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

Practice was brutal. Coach wasn't messing around, pushing them through endless drills until everyone was dripping with sweat and barely standing. Jordan thrived in that kind of environment—hard work, exhaustion, the mind-numbing repetition that left no room for distractions.

But today? Today, it wasn't working.

Because James Calloway was in his fucking head.

It was bad enough that he'd caught himself staring during practice—at the way James moved, at the focus in his eyes, at the effortless way he commanded attention on the court. To top it all off?

And every single time, that same stupid smirk appeared.

Jordan couldn't stand that smirk.

So when the team decided to grab food and drinks after practice at one of the local bars, he told himself it was a chance to reset. A distraction.

Because the second he walked in, he saw her.

Jordan didn't know much about Vanessa aside from what little gossip he'd heard—rich, gorgeous, social media influencer, the type of girl who looked like she belonged on magazine covers. She and James had been together for a while before breaking up under mysterious circumstances.

Except right now, as she leaned into James at their table, laughing at whatever silly thing he was saying, Jordan did care.

"Damn," one of the guys muttered, nudging him. "Guess Calloway still has that on lock."

Jordan scoffed, forcing a smirk. "Looks like it."

He told himself he didn't care. That he wasn't watching. That he wasn't dissecting every little movement—how Vanessa touched James' arm when she laughed, how James didn't pull away, how her fingers trailed up his forearm like she had every right to be there.

And of course, James was smirking.

Jordan forcing himself to shrug. "Didn't realize this was a date night."

James raised an eyebrow, then—because he was an ass—draped an arm lazily over the back of Vanessa's chair. "Jealous?"

Jordan barked out a laugh. "Of this?" He gestured between them with his drink. "Please."

Vanessa raised an eyebrow at him, lips curving into something that wasn't quite a smile. "That's funny. I don't remember you being part of this conversation."

Jordan turned to her, smirking. "I wasn't. Just couldn't help noticing how desperate you looked trying to get Calloway's attention."

Vanessa's eyes narrowed, but before she could speak, James chuckled—low, amused, and just a little bit dangerous.

"Well, someone's in a mood," James murmured, eyes locked on Jordan.

Jordan's whole body was hot with unexplainable rage

Without another word, he stood, shoving back his chair. "I'm out."

He didn't wait for a response. Didn't look back to see if James was watching.

Something Ugly