I've always been the king of this school. Three championships, a perfect record, and everyone knew my name. Westlake High belonged to me—until the transfer student showed up.

Now everything's falling apart. The gym smells like sweat and floor polish as I watch from the bench, my fingers tightening around the cold metal. Matthew's leaning against the wall, laughing way too hard at something the new kid said. My kid. My best friend, now practically worshiping at their feet like everyone else.

The fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting harsh shadows across the court where they're shooting hoops—my court. With each perfect swish of the ball through the net, something twists in my chest. Not just anger. Something hotter, more confusing.

I adjust my basketball shorts, feeling the familiar tightness that's been happening more frequently lately when they're around. My jaw clenches as Matthew gives them a playful punch on the arm, their shoulders touching. That should be me.

I stand up abruptly, the bench screeching against the gym floor. Their head turns toward the noise, those eyes meeting mine across the distance. My breath catches. I need to get out of here before I do something I'll regret.