Alice's POV
As if in response to William's question, the sports reporter on TV emphatically concludes, "William is unparalleled, an absolute essential core figure for the White Wolves!"
I glance back at the man. See?
"So, I've been talking about why the White Wolves have been aggressively pursuing offensive linemen from high school powerhouses since the end of last year, because they have William, currently recognized as the best college quarterback by everyone! That's why they haven't shown any interest in the four-star quarterback, Bill."
"The offensive linemen chosen by ST were also selected to better protect William. It can be said that all of the White Wolves' selection criteria revolve around building the team around William."
With a lack of enthusiasm, I speak softly, "You know, of course not."
In fact, the reason is quite the opposite. He's too popular, too much in the spotlight, and our relationship is merely in name only—a partner, so exposing it would be detrimental to both of us.
"I'm on my period these few days, so I'll come find you next week."
William bites down on the straw, his eyes locked onto me.
Perhaps he hasn't had such sweet orange juice in a while, nor has he sensed the American air to be so pleasant. So, of course not.
He glances at my suitcase, casually resting his palm on it. I'm completely different from the kind of players who can be tamed by threats; I won't budge under pressure. And besides, he wouldn't even dream of getting angry at me.
"School doesn't start for over two weeks, so you don't have to rush back to your apartment. You can come to my place first. I've had the pool cleaned and the lawn mowed. We can enjoy the last rays of vacation sunshine together. Oh, and I had Lily stock the fridge."
William adds, "All your favorite foods and drinks."
"I've already told you, I'm on my period..." I repeat my reasons but suddenly stop upon seeing William's determined gaze. He's just as insistent, so I directly tell him the answer.
"No, I won't go. We're just partners."
"Partners?" William lowers his head, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
"Yes, that's right. It's what you requested. It's the only choice I have, otherwise I'd have to miss you."
"..." He looks back at me. "But you're aware that we're doing everything just like a couple."
After hesitating for a moment, I whisper, "...Arrogant."
The broadcast announces the boarding call, conveniently interrupting our conversation. Otherwise, this topic would likely lead to yet another argument.
"It's been nearly two months since we last met, and you're not curious about my training? Or whether I attended any parties, whether I met any new girls on the beach..."
I furrow my brows slightly. "Have you?"
The smile on William's face fades, and he runs a hand through his short hair in annoyance.
"How could I? I only think about one person every night, don't you know?"
God must have favored him. Even a casual gesture of his can deeply affect the passerby who happened to walk by, leaving them unable to resist turning around for another look.
"Well, I'm not curious."
I snatch the handle of my suitcase back from his hand. "I'm going to line up now; come in five minutes."
In the long boarding queue, I find myself among a group of players. The initial excitement fades, and the lounge becomes quiet for a moment. But after a certain someone comes over, the noise starts up again.
"William, a lot of people came looking for your autograph just now. You disappeared just in time."
"And there were a few really beautiful flight attendants too. I actually think it's a pity."
William doesn't respond, and the last guy to speak immediately changes his tone when he sees the displeasure on William's face, "But of course, it wouldn't be a pity for you. You're so popular, you've always got beautiful girls liking you."
Even though his presence has become so dominant that I can't ignore it, I don't turn to look at him. We're still maintaining the distance between strangers. However, in reality, a true stranger is fumbling anxiously to take out their phone, preparing to boldly approach William for a photo.
William's POV
Inside the boarding aisle, I walk behind Alice at a distance.
Could she walk any slower? The team's group ticket always reserves seats towards the back. If I board before her, there won't be many chances for interaction. But seriously, she's walking painfully slowly.
To match her pace, I've been asked by several players if there's something wrong with me.
I'm tempted to just step forward and lift her onto my shoulder, just like the countless times I effortlessly carried her into my bedroom.
I would bypass her original seat, have her sit next to me, arms wrapped around her tighter than a seatbelt, not allowing her to run away like a frightened white rabbit, not letting her get too far from me.
