The Sphinx at Center Court

Maya stood at the baseline, her padel racket slick with sweat. The summer championship had everyone watching—including Ethan, the guy she'd been低key crushing on since June.

"You good?" whispered Sam, her doubles partner. "You look like you're gonna pass out."

Maya nodded, but her stomach was doing full-on gymnastics. She'd downed like fifty billion vitamin gummies this morning, trying to boost her energy before the match. Now she was just vibrating.

Across the net, The Sphinx stood waiting. That's what everyone called Chloe—mysterious, unbeatable, and apparently allergic to smiling. Chloe's opponents usually left the court questioning every life choice that led them there.

Game point. Maya's racket hand trembled as she bounced the ball. Serve it like you mean it, she told herself. But her brain had other plans. The ball hit the frame. It dribbled over the net—a sad, pathetic duck that barely cleared the tape.

Chloe pounced. The return came screaming at Maya's face.

She flinched. The ball sailed past. Game over.

The walk to the water fountain felt like a perp walk. Maya leaned in, drinking like she'd been stranded in a desert for forty-seven years. The water was cold, at least. Small victories.

"Hey," said a voice behind her.

Maya almost choked. She turned to find Ethan standing there, towel over his shoulder, looking unfairly calm for someone who'd just won his own match.

"You almost had her," he said. "That serve in the second set was fire."

"I choked," Maya said, wiping water from her chin. "Hard."

"We all do." He grinned. "Last week? I served straight into my own face during practice. Zero dignity survived."

Maya laughed. "Wait, really?"

"Unfortunately. The footage still exists. I'm paying people not to leak it."

He adjusted his bag. "Anyway, you playing next weekend? There's this court by the beach, sunrise matches. No pressure. Just vibes."

Her brain scrambled for a response that didn't sound desperate. "Yeah! I mean, sure, if you're willing to witness more of my questionable athletic choices."

"I think I'll survive." He jogged off toward his team. "Later, Maya."

She watched him go, something light and fizzy bubbling in her chest. The match was a wash, but somehow, she still won.

Sam appeared beside her, eyebrows practically at her hairline. "Did Ethan Chase just invite you to a dawn padel sesh?"

"Maybe."

"Bestie." Sam grabbed her shoulder. "That's not an L. That's literally a character development moment."