miranbajrami59

"The Light Between Us"
In a town full of memories, the past is never really gone.

When 15-year-old Ryan Whitmore moves to Rosehill with his mom, he’s not just starting over—he’s running from everything he used to be. But small towns have long shadows, and Ryan quickly finds himself caught in something bigger than he expected. A girl who feels too familiar. A team he wasn’t supposed to lead. A truth that could ruin everything.

Between cheerleading tryouts, basketball tournaments, and late-night talks under the stars, Ryan, Anna, Ben, and Savannah are just trying to figure it all out. But secrets have a way of showing up—especially when you're finally starting to feel at home.

Basketball isn’t just a game here.
It’s where friendships are tested, futures are shaped, and second chances are earned.

THe Light Between us

Finals week hit Rosehill High like a storm — books, highlighters, and stressed-out students in every hallway.

Even the basketball team was feeling the pressure. Practice schedules were lighter, but teachers had made it clear: no passing grades, no eligibility. Which is how Ryan ended up knocking on Anna's front door on a rainy Thursday afternoon, his backpack slung over one shoulder and his heart pounding like he was about to play another final.

Anna opened the door, wearing a hoodie and messy bun, with a pencil stuck behind one ear. "Right on time."

"I try," Ryan said with a slight grin.

Inside, her house was warm and quiet. A candle flickered on the coffee table, and soft music played from a speaker in the corner. They set up at the kitchen table, spreading out notes and textbooks.

At first, it was all serious — flashcards, formulas, historical dates. Anna was focused, sharp, occasionally teasing him when he forgot something obvious. Ryan, for his part, was trying his best not to get distracted by the way her nose crinkled when she concentrated.

After an hour, the intensity began to fade.

Anna leaned back in her chair, stretching. "Okay, I need a break or I'm going to start seeing presidents in my sleep."

Ryan chuckled. "Fair. Let's take five."

She got up and poured them both some lemonade from the fridge. "So… what's it like being the guy who hit that shot?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Still surreal."

"I watched the replay like… ten times."

She grinned. "Okay, maybe twelve."

He took a sip and looked around. "Your house is nice."

"Thanks. Mom's at work, so… it's just us."

A quiet settled between them — not awkward, but thick with something unsaid.

Anna leaned her arms on the table, eyes studying his face. "You've changed, you know."

"You're… softer. More open. Still guarded, but… I see it."

He looked down for a second, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You have a way of noticing things no one else does."

Anna shifted closer, her voice softer now. "That's because I pay attention."

Then she reached for his hand, brushing her fingers gently against his. He didn't pull away. Instead, he looked up at her — really looked.

And suddenly, he wasn't thinking anymore.

He leaned forward, slow and unsure, just in case he was reading things wrong. But then she met him halfway.

Their lips touched — gentle, careful, like a secret finally being told.

The world didn't stop, but it definitely faded. There was no rain, no tests, no past — just the warmth of her kiss, and the sound of both their hearts letting go of something heavy.

When they pulled back, Anna smiled shyly. "Took you long enough."

Ryan laughed under his breath. "I didn't want to mess this up."

And somehow, in that moment, the pressure of exams and basketball and broken families all felt a little less heavy.

They weren't just two teenagers studying anymore.

Chapter 77 – Study Session