BENEATH THE SAME SKY

Chapter 1 - Trouble

Lucas’s POV

I step outside, the cool morning air brushing against my skin. My apartment complex is quiet, just how I like it. No noise, no distractions—just me and my thoughts. It’s a far cry from home, but I think I’ll get used to it. Being away feels right. No one watching my every move, no one comparing me to Caleb, my brother.

I take a deep breath, before walking on the elevator and head down. I approach my car and opening the back seat I place my bag. I drive towards campus with basketball on my mind.

I know what I’m capable of, and today’s tryouts will show it. Caleb’s all about the talk, about charming everyone around him, but that’s not me. I’ve never needed words to make an impression.

The campus comes into view, bigger than I imagined. Students are everywhere, when I drive in. Laughing, chatting, already acting like they belong. I pull over at the students parking and I spot my sister's car. Mia to be precise. Sliding out of the front seat, I make my way to the hallway. I slip through the crowd unnoticed, just the way I like it.

The tryouts are later today, but right now, all anyone seems to care about is this party happening tonight. I hear people talking about it as I walk by.

I’m not really into parties, but I can already tell Caleb will be all over that. It’s his kind of thing—loud music, people drinking, pointless small talk.

Not mine.

I get my phone and check my timetable. I have Statistics, room 214. It is due to start in the next five minutes or so. While I'm about to put my phone back in the pocket, the screen displays Mia.

She's calling.

I scan around because mostly she does this when she's around me. I'm not falling for this. Instead, I ignore the call and proceed making my way to room 214. It's half full and I settle for the back row which is empty.

My phone buzzes. It's Mia again. It's a text from her.

Looking forward to seeing you and Caleb at the tryouts. With a smiley emoji at the end.

Ignore is what I do to the text.

Caleb’s POV

I walk across campus like I own the place. I just arrived since my morning lecture is at 11. I'm here half an hour early. I  can already tell this is going to be great. New school, new faces, new opportunities. I catch a few people’s eyes as I pass, flashing them a quick smile.

It’s too easy.

I haven't seen Mia or Lucas. But I'm sure they're here. It's also their first day. I doubt we'll bump into each other because this campus is so huge.

A distance away I spot several guys as I walk approaching them.

“Yo, you heading to the tryouts later?” I ask a couple of guys who look like ballers.

“Definitely,” one of them says with a nod.

Good. I want everyone to see what I’ve got. Basketball’s more than just a game for me—it’s my way in. I can already picture myself making the team, running the court, crowds cheering. Lucas is good, too good, I won’t lie, but I’ve got the full package. Charm, skills, the whole deal.

I pass the gym and smirk, thinking about how I’ll dominate later today. But right now, my mind’s on that party tonight. Word’s spreading fast, and I’m definitely going. It’s the perfect way to make an impression, meet new people, and set the tone for the year.

I already know Lucas isn’t into that scene. He’ll probably try to duck out, but I’ll drag him along. He needs to loosen up a little. I mean what are brother's for.