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Chapter Text

Tijana stepped onto the court. Ball Arena, the Denver Nuggets' training facility, was buzzing with its usual intensity. The squeak of sneakers on hardwood and the rhythmic bouncing of balls—she loved that sound. She scanned the floor. For the players, it was just another day of preseason drills. They seemed motivated, eager to show off their skills and prove their form after the break. Well, most of them.

Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets' center, seemed distant, either jogging or standing still. He occasionally tossed a ball into the basket, pretending to interact with his teammates. Something was definitely off with him that day.

The gym doors swung open, and Coach Malone walked in. He approached Tijana, giving her a reassuring nod.

- Alright, boys. Bring it in! - his voice cut through the noise of basketballs, guiding the players to gather around.

Only then did the team seem to notice Tijana. Their curiosity piqued as they spotted the new face on the court.

- I want to introduce you all to Tijana. She’s our new team therapist and she’s here to help keep you in top shape - physically and mentally. That means she’ll be more involved than just sitting on the bench. Try to listen to her advice, okay? 

No one spoke up, so Tijana stepped forward, her eyes sweeping over the group of towering athletes. She was no stranger to working with players, but she knew she’d have to earn their respect.

- Hi, guys, - she began, her tone professional but not too professional. - I'm here to help you improve. I’ll watch practices, give advice, and step in when I see something that could be better.

A few players chimed in with a quick “Welcome, Tijana,” but one stepped forward.

- Hi, Tijana, I’m Vlatko. - said a tall guy with short brown hair and a bright smile. - And, well, great! Now we’ve got someone who can tell me how to deal with Dario’s endless talking!

The group chuckled, and one of the players playfully punched Vlatko on the shoulder - it was Dario.

When Tijana was informed that she had officially secured the job as the Denver Nuggets' team therapist, she quickly did some research to familiarize herself with the team. While she could only name a few players as for now, she was confident she would soon remember the rest. 

Nikola stood at the back of the group, his arms crossed as he observed the situation. He was used to new staff coming and going, but something here got him distrustful and unsure. He wasn’t interested in having someone else to criticize his game - especially someone who wasn’t a coach.

As the team began to practice, Tijana stood on the sideline. She moved at the pace of the players, watching their movements with a critical eye. She stopped by Dario Šarić, offering tips on his shooting stance, and gave Vlatko Čančar some advice during defensive drills. Her feedback was direct, and several players seemed to appreciate it.

But when Tijana approached Nikola, whom she had been watching for a while, she met resistance. He was in the middle of a footwork exercise, his movements smooth and precise. She waited for a moment before speaking.

- Nikola, - she called out, her tone direct but not harsh. - You’re hesitating slightly before you pivot. Try to move quicker.

Nikola paused, his grip tightening on the ball. He wasn’t used to being corrected, especially by someone he didn’t know. 

- I’ve been doing this for a while. - he replied coolly, looking at her with indifference. - I think I’ve got it.

Tijana didn’t back down. 

- I know you do, I’ve been watching the games. - she said calmly. -  But even the best can get better. It’s just a suggestion.

He glanced at her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, the air between them thickened with tension. Tijana held his gaze, refusing to be intimidated, while Nikola grappled with the idea of someone new stepping into his space. She had a feeling that something was up when they looked at each other. 

Finally, he nodded curtly, more to end the conversation than to agree.

- I’ll keep that in mind. - he muttered before turning his attention back to the drill.

As Tijana walked away, she could still feel the tension lingering. Nikola was clearly tough to crack, but she was here to do her job—to help the team, and that included him, whether he liked it or not.

On the other hand, Nikola couldn’t shake the conversation from his mind. Who was she to point out his mistakes, as if she knew his game better than he did? That was the last thing he needed.

But as the training session wound down, he found himself subconsciously following her advice. His movements became smoother. It irritated him that she was right.

As the players headed to the locker room, Nikola stayed on the court, shooting a few more baskets to clear his mind. Tijana noticed and approached him again, sensing an opportunity to talk. Maybe it would go better this time.

- You’re still here. - she said casually, stopping for a minute. 

- Yeah, just like I am every day. 

She studied him for a moment before replying. 

- You know, the best players are the ones who always try to get better, even if it means hearing stuff they don't want to. 

Nikola turned to her, realizing she wasn’t going to back down easily. Despite himself, he couldn’t help but respect that.

- Maybe. - he said finally, sighing. His tone softened. - We’ll see.

Tijana smiled, sensing a small victory. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. She was happy, hoping to find a bond with Nikola. 

- I’ll see you around, Nikola. - she said smiling. 

As she walked away, the Serb found himself thinking about her words. He wasn’t sure what to make of her yet, but he couldn’t deny that she’d made an impression. Maybe, just maybe, she had something to offer.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Tijana woke up earlier than usual. She wanted to arrive at work before anyone else. All this was a new reality to her and she wanted to get a sense of the vibe in her new “office”. She decided to wear a white polo top, black wide-leg sweatpants, and a pair of black-and-white Air Jordans. For her new job, she needed to be comfortable yet look professional, and black and white always seemed to do the trick. She quickly went through her makeup routine, keeping it natural, and tied her hair into a ponytail.

About 20 later, Tijana entered the Ball Arena, a cup of coffee from a nearby café in hand. The court was quiet and smelled fresh. The maintenance crew must’ve finished cleaning not so long ago. She liked the calm before the storm, when the practice court was nothing more than polished floor and silence. It gave her space to think.

She sat on the bench and pulled a notebook from her bag. She actually had two—one for private therapy sessions and another for notes during practice. She put her coffee cup on the sideline table when she heard the doors crack open. A person walked in, a hoodie pulled over his head. It took her a moment to recognize him, but then she realized it was Nikola. He was alone, earlier than anyone else, bouncing a ball casually as if it weighed nothing.

Tijana raised an eyebrow; she had to admit she was surprised to see Nikola on the court at this hour.

- You don’t usually wait for practice to start, do you? - she called in order for him to hear her.

Nikola cast a quick glance her way, only noticing her now. Without a word, he moved to the three-point line and sank a clean shot.

- Helps me think. - he answered without looking at her.

- Or helps you stop thinking. - she countered in a friendly manner.

That earned her another glance. It was enough to understand that she was closer to the truth than he had expected. The Serb just shrugged and went back to shooting. She didn’t push any further. She didn’t want him to be in a dismissive mood before the training.

The rest of the team arrived soon, and with them, the atmosphere in the arena shifted into chaos. Basketball shoes squeaked on the hardwood and the echo of bouncing balls filled the court.

Dario was the first one to notice her.

- Morning Tijana! - he shouted and waved at her. - Ready to fix us?

- Only if you promise to listen. - she smiled.

- Good luck with him. - Vlatko joined the conversation. - He hasn’t listened to me in three years - he said, pointing at Dario.

- Lies! - Dario shot back. - I’m the most coachable player here.

A couple of teammates laughed along with Tijana. She realised it was a good start—players were already joking with her.

The first part of the practice, she spent moving between players. One of the rookies struggled with keeping his weight centered on defense, so she explained to him how it works. Then with Vlatko, she pointed out that a slight change in his posture could help him return balls faster. Her comments were short and direct, but not arrogant.

Most of the guys were open and responded positively. Then, there was Nikola.

He was moving through warm-ups at his own pace — not slow, exactly, but unhurried. He barely spoke, seemed not to make an effort, and yet somehow he was always where he needed to be.

During the passing exercises, she approached him.

- Your foot’s landing late. - she observed.

He didn’t stop.

- It still gets there.

- Too late, though. A split-second slower, and you give the defense a chance. - Tijana said.

Nikola finally turned his head towards her, his expression was unreadable.

- You really think I don’t know how to pass? - he asked, clearly irritated.

- I think you know exactly how. - she replied calmly, holding his gaze. - But sometimes you can fall into habits, which aren’t the same as precision.

Later, during scrimmages, she stood near the bench, taking notes. The pace of the game quickly grew: fast passes, sharp bumps, shouts echoing around the hall. Tijana kept her eyes on Nikola.

While others acted in a hurry, he moved calmly and cautiously. Tijana also noticed that his teammates unknowingly imitated him. He was a quiet leader.

Coach Malone stood beside her with folded arms. His eyes were following the players. After a minute, he spoke low enough for only her to hear.

- You see it too, don’t you?

- See what? - Tijana blinked.

Malone’s voice softened.

- Nikola. Last season, he was the loudest guy here. Always joking, dancing, pranking his teammates. You couldn’t calm him down. Now, he just does his job, seeming indifferent. Something changed and nobody knows why. - he shook his head slowly and his eyes saddened.

- Do you think he’ll talk about it? - she asked quietly.

- I don’t know. - the coach exhaled. - But I’d like you to have a few private sessions with him, starting next week.

- Of course, coach. - Tijana smiled.

She scribbled something in her notebook and kept watching Nikola.

The scrimmage ended with sweat and laughter. Players high-fived, messing with each other.

- That was mine. - Vlatko admitted after missing a rotation.

- You think? - Dario teased. - You left me guarding two guys at once. That’s not defense, that’s suicide.

- Your talking is suicide. - Vlatko shot back.

The team laughed, and even Nikola smirked faintly, which didn’t escape Tijana’s attention. She waited until the voices settled and addressed the players.

- Okay guys, just hold on for a minute before going to the locker room. I wanted to tell you what I noticed today. - she spoke up.

Suddenly all the eyes turned towards her.

- You know what’s interesting? - she started. - Nikola barely said a word out there. But you all followed him anyway.

Some players glanced at Nikola, who raised his head slowly, frowning slightly at Tijana.

- It’s not magic. - she continued. - He is aware, he doesn’t waste energy — physical or mental. And that’s why you guys trust him.

There was a pause. Tijana noticed some of the rookies nodding.

- So basically we should all copy him? - Dario asked.

- No. - Tijana replied. - Just observe him and try to learn from it.

A couple of players grinned and even Coach Malone gave a small approving grunt, before summarising today’s practice.

All the players moved to the locker room and Tijana sat at the bench, finalising her notes. She didn’t even notice Nikola, leaning on the equipment shelf.

- You like giving speeches, don’t you? - he asked dryly.

She looked up, caught off guard.

- Only when I think they can contribute to something.

- You think you understand me already?

- No. - Tijana said honestly. - But I see more than you think.

He studied her for a long second, then smirked faintly

- Be careful. - he said. - If you see and talk too much, people will stop liking you.

- Don’t worry. I only notice what might help you. - she stated calmly and smiled at Nikola.

His eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t look away.

- Everyone keeps saying that, you know? Help the team, help me. But most of the time, it just means run harder, do this, do that. Like I don’t already know.

She quickly scanned his expression and she realised something. This wasn’t indifference, he seemed vulnerable.

- I don’t think you don’t know, - she replied softly. - But maybe you just don’t care if people see how much you actually do know.

His jaw clenched, but he didn’t argue back right away.

- You don’t know me. - he finally muttered.

- You’re right. - Tijana admitted. - But I’d like to.

- We’ll see about that. - he said quietly.

His gaze stayed on her for another second before heading toward the locker room.

Tijana, with her notebook in her hand, was still processing what just happened. Nikola hadn’t said much, but what little he did say was enough to make her feel certain there was some kind of progress.

Chapter Text

From: Chloé

You broke up with that scumbag already, didn’t you?

To: Chloé

Yes, I did.

Tijana put her phone down and took a deep breath. The feeling of freedom was still getting back to her. Owen, her now ex-boyfriend, had moved out of her apartment right after they broke up. It wasn’t long before Tijana began working for the Nuggets. Some of his belongings were still there, waiting for him to pick them up. She moved everything to the garage - the box of clothes and the nearly empty suitcase, so she wouldn’t have to see it every day.

Tijana and Owen had met online, like many people do these days. They shared interests, and he could make her laugh even through text. He was charming and clever, at first. As they decided to move in together, everything slowly began to change. They were together for two years and she thought she had found someone who understood her. But it turned out that she was wrong.

Owen started making little comments about women “belonging in the kitchen” or “knowing their place”. Initially, Tijana took them as jokes and laughed along, even though she didn’t actually find them funny. Sometimes he dismissed her opinions, quietly undermined her achievements and what she did for a living. He made her feel small.

It wasn’t one argument that led her to ending their relationship. She just couldn’t ignore his behaviour anymore and pretend it didn’t bother her.

So she broke up with him. She told him plainly that they were done and that she deserved respect. He had protested, tried to charm his way back, but she didn’t yield.

Now, Owen was on a work trip in China and the apartment finally felt like her own space again. She remembered what freedom felt like and it gave her energy to make the most of every day.

Tijana entered a small, sunlit café where Chloé was already waiting. She spotted her friend immediately, she was waiting for her with a warm smile on her face. She was dressed casually: a pink hoodie and comfortable jeans. Her blonde hair was pulled back loosely. Chloé had that natural Australian charm that made people feel comfortable around her. They met at a summer school programme in Melbourne a few years ago. They were both raised in Australia, though Tijana was half Croatian.

- There you are! How’s my favorite therapist-to-the-NBA stars doing? - Chloé hugged Tijana as soon as she approached the table.

Tijana laughed.

- Well, I survived my first two weeks. And hey, I hope your little patients are still keeping you mentally sane.

- You know I love working with kids. - Chloé grinned. - But I admit, they are a little frustrating sometimes. Jamie, for example, was really stubborn today and didn’t wanna do any reading exercises. - she rolled her eyes.

As a waiter walked over to their table, ready to take their order. Tijana chose a black Americano and a croissant, while Chloé opted for a cappuccino.

- You know, - Tijana started. - I believe I see some similarities between athletes and your kids. Chloé raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

- Oh? Do tell.

- Think about it, both are full of potential and both can get frustrated easily when things don’t go their way. With athletes it’s just more high stakes. - she explained and chuckled.

- Makes sense. - Chloé nodded, sipping her cappuccino. - How are the players behaving around you, by the way?

- All of them are friendly and open for my corrections. - she paused. - Well, almost all of them.

- Almost?

Tijana exhaled.

- There’s this one player, his name is Nikola. He’s moody, distant and indifferent. But yesterday he said more than 3 sentences to me, so I’m counting it as a bit of a breakthrough.

- I bet he’s difficult. - Chloé assumed with a hint of curiosity in her voice.

- Kind of, yeah. But he is also fascinating, skilled, smart, and I believe good-hearted. Though, the coach told me recently that Nikola has changed, compared to last year. He used to be funny and open, too. And I’m the one who will try to get to the root of it, since I’m starting private therapy sessions with him next week.

Chloé’s eyes widened slightly, her smile was teasing.

- Hmm, I see. Private sessions, huh? - she chuckled. - Sounds...interesting.

Tijana took a sip of her coffee.

- Interesting how?

Chloé leaned back and a sly grin appeared on her face.

- You know, one-on-one with someone like Nikola… You know what I mean.

Tijana laughed lightly, shaking her head.

- Chloé, come on! It’s strictly professional and that’s it.

- Sure, professional. That’s what they all say at first. - the blonde girl sounded unconvinced.

Tijana bit into her croissant. She was hungry, it was her first meal today.

- Honestly, I’m focused on the work. It’s just another challenge. - she said with her mouth still half full.

- Alright, alright. I’ll leave you to your ‘professional challenge’. - Chloé winked at her friend. - It’s good to see you happy, though. Without that douchebag around. - she added.

Tijana exhaled through a small laugh.

- I know right! I can’t believe I’m finally free after two years. He just has to pick up his stuff and I’ll never see him again. Feels unreal and I’m so relieved. - she leaned back in her chair and sighed in relief.

-That’s huge, T. - Chloé’s eyes softened at her friend’s confession. - And maybe, once he’s finally out of the picture for good, there’ll be room for something… or someone… new. - she grinned.

Tijana rolled her eyes.

- Oh my God, don’t start with the romantic talk again.

- What? I’m just saying and you know very well what I mean. - she leaned forward across the table, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. - I noticed you lit up a tiny bit when you talked about that guy Nikola.

- Please stop. - Tijana groaned beggingly. - You’re imagining things. Again.

Later, as Tijana walked home alone, she kept on thinking about what Chloé said. She didn’t even know Nikola and yet, every time his name was mentioned, she couldn’t ignore it. She was sure, though, it was professional and she felt that way just because she was simply curious about what’s going on inside Nikola’s head.

Chapter Text

- Here.

