Skylar and I make our way up the creaky bleachers, each step sending a tiny shiver through the metal beneath our feet. It's crowded and loud, the smell of popcorn and hot dogs filling the air.

Down on the field, Alex is in his element, muscles flexing and skin glistening under the warm glow of the afternoon sun. His dark hair, tied back neatly, only adds to the athletic grace with which he moves, juggling the soccer ball like it's an extension of himself. He's the picture of focus and determination, and for a moment, I'm caught up in the scene too.

But then, I catch Skylar, practically drooling over him, and I can't resist a playful jab. "Eyes back here, missy," I whisper, my voice low but teasing as I tap her arm gently.

Her response is a grin, wide and unapologetic, her laughter a melody in the noisy stands. "You know I can't help it," she says, her voice filled with laughter. "He's too damn hot."

"How are things going with the two of you?" I ask, hoping she'll finally spill. There's been a mystery around them, a little bubble of something more than casual, and it's driving me crazy not knowing.

Her smile softens, lighting up her face in a way that tells me everything and nothing all at once. "It's going... really well," she beams, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "We're taking it slow, but yeah, I think things are going well."

I grin, happy for my best friends. On the drive up here, they were flirting and roasting each other, which was adorable. They definitely have something, even if they aren't calling it anything.

"I'm glad," I reply, meaning it.

We settle into our spot just in time to see Alex gearing up, his every move precise, every step deliberate. The intensity in his eyes is a clear sign: this is more than just a game to him.

Then, as the noise around us dims and the teams prepare for kickoff, Alex's gaze sweeps the stands, finally landing on us. His serious expression breaks into a boyish grin, and he sends Skylar a wink and a playful air kiss that has her blushing and giggling like a schoolgirl.

"Oh my god," she laughs, shaking her head, but clearly loving every second of it. "He's such a dork."

I laugh, nudging her with my elbow. "You're a dork."

She grins, her gaze returning to the field.

The game starts, and Alex is a force to be reckoned with. He's fast, powerful, and has excellent control of the ball. He's in his zone, and it's impossible not to be drawn in by the sheer force of his talent.

As the game progresses, Alex's skill on the field captivates everyone, including us. Every maneuver, every strategic play, he's always two steps ahead.

The crowd is electric, their cheers fueling the players, but none more so than Alex. He commands the field, a blur of energy and precision that's mesmerizing to watch.

During a brief lull in the game, Skylar leans closer, her voice a whisper of pure admiration. "He's amazing out there, isn't he?" she whispers, her eyes shining with admiration.

I can't help but agree. "Yeah, he's owning the field. You picked a good one," I tease, bumping her shoulder lightly.

She laughs, then her expression softens into something more tender. "He makes me happy," she admits quietly, a rare vulnerability in her voice. "I haven't felt this way about someone in a long time."

I feel a warmth spread through me at her words. "I can tell. You both seem really good for each other."

The game snaps back into focus, sweeping us up in its tide. Alex, with the grace of a panther, intercepts the ball, weaving through the opposition with a dancer's finesse. The goal looms ahead, and with a heartbeat's pause and a decisive kick, the ball arcs beautifully into the net. The stadium erupts, a tidal wave of cheers and applause.

Skylar leaps up, her voice carrying above the din, "Yes, Alex!" Her pride echoes in every syllable, a radiant beam of joy across her face.

Caught in the infectious spirit of victory, I'm on my feet too, cheering, feeling every bit as triumphant as if I'd scored the goal myself. As the noise ebbs, I catch Skylar's eye, her happiness mirroring the brilliance of the stadium lights. It's clear—this is far more than a casual crush; she's tumbling headlong into uncharted emotional depths.

The final whistle blows, signaling the end of the game. Alex's team has won, and the players are engulfed in a sea of high fives and congratulatory embraces. As the crowd begins to disperse, Alex makes his way towards the stands, his eyes searching for us.

When he finally reaches us, his smile is wide, his excitement matching ours. "Did you see that goal?" he asks, a playful arrogance in his tone.

