The Offside Of Love

" Stop crashing my feet, Kelly!", I cursed my best friend, Kelly Marshy as she wasn't showing any sign of stopping. Well, I couldn't blame her entirely. Not only did she but the entire gallery was holding their breath in anticipation. My anxiety hormones flew upwards so wildly that I forgot to pay attention to my nails which had been eaten like a delicious candy during this time.

50 || 50

The red-screened scoreboard was hanging at the top of our gallery like my death bell. Just a change of number could take my breath away without any delay. It was my other year in this same Waterlodgh Gallery. Each year, the state organized the yearly basketball match among the universities. Though more than 130 universities participated each year, the finalists remained the same, Sunblock & Rainbow University. Simply because they had the best player of the state on their team. The two potential stars would be offered to play nationally anytime soon. It was the public's thoughts since both of them had achieved several trophies during the past few years. Their clubs treasured them like a gem but I didn't care about one of them at all because my focus was always on Finn Hansley.

Finn Hansley, the captain of Sunblock's basketball team, and the most wanted bachelor of Sunblock currently stole my heart last year. We had been dating for roughly a year and as a loyal girlfriend and die heart supporter of Basketball, I came to cheer for my boyfriend and his team. Finn doesn't potentially look like the heartthrob honestly but he had a pair of grey eyes, light brown hairs, and that little cut over his right eyebrow which defined him more like a decent, athletic guy. His countenance was always very tender, and elegant which could attract anyone easily.

A round of high-piercing cheers put my imagination back on hold. I jerked off in my spot, my eyes following the court where Finn was flipping the ball, heading for the basket. The match had only 5 minutes left and here, we were still in a time with Rainbow. If the score stays the same, we will have to share the trophy with Rainbow. That was the rule for local matches like this. In no way, I would like to see my boyfriend sharing the prize with his enemy.

All the expectant eyes were on Finn who was enormously passing the defenders with his skilled dribbling. The entire gallery including me was hoping for a high jump shoot, almost losing our minds in anticipation. Finn was only one step away, his body flipped in the air as his other palm toyed with the red basketball skillfully. Just one shot, another story would be written in Sunblock's history. But then all our anticipations were killed off when other long slender arms blocked the ball, forcing it down.

I didn't have to look at his face. His tattoo behind his back was enough to notify me who was the culprit. The supporters of Rainbow chirped after the ball was blocked. There I saw the face of our enemy!

Ares Thatcher whirled around to flash a stupid grin at the girls of Rainbow. His one hand held the basketball whilst he raked his other hand through his dark tousled hair. Dark blue eyes framed with thick eyelashes, a strong jawline, straight nose everything about him was so profound undoubtedly except his character. Ares was known as the sex God whose room was the sex dungeon for the young girls of Rainbow that he used for pleasure. After that, he never looked back at them and for this reason, she never had my admiration no matter how good a player he was. Sometimes I pitied another best friend, Aria Thacher who came each year to support her brother. Unfortunately, yes. Our monarch enemy, the captain of Rainbow's basketball team was none other than my best friend's older brother, Ares Thatcher. It was hard to pretend that I liked him in front of my best friend. But whatever my feelings were, I couldn't reveal them in front of my best friend who played a major part in my lonely nights.

Ares and Finn shared a lot of common things. Both had 29 goals in their bags but hate to mention that Ares had just shot one more last week during their match between clubs. Naturally, the national team sends their offers after surpassing 30 and I was looking forward to the day when Finn would run to me to share the news that he had been selected to participate in the next national-level match.

The gallery was once again in a full cheering mood. Pushing my thoughts back into my mind, my eyes followed the Number 10 Jersey which belonged to Finn. In my bizarre thoughts, I failed to notice that the ball had once again been in Sunblock's control. Finn was bouncing and dribbling quite roughly. His countenance was mortified when he focused on the basket sharply. Even though he was far away from me, I could tell that he was determined to break the record of Ares Thatcher.

Anxiety crept through my mind again. I gripped the hem of my mini skirt as the tension was reckoning my nerves badly.

Two more minutes left...

It was a breathtaking moment when Finn launched himself in the air, his right arm outstretching and the ball finally had its way inside the basket.

GOAL!

The entire gallery burst into laughter, and screams of people engulfed the air. I was so lost in happiness that I forgot my place and was standing over the seat. At the same time, the bell rang, announcing to the over-excited audience that they had a winner now.

Sunblock's basketball team! Finn's Winning!

A step closer to joining the national team!

