Chapter 10: Game Day
Saturday – 5:42 p.m.
The gym was packed. Banners waved. Sneakers squeaked. The energy buzzed like static.
Aiden stood just beyond the court, tossing a basketball in slow rhythm. He was focused—but his mind kept drifting to the rooftop, to Aria, to the weight of eyes on him.
This wasn't just any game.
This was the tournament that could get him noticed.
---
In the Stands – Loud Friends, Louder Support
Lana was first to scream, waving a huge paper sign that read: "AIDEN = MVP (Sometimes)"
Ethan had his portable speaker playing dramatic "epic victory music."
Noah sat beside them with Aria, sipping soda calmly, though his leg bounced with nervous energy.
"You think he's nervous?" Aria asked.
Noah smirked. "I think he's more nervous about whether you're watching."
She went quiet.
Then… smiled a little.
---
First Quarter – Pressure and Plays
The whistle blew.
Aiden sprang into motion. Fast passes. Tight defense. He landed the first three-pointer of the game and the crowd erupted.
His eyes flicked to the stands.
They were all on their feet.
Especially her.
Aria wasn't cheering loudly—but her eyes never left him.
---
Halftime – 32 to 29
Aiden sat on the bench, towel over his shoulders. Coach shouted stats. The team was hyped—but Aiden was in his head.
Noah slipped behind the bench.
"Breathe," he said.
Aiden blinked. "Shouldn't you be yelling from the stands?"
"Someone had to give you the logical pep talk."
"You're such a nerd," Aiden said, laughing.
"And you're a wreck without us."
Aiden looked up at the crowd. Lana threw him a thumbs-up. Ethan flashed the flashlight from his phone like a personal spotlight.
And Aria—
She mouthed something.
"You got this."
---
Final Quarter – All or Nothing
The score was tied: 64-64
Ten seconds left. Aiden had the ball. The entire gym held its breath.
He dribbled. Faked left. Pivoted. Jumped—
Swish.
The buzzer blared.
The crowd erupted.
He'd done it.
---
Post-Game – More Than Just A Win
Everyone swarmed the court. Teammates, classmates, even teachers.
Aiden spotted them in the chaos. His people. His group.
He ran to them—arms wide.
Lana tackled him in a hug. "MVP, baby!"
Noah laughed. "Don't let it go to your head."
Ethan gave him a bro-hug. "You're buying dinner tonight."
But it was Aria's look that stopped him.
Soft. Proud. And something more.
He stepped closer.
Neither spoke.
Finally, she said, "You didn't choke."
"Because you were watching."
She blushed. "You're such a dork."
"Your dork?"
She didn't answer—but she didn't look away either.