Chapter forty-one – The Challenge

The sky had started shifting into that golden shade of late afternoon, the kind that made everything feel a little slower, a little more cinematic. Ryan and Ben walked side by side, still sweaty from practice, their bags slung over their shoulders.

"You think we did okay?" Ben asked, pushing his hair out of his eyes.

Ryan nodded. "Yeah. Coach Daniels seemed impressed. We didn't mess up any drills."

Ben smirked. "Except that one pass you sent into the wall."

Ryan gave him a shove. "That was your fault. You weren't where you were supposed to be."

They both laughed, the easy kind of laugh that only happens when things are finally starting to feel right. But then a voice cut through their peace like a needle scratching a record.

"Well, well, look who thinks they're big shots now."

They both turned. Carter, the guy who'd shoved Ben in the hallway and started the fight at the court, stood by the fence with two other guys. He was still in his uniform from practice, his sneakers dirty like he'd been at the outdoor court for hours.

Ryan's eyes narrowed. "What do you want, Carter?"

Carter stepped forward, tossing a ball between his hands with a smug grin. "Just because Coach put your names on the team list doesn't mean you've earned anything."

Ben tensed next to Ryan, but didn't say a word.

Carter smirked. "Let's settle it the old way. You and your little sidekick,"—he motioned to Ben—"versus me and Cole. Two on two. Right now."

Ryan crossed his arms. "For what?"

"If we win," Carter said, stepping closer, "you both quit the team. Simple."

Ryan scoffed. "And if we win?"

Carter smirked. "Then I do whatever you say. Water boy, shoe cleaner—whatever. You get to humiliate me."

Ben looked at Ryan, unsure. "It's not worth it."

But Ryan's jaw was already set. He looked Carter in the eye. "You're on."

Carter raised an eyebrow. "Hope you've got more game than attitude."

They walked over to the court just a few blocks from the school. Cracked pavement, faded lines, but it was still sacred ground for anyone who wanted to prove something.

The game started quick. Carter and Cole weren't just talk—they moved fast, physical, like they had something to prove. Ryan matched Carter's energy with his own cool, calculated plays. Ben held his ground, sharp and steady, keeping up with Cole better than Carter expected.

It was rough—more streetball than high school practice. But Ryan liked that. No refs. No rules. Just instincts and grit.

After a hard-fought fifteen minutes, the score was tied. Game point.

Ben passed the ball to Ryan, who faked left, spun right, and drove hard to the hoop. Carter tried to block him, but Ryan jumped higher than he thought he could, letting the ball kiss off the backboard and drop through the net.

Game.

Ryan landed, chest heaving, heart pounding. Carter stood frozen, hands on his hips, staring at the hoop like it had betrayed him.

Ben whooped. "That's how it's done!"

Carter didn't say anything for a beat. Then he shook his head, tossed the ball to Ryan, and muttered, "Whatever. Enjoy it while it lasts."

He turned and walked off with Cole, but not before looking back once, eyes burning.

Ryan glanced at Ben. "Think he'll actually follow through?"

Ben laughed. "Nope. But it's still fun to watch him lose."

Ryan smiled, the adrenaline slowly fading. "Let him come for us again. We're not going anywhere."

They walked off the court, heads high—not just because they'd won, but because they finally felt like they belonged.