Around 45 minutes later, though half of the gallery had emptied, I was still there for Finn to show up. The trophies had been given to the team, boring speeches ended and all there left were players and his family members, close friends.

Finn was making his way toward me with a smile. I returned him a big smile before jogging over to him, jumping like a school kid. I pressed our lips together for a brief moment, ignoring the eyes around me. My boyfriend had just won a trophy and it was time to celebrate, bitch.

Finn grinned down at me, patting the side of my messy hair," You have been waiting too long, huh?"I pouted childishly,

" Yeap because you took too long to win!"

My compliment brought a big smile to his face which I could stare at for eternity. I spotted Aria behind them, coming with her brother with a disappointed look. Though they lost the game, Ares had no remorse visible in his expression. Instead, he was laughing with his friend open-mindedly.

Aria and I made brief eye contact. I flashed her a smile which she returned with a stiff one though I didn't mind. My conscience told me to console Aria a little and I followed, leaving Finn behind to celebrate with his teammates.

Ares raised his brows once I made my way over to Aria. He tossed his hair playfully, funning at my approach,

" I thought, enemies, don't share their concerns."

I glared at him hard, his laughter erupted annoying me over and over again. Once I went closer, Aria pulled me into a tight hug, murmuring through her sadness," Congratulations!"

I smiled against her skin. This girl was different from others. Elegant, and always put others over her own choices and it was the reason that we were bound gloriously as soul sisters.

Ares left no chance of teasing me. His eyes hooked on me as he spoke unaffectedly by his sister's sadness who was much more unhappy than him," I heard that you have a party at your house, tomorrow?"

I scoffed at my irritation. Adjusting the strap of my bag on my back, I replied through my gritted teeth,

" Yeap, it's my birthday and you aren't welcome at all."

I was trying to be polite here but he had to provoke me at any cost. His lips twitched, one hand gripped the side of his dramatically replying,

" Ouch! That hurts, Princess!"

I hated this nickname more than anything else. He was an annoying big brother in my life who would tease me without any reason. Every year, I celebrate my birthday quite lavishly. My parents tended to give me all my freedom on that particular day and they kept their promises. Even I made a personal card to send those invitations to my friends personally.Ignoring his lame jokes, I pulled my attention back to Aria, asking her softly,

" Aren't you coming?"

Aria appeared hesitant for a while. Her long eyelashes fluttered a few times which she did often when she got nervous. Aria parted and closed her mouth, struggling to find a suitable reason but I cut her off, tugging on her arms impatiently,

" Don't you dare, Aria! You are coming or else I am not going to cut my birthday cake. This is your card.."

I spoke and reached out to pull out the card that I prepared for her. It was in my out pocket. My fingers stretched inside the pocket and I found nothing except the slight wetness from yesterday's soaking under the rain.As I pulled on my strap, bringing the bag under my eyes to get a closer look, a domineering, playful voice rang from the distance,

" Hey, Princess!"

My eyes followed the voice blankly. His eyes switched aside, gesturing at something that had in his grip up the air," Thanks for the invitation! I am more than willing to crash your party!" I stood frozen, trembling in rage after the hearing! All I could yell at him out loud," Jerk!"

|| Savannah's POV ||

My birthday party was in a full-swing mood. The birthday cake from my favorite pastry shop had just arrived at the door. Kelly and two others were decorating the cake with candles and extra hot chocolate. This firm house gives birth to always been my favorite. My uncle who was in the army allowed me to celebrate my birthday each year in this firm house. Most of the time, my parents came to attend us but this time, they had a pre-planned vacation outside of the country. Though they insisted on joining, I urged them to go enjoy themselves and not worry about my birthday party. They barely took their own time to enjoy themselves and I couldn't be so selfish to hold them in this adult party. Besides Finn, my best companion would be here with me all the time.

I strode through the stairs, coming down to scan across the room. Aria didn't come yet which was making me uncomfortable. Though I believed that she wouldn't be so cruel to spoil my mood at my birthday party, concern gripped my heart subconsciously.

Wouldn't she come because of her brother?

As if heaven had heard my silent prayer, the front door burst open, appearing a wide-smiling Aria with a red bag in her hands. Her smile broadened once our eyes connected. I couldn't wait to pull her into a hug, her squealing voice laced with happiness,

" Happy Birthday, Bitch!"

I grinned, overwhelmed by the fact that she had valued our friendship more than our enmity. My eyes followed the back door, and that overjoyed smile quickly dissipated because Ares was on my opposite, grinning like a professional seducer. I held back my grimace in presence of Aria.

