Cameron and Elijah sat together, watching the basketball court below with calm expressions. Their classmates around them weren’t nearly as composed.
“Oh my god, Xander looks so hot,” one whispered to their friend.
“Xander’s definitely the hottest guy on the court.”
“But the guys on the other team are so tall and muscular. That tallest one must be at least six–foot–three.”
“Who cares about height? Xander is six–foot–two himself. Basketball isn’t just about how tall you are.”
“Exactly, we’re going to win for sure.”
“We’re going to crush them. No doubt.”
The students were fired up, their energy contagious.
Cameron sat with her arms crossed, her gaze drifting lazily to the court.
Xander stood with his teammates in their white–striped uniforms, stretching for warm–ups. His strong, handsome face stood out from the crowd.
It wasn’t just the Langford Academy girls screaming for him. Even girls from Horizon Academy kept stealing glances his way, whispering, “Wow, that guy is hot.”
But when school pride was on the line, even the hottest guys became background noise. The Horizon girls quickly turned their attention back to their own team, chanting their support.
Cameron gave Horizon Academy’s players a bored once–over. They were tall and muscular–built like tanks–but none had Xander’s looks. Their basketball skills, though, remained to be seen.
On the court, Xander was loosening up his muscles.
“Xan, let’s crush them today,” Tyrell said confidently.
Last year’s game had been too close for comfort. Langford had won by just one point. That was why Xander had been pushing Cameron to join the basketball team.
“Count on it.” Xander nodded. He looked up, scanning the Langford section until he spotted Cameron. With a cocky grin, he flashed her a victory sign.
Finally, he spotted her and shot her a victory sign.
“Look! Xander noticed us.”
“We’re definitely winning with him in the team.”
“Go Xander!”
Cameron rolled her eyes.
Cameron rolled her eyes. She knew that arrogant gesture was meant for her. She gave him the barest hint of a smile in return. ‘So childish,‘ she thought.
Elijah leaned slightly toward Cameron. She immediately scooted away, her mild germophobia kicking in automatically.
Elijah cleared his throat awkwardly. “Think we’ll win?” he asked quietly.
“I guess.” Cameron nodded.
Elijah raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you think they look pretty tough?”
Elijah’s gaze settled on the tallest guy at Horizon Academy. The dude radiated confidence, with an intimidating presence and eyes that seemed to challenge everyone around him.
The Horizon students kept chanting “Cyrus!” over and over. Plus, the guy was actually good–looking too.
Elijah had a gut feeling this one would be tough to deal with.
“Don’t you think we’re pretty strong too?” Cameron smiled beside him.
To be fair, even though Xander could be a total pain sometimes, he was actually damn good at basketball.
Elijah said nothing for a moment, then just gave a slight nod: Of course he wanted Langford Academy to win, but their opponents weren’t to be underestimated. Successfully unlocked!
Both principals took the stage to give their speeches, Clay this was endly match where friendship came first, competition second. But the moment they stepped off, students from both schools started screaming that their school would crush the other.
The principals exchanged awkward but polite smiles.
