❝And the moon taught her, the art of breathing through eclipse❞

A thick cloud of humidity scorched, but, everyone was too engrossed in the game to even care about that. The croaky voice of the announcer, continuously shouting the scores and comments through the mic and cheers ringing in the gym, did wonders to raise everyone's spirit.

For the first time, I was excited to be there, to watch their match and stand in the bleachers to show my support, wearing Ethan's jersey.

Maria had given me the dirtiest look she possessed when she saw me, but, I didn't give her a single fuck, because I was floating on a cloud of bliss.

The place was packed with students and family members, buzzing and buzzing. Students from the other colleges were there too, supporting the rival team. Although, some girls just screamed without caring which team got the point as long as they saw a hot guy scoring.

On my feet, I too cheered for the team and felt a grin tugged on my lips when Ethan noticed me in the bleachers and winked at me. Pretty sure, my heart forgot to beat for a second.

"You guys are so cute, it's almost disgusting" Maria snorted, clearly catching our little exchange.

"I don't see anyone asking for your opinion" I rolled my eyes, though still rocking the smile and yelled when Finn snatched the ball.

"Whatever. But now, you look hot as fuck when you are happy or maybe that's because you are just thoroughly fucked"

"You are full of crap" Lamely I muttered, giving her a death glare, but I knew my cheeks were heating up and her growing smirk was a confirmation.

"Whoa, dude. Are you blushin'? Must be all tha--"

"One more word and I'll fucking forget, you are my best friend" I growled under my breath.

Maria let out a laugh and said "Calm down tiger. You'll be needing all that energy when you are fin-"

Her words came to a stop when she took in my scowl as she raised her hand and gesture to zip her lips, but, her eyes were still swimming in a pool of amusement.

"I fucking hate you sometimes"

"Keep lying to yourself, baby"

Maria was laughing to herself, apparently taking a rise out of me was her new favorite game. She had been spending too much time with Ethan.

Since when did they become all buddy-buddy?

"Y'know if Ethan was out of the picture, I would've shipped you guys" Sharon's voice chimed from the back as Kate groaned, muttering something in-between game and bitches.

Poor girl was trying her best to focus on the game.

That made Maria smirk bigger, "Told you we are fucking adorable together, too bad you don't roll that way"

I let out a snort, giving her shoulder a playful punch.

Feeling a strange sense of being watched, I looked around with a confused expression and spotted Ericka, at the corner.

Offering me a small wave, she motioned me to come over. An awkward smile came over my face, as I made my way towards her, after letting Maria know. A nod is all I got.

"So, you and Ethan huh?" Ericka asked, gesturing towards the jersey added my upper body as soon I stopped in front of her.

Not wanting to give away my uneasiness, I just shrugged "It kinda happened"

Ericka looked at me through her eyelashes with a guileful expression, as if she knew something I didn't and let out "Yeah, that's what they all say. I always knew you two would be a great team"

Her words recalled my memories as I quickly asked her "About that. What happened to that waste of space your ex-boyfriend? What was his name again? Brad?"

She giggled showing crooked teeth and waved off "Brent and he's been taken care of. Don't worry"

"Sounds sketchy" I raised an eyebrow.

"It's not. He's is prison for possessing white powder enough to turn the entire human race into addicts and oh, also for blackmailing" Her voice oozed satisfaction and a sound of victory as she flipper her dark hair.

I let out a throaty chuckle, claiming her satisfaction "Serves him righ--"

A deafening thunder of cheers ripped from the crowd, like an earthquake as my head jerked towards the score board. Holy hell. HOLY HELL.

"Yo mama! We won, we fucking won. My mans did it. Someone bring the bottle pleeasse!!" Maria swayed on the bleachers, screaming on the top of her lungs.

For someone who didn't like basketball, she surely know how to enjoy a game.

Turning towards me, Maria grinned tossing her fist in the air and did a weird dance step, completely oblivious of the eyes on her.

"It was meant to be. Their team sucks" I heard Ericka comment from my side.

Nodding in agreement, I turned to face her, murmuring "Yeah, they are just pretty faces"

A mischievous glint crossed her eyes as she said "And hot bods. Anyway, Winter I'll see you around. Need to make sure if those players can score in bed too or not. You coming to the party?"

"I doubt it, but good luck"

I stood stunned, completely motionless when Ericka went in for a hug. Her strong perfume almost suffocated me as I awkwardly patted her back.

After we bid farewell, I decided to go back to the girls.

Avoiding the hoards of groups, I skimmed the gym looking for my people, when a strong arm came wrapping around my waist from behind and picked me up.

