Westwood High Gymnasium – Late Afternoon

Ethan Harper was the kind of guy everyone wanted to be—or be with. Captain of both the basketball and football teams, effortlessly charming, and dating Abby Walker, the queen of the cheerleading squad, Ethan embodied perfection.

But perfection, as Ethan was beginning to realize, came at a price.

“Ethan! Focus!”

Coach Fields’s voice boomed through the gym as Ethan missed his shot, the ball clanging against the rim.

“Sorry, Coach,” Ethan muttered, running a hand through his hair as the rest of the team groaned.

“Harper, what’s going on with you?” Kai Park jogged up to him, bouncing the ball back into Ethan’s hands. Kai, Ethan’s best friend and the team’s shooting guard, gave him a knowing look. “You’re off today.”

“I’m fine,” Ethan said quickly, wiping sweat from his forehead.

Kai raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, and I’m the Queen of England. Spill.”

Ethan hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening. “It’s nothing. Just... stuff.”

Kai smirked. “Stuff? You’re gonna have to do better than that.”

Before Ethan could respond, Abby’s voice echoed across the gym.

“Ethan!”

Ethan turned to see Abby waving at him from the bleachers, her perfectly styled blonde hair catching the sunlight streaming through the windows. She was flanked by two of her cheerleader friends, both giggling as they whispered behind their hands.

Abby descended the bleachers with the grace of someone who knew all eyes were on her. She wore her cheerleading uniform like it was a designer gown, her confidence radiating with every step.

“Hey, babe,” she said, wrapping her arms around Ethan’s neck. “You were amazing out there.”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

Ethan forced a smile. “Thanks, but I missed the shot.”

Abby waved a hand dismissively. “Who cares? You’ll nail it next time. You always do.”

Kai, standing off to the side, cleared his throat. “Alright, lovebirds. Practice isn’t over yet.”

Abby shot him a playful glare. “Don’t be jealous, Kai. I’m sure you’ll find someone to fawn over you someday.”

Kai rolled his eyes but didn’t retort. Instead, he turned back to Ethan. “Come on, Harper. Let’s finish strong.”

Locker Room – After Practice

The team was loud and boisterous as they filed into the locker room, the energy of the day lingering in the air. Ethan sat on the bench, untying his sneakers as the guys joked around him.

“Yo, Harper,” one of the players called out. “You coming to Tommy’s party this weekend?”

Ethan looked up, startled. “Uh, maybe. Not sure yet.”

“You have to come, man,” another teammate chimed in. “It’s not a party without the golden boy.”

Ethan forced another smile, nodding noncommittally. He felt Kai’s eyes on him, but he avoided his friend’s gaze.

Hallway – After School

Kai caught up with Ethan as they walked out of the locker room.

“Alright,” Kai said, slinging an arm around Ethan’s shoulders. “You’ve been weird all day. Are you going to tell me what’s up, or do I have to guess?”

Ethan sighed, pulling away. “It’s nothing, Kai. Just drop it.”

Kai frowned, crossing his arms. “We’ve been best friends since kindergarten, Ethan. You really think I can’t tell when something’s bothering you?”

Ethan stopped walking, his jaw tightening. “It’s just... complicated, okay?”

Kai studied him for a moment before nodding. “Alright. But when you’re ready to talk, I’m here.”

Ethan gave him a grateful smile. “Thanks.”

Evening – Harper Residence

Ethan sat on his bed, staring at his phone. His room was a mix of trophies, medals, and posters of professional athletes—a shrine to his achievements and the expectations that came with them.

He scrolled through his contacts until he reached Leo’s name. His finger hovered over the call button, his chest tightening with indecision.

Two weeks ago, Ethan had made a choice. A choice to pretend that night never happened. It was easier that way. Safer.

But seeing Leo at school today had thrown him off balance.

With a frustrated groan, Ethan tossed his phone onto the bed and ran a hand through his hair.

“Ethan, dinner’s ready!” his mom called from downstairs.

“Coming!” he replied, pushing himself up.

As he headed downstairs, Ethan couldn’t shake the image of Leo’s face—the mix of hope and hurt in his eyes.

Westwood High – The Next Day

Ethan sat with Abby and her friends at their usual lunch table, pretending to listen as Abby gushed about their plans for the homecoming dance.

“Ethan, are you even listening?” Abby asked, pouting.

“Yeah,” Ethan said quickly. “Homecoming. Sounds great.”

Abby narrowed her eyes but didn’t push.

Across the cafeteria, Ethan spotted Leo sitting with Alicia and Marcus. He was laughing at something Marcus had said, his smile lighting up his face.

Ethan felt a pang of something he couldn’t quite name—jealousy? Regret? Whatever it was, it made his stomach churn.

Kai noticed his distraction and followed his gaze.

“Ah,” Kai said, smirking. “So that’s what’s got you all twisted up.”

Ethan shot him a warning look. “Don’t.”

“Hey, I’m just saying,” Kai said, leaning back in his chair. “If you’ve got something to say to him, maybe you should stop staring and actually say it.”

“Not now, Kai,” Ethan muttered.

Kai shrugged, but his smirk didn’t fade.

Basketball Practice – Later That Day

Ethan threw himself into practice, hoping to drown out his thoughts with the rhythm of the game. But no matter how hard he tried, his mind kept drifting back to Leo.

“Harper, focus!” Coach Fields barked.

Ethan clenched his jaw, determined to get through the rest of practice without letting his emotions get the better of him.

But deep down, he knew it was only a matter of time before everything came crashing down.

End of Chapter Three