Chapter 1: The Clingy Girlfriend

Ethan dribbled the basketball with a sense of unease gnawing at him. Lily's presence hovered around him like an unwelcome shadow, suffocating his every move. She was his girlfriend, yes, but her clinginess was beginning to feel more like a burden than a comfort.

As he made his way across the court during practice, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling of frustration that had been building up inside him for weeks. Lily's constant need for affection, her insistent displays of affection in public, were beginning to grate on his nerves.

He glanced over at Lily, who was sitting on the bleachers, watching him intently. Her eyes followed his every move, her smile never faltering. Despite her unwavering support, Ethan couldn't help but feel suffocated by her presence.

"Break time, guys!" Coach's voice boomed across the court, snapping Ethan out of his thoughts. He made his way over to Lily, who was waiting for him with a bottle of water in hand.

"Here, love," she said, handing him the bottle. "You need to stay hydrated, especially during intense practices like these."

Ethan forced a smile, taking the water from her. "Thanks, Lily."

"But love, it's more economical if you bring your own water," Lily continued, her voice gentle but insistent. "Think of all the money you'll save."

"I could just buy one," Ethan replied, trying to keep the irritation out of his voice.

"But love, I'm just trying to help," Lily said, her tone hurt.

Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. He didn't want to hurt Lily, but her constant neediness was starting to wear him down. He wished she would understand that sometimes, he just needed space.

Before he could say anything else, his teammates interrupted, teasing him about Lily's fussing.

"Look at lovebirds over there," one of them said, chuckling. "Miguel's practically glued to his girlfriend."

"Yeah, he's wrapped around her finger," another added.

Ethan clenched his jaw, forcing himself to ignore their comments. He didn't need their teasing on top of everything else.

Ignoring Lily's protests, he grabbed a towel from her hand. "I've got it, Gel."

"But love, let me help," Lily insisted, reaching for the towel.

"I said I've got it," Ethan snapped, his frustration bubbling over.

Lily recoiled, hurt flashing in her eyes. "I-I'm sorry, love. I just wanted to help."

Ethan sighed, immediately regretting his outburst. "I'm sorry, Gel. I'm just... stressed about the game."

Lily nodded, but Ethan could see the hurt lingering in her eyes. He knew he needed to talk to her, to explain how he was feeling, but the words caught in his throat.

As practice resumed, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over him. He knew he needed to talk to Lily, to confront the growing distance between them, but he didn't know how to begin.