Tijana heard Nikola’s voice as he entered the room. Today was the day of their very first private therapy session. She tried not to let herself into any expectations. She just hoped that, eventually, she and the Serb would find a middle ground, some kind of a shared language between them. She didn’t anticipate it happening today, but she still felt positive about their meeting.

- Thank you for coming, Nikola. - she said, smiling.

He shrugged.

- Didn’t have much of a choice anyways.

His accent was thick and his tone dry.

- Well, you could’ve refused. But here you are and that’s already something.

He didn’t answer. Instead he leaned back on a white couch and stared at the ceiling. Tijana picked up her notebook, though she didn’t write anything down just yet. She looked at him for a moment. His jaw was tense and his hands crossed on his chest. He wasn’t as composed as he was on the court. To her eyes, this was someone holding back his emotions.

- Coach told me you’ve changed this past year, - she started. - That you used to be happy, joking around and more open. Do you notice that?

It was the first time Nikola actually glanced at her this morning. His eyes were indifferent but she could see some kind of discomfort there.

- People change, you should know that. - he answered dryly.

- True. But usually there is a reason behind the change. Maybe something hurt them or maybe they’re overwhelmed.

He exhaled loud enough for Tijana to hear.

- Well, exactly, maybe I’m just tired.

- Tired of what? - she asked carefully.

Nikola rolled his eyes and tapped his fingers against his knee. He was clearly hesitating.

- Everything. - he muttered finally. - The games, travelling, the practices. It doesn’t stop. Every day feels the same and I don’t have time to breathe. They think I’m a fucking machine.

He was frustrated. Tijana nodded slowly, letting the silence stretch for a moment.

- That sounds exhausting.

Nikola looked at her as if his eyes were saying, “Really? That’s all you have to say?”. Tijana’s expression, though, didn’t change. She remained calm and steady.

- You know, - she spoke. - When athletes, or people in general, get burned out, they often feel like they’re another person. Things that used to make them happy, don’t have the same effect anymore. Sounds familiar to you?

His eyes lowered to the floor as he sighed.

- Yeah.

- So, - she continued. - What was your source of joy, Nikola? Outside of basketball.

And for the first time, since she met him, she saw a faint smile tugging at his lips. He was probably remembering something from his past.

- Horses. - he said quietly. - Back home, in Serbia, I used to ride every day. It felt peaceful. Not like this circus here. - he gestured slightly.

Tijana smiled and leaned a little bit forward.

- Točno*. Maybe that’s what could make you feel alive again?

Nikola froze for a moment, his brow furrowing as he processed the word.

- Wait…you speak Croatian? - he asked, clearly surprised.

A wide smile spread across Tijana’s face. She knew he was going to make a note of the Croatian word she had used.

- Yes. My mom is Croatian, and that was the only language she spoke to me since I was little. - she explained.

Nikola’s eyes narrowed as if he was realising something.

- I guess your name should have rang a bell… It sounds different from the usual.

Tijana chuckled softly.

- Yes, it’s not exactly a common name around here.

- I didn’t expect that. - he admitted. - It feels kinda…I don’t know, personal?

As he said that, he looked away, as if he was afraid to speak it out loud.

- Well, therapy is mostly about the connection between a therapist and a patient. - she pointed out. - But back to the topic, Nikola, - she shifted the focus to the real reason they were there. - How about you go and see the horses again? - she suggested.

Nikola studied her with a hint of scepticism in his eyes.

- And you think they will fix everything? - he smirked in disbelief.

- Not fix everything. But maybe remind you of who you used to be.

For the first time since he walked in, he looked like he was actually considering her words. He turned to face her, uncrossing his arms.

- I don’t even recognise myself anymore. - he confessed. - I don’t laugh like before, I don’t feel the peace I once had. I don’t know what to do. - he sighed.

His voice was low. Like he was admitting something against his will.

- We’re not here to figure it all out today. - Tijana said softly. - That’s why we’ll keep meeting every week, to get a clearer view of the situation.

Silence fell again. But it was different this time, less heavy.

Nikola rested his elbows on his knees and exhaled. For a second, their eyes met and Tijana saw a glimpse of his vulnerability.

- Maybe. - he said quietly. - I’ll see you next week then.

He stood up and stretched, towering over her. He stopped at the door, keeping one hand on the handle.

- Horses... - he muttered to himself and left.

Tijana watched the door close. She couldn’t help the feeling of something already shifting for both of them.

Nikola, felt similar. On his way back home he kept thinking of the session and horses. He sensed he wasn’t that hopeless anymore. Maybe, just maybe, he was beginning to find the therapy convincing.

“It is probably because of the Croatian word she said” - he thought to himself.

* Točno (cro.) - Exactly

Chapter Text

The practice day started like any other. The players warmed up, talked to the coach and the squeak of sneakers filled the arena. It was the first, out of four, training session this week. Tijana, though, noticed a small difference, almost impossible to see for a regular person.

Nikola.

He was moving diversely, compared to last week. There was a little more spring in his steps and he seemed to listen to Tijana’s advice as he improved his foot landing. There was no more exhaustion in his eyes and he even half smiled at one of Dario’s jokes. His energy also felt less resigned. To Tijana it meant a lot - it looked like the first therapy session worked. She was pleasantly surprised.

Coach Malone, as always, was observing his team from the sidelines with his arms on his hips and his eyes narrowed. After a short while, he walked over to Tijana.

- I don’t know what you did, but hats off. - he muttered to Tijana, who was taking notes.

She lifted her head from her notebook to look at him. His eyes were thankful, so she smiled.

- My pleasure. - she said.

- That’s the old Nikola slightly peeking through. It’s not a big change yet, but it surely is the first step to get him back. We all miss his jokes and the light atmosphere he used to bring on the court.

- You know, - she started. - The only thing I did last week was reminding him of his source of joy.

- Well, I’m very happy to have you on the team. Whatever you’re doing, keep it up. - the coach smiled and went up to Vlatko, who called him.

In the meantime, Tijana was observing the players, especially Nikola. At some point, their eyes met and she thought she caught a hint of a smile on his face. And it felt a bit surreal to her.

Once the practice finished, the players approached the coach to talk to him. Tijana overheard Jamal saying “Coach, Nikola actually smiled at me! Twice!”. He sounded very excited. Nikola heard it from behind as well. He smirked faintly but pretended not to notice. During the practice, he was trying to remember why he started liking basketball in the first place, and it seemed to have helped.

The players headed to their locker room and Tijana, to her office. She was expecting Nikola to join her shortly since they had their second therapy session today.

After about 20 minutes, the door cracked open and the Serb entered the room.

- Sorry for keeping you waiting for so long. - he said. - Dario was literally occupying the shower. - he sort of chuckled.

He sat down on the couch, set his training bag aside, and took a sip of water. His hair was still damp from the shower, and his face flushed from the practice. He had a gray Jordan T-shirt on, black sweatpants and slides on his feet.

- It’s okay. I’m glad you came. - she gave him a warm smile.

- Yeah. - he nodded.

Tijana held her notebook and crossed her legs, adjusting herself in the chair.

- You still using notebooks, huh? - Nikola joked.

Seeing him joking, her smile widened.

- Yeah, - she smirked. - I’m quite old-school.

Nikola leaned back on the couch, almost laying down. He relaxed his arms behind his head and exhaled.

- So, kako si*? - he asked in Serbian, now knowing that she will understand.

That made her laugh quietly.

- That’s exactly my question to you.

Nikola raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

- Touché. - he murmured.

Tijana tilted her head, still smiling.

- But seriously, how are you, Nikola? - she asked. - And I want a real answer, not just one word.

He stayed quiet for a moment, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. Finally, he let out a slow breath.

- Tired, after the practice.

- Understandable. - she said softly and wrote down a quick note.

He was avoiding her gaze, but she was still glad because she saw his progress.

- But you know what, - he started. - I’m feeling better. Somewhat like last year. Kinda. - he admitted.

Tijana was more than delighted to hear that.

- So, you went to see the horses, I assume?

He smiled, still staring at the ceiling.

- Yes, they were wonderful. I loved every second of it and I love them.

- I’m happy to hear that. - she said. - Could explain why you seemed more present on the court today.

- I think so, you know, - he started. - They just make everything seem lighter. I went to the ranch every day last week.

Tijana felt a warm sense of relief. She wasn’t expecting the therapy to start working that fast. After all, they had only had one session so far. Hearing him speak so openly, even in small, short sentences, made her notice he was slowly reconnecting with his old self. She couldn’t help but smile, a quiet satisfaction built up inside of her, at the thought that her advice was starting to make a difference.

- I’m very happy for you, Nikola. - she said. - I was thinking, maybe you could write down your moments of joy… even the small ones. - she suggested.

He turned his head slightly and looked at her. He seemed intrigued.

- You want me to write a journal? - he asked, raising his eyebrows.

- No, you don’t have to do it daily. Just whenever you feel like it. - she explained calmly.

He adjusted his position and sat up. He seemed to be considering her suggestion. He let out a thoughtful hum, his mouth twitched as if he was holding back a smile.

- Hmm… I can do that, - he said slowly. - Might be… interesting.

- Exactly. And then we would compare your notes. - she added.

- Compare my notes, huh? So you’re keeping an eye on me. - he laughed faintly.

Tijana chuckled softly.

- Only to see your progress, I promise.

- Važi**... But don’t expect poems. - Nikola joked, what made Tijana smile widely.

Only now she noticed how beautiful his smile was. It seemed honest and it softened the sharp angles of his jaw, highlighting the slight dimples on his cheeks. His eyes appeared warmer when he looked at her. And she didn’t wanna admit it, but she felt a flutter in her stomach. The Nikola she thought she knew was slowly being replaced by someone more human.

- Not at all. Just be honest. - she finally replied after a moment of silence.

- I will try. He stood up and hung his bag over his shoulder. Thanks for today - he said quietly, glancing at her with a faint, almost shy smile.

Tijana nodded, returning the smile.

- You’re welcome. I’ll see you next week.

- Umm… - he hesitated, wanting to say something. - Do you think we could do it more often than just once a week?

She looked up at him, not believing what she had just heard. Her eyes widened and her breath caught as she was trying to process his words. Her heart skipped a beat, and a warm flush spread across her cheeks.

- Sure. I’m sure the coach won’t have mind. - she said with a small smile.

He nodded slowly.

- I’m gonna talk to him. You have a good day, Tijana. - he smiled once more and left her office.

Tijana watched him go. Her feelings were mixed. The quiet satisfaction lingered in her head, each of his smiles felt like a tiny, personal victory. But beneath that, there was something else, which she couldn’t quite understand. She felt a pull towards him that she wasn’t ready to name yet. She sighed and sank back in her chair, Nikola’s smile replaying in her mind.

As Nikola was walking down the hallway, he felt relieved, lighter than he had in months. He wasn’t sure if it was caused by the horses, the therapy, or maybe both. He was glad he agreed to attend her sessions, they made the weight on his chest ease. He kept thinking about Tijana and the way she talked, so calm and steady. She saw a man in him, not a star player. He appreciated that. He wasn’t sure why, but he caught himself remembering the way she smiled at him every time he showed a little bit of his true self. As he came home, her face was still lingering in his mind.

* Kako si (srb.) - How are you?

** Važi (srb.) - Agreed/okay

Chapter Text

Two weeks later, the shift in the team was impossible to ignore. The atmosphere hasn’t just changed because of Nikola being more present. The energy felt lighter since the players seemed to reconnect again. Jamal seemed louder than ever, teasing Nikola every now and then. Dario remained as he was - always cracking jokes in his own manner and making sure nobody’s been drifted away. Vlatko had sharpened. He became more observant and his focus never left the rest of the team and their movement. The rookies with their eyes wide open started to relax more. Tijana even noticed that they weren’t as hesitant to speak up as before. They felt reassured, watching their older teammates energized by their commitment. The squad didn’t seem like a collection of individuals anymore, but more like an unit. Naturally, they still made mistakes, but nothing escaped Tijana’s attention. However, both she and Coach Malone noticed that the trust between the players was slowly being rebuilt. And Tijana, with her notebook in her hand, recognised it immediately.

Nikola had been showing up to Tijana’s office more than once a week, just as he had wanted. The initial stiff and guarded conversations have been replaced by transparency and more smiles. He’s been telling her about some joyful moments he’d had, but they agreed that they would compare his notes every two weeks.

Tijana couldn’t help but feel a quiet sense of warmth each time he gave her a smile and each time she watched him open up. Him talking about his emotions made him more captivating to Tijana. She felt drawn to him in a way she hadn’t expected and the familiar flutter in her chest hasn’t left her. She couldn’t wait for their meetings, just to see him smile again.

As she approached her office, she spotted Nikola leaning against the door frame. His dark red hoodie loosened over his shoulders as he was scrolling through his phone. They didn’t have any session scheduled for today, so Tijana was surprised to see Nikola there. Not that she complained.

- Morning. - the Serb said, once Tijana approached him.

His voice was low, almost casual, but there was a hint of softness, which she didn’t expect.

- Morning. - she replied, smiling. - Did we have a session planned today I forgot about? - she asked.

Nikola shook his head and put his phone into one of the pockets.

- No, I just felt like coming by. - he admitted shyly.

His eyes looked into hers, lingering a little longer than usual, then he looked away. Tijana blushed unintentionally and her heart skipped a beat, hearing what he said.

- Well, I can’t complain. - she smiled at Nikola softly. - Wanna sit for a bit? - she suggested, opening the door to her office.

- I’d like that. - he said.

They both entered the room. The Serb went straight towards the couch, where he usually sat. This time, though, he almost jumped on it, apparently feeling at ease.

Tijana closed the door behind them, her eyes still following him, and adjusted herself in her armchair.

Suddenly, Nikola stood up, searched for something in his bag, and walked over to her.

- Here, - he started, handing her a black notebook, her hands brushing a moment too long.

Tijana blinked, all surprised, her eyes still lingering on Nikola.

- What’s this?

- My notes. Like you told me to do. - he shrugged. - But don’t laugh.

She looked at the notebook in her hands and cautiously opened it. She was a little bit caught off guard by Nikola’s gesture. She wouldn’t expect him to be so engaged. She scanned the first page. His handwriting was messy and uneven. She even noticed that he had started writing in Serbian, but then crossed it all out and switched to English. She chuckled softly at that, finding it somehow cute.

She began to read his notes, focusing on every single word.

Horses. Horses. Jamal’s haircut. Horses. A shower in the morning. Tijana’s laugh. Talking to my brothers. Horses.

She was happy seeing the words he wrote, a smile curving on her lips—until her eyes stopped.

Tijana’s laugh.

Wait, what?! Her cheeks warmed instantly, and she looked up at Nikola in disbelief. He wasn’t looking at her, though. His eyes wandered on the ceiling.

She was processing those words in her head. They felt too intimate to be just a casual note. Her chest tightened and she didn’t know how to react.

- Ummm… Nikola? - she finally managed to say something.

She had to pretend she was feeling normal, which wasn’t exactly easy at that moment. The Serb tilted his head slightly toward her, his expression calm but curious.

- Yeah?

His voice was slow and steady.

- Why did you include me there? - she asked. - My laugh precisely.

Nikola shrugged lightly and a faint smile appeared at his lips.

- I don’t know… it just makes me happy. Like, you know, seeing it. - he admitted.

Tijana felt her chest tighten even more. A warm flutter spread through her. She looked down at the notebook, trying to hide the smile, which she couldn’t help. Her heart was racing and she realized that maybe her thoughts of him were no longer just professional. She was drawn to him more than she could comprehend.

- It’s… nice to know how you feel. - she said, looking at him.

Their eyes met.

- I figured you should know. - he replied, his smile warm, and a wink that made her chest flutter.

Tijana’s eyes widened, her hand instinctively tightening around the notebook. “Did he just wink at me?”

Nikola noticed her flamed cheeks and felt a surprising warmth spread through him. He liked her and it was undeniable. At home, at a store, during practices - wherever he was, she didn’t leave his mind. He shook his head slightly, trying to focus on the therapy session. Though, seeing her excited about what he wrote made him enjoy the thought that she might be thinking of him too.

He cleared his throat and shifted in his seat, but her eyes never left her.

- Are you… done reading? - he asked.

His voice was a bit hesitant.

Tijana looked up at him.

- Umm… yes, sure.

She smiled, trying to hide the feelings swirling inside of her and she really hoped it worked.

