The Guardian of Room F

The entire school was buzzing with excitement over the big basketball match against Westfield Academy. It wasn't just any game—it was the first time Zayn Monteverde would be playing for San Isidro, and almost every girl was talking about him.

"I swear, Lira, if you don't come to the game, I'm disowning you as my best friend," Mara declared dramatically as they walked to their next class.

Lira sighed. "I never said I wasn't going."

Mara grinned. "Good. Because you need to witness your future boyfriend in action."

Lira choked on air. "Excuse me?! Who said anything about that?"

Mara just wiggled her eyebrows. "Girl, please. You think I don't notice the way he looks at you?"

Lira shook her head. "You're imagining things."

But before Mara could argue, the crowd in the hallway suddenly parted. Zayn was walking toward them, dressed in his basketball jersey, looking effortlessly cool as always. Girls whispered as he passed by.

"OMG, he's so hot."

"I bet he's the star player."

"I wish he'd look at me like that."

Lira rolled her eyes at the dramatic reactions—until she realized Zayn was walking straight toward her.

He stopped right in front of her, his sharp eyes locking onto hers.

"You're coming to the game, right?" His voice was smooth, casual, but there was something teasing in his tone.

Lira blinked. "Uh… yeah, I guess."

Zayn smirked. "Good. Try not to fall for me while you're watching."

Mara gasped. "OH. MY. GOSH."

Lira, on the other hand, felt her face heat up. "What—?! I—?! That's—"

But before she could even form a proper sentence, Zayn had already walked away, leaving her standing there, completely flustered.

Mara grabbed her arm, practically shaking her. "GIRL. WHAT WAS THAT?!"

Lira groaned, covering her face. "I don't know!!"

Mara giggled. "I told you he was into you."

Lira shook her head. "No way. He's just… like that."

But deep inside, she wasn't so sure anymore.

Later That Afternoon – Game Time

The entire gym was packed. The crowd was loud, cheering and chanting for their team. Lira and Mara sat near the front, surrounded by excited students.

The game started fast. Zayn was quick on his feet, weaving through defenders with ease. Every time he scored, the entire gym went wild.

Mara nudged Lira. "Tell me you're not at least a little impressed."

Lira huffed. "He's good. So what?"

But then, as if on cue, Zayn glanced toward the bleachers, his gaze landing directly on her. A small smirk played on his lips before he turned back to the game.

Mara screamed. "LIRA. DID YOU SEE THAT?! HE LOOKED RIGHT AT YOU."

Lira's heart was pounding.

And that's when it happened.

Jace, who was also on their team, went for the ball at the same time as Zayn. Their bodies collided, and in an instant, Zayn lost his balance.

The entire gym gasped as he crashed to the floor, clutching his shoulder.

Lira's heart stopped.

"Zayn!"

The referee blew the whistle as players gathered around him. Jace scratched his head. "My bad, bro."

Zayn groaned, sitting up slowly. "It's fine."

But Lira wasn't convinced.

Before she even realized what she was doing, she was running down from the bleachers and onto the court.

She crouched beside him, her voice soft but urgent. "Are you okay?"

Zayn blinked, clearly surprised to see her so close. Then, slowly, a smirk tugged at his lips. "You were worried about me?"

Lira froze.

From the bleachers, Mara was losing her mind. "THIS IS A K-DRAMA MOMENT. I'M GONNA DIE."

Lira, completely flustered, quickly looked away. "I—I was just making sure you weren't, you know… dying."

Zayn chuckled, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine.

The coach came over, deciding to bench Zayn for the rest of the game to be safe. As Lira helped him toward the sidelines, she couldn't ignore the warmth of his hand gripping hers.

She swallowed hard. What was happening?

Zayn leaned in slightly, his voice low. "Guess I really did distract you, huh?"

Lira pulled her hand away immediately, her face burning. "Ugh! You're impossible!"

Zayn just laughed.

As she returned to her seat, her heart was still racing.

Something was definitely happening between them.

And she wasn't sure she was ready for it