Heartbreak High: New Hope

9

"Spill it, Lucas. What's up?"
Jazz insisted, nudging me again.
I hesitated, glancing back at Tyler.
"It's nothing. I'm fine," I managed, plastering a fake smile on my face.

As if sensing my gaze, Tyler looked up, his eyes meeting mine for a brief moment. Nervous, I quickly averted my gaze, but the flutter in my stomach refused to subside.
Ethan glanced at me, taking a bite of his burger. "So, Lucas, how's training going?"
"It's good. I mean, I've got to go every day, so it doesn't really leave time for much else, I guess,"
I said as I bit into my fries.

"Hey, Ethan, tell Lucas about the time you tried out for the team in Freshmen year,"
Jazz chimed in with a giggle.
"You did? What happened?" I turned to Ethan, surprised and curious. Ethan hesitated, attempting to joke it off. "Oh, you know, it went...well."

"By well, he means he missed every shot," Stephen jumped in, unable to resist. "I didn't miss every-" Ethan began defensively.
"Yes, Ethan, yes, you did,"
Jazz cut him off.

The group erupted in laughter as lunch drew to an end. The rest of the day seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, I was sitting in the locker room, the pungent smell of sweat and dirt filling the air.
As I pulled my basketball jersey over my head, Tyler entered the locker room, surprising me. Our eyes met, a subtle tension hanging in the air. He offered a casual nod, acknowledging my presence, which I returned, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach.

He tossed his bag onto the bench beside me, a simple "Hey" escaping his lips.
"Hey,"
I replied, my gaze involuntarily drawn to him as he began to shed his shirt. I wanted to look away, but my eyes were trapped, tracing the lines of his hard abs as they flexed.

Tyler continued, unaware of my stare, before dropping his pants to reveal a sizable bulge in his boxers.

I felt my cheeks flush as my mind traveled back to the other night in my bedroom, where I had watched Tyler's naked body from my window. Embarrassed, I ducked down, pretending to tie my shoelaces for a second time, trying to hide the effect he was having on me.
"See you out there, new kid,"
Tyler remarked with a grin and a sly wink after he finished changing.

I let out a sigh of relief as Tyler left the room. It felt like no time at all before we were all on the court inside. The rhythmic thuds of the basketball echoed through the polished court, accompanied by the squeaking of sneakers. The net swished with every successful shot, creating a symphony of sounds that filled the air.

The practice game was intense, both teams neck and neck. Tyler, in the heat of the moment, stole the ball, prompting the coach's bellow,
"Pick up the slack, Freeman!"

Determined, I moved to block Tyler from passing the ball as he grinned and taunted, "You wanna steal, new kid? You'll have to try harder," before deftly dribbling the ball away.

Swiftly, I captured the ball, quipping, "Can you keep up?" Tyler was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered, chasing after me and stealing the ball back before he dribbled it to the opponents' side and sank a perfect shot.
"Nice work, Brooks!"
Coach praised.
"Nothing but net!" Tyler teased with a smirk, even his teasing was hot.

The game continued with the ball changing hands rapidly until Tyler regained possession.
"Ty, I'm open!"
Nick called out, but before he could pass, I intercepted, stole the ball, dribbled down the court, and scored.
"Good save, Carter,"
Coach commented.

Practice raged on as the sun dipped lower, finally ending at 5 p.m. The team collapsed into the locker room, breathing heavily after a grueling, competitive session. The echoes of the game lingered in the humid air.
"Ty, why didn't you pass it sooner?"
Nick demanded, frustration evident in his voice. Tyler smirked confidently. "Don't blame me; the new kid's got some quick moves," he retorted, playfully glancing at me. I couldn't help but smile, enjoying the compliment.

"Well, new kid better start learning his place on the court," Nick grumbled, glaring at me.
Tyler shrugged off the comment. "It's just a game, Nick. Get over it," he replied, causing Nick to huff in annoyance before storming out.

"Don't mind him; he's just being a prick."
Tyler said, turning to me. I shrugged, "It's cool. I don't really give it much thought anymore."
"Good," he nodded and paused before asking, "You have a ride home?"

"I was just gonna call my mom," I told him. He gave me a look before insisting, "No need, I'll give you a drive. Besides, you're on my way," adding a playful tone,
"You really don't have to," I began to protest, making him grin. "No, it's cool, I want to, well I'd like to, if you know, you want it."
"Okay," I accepted with a grin.

After packing up, we headed to the parking lot where Tyler's red jeep was waiting. He opened the door, and I slid into the passenger seat, relaxing as the car glided smoothly down the street. The hum of the engine provided a soothing backdrop to the cool refreshing air conditioning that enveloped us.
An awkward silence settled between us as he focused on the road.

Finally, he broke the ice. "So, what's it like moving to Seacrest? You liking it here?" His voice held genuine curiosity.
"It's been...different,"
I replied, my voice uncertain.

Tyler's eyes remained on the road, but his tone was optimistic. "Different in a good way, I hope?" A blush crept up my cheeks as I risked a glance at his side profile.
"Different in a decent way,"
I replied, my gaze darting between his intense focus on the road and his face, glistening with sweat.

Tyler nodded, shifting the conversation. "Did you get a chance to check out that art club?"
"Well, with basketball, I haven't really gotten around to it yet," I admitted.

"Well, you should,"
Tyler insisted, his voice carrying a genuine enthusiasm. "You're, like, crazy good."

A blush crept up my cheeks.
"Thanks,"
I mumbled.

The car slowed as we pulled onto our street. Our eyes met as I unbuckled my seatbelt. His expression was hard to read.
"Thanks for the ride," I said, my voice barely a whisper.

He grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anytime. I'll see you tomorrow, Lucas."