But no, that's not an option.
My Alice would practically scream in front of everyone that she has nothing to do with me.
After boarding, Alice stands in the aisle struggling to lift her suitcase. Even though there are strong players all around, she doesn't seek help.
Suddenly, a palm casually pushes the suitcase up with a gentle push, and the heavy object safely lands in the overhead compartment. It looks so effortless that it contrasts strangely with her previous struggle and frustration.
"Tha—"
This helpful guy doesn't need her gratitude. He leaves behind a cool, handsome silhouette and walks straight to the back row, seeming even more distant than a stranger.
Alice's seat is by the window. She had barely sat down when someone else arrives, a sophomore player, Lucas, from the same year as her. She's seen games, visited the team base, so naturally, she recognizes some of the guys. But Lucas has no recollection of her, considering her simply an attractive girl who might be a bit difficult to approach at first glance.
The three-hour flight isn't short, so we need something to keep us entertained. Lucas sits down and asks Alice which university she's from.
"Hey, Lucas, switch seats," I call out. Lucas, seeing it's me, doesn't bother asking why and obediently stands, ready to give up his seat.
With my arms crossed, my gaze rests on Alice's face for less than a second before turning back to Lucas. "Uhm, Daniel's snoring while sleeping. I can't stand it."
In the team, I give the orders, they follow.
Survival is all about obeying orders, and those who don't follow get kicked out of the White Wolves.
The three-seat row by the aisle is occupied by a tall, slender man wearing glasses, engrossed in a boring in-flight magazine. So, I'm sure it's not something I'm explaining for everyone else to hear.
Lucas, the unfortunate one, responds, sounding pleasantly surprised, "You know, I don't mind. I'm okay sitting anywhere."
With someone else next to her, Alice doesn't react either way. She turns her head slightly to look out at the airport runway. As the plane lifts off the runway and ascends into the sky, the sun is shielded by the sun visor, cabin lights dimmed. The middle-aged man by the aisle, who had been flipping through the magazine, now wears an eye mask and has dozed off. The cabin falls completely silent, and she leans her head against my shoulder, her movement so naturally smooth.
Only after comfortably settling in does she speak, "I'm really sleepy, can I lean on you?"
A minute later, I start to regret it. Shouldn't I have said no?
Damn, I can barely hold back anymore.
The plane glides smoothly through the stratosphere, the tranquil atmosphere making my thoughts even more indiscernible.
I lower my gaze and steal a glance at the sleeping Alice.
Her skin is fair, cheeks tinged with a rosy hue. Her lips are slightly parted, and the soft sound of her breathing inexplicably stirs up possessive desires. I've gone mad, yearning to kiss her.
I don't know how I endured this summer without her.
Was it by sweating profusely in the gym, exerting myself, or enduring the blazing sun during training from morning till night?
Or... sheer willpower?
My restless breath stirs Alice awake, but she only shifts slightly, not planning to move away, her soft ear rubbing gently against my chest, seeking a more comfortable position.
I feel my Adam's apple moving up and down restlessly.
She brought this upon herself.
I hold onto Alice's chin and pull the half-asleep, dreamy girl into my embrace, pressing a deep kiss onto her lips.
As the flight attendant walks by, deliberately slowing down, she only catches a glimpse of the target's left hand supporting the plane's sun visor. She has no idea who's securely held in his arms, revealing his broad and powerful shoulders that make anyone envious.
It looks like an intimate kiss, but there's no sound, and no sight of the second person... oh, until she notices a delicate white wrist next to his firm waist. That hand trembles as if trying to hold onto my clothes tightly, yet it doesn't seem to exert much strength, lying there softly as if floating.
Our kiss is gentle, so gentle that it takes all our strength to suppress that soft, lingering feeling of comfort.
This secretive act in the high skies, without making a single sound, lasts for less than three minutes. Yet, it leaves Alice restless for the remaining three hours of the flight.
I find it incredibly amusing.
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