You Were The Only One | Tyrus

8; Tryouts

~TJ's POV~

After everything that has been going on as of late, I was actually excited on the day of tryouts for the basketball team. Playing would serve as a great distraction and outlet for my stress.

Except every time I think about basketball, I think about how I treated Buffy in middle school. Then thinking about her leads to Cyrus, and when Cyrus comes into my brain all I can think about it that kiss and how jealous I was.

He looked so happy when he was around Jonah. Who was I to ruin that by telling him my feelings? I'd be an awful friends. Even if I want to be more, which I do, I just value our friendship so much more. It's been almost a week since the whole disaster of me watching that kiss, and I think the distance is helping me a bit.

School was moving as slow as it normally did. It used to move faster when I would talk to Cyrus, but that's not an option right now. If I'm around him as much as I used to be, I am bound to cave. It's for the best that I don't.

On my way to my locker after lunch I was stopped by a face that I wish didn't exist at all.

"Hey TJ." Kira said standing by my locker. She actually looked like she was going to be nice for once. However, I wasn't falling for it.

"What do you want? To air more of my secrets?" I said with major sass because, let's face it, she deserved it.

"No. I'm sorry about that TJ. I just wan-"

"Save it Kira. What's done is done." I cute her off and started to walk away.

"I deserved that. Good luck today at tryouts!" She actually sounded positive.

"Thanks." I said flat. I decided to take a page out of Cyrus's book as I saw her walk away. "Hey Kira!"

"Yeah?" she responded, confused.

"Good luck to you too." I smiled. She returned the smile and walked off to class.

She may have outed me, but there's always room for forgiveness. Or at least some coexistence. Hopefully in the future she can at least educate herself. Allies are always good to have.

After my final class I hustled to the locker room to change into some workout clothes for tryouts. I wasn't all that nervous actually either. I knew I was pretty decent, so I wasn't worried.

As I walked into the gym I saw the boys on one side and the girls on the other side. Cyrus was on the girls side in the bleachers. He was probably supporting Buffy, but his presence didn't fail to make my heart beat faster. Now I was nervous. My leg shook a bit which scared me considering I needed steady footing for this game.

I pulled my eyes away from Cyrus to see if I recognized anyone on the boys side. Before I could scan the group though, a blonde haired boy called out to me.

"TJ Kippen!" He said and rush over to me.

"In the flesh." Was all I said because I couldn't figure out who it was at first. Then his piercing blue eyes met with my green ones. My memory was instantly jogged. It was Reed.

"I didn't believe the rumors that you were back because I didn't even see you around. I'm glad you're back." He smiled a wide smile and patted my shoulder.

"It's good to be back. It's nice to see you Reed. Not playing with your dad's guns anymore I hope?" I chuckled and he laughed along with me.

"Nah man. I've actually shaped up a bit since you've left. I'm in the honor society here and I volunteer at this nursing home every other weekend." He said while I stood there shocked. Watermelon exploding, dirt bike riding, and gun stealing Reed was an honors society and old people helping goody-goody.