Chapter 3: The Game Day Dilemma

Friday arrived faster than Mia expected, and the school buzzed with excitement. Everywhere she went, people were talking about the big game against **Westfield High**. Posters were plastered all over the walls, students wore the school colors, and the basketball team was treated like royalty. For most students, this was the highlight of the year.

But for Mia, it was just another day.

She tried to immerse herself in her usual routine—classes, homework, and quiet lunches in the library. But even there, the whispers of the game found her. It seemed that no matter where she went, people were either hyping up the game or talking about **Aiden Cruz**. The weight of the day settled on her, and she felt like she was carrying something that wasn't even hers to bear.

At lunch, **Lily**, Mia's closest friend since her transfer, slid into the seat across from her with an excited grin. "So, are you coming to the game tonight? You have to! Everyone's going, and besides, it's your brother's debut on the team!"

Mia sighed, pushing her salad around with her fork. "I don't know. I've never really been into basketball."

Lily gave her a dramatic eye-roll. "Mia, it's not just about basketball. It's the atmosphere! The energy, the excitement! And your brother being part of the team now? You can't miss that!"

"I guess…"

Lily leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. "Plus, there's the added bonus of watching Aiden Cruz up close. I know you've noticed him. Every girl has."

Mia felt her cheeks flush at the mention of Aiden. She wasn't blind—she'd noticed him, alright. How could she not? But she wasn't about to admit that to Lily.

"I'm just not that interested in him, okay? He's just… another player."

Lily smirked. "Sure, just another player who's the most talked-about guy in school."

Mia was about to protest, but the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. She gathered her things quickly, eager to escape the conversation.

---

By the time school ended, Mia still hadn't made up her mind about going to the game. Part of her wanted to go and support Kyle—he'd been so excited about his first game with the varsity team, and she didn't want to let him down. But the other part of her wanted to avoid the chaos, the loud crowds, and the spotlight that seemed to follow anyone associated with the basketball team.

As she walked home, her phone buzzed with a text from Kyle:

_"You're coming tonight, right? Don't flake on me, Mia. It's important."_

She frowned at the message, feeling the pressure from her brother. Mia had always been the one to support him, even when it wasn't easy. And though she had no interest in sports, she knew Kyle counted on her.

Her phone buzzed again, this time a message from Lily:

_"I saved you a seat! See you at 7!"_

Mia groaned. It seemed like her decision was being made for her. With a resigned sigh, she headed home to change. If she was going to endure the game, she might as well make the best of it.

---

By the time she arrived at the gym, it was packed. The bleachers were filled with students and families, the buzz of excitement so thick you could feel it in the air. Mia's heart pounded as she navigated her way through the crowd, spotting Lily waving her over from the front row.

"You made it!" Lily exclaimed, pulling her into the seat next to her. "You're going to love this. The energy here is insane!"

Mia wasn't sure about loving it, but she had to admit, the atmosphere was intense. The gym was alive with school spirit—cheers, chants, and the sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished floor as the players warmed up.

Kyle was easy to spot. His lanky frame darted across the court, passing the ball and weaving between players. Mia couldn't help but smile, seeing him so focused and determined.

And then there was Aiden.

He stood out effortlessly, his presence commanding attention. Even as he casually dribbled the ball, there was something about the way he moved that drew the eye. He didn't need to show off; his confidence and skill spoke for themselves.

"Look at him," Lily whispered in awe. "He's incredible. I bet Westfield's shaking already."

Mia glanced at Aiden, who was now practicing free throws. He was good, no doubt about that. But she still couldn't understand why he seemed so distant, so unreachable. Was he really the person everyone made him out to be? Or was there something more beneath the surface?

The whistle blew, and the game began. The first quarter was fast-paced, both teams going back and forth, neither giving an inch. Mia found herself unexpectedly drawn into the action. She could see why people loved the game—it was thrilling, the way the ball moved so quickly, the way the players seemed to be in sync with one another.

Kyle was doing well, though he mostly played defense, keeping the opposing team's players at bay. Aiden, on the other hand, was relentless. He scored multiple points in quick succession, weaving through defenders like they weren't even there.

By halftime, Evergreen was leading, but only by a few points. The tension in the gym was palpable. The game could still go either way.

As the players left the court for a break, Mia stood up to stretch her legs. She felt a little better about being here now. It wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. Maybe she could survive the second half after all.

Suddenly, there was a commotion by the locker room entrance. A group of students rushed over, and Mia caught a glimpse of someone stumbling out, clutching their arm.

It was Aiden.

Mia's heart skipped a beat as she realized something was wrong. Aiden was wincing, his hand wrapped tightly around his right arm. The coaches and a few teammates were surrounding him, their faces filled with concern.

Lily grabbed Mia's arm. "What's going on? Did Aiden get hurt?"

Mia felt her chest tighten. She didn't know why she cared, but seeing Aiden in pain stirred something in her. The game, the rivalry, none of it mattered now. All she could focus on was the worry that flashed across his face before he disappeared into the locker room.

As whispers of injury spread through the crowd, Mia found herself anxiously waiting for the second half to begin. For reasons she couldn't quite understand, Aiden Cruz's fate on the court suddenly seemed to matter more than she had ever expected.