Aria switched a concerned look between us. She sutured, probably embarrassed by the fact that how his brother forcefully took my invitation card,

" Sav...Urgg...He insisted on coming..I hope, you don't mind, don't you?"

Of course, I would because Finn would be here and definitely wouldn't appreciate his presence at this party!

But above all, there was something called humanity. I couldn't just drive away the guest from my party especially when he was my best friend's brother. I had opened my mouth to say something but Ares interrupted me, coming over to slide an arm around Aria's waist,

" Of course, she wouldn't. We are childhood sweethearts, aren't we princesses?"

Ares was being Ares's usual. Flashing back to our memory, I once told him that we could be lovers rather than just friends in my childhood. He was hot, always drawing the attention of girls from the neighborhood. I couldn't blame my childhood fantasy. Hence I exhaled, deciding to put an end to this baseless argument,

" Cut it off, Ares! Since you are here, behave for God's Sake. I don't mind because this house is big enough to have your butt."

Ares flashed me a grin, turned around, and disappeared into the bunch of girls that Kelly brought with her.

___________________

The crowd was singing my birthday song. I was at the center of attention and shuffled my feet awkwardly. It was hard to smile since I was a grown-up woman and not a toddler anymore. So it was getting odd for me but I smiled enthusiastically when Finn squeezed my palms lightly.

I glanced up, finding Finn smiling at me encouragingly. All my nervousness disappeared through the open window and I bent down, cutting the cake under everyone's watchful eyes.

After a while of cake-sharing with others, Finn appeared at my side. His one hand slid down to pull me closer as he whispered, irritation evident in his voice,

" What is Ares doing here? You know, I don't like him."

I sighed helplessly. Looking over, I found him at the center of a few girls. His hands rubbed on their bodies casually as if it was natural for him to do. I mumbled, dropping my eyes and apologizing,

" I am sorry...You know, I had to call him for Aria."

Finn didn't seem happy though but he squeezed past a smile at me, assuring me with a soft voice,

" It's fine. I just can't tolerate his presence!"

Neither do I!

Kelly's excited voice echoed from the hallway. She was seated in front of the glass table, an empty vodka bottle was placed in the middle. Even without exchanging words, I knew what was she up to. This game was a common thing at our adult party.

Truth or Dare!

Everyone from the party had come to join the game. Seating and sprawling across the couches, they were pretty much unaffected by the game. Finn and I were seated together. On the left of our couch, Ares joined with a brunette in his arms.

Typical!!

Kelly was the instructor of our game. Her cheeks blew in and out when she narrated the rules. If you choose to not complete the task, you have to take a shot of vodka.

The bottle spun around the table, rolling until it stopped pointing at Ares who had zero attention on the table. Everyone including me shifted our attention to him, wondering who was going to ask him a question. Kelly clapped her hands excitedly, showing her enthusiasm,

" I want to ask him. Can I, please?"

Most of us shrugged since most of us here were loyal supporters of Sunblock. So no one had an interest in Ares. Kelly took our silence as her approval hence she quired humming lowly,

" Truth or Dare, Ares?"

Ares dropped his liquor on the table. His thumb wiped the corner of his drained lips, replying,

" Dare, of course!"

Kelly looked disappointed for a while. I bet that she intended to spill out his secrets through this game. Kelly thought for a while after giving it a thought,

" Pick out the hottest girl in this circle and kiss her in front of us."

We all thought that she had given him the easiest task on earth. Ares was the infamous playboy, the sex God who never fucked a girl twice. In this regard, kissing a girl was nothing to him.

Ares smirked at her words, running his eyes across the couches until they stopped on me. Every limb of my body had turned numb, unmoving.

He wasn't planning to pick me, did he?

Even Finn shifted beside me uncomfortably. It was obvious that he read his eyes and I was suddenly feeling suffocated. I looked up at Ares, begging silently to spare me from this mess.

As if he understood me, Ares chuckled lightly. Turning his head aside, he placed a quick kiss on the brunette's lips. Everyone cheered, restarting the game again and the turn came one after another. At the very end, it was my turn when the bottle stopped on my way.

Aria raised her hand, excitement laced out her tone as she spoke to the crowd,

" Me! Me! I will call the shot for our birthday girl."

Kelly clapped, putting her liquor between her lips,

" Go ahead, Aria! Sup! Sup!"

Aria smirked at me before glancing at Finn beside her,

" I dare you to kiss Finn in front of us, Sav."

My jaw dropped as I glared hard at her. I wasn't comfortable locking our lips in front of so many people. Aria knew that well and she deliberately put me in this tough time.

