The morning sun spilled across the Vorpal campus like honey—warm, bright, and annoyingly cheerful for a team of half-sore, half-starving basketball players.
Ethan Albarado stretched his arms above his head as the group exited the gym.
"Alright, guys. Coach said rest day. That means—"
"FREEDOM!"
Louie Davas screamed before Ethan could finish, already sprinting ahead like a golden retriever let off leash.
Lucas sighed, tugging at his hoodie. "You're gonna trip before we even leave the building."
"Not my fault the world can't handle this much energy!" Louie struck a pose mid-walk, nearly colliding with a trash can. Brandon silently caught the falling lid before it hit the floor, like the team's quiet guardian angel.
Ryan Taylor laughed, tossing an arm around Brandon's shoulder.
"See that? That's my man right there catching trash for the trashiest among us."
