Episode 22: The Rival Returns
Jaden stood among the other players as the new recruits walked into the Iron Stride facility.
He had been through hell in this place already. The fights, the sabotage, the constant struggle to stay in the game. He thought he had gotten used to it.
But when he saw him—his old high school rival stepping through the doors—everything changed.
No way.
Jaden's fists clenched instinctively as he locked eyes with the one person he never wanted to see again.
Ethan Hale.
The guy who had stolen his starting spot in high school. The guy who had talked shit behind his back. The guy who had made sure Jaden never played in the final championship game.
And now? He was here.
Ethan's lips curled into a smirk. "Didn't think I'd see you here, Carter."
Jaden exhaled sharply. This was going to be a problem.
Old Wounds, New Battles
Leo leaned in, whispering. "Yo… that guy's looking at you like he stole your girlfriend or something."
Jaden ignored him. He wasn't about to let Ethan get in his head. Not now. Not when he had worked so hard to make it this far.
But Ethan? He wasn't going to let it go.
He strolled closer, arms crossed. "Funny, isn't it? We both made it here."
Jaden kept his expression unreadable. "Yeah. Funny."
Ethan chuckled. "You gonna quit this time too?"
Jaden's jaw tightened. There it was. The same shit Ethan had always pulled—digging into the past, trying to make Jaden crack.
He wasn't going to let it happen.
Jaden smirked. "You gonna ride the bench again?"
Ethan's smirk twitched. "Guess we'll find out."
Coach Vance clapped his hands, silencing the room. "Alright, enough talking. Get ready. Tomorrow, we see who actually belongs here."
Jaden didn't move. His heart was already pounding.
Tomorrow?
Tomorrow, he was going to make Ethan regret ever stepping foot into Iron Stride.
Later That Night: Distractions and Tension
Jaden lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He couldn't sleep.
His body was exhausted, but his mind wouldn't shut off. Ethan being here changed everything.
His phone buzzed.
Abby: Can't sleep?
Jaden exhaled, smiling slightly. She always knew.
Jaden: No. Long day.
A pause.
Then—
Abby: Wanna talk about it?
Jaden hesitated.
Did he?
Did he want to tell her about Ethan, about the rivalry, about how much this place was messing with his head?
Jaden: Not much to say. Just more competition.
Abby: You'll be fine. You always are.
Jaden smirked. She had too much faith in him.
Then—a knock at his door.
Jaden frowned. It was past midnight.
He set his phone down and got up, unlocking the door.
The last person he expected to see was Ava Sinclair.
She leaned against the doorway, her arms crossed, wearing nothing but a loose hoodie and shorts.
Jaden raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing here?"
Ava smirked. "Relax, Carter. I'm not here to ruin your life."
Jaden sighed. "You said that last time."
She chuckled, stepping inside without waiting for permission.
Jaden didn't stop her.
She walked around his room, glancing at his gear, his neatly folded clothes, the training schedules pinned to his wall. She studied him like he was a puzzle she wanted to solve.
Then she turned back to him.
"You're different," she mused.
Jaden crossed his arms. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Ava tilted her head. "Most guys here? They crack under the pressure. They chase distractions, drown themselves in the moment."
She stepped closer, her voice softer. "But not you."
Jaden tensed slightly. She was too close now.
Ava's eyes flicked over him, unreadable. "You never let yourself slip, do you?"
Jaden smirked slightly. "Maybe you just don't know me."
Ava chuckled. "Maybe."
For a moment, there was silence.
Then, without warning—she stepped even closer.
Jaden didn't move. Didn't react.
But he could feel the heat between them, the weight of the moment.
Ava smiled. Not playful. Not teasing. Something else.
"You ever wonder what would happen if you did?" she whispered.
Jaden's jaw tightened.
He wasn't playing this game.
Without breaking eye contact, he spoke.
"I have someone waiting for me."
Ava didn't flinch.
She just smirked.
"Too bad."
Then she turned and walked out, leaving Jaden standing there, his pulse louder than it should have been.
He exhaled sharply, shaking his head.
This place… was going to destroy him if he wasn't careful.
He picked up his phone.
Abby's last message was still there.
Abby: You'll be fine. You always are.
Jaden sighed and typed—
Jaden: Yeah. I will.
Even if he wasn't sure it was true.