They went through the list together slowly, Nikola occasionally pointing to a word or phrase as Tijana read, wanting to add something about it. He nodded at certain notes, like the repeated mentions of horses, and she could see a small spark of affection in his eyes. When she reached the part about his brothers or the morning shower, he shifted slightly, a faint smile appearing on his lips. He told her about playing Call of Duty with his brothers and how good it felt to tease them and mess with them. His expression softened while describing their silly arguments over who was the better player. Tijana listened closely, watching his face changing expressions with each topic.

When her name came up, she noticed something different in Nikola’s eyes. A pause, then a small hesitation and vulnerability. The room fell quiet for a moment, interrupted only by the sound of their breaths, as if they were both processing something.

Tijana gently closed the notebook. A wide smile curved on her lips.

- You know, Nikola, this is progress. - she started softly. - A few weeks ago, you couldn’t name one thing that makes you smile. And now? You can write a whole page of them. I’m very proud of you. - she admitted.

The Serb adjusted on the couch to face Tijana. He smiled shyly.

- Thanks, it means a lot, coming from you. - he said, still looking at her.

- It shows you’re paying attention to life again, not just passing by.

- So, you think I’m doing better? - he asked with a hint of hope in his voice.

- Yes, - Tijana smiled warmly. - I think you’re doing much better.

He let out a quiet breath, which almost sounded like a sigh of relief.

- You had a good idea with the notes. I have to give you that. - he said. - I feel lighter and, maybe, less lonely now.

- I’m so happy to hear that, Nikola. - her heart softened at his words.

He paused for a bit as if thinking about what to say next.

- You think, - he hesitated, running a hand through his hair. - we could go out for a coffee? - he asked. - So, you know, we can talk about my progress in a different scenery than these walls. - he added quickly.

Tijana blinked. She was both caught off guard and surprised by his invitation. She pressed her lips.

- Nikola, - she sighed. - you know that’s not exactly standard procedure.

He slightly leaned forward, still hesitating.

- I know. But I thought, maybe you’d like to see how I function outside basketball and therapy? - he chuckled nervously.

Tijana’s chest fluttered at the honesty in his voice. She bit her lip, processing his words. It wasn’t a joke, he was really inviting her to see a part of his life.

Her mind raced. She had to choose between professionalism and the unknown feelings she was experiencing near him. There were rules and boundaries a therapist must maintain. Yet, the pull she felt towards him was inevitable. The way he made her chest tighten, her stomach flutter and her cheeks flush was undeniable.

It’s just coffee. - she shook her head as if returning to reality.

Nikola was still looking at her with the same expression. She met his gaze.

- U redu*, - she said softly. - I’ll go. Just to see that other part of you.

Nikola’s eyes brightened, a hint of relief appeared on his face.

- Thank you. - he smiled at her, which made her heart melt.

He hesitated for a moment.

- What about later today? Would that work for you?

The fact that he wanted to meet so quickly surprised Tijana. She liked his idea though. She nodded, trying to hide the flutter in her chest.

- Then give me your phone. - he said, grinning mischievously.

He held his hand out expectantly, which caught her off guard.

She gave him her unlocked phone. He typed something quickly before passing it back to Tijana. She glanced at the screen and noticed that he saved her his phone number.

Nikola 😊.

She smirked.

- Really? The smiley face?

- So you don’t forget I make you smile. - he shrugged.

Her stomach fluttered at his words, warmth rising to her cheeks.

- Confident, aren’t you?

- Only when I know I’m right. - he teased.

*U redu (srb.) - Alright. 

Chapter Text

Around four hours later, Tijana was getting ready for her coffee meeting with Nikola. She was still shocked by that whole situation and him inviting her out. If that’s how she could describe that.

She stood in front of her closet, looking at her clothes with her mind absent. It felt like she was zoning out. After a minute, she shook her head and decided to wear a quarter-zip style sweater with black and white horizontal stripes. For bottoms, she chose light blue wide leg jeans and for shoes white Converse. She styled her hair into a messy high bun, letting a few loose curls down her face. She wasn’t keen on wearing full makeup, so she kept it simple—just a touch of mascara and lip balm.

Her heart skipped when she received a text from Nikola that he’s gonna pick her up in a half an hour. She read the message twice and bit her lip.

She felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. She was genuinely looking forward to seeing him - as always. On the other hand, she was aware of the professional boundaries, which in that case she hated. However, her mind unintentionally wandered to him. His blue eyes, which seemed to always know what she felt, and that half-smile he gave when he was teasing her. She found herself smiling only thinking about him. She realized she might be falling for him, and the thought both thrilled and terrified her.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed, interrupting her contemplations. She saw Nikola’s message: “I’m outside.”

She stepped out, taking deep breaths. She rested her left hand on the strap of her small black bag. She immediately noticed a huge black G-Wagon and Nikola leaning against its door.

The sight made her chest tighten. Nikola was dressed in a dark green jacket, which was unzipped. Underneath, he had a black crewneck shirt. His trousers were black and fitted well with black slip-on shoes with white soles. He looked so effortlessly stylish and far too good. She had his full attention as his eyes were following her. For a moment she thought she’d forgotten how to move.

He straightened slightly from the car and took a few steps closer to her. His bright blue eyes were still on her and a sincere smile appeared on his lips.

- Hey. - he said in a low and steady voice.

There was something in the way he looked at her, which made her spine shiver.

- Hi. - she managed to say softly.

- You look nice. - Nikola said, as if it was the most casual thing to say.

Tijana felt her cheeks warming up.

- Thanks. So do you. - she winked at him.

The Serb raised his eyebrows half-amused and guided her to the other side of the car.

- Hoćemo li?* - he asked, opening the door for her.

She nodded, stepped inside and adjusted herself in the passenger seat. Nikola started the engine and Tijana heard the quiet music playing from the radio. The song was in Serbian and the melody reminded her of her grandma’s house back in Croatia.

She glanced at Nikola, who was focused on the road. His profile looked perfect to her - his sharp jawline and cheekbones.

- Serbian music? - she asked lightly.

Nikola’s eyes remained on the road, though his lips curved into a smile.

- Of course. It keeps me steady. Plus I figured you’d like it too.

Her heart skipped a bit, again, but she decided to ignore it. After all, she had spent enough time around Nikola to know that she didn’t have to be nervous. Obviously, it wasn’t easy for her to dismiss the feelings she had for him, but she trusted him. So she straightened her shoulders and let herself relax a little.

After more or less fifteen minutes they pulled up near a small coffee spot. Nikola stepped out first and held the door open for her. Tijana felt a flutter in her stomach and gave him a small, appreciative smile, trying to hide her quickening pulse.

- After you. - he said with a hint of teasing in his voice.

- You really are a gentleman, Nikola. - she smiled at him.

He looked at her with his perfect blue eyes.

- I’m just Serbian. That's how we're raised. - he winked at her.

Tijana felt that she’s blushing so she turned her head away from his sight.

The café was cozy and inviting, especially with the warm afternoon light coming through the windows. A brick wall was decorated with vintage posters and the fresh plants added charm to the place. The space felt very comfortable.

Nikola led Tijana to a table tucked into the corner by the large windows. The spot had a comfortable sofa and a small table with a simple vase of fresh flowers, which made it look really cute.

Tijana settled on the couch, leaving a space between her and Nikola and trying to make it look more professional.

Nikola glanced at the gap and raised an eyebrow.

- You don’t have to sit so far away. Are you scared of me or something? - he asked playfully.

Tijana let out a small laugh, keeping her posture composed and hiding the butterflies in her stomach.

- I’m trying to keep it as professional as I can. - she said with her tone steady.

Nikola leaned back a little, his blue eyes on her.

- Right, professional. Got it.

Suddenly his eyes saddened, or that’s how Tijana saw it. He smiled a bit, though, probably trying to hide it.

The waiter arrived at their table right then.

- Hey, Nikola! The usual for you? - he greeted the Serb like a regular, which surprised Tijana a bit.

- Hey, Jeff. Yes, the usual, please. - he chuckled.

The waiter turned to Tijana.

- And for you, ma’am?

- A small black coffee, please. No sugar or cream.

The waiter wrote down the orders in his notebook and asked if they wanted something to eat, too. They negated and so he left.

- The usual, huh? You’re a regular here or what? - Tijana asked teasingly.

Nikola smiled widely.

- Let’s say so. - he chuckled. - I come here enough to know it’s a good place. Especially in a good company. - he winked at Tijana.

She blushed again. At this point she realised she lost control over it. Nikola made her feel something more every time he looked at her and he had a way of breaking through her guard with just a glance.

- You’re really not making this easy for me, you know. - she admitted.

- Good.

Before she could even blink, Nikola leaned closer to her, his shoulders almost brushing hers now. It was really subtle, but it made her spine shiver.

- Better? - he asked, looking at her with his blue eyes that seemed to see straight through her.

And she looked at him too. For the first time she didn’t shift away. She stayed right there next to him, though the flutter in her chest didn’t wanna calm down. The thick silence between them got broken by the waiter, who had brought their orders.

- Here you go. - he said with a wide smile. - I hope you have a good time.

Before he left, he looked at Nikola as if he wanted to tell him something. The Serb just smirked, brushing it off.

For a moment, silence fell between them again. Tijana sipped her coffee, which was still too hot to drink, but she felt she needed to occupy herself with something before she finally spoke.

- You know, Nikola, - she began. - I’m impressed. You’re putting a real effort into this. The notes, talking to me.

Nikola tilted his head, watching her with intensity in his eyes.

- You should be proud of yourself. It doesn’t come so easily.

He took the cup into his hand and drank a bit of his coffee.

- I don’t think I would’ve done any of this if it weren’t for you. - he said, studying her face.

Tijana blinked and took a deep breath.

- Nikola…

He leaned a little bit closer.

- I mean it. You motivate me.

His eyes haven't left her. And, Gosh, how she loved his eyes…

Her pulse quickened a bit.

- So tell me, what’s been the biggest change for you? Since we started working together? - she shifted the topic in order to calm herself down.

- You reminded me how to slow down. I’ve been pushing myself and not stopping for a long time. But making those notes, like you told me, made me realise I’d been missing a lot of the simple stuff. Like, you know, horses, stupid jokes or even taking hot showers. It probably sounds stupid. - he chuckled nervously.

Tijana wasn't expecting such a long answer, but she was more than happy to hear all of it coming from him.

- It’s not stupid. - she reassured. - It’s the little things that keep us grounded.

Nikola looked at her with a half-smile.

- And what keeps you grounded?

His question surprised her. For a second, she wanted to give him a professional answer, mostly out of habit. Then, though, she realised she could just be her honest self around him.

- Probably my cat. Sometimes swimming and basketball. And calm moments like this. - she admitted shyly.

Nikola’s lips curved into a small smile. His arm rested casually along the back of the sofa.

- Moments like this, - he repeated slowly, his eyes catching hers. - So with me?

Tijana’s breath caught. Her first instinct was to laugh it off, but his expression wasn’t just teasing—there was something genuine behind it.

- I mean, - she hesitated. - I like your company.

She looked down and sipped her coffee, once again looking for something to do. Kind of escaping the conversation.

- I like yours too. - Nikola said quietly, almost whispering.

The silence between them was different now. Like they had stepped over some invisible line without even realizing it.

- So, you mentioned you like basketball. - he spoke up. - Maybe you’d like to play with me tomorrow evening after our practice?

Tijana blinked, caught off guard. Her chest fluttered at the invitation, which she quickly masked with a small, teasing smile.

- Are you sure you can handle me on the court? - she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Nikola laughed softly. Tijana felt like she could watch him laughing for hours.

- I think I can manage, but I can’t promise I’ll go easy on you.

Finally, Tijana felt the tension releasing her body.

- Challenge accepted then. - she smiled widely.

*Hoćemo li? (srb.) - Shall we?

Chapter Text

The atmosphere in the gym was heavy. The sound of squeaking mixed with bouncing balls filled it all. The smell of sweat was more than present as the practice was really intensive that day.

- Come on! The Lakers aren’t gonna wait for you to catch your breaths! Move it faster! - the coach barked.

He looked more tense than usual, his orders were louder, which was explainable before the big game. The next day all the squad was supposed to fly to Los Angeles for their first game of the season - against the Lakers. A very difficult game against a very strong team. The Dončić - LeBron duo seemed scary even to Tijana, who wasn’t gonna play.

A few players gasped and were trying to run faster as they heard the coach’s order. In all the exhaustion, Jamal went too fast and missed a pass, which earned him a glare from Malone. Aaron grunted with each quick move and his jersey was clenched to his chest. The rookies were struggling to keep pace. Even the usually composed players were resting their hands on their knees during short breaks between the passes.

Tijana felt sorry for them, they’ve been going like this for two hours now, but her job wasn’t to question the coach’s methods, so she just kept quiet and wrote a few things in her notepad every now and then.

Nikola, though visibly soaked and out of breath, didn’t stop trying. His footwork was precise and he was still somehow managing to keep his focus sharp. From time to time he would slow down and say some encouraging words to his teammates. It was probably his Balkan mindset holding him up so unbreakable. Or at least, that’s what Tijana thought.

She watched the practice from the sideline, as always. Besides exhaustion, she was noticing the team’s body language changing constantly and their silent communication. They were, obviously, more than tired, but still able to understand each other’s moves and plans.

At some point, the coach finally blew the whistle.

- Alright, guys! That’s it. Go home, eat like humans and most importantly, rest for tomorrow! - he said, though his face was still strict.

The players groaned relieved. Some of them couldn’t believe the practice was over. Dario laid down on the floor and Tim collapsed on the bench tossing a towel over his head. Aaron started drinking water like it was the first time he’s seen it. The rookies immediately went to shower, wanting to go home as soon as possible.

After a while, all of them started leaving, barely knowing how to walk. Vlatko noticed Nikola still on the court with a ball in his hands.

- You’re staying here? - he asked in disbelief.

Nikola shrugged lightly.

- Yeah. Gonna shoot a bit longer.

Vlatko shook his head.

- Si lud, bre*. - he murmured and left the gym.

The door slammed and the air in the arena started getting calm. Tijana stayed on the sideline.

- And why are you standing like that? - Nikola turned to her and asked. - You already forgot about our challenge? - he smirked.

Tijana raised an eyebrow.

- After what you just went through?

He laughed at her words.

- Ah, ajde, Tića! I’m full of adrenaline now. - he swung his arm. - Or maybe you’re saying that, because you’re scared you’re gonna lose? - he teased.

Something in her chest tightened, hearing him calling her by the nickname of her name. She found it cute and somehow flattering.

She hesitated for a second, but then she put her notepad down on the bench.

- Fine, but keep in mind I’m not in the right clothes to play basketball now. - she gestured at her elegant pants.

Nikola sighed in a joking manner.

- Ah, excuses, excuses…

Tijana just rolled her eyes, which made the Serb laugh.

It started pretty clumsy for Tijana and it made her a bit embarrassed. Her dribbles weren’t working out the way she wanted and she groaned, when Nikola stole the ball from her in just a few seconds. He teased her constantly, pretending to move slowly and then suddenly speeding up and scoring. She pushed him playfully, trying to take the ball away and he just laughed genuinely, which echoed in the empty gym. He was clearly enjoying that.

At one point, Nikola missed a shot, the ball bounced back and Tijana caught it, finally. She hopped quickly, afraid that Nikola was going to take the ball away, and she managed to score. She threw her arms up, happy like a little child.

- See? Maybe I’m not that bad after all. - she said, sticking her tongue out.

- Looks like beginner’s luck if you ask me. - the Serb shot back and smiled.

- Šuti, Jokić.** - she teased, brushing a curl from her face.

Nikola grinned, pretending that he’d been hurt.

- Oh, so now you know how to talk trash? Careful, draga moja***.

Tijana’s pulse quickened after hearing what Nikola just called her. She held her ground, holding the ball still close to her chest.

Seeing Nikola getting closer, wanting to steal the ball from her, she started running away. She was sure he was too tired to chase after her. Well, she was wrong, because the Serb immediately sped up across the gym.

After some time she stopped to catch her breath and when she turned over, she saw Nikola towered over her. And only now she realised how tall he really was.

- You know that in basketball you actually have to bounce the ball while running? - he smirked. - And besides, why are you guarding it like it’s gold?

- Because you’ll just take it from me and I don’t want you to have it. - she grinned as if the ball was hers and only hers.

- You’re cute. - Nikola smirked.

