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Over time, Tennis Ball had grown… not happy, exactly, but content enough with being with Nickel. It wasn’t because he loved him, not really, but because Nickel was the closest thing he could have to Golf Ball. A substitute. Second-best. Still, it was something, and in the absence of what he truly wanted, he let their… whatever it was… continue.
Through most of BFDIA, even after Nickel had been eliminated, the two still made time for each other in the breaks between challenges. Tennis Ball was spending less and less time with Golf Ball, leaving her stuck with the rest of the others, Bomby, Yellow Face, Rocky—company she tolerated more than enjoyed.
Nickel, meanwhile, had made a habit of wandering off to find Tennis Ball whenever possible. The two would vanish for hours, caught up in their own world, barely seen by anyone else.
Bomby noticed it, of course. He noticed everything when it came to Nickel. Nickel wasn’t just his best friend, he was the one Bomby loved. The one he would’ve done anything for. And deep down, Bomby knew that letting him be with Tennis Ball was a mistake. But no matter how badly it hurt, he couldn’t stop him. Nickel had to make his own choices… even if those choices broke Bomby’s heart.
It was shortly after BFDIA 22. The next challenge hadn’t yet begun, and Tennis Ball had won the last one, with help from both Book and Nickel. Not that they were trying to let him win; they just wanted to stop Leafy from making their lives miserable. Pin and Coiny had vanished somewhere, but Bomby had been lucky enough to have Yellow Face recover him.
Still, the victory meant Nickel’s attention was fixed entirely on Tennis Ball again, leaving Bomby behind. While wandering to find Nickel, Bomby instead found himself face-to-face with Golf Ball.
“Hey, Golf Ball! Where are you going?” he asked, trying to sound casual.
“Hm. I was going to congratulate Tennis Ball on his victory,” she replied flatly, “but he seems too preoccupied with that idiot.” Her eyes narrowed slightly.
Bomby didn’t need to ask who she meant. “Ohh… so that’s where he is… Uhm.” He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.
“They’ve been spending a lot of time together, huh? Does… that make you feel anything?” he asked, trying to gauge her reaction.
“Ptch! No. Like what?” Golf Ball shot him a sharp look, already suspicious of his tone.
“Well… Tennis Ball and you are supposed to be a duo, right? Nickel’s taking all your time away from him!” Bomby blurted out, sounding more panicked than he intended.
“Hmph. What about you? Isn’t Nickel your best buddy? Whenever Tennis Ball isn’t competing, he’s with Nickel.” Her glare sharpened.
“Uh… so you’re jealous too.” Bomby sighed, half teasing, half resigned.
“Wu–AH!! No! I am not jealous! I’m merely… disappointed in Tennis Ball’s choice in attractions. That idiot is going to drag him down with him!” Golf Ball snapped, clearly offended by the accusation.
“It’s okay if you are jealous, Golf Ball. I won’t judge… I’m jealous too.” Bomby rubbed at his head, looking away. “I really miss Nickel, but I don’t want to stop him if that’s who he wants to be with.” His voice cracked slightly, the truth slipping through, he wanted Nickel more than anything.
“I’m not jealous. Just concerned,” Golf Ball insisted, though her tone wasn’t entirely convincing. “But I am starting to think I’m going to have to break whatever they have going on. Nickel’s been such a distraction to Tennis Ball these past few weeks, and I can’t have that continue.”
Bomby didn’t argue, in fact, a small, guilty spark of hope lit in his chest. If Golf Ball did the breaking for him, maybe Nickel would come back to him.
“Maybe you should,” Bomby encouraged. “If you’re that jealous… You know why Tennis Ball’s even with him, right?”
Golf Ball’s brow furrowed. “…Why.”
“Because he knows he can’t have you,” Bomby said simply. “He likes you a lot, Golf Ball, but he thinks you don’t feel the same way. He’s just… settling for Nickel.”
Golf Ball’s face barely shifted, but her feet dug into the dirt ever so slightly. “…Didn’t think Tennis Ball was that idiotic,” she spat, turning abruptly toward the highway.
“Where are you going?” Bomby asked, though he already had a guess.
“I can’t have him torturing himself because of his own stupidity. He shouldn’t be with Nickel.”
