athena

The first day back after winter break was always the hardest. Athena sighed as she stepped onto campus, the cold biting at her exposed fingers as she clutched her books to her chest. The holiday glow had worn off, replaced with the harsh reality of lectures, assignments, and impending exams.

By the time her classes were over, Athena was mentally drained. But instead of going home, she found herself making her way toward the ice hockey rink.

Why? She wasn't entirely sure.

Well, that wasn't entirely true.

Axel had practice. And maybe, just maybe, she liked watching him play.

The stands were mostly empty, save for a few people who had nothing better to do. Athena settled into a seat, setting her bag beside her. She pulled out her latest read and cracked open her MacBook, deciding to get some work done while the team practiced.

On the ice, the players moved like they were born for it, skates cutting sharp lines against the surface. Axel, as captain, had taken over since the coach was absent. He shouted instructions, his voice firm and commanding, and the team listened without question.

Athena tried to focus on her book, but her eyes kept drifting up, drawn to Axel as he maneuvered across the ice. He was fast, almost effortless, controlling the puck like it was a part of him. His jersey clung to his muscular frame, and she hated that she noticed.

"Eyes on your work, Athena," she mumbled to herself, shaking her head.

After an hour, the practice finally ended, and the team skated off the ice. Athena packed up her things, stretching as she prepared to leave. But before she could, a familiar voice called out to her.

"Didn't peg you as a hockey fan."

She turned to see Axel approaching, still in his gear, his helmet tucked under his arm. His hair was damp with sweat, strands sticking to his forehead. He was smirking, of course.

"I'm not," she replied, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "I was reading."

"Sure you were."

She rolled her eyes. "What do you want, Grayson?"

Axel leaned against the railing between them. "There's a party tonight at Melissa Carter's place. You in?"

Athena hesitated. She wasn't big on parties, but... maybe she needed a break. And besides, she'd spent enough time alone over winter break.

"Fine," she said, pretending like she wasn't that interested. "But if it sucks, I'm leaving."

Axel's smirk widened. "Deal."

As she walked away, she could still feel his eyes on her, and for some reason, it made her heart race.

Tonight was going to be interesting.

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Athena sat cross-legged on her bed, staring at the pile of clothes Kate had practically thrown at her. The blonde was currently rifling through Athena's closet, muttering under her breath about how Athena needed to "spice up" her wardrobe for the party tonight.

"You are not wearing a sweater to a college party, Athena," Kate groaned, tossing a silky black top onto the growing pile. "I love you, but this is a crime."

Athena rolled her eyes. "There's nothing wrong with being cozy. But yeah I totally agree..."

"There's also nothing wrong with looking hot. And babe, you need to remind Axel what he lost."

Athena scoffed. "That's not the goal here."

Kate wiggled her brows. "Maybe not, but it wouldn't hurt."

Athena sighed and picked up the black tube top. It was cropped but not too revealing. She paired it with a black lace very-mini skirt, a silver sequin clutch bag and black Louboutin heels. Kate whistled in approval. "Now we're talking. You look gorge, when Axel sees you he will practically be on his knees for you, babe."

Athena laughed, hard but still rolled her eyes at her best friend.

As Athena finished applying her mascara, Kate flopped onto her bed with a dramatic sigh. "So... Ronan and I are official."

Athena nearly poked herself in the eye with the mascara wand. "WHAT!?"

Kate grinned. "He asked me out on Christmas Day."

Athena's mouth dropped. "And you didn't tell me until now?"

Kate held up her hands. "We wanted to keep it a secret for a bit, just to see how things would go. But yeah... it's real. He's amazing, Athena."

Athena softened at the look on her best friend's face. Kate was glowing. "I'm so happy for you, Kate! Truly."

Kate wiggled her brows. "Now, when are you and Axel going to stop pretending?"

Athena groaned. "Not this again. Oh my God."

Kate just laughed. "Oh, honey, you're so in denial. Now come on, we've got a party to crash."

As they made their way downstairs, Athena couldn't help but feel a nervous excitement settle in her stomach. Tonight was going to be interesting.

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The party was already in full swing by the time Athena and Kate arrived. Music thumped through the massive house, the bass vibrating in Athena's chest. The air smelled of sweat, cheap beer, and faint traces of expensive cologne. People were crammed into every available space, dancing, laughing, and drinking as if the semester hadn't just started again.

"This is insane," Athena shouted over the music.

Kate grinned. "Welcome back to college life, babe!"

Jaxson appeared out of nowhere, handing them each a red solo cup. "Drink up, ladies. You're way too sober for this."

Athena hesitated, then shrugged. One drink wouldn't hurt.

Hours passed in a blur of laughter, dancing, and way too many refills. Athena felt light, free, and completely uninhibited for the first time in weeks. She had lost Kate somewhere along the way, but she didn't care. The music pulsed through her veins, and she let herself get lost in it.

Someone grabbed her hand, spinning her around. She giggled, barely able to keep her balance. The guy was tall, his grip steady but playful. His cologne was familiar, but in her hazy state, she couldn't place it.

