Luka sat in his front-row seat, eyes wide with excitement. He could barely contain himself as he looked out at the massive football field where the New York Jets were warming up. His uncle Adrian sat beside him, cool as always, with Kennedy, and Trent.
The stadium was packed. Thousands of fans buzzed with energy, their anticipation filling the air. Matthews was somewhere in the stands with his friends.
As the teams took the field for the opening kickoff, the tension in the stadium skyrocketed. The Jets were up against the Chicago Bears, a formidable team with a fierce defense. The Jets needed this win to secure their playoff spot, and the stakes were higher than ever.
The game started with the Bears kicking off, and the Jets took possession. Kim jogged onto the field, helmet on, confidence radiating from him. But the real surprise came when Luka noticed Chris—Kim’s best friend—lining up as a wide receiver.
Uncle Chris is playing that position, Luka asked excited.
What you don't think he can do it, Trent asked.
He can do it, I believe in him, maybe next time warn a guy, Luka said.
Of course nephew, Trent said.
The crowd collectively gasped, murmurs rippling through the stands. Chris had always been known as a quarterback, just like Kim. To see him at wide receiver was unexpected and had everyone wondering what was going on.
The first few plays were cautious, with Kim handing off the ball to the running back and testing the Bears' defense. But the crowd knew it was only a matter of time before Kim would unleash his arm.
Sure enough, on third down, he dropped back in the pocket, scanning the field. Kim locked eyes with Chris, who was sprinting down the sideline. In one fluid motion, Kim launched the ball downfield.
It sailed through the air like a missile, and Chris—moving faster than anyone had seen him move—stretched his arms out, snagging the ball just before the Bears' cornerback could reach him. The stadium erupted. Chris had not only caught the pass but turned on the jets for a 30-yard gain. The chemistry between Kim and Chris was undeniable, even with Chris playing a brand-new position.
Kennedy whistled from the sidelines, impressed. Didn't think Chris had it in him, he muttered to Adrian, who nodded in agreement, eyes fixed on the game.
The Jets continued to press forward. Kim orchestrated the offense like a conductor, making precise passes and reading the defense with ease. But it was the connection with Chris that truly shocked the crowd. Every time Kim threw to him, Chris seemed to be in the perfect spot. It was like they were back in their high school days, playing as if they had never left the backyard.
Late in the second quarter, with the Jets down by a touchdown, they were deep in Bears' territory. Kim called an audible at the line of scrimmage. He spotted a gap in the defense and knew exactly what to do. Chris lined up wide, his eyes locked on Kim.
The ball was snapped, and Kim faked a handoff, rolling to his right. The Bears' defense bit on the fake, and in that split second, Chris broke free from his defender. Kim fired a dart into the end zone, and Chris leaped into the air, snagging the ball with one hand. Touchdown!
The stadium exploded with cheers, Luka included, jumping up and down in excitement. Adrian and Kennedy exchanged a glance, both impressed but too cool to show it. Trent clapped loudly, grinning from ear to ear. Man, Kim and Chris are unstoppable today, he said, shaking his head in disbelief.
If they could just indulge others in the match, Kennedy said.
You are right it's like it's the two of them against the world, bet their coach will have something to say about that, Adrian said.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the game was tied. Kim had led the Jets down the field once again, this time with just two minutes left on the clock. Every fan in the stadium was on edge. Luka could barely sit still, gripping his foam finger tightly as he watched the action unfold.
Kim took the snap and scanned the field. The Bears' defense was closing in, but Kim stayed calm. He stepped up in the pocket, his eyes darting between his receivers. Then, just as the defense collapsed around him, he fired the ball to Chris again, who had broken free down the middle of the field.
Chris caught the pass in stride and sprinted toward the end zone. The Bears' safety closed in, but Chris juked left, leaving the defender grasping at air. He dove into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown, and the stadium erupted into a deafening roar.
Luka screamed in joy, leaping up and down as the Jets sealed their victory. Kim pumped his fist in the air, and Chris jogged over, the two of them embracing in celebration as their teammates swarmed the field.
That was insane! Luka shouted, turning to Adrian. Did you see that? Uncle Kim and Chris were amazing!
Adrian smiled, nodding. Yeah, they were, he said, clapping Luka on the back. They played like champions today.
After the game, the team gathered on the field, still buzzing from the victory. Kim was soaked in Gatorade from the post-game celebration, but he didn’t seem to mind. As he walked toward the sideline, he spotted Luka, Adrian, and the rest of their group coming down from the stands.
Nice game, Kim, Kennedy said, a rare smile crossing his face. Didn't know you and Chris had that kind of chemistry.
Neither did the Bears, Kim replied with a grin. He turned to Luka, kneeling down to ruffle his nephew’s hair. What did you think, kid?
It was ight, Luka said.
Ight, kid, Kim said.
Don't let him fool you, he was so excited, for a minute there I thought you were his favorite uncle Adrian said.
Kim chuckled.
Snitch, Luka said.
That's your papa, not me Adrian said, everyone laughed.
Just then, Chris walked over, still catching his breath.
Uncle Chris, Luka said running up to him and hugging him.
Luka, Chris said hugging him back.
Nice game, I wanted to wear your t-shirt but Kim wanted to kill me, Kennedy said.
Nice to see you again best friend of my best friend, Chris said hugging Kennedy.
Nice to see you too Kennedy said.
I still hate you, Chris said.
Right back at yah Kennedy said.
Okay, imma dip, Adrian said.
Where are you going, it's eight o'clock, when was the last time we sat together and ate, Chris asked.
Last week, and I need to sleep early, I got a big operation tomorrow, Luka wanna sleep over at my house Adrian asked.
Hell nah, I miss Fifi, I'm going back home, grandpa will go with me, he's coming look, Luka said as they all turned and saw Matthews make his way to them.
Good game, Matthews said looking at Kim and Chris.
Thanks they replied.
Yo, Prince, Benson c'mon you have a press meeting, their teammate and Captain, Zeke Samuel said.
See you at home, Kim said leaving.
Adrian, you owe me a dinner date , Chris said hugging him and left.
Imma take Luka home, if we are latez Liam will nag at me. It's like he's my father, Matthews said.
I told you to leave them and come stay with me, Adrian said.
No thanks, your place is fancy, has a lot of security guards and servants, I can't live like that, Matthews said.
Boring, Kennedy said.
Fuck you Ken, Matthews said as he left with Luka.
Is that his way of saying goodbye Kennedy said.
Yes, let's go home Trent said.