He stopped for a moment and then out of sudden brushed the ball with his hand. In all the confusion, they bounced into each other, which caught Tijana off guard for a second.

With Nikola rushing to her, she somehow managed a messy shot. She threw her arms up again.

- Beginner’s luck my ass!

Nikola looked at her with his ocean blue eyes.

- You think you’re a real player now, huh? - he raised his eyebrow.

- I mean, - she paused. - I just scored a two-pointer against you.

She started bouncing the ball, but what she said, was all the invitation Nikola needed. He took a mock defensive position, spreading his arms widely. And suddenly Tijana’s sight was blocked by Nikola’s tall posture. His eyes sparkled as he was looking down at her with a playful smile.

- You’re not getting past me. - he teased.

Tijana laughed, squeezing the ball tighter.

- Nikola, move aside, that's not fair!

- Says the one who cheated first! - he called.

Tijana just rolled her eyes.

Every time she tried to slip past him, he blocked her. Just like he knew what she wanted to do before she even moved. Finally, she tried to go left, but he also read it perfectly. He leaned so close that could feel his warmth and his face was just inches from hers.

- See? - he said quietly.

- Šuti, Jokić. - she muttered.

Nikola just smirked and lowered his voice.

- Make me.

Hearing that, she froze for a second.

- Make me. - he repeated.

His voice was even lower. Her cheeks warmed and, with a sudden flash of energy, she ducked under his arm and, eventually, scored again.

She put her hands on her hips.

- And what now, Mr. MVP?

Nikola walked towards her slowly with a smirk on his face.

- Now? - he stopped. - Prepare, because next time no cheating. - he teased.

* Si lud, bre (cro.) - You're crazy, bro. 

** Šuti, Jokić (cro.) - Shut up, Jokić.

*** Draja moja (srb.) - My dear.

Chapter Text

The plane took off smoothly. Tijana was sitting by the window with her notebook open on her lap, trying to point out the most important things she needed to tell the team before the game. She couldn’t focus, though. She didn’t sleep very well last night, because of the storm, which she was a little bit scared of.

Nikola was sitting across from her. He couldn’t help but glance at her from time to time. At some point, he noticed that she fell asleep. She looked so cute, peaceful and it made his chest tighten. It was the first time he’s seen her so unguarded and composed. Soon, he realised he'd been staring at her a bit too long, so he turned his head to look at the views outside the window. His favourite Serbian music was playing in his headphones, making him feel relaxed, thinking about home and his horses. He shook his head, trying to focus on the upcoming game.

The almost three hours passed quickly and they finally landed in Los Angeles. Everybody left the plane and loaded their bags onto the team bus. The players seemed pretty rested after yesterday’s hard practice. Most of them had their headphones, only the rookies were talking to the coach in the front part of the bus.

Tijana, who was still half asleep, sat in the back. Nikola, next to her. He was pretending to discuss something with her, so that they don’t look suspicious together. But in reality, he just wanted Tijana to rest her head on his shoulder, knowing that she was still sleepy. And he thought his shoulder was gonna be a nice change compared to the hard window glass she's been sleeping on during the flight. Seeing him, Tijana wanted to say something, but Nikola gestured her to relax. He smirked softly at the sight of her head on his shoulder. He felt happy.

At the hotel, all the players went straight up to the lobby to pick up the keys to their rooms. Quickly, everybody disappeared in the elevators with suitcases in their hands. Everybody except for Nikola.

He was waiting for Tijana, who was the last one to pick up the key. She didn’t notice him until he came up to her with a smile on his face.

- Here. - he started. - Let me take that.

He gestured towards her suitcase. At first, she was caught off guard, not really knowing what was happening. But as soon as she realised, she began to reject Nikola’s offer.

- No, Niki, I’ve got it. - she said.

- You’re not gonna change my mind. I know you’re still sleepy, so I’m gonna walk you to your room and make sure you don’t fall asleep on the way there. - he winked at her.

Tijana sighed in what sounded like frustration.

They both entered the elevator in silence. Tijana wasn’t in a mood for talking as she’s just woken up.

- Also, Niki, is not really one of the short forms of my name. - Nikola spoke, breaking the silence.

- I know, but it sounds cute. - she said and yawned right after.

Suddenly, she got closer to him and half hugged him, resting her head against his chest. Both Tijana and Nikola were probably surprised by her move. Though, nobody approached this topic. Tijana was just too sleepy to think and Nikola was simply enjoying what was happening. He felt his heart starting to beat faster, which he supposed was gonna happen sooner or later.

Once they reached the fifth floor, Tijana straightened up and shook her head, trying to wake herself up. Nikola smirked as he found that adorable.

- You’re also staying on this floor? - Tijana asked, looking up at the Serb.

He checked his key number and half smiled.

- Seems so. - he answered. - You’re so sleepy. You didn't sleep well last night?

Tijana sighed and then yawned.

- Couldn’t sleep. Probably because of the storm.

- Well then. - Nikola said. - Today I’m your therapist and I advise you to go to bed right after you get to your room.

Tijana smiled. Probably the first time that day. She looked up at Nikola and saw a happy spark in his eyes that she loved so much.

- Mnogo hvala, Nikola*. - she said when they reached the door to her room.

His smile was warm and caring.

- Nema na čemu**. Get some rest.

The Crypto.com Arena smelled like polished wood and the eyes reflected on the floor. The stands were already crowded with fans, most of them wearing yellow and purple jerseys. But the Nuggets’ supporters were also there, ready to encourage their beloved team with motivational chants.

As both of the teams started entering the court in order to start warming up, the atmosphere started changing and the fans started roaring. Some of the players waved at the stands, which made the air feel even more energising. 

Before coach Malone started instructing the squad, Tijana set up her things on the small table, near the bench. She slept pretty long last night after Nikola walked her to her room, but she still needed coffee in the morning. Sometimes, she wondered if she drank it for the taste or the caffeine.

She put her notebook down and reviewed the notes one more time. Then, she started approaching the players and sharing her observations with them. She told Jamal to try to read his teammates’ moves more and focus on his passes. She reassured Tim that his on court intelligence was great. To the rookies, she mentioned to calm down and follow the other players’ instructions. Then, her eyes started wandering through the arena, looking for Nikola.

Meanwhile, Nikola was busy talking to one of his closest friends - Luka Dončić. Luka was now a star for the Lakers. He didn’t really wanna play today, mainly because of the tension of the friends-turned-rivals' competition.

Luka hugged him as soon as he saw him.

- Long time no see! - he shouted.

Nikola just chuckled. It was seconds until they fell into their old rhythm and started teasing each other and cracking jokes in Serbian.

- Kako si, bre***? - Nikola asked.

Luka ran his hand through his hair.

- You know, good, but the pressure is bigger here, when you play for the Lakers. I miss being in Dallas. - he sighed.

- You finally started playing well, though. - Nikola teased.

Luka punched him in the shoulder and snapped a quick look at his opponents stretching up.

- Wait, - he paused. - Who is that?

He nodded towards Tijana. He’s never seen her before as she was a new addition to the team and she started working with them this season.

Nikola took a deep breath.

- Tića! - he called Tijana and waved at her to come over to them. - Dođi ovamo****!

Tijana was surprised by the invitation, but she was glad she finally found Nikola, or he found her. She had a few small remarks that she wanted to share with him before the game started.

As she approached them, Nikola’s smile widened and a familiar spark appeared in his eyes again.

- Luka, this is Tijana. She’s my therapist, the team therapist, I mean. - he chuckled nervously. - Tijana, this is Luka and I think you know who he is.

- Hi. - Tijana smiled and shook Luka’s hand.

However, Luka blinked, taking a moment to process everything.

- And you speak Serbian? - he asked, shocked.

Tijana laughed lightly and explained.

- Well, my mom is Croatian, so that’s why I understand Nikola.

- That’s… impressive. - Luka said, still surprised.

Nikola pushed him softly to make him focused again.

- Don’t let her fool you, bre, - he began. - She’s sharp.

Tijana shook her head in amusement. Nikola seemed so happy, talking to his old friend and she was even happier seeing him like that.

Suddenly, she felt her phone buzzing in her pocket, so she reached for it to check the notification. It was coach Malone, needing her help with something.

Then, she felt Nikola’s big arm over her shoulder.

- Right, Tića? - he asked, glancing at her.

Tijana looked up at him and then at Luka. She was caught off guard and felt embarrassed for not listening to what they were saying earlier.

- Sorry, boys, the coach just texted me. I need to go. - she excused herself and left to find Malone.

Nikola’s expression saddened a little, which didn’t escape Luka’s attention.

- Okay, now, what’s going on with her? - he asked his friend with a suspicious look on his face.

The Serb just sighed and shook his head.

- Ne znam, bre*****. - he hesitated mid-sentence. - She’s just…she makes me happy and relaxed. But, also, - he paused again. - Each of her smiles makes my heartbeat quicken and my stomach flutter.

Luka raised an eyebrow, clearly amused but also unsure.

- Woah, you’re serious?

Nikola ran a hand through his hair.

- Yeah… she just does that to me. I don’t know, I think I like her.

And just like that, Nikola felt a weight was lifted from his shoulders. He didn’t realise how much he needed to say it out loud. Somehow, it made his mind feel more free now.

- Damn, you got it bad, bre. And I thought only horses could get you like that. - Luka smirked, shaking his head. - She knows?

- Jesi li glup******?! - Nikola almost shouted, hearing the question. - She’s my therapist, she works for the team. It’s wrong.

Luka leaned closer, lowering his voice so only Nikola could hear over the sounds of the warming-up court.

- Listen, Jokić, - he started seriously. - You won’t know anything until you tell her. Ajde*******, mama hasn't raised a pussy!

Nikola let out a low, half-laugh, half-sigh.

- I know, but it’s complicat-…

- Ah, šuti, Jokić! - Luka didn’t even let him finish. - Let her know, but be careful.

Nikola shook his head. Careful… Easier said than done.

Obviously, he knew that eventually he’ll have to tell Tijana. Even if she doesn’t feel the same, he just wanted to be honest with her. After all, she was the one who helped him get back to who he was.

*Mnogo hvala, Nikola (cro.) - Thank you a lot, Nikola.

**Nema na čemu (srb.) - No problem. 

***Kako si, bre? (srb.) - How are you, bro?

****Dođi ovamo (srb.) - Come here!

*****Ne znam, bre (srb.) - I don't know, bro

******Jesi li glup?! (srb.) - Are you stupid?!

*******Ajde (srb.) - Let's go

Chapter Text

As the game was about to start, the atmosphere at the arena seemed even more alive. The flashing lights and cameras were following each player’s moves.

When the referee threw the ball in the air, Nikola felt the familiar mixture of adrenaline, excitement and focus coming through his veins. He’s played the Lakers before and he knew today wasn’t gonna be easy, especially with Luka on the opposite side of the court. Almost immediately, the Lakers got into possession of the ball. LeBron passed it to LaRavia, who faked a shot and threw it back to James. The Nuggets rushed to defend. Jamal tried to break through the opponents, but was blocked by Ayton, and the ball ended up bouncing off the rim. Before anyone could react, Nikola jumped, catching it and passed it to Aaron. A second later, the scoreboard showed 2-0.

Tijana sat near the team bench with her notebook in her hand. She was trying to keep her posture straight and to write down her remarks about players’ reactions and team coordination. Though, her eyes followed Nikola everywhere he went. His every move, the way he sometimes gestured to his friends and the faint tension in his muscles made her heart beat faster.

At the end of the first quarter, the score was 28-25 for the Nuggets. Nikola already had two assists, a steal, and eleven points to his credit. Luka, sitting on the other side of the court, caught Nikola’s eye for a moment. They teased themselves quickly, using their hands, and went back to listen to what their coaches had to say.

In the second quarter, the Lakers found their rhythm, rushing the pace of the game and forcing their opponents onto the defensive. Mainly Luka and LeBron controlled almost all the court, so Nikola felt like he had to be everywhere. For a moment, it seemed like the Nuggets’ offense stopped. They weren’t able to score, just nothing was working out for them, and the opponents took advantage of that.

Nikola, though, kept the balance, which motivated his teammates to work harder. Aaron found Tim in the corner, who made a beautiful three-pointer they so much needed.

By halftime, the Nuggets had gotten close to their rivals, as the Lakers were winning only by four points. Nikola ran towards the tunnel, his jersey dripping with sweat. Tijana followed him with her and she felt her pulse quickening.

Near the end of the third quarter, the game became more physical. The players were bumping into each other, a few of them faking fouls. At some point, Nikola jumped to grab a rebound and Smart shoved him unexpectedly. He moved back and instinctively pressed his chest. For a second, he stayed like that, trying to catch his breath.

Tijana felt her chest tighten at the sight of Nikola struggling. Her anxiety grew on until she saw him straightening up and talking to Jamal.

- You good, man? - Jamal asked, walking up to Nikola.

The Serb nodded, ignoring the discomfort in his body.

- Yeah, it’s just a little hit. - he sighed. - Let’s keep moving.

As the game resumed, the referee called a foul on Smart. Nikola’s eyes sharpened, focusing on the basket. Tijana kept watching him so carefully, that she almost stopped breathing. She was stressed, both for Nikola and for the rest of the team. All of them observed closely when he was about to make the shots. Apparently, though, the Serb didn’t feel that much pressure, as he scored two beautiful points for the Nuggets.

The fourth, and last, quarter began with the score tied at 90-90. The team needed some kind of spark. They were passing well, reading each other perfectly, but none of the shots were successful. It was obvious that by then they were already too tired.

With 10 seconds left, Nikola suddenly caught the ball and cut through the Lakers’ defense. He rushed towards the basket, Jamal speeding up after him. Everything was happening so quickly that it was impossible to hold up. Already by the basket, Nikola jumped for the dunk and slammed the ball through. The fans stood up immediately and the crowd went wild. The Nuggets won by two points, ending the game with a score 92-90. Players collapsed onto the floor and Nikola went up to Luka. He clapped him on the shoulder, whispering something in Serbian, to which Dončić just nodded and half smiled.

Tijana exhaled deeply. Although the adrenaline was still buzzing in her veins, she felt relieved. She wrote down a few final notes, mostly about decision making and went up to the team.

As Nikola got back to them, his eyes met Tijana’s. He just winked at her with a wide smile on his face.

- That’s how you finish the game! Great work! - coach Malone yelled, clapping Nikola on the back.

A few minutes later, journalists and media personnel surrounded the players for photos and post-game interviews. Nikola remained his usual self, cracking jokes, but he also gave some careful and composed answers. At some point, Jamal interrupted his interview and kept teasing Nikola about that crucial dunk that he made.

By the time the team and staff arrived at the hotel, everybody was exhausted and still sweaty. On the way back, Tijana and Nikola barely exchanged a word. Instead, they kept looking at each other with Nikola’s playful looks from time to time. Already in the lobby, coach Malone discussed a few key points with the players and, eventually, let them go to their rooms. Some of them, though, went straight to the hotel jacuzzi to relax. Tijana finally put her notebook inside her bag. She smiled slightly once she saw Nikola sipping water in the corner. He didn’t look as tired as the others even though he was the main character in today’s game. All the attraction and the pull she felt towards him were growing stronger.

- Hey. - Nikola said, walking up to her.

She looked up at him, a little surprised by his move.

- Hmm?

He glanced quickly at the hallway, checking if there was anybody except for them. Then his blue eyes found her.

- You were watching me during the game.

A triumphant-like smile appeared on his face. Tijana blinked. She was surprised by what he said, and didn’t know how to answer. At first, she instinctively wanted to deny it, but she knew that he’s gonna see right through her.

- Well, - she started. - Of course. It’s my job.

Nikola smirked faintly.

- Yeah right. Your job. - he said sarcastically.

He took a step in her direction. Not too close, but enough to make her pulse quicken and enough for her to feel the pull.

- You were worried when I got hit. - he lowered his voice, looking at her intensively.

Tijana swallowed hard, she didn’t like being confronted. Especially by Nikola.

- I… - she hesitated. - Anybody would’ve been worried.

Nikola tilted his head, as if he could see through her excuse very easily.

- Maybe. But you weren’t watching anyone else. - he said slowly.

Her breath stopped and she could feel her face flushing.

- I didn’t like seeing you in pain. - she finally admitted.

Nikola’s eyes sparked and he smiled in the same way as before.

- Good. I enjoyed having you there. - he said and paused for a second. - Laku noć, Tijana.*

And after that he went to the elevator, leaving her in shock and with many unanswered questions.

