On a board posted at the school, it said the event to support players started at four. However, the game didn't begin until six.

Anyone and everyone who attended Finnick Valley or currently goes there was presenting themselves. Lacrosse didn't go unnoticed.

School spirit was shown by wearing the school's colors: blue and black.

Freya wore a black tank top and ripped blue jeans, enjoying time with her best friend Vita while they waited for the game to start. Her dad was off campus handling some work business before he joined them. "You girls better find us some good seats. I paid for our tickets."

Freya, without thinking twice about it, took Vita's hands and took off. Where they wandered off wasn't the bleachers but a cotton candy machine. Vita, wearing a bubblegum blouse and black fitted skirt, was mesmerized by the swirling of the blue and pink fluff.

"Ah, so you found the school's favorite party gift," Cooper said, smiling. "I remember we held a fundraiser to buy this machine. We put in a lot of hard work."

"And it looks like you hit the jackpot," Vita said, her brown eyes sparkling whenever she was around Cooper.

"Yes, we did," Cooper agreed, unable to take his eyes off her. "It was worth every late night and cotton candy sacrifice."

"Well, I'm super excited to see the game," Vita gushed. "Maybe I'll see you out there?"

"Oh, I don't play anymore. Only my brother does," Cooper said, looking at the ground. "Not since I tore my kneecap last year."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," Vita replied, her voice softening. "That must have been tough."

Freya interjected, sensing the moment, "Yeah, I can't imagine... but hey, at least you're still involved, right Coop?"

"Absolutely!" He exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air. "I love supporting the team from the sidelines. I can help Coach McKay, too. Keeps my spirits up."

"I wish I'd known. I'd like to know more about you," Vita said, leaning slightly closer.

There was no separating the two of them. Cooper had a blush creeping up his cheeks.

"There's not much to tell, really... just your average guy who can't play anymore."

"I bet it's more interesting than that. I mean, you helped the school get their very own cotton candy machine."

"Oh, don't forget the popcorn machine, too!" Cooper giggled.

"I'll just go," Freya said, feeling the energy shift, backing away towards the bleachers. She smiled brightly at them, feeling a mix of happiness for them and a twinge of loneliness.

Freya walked toward the first set of bleachers she could find. The railing was ice-cold under her fingertips as she climbed to the top, enjoying being close to the sky and having a clear view of the whole field.

The view was only getting better, not worse. She never imagined such a beautiful sight could be found at a lacrosse game, yet here she was, totally captivated by it.

And to think, Freya almost didn't come. She was planning to stay home until her dad convinced her otherwise. She made a brief appearance and was glad she took the chance. Even Vita was happier for it. She and Cooper hit it off pretty well, and soon they'd be off getting hitched and having babies.

Give it two or three years, and Freya could see them being together forever.

Content in her own company, Freya decided to make the most of her time. And she did.

...

Nikki dropped Reese off at the school to change in the locker rooms and get ready for the game. Then, she parked and applied makeup to hide the red mark on her cheek while sobbing in the mirror. After she appeared presentable, she met up with some of her friends who were already at the game, waiting for her.

Freya spotted her from the top of the bleachers but didn't see any reason to make her presence known.

If Freya and Nikki could imagine it, is there ever a moment they could be friends?

However, Freya noticed Tae-min helping himself to a large cheese fry. She left her solitude and approached him, trying to catch her breath. "Hi, Tae-min! I didn't expect to see you here. This game is huge, huh?"

Little did she know when she approached him, he was standing there with Cho and Tate, the two people he had come with to see the game.

Tae-min started to respond to her, but Tate interrupted. "Hello, there." He flashed Freya a sultry smirk, only adding to his perfection.

His voice startled her. It had been a while since she heard him speak. "Oh my gosh, hi," Freya replied, blushing deeply. Her heart nearly leaped out of her chest at the sight of him. "I–uh... I wasn't ready for that. I mean, I wasn't expecting to see you here either. Maybe I shouldn't have underestimated the popularity of this game."

"It's okay. I've been meaning to finally talk to you." He leaned in, not caring what his friends, Tae-min and Cho, might think, his jawline catching the light.

"Should I be worried?" Freya's heart raced.

Tate chuckled softly. "No, not at all. Not unless you think there's a reason to worry. Is there?"

Freya thought cautiously. "Why are you asking? Why should I tell you anything?"

"I heard from Cooper that Reese confronted you."

Freya waved her hand dismissively. "That was nothing. I'm fine."

Neither Cho or Tae-min said anything, exchanging awkward glances, feeling the tension between Tate and Freya.

Tate raised an eyebrow at her, dubious. "Somehow, I don't believe you."

"Really, it was just some things he said to me. Trust me, I'm totally fine." Her voice sounded a little more confident, and her reassurance was enough for Tate to kindly back off, even if he was still a little skeptical.

Tate, still skeptical, softened. "Okay, if you say so. Just know that if you need someone to talk to, I'm here."

Freya replied, "Thanks, that means a lot. But really, I'm good! Enjoy the cheese fries and the game."

Freya tried to dismiss herself, not realizing Tate wasn't finished with her.

Tate's stepsister, Nikki, appeared, furious. Her presence diminished any fun they were about to have.

She came between their connection like a train wreck, her brunette hair was in shambles, her skin sickly pale, and the red of the slap earlier was coming back to her cheek.

She walked up to Freya, watching as Tate wanted to defend her. Nikki didn't have any of her friends with her. She was just passing through, probably on her way to the bathroom to fix her makeup. "I can't pick what is funnier: you going to an all-boys school, or the idea of you with my stepbrother..."

Freya locked her eyes on Nikki's. "You know, Nikki, sometimes the funniest things are the ones we least expect."

Nikki sneered as she stepped closer, her voice low and menacing. "You think you can just walk in here and take what's mine?" she hissed.

Tate, hearing the confrontation, stepped forward protectively. "Nikki, that's enough," he said firmly. "You have no right to threaten Freya. If you have a problem, take it up with me."

Nikki shot him a glare but said nothing, turning towards Freya in a huff. Freya's heart pounded, but she stood her ground. "Next time you think about seeing Tate and spending time with him, think again," Nikki continued, her eyes narrowing. "Or you'll regret it."

Freya felt a chill, but she refused to show fear. "Is that a threat?" she asked, trying to keep her voice from shaking.

"It's a promise," Nikki said before turning on her heel and walking away, leaving Freya with a sinking feeling that this was just the beginning.

Tate looked at Freya, as did Tae-min and Cho, a mix of admiration and concern in their eyes.

"Are you okay?" Tate asked, concerned. "You handled that well," Tate said softly.

"Thanks, Tate. I can handle her, but I appreciate you standing up for me."

Tate gave her a reassuring smile. "Always. Just remember, you don't have to face her alone."

Freya managed a small, grateful smile at Tate's words, but her mind was racing. She knew that Nikki's promise wasn't empty. Her thoughts lingered on what might come next.

Taking a deep breath and steeling herself for the challenges ahead, Freya was determined to face whatever came her way head-on.