Chapter 4: Team House Secrets and Dares

My best friend told me to drop off some things for her brother at the VTG team house—a chance to get close to my idol.

She was always plotting, trying to push me out of my comfort zone.

"Go on, live a little!" she said, shoving the bag into my hands.

But my idol already had a girlfriend. Even if I sat on his lap, it wouldn't matter.

I tried to tell myself it was pointless, but my heart wouldn't listen.

But when I actually rang the team's doorbell, my heart was pounding harder than ever.

I could hear my pulse in my ears. What if I made a fool of myself?

"Sis, you're here!" My best friend's brother, Tyler Lane, a trainee at VTG, answered.

He grinned, looking taller and more confident than I remembered.

It was weird seeing him in this world.

The three of us grew up together, and my best friend always said Tyler looked at me weirdly.

I never believed her, but now I wasn't so sure.

He was acting extra friendly.

But I only saw him as a little brother.

To me, he was still the kid who used to eat glue in kindergarten.

He enthusiastically showed me around the house, sharing every detail of his life there.

He pointed out the trophy case, the kitchen stocked with energy drinks, even the laundry room.

I pretended to be interested, but my mind was elsewhere.

I zoned out, wondering if Carter lived like this every day too.

Did he ever get homesick? Did he ever feel lonely in a house full of teammates?

Before I knew it, Tyler had led me inside.

The top-laner on the couch spotted me: "No way, are you Lane's girlfriend?"

"Old Woods is gonna cry!"

I was totally confused—what was going on?

I stood at the door, unsure whether to go in or leave.

Tyler, thankfully, broke the silence: "Not yet, she's just the sister I grew up with."

Not yet?

Take back what I said about you being sensible.

"Got a guest?" A familiar voice called.

I turned and saw Carter, holding a thermos.

He looked so domestic, it made my heart skip a beat.

The top-laner grinned: "Lane's childhood sweetheart is here!"

I could smack you!

I shot him a glare, but he just winked at me.

Carter's gaze finally landed on me: "It's you."

He looked at Tyler, then back at me, but didn't say anything else.

He stood right in front of me, not moving aside or leaving.

The air between us felt charged.

I swallowed hard, trying not to fidget.

"Captain, can I show my sister around the house?" Tyler asked at the worst possible time, making things even more awkward.

"Your sister?" Carter replied coldly.

His answer made me even more confused.

He sounded almost jealous. Was I imagining it?

"I'm the captain, I know the place better. You go train, I'll show your sister around," Carter said, putting extra emphasis on "sister."

Tyler just thought Carter wanted him to train more and obediently went back to practice.

He shot me a look as he left, like he was missing out on the fun.

Carter looked at me: "Let's go."

He gestured for me to follow, and I trailed behind, trying not to trip over my own feet.

I followed him, and as we left, I heard the top-laner mutter, "What's there to see in this tiny place?"

I rolled my eyes, but Carter ignored him, leading me down the hall.

Carter walked me through every corner of the place.

He pointed out the practice room, the kitchen, even the backyard where they grilled burgers on weekends.

His voice was soft, almost nostalgic.

It felt surreal, reminding me of when he used to tutor girls in class.

Back then, I always wished he'd notice me.

Now, here he was, giving me his undivided attention.

Why not me? Because I never dared to turn around or speak up.

The secret crushes of youth seem so silly now.

Looking at Carter now, I wondered why I'd been so afraid.

Maybe we both missed out.

"What are you thinking about?" Carter suddenly stopped in front of me, making me almost bump into him.

"Want your little buddy to show you around instead?"

I quickly waved my hands: "No, it's not that…"

I blushed, looking down at my shoes.

He laughed, the sound warm and familiar.

Carter smiled: "You're still the same—stuttering when you're nervous."

"So cute."

I covered my face, but he just kept smiling.

To celebrate the team's spring season victory, the coach took everyone out for barbecue.

It was a classic American feast—ribs, burgers, corn on the cob.

The whole team was in high spirits, and the restaurant buzzed with laughter.

As the unofficial 'family member,' I got dragged along.

I tried to blend in, but everyone kept pulling me into conversations.

Tyler made sure I had a plate piled high with food.

As soon as I sat down, Tyler pulled out the chair next to me.

He grinned, nudging me with his elbow. "Save me a seat, sis!"

Carter sat across from me, face dark.

He glared at Tyler, then at me. I looked away, pretending to be busy with my drink.

I didn't dare look up.

The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife.

I could feel Carter's eyes on me the whole time.

The top-laner whispered something to Carter, glanced at me, and Carter suddenly burst out laughing.

Whatever he said, it broke the ice. Carter's laugh was deep and genuine, and everyone joined in.

Then the top-laner started a round of the classic King's game—king gives orders.

He pulled out a deck of cards, grinning like the devil. "Alright, who's feeling lucky?"

First round, I drew the king card and picked two guys to do a princess carry.

The guys groaned, but played along. Tyler winked at me, and I rolled my eyes.

Tyler leaned in: "Sis, hope it's us next round."

Not even trying to be subtle, huh?

His voice was just loud enough for Carter and the top-laner to hear.

I shot him a look, but he just grinned wider.

Luckily, I never got picked for a punishment.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Some of those dares were brutal.

But right before we left, the top-laner said, "Let's play one more round."

I had a bad feeling.

This time, he drew the king card, and picked numbers 2 and 8—me and Carter.

"Numbers 2 and 8, kiss!"

When the cards were revealed, I was stunned.

My face went beet red. Carter looked just as surprised.

I waved my hands: "I'll just do truth or dare. Woods already has a girlfriend."

The whole table went silent.

You could hear a pin drop. Everyone looked at Carter.

The coach broke the tension: "When did you secretly start dating, kid?"

Carter was stunned for a second, then nodded knowingly: "Yeah, online."

Everyone burst out laughing.

The top-laner hugged Carter, laughing so hard he nearly fell over: "Still playing MMO romance at your age?"

Carter just ignored him, drawing a truth card.

Only I sat there, mind spinning.

Online dating?

So he wasn't with Savannah?

My heart skipped a beat. Was there still a chance for me?

"Briefly introduce your first love, hahaha," the top-laner read his punishment.

Carter looked at me: "High school, a girl who stuttered when she talked."

The class beauty… stuttered?

She was on the debate team!

I stared at him, wondering if he was talking about me.

Then it was my turn. Somehow, Carter and I drew the same card.

Egged on by everyone, I managed: "Me too, high school, but it was just a secret crush."

I don't remember much after that, just Carter walking me home and saying quietly: "How do you know it was just a crush?"

And my brain fried.

I couldn't even answer. His words echoed in my head all night.

Fueled by alcohol, I went home and crashed.