Lillian emerged from the restroom after changing, she felt glad she had decided to pack an extra set of clothes. She normally did, but hadn’t needed it until today. She had brushed her hair out and let it fall freely around her shoulders, having her hair in a tight ponytail for the last 6 hours was less than ideal. As she glanced around, her eyes locked with Kael’s. He stood there, still clad in his team jersey, typing something out on his phone.

  “Hey, you look nice,” Kael said, looking up and sliding his phone into his pocket. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, trying to mask his own nervousness. “Are you okay with walking to a café nearby? I know a good one.”

  “Yeah, that sounds great,” Lillian replied, feeling a bit shy. The thought of spending time together made her heart pound uncomfortably. She had felt much more confident asking him out earlier during their banter, now she was feeling nervous.

  As they began their walk, an awkward silence settled between them, punctuated only by the faint sounds of laughter and chatter from their teammates back on the field. Lillian fidgeted with the tags on her sports collar, feeling it constrict around her neck. It was a small comfort for games and practice, but now it felt out of place. “Um, do you mind if I take this off?” she asked, glancing at Kael, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of pink.

  “Not at all,” he replied, trying to keep his eyes focused ahead, though the sight of her fidgeting made his heart race. Kael stole a quick glance at her, noting how nervous she seemed. With shaky hands, Lillian unbuckled the collar and slid it from her neck, rubbing where it had been. After tucking it into her bag, the cool air brushed against her skin and gave her a slight sense of relief.

  As an Omega, Lillian always found it safer to wear a collar during games or practice, or regularly when she was nearing her heat. Physical activity meant she would sweat, and that could cause her pheromone levels to spike, which was risky around all the Alphas. The collar came equipped with ID tags for safety in case anything unexpected happened, and it had patches designed to absorb any excess pheromones. The specially crafted leather also offered protection against bites. While it was a practical choice for her safety, it often felt a bit bulky and uncomfortable. She had figured Kael wouldn’t mind seeing her without it on.

  “So, have you been to R&R before?” Kael asked, breaking the silence as they walked.

  “No, I haven’t,” Lillian admitted, her curiosity piqued. “But I’ve heard good things about it. What do you like about it?”

  “It’s really cozy,” Kael explained, his expression thoughtful. “Sometimes, our team goes there after practice to grab some food and unwind. It’s nice to relax and joke around after a long practice - especially since we’re always training so hard.”

  “I bet. Fector does something similar, but we have places on campus we go to. What do you usually get?” she asked.

  “I usually go for the classic sandwiches or their weekly specials,” he replied, recalling the many evenings spent there with teammates. “It’s one of those places where you can bond with everyone, especially after scrimmages. Just a chance to laugh off the tension of being on opposing sides. Crestwood guys tend to get a little too competitive against one another.”

  Lillian nodded, she had picked up on hints of that behaviour from them before. “I can see how that would be fun. It’s important to have that time together. Good team bonding. Knowing what I know about Crestwood, I bet the competition is still fierce, even over food.”

  Kael chuckled, glancing at her. “Oh, you have no idea! There’s a lot of trash talk about who can eat the most cookies. It’s serious business.”

  Lillian laughed, her cheeks still flushed but now with amusement. “I’ll have to keep that in mind when we face off next time. I wouldn’t want to lose a cookie-eating contest.”

  As they walked a few paces in silence, both felt the weight of their nervousness. Kael glanced over at her again, stealing another quick look. “You know, I think I’ll need to challenge you to a cookie-eating contest next time one happens,” he joked, trying to break the tension. “I can’t let you show me up on my turf again.”

  Lillian’s laughter bubbled up again, and for a moment, the nerves dissolved into shared comfort. “That sounds like a plan,” she said, her heart steady at the thought of a more friendly rivalry.

  Yet, despite the jokes, an underlying tension remained. Why was it so much easier to banter on the field? During all three tournaments, they exchanged playful jabs and quick comebacks without a second thought. But now, every word felt loaded, every glance filled with uncharted territory.

  “Maybe we should practice our banter,” Kael suggested, trying to keep the mood light as they approached the café. “It seems like we’re better at that when we’re running the field.”

  Lillian was glad Kael seemed to share her feelings. “Right? Why is it so much easier to be silly when we’re tossing plastic around?” Lillian replied, rolling her eyes in amusement. “I don’t remember being this awkward during any of the games.”

  “Maybe we need to up our game,” Kael said with a playful grin. “You know, more practice outside of the field. I’m sure we can come up with some great lines over coffee.”