*Laku noć, Tijana. (srb.) - Good night, Tijana

Chapter Text

Next Wednesday, already fully recovered after the weekend, Nikola entered the gym. The practice was about to start and almost all the team gathered for the warmup. The day was normal, as every other one, yet something felt wrong for Nikola.

He looked around casually. He saw Jamal cracking jokes with Aaron and Dario, and the rookies talking to the coach. Everything seemed ordinary.

However, he noticed that the chair on the sideline was empty. It was usually occupied by Tijana, but she wasn’t there. He started searching for her, but she was nowhere to be found. “Maybe she’s gonna be late…” he thought. After a second, he brushed off that thought. Tijana was never late.

His mood dropped slightly, but he was pretending everything was fine. Inside, he felt kind of empty. The person, he woke up everyday hoping to see, wasn’t there.

Nikola shrugged and told himself that she probably had other things to do. He started stretching. First, he exercised his arms and then legs. Tijana’s absence, though, still bothered him more than it should have.

During the water break, he even wanted to ask coach Malone about Tijana’s whereabouts. He opened his mouth and closed it right away. Twice. He took a deep breath and started biting on his water bottle. He just couldn’t help but think about Tijana.

The scrimmage was fast and tiring, as always. Coach Malone apparently liked to torture his players. But nobody complained as they knew it was eventually gonna be worth it.

Nikola, though, couldn’t fully lock in. He was distracted and his passes were slow. Once, he even forgot the setup they had just practiced.

- Come on, big man! - Russell shouted at him when he hesitated.

The play went wrong, so coach Malone blew the whistle loudly.

- Redo it! More energy! Again! - he barked.

Nikola wiped the sweat from his forehead. He was annoyed at himself. He couldn’t play or read his teammates’ moves. Nothing worked out.

As he returned to his position, Jamal went up to him.

- What's up with you today? Are you tired or something? - he asked quietly.

Nikola frowned.

- Nah. Everything’s fine. - he said with indifference in his voice.

Jamal raised an eyebrow, not believing him.

- Mhm, sure. Look, I don’t know what’s going on, but it’s definitely not basketball you’re thinking about.

Nikola sighed.

- Just play, Jamal. - he muttered, dismissing his teammate.

“Damn”, Nikola thought. He was sure he’d been pretending well and now it turned out he was transparent all the time.

As the practice ended, everybody went to the changing room. Some of his friends were joking around, but Nikola was still annoyed. He just sat on the bench and took his phone in his hand. He scrolled absently, searching for Tijana’s contact.

He told himself it was stupid. Maybe she was busy with work-related stuff, maybe she was at a conference. The curiosity, though, was eating him up inside.

“Idiote*”, he muttered to himself.

To: Tijana

You weren’t at practice today. Everything okay?

He didn’t even think about whether he should send it. He just immediately did it.

Nikola remained seated on the bench for five more minutes, just staring at the screen and waiting for an answer. Finally, he stood up and straightened his back. With his towel thrown loose on his shoulder, he went towards the showers.

Already in fresh clothes, he took his training bag and left the changing room. On the way to his car, he checked his phone.

1 new message.

From: Tijana

I’m fine. Just had to take Batman to the vet. He wasn’t feeling well this morning.

He felt relief coming through his body. What did she mean with Batman, though? Was it her cat?

To: Tijana

Batman? That’s your cat’s name?

From: Tijana

Yes. Don’t laugh.

He smirked faintly, thumb hovering over the keyboard.

To: Tijana

It’s funny, tho…

The reply came immediately.

From: Tijana

You would understand if you saw him.

To: Tijana

Introduce us then

From: Tijana

Maybe someday... 😉

Nikola smiled widely. He could hear her saying that. 

To: Tijana

Can't wait.

Anyways, practice felt empty today without you and I was worried.

His chest tightened once he sent that message, as if it revealed too much. He could’ve realised it before, because now it was too late and he couldn’t take it back.

The reply didn’t come immediately this time. Nikola threw his bag onto the passenger seat. He was about to put his phone into his pocket and start driving home, but it buzzed.

From: Tijana

That’s sweet of you, Nikola.

Nikola stared at her reply with a smile on his face. As he kept rereading her message something warmed in his chest. And like earlier, he didn’t bother thinking. He just typed on an emoji and hit send.

To: Tijana

😘

He locked his phone and put it in his bag. He hoped that nobody saw him in the parking lot smiling at his phone like an idiot.

*Idiote (srb.) - Idiot

Chapter Text

The previous week passed quickly and as Monday came, Nikola had his next session with Tijana. The first one after the game with the Lakers.

The morning sky was cloudy. The type of weather that wouldn’t put anybody in a good mood. Nikola, though, was used to that type of days. Serbia was generally more cloudy than sunny. He was also feeling excited and activated. Not about the practice that was about to start, but about his session with Tijana later. Even the thought of her was motivating him.

As coach Malone blew the whistle, the players started the drills. Tijana, as always, was watching from the sidelines, sometimes making small remarks. She suggested to Jonas that he could focus more on his double clutches as they were slightly too slow. After scrimmage, during the water break, she tried to convince Nikola to calm down. Usually, when the defense was playing really physical and somebody held him, they didn’t get called. In response, Nikola got pissed off and started committing fouls. It was only a scrimmage, but she knew it could affect his performance in important games.

Nikola listened carefully, but his mind was drifting to how pretty Tijana was. He couldn’t stop smiling. He forced himself not to show it that much, though, so she wouldn’t notice that he wasn’t paying that much attention to her actual remarks. He just nodded, thanked her and returned to the rest of the team.

As usual, after practice, Tijana went to her office. While she was waiting for Nikola, who went to the changing room, she opened her notebook and put it on her desk. She had a separate one, exclusively for Nikola’s sessions. She liked to have everything organised. It helped her to work more efficiently.

Fifteen minutes passed and she heard a knock on the door. She didn’t even have time to react, because Nikola entered the room almost immediately.

- Hey. - he said.

- How’s it going? - she asked.

She looked at him. He was smiling all the time with a happy spark in his eyes.

- Good. Today’s nice so far.

He smiled at her and adjusted himself on the couch, almost laying on it.

- I’m very glad to hear that. - Tijana smiled at him softly. - Okay, so today I want to start with…

She couldn’t finish her sentence as Nikola interrupted her.

- Wait! - he said loudly. - You have a new adjustment here.

That caught Tijana off guard for a moment. The Serb noticed that she didn’t understand him.

- The coffee machine. - he explained and pointed at it.

Tijana turned around to take a look at it. She chuckled lightly, as if she was embarrassed she didn’t catch what he meant.

- Oh, yeah. You want a coffee? - she asked.

He wasn’t expecting her to offer that. He was happy she did, though.

- I’d like that. - he nodded.

Tijana stood up and took two mugs from the cabinet. Nikola was watching her carefully, following her every move.

- Okay, I have black coffee, cappuccino and black, but decaffeinated. - she said and glanced at him over the shoulder.

Nikola smirked.

- I don’t know who would drink coffee without caffeine. Black, please.

Tijana just shook her head in amusement and went back to preparing their coffees. As soon as it was ready, she took the mugs and handed one of them to Nikola.

- A cup with Mede medenjaci*? - he laughed, looking at the glass. - It’s cute.

Then, he looked at her just as if he didn’t mean that only the mug was cute. It made her blush and she hoped he didn’t notice that.

- What do you mean? - she asked, because she didn’t really understand the Serbian word he used.

- Oh, the bears, you know. The animation. - he explained.

- Ah, okay. I get it now.

Tijana looked at Nikola. She saw that he was in a good mood today, smiling all the time. She was happy for him and she believed they were gonna have a satisfactory session.

- By the way, I thought you didn’t like black coffee. - she said.

Nikola smirked.

- Well, I thought I would try since you always drink it. - he winked at her, which made her blush even more.

At that point, she was almost sure he noticed it already.

- Trying new things is also a nice step, considering your therapy. - she observed.

He chuckled, still watching her carefully.

- Thank you. - he said. - And I also observed that you play with your pen when I look at you.

That caught Tijana a little bit off guard and she glanced at her hand. She kept fidgeting with her pen not only, because the way he looked at her was intimidating her. It was her occupational habit and that was the main reason why she was doing it.

- It’s just a therapist habit. - she replied.

- Sure. - he murmured. - It has nothing to do with me.

Well, it was very straight forward of him to say that. But again, he didn’t think before he spoke. And now it was too late to take it back.

Tako sam glup*. He thought to himself. He even wanted to hit himself in the head, but he resigned on that idea. It probably wouldn’t look so good in Tijana’s eyes.

- I guess you’ll never know. - she teased. - Anyways, Nikola, how are you? Any particular reason you seem so happy today? - she asked, shifting the topic.

He straightened his back, adjusting himself on the sofa.

- I don’t know. - he shrugged. - The practice was good, I slept well and I was excited for the therapy session.

- I’m happy you enjoy our meetings. - Tijana smiled softly.

- Oh, I do very much. - he winked at her.

She blushed again, but tried to ignore that. Seeing the look on Nikola’s face, though, she knew that it didn’t escape his eyes.

- I’m glad. So, tell me how you feel about the last game? And how did the recovery go?

Nikola sighed.

- The game was okay. I have a bruise now, from the hit, but at least we won. - he shrugged. - And I enjoyed the recovery. I took a cold shower, rested a lot and went to see the horses to relax myself. - he said with a smile.

Tijana smiled too.

- It seems like you’re doing well. - she commented. - However, I also wanted to ask you about what I said to you during the scrimmage. How do you handle your emotions on the court?

A slight grimace appeared on his face.

- As you probably already noticed, I’m not stressed before the games and I keep my feet on the ground. I don’t like to reflect on my performance right after the game. - he shrugged.

Tijana scribbled something in her notebook.

- Yes, I noticed that. - she said. - And what do you think about the remark I made today? - she asked.

- Ah, - he started. - You mean that.

He sipped his coffee and cracked his back.

- Well, I don’t really like when somebody fouls me and doesn’t get punished at all. But I think that’s normal. - he shrugged.

- You’re right, it is. - Tijana said. - However, I observed that you get easily frustrated by that and you often start to actively discuss it with the referees, which sometimes results in you getting punished.

- Yeah…I don’t like that either. - Nikola smirked.

- Do you think you could turn that frustration into motivation? - she suggested. - Like, you know, to give yourself that additional shot of adrenaline. - she explained.

Nikola looked at her. There was a contemplation spark in his eyes. For a minute, he was silent as if he didn’t know the answer to Tijana’s question.

- Hmmm… - he finally spoke. - I’ve never thought of it like that, but that’s interesting. I guess I could try to do it. - he said.

He looked convinced. A small smile appeared on Tijana’s face. She noticed how much he’s changed since their first meeting. He wasn’t holding back from her suggestions anymore. Quite the opposite, He seemed keen on taking her advice and listening to what she had to say.

- I’m really proud of your progress, Nikola. You’ve changed a lot in such a short period of time . - she admitted.

She smiled softly. Nikola looked at her with a happy spark in his eyes.

- I think that’s because I have the best therapist. - he winked at her.

She blushed as she heard him saying that. She just couldn’t help it anymore.

- I really appreciate that coming from you. - she confessed.

- You know, I was thinking, - he began randomly. - I wanted to rewatch some games to see what I could improve. Maybe you could do it with me? - he asked in a tone that sounded a bit shy to Tijana.

She felt her pulse quickening. She was hesitating at first, but she also knew she wanted to see Nikola more than just during practices and sessions.

- Sure, why not. - she smiled. - Next week?

She was a bit surprised by herself offering to do it so soon.

- Yes. - Nikola answered quickly, looking very excited. - I just wanna do it somewhere else than here, because it’s starting to make me feel too formal and I don’t think that’s the point of our sessions.

- Of course, I understand. - she chuckled at his confession. - We could do it at my place if that’s okay with you.

Wait, what?  She couldn’t believe she said that. She definitely didn’t think before saying that out loud. Now, she was even more surprised. On the other hand, though, she was starting to feel a lot more comfortable around Nikola. And well, if basically inviting him over was the first step to make their relationship less strict, then let that be it.

She smiled at him nervously. She still wasn’t sure if she should’ve said that.

- It’s more than okay with me. - he smiled warmly, which calmed Tijana down. - Hvala ti puno, Tijana*. For everything. 

* Mede medenjaci - Care Bears (the Serbian name for the cartoon)

* Tako sam glup (srb.) - I'm so stupid

* Hvala ti puno, Tijana (srb.) - Thank you so much, Tijana.

Chapter Text

The practice that day had been long and exhausting. The coach pushed them hard, running defensive drills over and over. Malone let them finish only, because he saw they were all drenched in sweat and couldn’t catch their breaths. When they were finally dismissed, Nikola stayed back a few minutes to stretch. Then, he went straight to the changing room, where he wanted to shower and change into some fresh clothes.

Tijana left the gym before the practice wrapped up. She had a headache and she wanted to take a pill, which she had in her office. Once she swallowed it, she grabbed her bag and walked out of her room. In the corridor, she spotted Nikola. He was leaning on the wall, hands in his pockets. He had his sweatpants and a hoodie on. At some point, he turned his head and noticed her, too. His eyes sparked immediately.

- You good? - he asked as he saw her, rubbing her temple.

She looked up at him with a tired smile.

- Yeah, I just have a headache, but I already took a pill, so it should pass quickly. I’m going home now. - she said.

- You look pale, let me drop you off.

His eyes seemed worried and his smile soft.

- No, I’ve got it, Nikola. I have my car here anyways. - she brushed it off.

As much as she wanted him to drive her home, she had to refuse. She didn’t wanna be problematic and, besides, she came here with her car.

- You can leave it here. I’m gonna drive you to practice tomorrow and you can pick it up after work. - he said.

- Thank you, Nikola, but I also don’t wanna be problematic. - she sent him an apologetic look.

He smirked.

- I’m sorry, but it’s already decided. Let’s go. - he tilted his head towards the door.

She just sighed and followed him to the parking lot. The drive was calm. They didn’t speak much and Nikola put some relaxing music on. Probably to make her feel better. It was so thoughtful of him and she was very grateful.

As Nikola parked his Lamborghini in front of her house, he turned to her with a soft smile.

- So, - he started. - You still want me to come over for the rewatch? Or are we postponing it? - he asked.

They were supposed to watch the games today, like they agreed last week. He was hoping to see her later today, but he also understood that she wasn’t feeling well, so he didn’t want to overwhelm her.

- You can come in like an hour. I’m gonna feel better soon, don’t worry. - she smiled at him.

His eyes sparked with happiness.

- U redu*. See you in an hour then. - he winked at her, which made her blush.

The first thing Tijana did once she entered her house was taking a warm shower. It always made her feel better and, also, she loved hot showers. Then, she changed into black, loose pants and a blue top. It was way more comfortable than the elegant clothes she wore for work. She tied her hair up in a messy bun.

In the kitchen, she heated up the tomato soup that was left from the previous day. She ate it quickly and put the dishes in the dishwasher. She set her notebook and her laptop on the little table by the couch, where they supposedly were gonna sit for the rewatch.

Soon, she heard a knock on the door. She knew it was Nikola, as the hour passed. She wasn’t that nervous, but there was still something lingering in her stomach.

- Hi. - she greeted him once she let him in.

- Hello. - he smiled at her widely. - How are you feeling?

- I’m better, thank you. - she smiled back.

- I’m glad. - he said. - By the way, you look cute. - he commented and made her blush.

She looked at him and, immediately, felt speechless. His outfit was simple, yet stylish. He wore black, tailored pants and a black T-shirt, tucked into them. The T-shirt was fitted, which emphasized his athletic physique. On his feet he had a pair of black Chelsea boots. She loved his sense of fashion. It was effortless, but at the same time so classy. He always managed to take her breath away just by the way he looked.

- And you look pretty hot. - she blurted out without thinking.

Immediately, she wanted to hit herself in the forehead. Was it inappropriate to say?, she thought.

Nikola froze for a heartbeat. Did she just call me hot? His pulse fastened before he could react. So she does find me attractive. Maybe I’m not imagining the way she looks at me then. He fought the grin tugging at his lips, wanting to play it cool.

- Oh, you think? - he said, with a teasing wink. - Thank you.

She blushed even more.

- So, would you like a coffee? - she switched the topic to something less tense.

He smirked, knowing how his comment made her feel.