“Whyy~? ’Cause you like himmm~?” Bomby teased.
Golf Ball froze mid-step, her back to him. A faint blush crept across her cheeks, her glasses fogging slightly. “…No,” she said after a pause. “Because he shouldn’t waste his time with someone as… stupid as Nickel.” She started walking again. “If he’s with Nickel just because I won’t date him, that’s pathetic.”
Was she jealous? Golf Ball couldn’t say for sure, not even to herself. But there was an undeniable knot of frustration in her stomach at the thought. She’d long suspected Tennis Ball harboured feelings for her, but she hadn’t imagined he’d go so far as to date someone else purely because she wasn’t available. And that thought, more than she wanted to admit, bothered her far more than it should have.
Bomby watched as Golf Ball began the long walk down the highway, heading back toward the playground where the last challenge had taken place. She’d spotted Nickel and Tennis Ball there earlier, sitting close together, and now Golf Ball was going back to find them. The walk was a long one, though, so it could be a while before she caught up.
At the playground, Nickel and Tennis Ball were sitting close, across from each other. Tennis Ball was absently inspecting the circular hole on his body.
“I wonder what kind of hole I’ll get next… Oooh, maybe a quasi-rhombicosidodecahedron!” Tennis Ball mused, eyes sparkling with fascination.
Nickel’s legs kicked excitedly in the air. “Oooh! Or maybe a star!”
“Yeah, or that,” Tennis Ball sighed softly, a wistful smile tugging at his lips. Golf Ball would understand… he and Golf Ball loved talking about shapes like this. It was their thing.
“Does it hurt when you get punctured holes in your face?” Tennis Ball asked, shifting his foot so it slipped between Nickel’s circular hole.
“Uhh… not really. It tickles, though!” Nickel leaned in, grinning, and gently moved Tennis Ball’s foot away before stepping on it playfully with his own.
“I’m really proud of you, jiggly boy! You did so well in this challenge~” Nickel scooted closer, his clinginess obvious as he sought more attention.
“Yeah, thanks,” Tennis Ball replied, though his tone lacked its usual enthusiasm.
Golf Ball had come by earlier, but before Tennis Ball could say more than a quick hello, Nickel had skipped over to him, practically blocking her out. Golf Ball had walked away, disappointed and frustrated, it felt like Nickel was taking all of Tennis Ball’s time, leaving no space for her anymore.
Tennis Ball caught himself glancing toward the direction Golf Ball had left, a pang of guilt tugging at him. He wasn’t sure how it had gotten so complicated…
Nickel, oblivious, reached out and nudged Tennis Ball, breaking his thoughts. “Hey, wanna go check out that slide again?”
Tennis Ball forced a small smile, trying to stay present, but a heavy weight pressed on his chest, one he wasn’t sure he could shake.
“Sorry, Nickel… I don’t really feel like playing right now,” he offered softly, the smile weak.
“That’s okay! We can do other things~” Nickel teased, already rising to his feet and leaning down toward Tennis Ball.
“Umm… I guess…” Tennis Ball hesitated. Nobody else was around, so why not? He leaned in, and Nickel met him halfway. Their lips touched gently, the warm glow of the setting sun bathing them in soft light.
Moments like these, when they were alone, it was usually just kissing or small, quiet things. Sometimes Tennis Ball would take walks, and Nickel would trail behind, rambling on about whatever came to mind. But tonight, it was just a kiss.
Nickel nuzzled into Tennis Ball’s soft fuzz, eyes fluttering shut for a moment. Then, behind Nickel’s head, Tennis Ball caught sight of a familiar figure… Golf Ball, standing quietly, watching.
His heart thudded hard. Without thinking, he pushed Nickel away and leaned back.
“Golfie…?” His voice was a mixture of surprise and hesitation as he stood.
Nickel let out a whiny protest, pouting. “Again? She’s always back!”
Golf Ball stepped forward, calm and composed. “Tennis Ball.”
“Hi, Golfie…” Tennis Ball smiled shyly, cheeks warming.
“Well done on your win. I’m proud of you.” Golf Ball’s praise was rare, making Tennis Ball’s eyes widen in surprise. “I—well, uhmm…” He rubbed one leg nervously against the other.