  Lillian chuckled, wondering if he was just trying to find an excuse to go out again another time. As they continued walking toward Roast and Roost Café, the warm glow of the windows became more inviting, but their moment of ease was abruptly interrupted. A group of Crestwood players emerged from the entrance, boasting laughter spilling out into the cool air. They spotted Kael and Lillian, their eyes lighting up with mischief.

  “Look who it is! Thought we’d find you here. Kael on a date!” one of them shouted, a grin spreading across his face. The others erupted in laughter, clearly enjoying the chance to tease him.

  “Aw, man, don’t get all soft on us, Kael!” another chimed in, elbowing his friend playfully. “What’s next? Gonna start knitting sweaters with her?”

  Lillian felt her cheeks heat up, her initial excitement about seeing Kael quickly overshadowed by the playful jabs. She glanced at Kael, who was trying to maintain his composure, though she could see the slight twitch of a annoyance threatening to break through. He sent Lillian a quick look, something in his eyes as he stepped forward.

  “Hey, at least I’m able to pick up someone like her,” Kael shot back. “You guys wish you had someone like her on your arm.”

  The Crestwood players exchanged glances, surprised by Kael's reaction, but they weren’t done yet. “Sure, sure! Just don’t let her outpace you, man! We all know how fast those Omegas can be!” one of them quipped, winking at Lillian.

  Lillian looked at the team incredulously. “Yeah, just remember to keep up! Wouldn’t want her leaving you in the dust!” another added, laughter ringing in the air.

  Lillian couldn’t help but giggle at the absurdity of it all, despite the teasing. “I promise, I won’t leave him behind,” she said with a playful smile, trying to turn this into something lighthearted. Kael looked at her, a soft smile breaking across his face.

  The banter continued for a moment longer before the Crestwood players decided they had had their fun. “Alright, have a good time, you two! Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do!” one of them called out suggestively as they turned to walk back toward campus, their catcalls trailing behind them.

  Once the group was out of earshot, Lillian turned to Kael, trying to gauge his feelings. “Sorry, I was hoping to get them off your back a little,” she said, her expression a sympathetic. “They seem to enjoy teasing you.”

  Kael groaned, rolling his eyes as he opened the door for her. As they stepped inside the café, the comforting warmth enveloped them, and Lillian inhaled the rich scent of coffee and baked goods. They found a small table by the window and settled into their seats, the earlier teasing still lingering in the air.

  “Really, I’m sorry about them,” he said, shaking his head. “The Crestwood guys are just... toxic. They have this way of harassing anyone for anything they can. It’s like they can’t stand to see someone step outside their little box.”

  Lillian looked at him, curious. “What do you mean?”

  “They just think it’s funny to pick on each other, and if someone shows any sign of being different, they’ll pounce,” Kael explained, his voice steady but frustrated. “It’s all about maintaining this image of being tough, and if you don’t fit that mold, they’ll make you regret it.”

  “That sounds exhausting,” Lillian said, frowning.

  Kael shrugged. “For them, it’s about power. They think if they can make someone else feel small, it somehow elevates them. It’s pathetic, honestly. I don’t mind being teased, but when it crosses the line into bullying, it gets old fast.”

  Lillian nodded. “I can see how that would be tough to deal with, especially being on the same team.”

  “Yeah, it’s frustrating. But I try not to let it get to me. I’d rather enjoy time with people who actually matter,” His eyes held a silent “Like you”. Lillian fiddled with her hands under the table.

  As they sipped their drinks, Kael's expression turned contemplative. “You know, the whole toxic culture isn’t just limited to the teasing. It affects a lot of things, especially when it comes to how the team is viewed,” he said, glancing out the window for a moment. “Crestwood gets scouted a lot because of our reputation, but honestly, I’m hoping to get out of here someday.”

  Lillian raised an eyebrow. “Really? What do you mean?”

  “I mean, while the talent is there, I don’t want to be lumped in with all that negative energy,” Kael explained, his voice steady. “I’d like to think I’ve got more to offer than just being another player on a team known for its toxicity. I want to play somewhere where the focus is on teamwork and support, not competition and bravado.”

  “That makes sense,” Lillian replied, nodding. “That’s honestly why I love being on Fector’s team. I feel like I’m on a team with all my friends.”

  “Exactly,” he said, stress in his tone. “I’ve been working hard, and I hope a scout sees that. I want to prove that I can thrive in a place where players lift each other up instead of tearing each other down.”