- Sure. Black again.

While she speeded to the kitchen to start the coffee machine, he sat on the couch and took a look at her living room.

It was bright with white walls. There were two plants and a quite big TV. Nearby stood a small table, on which Tijana had already put her things. The couch he sat on was beige and comfortable. Nikola enjoyed it. Most sofas were too hard for him.

Tijana brought their coffees to the table. Nikola immediately took a sip from his cup. This time not with the Mede medenjaci bears. He smiled at that thought.

Tijana opened YouTube with games’ highlights on her laptop. He was observing her moves carefully.

Nikola was sitting with one arm resting along the backrest of the couch. Tijana sat beside him with her notebook on her lap. Every now and then, she would pause the video and write some things down.

- Your positioning here is good, but you hesitated. You could’ve taken than open three. - she pointed at the screen and rewinded the play.

- Yeah maybe. - Nikola sighed. - I guess I just didn’t want Jamal yelling at me if I missed. - he chuckled. - You know how tense he gets at games.

She laughed and it made Nikola smile wider than he meant.

- Your intuition, though, is pretty good, so I think you should trust it more. - she said.

The atmosphere was easy and familiar. It was obvious both of them were enjoying each other’s company.

Tijana opened her mouth to say something more when a sudden knock on the door echoed throughout the house.

Tijana grimaced in confusion.

- That’s weird. I'm not expecting anyone. - she said.

She stood up, then hesitated on her way to the door.

- Could you get that for me? - she asked. - I spilled a bit of coffee earlier. I’m gonna get a towel and be right back.

- Sure. - Nikola smiled softly.

He opened the door and saw a short man standing in front of him. His hair was sleek and he was wearing a suit that didn’t quite fit his posture.

- You’re not Tijana. - the man spoke, scanning Nikola up and down.

- No. - Nikola replied calmly. - Who are you?

The man smirked.

- Owen. I used to live here. I’m Tijana’s ex boyfriend. - his eyes narrowed slightly. - And you are?

Nikola didn’t move from the doorway.

- A friend.

Owen laughed sharply.

- Of course. You look like the type she “talks” basketball with. Stupid sport.

Nikola’s jaw tensed as he heard that.

- What?

Owen didn’t answer. Instead, he tried to move past Nikola to get inside.

- You don’t walk in until she asks you to. - the Serb said.

His voice was still calm, although his gut was telling him something was wrong.

- And what are you? Her babysitter? - Owen mocked.

Nikola stepped closer, not moving from the doorway. It was just one step, but it changed the air between them to more tense.

- Watch your mouth.

Owen scoffed.

- Or what? You’re gonna hit me? Damn right, you look like a guy, who thinks his muscles make him smart.

Before Nikola could even react, Tijana’s voice came from behind him

- Owen? - she stood next to Nikola, with her eyes wide. - What are you doing here? You said you’d text before coming.

Owen smirked.

- I got back early and I figured I’m gonna pick up my things. - he smirked. - Didn’t know you were entertaining. - he gestured at Nikola.

- Then take them and go. - Tijana said quietly.

He smirked again.

- Wow. Still bossy. I guess that’s what happens when you find yourself a new case study, huh?

- Enough. - she responded sharply.

Owen scoffed loudly, while grabbing his things.

- God, you always get that tone. Like you’re so much smarter than everyone. But, come on, you’re just a little failure and being in control apparently makes you feel better about yourself.

Nikola’s face hardened instantly. He felt his blood boiling in his veins. His posture changed to more composed, but visibly tense now.

- Watch how you talk to her. - his voice was low.

Owen turned to him with a mocking grimace.

- You’re her guard dog now? “Don’t talk to her like that.” - he imitated Nikola’s accent. - Man, you barely speak English.

Nikola took one step forward.

- You should leave.

Owen laughed. He was a bit nervous, but tried to hide it.

- Relax, big guy. We were just talking.

- You were talking. - Nikola said in a firm tone. - Now you’re leaving.

All this time, Tijana stood frozen near Nikola. She was embarrassed and a little bit angry. Nikola’s presence, though, made her feel safe in a way she hadn’t felt for a long time.

Owen took the last box from the counter.

- Whatever. - he murmured. - Good luck, Tijana. This project seems problematic.

- Out. - Nikola’s voice was now louder and more aggressive, his hands curled into fists.

Owen just looked at him and left, muttering something under his breath.

When the door closed, Nikola turned to Tijana and saw she was staring down at her hands.

- I’m sorry you had to see that. - she said quietly.

Nikola shook his head.

- Don’t be sorry for somebody else’s stupidity.

She looked up at him. Her eyes showed uncertainty, but also gratitude.

- You didn’t have to step in.

- I wanted to. - he said calmly. - Nobody, especially him, should talk to you like that.

- It’s okay. It’s just complicated. - she took a deep breath.

Nikola stepped towards Tijana.

- It’s not. - his voice was lower now. - He doesn’t get to treat you that way. Not you.

“Not you”. It made her chest tighten. She understood Nikola wasn’t angry. He was hurt for her.

- Thank you. - she whispered, looking at him.

He sighed and ran his hand through his hair.

- I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have lost my temper. - he muttered.

- I don’t think you did. Maybe you just cared. - she replied softly.

She met his eyes, but she didn’t look away. Nikola got closer to her. His hand shivered at his side, as if he was fighting with himself about something. He reached up slowly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. His fingers slightly touched her cheek, what sent a shiver down her spine and made her breath quicker. For a moment she thought he was gonna kiss her and, deep down… she kind of wanted him to. Even if she wouldn’t admit it to herself. Their faces were close, but then, something hit Tijana. They shouldn’t. They have to keep the therapist-patient balance.

- Anyways, let’s go back to the videos. - she spoke, interrupting the moment.

She walked up to the couch and glanced at Nikola.

He was still standing there and it looked like he was contemplating something. Then, he shook his head and joined Tijana.

As he sat back beside her, she glanced at him. His expression was unreadable and he was avoiding looking at her. He seemed worried.

Tijana tried to force her attention on the video, but every time Nikola moved and their shoulders brushed, she felt her cheeks warming up.

Nikola leaned forward, pretending to analyse the game.

- I could’ve passed here. - he muttered at some point.

His voice was low and indifferent, which let Tijana know something was wrong.

- Yeah, maybe. - she nodded.

He didn’t respond to her right away. Instead, he took a deep breath and exhaled quickly. His eyes were still on the screen, but you could tell that his mind was somewhere else. The atmosphere in the room felt heavy. Seeing Nikola like that made Tijana a bit worried.

- Nikola, are you okay? - she asked softly.

He slowly took his gaze off the screen and looked at her. His blue eyes were tired.

- Yeah. Just thinking about things I don’t have answers to. - he said quietly.

Tijana tilted her head and tried to study him. It wasn’t so easy this time, though. But she noticed that his usual confidence disappeared, replaced by something almost fragile.

- Do you wanna talk about it? - she suggested gently.

Nikola smirked faintly.

- Nah. Maybe someday. - he shrugged.

And suddenly she realised. How could she be so blind?

He was reserved, because he was confused by what happened earlier and by what it meant. She just wanted to forget it, meanwhile he was still thinking about it.

Her chest tightened by the guilt she felt. She hated seeing him quiet and withdrawn like that. This wasn’t the happy Nikola, whose calming presence she was used to. He was still there, leaning on his knees, looking broken, and it was all her fault.

She wanted to say something, maybe apologise, to explain, but the words just stuck in her throat. Her only option now was sitting next to him in the painful and awkward silence.

Nikola sat at the couch. Seemingly close to Tijana, yet she felt far. He rubbed a hand over his jaw. He really wanted to focus on the screen and watch the games videos, but he couldn’t. Every move that Tijana made reminded him of the moment they’ve just had and he was trying to forget it. He’d let himself slip and he hated that. He almost disrespected her boundaries by almost kissing her. And she clearly wasn’t ready for that. However, pretending that nothing happened made his chest tighten. He thought it shouldn’t matter that much and he shouldn’t be overthinking it, but he couldn’t help it.

So he just stayed on the couch, trying to keep his voice calm and steady. He was very careful with his words, because he knew he wouldn’t be able to stop if he said what he really felt.

* U redu (srb.) - Okay. 

Chapter Text

The flight to Salt Lake City passed quickly. As they were getting out of the plane, Nikola felt as if he had just gotten in. Once outside, he took a deep breath. The air there was different than in Denver. Somehow cleaner and more fresh. Nikola thought it was because of the mountains nearby. He liked it, because it made him breathe better.

When they arrived at the hotel, Nikola took his bag and went up to his room. He was sharing it with Jamal, which didn’t exactly excite him. It was late and all he wanted was to relax. Even the thought of Jamal’s ridiculous jokes and constant questions made him feel exhausted.

The game against the Utah Jazz wasn’t supposed to be anything exceptional, even with their strong defence. For Nikola it was just another challenge that he had to deal with. And it was good, he liked challenges. However, the quiet tremor in his chest was reminding him about something else. Tijana was there, obviously, and her presence changed what basketball felt like to Nikola. It also made his focus a little less solid.

he wasn’t supposed to mean that much, but now it was too late. She got him hooked and he was already all into her.

He spotted Tijana near the court. Her hair was tucked behind her ears as she was already writing something in her notebook. When she wasn’t doing notes, she would scan the warmups with her eyes. Observing was her strongest skill. For a second their eyes met. She smiled at him. Maybe it wasn’t anything special, but it made his pulse quicken.

A week has passed since that moment they've had in Tijana’s house. They, or him, have almost crossed a line, and yet both pretended that nothing happened. However, the atmosphere between them has changed to a bit awkward. It was especially visible during their therapy sessions. Nikola was sad about it, but he decided to wait a little and not to do anything about it for now. He was still thinking about it sometimes, though.

Utah began aggressively. Kessler was leaning into Nikola from the very beginning, testing his strength. He tried to unsettle the Serb early, before the game even broke out. Nikola, though, was resistant to his provocations. He was patient and kept his focus on the game. As he got the ball, he passed to Aaron, who made a jump, dismissing the defense, and eventually scored. The Nuggets’ fans cheered, which brought smiles to some of the players’ faces.

Halfway through the quarter, the score was tied. Nikola had two assists, but he also caused a foul under the basket. When he looked toward the bench, she saw that Tijana was watching him. A hint of concern appeared on her face, as he was rubbing his wrist, but it disappeared as soon as he gave her a small node. Now she knew everything was fine.

In the second quarter, the Utah’s fans started to cheer louder, trying to motivate their players. The game itself became messy with fouls and some frustration, lingering in the air. The Nuggets seemed distracted. Nikola’s passes were delayed and lacked precision. His glances toward the sideline were too frequent and too long. He didn’t mean to stare, but sometimes he just couldn’t control them.

At some point, he missed an easy rebound, which earned him a warning look from Jamal.

- You good, man? - he asked quietly.

Nikola blinked.

- Yeah, all good. Just thinking.

- Then don’t think and start playing. - Jamal said.

The Serb just looked at him with irritation in his eyes.

- Shut up, Jamal.

He knew his friend was right, though. He wasn’t focusing on the game at all.

During the water break, Nikola just stayed quiet and listened to the coach’s remarks. However, his mind was somewhere else.

In the third part, the play turned into tough and very physical. Utah were making quick passes that the Nuggets couldn’t really predict. Eventually, Kyle Anderson pushed Nikola under the basket. It was an obvious foul, but the referee somehow missed it. Nikola tripped and his knee twisted slightly. Immediately, he felt a sharp wave of pain in his leg.

Seeing that, Tijana’s pen froze in her hand. She gasped and stood up instinctively. Was he okay?

Nikola tried to stand up, testing his balance. He clenched his jaw and a grimace appeared on his face. The crowd went quiet for a moment, observing what was happening on the court. Nikola whispered something to Dario, who was bending over him. After a second, he escorted Nikola to the bench, holding him by the shoulder. As soon as he sat down, the medics sped up to talk to him. He was instructed to stay seated and press an ice pack to his knee. He tilted his head back, exhaling loudly. The frustration was now visible on his face as he kept shaking his head. He was pissed off at the injury, but also at the referee, who didn’t call a foul.

Tijana’s pulse got faster as she watched Nikola struggle. She quickly reminded herself to stay calm, but her concern for him was too big. She stepped slightly closer to Nikola, who was sitting at the corner of the bench. She put her hand on her shoulder, making sure nobody noticed it. Nikola looked up at her with his eyes uncertain, but she just nodded and smiled at him warmly.

In the last quarter, Nikola wanted to step back on the court. He was feeling better. The pain almost disappeared and he could barely feel it. He was sure his condition was good enough to keep playing. The staff, though, didn’t let him join his team, saying it was too important to risk him. He exhaled in frustration and shook his head in disbelief. In response to that, Tijana squeezed his shoulder. He looked at her and saw concern and understanding in her eyes. The connection between them made him calm down a bit. She was proud of him for accepting the staff’s decision without discussing it much.

The final ten minutes passed quickly. The Nuggets ran smoother now, reading each other’s minds better. The passes were precise and steady at the same time. Aaron and Jamal were fast and accurate, helping one another score. Thanks to them, the game finished very well. The Nuggets took the win, 110 - 104 on their behalf.

The locker room exploded with laughter and cheering. The players were joking, teasing each other and, occasionally, kicking the Gatorade bottles left on the floor. Nikola, though, wasn’t in the playful mood. The knee wasn’t bothering him anymore, but he just wanted to go home and lay down on his bed. Some of his teammates asked him how he was feeling, but he simply said he was fine, brushing them off. A part of him felt at ease, because of Tijana and the way she comforted him after his injury.

He stood in the hallway after his shower, leaning against the wall. He was waiting for her, he wanted to see her. Tijana appeared moments later. She was searching for something in her bag. As she got closer to him, she smiled.

- You scared me. - she spoke softly.

It means she cares, he realised. A slight smile appeared on his lips and for a second he forgot about his knee. All he could focus on were her green warm eyes and the thought that she was looking for him too, was comforting.

- I didn’t mean to. - he answered and shrugged. - I just tripped.

Her eyes landed on his knee, then she looked up at his face.

- Are you sure you’re okay? - she asked.

Her expression showed that she was worried about him. She wanted to make sure he was really all right.

Nikola smirked.

- You worry too much. I’m fine.

Tijana frowned, she didn’t look convinced at all.

- You don’t have to pretend with me. - she said softly, touching his forearm.

Her touch was light, but it sent a shiver through his body. And it definitely had nothing to do with the injury.

- I’m not pretending. - he replied. - I’m Balkan. We’re born tough.

He winked at her, which made her blush, as always. He knew she was gonna react that way and he enjoyed it.

She rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help smiling.

- That’s not really a medical argument.

He shrugged.

- Works for me.

For a moment, their eyes met, and they both understood how deeply they cared for each other.

Chapter Text

As Nikola showered, he pushed open the door to the changing room exit. The practice had been brutal and all he wanted was to forget about basketball for the night.

He leaned against the wall for a minute. Everyone was already on their way home, and the only sound was the quiet hum of the ventilator in the hallway.

As always, he wanted to wait for Tijana, but he wasn't sure if she'd left yet. He just wanted to see her before heading out, the perfect end to the day.

A few seconds later, he heard footsteps approaching. He looked up and saw Tijana. Her hair was tied back and she had her bag slung casually over her shoulder. 

- You're still here. - she said when she noticed him.

Nikola composed his posture and smiled. Even the sound of her voice made him feel happier.

- As always, just contemplating. - he shrugged.

Tijana tilted her head and smirked.

- Right, contemplating.

Her playful tone made him grin uncontrollably.

- Fine. - he admitted with a sigh. - I was waiting for you. And you know that very well.

Her smile deepened.

- And I like it.

For a moment, they just looked at each other in silence. Then she adjusted her bag on her shoulder and Nikola noticed a dark blue fabric sticking out of it.

- What's that? - he pointed at it.

Tijana followed his gaze.

- My swimsuit.

He blinked. That caught him a bit off guard.

- You planning to go swimming? Or you just carry that in your bag every day? - he asked, smirking.

- Depends. - she stepped a bit closer. - Are you coming with me?

He chuckled.

- I never had a choice. - he said with a smile.

- But I don't have my swimming shorts. - he scratched the back of his neck.

Tijana just tilted her head and looked at him in amusement.

- I think your basketball shorts would work.

He laughed quietly. That answer surprised him a bit.

- Oh my God, you planned it all before.