Skylar rolls her eyes, but her affection is evident. "Hard to miss with you hogging the spotlight," she retorts, but her arm slips around his waist in a gentle hug.

Stepping back, I give them their moment, my heart swelling with happiness for them. "You killed it out there, Alex," I chime in, my words genuine.

"Thanks," he grins, pulling Skylar closer. "All thanks to my lucky charm here."

Skylar smiles, leaning against him, and the two exchange a look that speaks volumes. I can tell they are both more into whatever is going on between them than what they're admitting to. Maybe they don't even know, maybe they are oblivious to the depth of their feelings toward the other. This is going to be fun to watch play out. They're head over hills and don't even realize it. It's like watching a slow dance of realization, both teetering on the edge of something deeper. The unfolding drama is better than any rom-com, and I'm here for it, popcorn in hand.

Alex turns to me, his gaze softening. He pulls me into a tight hug with his free arm, his voice quiet and serious.

"Thank you for being here, Em. It means a lot," he says, his tone filled with sincerity.

I squeeze him back, touched by his words. "Of course," I say, knowing that he needs this support from his friends. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

I've missed spending time with my friends. The wedding took up a lot of my time, and now there's Ares. He hasn't exactly stopped me from seeing them, but I had been spending all my free time with him. Now I don't have much time for anything outside of everything else I have going on. Have I put too much on my plate? My friends had taken a backseat, an unintentional consequence of my tunnel vision. A pang of guilt twinges at the realization—have I been neglecting these moments?

Alex's grip tightens, and I can't help but smile. He's not always good with expressing his feelings, but I can tell that he appreciates us being here for him.

After a minute, Alex releases me and turns to Skylar. "Ready to celebrate?" he asks, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Skylar nods, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Lead the way," she says, her voice full of amusement.

The three of us walk out of the stadium, the energy of the crowd still buzzing in the air. We pile into Alex's Jeep, the mood light and carefree.

"So where to, soccer boy?" Skylar asks, turning in her seat to face him.

Alex's smile is all the answer we need, his excitement palpable. "Downtown. The team's meeting up to celebrate—properly."

Skylar's expression lights up, and she shoots me a knowing look. "Sounds like a party," she says, the smile on her face widening.

I smile back, sharing her enthusiasm. It's been a while since we've had a night out, and I'm ready to let loose and have some fun.

"That's the plan," Alex replies, his focus on the road. "We're going to celebrate a hell of a game, and then we're going to party like the champions we are."

I laugh, loving his confidence. Alex is a natural born athlete. He's always been one of the best at whatever sport he plays. It's no surprise that he's so good at soccer.

"Well, then, what are we waiting for?" Skylar's voice is laced with excitement.

"Absolutely nothing," Alex shoots back, his smirk a perfect match for hers.

I laugh, shaking my head. "I'm not sure if I should be worried or excited," I joke. The truth is, with these two, it's bound to be an unforgettable night. My two best friends, and my two worst influences.

As we drive, the conversation shifts from the game to the night ahead. Skylar and Alex tease and bicker, their playful banter lightening the mood. I find myself relaxing, enjoying their company and the excitement of a night out.

A quick pit stop at the hotel allows us to transition from game day to glamour.

Skylar's dress is short and flirty, her heels adding an extra edge to her outfit. She puts her hair up in a sexy messy bun, her makeup flawless. Her sharp facial features are on full display. She's the epitome of a gorgeous, sexy woman.

I slip into a bodycon dress, the fabric hugging my curves. My hair falls in soft waves, and I apply a touch of makeup, accentuating my features. I put on a pair of heels, and I'm ready to go. I snap a quick picture and send it to Ares.

The three of us look good. Like, really good. It's going to be a wild night.

We climb back into Alex's Jeep and head to the club. It's only a short drive, and before we know it, we're pulling up to the venue.

"Are you ladies ready to party?" Alex asks, his grin wide.

"Hell yeah!" Skylar replies, her enthusiasm matching his.

I nod, feeling a rush of excitement.

