Match

35: Where Do We Go From Here?

The kiss was brief. It was awkward at first, since Jonah's hanging upside-down with his legs wrapped around a net, but he still wanted more. He didn't want to let go. Cole may have parted the kiss, but he finally got his answer. He blinks a couple times, staring into the ocean rolling in Cole's eyes, as if it's a deep abyss. He watches as he steps back, extending the distance.

"Uh..."

Cole turns his head to the side. Jonah can see his fingers wander across his lips, almost like he's ashamed for what he did. As Jonah's about to say something, he notices two bodies moving closer. He glances and sees it's Ben, along with someone else. He waves with a wide arm.

"Yoooo!"

Jonah grips the top pole with both arms, letting his legs fall, then lands with his feet on the ground. He notices Cole still standing a fair distance apart. Shit, Jonah thinks. Is it 'cause Ben is here?

"Sorry for being late," Ben says, patting the top of the other person's head. "My lil brother has to tag along."

"Ah," Jonah flashes a fake grin. "Long time no see, Ethan."

Ethan swipes away Ben's arm in a disgruntled manner. He looks away, shoving his hands in his pockets.

Ben sighs, then turns to Cole. "Oh, 'sup Cole."

Cole flinches when his name is called. His eyes dart about until they meet Ben, then he gives a small wave.

"Hey..."

"Did you just get here too?"

"Uh, yeah," he puts it blunt.

"Sweet! We can form a team of two on two."

"I'm not joining," Ethan says, strolling away.

Ben shakes his head. "Well you're not going anywhere. I've got the car keys."

"Fine," he pulls out his phone and leans against the gate.

Cole walks to his soccer bag and picks it up. Jonah steps in front.

"Where are you going?"

He swallows, not looking at him. "I just remembered I forgot to do something at home. You guys can keep playing."

"But-"

Ethan barges in between them. "Yo, can you drive me somewhere?"

"Huh?"

"It's only ten minutes to my friend's house from here."

Ben pulls him back before he can plead some more. He swivels Ethan so he can face him.

"Are you fucking serious, Eth? You know you're grounded."

Ethan scowls. "It's just Jayden's place! You know where it is. I won't go anywhere else."

"Last time you said that I had to find you in someone's basement getting high."

The two bicker back and forth, giving Cole a clean escape to his car. He fumbles for his keys, then unlocks the door.

"Wait."

A hand presses against the car door to stop him. He looks and sees it's Jonah, who's frowning with his eyebrows.

"I know it's all sudden with my friend showing up but can we please talk about what just happened?"

He feels his ears tickle again.

"Please, man. Don't run away."

He bites his lip, then sighs. "We'll find another time to talk. You don't need to ditch your friend on the field."