I stayed numb, embarrassed to take the initiative on my own. Kelly and Aria left no chance of pushing me hard as they yelled urging at me,

" Come on, Savannah! It's your boyfriend. If you can't handle it, take the shot, baby."

I was still contemplating in my thoughts when Finn shifted beside me, his hand reaching out to grab my chin. Before I registered my mind, Finn claimed my lips passionately. Cheers rang around us as I quickly separated ourselves, moving aside shyly. Everyone was admiring us couple except Ares who looked less excited about us.

But I didn't care! Who was he after all?

The next turn, the bottle spun again, and this time, it was stopped pointing at Kelly who was half drunk already. Though Aria and I were eager to give her a tough time, Kelly's friend Myra shared her opinion first. Myra giggled screaming,

" Wait! Wait...I know Kelly's secret the most. Let me do the honor guys! I bet that she will have a tough time."

Indeed Kelly had embarrassed us enough in front of them. Hence we were looking forward to Myra who promised to give her a tough time. I didn't like Myra personally. She was the kind of girl who enjoyed making someone embarrassed seriously and never had any remorse for that. I knew her through Kelly and I had no idea how did they get along so well with such different personalities. Myra licked the corner of her lips, asking after letting out a mysterious grin,

" Kelly, I dare you to make out with your secret crush, Finn tonight."

|| Savannah's POV ||

Her words brought a dead silence on the table especially when everyone had shifted their eyes on me. As a man with a girlfriend by her side, it was embarrassing for me. Needless to say that she was trying to match my boyfriend and best friend together.

Kelly's reaction switched between shocked and panicked. Her brows are scrutinized together, scowling at Myra who probably lost her rational sense,

" Enough of your rubbish, Myra! Do you even know what you are talking about?"

Myra's laughter erupted like a devil in hell. Her lips twisted, winking at Kelly knowingly,

" Why...I know..you two.."

Myra's words were interrupted, followed by a slap from Kelly who looked beyond furious. She quickly nudged her elbows, pushing Myra to leave the place,

" Shut up!!! You are talking out of your sense, Myra! Let's take you inside a fucking room!"

After her words, she pushed Myra upstairs, disappearing from our uncomfortable gazes. The air among us turned stiff when Finn spoke from my side slowly,

" Babe...Are you upset? I don't know.."

I shot him a stupid look. Why on earth would I believe someone who was half drunk?

Finn gave a relieved smile, once again proving how much he cared about my emotions. Damn! I loved this man badly!

When the air between us turned normal again, I felt a pair of hooked eyes on me. Looking over there, I found Ares, watching me intensely as if he had so much to say. I ignored his presence like the plague. First, he was uninvited to this party and second, I preferred to become the most loyal girlfriend in Finn's life.

It was 2 A.M when I woke up groggily. Once I was clear-headed and looked around, my jaw dropped, and discovered the mess. We chatted for a long time after the game which ended hours back. Except for Ares, Finn, and a few of them, everyone was fast asleep, awkwardly sprawling across the carpet and finding whatever suitable positions to sleep.

A slight pain of headache hit my brain hard. My muscles felt numb when I stood and snooped around to find Finn across the hallway. Strangely, he wasn't anywhere. I depended on those railings to stride upstairs, landing on the carpet but my track took an abrupt halt when two husky voices came from one of those rooms.

" Kelly, for God's sake, behave yourself!"

" Why? Are you afraid that Savannah will find out about us? Don't worry, she is unconscious."

" Myra almost spilled out the truth. Surely, you can't keep your mouth shut."

" Oh come on, Finn! Let's not waste this rare opportunity. Just one round!"

" Kelly, Savannah is downstairs! I can't take this risk."

My stomach clenched into a tight knot. All the thoughts inside my mind began to work blankly. I heard them clearly and for heaven's sake, I hoped that it was all in my hallucinations. Still, a part of my brain pushed me to stand beside the door and stole a look inside. Though I could realize everything, my feet followed the instructions of my mind.

My breath shuddered once I scooted closer and peeked inside. The sight inside my room was more heartbreaking than I imagined. Kelly was naked from her waist down. Her legs sprawled hanging on both sides on Finn's lap. She was wiggling her hips, trying to figure out a suitable position. Every time she moved a slight bit, Finn moaned in excitement. Finn's expression wasn't something near irritation. Instead, he was throwing his head, pleasure is written all over his expression.

