The distant sound of a bouncing basketball echoed through the hallways as Mia Harper sat in the back of her new school's empty classroom, her head buried in a textbook. Evergreen High wasn't where she imagined spending her junior year, but after her father's job moved them across the state, she had little choice.
Mia was the quiet type—more into books and academic competitions than anything to do with the roaring gym she passed every day on her way to the library. The smell of sweat and squeaking shoes from the basketball courts reminded her just how far she was from her comfort zone. At her old school, no one cared if you weren't involved in sports, but here, the entire school seemed obsessed with their basketball team, particularly one player.
Aiden Cruz. The name was impossible to avoid. From whispers in the hallways to posters plastered all over the school, he was Evergreen High's star player, and everyone wanted to talk about him. Mia couldn't have cared less.
Her phone buzzed. It was a message from her brother, Kyle.
_"Meet me at the gym after class. I'm joining the team."_
Mia sighed. Of course, her brother would get swept up in all this basketball madness. Kyle had always been the athletic one, the rebellious one, while Mia stuck to her quiet life of books and grades. She couldn't believe he was actually trying out for the team.
The bell rang, and Mia gathered her things. As she walked through the crowded halls, she could already hear the buzz of excitement about the upcoming game against their rivals, Westfield High. It seemed like all anyone ever talked about.
Reluctantly, she made her way to the gym. The moment she stepped inside, she felt out of place. The bleachers were filled with students watching the boys' tryouts, and on the court, Aiden Cruz was effortlessly shooting three-pointers, the ball swishing through the net with perfect precision.
Kyle waved her over from the sidelines. "Mia, you made it! Check this out," he said, pointing toward Aiden, who was now driving toward the basket with lightning speed. The crowd cheered as he dunked the ball effortlessly.
Mia barely glanced at the scene. "This is ridiculous, Kyle. You're really going to get wrapped up in this basketball thing?"
Kyle shrugged. "It's fun. Besides, it's not like you're doing anything after school anyway."
Mia rolled her eyes. "I have my academic club, thanks."
But Kyle wasn't listening. His eyes were on the court as Coach Donovan blew the whistle, signaling the end of tryouts. The players jogged over to the sidelines, sweaty but energized, and Aiden Cruz casually strolled past, barely noticing the crowd that had gathered to watch.
Mia couldn't help but notice how the other students reacted to him. He didn't seem fazed by the attention or the pressure that came with being the school's star. He was distant, almost cold, as if he existed in a world apart from everyone else.
"Hey, Cruz!" Kyle called out, much to Mia's dismay.
Aiden turned, his sharp green eyes locking onto Kyle, and then briefly onto Mia. "Yeah?" His voice was casual but firm, like he was used to being approached but didn't care.
"I'm Kyle, new transfer. Trying out for the team," Kyle said, extending his hand.
Aiden shook it briefly. "Good luck."
As Aiden walked away, Kyle turned to Mia with a grin. "See? He's not so bad. Maybe you should give basketball a chance."
"Not happening," Mia said, crossing her arms. She was more than content keeping her distance from the world of hoops and drama. But something about the way Aiden looked at her—brief but piercing—lingered in her mind as they left the gym.
Little did Mia know, this moment in the gym was just the beginning.