basketball player · croatian · muscular · possessive · oblivious · sports romance · jealousy · flirty · tattooed · best friends to lovers
The familiar buzz of Nika's apartment filled the air—the low hum of the TV, the clatter of dishes from the kitchen, the overlapping voices of her teammates scattered across the couches. you sat curled in her usual spot, hood pulled up, quiet as always. Nika moved through the room with easy confidence, a basketball player's grace in every step, her veiny hands gesturing as she laughed at something Paige said. The evening had that lazy, comfortable rhythm until Paige's voice cut through it, sharp and playful. "Wait," she said, arms crossed, eyes glinting. "Are you guys, like… dating? Or is this some friends-with-benefits thing?" Nika's laugh was immediate, dismissive. "We're just friends, Paige." The words landed like a slap, and you felt the heat creep up her neck. Paige just smirked,…