For the next ninety minutes, my attention's split between the game and the steady beat of my heart. The noise, the chants, the field—all of it feels different from the sidelines. And even though she can't see me, a part of me hopes she knows I'm here.
As the final whistle blows and Arsenal claims victory, the crowd surges with cheers. The players begin their slow walk around the pitch, waving and clapping to thank the fans. I stand up, moving a bit closer to the edge, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.
When Kyra's side of the pitch comes into view, she's waving to the fans with her usual mix of focus and humility. Then, as she scans the crowd, her eyes land on me. Her expression shifts, first into confusion and then surprise, before a grin starts to spread across her face. She nudges one of her teammates, who gives me a wave as well, and then Kyra mouths, What are you doing here?
I just shrug with a mischievous smile, motioning for her to keep going. Kyra's eyes roll, but she gives me a thumbs-up before continuing her lap with the team, though I catch her glancing back a couple of times.
When the team finishes their walk, Kyra disappears down the tunnel with the rest. I make my way towards the exit, figuring we might meet up later, but a few minutes later, I get a text.
Kyra: Wait there, don't leave yet.
Grinning, I tuck my phone away and linger by the lounge entrance, watching as fans slowly start to disperse.
As I wait, a few people start to recognize me, pointing and whispering. Before I know it, a small group has gathered around, politely asking for photos. I smile, posing with a few fans. They're friendly, but of course, the questions start, especially about the rumors.
"So, where's Leah?" one of them asks with a grin, and I can feel a smirk pulling at my lips.
"Oh, she's busy tonight," I reply casually. "You know, we can't be together all the time."
Everyone laughs, but I can sense the curiosity behind their smiles. Ever since Leah and I went on that night out and the internet found out, there's been no end to the speculation. Every time we're seen together, people start talking. And then the rumors about me being a lesbian only made the story juicier. Somehow, the narrative that we're a couple has taken on a life of its own. There are even fan pages dedicated to us, filled with comments, theories, and edited photos of us together.
"Are you her girlfriend?" someone else asks, clearly hoping for some insider info.
I shake my head, laughing. "Leah and I are just friends." It's the truth, though I know that won't stop anyone from speculating.
A few more fans snap photos, and I chat with them for a while, answering harmless questions about racing and casually dodging any more personal questions. It's flattering, but at the same time, I can't help but feel a little exasperated. It's like every close friendship I have gets overanalyzed.
Just as I'm finishing up, I hear footsteps approaching and turn to see Leah, still in her kit, her face flushed from the game. She stops short when she sees me with the fans and raises an eyebrow.
She rushes over, wrapping me in a warm hug that takes me by surprise.
"Bee ! I can't believe you're here!" she exclaims, pulling back to look at me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Kyra's in the shower and told me to come get you."
"Of course she did," I chuckle, feeling a mix of warmth and relief at seeing her. "I'm glad you're here. It's a bit crazy out here."
Leah nods, glancing at the small crowd still gathering for photos. "Yeah, I can see that. Come on, let's get you settled."