A smile tugged my lips as his hot breathe caressed my earlobe, "Hey Gorgeous, you look good enough to eat in my jersey"

I let out a chuckle and just as he put him down, I twirled around to find his adoration filled eyes.

"Why, thank you Mr. Keyes. I was hoping you would like it" Looping my arms around his neck, I whispered.

It's moment like these when I just forget about my surroundings. When he is in front my eyes, nothing else matters and I could feel the flower of contentment bloom in my chest.

And when he is out of my sight, I want him right back there. Maybe it's intense fondness or the fear of losing him, whatever it is, I don't like to dwell on it much.

He is just.

His chest vibrated lightly against mine, when he rasped "But, babe I love it"

"I know you do. Congratulations on your win by the way, you were amazing out there"

I love how his eyes shines brighter when someone mentions his passion. The game he breathed, what he lived for.

And, it made me the happiest, witnessing the same brightness in his eyes as he looks at me like that.

"Thanks, it's all because you were here wearing that, to be honest. Need to show people, who's name on it" He nuzzled his nose against my cheek and I closed my eyes feeling his stubble tickle my skin.

Just for a moment.

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU GUYS DOING?! GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF EACH OTHER"

As fast as Usain bolt, Maria came like a breeze and tore us apart. Jumping away from him, I tried to control my heart, hammering in my rib cage.

"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?" Ethan growled at Maria.

There was a smug smirk on her face as she waved him off, "Nothing is wrong with me, hun. Just do all your lovey dovey stuff behind closed doors. I can't see my friend being molested by you"

My boyfriend looked adorable as he grumbled crossing his arms over his chest, but, I didn't tell him that. He didn't like being called adorable. That word is only saved for me, his words not mine.

"Damn, you are cruel" Alex mused, walking up to us and that's when realization hit me, that everyone had indeed witness everything.

"Oh, shut those nonsensical talks, you all. We are going to par-teh" Nate howled, throwing her arm around Alex's shoulder and practically hanging himself to him.

"Nah, I am too tired" He grunted.

Theodore, who couldn't even stand straight without Kate's support agreed, "Same. I can't move an inch"

Not hiding my laughter, I stepped towards Ethan and raised an eyebrow. What about you?

He didn't reply, just pulled me against himself, but maintained few inches distance when Maria shot him a glare.

"Too bad, we have organised a party at Finn's place. Thank fuck, that bitch always have an empty place" Nate chimed.

Perked up at his name, Finn retorted "I feel used"

Making weird kiss faces, Nate moved towards him, "Oh come on, babe. What are friends for, if not helping each other out?"

Putting his palm over Nate's face, he stopped him from coming any closer and rolled his eyes, "Yeah yeah whatever, just stop it. I don't want girls to think, I have a boyfriend or something"

"Don't you, though?" Maria wiggled her eyebrows in a very dirty manner. What has gotten into her?

"I am straight as a boner, want to see?"

"Gross. You need to work on yourself. Is that how you invite girls home? Hey, listen I got a dick, want to see?"

Theodore and Ethan didn't hide their chuckles as Maria stood there with a wicked smile, although Finn looked unbothered whatsoever.

"That was kinda harsh" Nate muttered, before continuing "Anyway, let's get going. We have a party to attend. You girls will be coming right?"

"Please, don't sound so excited. Like always, this party too would be all about getting drunk and high" Kate let out a sigh.

"That's right, babe. We're getting drunk tonight" Maria cheered.

"Well, I am gonna go and get dressed. Someone please spread the word and Ethan? Don't forget to invite those guys from the other team" Nate instructed Ethan collecting his stuff, to which Ethan just hummed.

That's when a thought crossed my mind and I spoke up, "Hey Finn? Can I invite someone too?"

He looked at me for a solid five seconds with a funny look, then finally rolled his eyes, his lips forming into an excited grin.

"Of course, why the hell are you even askin'? Invite whoever you want. Tonight will be so much fun."

Ahm

it's been so long - I can't even say that cause it's been longer than that.

I honestly have no idea what to say or any explanation to give you guys. 2019 is about to end soon and oh my god, that was one chaotic year. So much has happened, but, you don't need to know that.

As I promised you, I am not leaving this story or you all, but I need time, which I rarely have nowadays. Second thing, I've completely destroyed my creativity lol but I am planning to write more from now on.

I hope wherever you are, you are happy, warm and content. Also, happy new year, may you have an amazing year ahead (What a joke)

Stay safe and smile more. Welcome your new year with a dazzling smile.

Love, Zee..