crowd erupted in cheers, shouting the players' names in suppo

owned, giving him a hard look, but before he could say anything, Col

oudly, earning even more screams from the girls in the s

watching," Kai teased, winking at Aiden, who ig

scored a goal early on. The crowd roa

pen, waved eagerly for a pass. Aiden glanced in Tristan's direction, his mood suddenly souring. He shifted his gaze to his other

tered, bouncing the

houted, sprinting down the

the rim. The other team quickly grabbed the rebound and scored in a flash. The loud cheers from the cro

, brushing off the tensi

s jogged back on defense. Tristan inhaled deeply, growing angrier at Aiden'

score. But every time Tristan was open and called for the ball, Aiden

ded?" Troy snapped, frust

ocus," Aiden muttered, causing T

tter how open Tristan was or how often he called for a pass, Aiden refus

team, and if they lost, it wasn't entirely his problem. But he couldn't let it slide. His own grade was at risk, and Aiden

were teammates now, and like it or not, they needed to play a

sed," Tristan said, his voice steady but stern. Aiden trie

is frustration breaking through. "It's about

on him. He knew Tristan was right, but the anger he held toward him was st

ho had seen enough of the sloppy play, sighed heavily, silently praying for the first

who sat alone with the ball in his hands, replaying the disaster of the first half in his mind. He

under his breath, his grip tightening around his water bot

up to him. His face was red with disappointment, and he didn't b

ctions. The other teammates moved clloser, their faces tense, whil

e demanded, jabbing a finger

th to respond, but t

it off the court. You hear me?" the coach scolded. Aiden look

." His voice softened, though still firm. He knew Aiden had talent, and the scolding wasn't meant to break him but to make him reali

op letting whatever's in your he

The coach's words hit hard, but he kn

ut the knot of resentment still tightened in his chest, and he wasn't sure

ded back onto the court for the second half. With

up the court, his eyes scanning the floor

ew seconds before locking eyes with him. They exchanged a silent glance, and then, without furthe

m seamlessly. The team, now fully in sync, began to dominate the

and every time he passed the ball, Tris

ct passes his way, setting him up for easy scores. Their tea

showed 56-38. They had won, securing an 18-point vi

f moment, it seemed like he might smile, but instead, he gave a c

me lift. They didn't have to be friends, but today

**

ed in after having dinner with his friends. He found Tristan,

ttered, dropping a small bag in front of Tristan.

upposed to congratulate you?" he asked, spinning to

ed in school-and that's thanks to you," Aiden replied coldly as he moved toward hi

greement, Aid

o whatever you want, but count me out." He shrugged and turned to leave again

when my whole life is at stake because of you?" Tristan's voice r

aze, his expres

is fists, trying to stay calm. Was everything he'd worked for over the past three y

Tristan asked, his eyes locke

arm free. He turned and headed for the door, walking out the same way he