29 - Hers

ADRIEN’S POV

There were three things I was trying not to think about : June, my shoulder and the increasingly obvious possibility that both were becoming serious problems.

Ever since I took a hit in the derby, the pain refused to leave no matter how many cold baths I took.

And I kept hiding it.

“How’s the shoulder?” Everyone except Theo didn’t know about it.

“It’s fine.” I responded.

“You said that yesterday.” He replied.

“Because it was fine yesterday.” I told him.

“And today?” He asked, like a nagging grandma.

“Still fine.” I said.

“You can always just take a break, you know, it’s not that terrifying.” He told me. We were the only ones in the locker room so we could talk about it openly.

“I don’t need a break.” I replied as I tied the laces of my shoes.

“Just a few weeks mate.” Theo said. He had been trying to convince me to rest since the incident happened. A few weeks was enough time for someone to take my place.

Risking my place means risking everything I’ve worked for.

“You already know my answer,” I shrugged. “Besides, you’re going to miss me too much. It would be cruel to leave you alone, don’t you think?”

“Funny.” He said.

“You won’t get replaced. What could you possibly be afraid of?” He added.

“Afraid?” I laughed. “I’m not afraid of anything.”

“Liar.” He responded.

“Hayes! Anderson!” I heard Coach yell and we hurried outside.

“Why is Jules here?” Theo followed my gaze towards the stands.

“Should I be concerned?” I asked.

“Probably.” I heard him say.

Training was gruesome, my entire body ached, I couldn’t feel my legs.

I stepped into the shower immediately, letting the water wash away the sweat, frustration and exhaustion clinging to my skin.

As soon as I was prepared to leave the center, Jules caught up with me.

“What are you doing here?” I asked her.

“What else?” She replied.

“She came to watch me train. Didn’t you, darling?” Theo added as he walked towards her and put his arm around her shoulder.

She removed it quick.

“Ouch.” Theo clutched his chest dramatically before going back into the locker room.

“What’s wrong with your arm?” She asked as we sat down on a bench.

“Nothing.” I responded instantly.

“You’re really bad at taking care of yourself.” She deadpanned.

“Thanks?”

“I’m serious.”

“Why do you care?” I yawned.

Jules and I have been friends for years which makes her feel more like an annoying sister than a friend. Her mum and mine have worked together multiple times over the years.

“I don’t,” she claimed.

“But some people do.” She said with a small sparkle in her eyes.

“Some people?” I raised my eyebrow.

“Take care of yourself Hayes.” She replied.

“I do,”

“Not for your sake,” she continued.

“What?” I muttered.

“For hers!” She said before sprinting away before I could question her.

“What did she say?” Theo asked as he walked out in a different shirt.

“You know she’s talking about June right?” Theo said after telling him what Jules said.

“What?” I asked.

“Adrien.” He facepalmed.

“Oh.” That was all I managed to say.

Now, I didn’t understand why she wanted me to take care of myself for her.

“You should really start crossing things off that list.” Theo suggested.

I nodded in response.

“You can start strong. Kiss her again.” He recommended it.

“No, you’re obviously not thinking with your head right now.” I replied.

“Just saying, her reaction will tell you all you need to know. Even though I already know.”

I ignored him.

“What’s going on between you and Jules?” I asked, remembering the sudden tension between them recently,

“Nothing,” he said with a grin.

“Hmm I hear you.” I responded.

“I just enjoy being a pain to her.” He said, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

“You’re a pain to everyone bro.” I replied with a small laugh.

“Besides, you look very much comfortable and happier.” I added.

“Right where I want to be huh?” He replied with a smirk.

He was acting suspicious but he’d tell me himself soon.

“Don’t get your heart broken again, I don’t want to have to watch you go through another emo phase.” I said before alighting his car and making my way into the mansion.

I took the familiar steps to my room and crashed on the bed.

I felt pain in my shoulder and ran downstairs to get an ice pack to numb the pain.

“Welcome back.” I heard Lucas say.

“Why are you around?” He left the day after the dinner with June. Sometimes , I wished his university was farther.

“Damn, hello to you too.” He responded.

“What’s up with your shoulder?” He asked, noticing the ice back strapped to my arm.

“Just a fall at training today.” I lied.

“Oh okay. Just rest for a few weeks.” I didn’t answer, just grunted in response.

“One injury isn’t the end of the world.” I let out a dry laugh.

“It could be.”

“No.” Lucas replied.

“You don’t know that, you wouldn’t know.” I said and went back to my space, free from the constant fuss over my shoulder.

The season was coming to end, getting injured and not getting any game time reduced my chances of getting signed professionally.

I would never risk it.

I opened my phone to see a missed call from June, I probably missed it when I was in the car with Theo.

It was weird, I don’t think she has ever called me before.

“June?” I said on the phone.

“Yeah?” I heard her voice. Her voice was evidently tight like she was holding something in her throat.

It sounded like she’d been crying.

“Are you okay?” I asked frantically, immediately concerned about her well being.

“No.” She replied simply.

Every muscle in my body tensed.

There was a pause at the other end of the line.

“Where are you?” I asked, grabbing keys to my car already.

“At the hospital.” I heard her sniffle.

The word hospital was enough to send every worst case scenario in my head.

“Which one?”

“The one you took me to that night.” She explained. There was a faint rustle of fabric like she used her hand or cloth to wipe her face.

I was already worried but I had to reach her first.

“Just stay where you are, okay?” I told her and started the engine.