A muffled choke nearly escaped from my lips. I pressed my palms down on my lips, stumbled backward, and finally took a hasty turn to run downstairs. Tears rolled down my cheeks relentlessly. Stopped by the mini bar that I had set up for my birthday party, I grabbed a few bottles and began to devour them one after another. My brain was having a hard time deciphering what just happened.

Someone once told me that betrayal hurts the most because it comes from your closest person, not from your enemy. Today, these words made me realize every inch of it. Finn's moan, Kelly's enthusiasm everything was like a sharp arrow to me. Those images were cutting my heart deeply.

My muffled sobs began to choke out from my throat. Because I had other guests around, I grabbed another two bottles of vodka, running outside to vent all my sorrows.

A late night breeze greeted me. The streetlights were getting blurry in my vision as I teared up, dropping to my knees to break down. It was a relief for me to cry so openly after a devastating sight. The pain squeezed my heart hard and I cried until I had no strength to cry any longer.

I stood straight, heading straight for the street but I had no idea where I was going. My mind needed space from this place, away from them where no one could find me.

My feet followed the light of the streets, tripping and stumbling on the way. No doubt that I looked like a perfect mess after being so drunk and losing the love of my life. Finn's betrayal wouldn't hurt me if he wasn't doing it with my own best friend.

My drunkard mind still looked back into memories. Kelly's reaction, Finn's look on her, everything made sense and their words were crystal clear. They were sleeping with each other behind my back. The pain of betrayal once again gripped my heart painfully.

I choked, failing to take another step and almost dropping down on the concrete street. Out of my experience, warm, slender arms grabbed my body from my back.

My mind worked for a brief moment, assuming that Finn had followed me here but when I turned around, all I could see were those blue eyes. It was Ares whose eyes looked shocked, and concerned.

He questioned, staring at my swollen eyes in confusion,

" Where are you going, Savannah? I saw you from the rooftop. I thought, you are going somewhere but all I could see was your tripping over and over again. You look... quite drunk...How did you become so tipsy?"

I didn't know if it was his deep concerned voice or my drunkard mind that I wanted to open up my mind just for tonight. His presence suddenly emitted an aura of relaxation. I hiccuped through my chokes before stammering,

" Finn.. cheated on me...I hate..him..I.I am..sad"

Ares cursed something under his breath. Pulling me closer, he replied without holding back anymore,

" I knew it! You shouldn't have dated her from the beginning, Princess. Let's bring you inside the house."

I retorted, fighting back with my sobs that threatened to leak out,

" I don't want to..go back to that place...Finn might..be fucking her.."

Ares furrowed his brows tightly at my words. He didn't pursue the topic anymore. Instead, he changed the subject, offering me his gentle voice,

" Then how about going back to my house? You can stay in Aria's room and go back to your house tomorrow."

I gave a burst of throaty laughter, and rebuked placing my palms over my hips,

" So that you can have sex with me like other girls?"

His experience hardened and I bet that he didn't appreciate it when I spoke those words blatantly. He stepped closer, tugged my limp body closer, and muttered in a serious tone,

" You aren't the other girl, Savannah."

I stammered back, pouting him cutely,

" Then what am..I... to..you?"

His eyes froze for a second, expression switched between hesitation and reluctance but a voice soon laced like a whisper,

" You..you are my princess and Princess aren't worthy of becoming a bed warmer.."

My drunkard brain couldn't decipher the seriousness of his voice. Another round of laughter stimulated my throat. Eyeing at him blankly, I hit back, holding onto his arms to stay stable on my feet,

" Then what.. are. they.. worthy for... Ares.."

His lips quirked up, enjoying the view of my flushed cheeks. He muttered back, caressing the back of my arms lightly,

" They are worthy of being a girlfriend or... wife...Did you know how many players on those teams have a crush on you? Finn was never of your taste, Savannah. Stop getting hurt."

Rage and pain both took over my heart together. I declined so many boys for Finn and his loyal love. Suddenly remorse gripped me and Ares's words reminded me that I could choose much better boys than Finn.

Was I too easy on him that he dared to fool me? Or he found me unworthy of becoming his girlfriend?

Thousands of possibilities clouded my mind. I glanced up at Ares thoughtfully. He was looking down at me with concerned eyes. I swallowed hard, asking him in a low, shallow voice,

" So..you mean that I could date anyone.. from those teams.."

Ares chuckled lightly, replying,

" Yes mostly. You are hot, you know that?"

I inhaled a sharp breath into my lungs. Raising my chin to stare into his dark eyes, I asked forgetting how much enmity we both had,

" Why don't you date me then?"