DJ offered to take Brianna home. The drive was quiet at first, both of them enjoying the comfortable silence until Brianna started talking about recent things at school.
"I've been thinking about pre-season basketball workouts and conditioning," she sighed. "It's been tough, but I'm excited for the season."
DJ reached out, taking her hand. "You're going to be fine. Your time in the gym won't betray you."
Brianna leaned closer, her voice a whisper. "I couldn't have done it without your support."
DJ tried his best to focus on driving, a smile tugging at his lips. "Stop tempting me before I show you a different side of me."
"Oh, and what does that other side look like?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
DJ chuckled, pulling over by her house. He turned to look at her, his smile growing wider. "So, are you gonna give me my goodbye?"
Brianna laughed before leaning in to give him a tender kiss, the world outside the car fading away. She pulled back slightly, her forehead resting against his. "You always know how to make me feel better."
DJ brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm always here for you, Bree. Don't ever forget that."
She smiled, her eyes softening. "I won't. Goodnight, DJ."
"Goodnight, Bree."
——-
Meanwhile, Malik walked Addison to her door. They stood on the porch, the night air cool and crisp.
"Tonight was fun," Addison said, smiling up at Malik.
"Yeah, it was," Malik replied, his voice soft. "I'm glad you were there to celebrate with us."
Addison hesitated for a moment, looking up into Malik's eyes. "You know, Malik, you're always so focused and intense on the field. It's like another side of you."
Malik shrugged, a smile playing on his lips. "I guess it's easy to be intense when you care about winning. But off the field, it's different."
Addison stepped closer, her voice soft. "I like this side of you. The relaxed, smiling Malik."
Malik chuckled, his hand brushing against hers. "I like being this Malik too, personally I think it's the best Malik, especially when I'm with you."
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the porch light casting a warm glow around them. Addison looked down, biting her lip before meeting Malik's gaze again. "Do you ever feel like people see only one side of you? Like they don't really know the real you?"
Malik nodded, his expression serious. "All the time. I think we all wear masks, you know? To fit in, to meet expectations."
Addison smiled, her eyes softening. "Well, I want to see the real Malik. No masks."
Malik leaned in, his voice a whisper. "You already are, Addie."
Addison's heart skipped a beat as Malik closed the distance between them, his lips brushing against hers in a gentle kiss. When they pulled apart, she rested her forehead against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
"Goodnight, Malik," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Goodnight, Addie, after tonight I'm yours" he replied, his hand lingering on her back as she blushed before turning to go inside.
———-
Travis and Ellie walked together, the night air cool and comfortable. Travis, with his intimidating stature, looked down at Ellie, his
eyes soft.
"Tonight was amazing," Ellie said, glancing up at Travis with a teasing smile. "You were like a bulldozer out there."
Travis chuckled, his deep voice rumbling. "Thanks, Ellie. Your cheers really kept me going."
Ellie nudged him playfully. "You know, for someone so big and tough, you're really just a big teddy bear."
Travis grinned, pulling her closer. "Only for you."
Ellie blushed, easily flustered by his words. "Stop, you're making me blush other people are starting to look over."
Travis laughed, his arm around her waist. "I can't help it. You bring out the soft side in me."
Ellie looked up at him, her eyes twinkling. "Well, I like this side of you. It's...cute."
Travis pretended to be offended. "Cute? I was going for handsome."
Ellie giggled, leaning into him. "You're that too."
They walked in silence for a moment, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the quiet night. Travis finally spoke, his voice gentle.
"Thanks for being here, Ellie. It means a lot to me."
Ellie looked up at him, her expression serene. "Always, Travis. Always."
———-
Team Group Chat
Later that night, DJ checked his phone and saw a message from Coach Carter in the team group chat. "Great game last night, everyone. Film study tomorrow, make sure to be there."
James: Film study sounds boring. Who's bringing snacks?
Eli: DJ should bring snacks. He owes us for those touchdowns.
Aaron: I second that. DJ, you're on snack duty.
Travis: I'll help him. Can't have the team starving.
Malik: You guys are so needy. 😂
DJ: Fine, fine. Snacks it is. But you all owe me big time.
Coach Carter: Make sure you're all there on time. And DJ make sure to bring fruit snacks.
Malik: Hey no fair ge in line before you make your order Coach
DJ responded with a thumbs-up emoji before lying back on his bed, reflecting on how far he had come. Memories of his past flooded his
mind – the fights, the trouble with the law, and the time spent in juvie.
He remembered the turning point, the moment his father sat him down and told him he needed to change his path. His dad's tough love and unwavering support had been the key to his transformation. But his past also held darker memories, especially of his mother. Her harsh words and constant
criticism had left deep scars. She would belittle him, making him feel worthless and fueling his anger and frustration.
———
System Update Complete
Shop Unlocked
DJ's system now includes various types of coupons that can accelerate his growth and enhance his abilities. These coupons are redeemable for different durations, offering significant boosts and benefits.
1-Month Coupon:
Effect: Increases
skill development speed by 10% and doubles FK points earned from activities for one month.
Cost: 750 FK points
6-Month Coupon:
Effect: Increases skill development speed by 15% and triples FK points earned from activities for six months.
