Unfelt Words, Unfelt Love

Setting: The locker room, moments before the final match. Nat is packing her kit, but her thoughts are anything but focused on the game ahead. Her mind keeps drifting back to the person who has started to consume her thoughts—someone who appeared so suddenly, yet feels like a part of her now.

Nat stands by her locker, methodically packing her kit, her hands trembling just slightly as the memory of that encounter lingers. Every time that person crosses her mind, her heart begins to race, and she can't make sense of why.

Nat (whispering to herself, frustrated):

"What is happening to me? Why do I keep thinking about her? It doesn't make sense. Why… does it feel like my heart is going to burst every time I think about her?"

She can't concentrate. Her thoughts scatter like leaves in the wind, and she's unable to keep her emotions in check. As she fastens the straps of her bag, her teammate, who has been talking to others nearby, notices her distraction.

Teammate (casually, with a laugh):

"Hey, Nat! The final match is with the seniors, huh? What do you think we'll do? They've been practicing way longer than us. I hope we can at least put up a fight."

The words "final match" hit Nat like a shockwave, momentarily pulling her out of her thoughts. She looks up at her teammate, trying to shake the tension off.

Nat (forcing a smile, trying to seem calm):

"Why not? We can try. There's nothing to worry about."

Her voice is steady, but inside, she's a storm of conflicting emotions. The pressure of the final match is one thing, but the whirlwind inside her about this person, the one who's been filling her mind, is another.

Teammate (with a shrug):

"Yeah, but you know how it is with the seniors. They've got all the experience. I mean, I've seen some of them train. A few are great, but one or two—wow, they're amazing."

Nat's heart skips a beat. Her curiosity spikes. She wants to know more.

Nat (trying to sound casual, but her voice betrays her nervousness):

"Do you know them well? Which ones stand out?"

Teammate (grinning, obviously excited to talk about the seniors):

"Oh, of course! Well, let's see… There's Aaru senior—she's the left-handed batsman. Such a kind person, always helping the juniors. Then there's Ann senior, the captain. She's also the coach, really tough but fair. Oh, and my favorite—Deun senior. She's the wicketkeeper and a great batsman. Everyone loves her."

The word "Deun" hits Nat like a punch to the gut. Her blood runs cold for a second. Could it be the same person? She's suddenly very aware of how fast her heart is beating, how loud it sounds in her ears.

Nat (voice barely a whisper, panic and disbelief creeping in):

"Deun...?"

Teammate (laughing, not noticing Nat's shock):

"Yeah, Deun. She's amazing. Everyone admires her—she's got this cute smile and this sweet, caring nature. She's the kind of person who makes everyone feel comfortable. You know, she's one of those rare people everyone just… clicks with."

Nat's thoughts are racing, but she's trying to keep her composure. Her body feels frozen, and she can barely process the words. She knows she's not hearing things—Deun is her senior, the very same person who's been making her heart race with just a thought. The realization hits her like a tidal wave.

Nat (almost trembling, trying to steady her voice):

"Do… do you know anything else about her?"

Her teammate, unaware of the storm brewing inside Nat, continues to speak, excitedly listing off more details about Deun's reputation among the seniors.

Teammate:

"Deun's so popular, you wouldn't believe it. Everyone loves her. Her smile is like sunshine—it's impossible not to like her. She's so kind and always puts others first, you know? She's an incredible player, too. A total natural. Honestly, I don't think anyone could dislike her. She's just… perfect."

Narrative (Nat's thoughts):

"Perfect… that's exactly how she seems. But how can it be her? The one I keep thinking about? The one who makes my heart race and my mind go blank every time I see her? Is this really happening? Is she real? Or am I just imagining everything?"

Nat (whispering to herself, heart pounding):

"Deun… it's really her."

The name echoes in her mind, mixing with the sound of her heartbeat. A sense of dread and excitement floods through her. How is it that the person she's been thinking about—who has been occupying her every waking thought—is right here, so close, yet so far?

Narrative (deep reflection):

"How will I ever meet her? What would I even say? She's so far out of my reach. It's impossible. How could someone like her ever notice someone like me?"

As the conversation around her continues, Nat barely registers the voices of her teammates. Her thoughts are consumed with one question:

Nat (whispering to herself, with a touch of fear and wonder):

"Why is this happening? How will I ever face her?"

As Nat finishes packing her kit, the weight of the situation presses down on her. The final match is approaching, and with it, the undeniable reality that she may have to face Deun—the girl who has already captured her heart, whether she knows it or not.