063 | no labels, just us

The bright lights of the conference room flickered on as Gianna sat at the center of the table, a calm but firm expression on her face. Around her, cameras flashed, reporters murmured amongst themselves, waiting for the next big scoop. She could feel the weight of the questions coming her way, the unspoken expectations of the media, but she was ready. Today, she was going to say exactly what she needed to say.

Across from her sat Hector, his usual playful demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness. His arm rested casually on the back of her chair, and his gaze was unwavering, focused only on her as she prepared herself for what was about to happen. The reporters, eager for any news about their relationship, had been circling this moment for a while. Today, it would be settled.

A reporter, an older woman with sharp eyes and a notebook at the ready, cleared her throat before speaking, her voice cutting through the air like a knife. "Gianna, Hector, you've been seen together more and more lately. The rumors about you two are swirling, and we just need some clarification. Is there anything going on between you two? Are we looking at a relationship here, or is it just a friendship?"

The room fell silent, every eye on Gianna. She could feel the tension building, the pressure mounting, but she remained calm. She exchanged a brief glance with Hector, who gave her a reassuring nod, silently telling her to do what felt right.

Gianna took a deep breath and leaned forward slightly, letting the reporters wait in anticipation. She had spent enough time in this room, under the harsh scrutiny of cameras, to know how to control the narrative. And right now, she was in control.

"If I'm going to be honest," she began, her voice steady but filled with conviction, "I'm not a fan of labels. I never really have been. But I'll say this: I am his girlfriend, and he is my boyfriend."

There was a moment of stunned silence, before the room erupted into questions, the reporters frantically scribbling down her words. Hector's lips curved into a small, proud smile, his hand still resting gently on her chair.

"Wow," one reporter piped up, clearly taken aback by her directness. "So, no hesitation in saying that?"

Gianna shrugged lightly, her gaze never wavering. "No hesitation. We've been through a lot together. And while the media might want to define us with labels, the truth is, it's our relationship, and it's real."

Another reporter chimed in, curiosity in their tone. "Do you see a future with Hector? Is this something long-term?"

Gianna's smile softened, her heart swelling at the thought of her future with him. "I don't know what the future holds, but I do know this: Hector is someone I want by my side. Whether that's in the next game, the next season, or in life... I'm happy to have him with me."

Hector's grin widened, his pride for her clear. He could see the strength in her words, the confidence she was radiating as she spoke about their relationship with such certainty.

The reporters continued to fire questions, but Gianna and Hector were in their own little bubble now, everything else fading into the background. Gianna turned to Hector, a playful glint in her eyes.

"You okay with this?" she asked, her voice low but teasing.

Hector chuckled, his fingers brushing lightly against hers. "I'm more than okay with it, hermosa. I think the world can handle the truth."

Gianna laughed softly, her heart full. It was a strange feeling, being so open and vulnerable with the world watching, but in this moment, with Hector by her side, it felt right.

As the questions continued to come, Gianna found herself feeling more at ease, confident in her decision to be open about her relationship with Hector. No more hiding, no more wondering. They were together, and that was all that mattered.

Finally, the press conference came to a close, and the reporters began to pack up, satisfied with the answers they had received. Gianna and Hector stood up together, their hands brushing once more, an unspoken understanding between them.

"You were amazing," Hector said, his voice low as he leaned in close to her.

Gianna smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest. "Thanks, but I couldn't have done it without you."

They shared a brief, sweet moment before making their way out of the conference room, their fingers intertwined. The world would know their truth now, but it didn't matter. Because in the end, it was just them—Gianna and Hector—walking through this journey together.