The Goldfish Smash

My hair was doing that thing where it defies physics, humidity, and every single hair product I own. Welcome to sophomore year, where your appearance exists solely to betray you.

"You ready for the tournament?" Maya asked, eyes scanning the padel court like she was already calculating angles.

I adjusted my visor, futilely attempting to tame my frizz. "As ready as someone whose hair has declared independence."

She laughed. "You're fine. Your backhand's been fire all week."

Maya was the kind of effortless that made you question everything about yourself. Meanwhile, I was still recovering from yesterday's disaster when I'd somehow managed to fling my racket into the next court during practice. The coach had just shook his head like he'd seen it all before.

The real problem wasn't the tournament though. It was Leo—the junior with the stupid perfect smile who'd been watching my matches all week. Every time I caught him looking, my brain short-circuited and my coordination abandoned me.

"Good luck," he said, appearing courtside with his team.

My throat went dry. "Thanks."

Maya elbowed me. "He's totally into you."

"Shut up,"

Then came the disaster. After an intense rally, I sprinted for a ball near the fence, hair flying everywhere. I smashed it back—perfect shot—but my momentum carried me straight into the fence where someone's pet goldfish in its bag (!?!) was sitting on a chair. The bag tipped. I caught it mid-air, but not before everyone saw.

Leo burst out laughing. Not mean laughter—actual, genuine laughter.

"Who brings a goldfish to a padel tournament?" he asked.

I stood there holding the plastic bag, my hair a disaster, dignity completely gone. "Apparently, someone who regrets everything."

The owner rushed over, red-faced. I handed back the fish, somehow still swimming obliviously.

"That was legendary," Leo said, grinning. "You literally saved Nemo's life with those reflexes."

Maya was wheeze-laughing.

And the weirdest thing? I started laughing too. Because sometimes you just have to embrace the chaos—bad hair, flying fish, and whatever Leo's smile was doing to my heart.