"Having fun, sunshine?" he drawled, his voice thick with amusement.

Athena grinned. "Loads."

The guy chuckled, placing his hands on her waist as they swayed to the beat. Athena felt a shiver run down her spine at the warmth of his touch. He was good at this—confident, smooth, effortless.

She leaned in slightly, not caring who he was. Right now, he was just a guy who knew how to move, and she was a girl who wanted to dance.

Minutes turned into what felt like forever, the world narrowing down to just the two of them. She let her head fall back, laughing when he spun her again. The alcohol in her system made everything feel lighter, easier.

"You're pretty good at this," she admitted, breathless.

The guy smirked. "You're not so bad yourself, Bea."

Athena froze.

Bea.

Only one person called her that.

Her eyes snapped up, suddenly sober enough to take in the dark, messy waves, the amused smirk, the sharp jawline. The realization hit her like a truck.

"AXEL?"

Axel laughed, his hands still on her waist. "Took you long enough."

Athena shoved at his chest, but he didn't even budge. "Oh my God."

"You were really into it, too," he teased. "Should I be flattered?"

She groaned, covering her face with her hands. "I hate you."

"No, you don't."

"Shut the hell up."

Axel only grinned, his grip on her waist tightening slightly. "Relax, sunshine. It's just dancing."

Athena peeked at him through her fingers. He looked entirely too pleased with himself. "I'm never living this down, am I?"

"Nope."

Athena huffed. "I need another  fucking drink."

Axel laughed but didn't stop her as she stomped off toward the kitchen, her cheeks burning. 

This night had taken a turn she never saw coming.

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Athena pushed her way through the crowded living room, her heart still racing from her unexpected dance with Axel. The thumping bass of the music pulsed through her veins, but she needed a moment to gather herself, to wipe away the warmth still lingering from his hands on her waist.

A drink. That's what she needed.

She meandered through the sea of bodies, dodging drunken students as they stumbled and laughed around her. When she finally reached the kitchen, she exhaled in relief. It was slightly less chaotic, though the countertops were covered in an assortment of half-empty liquor bottles, sticky spills, and a variety of red solo cups.

Athena reached for the vodka when a familiar giggle caught her attention.

She turned toward the sound, and her stomach dropped.

Kate and Ronan were pressed against the refrigerator, completely lost in each other. Kate's hands were tangled in Ronan's hair, their bodies flush together as if they were the only two people in the world. Ronan, usually so composed and controlled, looked absolutely wrecked with affection. He kissed her like he had been starving for her, like nothing else mattered. And Kate... she looked radiant, alive, so incredibly happy.

Athena's chest tightened.

She should be over the moon for them—her best friend and one of her closest housemates finally admitting their feelings and finding something real in the mess of college life. And she was happy. But deep down, buried beneath the layers of friendship and excitement for them, was something else. Something heavy.

A sharp pang of nostalgia settled in her chest like a weight.

She knew that feeling. That kind of all-consuming affection. She had once been in that exact position, wrapped up in Axel Grayson like he was the only thing tethering her to the ground. She had loved him recklessly, fiercely, without hesitation. He had been her world. And at one point, she had been his too.

But not anymore.

She looked away, swallowing hard against the lump forming in her throat. It was ridiculous to feel this way. She had moved on. She had buried that part of her life, locked it away so she didn't have to relive the hurt that followed after their breakup. But standing here, watching Ronan and Kate so deeply lost in each other, that old ache clawed its way to the surface.

Axel had once looked at her like that.

She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, willing herself to shake it off. This wasn't about her. It wasn't about Axel. It was about Kate and Ronan, and how happy they were together. She wouldn't let her own feelings ruin that.

Forcing a smile onto her face, she took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Well, well, well," she teased, loud enough to be heard over the music. "Look who finally decided to stop pretending."

Kate gasped, pulling away from Ronan, her face flushing a deep red. "Athena!"

Ronan didn't even look guilty. Instead, he smirked. "Took you long enough to notice."

Athena raised a brow. "Oh, I noticed, trust me. I just didn't think I'd walk in on a full-on make out session by the fridge."

Kate buried her face in Ronan's shoulder, groaning. "This is so fucking embarrassing."

Athena let out a small laugh, ignoring the knot in her stomach. "Please. I'm just glad you guys finally admitted it." She grabbed a cup and poured herself a generous drink, lifting it in a mock toast. "To the two of you, for finally making my suspicions come true."

Kate peeked up at her, searching her face. "You're okay with this?"

Athena softened. "Of course I am. I'm happy for you, Kate. Really."

And she was. Despite the dull ache in her chest, despite the memories pressing against her ribcage, she meant every word.

Ronan grinned. "Good. Because I'm not letting her go."

Athena smiled, but as she took a long sip of her drink, she couldn't help but wonder—would she ever have something like that again?

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TYSM FOR STICKING WITH THS CHAPTER TEHE X 😋😋

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