Nickel, standing aside, kicked a small rock and glanced impatiently at Tennis Ball, waiting for his moment.
Golf Ball’s gaze flicked to Nickel but then returned to Tennis Ball. “I see you’re spending a lot of time with… him, again. He shouldn’t even be here—by the game’s rules.”
“Well… neither should you,” Tennis Ball muttered, looking down. “Sorry.” He hesitated, then added, “Um—why did you come back? I saw you earlier, then you just walked away…”
“You seemed busy,” Golf Ball said, her eyes briefly flicking toward Nickel, who was now chasing a butterfly, distracted as ever.
Tennis Ball sighed, “It’s not what you think! He won’t leave me alone! He gets really clingy and—”
“I expected more from you, Tennis Ball,” Golf Ball interrupted, rolling her eyes and adjusting her glasses with her foot. “Nickel? Really? Seems like a ridiculous choice, if I’m honest.”
Tennis Ball swallowed hard and looked back at her, voice barely above a whisper. “You… aren’t jealous, are you?”
Golf Ball’s cheeks flushed a soft pink, but she met his gaze steadily. “No,” she said firmly. “Just disappointed by your choice.”
Despite her words, Tennis Ball felt the weight behind them—the sting of something deeper. His heart skipped a beat as he glanced over at Nickel, who was still distracted, unaware of the tension in the air.
“Are you… certain?” Tennis Ball asked cautiously, searching her eyes for any trace of something deeper. “You seem upset with me. This has to be more than just disappointment. Do you really doubt my ability to make the right choices? I wouldn’t allow Nickel to become a distraction—neither in the competition nor in our responsibilities. I promise you, I think you know that.”
“How can you be so confident?” she replied, her tone measured but firm. “Nickel is impulsive, disorganized, and frankly… inefficient.” She paused, her gaze sharpening. “I don’t particularly mind who you choose to associate with, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your commitments, Tennis Ball. But the fact remains: we haven’t had a proper study session in weeks. That absence alone is cause for concern. The time he occupies in your life is excessive and detrimental.”
She leaned forward slightly, her voice lowering with calculated seriousness. “I believe you would be wise to reconsider this… arrangement. Ending it would be in your best interest.”
Tennis Ball glanced back at Nickel, his bright smile lighting up his face as he skipped happily around the playground, completely innocent and carefree. A pang of guilt gnawed at Tennis Ball, was it really fair to consider ending things with someone so genuine? Especially when Golf Ball had no authority to dictate who he could or couldn’t be with. They were partners, yes, but she wasn’t his commander. Why should she have any say over his personal life?
“You can’t seriously expect me to just do that,” Tennis Ball said, his voice rising with frustration. “It’s not interfering with anything important!”
Golf Ball regarded him coolly, her expression unreadable but her voice steady and deliberate. “Tennis Ball, I’m asking you to make a rational, considered decision.” She paused, letting the weight of her words settle between them. “I am not naive. I usually dismiss the rumours that circulate about you, but this time, they have substance. They’re troubling.” She shook her head slightly, her eyes sharp with disappointment.
“Frankly, I expected more from you. Are you telling me your only reason for being with him is because you believe you can’t be with me? If that’s the case, then it is by far the most reckless and foolish choice you’ve ever made. And yes, I am profoundly disappointed.”
Her voice softened, but the challenge remained firm. “However, if that is not the truth, then I suggest you prove it. Prove to me right now that your feelings, your decisions, are genuine, and not born out of resignation or convenience.”
She held his gaze, unwavering, daring him to meet her expectations.
Tennis Ball frowned, swallowing hard. Who had been feeding Golf Ball those rumours? Nickel knew why Tennis Ball was with him, but why would he share that with Golf Ball? Oh. He probably told Bomby—he told Bomby everything, and with Bomby’s jealousy, it was no surprise the gossip had spread. A surge of anger welled up inside Tennis Ball, but he forced it down. Why should he have to end something that helped him keep his feelings for Golf Ball at bay? It wasn’t fair. If Golf Ball didn’t want to be with him, then surely he had the right to be with someone else.
“Tennis Ball…” Golf Ball’s voice cut through his thoughts, sharp and impatient. “You’re taking far too long to answer.”
