Emily grabbed Bella's arm the moment they rounded the corner from the courts. "Okay, spill. What was that about?"
Bella kept walking, trying to sound casual. "What do you mean?"
Emily raised an eyebrow. "The swim team captain showing up out of nowhere, racket in hand, flashing that grin. And you, looking like you forgot how to breathe. That."
Bella rolled her eyes. "It was nothing."
"Nothing?" Emily scoffed. "Girl, that was textbook slow-burn rom-com material. You were one clever comeback away from a montage."
"He was just being Yunho," Bella muttered, cheeks still warm.
Emily nudged her. "Exactly. So why is Yunho suddenly crashing your tennis practice? Think he just woke up and decided to try something new?"
Bella stayed silent a moment too long.
"Wait, do you even know why he was there?" Emily pressed.
"He said something about cross-training," Bella shook her head, said.
Emily smirked. "And you believed him?"
Bella quickly changed the subject. "Honestly, I don't care."
Emily's grin widened. "You totally care."
Bella sighed, pulling out her water bottle. "He didn't even know me! I was just someone who 'stole' his towel at the public pool."
Emily's eyes twinkled. "Uh-huh. And your heart rate's still not normal."
Bella narrowed her eyes and gave Emily a glare. "Is this what friendship is? Public humiliation and cardio monitoring?"
Emily laughed. "Exactly. You're welcome."
Bella took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Emily stayed quiet, scrolling on her phone.
Finally, Bella eyed her suspiciously. "So, you showing up today, was it random?"
Emily clicked her phone off with a snap. "Define 'random.'"
"Emily."
She sighed. "Fine. I had a reason."
Bella raised an eyebrow. "I knew it."
Emily leaned in, conspiratorial. "You know the running club, right? The tall one who stretches like he's in a Nike ad?"
Bella frowned. "I don't even know who's in the running club."
"His name's Aiden. Aiden Park. Captain. And those cheekbones? Run so fast he looks like he's got wings on. Maybe he's angel." Emily swooned.
Bella blinked. "Oh the classmate that Jason mentioned. I wondered if Jason was trying to sound me out about him for some reason."
Emily waved it off. "Anyway, he and Jason are tight. They hang out after practice sometimes. Both train here on Tuesdays."
Bella smirked. "So you just happened to drop by and 'check on me.'"
Emily shrugged. "Taking initiative."
Bella grinned. "More like casual stalking."
Emily laughed. "Very casual. And a long shot."
"Did your long shot show?" Bella asked.
Emily glanced toward the track. "Not yet. Jason said Aiden might swing by later after practice."
Bella shook her head, laughing. "So while I'm getting emotionally ambushed by a swimmer with zero boundaries, you're low-key hoping for your own run-in?"
Emily smiled. "We all cope differently."
Bella looped her arm with Emily's. "You're unbelievable."
Emily grinned. "Denial's part of the process. Next Tuesday, we try again. I'm bringing snacks."
Bella groaned. "You're turning the sports complex into your personal dating app."
"Better than yours," Emily teased. "Yours doesn't even know it's a dating app yet."
Just then, Bella's phone beeped. She glanced down to see a message from a group chat filled with familiar names.
How was your first day? one text read.
Another popped up: Did you survive the tennis court invasion?
Bella smiled softly, fingers hovering over the keyboard. Amid all the unexpected chaos, it was a small reminder of home and that she wasn't alone.