The moment Hanna stepped onto the volleyball court, the tension was unmistakable. This wasn’t just a game anymore, not with Emily standing on the opposite side, alongside Ciara. And Elordi was there cheering for them. Hanna’s stomach twisted as she lined up with her team. For years, she, Emily, and Elordi had been an unstoppable trio, their chemistry effortless. Now, that connection felt broken, like a friendship frayed beyond repair.
The inter-sports event had always been their thing. But this year, everything had changed. Hanna caught Emily’s eye briefly, but Emily’s expression was steely—focused, determined. It wasn’t the look of a friendly competitor; it was something colder.
The whistle blew, and the match began. Villebey, Emily’s new team, quickly dominated the court. Emily was sharp, setting up perfect volleys, and Ciara capitalized on every opportunity. Hanna could feel the pressure building as Ciara repeatedly aimed her spikes directly at her.
Smack. The ball whizzed toward Hanna again. She lunged for it, barely managing to save it, but the return was weak. Her team struggled to send it back over the net, and Villebey easily slammed it home.
"Nice try, loser," Ciara called mockingly from across the net, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Better luck next time."
Hanna’s jaw clenched, but she didn’t respond. She couldn’t. The game was slipping through her fingers, and Ciara was enjoying every second of it.
As the game wore on, Ciara’s attacks became more targeted, more vicious. Every spike, every serve seemed aimed right at Hanna. It wasn’t long before her frustration boiled over. After missing another crucial shot, she finally snapped.
Hanna stormed toward the net, her eyes locked on Ciara. "What’s your problem, huh?" she demanded, her voice shaking with anger. "Why are you making this personal?"
Ciara smirked, her expression full of contempt. "My problem is you, Hanna. You think you can just take whatever you want? You might have Finn wrapped around your finger, but you’re not winning this game."
Hanna’s fists clenched at her sides, but before she could respond, the referee blew the whistle, calling the teams back into position.
Emily, who had been watching the exchange, caught Hanna’s eye for a brief second. There was something unreadable in her gaze—anger, maybe regret. But Emily turned back to her team without saying a word, leaving Hanna standing there, feeling more alone than ever.
The game continued, but Hanna’s focus was slipping. The relentless hits, Ciara’s words, Emily’s coldness—it was all too much. By the time the final serve was hit, Hanna barely registered it as the ball flew past her and hit the floor.
Game over.
Villebey erupted in cheers, with Ciara leading the victory chants, her smug grin never leaving her face. Emily gave a small, obligatory cheer, but she didn’t join in with Ciara’s enthusiasm. She didn’t even glance at Hanna as the teams shook hands.
Hanna, feeling the weight of defeat, barely touched Ciara’s hand as they crossed paths.
"Better luck next time," Ciara whispered, just loud enough for Hanna to hear.