Ezekiel's POV
The corridor buzzed with its typical pre-class energy. Metal lockers crashed shut while rubber soles squeaked against polished floors, creating a symphony of teenage chaos that usually energized me. Today, however, I found myself standing apart from it all.
I pressed my back against the cool metal of my locker, watching from the sidelines as my teammates gathered around Anton like moths to a flame. Kane commanded the center of their attention, basking in the spotlight he craved so desperately.
"Listen up, gentlemen," Kane announced, his voice cutting through the ambient noise with practiced confidence. "When I nail that touchdown pass this Friday with that college scout watching, we're talking about a guaranteed scholarship. Full ride to anywhere I want." His fingers combed through his perfectly styled hair, already rehearsing his victory pose.
One of the guys snorted. "Yeah, if you don't freeze up like you did against Central High."
