Only we Know

Chapter 10: Brick by Brick

I glanced at Lennard with worry, and he met my gaze with a determined expression as if he was set on winning. Suddenly, Hanz approached Lennard.

"You know, Lennard, I'm impressed. You should consider joining the varsity. Also, is Samantha single?" Hanz taunted, trying to get a rise out of Lennard.

Lennard didn't waver. "Don't push it. If you want Samantha, you'll have to get through me first," he confidently challenged Hanz.

I was taken aback by his words. Was this the same Lennard I knew?

The game between Hanz's team and their rival had been a fierce one. Both sides were determined to win, and as the clock ticked down, the tension in the stadium was palpable. With just 20 seconds left on the clock, Hanz's team was ahead by one point, leading 93-92.

The players were visibly exhausted, and the coaches called another time-out to strategize. It was then that I noticed Lennard - his eyes were focused and determined, and I knew he was ready to make a play for the win.

As the game resumed, Ryan had the ball and was making his way down the court. The crowd was roaring, and I couldn't help but yell out to Ryan to pass it to Lennard, who was being closely guarded by Hanz. With just 10 seconds left on the clock, it was now or never.

"Lennard, win the game!" I shouted, hoping he could hear me over the noise of the crowd.

To my surprise, Lennard looked over and smiled at me - it was the first time he had ever acknowledged me. He dribbled the ball as quickly as he could, maneuvering around Hanz. And then, with just seconds left on the clock, he launched the ball towards the hoop.

Everything seemed to slow down as the ball soared through the air. The crowd fell silent as we all watched, holding our breaths and waiting for the ball to drop. It hit the rim and bounced once, causing our hearts to race with anticipation. And then, it dropped and sank into the net.

The stadium erupted in cheers as Lennard's teammates rushed onto the court, lifting him up in celebration. Jasmine beckoned me to join them, and I ran out onto the court, feeling proud and exhilarated. It wasn't the finals, but it had been an incredible game - one that would go down in history as a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and pure grit.

As I got closer to the crowd trying to reach out to Lennard, I saw Hannah approach him. She hugged him tightly after the game-winning shot, and I couldn't help but feel a bit jealous. I stopped and stood there, watching them as they talked and laughed with each other. I couldn't move myself from the crowd, and I started to feel heavy and anxious. Were they just friends, or did Lennard have feelings for her? I couldn't help but overthink and feel worried.

Feeling overwhelmed, I started to move backward slowly, trying to avoid the crowd and the noise. Jasmine noticed and asked,

"Samantha, where are you going?"

but I couldn't bring myself to answer. I kept quiet and slowly zoned out of the scene, feeling lost in my thoughts and emotions.

I ran as fast as I could, trying to hold back my tears as I tried to understand what was going on inside my head. I went to the rooftop, our favorite place to hang out and get away from the noise. As I caught my breath, I saw a man sitting there. It was Hanz.

"You had a great game out there, Hanz," I said as I approached him after the loss of his game.

"Thanks. Sorry if I was so sudden with my words; you know, being a weirdo," Hanz apologized, looking down at his feet.

I smiled and said, "No worries. We all have our moments."

We sat there for a few minutes, watching the sky and enjoying the peaceful silence. Then Hanz spoke up, "Hey, Samantha, how do you know Lennard?"

I took a deep breath, not sure where this conversation was going. "Well, we've known each other for a while. We used to date, but things didn't work out."

Hanz looked at me with a mix of surprise and sympathy. "I'm sorry to hear that. Do you still have feelings for him?"

I hesitated, not wanting to admit the truth. "I don't know. It's complicated.I have to admit, the past was my fault. I decided to leave him, but I had valid reasons for doing so. Recently, I tried to reconnect with Lennard, hoping that we could give our relationship another chance. Unfortunately, it seems like I was too late. He has changed so much and it breaks my heart to see it." As I say this, tears start to stream down my face.

Hanz nodded, seeming to understand. "Well, someone said that if you continue to carry the bricks from your past, you will end up building the same house. I know you tried your best, but how long will you stay? Honestly, Samantha, I want to know you more, and I'm always here for you," Hanz stated, looking at me with a reassuring smile.

His words hit me hard, and I started to cry, feeling overwhelmed by my emotions. Hanz gave me a handkerchief, and we talked for a while longer, getting to know each other better. He was kind, understanding, and funny, and I found myself feeling more relaxed and happy.

Through my tears, I let out a laugh as Hanz tried to comfort me.

"What's with that comforting words of yours?" I asked, grateful for his kindness.

But as much as I appreciated his support, I knew that Lennard still held a special place in my heart.

"Thank you, Hanz, but it's better if we stick to just friends. I said

Hanz smiled understandingly. "That's fine by me," he replied. It was clear that he respected my feelings and was willing to support me in whatever way I needed.