Chapter 56 – Game Time Vibes

The bus came to a halt, and the doors creaked open. One by one, the boys stepped out, duffel bags slung over their shoulders, the crisp sound of sneakers hitting pavement echoing through the parking lot. Ryan took a deep breath as he looked up at the Oakridge gym—a modern building with banners waving and school colors practically glowing off the walls. This was enemy territory.

Inside, the roar was already starting.

The gym was alive. Oakridge's band played aggressively from the corner bleachers, a sea of blue and gold flooded the stands, and their student section was already chanting like the game had begun. Energy pulsed through the room, hot and heavy like static in the air.

Ben nudged Ryan as they walked in. "They came to play."

Ryan scanned the court. "So did we."

Across the gym, the cheerleading squad from Rosehill had already arrived. Savannah was mid-hug with Anna, both of them in red and white uniforms, bouncing with energy. Their eyes lit up when they saw the boys.

Anna jogged over first, her ponytail swaying behind her. "Hey! You made it."

"We always do," Ryan replied, smirking just a little.

Savannah came up beside Anna, her eyes flicking around the gym. "It's loud," she said. "Like, really loud."

Ben grinned. "Yeah, they don't mess around. But they're not ready for us."

Anna looked between them, her expression serious. "You guys good?"

Ryan and Ben shared a glance, then nodded.

"We're locked in," Ryan said. "What about you two?"

Savannah smiled. "You'll hear us. Trust me."

The girls were swept back to their squad as the announcer tested the mic. Coach Daniels called for the team to gather in the locker room, but before they turned away, Ryan looked back at Anna. She gave him a soft smile, a small thumbs-up.

It was quick—but it grounded him.

The locker room was buzzing. Music played low from someone's speaker. The smell of rubber soles, sweat, and deep focus filled the air. Jerseys were pulled on, arms stretched, headphones pulled off.

Coach Daniels stood in the center, clipboard in hand, eyes sharp.

"This gym?" he said, pacing. "It's loud, it's hostile, and it's perfect. Because this is where we prove who we are. Not just to them, but to ourselves."

He looked at every player in the eye.

"You've trained. You've earned your spot. Now go out there and play our game. With your heads, with your hearts, with your team."

Cheers broke out in the room as hands clapped and fists bumped. The team started to move toward the court, a steady line of focus and fire.

Back on the floor, the atmosphere was electric.

Crowds waved signs. Oakridge's mascot ran across the court. The announcer called starting lineups over a blaring sound system, his voice echoing through the building.

"Let's go, Rosehill!" the cheerleaders shouted, their pom-poms flashing under the gym lights.

Ryan and Ben stood at the edge of the bench, watching the warm-up. The hardwood gleamed under the lights, every sound amplified, every movement sharp.

Ben leaned in. "This is the kind of energy that either crushes you… or fuels you."

Ryan smiled. "Let's make it the second one."

As Oakridge's starting five were announced, the crowd exploded. But when Rosehill's team was called, the cheer squad made sure their boys were heard. Savannah's voice cut through the noise, loud and proud. Anna's arms shot in the air with every name.

Ben looked out at the court, then at the crowd. "This is gonna be one hell of a game."

Ryan nodded, already locking in.

The storm had arrived.

And they were ready to play in it.