  Lillian smiled warmly. “I believe you’ll get there. It takes a lot of courage to want more than what’s handed to you.”

  Memories flooded back of her own journey. She remembered how hesitant she had felt stepping onto the field for the first time, surrounded by tall, imposing Alphas. The anxiety had gripped her, making her feel small and out of place even among the few Betas. In those early moments, it seemed like no one wanted to give her a chance to prove herself, and she had questioned whether she truly belonged. It was as if she had to carve out a space for herself in an environment that hadn’t welcomed her. But with each successful catch, her confidence began to blossom, and she felt a sense of belonging she hadn’t experienced before.

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  “Thanks,” he said, his expression soft. “It means a lot to hear that. I just want to find a team that feels like home, somewhere I can really grow and be myself - without all the toxic noise.”

  Their conversation began to flow easily, and Lillian felt a deep sense of connection with Kael - something more profound than what she experienced on the field. She never thought she’d meet someone - especially an Alpha - who felt just as out of place as she once did.

  As the night deepened and the café prepared for its last call, Lillian and Kael stepped outside, the cool air sending a chill up their spines. The warm glow of the café faded behind them, but conversation still lingered in the air.

  “Do you ever think about what you want to do after college?” Kael asked, breaking the comfortable silence and sliding his hands into his pockets.

  Lillian glanced over, tilting her head as she thought. “Honestly, I’ve been so focused on playing and keeping up with classes that I haven’t thought much beyond that. I originally thought I’d become an art teacher. I love to make art and working with the kids, but since discovering frisbee, I’ve felt this pull toward the sport. It feels more fitting for me now.”

  Kael raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Really? That’s interesting. What made you switch gears?”

  “I guess it’s just how alive I feel when I’m playing,” she explained, a smile creeping onto her face. “Frisbee has brought me a sense of community and excitement that I didn’t find in the studio. I love the teamwork, the competition, the thrill of the game. It makes me want to keep doing this somehow, maybe coaching or organizing events for others.”

  “That sounds fitting,” Kael replied, nudging her side with his arm. “You’d be a great coach. You have this energy that could really benefit a team.”

  “I hope so,” Lillian said, thinking briefly about becoming the captain of Fector’s team. “But what about you? You seem to have so many interests. Have you thought about what you might want to do?”

  Kael shrugged, breathing heavily out of his nose. “I’m not really sure. I like sports, obviously, but I also enjoy a lot of different things - like business. It’s tough to narrow it down when I feel like I’m still figuring myself out.”

  “Yeah, I get that,” she said. “It’s okay not to have everything mapped out. I think a lot of people are in the same boat. It’s part of the journey, right?”

  “Yeah,” he replied, a small smile breaking through. “I just hope I find something that feels as right for me as frisbee does for you. I also hope I’m not the last one to figure it out.”

  As they continued walking, Lillian felt comfort and connection building between them. The night had started off awkwardly, but now she wasn’t sure she wanted to be anywhere else. The conversation had shifted from their dreams to small anecdotes about their experiences in sports. Kael shared a funny story about a time he tripped during practice, while Lillian recounted her most embarrassing moment on the field.

  By the time they reached the edge of the field, she realized that this was exactly where she wanted to be. “I really appreciate how open we’ve been with each other tonight,” she said, her heart thumping in her ears as she faced him. “It’s not often I find someone who understands me.”

  “Same here,” Kael replied, his voice sincere. “I’m glad we had this talk. It feels good to share things with someone who gets it.”

  As they stood at the edge of the field, the air around them felt charged with anticipation and too many unspoken words. Lillian met Kael’s gaze, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to stop. The stars seemed a little brighter, and the wind seemed to slow. She felt the urge to lean in, to close the distance between them, but the weight of their thoughts held her back. Kael’s eyes flickered with uncertainty, mirroring her own feelings.

  “Uh, so…” Lillian stammered, breaking the spell and looking away. “We should hang out again. I mean, I had a lot of fun tonight.”

  Kael nodded, a small smile on his face. “Yeah, I’d like that. We should plan for something soon, maybe grab coffee or go for a walk. Just something fun.”

  “Sounds perfect,” she replied, already looking forward to it. With a playful grin, Lillian suggested, “How about we exchange numbers? That way, we can make sure this isn’t just a one-off thing.”

  “Good thinking,” Kael said, pulling out his phone. “I’d hate to have to wait until our next game to hear from you again. I’ll text you first, so you have my number.”

