1. ...but there was a hint of fatigue in her eyes.
1. She had pushed herself hard during the game.
1. "I need to cool down now."
1. Handing me back the water bottle...
2. ...her gaze remained on me for a moment longer than necessary.
1. "...."
1. I watched her as she made her way through the crowd...
1. Her limp slightly more noticeable now that the adrenaline of the game had worn off.
1. "You're more concerned about her than you let on."
1. "I'm just impressed with her skills."
2. I tried to sound as nonchalant as possible.
1. As possible.
2. "Sure, keep telling yourself that."
1. There was a mix of feelings twisting inside me.
1. Admiration, concern, maybe something more.
1. It was confusing and, honestly, a bit annoying.
1. I was waiting outside the locker rooms for sera.
2. I wanted to be the first to congratulate her.
1. BUT SHE WAS NOWHERE TO BE SEEN.
4. "Where are you?"
5. "How much time do you need?"
6. "Will it take much longer?"
7. "I'm waiting for you."
1. Most of her teammates had already regrouped in the common area.
1. "Hey guys, do you know where sera is?"
1. "Oh? She's in the female locker room. Just down the hall and to the left."
2. "Thanks."
1. "Ugh.. Why is she taking so long?"
1. "Hey student, are you a friend of sera's?"
1. "Yes, ma'am."
1. "She's quite the stubborn one."
2. "Uh?"
1. "She refuses to get proper treatment for her bruises."
2. "Bruises...?"
1. "Yes, the fall during the game left her with some bad injuries. Her ankle is sprained, and her back is pretty red."
1. Damn, I knew it.
1. "Anyway, maybe she'll listen to you. Can you help her?"
1. "Sure, ma'am."
1. "I'm off to grab some pain medication. I'll be back in about 20 minutes."
2. "Try to convince her to get treated, okay?"
1. "Yes, ma'am."
1. I was sure that the fall had caused considerable damage to her.
1. It troubles me that, despite the pain, she continued to play, potentially worsening those injuries.
2. Entering the locker room, I was immediately struck by the heavy scent
1. By the heavy scent of sweat and liniment.
1. Sera was there, sitting alone on a bench, grimacing as she tried to reach a bruise on her back.
