With that, the first half came to a close.
Julian walked toward the Lincoln High bench.
Eyes followed him.
From Riverside's players.
From the crowd.
They looked at him like he was a problem that needed solving.
A threat.
A rising celebrity.
A magician with the ball.
He dropped onto the bench, the winter air still hot in his lungs.
Leo slid in beside him, grinning ear to ear.
"Dude—you gotta feed the crowd. Give them a celebration next time."
Julian raised a brow.
Leo slapped his shoulder. "That wasn't just a goal. That was magic."
Before Julian could answer, Cael came barreling over, arms wide.
"I LOVE YOU, JULIANN!" he roared, leaning in like he was going to plant a kiss.
Julian shoved his face away with one hand, muttering under his breath, but they kept moving toward the huddle.
Coach Owens and Laura were waiting—towels in one hand, water bottles in the other.
"Alright," Coach began, his voice calm but edged with steel. "Good first half.