  As he entered his information into her phone, their fingers brushed against each other, sending a small thrill through her. “You know, I think we make a pretty good team,” he said lightly, his voice filled with warmth.

  “Definitely,” she agreed, feeling the warmth of their connection. “Maybe this is something we could keep going?” She asked, giving him a shy smile.

  Kael nodded. “I’d like that.”

  With their numbers exchanged, they both lingered for a moment, the air filled with a bittersweet tension. There was an undeniable spark between them, and while they hadn’t crossed that line into a kiss, they both felt it - a feeling that hinted at something more.

  “Alright, I guess I’ll see you soon, then?” Kael said, his tone carrying an hint of reluctance.

  “Definitely,” Lillian replied, her heart fluttering at the thought of their next meeting. But as she turned to walk toward her car, she felt a pang of sadness. It was hard to leave this moment behind, especially with the promise of more hanging in the air.

  Kael watched her walk away, his smile fading slightly as he felt the distance growing between them. He wished he could call her back, to extend this night just a little longer. Lillian glanced back over her shoulder, catching his gaze for a brief moment, and her heart ached at the thought of leaving him there.

  As she climbed into her car, Lillian couldn't shake the feeling of wanting more time with him. She knew this wasn’t the end; they had connected in a way that felt special. But as she started the engine and pulled away, she wished for just a few more minutes, to linger in that sweet uncertainty a little longer.

  Kael stood there, his breath caught in his throat, watching her until she turned the corner and vanished from view. The night felt cooler without her presence, and an unexpected heaviness settled in his chest. He couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something significant, something he hadn’t anticipated but desperately wanted to explore.

  As he turned to walk back toward campus, he replayed their conversation in his mind, the way she laughed, the way her eyes lit up when she talked about… anything. It all felt so genuine, and he found himself smiling despite the lingering sadness from her leaving. He could already envision their next outing, the playful banter they would share, the way she would challenge him.

  Both of them knew they had somehow stumbled upon something worth pursuing, a connection that was rare and beautiful. With a hopeful heart, Kael made a mental note to text her first thing in the morning, maybe keep the momentum going.

  As the summer sun blazed down on Crestwood's field, Lillian and Kael were fully immersed in their Wednesday tradition of afternoon frisbee. The warmth of their first date brought with it a sense of joy, and the two of them had made a point to carve out this time for each other amidst their busy schedules. It became substantially easier after their classes had let out for the summer. After months of texting and phone calls, they found conversation and time-spent came much easier. Naturally.

  Today, the air was alive with the sounds of laughter and the rhythmic thud of their cleats against the turf. Lillian had donned her favorite sporty tank and shorts, her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. She felt the adrenaline rush through her as she sprinted across the field, executing quick cuts and precise throws. Kael, clad in a loose white t-shirt, chased after her with a playful determination, his energy infectious.

  "Nice catch!" Kael shouted, as Lillian effortlessly snagged the frisbee he tossed her mid-air, her movements graceful and fluid.

  "Thanks! You've got to keep up, though!" she teased, throwing the frisbee back to him with a flick of her wrist.

  With a determined grin, Kael sprinted to the opposite end of the field, ready to receive her throw. "Alright, bring it on! I'm not going to keep going easy on you!"

  As they played, the sun beat down, casting long shadows on the grass. They took turns tossing the frisbee back and forth, each throw accompanied by laughter and light-hearted banter. After a particularly exhilarating rally, they decided to pause for a break, both flopping onto the grass, breathing heavily but grinning from ear to ear.

  "Okay, I think I officially need a water break," Kael said, stretching out on the grass beside her. "You're way too fast for me today!"

  Lillian laughed, wiping the sweat from her forehead. "You're just letting me win! I know you don't want to crush my spirit or anything."

  "Crush your spirit?" he replied, feigning shock. "Never! I'm just trying to keep up with the Alpha of the field here."

  "Alpha, huh? Maybe I should start charging you for lessons," Lillian quipped, a playful glint in her eyes.

  "Only if I get to book more of your time," Kael shot back playfully.

  Their playful banter was interrupted when a figure approached them, an Alpha dressed sharply in a crisp polo shirt and tailored shorts, exuding an air of confidence that was hard to ignore. "Excuse me, Rosaleen and De Luca?" he asked, his voice smooth yet commanding. "Do you mind if I have a moment of your time?"

  Lillian and Kael exchanged curious glances, intrigued by the unexpected interruption. "Uh, sure," Kael responded as they stood up and brushed grass off their clothes.

