Blesynnday

James Calloway has spent his life being groomed for power. As the heir to a billion-dollar family empire, his path was set—an Ivy League degree, a future in finance, and a seamless transition into the world of wealth and influence. But James chose basketball instead, defying his ruthless parents in pursuit of his own dreams. Now, as the star player for Middleton University, he’s determined to prove he’s more than just a trust fund kid playing a game.

Jordan Miles has always had to fight for what he wants. Coming from a working-class background, he clawed his way to the top, carrying the weight of his Mom's sacrifices on his shoulders. As Madison College’s star player, he’s relentless on the court, fueled by the need to succeed—not just for himself, but for everyone who believes in him.

James and Jordan are rivals in every sense. They despise each other’s arrogance, their opposing backgrounds, their competing legacies. Their battles on the court are legendary, their tension undeniable. But as their final season unfolds, something unexpected begins to take shape beneath the animosity—a connection neither of them can ignore.

When their secret feelings come to light, their world explodes. Their teammates, the media, and even their families turn their romance into a scandal. And with the NBA draft looming, their careers and futures hang in the balance.

Faced with the ultimate choice—hide who they are to preserve their dreams or risk everything for each other—James and Jordan must navigate the brutal realities of love, fame, and identity in a world that isn’t ready for them.

Because some rivalries don’t end with the final buzzer. Some turn into something much deeper.

Against The Backboard

The locker room was alive with post-practice energy—some guys cracking jokes, others scrolling through their phones, the sharp scent of sweat and sports tape hanging in the air. Jordan sat on the edge of the bench, his elbows on his knees, staring at the floor while his heartbeat refused to settle.

His whole body still buzzed from his last face-off with James. What the hell was happening to me?

He wasn't supposed to feel this way. About him.

He barely heard the conversation happening across the room until a familiar voice cut through the noise like a blade.

"Man, I swear, some dudes in this league are just soft now," William scoffed, leaning against the lockers. "Like, I don't care what people do in private, but they should keep that shit private—know what I mean?"

A few guys chuckled, but others stayed silent.

Jordan's muscles tensed. He recognized that tone. The one people used when they wanted to say something worse but were holding back just enough to sound casual.

Shaun smirked, tossing his towel into his locker. "I'm just saying. This whole 'inclusivity' thing is getting out of hand. Basketball's a man's game. Not a place for—" He stopped, shaking his head like the words themselves disgusted him. "You know."

Jordan's stomach dropped, something sharp and ugly clawing at his ribs.

He knew Shaun was an asshole—cocky, conceited, and always looking to tear someone down. But this?

A few guys shifted uncomfortably. No one directly agreed, but no one spoke up, either.

Jordan should say something. He wanted to say something. But the words got stuck in his throat.

Because if he did—if he shut Shaun down—what would that mean?

Would the guys look at him differently? Would they suspect something?

His pulse pounded, the weight of a thousand unspoken thoughts pressing down on him. Do they know? No, that was ridiculous. He wasn't—he wasn't even sure what he was feeling.

But that didn't stop the panic from creeping in.

Across the room, James sat on the bench near his locker, one leg propped up as he laced his sneakers. His face was blank, unreadable, but Jordan knew him well enough now to catch the tension in his jaw, the way his hands moved just a little too fast.

And then, James did what Jordan should've done.

"That's real brave of you, Shaun," James said flatly, not even looking up. "Talking all that shit when nobody asked."

Shaun's smirk faltered for a second before he scoffed. "Chill, Calloway. You get offended or something?"

James finally met his eyes, and there was something ice-cold in his stare. "No, I just think it's funny how obsessed you are with what other men do in their free time."

A few guys snickered, and Shaun's face darkened.

"Man, fuck off," Shaun muttered, slamming his locker shut before storming out of the room.

As much as he hates it he should've said something. Should've backed James up. But he hadn't.

Terrified of what Shaun's words stirred inside him. Terrified that James had looked so damn sure of himself while Jordan was still drowning in confusion.

The Walls Close In