Tennis Ball’s breath hitched, his cheeks flushing faintly. How could he lie to Golf Ball? He couldn’t do that. Yet, he also longed to confess the truth.
“I think you’re just jealous,” Tennis Ball blurted, the words escaping before he could stop them.
Golf Ball arched a brow, her tone cool and probing. “Is that so? Do elaborate.”
“Well,” Tennis Ball said, his voice gaining confidence, “why else would you return here after hearing those rumours? You’ve always dismissed idle gossip before—rumours aren’t facts, and you don’t take the word of others at face value. The only reason you’d entertain such talk is if it carried some personal weight… which means you’re jealous.” His words came out sharper than intended, but he stood by them.
Golf Ball said nothing for a moment, contemplating his accusation. A flicker of anger ignited within her—why couldn’t Tennis Ball make this easier? Why drag things out with that fool? It could all be over in an instant if only he’d be honest.
“If I am jealous,” Golf Ball raised a brow, her voice calm but challenging, “does that change anything?”
Tennis Ball fell silent, eyes widening as he studied her expression.
“I don’t get jealous,” she continued, her tone measured but firm. “I get frustrated that I’m not spending my time efficiently. I dislike having to babysit that group of idiots when I could be dedicating myself to you—researching, progressing. But you’re too distracted.” Her words were pointed. “You’re wasting your time with him, Tennis Ball. We both know it.”
She glanced at him, now sitting on the swings, contemplative.
“Are you sure that’s not jealousy? Sounds like jealousy to me,” Tennis Ball smirked slightly, a flicker of confidence in his voice.
Golf Ball shook her head slowly. “How could it be jealousy? I’m not upset because you kissed Nickel, nor because of your fabricated relationship with him. If anything, I’m disappointed, disappointed that you’re willing to let yourself sink so low because of your own insecurities. You could be investing your time in someone who truly matters, someone you actually have feelings for, instead of wasting it on someone you don’t, using whatever excuse you tell yourself to justify it.”
Her voice rose, unintentionally revealing more than she intended. The implication hung heavily between them—that Tennis Ball could be spending time with her, growing closer, if only he wanted to.
“Because you don’t like me that way!” Tennis Ball finally blurted, dropping the unspoken truth like a bombshell.
“I could,” he admitted quietly, “but it doesn’t matter what I do. You don’t want me. You’ve said it yourself, more than once… that you’re focused on work, and relationships are distractions. I just wanted to feel… special.”
He looked down, voice softening. “I could spend all my time with you, but would that even change anything?”
Golf Ball was growing increasingly weary. Why did Tennis Ball have to complicate everything so much? She glanced over at Nickel, who wore a smug, self-satisfied grin, clearly enjoying the chaos. She realized her emotions were starting to cloud her judgment, something that rarely happened. Determined to regain control, she stepped forward decisively.
Without hesitation, she rose onto her tiptoes and pressed a brief, measured kiss to Tennis Ball’s lips.
Tennis Ball’s eyes widened in stunned disbelief, Golf Ball, of all people, was kissing him. It was soft but deliberate, quick yet charged with unspoken meaning. Pulling away, she stepped back, adjusting her fogged glasses as a faint blush crept across her cheeks.
“Are we done here?” she asked coolly, the statement doubling as a calculated confession. Perhaps it was the only way she knew to assert her influence over Tennis Ball, to remind him where his true allegiance should lie. Whether it was manipulation or a genuine, if guarded, declaration of feeling, she was certain one thing: Tennis Ball was back on her side.
Tennis Ball swallowed hard, trembling as he stared at her in disbelief, his eyes wide and unfocused. The faint creak of the swing set stopped abruptly, Nickel had lost his moment. Now he simply stood, silently watching them both, a shadow of uncertainty in his gaze.
“Can we please get back to work now?” Golf Ball demanded, voice tinged with impatience. Though inwardly embarrassed, she knew she had done what was necessary.
Nickel spoke up quietly, voice tentative, “Can I come?” His eyes were wide and hopeful, practically pleading.
“No,” Golf Ball snapped without hesitation.
