Chapter 8
She glanced at me through the reflection. “Do you think I’m prettier than you now?”
Then she shrugged. “But it seems kind of pointless since Andre still likes you.“]]
She reminisced, laughing. “He actually told me not long after I kissed him that he only sees me as a sister. Betty, isn’t that messed up?”
Now, Sherry seemed to be deliberately mimicking a tough girl, her language peppered with curses. But there was an odd disconnect to it.]
I finished washing my hands expressionlessly and left after drying them. As for who Andre liked, I had stopped worrying about that long ago.
Sherry continued to lean against the wall, talking to herself. “But it doesn’t matter. I can choose whatever kind of boyfriend I want now. I don’t feed him anymore.“]
When I heard that, I didn’t think much of her words. Besides, I quickly became distracted by the news that I had been selected to be on the cheerleading squad for the basketball game.[]
Sherry’s unusual behavior slipped from my mind.
I sighed, looking at the class monitor. “I don’t want to be on the cheerleading team…. 0
The class monitor forced a smile. “The teacher is requiring it, though.“]
To everyone’s surprise, Andre also signed up for the basketball game. Usually, he was a loner and didn’t socialize with others. so hardly anyone knew he could play basketball
urt.]]
During the long break, our cheer squad practiced in a corner of the gym while Andre and the boys played at center court
Terry, a former star player in our class, exclaimed in surprise, “Andre is looking pretty good out there.”
“They have no idea we have such a talent in our class!“]
“During the first half, they won’t be able to guard you; take advantage and score as many as you can, Andre.“]
Andre casually dribbled the ball, sweat trickling down from his fringe. He lowly grunted in acknowledgment.[]
After their game, the boys came to watch us practice. I deliberately avoided Andre’s gaze, but I kept bumping into Terry’s cheerful demeanor. “Thanks to our girl squad for cheering us on! I’ll buy everyone milk tear“[]
One of the boys chimed in. “Terry’s so generous!“]
Terry opened the takeout app on his phone and started passing it around for everyone to make their orders.[]
just as I grabbed a bottle of water and opened it. Terry stepped in front of me. “What about you? What do you want to drink?“]
I shopit my head and took a sip of water. Thanks, but I’m good.“]|
“I’ll still order something for you.” Terry said.[]
“She doesn’t want anything.” Andre chimed in, cutting in beside me before I could respond. “She’s lactose intolerant.”
Terry chuckled in mock disbelief, “Come on, Andre! You two broke up, but I can’t pursue her? Why possessive over your
ex?“]
ovou still feel so
Terry was a field–playing juggler, quickly changing his girlfriends. I didn’t take his words to heart.[]
Before long, he’d move on to a new target.
After complaining. Terry walked off with a hint of disappointment.]
We practiced for too long, and I drank water in quick succession. Andre slightly frowned at me. “Your stomach is sensitive. Don’t drink too much cold water. I’ll bring you a thermos of hot water tomorrow.“]
He hesitated before softly adding, “Is that okay?”
I tightened the cap on my water bottle and didn’t look up. “If you say one more thing, I’ll definitely drop out of the cheer squad.”
Andre’s lips turned pale as he fell silent. He didn’t seem to feel much emotional upheaval from my words, but his expression carried an expected loneliness.[]
On the day of the game, our class monitor got some inside info. The cheer squad from the opposing class not only shouted collective cheers but also called each team member’s name for encouragement.[]
The monitor insisted we should mimic them, so I had to fake a smile and yell “Andre, gol” from the sidelines after finishing the dance.
ig reason
At half–time, Andre became the sole focus on the court. He was fast and agile, scoring the most points. Of course, a big was his looks.
When the buzzer for halftime sounded, he tossed the ball aside and rushed over to me, wiping the sweat from his brow, clearly nervous. “Can I get a bottle of water?“[]
I handed him a bottle without saying a word.[]
“Thanks.“]
Π
As he stood there drinking, a girl from the opposing cheer squad sprinted over with a paper cup. “Here, drink this. It has glucose in it. I fought so hard for this.”
Andre glanced at her and politely declined. “No thanks, I’ve got this one.”
I turned away, bored, until my gaze froze on Sherry seated in the front row in the corner of the audience.
Her eyes darted between us, ultimately landing on Andre’s face, a strange grin forming. But Andre didn’t notice her.]
As the second half began and it was time for cheers again, I either went for water or made excuses to go to the restroom, trying to avoid it altogether
Andre’s performance faltered, and he missed a few shots. The MVP of the second half shifted to someone else.[]
Fortunately, our class still ended up winning. Terry wiped the sweat off his forehead. “I’m exhausted, I’ll host a victory feast tonight, and the cheer squad is invited too.“]
I
Once the cheers died down, I finally spoke up. “Sorry, I have to go home to celebrate my sister’s birthday. I can’t make it.“[]
I said it sincerely, genuinely disappointed. No one suspected I had just fabricated a sister.[]
Aside from having to cross paths with Andre at school, I didn’t want any additional interactions with him.[]
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