The basketball court is louder than usual, shoes squeaking, balls thudding, whistles echoing …. but Jason barely hears any of it.
He sits on the bench, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor.
Thorian notices first.
He drops beside him, nudging Jason's shoulder lightly.
"You've been quiet since we left."
Jason lets out a shaky breath.
"I didn't do anything," he says quickly.
"But that's the worst part. She thinks I did."
Thorian nods, calm, steady.
"Yeah. That's rough."
Jason rubs his face with both hands.
"I would never hurt Saph. Ever. But now she won't even look at me."
Thorian leans back, eyes on the court.
"This game puts people in impossible positions. Doesn't mean you're a bad guy."
Jason's voice drops.
"I just don't want to lose her."
For a moment, it's quiet between them …. the kind that understands.
Then Jake whistles softly from across the court.
"Yo," he says, smirk already on his lips.
"New cheerleader just joined practice."
Jason doesn't react.
But Zyren and Ryan turn immediately.
Jake tilts his head, amused.
"She's cute."
The boys all stare at him.
"…Ermmm," Zyren says slowly.
"Kyra?"
Ryan raises an eyebrow.
"Bold."
Jake shrugs.
"It's not like we're dating."
Ryan grins suddenly and walks over, planting a dramatic kiss on Prince's head.
Prince jerks back.
"What the hell?"
Ryan laughs.
"Relax. We're not dating either."
Even Jason lets out a small laugh.
Thorian looks at Jake seriously now.
"Don't."
Jake frowns.
"Don't what?"
"Don't act clueless," Thorian says.
"I've known you since sixth grade. You've liked Kyra since then."
Jake opens his mouth, then closes it.
Thorian continues, voice firm but not harsh.
"So maybe drop the playboy act and focus on her. You know they're actually going through a lot right now."
Jason finally speaks again, quietly.
"We are too."
The words hang heavy.
Before anyone can reply, a sharp whistle cuts through the air.
"All right!" the coach shouts, clapping his hands.
"Enough standing around. Laps. Now."
The boys groan and jog onto the court.
Jason rises last.
As he runs, he glances at his phone in his locker nearby.
No notification.
But for the first time, he feels it clearly.
The Shadow Game isn't just tearing the girls apart.
It's coming for them too.