Smash to the Heart

Aerin’s POV

The shuttlecock hit the ground, just inches beyond Jex’s racket.

21–19. Match over.

Aerin blinked. That was it.

Jex lost.

She exhaled hard, eyes fixed on her friend standing frozen at the center of the court. 

Jex’s shoulders had dropped the moment the point ended—her grip on the racket loosening, frustration barely masked by the tight set of her jaw.

Damn.

It had been close. 

Too close. 

Jex played like hell, but that North Hills girl—Syra, wasn’t it?—she came at her like she had something to prove.

And judging by that ridiculous shout before the match started, she definitely did.

“MARGO! PARA SA’YO ’TO, HA?!”

Aerin rolled her eyes just remembering it. So much drama.

Still, when she looked down and saw Jex approaching their coach, head low and eyes distant, a flicker of concern ran through her chest. 

Not pity. 

Just—annoyance. 

At the outcome. 

At how unfair it was to work so hard and still fall short.

As Jex neared their bench, Soleil met her halfway, tossing her towel over Jex’s shoulder with a weak grin.

“Hoy,” Soleil said, nudging her gently. “At least parehas na tayo. Second place club, represent.”

Jex let out a breathy chuckle, half amused, half tired. “Not funny.”

“It’s a little funny,” Soleil smirked, earning a light shove from Jex.

Galey looped an arm around Jex’s shoulder. “You played great. Walang masama sa performance mo, Jex. She just had a lucky run.”

Jex didn’t respond right away. 

Her eyes were still scanning the court—probably replaying every mistake in her head.

Aerin joined them, folding her arms as she looked Jex straight in the eye.

“You did good,” she said. “That last drop shot? Syra barely caught it. Anyone else would’ve missed it. You played better than half the girls in this division.”

Jex gave her a faint nod. “Thanks…”

“Don’t let this get to your head,” Aerin added coolly. “We still have a lot to go. Focus on that.”

Jex managed a small, tired smile. “Thanks.”

They stood in quiet for a moment, all four of them gathered near the edge of the court while the North Hills side continued to roar in celebration.

And right in the middle of it all, there she was.

Margo Castellen.

Her stupid red jacket stood out like a sore thumb.

Aerin watched her run onto the court, arms wide open like she had any right to celebrate. 

And Syra practically launched herself into her arms. 

What was that? 

A lifting hug?

Gross.

They're probably girlfriends.

Aerin scoffed and looked away.

“Seriously,” she muttered under her breath. “One win and they act like they own the league.”

She glanced back down at Jex, who was still catching her breath. 

Aerin stood slowly, scanning the court one more time. 

Margo was laughing. 

Grinning like nothing ever went wrong in her world. 

Like she didn’t just storm out of their match yesterday without even the decency of a handshake.

Aerin clenched her fists at her sides.

She didn’t understand how someone could act like that and then show up the next day all smiles, celebrating someone else’s win like she deserved a crown for simply existing.

No sportsmanship. No grace. Just—ego.

And the worst part? Everyone around her seemed to lap it up.

Unbelievable.

She made her way down the bleachers, ignoring the way the North Hills students brushed past her in victory. Let them have their celebration. She didn’t care.

But she would remember this.

Aerin Lysvane didn’t forget.

And she definitely didn’t forgive.

—

The gym buzzed with noise—laughter, chatter, the echo of footsteps against the polished floor. 

Athletes from all participating schools gathered on the bleachers and the center court, some still in their school jackets, others looking more relaxed now that the tournaments were finally over.

Aerin sat with Galey, Jex, and Soleil, arms crossed as she leaned back slightly, letting out a slow breath. 

Her body still ached from the finals against Margo. 

She hadn't even processed the win yet. 

Too much had happened.

“Ang dami nating medals, noh?” Galey said beside her, bumping her shoulder lightly.

“Solid tayo,” Soleil grinned, although her voice still carried a tinge of teasing disappointment. “Second place club. Ako, Jex. Parehas lang. At least may consistency.”

Jex gave her a deadpan look. “Gusto mong palitan ‘yung tubig mo ng suka?”

“Uy, uy! Biro lang. Love kita.” Soleil raised her hands in surrender.

Aerin managed a slight chuckle but stayed mostly silent. The image of Margo storming off the court without a handshake was still sharp in her mind.

Suddenly, the microphone cracked, pulling everyone’s attention toward the stage in front. 

The division head stood tall, clipboard in hand, flashing a wide smile.

“Congratulations to everyone who participated in this year’s Division Athletic Meet! You all made your schools proud.” Applause followed. “Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for… This year’s Overall Division Champion…”

The gym seemed to pause mid-breath.

“…North Hills Academy!”

Cheers erupted from the left side of the gym—Margo’s school. 

Aerin blinked, then gave a small nod. She wasn’t surprised. 

North Hills had raked in more wins in the finals: Miv in track, Syra in badminton, and even Caia in swimming. 

It made sense.

Galey clapped, and Jex just sighed. “Second place ulit tayo, huh?”

“Consistent nga, sabi ni Soleil,” Aerin muttered, lips twitching upward before it quickly faded.

The announcer spoke again, “To celebrate everyone’s hard work, all athletes are invited to the After Party tomorrow night! It’ll be held right here in the gym at 8 PM. Come in casual wear, bring your energy—no uniforms allowed. Food, music, games… and yes, for our senior athletes, you’ll have the freedom to enjoy responsibly. Alam niyo na ‘yan.”

Laughter erupted at the last part, whistles and teasing remarks flying across the room.

“Pwede nang uminom?” Galey leaned in, amused. “Feeling ko si Soleil lasing agad bago pa magsimula ‘yung games.”

Soleil gasped. “Excuse me? Refined drinker ako!”

Jex rolled her eyes. “Sige, ipakita mo na lang bukas.”

But Aerin wasn’t really listening anymore. Her gaze unintentionally scanned the crowd, catching a brief glimpse of someone at the back—Margo. 

The girl was clapping along with her friends, but her face didn’t reflect the same excitement as the rest of her teammates.

Aerin quickly looked away, the weight of the rivalry still lingering.

She hadn’t come here to make friends. 

And she certainly didn’t care about a girl who refused a handshake. 

But somehow, she knew tomorrow’s after party wasn’t going to be uneventful.

Not with Margo Castellen in the same room.