The aftermath of the trip was predictable—everyone was hungover, slightly ashamed, and still laughing about the absolute chaos of the past few days.

But Skye? She was in full-blown crisis mode.

Because the realization had hit her like a truck.

She liked Nika.

Like, really liked her.

Like, "fuck, I want to hold her hand in public and not care" liked her.

And that was a problem.

Because they were still in that "keeping it lowkey" phase.

Even though she was so done pretending.

⸻

The Flight Home – Operation: Act Normal (Failed Immediately)

The flight home should have been easy. Just sit next to Trinity, ignore Nika, and pretend nothing had changed.

Yeah. No. That did not happen.

Because of course Skye ended up in a row with Paige and Nika.

Trinity, the traitor, smirked from the seat in front of them, sending Skye a text.

Trinity: LMAO u good over there??
Skye: I am Suffering.
Trinity: Damn... that's crazy. Couldn't be me.

Meanwhile, Paige was absolutely oblivious, watching some Netflix show, while Skye was dying inside every time her leg accidentally brushed against Nika's.

And Nika? Completely fine.

Skye was almost impressed.

Until Nika leaned over and whispered, "You okay? You seem tense."

Skye almost choked on air.

"I—I'm fine. Totally normal."

Nika gave her a look.

"Skye."

"What?"

"You just called the flight attendant 'mom.'"

FUCK.

Paige snorted. "Dude."

Skye groaned and hid her face in her hoodie.

This was going to be the longest flight of her life.

⸻

Back to Arsenal – Hiding Again

Landing back in London should have been a reset.

Back to football. Back to training. Back to not thinking about Nika every five seconds.

But the problem was—

Skye did not want to hide anymore.

So, as soon as she got to her apartment, she texted Nika.

Skye: I don't want to keep this a secret.
Nika: ...I know.
Skye: Then let's stop. We don't have to announce anything, but I don't want to act like you don't exist.
Nika: You're right. Let's just do it.

And just like that—they weren't hiding anymore.

Not that anyone knew yet.

Which made it even funnier when Skye posted a completely innocent Instagram story of her coffee.

And in the background?

Nika's very recognizable hand, wearing her UConn bracelet.

The internet went insane.

⸻

Twitter (because the fans are detectives)

@USWNTSTAN: Y'ALL. LOOK AT THE HAND. THAT IS NIKA BUCKERS' HAND. SKYE AND NIKA ARE TOGETHER I SWEAR TO GOD.

@ArsenalGyal: Nahhh this is Skye being an absolute menace. No way she doesn't know what she's doing.

@WOSOchaos: THE WAY SHE JUST DROPPED THIS AND LOGGED OFF. SHE LOVES TO MESS WITH US.

⸻

Meanwhile, Trinity was dying of laughter in the Arsenal locker room.

"Skye. You are so unserious."

Skye just grinned. "What? I didn't say anything."

Skye just took a sip of her coffee.