She just winked at him.

- Come on. - she said, pulling him by the hand.

That simple touch made his heart race. He followed her, trying to dismiss the signs that his body was giving him.

As they reached the pool section, they both went to the changing rooms. Nikola quickly put on his basketball shorts and looked at his reflection in the mirror. He wasn't built like his teammates. He didn't have any stomach muscles, let alone abs. He sighed. He didn't mind his physique, but... Would she even like this?, he thought.

He entered the swimming hall. Tijana was already waiting for him by one of the tracks. He looked at her and immediately noticed how the swimsuit highlighted her figure. Her slim waist and round hips made his eyes widen. That view sent a shiver down his spine. She's perfect.

Tijana turned around, running a hand through her hair. Nikola was standing a few steps away from her. His expression was unreadable. He seemed a bit tense, though. She smiled at him, but her eyes instinctively went below his face. His shoulders were broad and his arms strong. She blushed. He may not have looked like the rest of the players, but she found him attractive and she liked it.

Nikola noticed her gaze. She's looking... is that good or bad? He wasn't sure. Her subtle smile, though, made him feel comfortable.

- You're staring. - he teased lightly, trying to hide his uncertainty.

She looked up at him, still blushing.

- Not my fault you're hot. - she said and kept watching him for a second longer.

Nikola's chest tightened at what he heard. It was the second time she called him hot, and maybe it meant something. Could she really like me? The idea somehow made him relax a little.

He ran a hand through his hair, which was still damp from the shower.

- Hot, huh? - he tried to sound casual and hide his uncertainty, but it didn't really work out.

She just nodded and smiled, heading towards the water.

- Ready?

He stepped to the edge of the pool and dipped in. The water was cool and it immediately soaked his shorts, clinging to his legs. Seeing that, Tijana chuckled and splashed him lightly.

- Hey! That's cheating! - he shouted, splashing her back.

She laughed, watching him adapt to the water temperature.

- Let's race. - she challenged him.

Nikola's eyes widened.

- What? I'm not even fully in! - he protested with a hint of hesitation in his voice.

- You'll manage. - she winked at him teasingly.

He sighed. She was enjoying it too much. The water seemed even colder against his skin, but the sight of Tijana made it feel warmer.

They shot ahead at the same time. Tijana moved through the water with grace and each of her swings was smooth. Her legs were steady, kicking rhythmically and making her swim fast.

Nikola's moves were strong, but clumsy. He sometimes splashed more water than he meant. He was working hard with his legs, wanting to keep up to Tijana's pace. He knew how to swim, but he lacked the pattern. He thought that his height was gonna give him some advantage. Tijana was faster, though, and her graceful moves made it hard for Nikola to focus.

By the time they reached the other side he was out of breath. Even hard practices seemed to be less tiring than swimming. He stood up and ran a hand over his face, which was dripping with water.

Tijana was already waiting for him. Her arms were crossed and a playful smirk appeared on her face.

- Well, I thought basketball players were tough. - she said with a triumphant smile.

- We are. - he replied, trying to catch his breath. - You're just too fast.

In response, he pushed him back to the water, splashing him along the way. Suddenly, he caught her wrist at the last second, tugging her with him. His hand brushed against her arm under the water. It was just a small touch, but it made them both pause. Tijana surfaced with water dripping from her hair. She smiled at Nikola faintly. Nikola straightened his back. His chest felt tight again. That's how much she was affecting him.

- I guess I got you. - he smirked, trying to joke.

She laughed lightly.

- Maybe. - she said teasingly. - Ready for round two?

Nikola frowned at her words, not quite understanding her. Tijana didn't explain. Instead, she just pointed at the jacuzzi nearby the tracks.

- The jacuzzi? - he asked, intrigued.

- Yeah, so we can relax a bit after the race.

He glanced at the bubbling water, already imagining its warmth. And the fact that she suggested that? He was more than in.

- Sure. Lead the way. - he smiled at her.

The contrast between it and the pool was big. Nikola almost hissed when the water reached his skin. But once they sat in the jacuzzi, he instantly felt relaxed.

- Feeling better? - Tijana asked, sitting down next to him.

She was close. Maybe a bit too close. Their arms were brushing lightly and it made Nikola almost lose his mind. He was trying to focus on anything, but her closeness was impossible to ignore.

- Much better. - he said, resting his arm behind her back.

He wanted to make it look casual, but he wasn't sure if it worked out. When he did that, Tijana found it hard to breathe. The way he was sitting, so relaxed next to her, in the warm water... Her pulse quickened and her back became tense. It was more than hard for her not to enjoy being close to him.

Nikola sensed the change in her posture and, strangely enough, it let him loosen up even more. The electricity that drew him to her felt unreal.

Tijana's hand brushed against Nikola's thigh as she looked up at him.

- Nikola? - she started.

The way she said his name made him feel the heat. And it wasn't the heat of the jacuzzi.

- Hmm? - he murmured.

- Do you think I could come with you to the range sometime?

Nikola blinked, caught off guard. It was so random that he needed a second to process her question.

- The range? - he asked as if he didn't hear her well.

It was the only thing he was able to say then.

She laughed quietly.

- Yes. So, you know, I could see your horses. - she explained.

He was still confused. He understood her, obviously, but he just couldn't believe she'd be interested in that.

- Sure. - he smiled at her. - Actually, I was planning to go there later this week.

He was happy. He wanted to show her his passion and his happy place. Horses were everything to him, they were his world and the range was his space. It felt important to him that she was keen on seeing it.

- So, could I come with you? - she asked.

He just smiled.

- I'd love for you to come.

Chapter Text

Thursday came faster than Nikola expected. Practices and his therapy sessions kept him so busy that the days flew by for him. The thought of Tijana coming with him to the ranch, though, seemed to make the time stop for a moment. He just couldn’t wait to show her the horses, but on the other hand, he tried not to overthink it.

That day, the way to the ranch seemed different. It was still the same, the air was cool and the roads were sandy, but Tijana’s presence made it feel somehow special.

- It’s really far from the city. - she said, looking out the window.

Nikola chuckled and took a glance at her.

- Yeah, in the middle of the fields.

When Nikola parked his car, Tijana stepped out, observing the area. Wide meadows, wooden fences, the sun reflecting across the stables' roofs felt peaceful. Just like Nikola mentioned in one of the sessions.

- The view is beautiful. - she spoke.

- Yes. - he smiled softly. - Just wait ‘til you see the horses. They change everything.

Nikola started walking towards the stables and Tijana followed him down the path. They were alone there, which made her think. Does anybody come here?

When they stopped in front of the first stall, Nikola reached out to stroke the horse’s neck.

- His name is Dusty. - he said in a warm tone.

He was brown and big. His mane and tail were black and there was peace in his eyes. He was beautiful.

She reached out her hand as Nikola led her towards the horse. Dusty brushed her palm with his nose, which made her smile.

Nikola couldn’t help, but grin at the scene.

- He likes you. - he observed.

She chuckled and looked at him with doubt.

- I bet you say that to every visitor.

Nikola let out a small laugh.

- Not really. He’s picky, you know.

- About people? - she asked. ​​

- Yeah. - Nikola nodded. - It took me like two weeks before he even let me touch his mane.

Tijana laughed.

For a moment, they just stood there. He was beside her, guiding her hand and checking if Dusty was still calm. Sometimes, their hands brushed, which made them both flutter inside, but none of them knew that.

- Come on, I want you to meet one more. - Nikola interrupted the silence.

He led her to another stall. The air there smelled like hay and earth. Tijana wasn’t used to that kind of smell, so it felt different.

Suddenly, Nikola stopped, his hand reaching out inside the stall. Tijana leaned a bit closer, so that she could see the horse.

- This is Midnight. - he said softly.

The horse lifted its head, showing its dark eyes. Its fur was black and shiny, its mane and tail long and wavy. It looked so elegant and majestic. Tijana was sure it was the most gorgeous horse she’d ever seen.

- I’m speechless. - she said quietly, letting out a sigh.

Nikola laughed warmly.

- Yes, she’s mesmerising. - he agreed. - And she’s aware of that.

That made Tijana smile widely. She watched as Midnight playfully poked Nikola’s hand and then turned its head towards her.

- Can I? - she hesitated a bit, pointing at the horse.

- Sure.

Tijana slowly moved closer to the stall and carefully touched its mane. It was so smooth under her touch. Midnight snorted softly, which made Tijana chuckle lightly.

- She likes you. - Nikola commented.

Tijana just looked at him sarcastically.

- Apparently now everybody likes me. - she smirked.

- Well, they’ve got a good taste then. - Nikola said casually.

Tijana crossed her arms and observed him as he started saddling Midnight. His moves made him look like a professional. He was calm and confident. There was something charming about the way he behaved around horses. Tijana couldn’t specify what it was, but she enjoyed seeing a different side of him.

When he finally climbed onto Midnight, she shifted a little under him, but Nikola patted her lightly on the neck, which calmed her down. They went towards the open space. Nikola straightened his back, adjusting his position.

Tijana leaned against the fence. The wind was blowing in her face, making her hair sway. Once Nikola started riding the horse, she couldn’t look away. He seemed calm and balanced, keeping everything under his control. He was feeling completely at ease here, and it wasn’t hard to notice.

Tijana smiled when Nikola circled back towards her.

- Okay, now I understand.

Nikola stopped Midnight.

- You understand what? - he asked.

- What you told me about the ranch in our sessions. - You look like you belong here. You’re happy.

Nikola smiled widely.

- And today’s company makes me even happier. - he said quietly.

Hearing that, Tijana blushed and something moved in her stomach. She managed to look into Nikola’s eyes.

- Do you really mean that?

Nikola kept his gaze focused on her face.

- Of course.

His voice was steady and it made Tijana’s heart fasten a bit. This time Nikola wasn’t teasing her. He was honest. She smiled slightly, unsure what else to do or how to react.

Midnight’s snore interrupted the silence. Nikola got off her, still holding the rains.

- Your turn. - he said suddenly.

Tijana’s eyes widened.

- What? Me? Ride?

She froze. Her voice came out higher than she meant.

Nikola just chuckled. It seemed like he was enjoying her reaction.

- Exactly.

She looked at him, then at the horse and back at him again.

- You’re joking. - she said, half scared.

- I’m totally serious. - he replied with a smile. - Come on, I’ll help you.

She crossed her arms, observing him. She shook her head when he waved at her, telling her to get closer to the horse. She cautiously moved towards them.

- I don’t know, Nikola. - she started. - What if I fall?

- Then I’ll catch you.

He didn’t think before saying that, but he fully meant it. It made Tijana’s chest tighten and she blushed again.

- Fine. - she agreed. - But it’s your fault if I end up with bruises. - she joked.

Nikola laughed lightly.

As she approached slowly, he steadied Midnight. Then, he reached out his hand to Tijana.

- Put your feet here. - he said gently.

She hesitated for a moment, but she did as he instructed. Her stomach fluttered and she felt a shiver went down her spine when he placed his hand on her waist, holding her firm as she climbed into the saddle.

- Okay. Now straighten your back. - he advised.

His hand stayed on her spine, correcting her posture. Nikola’s long touch made her calm down a bit and she thought she could get used to feeling this way more often.

- You’re doing great. - Nikola spoke.

Tijana laughed nervously.

- You think so? I know so. - he said and winked at her.

Nikola began to walk next to Midnight, holding the reins. He kept instructing Tijana on each small movement and adjusted her posture every now and then. She relaxed slowly, even though every touch from Nikola made her heart race.

The horse was calm and she felt it moving in sync with her.

- Okay. I see why you like it. It’s peaceful. - she admitted.

She didn’t look at him, keeping her gaze on Midnight and trying to predict what she’s gonna do next.

Nikola watched her muscles resting as she found the rhythm of riding. It made him smile. He felt proud. Not of himself, but of her. At first, she was nervous and hesitant, but now, she seemed at ease. And he was happy about it.

He stayed close, keeping an eye on Midnight. Just in case Tijana needed him. She gently pulled the reins and looked down at Nikola.

- So, - she started. - How do I get off?

Nikola laughed.

- Just like you got on. I’ll help you. S

he sighed and rolled her eyes, but nodded.

Nikola stepped closer, assisting her while she was getting off. She was doing good so far, but when she swung her leg over, Midnight moved a bit and Tijana lost her balance for a second.

- Whoa! - she gasped, stumbling.

Nikola, though, reacted quickly and caught her before she hit the ground. He held her in his arms and her hands were wrapped over his neck. For a moment, everything stopped around them. Tijana caught her breath as she looked up at him. His face was now so close, that it made her heart beat very fast. And his eyes… Well, they were even more beautiful now. She could feel his warmth all over her.

- I… - she started, but couldn’t finish.

Nikola smiled lightly. His hands were still on her waist.

- Are you okay? - he asked softly.

She nodded slowly and stepped back a little bit.

Midnight snorted, reminding Nikola that she’s still there. He chuckled quietly and turned towards the stable. Once Midnight was back in her stall, he loosened up the staddle and took it off. He gave her a small carrot as a reward for good behaviour and approached Tijana.

As they got into the car, Tijana brushed a bit of dust from her jeans. Nikola started the engine and drove down the sandy road. They stayed in silence, Tijana was looking out the window. The sunlight was golden, which made the view beautiful and pleasant.

After around half an hour, they stopped in front of Tijana’s house. Nikola turned the engine off, but didn’t move.

- Thanks for today, Nikola. - Tijana said, unbuckling the seatbelt.

Nikola smiled. His left hand stayed on the stirring wheel.

- I’m really glad you came. - he replied. - I hope you had fun.

Tijana blushed.

- More than you think. - she blushed. - Good night, Nikola.

- Laku noć, Tijana.*

She didn’t go inside right away. Instead, she just stood there, watching Nikola drive away. Her thoughts were still focused on that moment when he stopped her from falling to the ground.

*Laku noć, Tijana (srb.) - Good night, Tijana

Chapter Text

The players heard the finishing whistle and gathered to hear what the coach had to say.

- Okay, guys, this is one of our last practices before the Warriors. - Malone shouted. - So tomorrow I expect you to do your best!

The team nodded and headed towards the changing rooms. On his way out of the gym, Nikola noticed the rookies were discussing something with the coach, probably about the upcoming game.

The locker rooms smelled of sweat, even though they had just gotten there. Nikola sat on the bench, waiting for his turn to shower. He wiped his forehead. The practice had been long. Malone made them run a lot and work on their defensive skills, constantly correcting their mistakes and telling them to repeat the exercises. But Nikola knew he had to push himself before Sunday.

As soon as Tim left the shower, Nikola washed all the sweat and dirt off himself and changed into some normal clothes.

He took his phone to check the time. Tijana had said she’d meet him for coffee right after her last session, so he grabbed his bag and went towards the lobby.

He leaned against the wall and started waiting for Tijana. She should’ve been done by now.

Then, he heard the door creaking and he saw Tijana leaving her office with Aaron. They were laughing, apparently, at something Aaron had just said. Tijana slightly threw her head back, smiling widely. It was the smile that usually made his chest tighten. But this time, something sharp came through his stomach.

What is going on?

He tried to look casual, pretending to type something on his phone. His eyes, though, were too revealing.

Aaron was leaning faintly towards her and they were talking in a relaxed and easy manner.

Seeing that, Nikola felt his face heating up. His fingers pressed onto his phone a bit too hard. He didn’t know why he was feeling like this. Why does she look so happy with him? He took a deep breath and reminded himself that she had just finished a session with Aaron, so it was completely normal.

Aaron headed down the corridor, towards the entrance. When he was passing by Nikola he greeted him with a nod, which Nikola just half-smiled at.

Tijana approached him with a smile. He put his phone in his pocket, trying to shake the jealousy off. It was pointless.

- Hey! You’ve been waiting long? - she said, smiling,

Nikola forced himself to smile back.

- Um… - he cleared his throat. - No, not too long.

She tilted her head, scanning him with curiosity in her eyes.

- You okay?

- Yeah, yeah. Totally fine. Let’s go for that coffee.

As they parked near the café, Tijana unbuckled her seatbelt and followed Nikola inside. It was the same place they had been to before, warm and quiet. They sat at the same table as last time, by the window. Tijana started talking about her day, but Nikola was barely listening. The image of her and Aaron couldn’t leave his mind.

- You seem distracted. - Tijana noticed.

Nikola hesitated before speaking.

- Yeah, just tired from practice. - he replied.