  The Alpha smiled, extending his hand. "I'm Adrian from the Cypress City Flyers program. I've seen you both play, and I was hoping to chat with you about joining our program."

  "Nice to meet you, Adrian," Lillian said, shaking his hand. "What kind of program?"

  Adrian gestured to the side and handed them a couple of neatly printed flyers. "C2F is a well-known program with a focus on developing talent while maintaining a fun, competitive atmosphere. We have a solid reputation for nurturing players and helping them reach their full potential." He looked at each of them, gauging their interest. "I've been watching you both play, and it's clear you have a lot of potential. I was actually expecting to find one of you here, but it seems fate has brought me both."

  Kael raised an eyebrow, glancing at Lillian before looking back at Adrian. "That sounds interesting, but we're on our own teams right now."

  "Of course," Adrian replied, waving his hand dismissively. "I'm not asking for an answer now. I just wanted to put the option on the table." He handed them both a business card. "You can reach out to me directly if you're interested. I think you'd both be fantastic assets to the team."

  Lillian felt a mix of excitement and hesitation as she looked at the card in her hand. "Thank you, Adrian. We'll definitely think about it."

  "Great," he said, flashing a confident smile. "I'll be around, so don't hesitate to reach out. I genuinely hope to see you both on the field again soon." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Lillian and Kael staring at each other in surprise.

  "What do you think?" Lillian asked, her voice a mix of enthusiasm and uncertainty. "It sounds like a great opportunity."

  Kael nodded, still processing the unexpected encounter. "It does. But it's also a big commitment. Although, I've really been hoping to get noticed by a scout to help me get out of Crestwood. This could be the chance I've been waiting for."

  "True," she replied, biting her lip thoughtfully. "I'm not sure though. I'm supposed to be Fector's new captain in a few weeks. But on the other hand, it could be a chance for us to grow even more. Plus, we could be on the same team! Imagine that."

  Kael chuckled at that, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You just want to keep me in check, huh? Can't let me get too comfortable out there."

  "Uh-huh," Lillian hummed, a playful smirk on her face. "I can't have you thinking you can keep up with me forever!"

  As they gathered their things and prepared to leave the field, Kael's expression shifted slightly, a hint of awkwardness creeping in. "Um, hey, Lillian... do you want to come over to my place for a bit?" he asked, rubbing the back of his neck. "I mean, we've only hung out in public so far, and it might be nice to just chill somewhere more... private."

  Lillian felt her heart race at the suggestion, a mix of excitement and nervousness flooding her senses. They had never spent time alone together, and the thought of being at his place sent her mind spinning. "Uh, yeah, that sounds nice," she said tentatively, her voice barely above a whisper.

  Kael's face lit up with a smile, but he quickly masked it with a playful shrug. "No pressure, of course! I just thought it could be fun. We could watch a film or something."

  "Yeah, a film sounds good," Lillian replied, her mind racing with the possibilities of what it would be like to hang out in a more private place. "What do you have in mind?"

  "I've got a few comedies and some action flicks. We could go for something light-hearted, or if you're feeling adventurous, I might have a horror film or two," he suggested, a teasing glint in his eye. "You don't get scared, do you?"

  "Oh please," she laughed, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "I'm not scared, but I'm not sure I'm ready for a horror film yet."

  "Fair enough," Kael said, grinning. "Then I promise not to scare you away. Just good times and laughs."

  As they walked off the field together, Lillian felt a thrill at the thought of spending time with him in a quieter setting. She was surprised to receive an offer from Adrian; when she started playing, she had no desire to be scouted. Now, the idea sounded exciting, especially if she could have Kael by her side. Playing against him had been both fun and challenging, but she could only imagine how amazing they'd be together as teammates.

  With each step, her heart raced in anticipation, and she couldn't help but wonder what the evening would hold. There was so much to consider. In just a few weeks, she would be stepping into the role of captain for her team, a position she had worked hard to earn. She had built strong bonds with her teammates and felt ready to lead them into the next season, all while balancing her schoolwork.

  As they approached Kael's apartment complex, her thoughts danced between the possibilities that lay ahead for both of them. Would Kael decide to explore Adrian's offer? Would his hopes of getting scouted lead him away from Crestwood, just as he had always dreamed? Regardless of what the future held, she knew Kael wouldn't completely leave her behind, no matter what choices they each made. As overwhelming as all the decisions felt, she figured that this was just the beginning.