Cost: 1500 FK points
1-Year Coupon:
Effect: Increases skill development speed by 20% and quadruples FK points earned from activities for one year.
Cost: 3000 FK points
Lotteries
The lottery system offers a chance to win various prizes ranging from FK points to special abilities and items that can significantly boost DJ's performance and development.
Bronze Lottery:
Cost: 300 FK points per ticket
Prizes: Minor skill enhancements, small basic badge upgrades.
Silver Lottery:
Cost: 1000 FK points per ticket
Prizes: Moderate skill enhancements, medium badge upgrades, 1-month coupons.
Gold Lottery:
Cost: 2000 FK points per ticket
Prizes: Significant skill enhancements, high-quality badge upgrades, 6-month coupons.
Diamond Lottery:
Cost: 4000 FK points per ticket
Prizes: Major skill enhancements, top-tier badge upgrades, 1-year coupons, rare special abilities.
DJ's Status
DJ excitedly called out in his mind, "Status."
Name: DJ
Position: Wide Receiver
Team: Pacific High Sharks
Attributes:
Speed: A
Agility: A
Strength: C
Catching: A-
Route Running: A-
Tactical Awareness: B
Endurance: B+
Leadership: B-
FK Points: 1200
Skill Specializations:
Route Apprentice
(Level 2): Increased precision and speed in route execution.
Acrobat (Level 2): Increased
ability to make acrobatic catches.
Sideline Deadeye
(Level 1): Increased catching ability near the sideline along
with increased ability in keeping feet in bounds.
High Point Deadeye
(Level 1): Enhanced ability to make difficult high point catches
in various conditions.
Closer (Level 1): Significant
boost in the 4th quarter and game-sealing drive situations.
Active Coupons:
None
Current Abilities:
None
Recent Performance:
Last Game Stats: 12
catches, 275 yards, 5 touchdowns
Season Stats: 12
catches, 275 yards, 5 touchdowns
Goals:
->Win the State Championship
->Earn a College Scholarship
->Develop into a 5-Star Recruit
'Well, for now I haven't been having much trouble. I'll just stick with the motto: quality over quantity since I can get the evolved
form of some of the basic badges from the bronze lottery.'
He knew that the upcoming week was crucial, especially with their game against Westfield Academy looming. Sitting at his desk, DJ pulled out a notebook and began to jot down his plans for the week.
Monday:
Morning: Light jog and stretching.
Afternoon: School classes.
Evening: Team film study session. Review footage of Westfield Academy's previous games to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Night: Personal study and reviewing playbook.
Tuesday:
Morning: Morning Strength training at the weight room.
Afternoon: School classes.
Evening: Team practice focusing on offensive plays and special teams.
Night: Skill drills at home. Work on catching and route running.
Wednesday:
Morning: Agility drills and sprinting.
Afternoon: School classes.
Evening: Team practice focusing on defensive schemes and game simulations.
Night: Review and visualize plays. Mental preparation.
Thursday:
Morning: Yoga for flexibility and recovery.
Afternoon: School classes.
Evening: Light practice. Walk-through of game plan and special situations.
Night: Early bedtime. Focus on rest and recovery.
Friday:
Morning: Team breakfast and motivational meeting.
Afternoon: School classes with early dismissal.
Evening: Pre-game preparation and warm-ups.
Night: Game against Westfield Academy. Focus on executing the game plan.
Saturday:
Morning: Recovery session. Ice baths and stretching.
Afternoon: Watch game footage. Analyze performance and identify areas for improvement.
Evening: Family time and relaxation.
Sunday:
Morning: Rest
Afternoon: Light training session.
Evening: Plan for the upcoming week and set new goals.
Game Preparation for Westfield Academy so far
DJ knew that Westfield Academy was one of their toughest opponents. They had a strong defense and an aggressive offense. As he reviewed the film, he made notes on key players and potential strategies:
Key Players to Watch:
Sam "Tank" Thompson: Their star linebacker known for his tackling and defensive reads.
Jake "Flash" Johnson: Their speedy wide receiver who was a deep threat.
Coach's Strategy: Focus on quick, short
passes to avoid their strong pass rush.Use play-action to keep their linebackers guessing.Double coverage on Jake Johnson to neutralize his big-play ability.
Personal Goals for the Game:
->Catch at least two touchdown passes.
-> Maintain over 100 receiving yards.
->Lead the team in third-down conversions.
As he closed his notebook, DJ felt a sense of contentment at being organized. This week was crucial, and he was ready to give it his all.
Final Check-In with the Team
Later that night, DJ sent a message in the team group chat to rally his teammates.
DJ: Alright, guys, this is a big week. We've got Westfield Academy on Friday. Let's stay focused and give it everything we've got.
James: You know it, DJ! Let's crush them.
Eli: I'm ready to make some plays.
Aaron: This is our time. Let's show them what we're made of.
Travis: We've got this. Were the Sharks for a reason
Malik: Sharks on three sharks on me. One, two, three…
Team: no
With the team's spirits high and a solid plan in place, DJ felt confident about the week ahead.