Tijana narrowed her eyes, not really believing him, but before she could even say something, the waiter approached them.

- Hey! The usual for the both of you? - he asked.

- Yes. - Nikola answered quickly.

Tijana just nodded with a calm smile.

- So how was the practice? - she asked Nikola, shifting the topic.

She knew something was wrong, but she didn’t wanna push him.

- Just a regular practice. A lot of running and drills. - he shrugged, staring at his coffee.

- Sounds tiring. - she said.

- Yeah, as I said.

His voice was flat, but it wasn’t because of the tiring practice, obviously. He had this tense feeling in his chest. He didn’t like that. Being jealous, nervous and uncertain made him not know how to react. That’s why he was giving Tijana short, almost dismissive, answers.

Tijana, though, noticed something was wrong. As always, she could basically see through him. She observed that he was avoiding her eyes and he was stirring his coffee, not able to rest his hands. She was a little bit worried. Something was clearly off, but she couldn’t specify what. Still, she didn’t push him to give her all the answers she wanted. She was patient. She just smiled at him, giving him the space he needed.

- Well, - she started. - I hope that at least you had fun running.

Then, finally, he looked up at her and met her gaze.

- Yeah, maybe.

Her warm smile and light tone made him feel worse. Guilty this time.

- Nikola, - she said softly. - Što se događa?*

Nikola blinked and looked at her. She asked me in Croatian. And that simple thing broke him. He ran his hand through his hair and his jaw flexed.

- Earlier today I saw you. - he started slowly. - With Aaron.

Tijana blinked.

- Yes, he had a session today. Why?

- You were laughing. A lot. - he said quietly. - I don’t know. I think I’m jealous, Tijana. - he smiled with embarrassment.

For a moment, she just looked at him. She was a bit surprised.

- Of Aaron? - she asked.

Nikola quickly scratched the back of his neck.

- Honestly? Of everybody. - he confessed and sighed. - But yes, of him. And I know it’s stupid, but I can’t help it.

He shook his head and looked down, back at his coffee cup.

Tijana’s expression softened as she studied him for a minute.

- Nikola. We were talking about his dog eating his sneakers. - she explained. You have no reason to be jealous, trust me.

Nikola smiled slightly. He felt a bit better after letting it all out.

- I guess I just didn’t like seeing you laughing that much with somebody else. - he sighed.

- It’s okay. - Tijana assured him. - It shows you care. And I like it.

- I do. A lot. - he said quietly.

Tijana reached out and squeezed his hand across the table. Nikola felt a warmth spread through his chest and a shiver down his spine. He wasn’t expecting a move like that, but he liked it a lot. For a few moments, they stayed like that. Just happy together.

Once Tijana settled in the passenger seat, Nikola started the engine. For a while they drove in silence and then, out of the sudden, Nikola rested his hand on her knee. Her hand brushed gently against his, which made his chest warm. He felt calm and close to Tijana. That was his favourite feeling.

When they parked in front of her house, Nikola turned to face her.

- I’ll walk you to the door?

- Please. - she replied quietly.

As they walked up the stairs to the entrance, their hands brushed. Nikola reached over and gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. It made her heart skip.

- Good night, Tijana. - he said softly.

She looked up at him and smiled.

- Good night, Nikola.

*Što se događa? (cro.) - What's happening?

Chapter Text

After the morning practice, the gym quickly became quiet. It was the last practice before the game on Sunday, so everyone wanted to get home as soon as possible. The sound of bouncing balls had been replaced by the hum of the air conditioning.

Tijana was sitting at the corner of the bench, finishing up her notes. She had a rough start of the day. First, her alarm didn’t ring, then she spilled some orange juice on her t-shirt, so she had to change. Frustration flowed through her veins, knowing that she’s gonna be late for work. She hated being late or in a hurry. And now, she was sitting on the corner of the bench, finishing up her notes from the practice. Exceptionally, she was gonna share them with the staff this time, which she had never done before. She glanced at her phone, hearing it vibrate over and over again. Many messages from her parents, a few missed calls from her mom. It made her sigh. She knew she couldn’t ignore them.

Tijana liked watching Nikola shoot hoops while waiting for him. Somehow, it felt peaceful for her.

Coach Malone was talking to one of his assistants and then waved Nikola over, wanting to talk to him.

- Nikola! - he shouted. - Got a minute?

Nikola caught the ball and jogged over to the coach.

- Sure. What’s up?

Before speaking, Malone looked around, making sure nobody was too close to hear their conversation.

- I just wanted to see if you had thought about the offer from Boston. - he lowered his voice.

Offer… Tijana froze as she heard that. She didn’t mean to overhear their conversation, but their voices reached her before she could even react.

- No, I haven’t changed my mind. Still not taking it. - Nikola shrugged.

- They’re offering good money, Nikola. You would be their starting forward. - Malone replied. - Most players would be hooked.

- First of all, I’m not most players. I’m also not a forward. - Nikola said simply.

Malone sighed.

- Yes, but you have to think long-term.

- I did. When they called last week. But it was out of the question. I’m staying. - he replied with indifference in his voice.

- Okay. If that's your choice, I respect it.

The coach nodded and clapped him on the shoulder, heading towards the exit.

It was time for Nikola to shower and change. He knew Tijana was waiting for him, so that they could leave together. He scanned the stands with his eyes, searching for her. But she wasn’t there. He was surprised. She always sat there, on the bench or in the stairs, while waiting for him. However, he decided to shower quickly and look for her. Something told him she hadn’t left yet.

Once done, he closed the door and stepped into the corridor. He noticed Tijana right in front of him, leaning on the wall and scrolling through her phone.

- Hey, princeza.* Ready to go? - he smiled widely.

- Yeah. - she said, straightening her back.

She followed him out of the building. Her thoughts, though, kept going back to the conversation she had accidentally overheard. When they reached the parking lot, the unpleasant feeling in her stomach started bothering her even more.

- So when were you planning to tell me? - she asked, breaking the silence.

Nikola stopped halfway to his car.

- What?

- The offer from Boston. Apparently you’ve known about it for a week. - she said, looking directly in his eyes.

Nikola froze.

- You heard that? - he hesitated.

Tijana nodded.

- I didn’t mean to. But yes, I did.

- Tijana, it’s not what you think. It’s just a stupid paper. I wasn’t even thinking of accepting. - he said, scratching the back of his neck.

- That’s not the case. My point is that you didn’t even mention it.

Nikola sighed.

- Because it wasn’t anything important.

- A contract from another team isn’t important? - she asked in disbelief.

- I just didn’t want to bother you. - he exhaled heavily and his tone became tense.

Tijana crossed her arms.

- So instead you decided for me what I should know.

- Tijana, come on. - he groaned quietly. - It just wasn’t your problem. - he muttered after a pause.

Tijana blinked, then raised her eyebrows. She thought she had misheard what he said.

- Not my problem? - she repeated.

Seeing her expression, Nikola instantly realised his mistake.

- That came out wrong…

- No. - she interrupted him. - You meant it.

Nikola opened his mouth, then closed it again. He took a step closer to her.

- Tijana, I swear I didn’t mean it like that.

She just smirked bitterly.

- I thought we're past that part of you shutting me out. - she said.

- Tijana… - he started, but she didn’t let him finish.

- I wanted to tell you earlier, before all this, - she pointed at the space between them. - My parents called this morning. My grandma is not doing well. I’m flying to Croatia tomorrow.

Nikola’s eyes widened.

- Is she okay? Your grandma?

- Yeah, she will be. I’m gonna be there for a week.

Nikola got worried, but he didn’t know why.

- Do you want me to drive you to the airport? - he suggested carefully.

- No, it’s fine. - she looked at him, adjusting her bag. - Goodbye, Nikola.

She stepped back and started walking towards her car. -

Tijana…

But she didn’t turn back. He sighed, but he didn’t stop her. Instead, he just stayed there for a moment, staring ahead. He ran a hand over his face and exhaled heavily. He was torn apart. He couldn’t tell what was worse, the hurt look in her eyes or the fact that she was right. He kept something to himself. Again. He felt the anger running through his veins. He was so mad at himself.

When he got home, the first thing he did was speeding to the living room. He sat on the couch. The Boston contract was laying on the table in front of him. He stared at it for a while. A stupid paper that he didn’t even want. His chest felt tight at the sight of it. Nikola grabbed the contract, clenching his jaw. Then without hesitation he tore it in pieces. He sat back on the couch and put his hands on his knees.

Ti jebeni idiote…*

*Princeza (srb.) - Princess

*Ti jebeni idiote (srb.) - You fucking idiot

Chapter Text

The wind blew in Nikola’s face as he was stepping out of the plane in San Francisco. The weekend was rough. He tried not to think about Tijana and the fight they’ve had, but it was hard not to. He was blaming himself. He never wanted to hurt her in any way. They haven't spoken to each other in the last few days. No texts or phone calls. Although he wanted to apologize and explain everything, he understood she needed her space.

On the other hand, in Croatia, there was Tijana. She was pretty busy taking care of her grandma. They were cooking together, shopping together and Tijana was helping her with everything she could. She had almost no time for herself. But whenever she did, she constantly thought about Nikola and his beautiful blue eyes. She missed him and his playful, silly jokes. She’s been hurt and unseen, but now it didn’t matter that much to her anymore. She just wanted to talk to him and hear his voice.

The atmosphere at the Warriors’ arena was electric. The fans were loud, chanting and shouting to encourage their favorite players. While stretching with his team, Nikola felt a rush of adrenaline. He forced himself hard to stop thinking about the argument with Tijana and for now, it seemed to work.

The warm-up was not as intense as he thought it would be. They practiced some drills and shooting from different angles. Nikola pushed himself to focus on the game, but sometimes, his thoughts would still drift to Tijana.

- Okay, boys! - coach Malone clapped his hands. - Eyes up! And remember we’re strong!

The players shouted in the circle and prepared to line up. Nikola nodded to himself, remembering that their opponents weren’t easy to play against.

The start of the game went smoothly. The Nuggets’ quickly found the rhythm and adapted to the atmosphere, which resulted in scoring the first points. Nikola made a half-distance shot, then stole the ball and assisted in Jamal’s basket. The crowd went wild.

But Golden State wasn’t giving up. Their defence became tighter and passes were more precise. Nikola ran across the court like crazy, trying to fit in every space left free and analyse the opponents’ strategics.

By halftime the score was tied. Nikola scored twenty points, eight assists and four rebounds. He wasn’t satisfied with some of his passes, which were sloppy. Precise and unpredictable passes were one of his best strengths, so they were important to him.

The third quarter began harshly and aggressively. Curry stole the ball and easily passed the Nuggets’ defense, finishing with a beautiful dunk. Nikola felt irritated, but he managed to quickly shake it off. He forced himself to help his teammates in defence through communicating with them more. The play was tense and every ball possession mattered. In the last seconds, Nikola somehow managed to steal the ball and passed it strongly to the other side of the court, where he spotted Tim. They earned two points right before the final whistle.

The buzzer sounded. They lost by four points. Nikola froze on the court, slightly bent, trying to catch his breath. The key moments of the game flashed through his mind, but mostly the missed opportunities.

The locker room was silent and the only thing you could hear were heavily breathing players. Everybody sat on the benches with towels over their neck, hoping that the coach was not gonna give them a long speech.

- Solid job today, guys! We’ll bounce back! - Malone spoke, clapping his hands.

Nikola saw Jamal and Aaron exchanging looks, surprised that was all the coach had to say.

In the shower, Nikola sighed. He was staring ahead. They lost only by four points. He was disappointed. But not about the game. He believed that if Tijana was there, he would play better.

Back at the hotel, Nikola collapsed onto his bed. He just wanted to lay there and chill out. No teammates, laughing at each other’s jokes, no noise. It was his time for mental regeneration.

Then, his phone buzzed in his pocket.

FaceTime: Tijana

It was late in Croatia, but Tijana watched the game anyways. Even if she was on leave, she still felt like she had to do her job. So, while the team was playing, she was writing down her remarks in her notebook. She noticed that Aaron was quicker tonight, but also too impulsive. Jamal, on the other hand, was very calm, taking his time. But, again, he was too distracted.

Her eyes, though, were following Nikola almost all the time. His body language and style of play were different. As if he was trying to burn down something that was bothering him inside.

She hesitated a moment, while reaching for her phone. But then she decided to call him and he answered instantly.

When Nikola saw her messy dark hair and full lips, he realised that he missed her more than he thought. And, at the same time, he felt even worse for hurting her.

- Hey. - she said quietly. - Good game tonight.

His chest tightened at the sound of her voice. He gave her a half-smile.

- We lost.

- By four. It’s nothing.

He smirked. She was so calm.

Silence fell between them for a moment. Both of them knew they had to approach the argument situation. None of them, though, knew how to start that conversation.

Nikola cleared his throat.

- Look, Tijana. - he started. - I’m sorry for hiding the contract thing from you. I just didn’t even consider it, so I didn’t think it was important. It was egoistic of me. I’m sorry I’ve hurt you. I never wanted that. - he sighed.

Tijana was silent for a few seconds, her eyes dropped, but then she looked back at the screen.

- I know you didn’t. I just wish you didn’t shut me out of this. It just felt like you didn’t trust me enough to tell me. - she said softly.

Nikola nodded. His face looked concerned.

- I do. I do trust you, Tijana. More than anyone else. I’m sorry I made you feel like I didn’t and I see your point. - he admitted. - Nothing excuses what I did.

Tijana smiled lightly.

- You’re bad at this, you know? - she teased.

- Yeah. I’m terrible. - Nikola let out a breath, half laughing.

Then there was a pause. But this time, the silence wasn’t that heavy and tense. It was quiet and somehow comforting.

- I missed you. - Nikola said.

She smiled, softening her expression.

- I missed you too, Nikola.

Nikola smiled at her words. The relief was visible not only on his face, but also in his eyes. He was really scared that he was gonna lose her because of his own stupidity. Luckily for him, that did not happen and he decided not to hide anything from Tijana ever again.

- How’s your grandma, by the way? - he spoke after a pause.

Tijana smiled. She found his curiosity cute.

- She’s better. She keeps on feeding me like I’m still fifteen.

Nikola laughed softly.

- Typical Balkan grandmas. Sounds familiar.

Before Tijana could even respond, a voice echoed from behind her.

- Tijo, s kim tak pričaš?* - an older woman asked from behind. - Is that your tall friend?

- Grandma, not now… - Tijana groaned.

But it was too late. Her grandmother appeared in front of her and took her phone from her. Seeing that made Nikola smirk.

- Aha! - she said proudly. - So I was right!

- Dobro veče, gospodjo.* - Nikola greeted her.

He sat up on his bed and straightened his back, adjusting his position.

- Ti govoriš srpski?* - she blinked in surprisement.

- Yes, I’m from Sombor. - Nikola replied.

Tijana’s grandma smiled widely.

- I knew the accent. - she chuckled. - Wonderful. And what’s your name, young man?

- Nikola. - he replied. - I'm pleased to meet you. 

- Ah, Nikola… Such a beautiful name. And great manners too. - she sighed in delight. - I jako si zgodan!*

Tijana blushed hearing her grandma calling Nikola handsome.

- Grandma, give me the phone, please. - she groaned and took her phone from her grandma.

- Sorry about that. - she muttered to Nikola, embarrassed. - She’s quite direct.

Nikola chuckled.

- I liked her.

- And apparently she likes you too. - Tijana said, rolling her eyes. - She’s right, though.

The Serb blinked, not understanding what Tijana meant.

- About what?

Tijana blushed.

- About you being handsome.

Nikola frowned, caught off guard by her words. A small, surprised smile tugged at his lips.

- Oh. - he began after a moment of silence. - You really mean it?

- Of course I do. - Tijana replied softly.

Nikola’s breath caught. He chuckled, trying to mask it, but he failed.

- I’m really glad we talked today. - he admitted. - I’m gonna be waiting for you here.

- You promise? - she asked, blushing.

Nikola smirked.

- Of course I promise, draga moja.*

Tijana smiled softly.

- Good night, Nikola.

- Good night, Tijana. 

* Tijo, s kim tak pričaš? (cro.) - Tijo, who are you talking to like that?

* Dobro veče, gospodjo. (srb.) - Good evening, madame.

* Ti govoriš srpski? (cro.) - You speak Serbian?

* I jako si zgodan! (cro.) - And you are very handsome!

* draga moja (srb.) - My dear