The paper in Ryan's hand had been folded and unfolded so many times that the corners had gone soft. He had struggled with himself multiple times before finally deciding to bring it to Coach Daniel.
Ryan knocked on the door to Coach Daniel's office, clutching the letter tight.
It's been five months since he first found Ethan unconscious and found out about his disease. The months since had been a blur of hospital visits, specialist appointments, and bills that just kept coming.
While the school had helped as much as they could, it still wasn't enough. Ethan's kidneys hadn't completely failed, but the monthly dialysis sessions and multiple medications were burning through their savings fast.
Since he didn't have his partner and wasn't in the right state of mind, Ryan had missed all the pre-season friendly matches and tournaments. Instead, he took a part-time job at a supermarket and did online tutoring and assignment services at night.
It brought in extra change, barely enough to make up their savings.
He needed something steady, something bigger, something that paid more.
He got an offer from a nearby country club to coach children for $40 per hour. That was double what he made at the moment. It meant he had to quit the team, lose some of his scholarship benefits, and give up on the upcoming season. But if it meant Ethan could live, it was worth it. Plus, it's not like he could play without his partner.
He took a deep breath before knocking again.
"Come in," Coach Daniel's muffled voice called from inside.
Ryan stepped in, mentally rehearsing how he was going to start.
"It's good that you're here," Coach Daniel said with a smile. "Meet your new partner, Adrian Rowe."
He gestured to the corner of the room. There, a young man was standing, studying the framed photos of past championships that lined the wall.
"Hello, Ryan."
Ryan turned to get a good look at his supposed new partner. Adrian's smile was polite, but odd, like there was another meaning behind it. "Please take care of me," he said, extending his hand.
Ryan didn't take it. Instead, he brushed past him and walked to the desk, sliding the letter across.
"I want to quit the team," he said softly.
The air in the room seemed to still for a second.
Coach Daniel stayed silent for a few moments, taking a good look at Ryan. Compared to before, he had lost weight. A lot of weight. His skin had lost color, his eyes were blank, and there was a stiffness to the way he carried himself.
"Is it because of the money?"
"Yes." Ryan nodded. "Thank you for everything."
"I told you not to worry about it," the coach said, leaning back in his chair. "Don't you trust me?"
"But the hospital—"
"That won't be a problem," Coach Daniel interrupted, his tone gentle but firm. "Adrian is also a national-level potential like you. He just transferred over from his previous school."
Coach Daniel's eyes softened. "If you compete in the next season and win the NCAA championships, both of you would automatically qualify for the national team. You could even get a chance to compete in the Olympics. By then, sponsorships and brand endorsements would come knocking at your door. Your bonus would also increase multiple-fold."
Ryan's throat felt tight. "I—"
"You are really gifted," the couch said. "Besides, the school is increasing the team stipends this year. It's a risk, but it's the best choice you have."
Ryan's fists clenched. The idea of returning to the court without Ethan made his insides hurt. But the earlier Ethan recovered, the earlier he could return.
His eyes reddened. The coach had really thought everything through. They had lost their shot at the NCCA for the current year because of Ethan's accident. If he competed next year and got a good result, even if he didn't win. He would still make more money than working at the country club.
"So, are you in?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good." Coach Daniel reached for the letter, tore it cleanly in half, and dropped the pieces into the bin. "You won't be needing this anymore. Take Adrian to your dorm and help him get settled. Practice starts on Monday."
Ryan hesitated for a second but nodded. He walked out of the office with Adrian following closely behind.
"Hi again," Adrian said, a teasing ring in his voice. He stepped forward and turned around to face Ryan as they walked. "I've watched some of your past games. You're not bad. I was actually hoping to compete against you someday, but being your partner isn't bad either."
Ryan didn't speak. His expression stayed blank.
Adrian smirked and moved closer, casually draping an arm over Ryan's shoulder. "Aren't you going to say anything?"
Ryan shrugged off his arm instantly. "Don't touch me." His voice was quiet but stern. He quickened his pace down the hallway, leaving Adrian staring after him.
Adrian chuckled under his breath, a faint spark of mischief flickering in his eyes. He didn't mind that Ryan wasn't warming up to him. If anything, it made things more interesting. There was more than enough time for that.
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Back in the room, Ryan stood by the door for a long moment before stepping inside.
He looked around the space that had been his and Ethan's. It wasn't anymore. Now there was someone else coming, reminding him it never was.
It belonged to the school and always would. They were just guests staying on borrowed time.
Ryan exhaled slowly and walked to the closet, carefully removing Ethan's clothes and packing them into a large box.
Not long after, the door opened behind him, and Adrian's voice broke the silence.
"I finally found you," he said, sounding half-amused, half-out of breath.
Ryan didn't look up.
"I got lost," Adrian added, walking over to the study table. "This campus is like a maze."
Ryan ignored him, continuing to fold Ethan's clothes.
Adrian's gaze drifted across the table, taking in the medals, stacked books, and open notebook. He reached for a photo frame on the table.
"Is this you?" he asked.
Ryan finally looked up and froze. Ryan froze. The photo showed him and Ethan grinning, medals around their necks, dust on their cheeks, and their hair messy from the wind. It was taken the day they won their first junior tournament. Seeing it reminded Ryan of a simpler time.
"Put it back," Ryan said, standing up.
Adrian pointed to one of the boys in the picture. "Or is this you?"
Ryan reached out to take it, but Adrian lifted the frame high, teasingly. "You were cute."
"Give it back," Ryan said, reaching for it.
Adrian switched it to his other hand.
Ryan stepped closer, reaching for it, just as his fingers brushed it, Adrian stood on his tiptoes, holding it higher.
"Don't you know it's impolite to take other people's things?"
Adrian smirked, waving the frame in the air.
Frustrated, Ryan stood on his tiptoes too, leaned in to grab it, and tripped on the pile of hangers on the floor. His balance tilted forward. For a split second, his lips brushed against Adrian's neck.
The contact was brief, barely a second. He immediately pulled back. But before he could regain his footing, his heel slipped against the hangers, and both of them went tumbling down onto the bed.