Chapter Twenty-One – Something Like Routine

The second week of school wasn't easier—but it was starting to feel familiar. Ryan walked down the hall, hands stuffed in his pockets, earbuds in even though no music was playing. It was just enough to keep people from trying to talk to him.

Ben caught up to him by the lockers. "Hey. You vanished after Lit class yesterday."

"Yeah," Ryan said, shrugging. "Didn't feel like sticking around."

Ben didn't press him on it. That's what Ryan liked about him—he didn't push.

"Coach asked if I played any sports," Ben said casually. "Told him I mostly watch. But I might try out for basketball this year, just to be around the chaos."

Ryan arched a brow. "You play?"

Ben laughed. "Not well. But I know the rules. Plus, with you around, maybe I won't look so bad."

Ryan smirked slightly. "Flattery doesn't make you better at layups."

Ben held a hand to his chest. "Wounded. Deeply."

They kept walking, weaving through a crowd of underclassmen. Up ahead, Ryan spotted Anna and Savannah. Savannah caught his eye and gave a small smile. Anna didn't look at him, but he noticed the way she glanced his way when she thought he wasn't looking.

Ben elbowed him. "You always attract mystery girls, or is this just a local specialty?"

Ryan ignored the comment, but the tips of his ears went red.

In their last class of the day, Ryan actually paid attention—not to the teacher, but to the way everyone seemed to already belong. He wasn't sure where he fit yet, but with Ben around, the edges weren't as sharp anymore.

After the bell rang, Ben caught him at the doors.

"Hey, wanna hit the court later? Just us, maybe shoot around, trash talk, bond like real bros do?"

Ryan considered it, then nodded. "Sure. I'll meet you there after I check in with my mom."

"Cool," Ben said. "Bring that moody silence with you. It'll scare off the freshmen."

Ryan gave a rare, amused snort. "See you then."