sorry once again. And if you're stressed, you can come spar with me—since I'm training on my own, maybe it'll help you release some of that tension.
Kylie: I'd like to join you, but I'm not into sports, nor do I know anything about basketball. Plus, the rumours around the academy say you basketball guys lure girls with your abs and athleticism to sleep with them and then ghost them. So, sorry—I'll pass.
(Starts to walk away.)
Devon: And in all those rumours, have you ever heard my name being mentioned as one of those guys?
Kylie: No, I haven't. But if you're the captain, then you're probably the one doing it the most. Always flirting with girls—makes you seem like a proper perv.
Devon: Fair enough, you got me there. Yeah, I flirt. But have you ever asked those who hit on me my response? Some say I'm cold. Others think I'm gay. So it's up to you—believe the gossip or find out for yourself who the captain really is.
Kylie: You make a fair point. I'll give what you're saying a chance. But only if you're gonna teach me how to play first—'cause a rookie like me can't just spar with someone on your level.
Devon: Don't worry, I got you. Just relax. I ain't gonna do anything bad to you—even if rumours say my boys are wild.
(Devon started teaching her how to play. They sparred a bit, not strictly by the rules. After a while, Devon noticed a smile on Kylie's face—that smile brought the session to a close.)
Devon: Oh, and by the way—I'm Devon. Nice to meet you, Kylie.
Kylie: Nice to meet you too, Devon.
Devon: Same time tomorrow, yeah?
(Kylie ran off to her dorm. Devon headed back too—both smiling, knowing they'd met someone special.)
In Devon's apartment on campus...
Devon lived alone in a one-bedroom flat with a private bathroom and living room. His family was wealthy, owning some of the biggest construction agencies in the country—so affording a private apartment was easy.
That afternoon, Devon couldn't stop thinking about Kylie—especially her masculine chin, which he found oddly attractive. Then it hit him: he didn't get her number. That realisation bugged him—it was a missed chance. Living solo, it would've been nice to have her over. Underneath that cold exterior, maybe there was a little bit of love left in him after all.
In Kylie's dorm later that night...
(After her shower, she returned to the bedroom where her roommates were.)
Kim: Am I the only one noticing our always-stressed Kylie on a smile marathon this evening?
Chloe: Oh, so you saw it too—she's been beaming since she walked in.
Petrina: Haven't you two heard the latest scoop?
Kim & Chloe: What's the tea, sis? Hit us up.
Petrina: The school media team was making rounds—you know their leader, Raya? The billionaire's daughter who's mad for Devon? She went to film him training, but guess who she caught smiling and laughing with him? Our dear Kylie.
Kim & Chloe: Mmm mmm.
Kim: Huh… you serious?
Petrina: Why would I lie to my crime sisters? Check the Class B-1 group chat—the video's there.
Chloe & Kim: Kylie… is it true? You were with that rich, cold-hearted baller who flirts with all the girls but never dates any of them—let alone smile outside court?
Kylie: Don't say it like that. We just bumped into each other. He noticed I was stressed and offered to help. That's all.
Chloe: But that's not what the media group's saying... (smirking)
Kylie: Leave me alone, girls—I'm off to bed. (snaps, sounding annoyed)
Kim: Aww, baby girl, don't be like that. (hugs her from behind) At least tell us—did you get his number?
Kylie: (sighs) I didn't. I rushed off to avoid gossip like this.
Petrina: (shaking her head) Girl... you did that? Sorry, but it's time we gave you "the talk."
Kylie: Thanks, but no thanks. I don't need "the talk."
(Muttering to herself, Kylie heads to her room despite the girls wanting to chat more.)
The Next Day...
During her free period, Kylie decided to find Devon and clear things up with the media staff. She went to his class—only to find they also had a free period, and Devon wasn't around. She checked the basketball court. It was empty. Just as she was about to leave—bam—she bumped into Devon again.
Kylie: Please tell the media staff to take down that video. It's a violation of privacy.
Devon: Chill, it's sorted. No need to stress.
Kylie: If you say so, then I'm good. I'm off to class—see you when I see you, yeah?
Devon: So... I'm not seeing you later for training, then?
Kylie: Yeah, sorry. I don't want more rumours messing up my rep on campus.
Devon: What the f—... never mind. Anything goes, yeah.
Kylie: Yeah, sure.
Devon: See you never, then. I'ma holla at you.
(They both walked off, preparing for their last session before the school term ends.)