The week after the game passed in a blur of practice sessions and classes. Alex was as focused as ever, but Olivia's teasing remarks lingered in his mind. She had a way of cutting through his defenses, leaving him both curious and unbalanced.
During a morning practice, Marcus noticed Alex's distracted demeanor and couldn't help but comment.
"Hey, champ, you're not bringing your A-game today," Marcus joked, catching a pass.
"I'm here, aren't I?" Alex shot back, throwing the ball harder than necessary.
"Yeah, but your head isn't," Marcus replied, grinning. "Let me guess—thinking about Olivia?"
Alex rolled his eyes but didn't deny it. "She's just... different."
"Different how?" Marcus pressed, clearly enjoying this.
"She doesn't try to impress me, and somehow that's... impressive," Alex admitted reluctantly.
Marcus let out a laugh. "Man, you've got it bad. Just don't let her distract you from the game."
---
Meanwhile, Olivia was in the art studio, her thoughts similarly preoccupied. She tried to focus on her painting, but every stroke of the brush brought Alex to mind.
Mia, ever observant, noticed the tension.
"Still thinking about him?" Mia asked, leaning against a nearby table.
"Who?" Olivia replied, feigning ignorance.
"Alex," Mia said with a knowing grin. "You're practically painting his name on that canvas."
Olivia scoffed. "He's just interesting, that's all."
"Uh-huh," Mia teased. "Interesting enough to keep you distracted all week?"
Olivia didn't answer, but the faint smile on her face said enough.
---
Later that day, Alex and Olivia crossed paths outside the library. She was carrying a sketchpad, her red hair catching the sunlight, while he had his usual athletic bag slung over one shoulder.
"Rainha," Alex greeted, smirking.
"Champ," Olivia replied, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Skipping practice?"
"Just finished. And you? Taking a break from conquering the art world?"
"Something like that," Olivia said, tilting her head. "You seem... less serious today."
"Maybe I'm learning from you," Alex said, his tone playful.
"Careful," Olivia warned with a smile. "You might like it too much."