Tennis Ball bit his bottom lip but said nothing. He didn’t defend Nickel, didn’t protest. He simply followed quietly behind Golf Ball as she turned and walked away, leaving Nickel standing alone in the fading light.
Luckily, Nickel wasn’t left alone for long. A large, circular purple figure approached quietly, his steps slow but deliberate.
“Nickel…” Bomby’s voice was soft, almost hesitant as he drew closer.
Nickel’s knees gave way, and he collapsed onto the ground, the weight of his heartbreak finally breaking through.
Tears streamed down his face as he trembled, overwhelmed by the painful reality—Tennis Ball was gone. Gone for good this time. Golf Ball had reclaimed him, and Nickel had known this day would come; he had just hoped for more time.
Bomby crouched beside him without hesitation, gathering Nickel gently into his arms. He held him close to his chest, offering silent comfort amid the storm of Nickel’s sobs.
“I’m so sorry, bud,” Bomby whispered, his voice thick with emotion as Nickel cried into his chest.
“I know I’m not him,” Bomby continued, voice shaky but sincere, “but I’m always here for you, Nickel. Always.”
He swallowed hard, fighting back his own tears. “I really… I love you. More than I probably should say right now, but it’s true.”
Nickel lifted his tear-streaked face, their eyes meeting, both glossy with unshed tears.
“What…?” Nickel’s voice was trembling, barely a whisper. “For how long?”
Bomby hesitated, then confessed, “For a while. I just… I knew how much Tennis Ball meant to you. He’s an incredible guy, and I didn’t want to ruin your chances with him.”
He sniffled, struggling to maintain composure. “I know I shouldn’t be telling you this now, right after you lost him, but I always thought… that we were something more. Before you and Tennis Ball became exclusive, we’d always kiss, cuddle—I thought it meant as much to you as it did to me. Watching you fall for someone else… it broke me.”
Nickel’s breath hitched as he reached out, gently pressing his feet against Bomby’s face, a shy but earnest gesture.
“Bomby… of course I love you,” Nickel said softly, his eyes shining with a tender warmth. “You mean so much to me… you always have.”
Bomby’s voice trembled as he asked, “Then… why him?”
Nickel swallowed hard, struggling for an answer. “I don’t know… I guess I was just fascinated. I thought maybe you were tired of me, like the rest of the Woah Bunch seemed to be.” He paused, voice thick with regret. “When I got eliminated, you took me back without hesitation. You never left my side. But I was so caught up in this crush on Tennis Ball… I started losing sight of everything else.”
He looked down, feeling sick to his stomach. He hated the idea of making Bomby feel like a second choice—because that was never true.
“Nickel…” Bomby gave a weak smile, though his eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I never stopped loving you. I… I just waited. Hoping that one day, you’d see it—that I’d never leave you. Ha… I even got jealous enough to try getting close to Fries for a while.” His cheeks flushed a soft shade of purple. “I know it’s stupid and pathetic to feel this way.”
Nickel remained silent, the weight of Bomby’s pain settling heavily on his heart. He hadn’t realized just how much Bomby had been hurting, watching him with someone else and feeling left behind. Nickel thought he was okay with it, but now he understood. He never intended to hurt Bomby, and the thought that Bomby must have felt the same loneliness and jealousy broke him.
“Heh… you know, I even asked if I could join in,” Nickel admitted quietly, sniffling.
Bomby chuckled softly, using his hands to gently wipe away Nickel’s tears. “I don’t blame you. Tennis Ball… he’s something special.”
He hesitated, voice barely above a whisper. “I know you like to have fun, and I don’t mind. But at the end of the day… I want you. To love me more than anyone you kiss.”
Bomby’s cheeks flushed deeper as he looked away. “That probably sounds pathetic, doesn’t it?”
“No, it doesn’t. I promise,” Nickel said firmly, “We’ll talk about this more, okay? But for now… can we just cuddle? I’ve missed being this close to you.”
Bomby nodded, his smile growing a little stronger as he pulled Nickel gently into his arms. He pet Nickel’s head softly.
“That’s okay,” he murmured. “We’ll take all the time you need. Just… let’s be here for a moment. Together.”
They stayed like that for a long time, wrapped in silence and comfort, finding a fragile peace amid the uncertainty.