Crossed Lines

Eli

 Noah and I peeled off from the group, trays abandoned as we made our way across the crowded cafeteria. The buzz of conversations faded into the background as we pushed through the doors, stepping into the crisp afternoon air. The familiar path to our building stretched out in front of us, flanked by clusters of students sprawled on benches or hurrying between classes.

Noah adjusted his backpack, falling into step beside me. "You think Levi's going to sleep on Hartford, or is all that trash talk just to hype himself up?"

"Both," I said, spinning my textbook in my hands as we walked. "He talks big, but you know he'll bring it when it counts."

"True." Noah nodded. "Still, Hartford's no joke this year. That guard—Kendrick or whatever—he's been lighting it up."

Noah laughed. "Confidence looks good on you, man. Just don't let it go to your head."

"Right back at you, Mr. Twenty-Point Average."

He shoved me lightly, and I stumbled a step, grinning. We fell into a comfortable rhythm, our sneakers crunching against the sidewalk.

"So, you and Mina," Noah started, his tone a little too casual, "What's the deal there?"

I sighed, knowing this was coming. This was his annual question for me ever since junior year of high school.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smirking. "There's no 'deal,' Noah. We're friends. Always have been."

Noah raised an eyebrow. "Friends, huh? You spend more time with her than anyone else, and I've seen the way you look at her ever since high school. I'm shocked you haven't asked for her hand in marriage yet."

I scoffed, though my ears were already starting to burn. "What way?"

"You know, like she's the only person in the room," he said, giving me a knowing look. "Dude, come on. We've been friends since forever. I can tell when someone's on your mind."

I glanced down at the sidewalk, trying to keep my voice casual. "Mina and I have known each other since we were kids. Our families are close. She's—" I hesitated, searching for the right words. "She's important to me. That's all."

"Uh-huh," Noah said, clearly unconvinced. "Important enough that you're hoping she shows up to the game this weekend, right?"

"She's busy," I replied quickly. "She's got work, school... She doesn't have time to sit around and watch me dribble a ball."

"Uh-huh," Noah said again, this time with a sly grin. "But you still want her there."

I didn't answer right away. He wasn't wrong. Having Mina in the stands felt like having a piece of home with me, a reminder of who I was beyond basketball.

"She's been through a lot," I said finally, quieter this time. "If she can make it, great. If not, I get it. I just... I want her to know she's got people who care about her."

Noah was quiet for a moment, which was rare for him. Then he clapped a hand on my shoulder. "You're a good guy, Eli. But maybe you should tell her all that instead of me."

I rolled my eyes again, but this time I couldn't help laughing. "Yeah, thanks, Dr. Phil."

"Anytime," Noah said, smirking as we reached the building. "Now, can we please get to class before I get another 'you need to focus' speech from Coach?"

"Lead the way," I said, shaking my head. But as we walked inside, I couldn't shake Noah's words. Tell her, huh? Easier said than done.

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