024 | hector's visit

Gianna heard the knock on the door and immediately froze. Her stomach twisted into knots as she glanced at the clock on the wall. It wasn't unusual for Hector to drop by unannounced, but after her midnight revelation and her tearful confession to Cienna earlier, she felt completely unprepared to face him.

Another knock. This one was softer, more deliberate.

"Gigi? It's me," Hector's familiar voice called out from the other side. "I brought snacks."

She sighed, her heart pounding as she stood up and shuffled to the door. She wasn't ready for this-not even close-but avoiding him wasn't an option. He would only get more concerned, and then she'd have to explain why she was acting so weird.

She opened the door, forcing a smile. "Hey."

Hector stood there in a hoodie and joggers, holding a bag of chips in one hand and a six-pack of soda in the other. His hair was still slightly damp from his post-training shower, and the boyish grin on his face made her chest ache. How could someone look so effortlessly good without even trying?

"Hey," he said, stepping inside without hesitation. "Figured you'd be bored, so I brought supplies. Movie night?"

Gianna closed the door and leaned against it for a moment, trying to steady her breathing. "Uh, yeah. Sure."

He turned to her, his brows furrowing slightly. "You okay? You look... off."

Of course he noticed. He always did. Gianna shook her head quickly, brushing him off. "I'm fine. Just tired."

Hector didn't seem convinced, but he didn't push. Instead, he made his way to the couch, dropping the snacks on the coffee table before flopping down like he owned the place. "Alright, your pick. Something cheesy or something scary?"

"Cheesy," she mumbled, walking over and sitting on the opposite end of the couch. She grabbed the remote, scrolling through the streaming options, but her focus wasn't on the screen. It was on the boy sitting beside her.

Hector opened the bag of chips and started munching, completely at ease. He leaned back, one arm draped casually along the back of the couch, his fingers dangerously close to her shoulder. Gianna's heart raced as she stared at the screen, pretending to browse.

"So," he said, breaking the silence, "how's rehab? You're almost done, right?"

"Yeah," she said, keeping her voice steady. "Just a couple more sessions."

"That's great," he said, his tone genuinely excited for her. "You're gonna be back on the pitch before you know it."

She nodded, her throat tightening. He always believed in her, always supported her, and it only made her feelings for him grow stronger. How was she supposed to sit here, inches away from him, and act like everything was normal when her mind was screaming I like you on a loop?

"Gigi?" Hector's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "You sure you're okay? You're quiet tonight."

She bit her lip, debating whether to tell him the truth. The words were on the tip of her tongue, but fear held them back. Instead, she shook her head again. "I'm fine. Just... thinking."

"About what?" he asked, leaning forward slightly, his eyes searching hers.

"Nothing important," she lied, her voice barely audible.

Hector stared at her for a moment, his expression softening. "You know you can tell me anything, right? I'm here for you."

Those words. The same ones he always said. They should have comforted her, but tonight they felt like a reminder of everything she was too afraid to say.

"I know," she whispered, her fingers tightening around the remote. "I know."

For a moment, the room was silent except for the faint sound of the movie menu looping in the background. Then, Hector reached out, his hand brushing against hers as he took the remote and set it aside.

"Hey," he said, his voice gentle. "Whatever's on your mind, you don't have to deal with it alone. I mean it."

Gianna looked at him, her heart pounding so hard she was sure he could hear it. His brown eyes were steady, full of concern and something else she couldn't quite place. And in that moment, she wanted nothing more than to tell him everything.

But she couldn't. Not yet.

Instead, she forced a smile and said, "Thanks, Hector. You're the best."

He chuckled, leaning back again. "I know. Now pick a movie before I take over."

Gianna laughed softly, her nerves easing just a little. She wasn't ready to confess her feelings yet, but having him there, teasing her, comforting her-it was enough for now.

As the movie started, Hector draped the blanket over both of them, his shoulder brushing hers. Gianna leaned into the warmth, her heart still heavy with unspoken words but filled with a quiet sense of gratitude. For now, she could hold onto this-this moment, this closeness-and let it be enough.