ONE OF YOU
ONE OF YOU
SELENA'S POV
I dress with intention, not too much, not careless either. A lemon tank top with cargo shorts and sneakers. Comfortable but confident. I pulled my hair into a ponytail, with the edges smoothed down just right. A simple lip combo.
I look at myself in the mirror.
Yeah.
This is giving I’m about to beat you.
That’s the energy I want. Not because I need to prove something but because I want him to see me. Capable, focused and ready.
I grab my phone and take one last look around the room.
Whatever happens tonight, it’s just a game.
I open the door and step out.
The court is already lit when I get there.
Jayden texted “I'm at the court now.
Nothing else. No emojis.
Just Jayden being Jayden.
I hurry over anyway, my sneakers scuffing lightly against the ground, my heart moving faster than my legs. The court is set up neatly, nets pulled tight, rackets resting against the bench like they’ve been waiting for us all day.
He’s already here.
Of course he is.
Summer air clings to him. He's in a loose shirt, sleeves rolled up, hair slightly damp. He’s been here longer than he said. He looks up the moment he hears me.
“You’re late,” he says, but he’s smiling.
“You said now,” I reply, dropping my bag. “That’s vague.”
He laughs under his breath. “Fair.”
We don’t waste time. We pick up rackets, step into position, and just like that, we’re playing. The ball moves between us, sharp and fast, the sound echoing into the quiet evening.
“So,” he says easily as he serves, “did you enjoy the hike?”
I barely manage to return the ball. “You saw that I struggled.”
“I noticed,” he says, amused. “You kept pretending you didn’t.”
“Lies,” I say. “I was thriving. I haven't exercised in a while.”
He laughs. “Oh so you were suffering gracefully then. I knew you guys needed a stretch.“
We rally for a bit, conversation threading itself between hits.
“Yeah I know I did. Actually, the activities were well planned,” I say after a moment.
“Well I suggested some of the ideas for the retreat and the hike was part of it.“ he retorts as if seeking validation.
“You did good then. I'm having a really nice time here, we all are.“
He raises an eyebrow. “Is that a compliment?”
“Don’t let it get to your head.”
“Too late,” he says. “Well I'm glad you're having a nice time, Selena.”
I roll my eyes, but I’m smiling.
Gosh. How is he like this?
We pause, and I switch my grip, determined to prove something…to him or to myself, I don’t know. I swing.
The racket flies out of my hand.
It literally leaves me.
It spins midair before landing near the fence.
There’s a second of silence.
Then we both burst out laughing.
“Oh my Goodness,” I groan. I spent all afternoon watching videos for that?
Jayden is still laughing. “Selena, you’re nervous.”
“I am not.”
“You are,” he says gently. “You’re fighting the ball. You don’t fight it.”
I cross my arms. “Easy for you to say. You asked a beginner to play against someone who represented his college team.”
“A few times,” he says casually.
“How many times?”
“…Seven.”
I stare at him. “Seven?”
He shrugs. “Focus. It’s practice. Work with the ball, not against it.”
Something about the way he says it sticks.
Work with the ball.
We play again.
The first round, he wins easily.
The second, he slows down, gives me space, lets me breathe. Still he wins.
The third time, I stop rushing.
I watch him. His shoulders. His wrist. The second before he strikes.
I move before he does.
The ball flies past him.
“Yes!” I shout, unable to stop myself.
Jayden freezes, then laughs. “There it is.”
“I get it now,” I say, breathless. “The ball is my friend.”
“Exactly,” he says. “You’re definitely ready.”
We stretch after, going over the final drills. He asks me to repeat what he’s taught me all week. I do, smoothly and confidently.
“Tomorrow,” he says finally, “Crush them.”
We walk back together.
And I almost forget.I didn’t get the message today.
Thank God.
“Selena,” he says suddenly, slowing. “Let’s make a deal.”
I glance at him. “I’m listening.”
“If you win tomorrow,” he says, “we go out to dinner. Just the two of us.”
My steps falter. “Just… us?”
“Yes.”
“What about everyone else?”
“I'll figure out an excuse,” he says lightly. “I just want to reward your effort.” he says casually.
My mind travels far….
Or…
you just want to spend time with me.
I search his face. It’s unreadable and casual. But I feel like I can see right through him.
“What do you say?” he asks.
I inhale. “Deal.”
He smiles. “Good.”
He stops walking. “Do you want me at the match tomorrow? Or will that make you nervous?”
I shake my head. “I want you there.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
He looks pleased. “I won't miss it. Goodnight, Selena.”
“Goodnight, Jayden.”
I watch him walk away, heart doing something reckless inside my chest.
A special dinner.
Just dinner.
Right?
I’m almost at my door when my phone buzzes.
My stomach drops.
Unknown Number — 0001
Damn it not again. I open it.
“You aren’t ready for what you’re signing up for.
You should have walked away when you had the chance.“
My fingers go cold.
When I had the chance? Have I lost it.
What does that even mean?
I look around the hallway.
It’s empty.
It’s ten o’clock. Same time since yesterday. Everyone has been inside since dinner. No voices. No footsteps. No movement.
Yet I can feel it, someone is watching me.
My heart pounds as I unlock my door and step inside quickly, shutting it behind me.
Mia and Isabella are both on their beds, phones in hand.
I stare at them.
My voice comes out small.
“…Could it be one of you two?”
The room goes quiet.
And for the first time since this retreat
I don’t feel safe at all.