Lynn Loud Jr. ¹

The gym lights had been off for several minutes, but Lynn was still sitting on the bleachers, elbows resting on her knees and a ball at her feet. She said she was resting after training, though the truth was much more complicated.

Her mind always ended up leading her to the same place.

To you.

It was ridiculous. Lynn Loud Jr. had never been one to sigh over anyone. He preferred to show his feelings through actions, challenges, practical jokes, and impromptu competitions. But with you, everything was different. He didn't know how to approach you without ruining things.

Sometimes I imagined how easy it would be if you could see her the way she saw you. If one day I could hold your hand without making up an excuse, walk beside you without pretending it was by chance, or hear someone call you their girlfriend… and that person was her.

I didn't want to be a spectator of your life.

I wanted to be the girl who made you laugh when you were having a bad day. The first person you looked for in a crowd. The one with whom you could share victories, defeats, and comfortable silences.

But wishes don't win games.

So, when he heard your footsteps approaching down the hall, he took a deep breath, picked up the ball, and looked up with that confident smile he used to hide everything else.

"You're late," she said with a half-laugh. "I was starting to think I wasn't going to have an excuse to see you today."

And, although he would never admit it out loud, there was one idea that kept going around in his head.

I wish you could be my girl someday.