As I step out of the Jeep, my phone buzzes—a message from Ares that sends warmth flooding through me.

Ares: That dress. I want to rip it off of you.

Me: What would you do then?

Ares: I'd lick every inch of you.

I feel a rush of heat and I know I'm blushing.

"Who's got you all hot and bothered?" Skylar asks, noticing the blush on my cheeks.

"No one," I say, aiming for casual but my cheeks betray me with their flush.

"It's clearly someone," Skylar presses, a mischievous smile on her face.

"Just a guy I'm texting," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Ooo, who is it?" she probes, leaning in with a grin that knows too much.

"It's no one," I say, not wanting to reveal anything.

"Come on, Em. You can tell me," Skylar insists, her curiosity evident.

I hesitate, unsure if I should tell her. I know she won't stop asking until I give her something.

"I don't know, it's still kind of new," I say, mimicking what I told Alex.

"Okay, well, when are you going to introduce him to me?" Skylar asks, her excitement growing.

I laugh, trying to play it off. "I'm not sure. Maybe someday," I reply, knowing that isn't true. I don't know if I will ever tell her the whole truth about this. I don't know how.

Skylar looks disappointed, but she doesn't push any further. She knows me well enough to know that I'm not ready to talk about it yet.

"Maybe someday," she echoes, a hopeful look in her eyes.

I can't help but feel a pang of guilt. I know she's only asking because she cares, but it's not something I'm willing to discuss.

We continue inside, the music pulsing and the crowd lively. Alex leads us to a group of his teammates, the air around them buzzing with energy.

"Hey, guys!" he calls out, his voice barely rising above the music as he draws Skylar into his side.

"Alex!" the group replies, their cheers loud and boisterous.

They pull him into a group hug, the camaraderie clear.

"You were on fire today, man," one teammate bellows, slapping Alex on the back with a grin.

"Hell yeah, he did," Skylar cuts in, her voice tinged with pride.

The laughter that follows is light, the atmosphere charged with the kind of joy that only comes after a hard-won victory.

"Who are your friends?" one of the guys asks, his eyes roaming over us.

"This is Skylar and Emma," Alex introduces, his arm still casually draped around Skylar. "Skylar is my--"

"Girlfriend," Skylar interrupts, the word leaving her mouth before he can finish.

The word hangs in the air, a surprise to both Alex and me. Their casual, slow-burn journey somehow taking a leap into something defined, something more. Alex doesn't seem to mind, though, based on the goofy grin forming on his face.

The group's cheer at Skylar's declaration is deafening, a mixture of teasing and genuine happiness for their friend.

"Way to go, Alex!" one of them shouts, slapping him on the back.

"Yeah, you finally landed a good one," another one says, his tone teasing.

Alex laughs, his arm tightening around Skylar. "Yep, I sure did," he replies, his voice filled with happiness.

"What are you guys drinking?" another teammate asks, already flagging down a server.

"Beer for us," Alex decides, his gaze lingering on Skylar, sharing a silent moment of contentment.

"And for you?" the question turns to me, pulling me back from my observations.

Considering the need for a designated driver later, I hesitate but then think, why not? "Vodka cranberry," I decide, the prospect of unwinding with a drink suddenly appealing.

"Coming right up," the guy replies, a flirty smile on his face.

As the guy walks away, I can't help but notice how many of the guys are checking Skylar and I out. They're definitely not shy about it.

"Hey, you two," Alex says, snapping us out of our ogling. "I want to introduce you to the team."

He begins introducing us to each member, their names and positions flying over my head. It's nice, though, seeing the support system Alex has here. The way the team rallied around him during the game was really special.

"Alright, we're all set," the first guy says, returning with our drinks.

"Thanks, man," Alex says, taking his beer.

I take my drink and raise it up, everyone following suit. "To a great game," I say, feeling proud of my friend.

"Cheers!" the group shouts, their excitement infectious. We all take a sip, the alcohol warming my throat. It feels good, and I'm ready for a night of letting loose.