Chapter thirty-five– Tryouts

The gym buzzed with energy, the sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished floor and basketballs thudding as they bounced filled the space. It was Monday afternoon, and the bleachers were fuller than expected. Some students came just to watch. Others, like Anna and Savannah, leaned on the railing, chatting and occasionally glancing at the court.

Ryan walked in beside Ben, both of them wearing simple tees and shorts. Ryan's heart beat a little faster, not from nerves—at least that's what he told himself—but from the weight of expectation. He had something to prove. Not just to the others, but to himself.

"You ready?" Ben asked, adjusting his shoelaces, his voice light but his fingers shaking slightly.

"Yeah," Ryan said. "You?"

Ben let out a breathy laugh. "Nope. But let's do it anyway."

Coach Daniels stood at center court. He was in his late 40s, tall with salt-and-pepper hair, wearing a whistle around his neck and a calm, focused expression. There was something grounded about him—like he'd seen a lot and didn't rattle easily.

"Alright, listen up!" Coach Daniels clapped his hands, commanding instant silence. "This team isn't about who scores the most points. It's about heart, discipline, and lifting each other up. I don't care how good you are—if you don't have your teammate's back, you're not wearing our jersey. Understood?"

A few heads nodded. Ryan liked that.

"Warm-ups, then drills. Show me what you've got."

As they broke into running lines, Ryan glanced toward the bleachers. Anna gave him a quick, almost secretive smile. Savannah waved with a bright grin. Ryan looked away fast, but something about their support made his chest tighten in a good way.

The first few drills went smooth. Ryan moved like he belonged there. He was fast, precise, and focused. Ben was less polished, but he gave it his all—diving for loose balls, communicating, hustling harder than anyone else on the court.

When it came time for scrimmage games, Coach Daniels split them into teams.

Ryan and Ben ended up on opposite sides.

"You better not go easy on me," Ben joked as they bumped fists.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Ryan smirked.

The game started and turned intense fast. Ryan drove to the basket, cut through defenders, passed with perfect timing. Ben surprised everyone with his defense—quick feet, sharp eyes, and no fear when guarding taller players.

Coach Daniels watched it all, arms crossed, lips twitching with a hint of approval.

At one point, Ryan caught a pass and dunked the ball with a force that silenced the gym for a moment. He landed, glanced up, and saw Anna wide-eyed, clearly impressed. Savannah clapped enthusiastically.

Ben's team rallied back, and he nailed a corner three that had even some of the other players nodding in respect.

By the end of the scrimmage, they were sweaty, breathless, and proud.

Coach Daniels blew the whistle. "Alright, hit the lockers. I'll post the results tomorrow."

Groans and sighs echoed around the gym.

"But," the coach added, pointing at Ryan and Ben, "you two—stay a second."

They exchanged a look and jogged over.

"You've got skill," he told Ryan. "And you've got heart," he told Ben. "I like both. Keep showing me this, and you'll go far. On and off the court."

Ben blinked, then nodded. Ryan muttered a quiet, "Thanks."

As they walked out, Savannah ran over, handing them water bottles. "You guys killed it!"

Anna followed behind, looking at Ryan. "You didn't tell me you could play like that."

Ryan shrugged. "Didn't think it mattered."

"Well… it does," she said softly.

Ben grinned between them. "Guess we're not invisible anymore, huh?"

Ryan smiled faintly. "Guess not."