Monday afternoon. The gym buzzed with the usual energy — sneakers squeaking, water bottles clinking, laughter echoing. Ami had just wrapped up drills and crushed a clean dunk in scrimmage. She was still high on adrenaline as she walked into the locker room, towel around her neck.
As she stepped inside, the chatter dimmed. It was quiet. Too quiet.
Then she heard it — whispers, soft laughter… something more.
In the mirror reflection, she saw them: Luna, Vee, and Samira — the trio from the party. This time, they weren't just flirting or teasing. They were… wrapped up in each other. Close. Hands moving, mouths near, heat radiating from them in waves.
Ami froze. Her heart pounded, not with fear — but with a confusing, heavy ache in her chest and a warmth in her belly. She couldn't look away.
Mika caught her gaze in the mirror.
"Hey, Ami," she said, voice low. "You don't have to pretend. We know you felt it too."
And maybe it was the sweat on her skin… the energy from practice… the tension she hadn't fully dealt with. But this time, she didn't turn away. She walked forward — slowly — heart racing, pulse in her throat.
Lana reached out, gently touching her wrist.
"No pressure. Just you… being you."
Ami didn't say a word. She let herself feel — not just desire, but the pull of curiosity, rebellion, comfort.
They didn't push. It was soft, slow. Hands finding places. Eyes locked. A kiss that started everything. A moment Ami didn't stop.
Later that night, after the fog had cleared and the weight of the moment pressed down on her, Ami found herself curled up on the couch again. This time, she told Sandra everything. Every breath. Every beat.
She expected judgment. Silence. Maybe even distance.
But Sandra just listened.
"And how do you feel now?" she asked gently.
Ami hesitated. "I liked it," she admitted. "But I also feel… weird. Not ashamed, just… like I'm trying to fill a void with touch. Like maybe I'm not really okay."
Sandra nodded, rubbing her back slowly.
"Ami, what you're going through is real. The emotions, the confusion, the craving for connection — it's part of becoming. But don't lose your why in the middle of the what."
Ami frowned. "What does that even mean?"
Sandra smiled softly. "It means... explore, feel, question — but don't forget what matters most to you. Your peace. Your truth. Your light."
They sat in silence. No shame. No commands. Just guidance, and a warm presence.
Ami looked down at her hands. "So... I'm not broken?"
"No, baby," Sandra said. "You're becoming. And it's messy, but beautiful."