17

Alexander's Point of View

There was nothing like the sound of sneakers hitting court floor, the weight of a basketball in your hand, and a crowd roaring so loud it could swallow your thoughts.

The gym was electric tonight. The kind of energy you could taste.

You'd think this was some national championship, but nah just two elite colleges with too much testosterone and pride.

And right across the court was him.

Mark.

The so-called golden boy of their school. Their star. Their captain.

But all I saw was the same guy who made Missy run like her world collapsed.

I hadn’t forgotten.

I hadn’t forgiven.

He stood tall, jaw tight, eyes flicking around like he was searching. For her? Probably.

I dribbled once. Twice. Met Nico’s eyes.

"Keep your head in the game," he mouthed.

He was right. I couldn't let emotions throw this. Especially not in front of her. Yeah, I saw her walk in.

Wearing those tight jeans that made my throat dry.

Eyes wide like the world always surprised her.

She sat close to Sienna, legs crossed, trying to act like she wasn't watching me.

But she was.

And damn, I was watching her too.

Ref blew the whistle. Tip-off.

I launched. Won it. Ball snapped into Nico's hands, and just like that, we were off.

Our team moved like a machine. Nico was smooth as hell, always two steps ahead. I was speed and muscle.

Dex kept their big guy occupied, letting me cut in for a drive, spin, lay-up.

Swish.

Crowd roared.

I looked up.

Missy smiled.

Fuck, I was soaring.

But Mark came back just as hard. Boy was good, no lie. He moved like he had fire in his veins, his team trailing behind him like shadows.

He passed. Scored. Drove hard against Dex and even threw a look my way after a clean 3-pointer.

Petty.

I smirked.

We traded baskets like it was personal. Because it was personal.

By halftime, we were neck and neck. Sweat clung to my skin.

Nico passed me a towel and water. "You're playing like you're trying to win someone's heart, not a damn game."

"Maybe I am."

He blinked. Then laughed. "You're insane. But alright, lover boy. Let's finish this."

Third quarter started.

Mark came for me. Direct. Aggressive.

He tried to body me up, but I wasn’t moving. I matched his speed, jabbed, pivoted, spun around his ass and dunked so hard it rattled the rim.

The gym erupted.

Missy stood. Her hands flew to her mouth, eyes glowing like she just saw someone fly.

I winked at her.

She looked away, cheeks red.

Fourth quarter.

Tension like a knife edge. Score tight.

Mark tried again and I blocked his shot. The ball flew to Nico. We ran.

Three seconds left.

I was open.

Ball in hand.

I leapt.

Release.

Buzz.

Ball swished clean.

We won.

Chaos.

The gym exploded. People screaming. Our bench cleared, boys rushing at me, grabbing me, yelling.

I turned to the bleachers. Missy was already running down.

Straight for me.

And when she threw her arms around me, I held her tight.

This win wasn’t just for the school.

It was for her.