Lena had to leave for her work shift, giving Jaxon's hand a reassuring squeeze and Ethan a quick hug before heading out.
"Try not to get into too much trouble while I'm gone," she had teased, though her eyes held a hint of worry.
Now, Jaxon sat on the bleachers next to Ethan, his arms resting on his knees, watching as the team went through drills. The weight of the situation pressed down on him, but he knew there was no turning back now. He could feel the tension creeping through the gym, could hear the murmurs of his teammates as they cast glances in his direction.
He wasn't surprised when a few of themâCaleb, Marcus, and some of the othersâbroke away from the court and headed straight toward him. The team had already started warm-ups, the sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished floor filling the air. He didn't need to look to know that everyone was watching him.
Some of them had already heard. Others had only caught pieces of the story.
But now, as they walked toward him, they were all waiting for his next move.
Ethan let out a low sigh beside him, already bracing for what was coming. "Here we go."
Jaxon exhaled slowly. "Does it matter?"
"Not really," Ethan muttered, cracking his knuckles. "But at least we'll make it interesting."
Caleb was the first to speak up, his voice laced with frustration. "Dude, are you really sitting out over this?"
Jaxon's jaw tightened. "Yeah. I am."
A few guys exchanged uneasy glances. Caleb sighed. "Look, I get it, but Ryan's good. We need him if we want a shot at winning."
Jaxon's eyes flashed. "No, we don't. We don't need a guy like that on our team."
Another player, Marcus, shook his head. "We get that you're pissed, man, but the championship's on the line. Scouts are watching. You really want to throw all that away over some drama?"
Jaxon's fists clenched at his sides. "This isn't drama, Marcus. This is about what's right.
If you can't see the difference, then maybe you should be questioning yourself, not me."
A thick silence settled over the group. Some of the guys avoided his gaze. Othersâlike Calebâlooked genuinely torn.
Another player, Liam, shifted uncomfortably. "We're not saying you're wrong, but is this really the moment to take a stand?"
Jaxon's jaw tightened. "This isn't just about me. And if you're willing to look the other way because it's convenient, then maybe that says more about you than it does about me."
Before anyone else could say anything, Coach's voice cut through the tension.
"Alright, listen up! Practice starts now. If you're not here to play, get out of my gym."
Jaxon and Ethan exchanged a glance before standing up, their decision already made. Without another word, they turned and started walking toward the gym doors,
their movements slow but deliberate, making it clear they weren't going to change their minds.
Coach sighed, rubbing his temples. "Are you guys really sticking to this?"
Jaxon met his gaze, unwavering. "We are."
Coach nodded slowly, as if he had expected that answer. "Fine. But I'll tell you thisâdecisions have consequences. We're running out of time before the championship, and I'm not making any final decisions until I absolutely have to. So if either of you changes your mind, now's the time."
Ethan snorted. "Not happening."
Jaxon didn't even blink. 'Then I guess we'll see you on game day. But if Ryan's still on the team, don't expect us to be in uniform.'"
The air was thick with unspoken words as Jaxon and Ethan turned and walked off the court.