The next morning, the sun spilled through King's window, streaking golden light across the wooden floor. The Royal Court boys and girls had agreed to take a break day together—no drills, no coach yelling, no sweating through endless suicides. Just them.
Mia was already at King's house helping his mom set the breakfast table. The smell of pancakes and eggs filled the air, and King—still half asleep—wandered down in a hoodie.
"Morning, champ," Mia teased, setting a plate down in front of him.
King smiled sleepily, running a hand through his messy hair. "Morning… You didn't have to help Mom, you know."
"I wanted to," she said softly, her eyes holding his for a beat too long. He felt his chest tighten in that way it always did when she looked at him like that.
Soon, the rest of the squad trickled in. Treasure was the loudest, already laughing at his own joke before sitting down. Jasmine and Ebun came together, but the tension between them was clear. Ebun smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes whenever Jasmine spoke. Cadel noticed, but pretended not to, his stomach twisting.
AJ arrived last, headphones on, quiet as usual. But his eyes scanned the room once, and they lingered on the empty spot at the table—Kiisi wasn't there. He let out a quiet sigh before sitting beside Treasure.
After breakfast, the group decided to chill in King's backyard. They lounged around, some on hammocks, others on the grass. Treasure tossed a basketball lazily into the air while Jasmine and Mia scrolled through their phones.
"Feels weird not having practice," Jasmine said, stretching.
"We deserve this," King replied, lying back with his hands behind his head. "Can't just be warriors every day—we gotta recharge, too."
Treasure chuckled. "You sound like some old anime sensei, bro."
Everyone laughed, and for a moment, it really did feel like they were just normal high school kids.
But AJ's phone buzzed, and when he glanced at the screen, his heart skipped. It was a text from Kiisi.
Kiisi:Hey. I know you're with your team, but… can we talk later?
He stared at the message, his pulse quickening. He typed, deleted, and typed again before finally sending:
AJ:Yeah. Anytime.
Treasure leaned over nosily. "Oooo, AJ smiling at his phone? Who's the lucky girl?"
AJ instantly turned red and shoved Treasure's shoulder. "Mind your business."
"Man's blushing!" Treasure roared with laughter, making the others look up.
Jasmine raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh? AJ hiding something from us?"
"Shut up," AJ muttered, but the small grin stayed on his lips.
Later that afternoon, AJ slipped away, claiming he needed some "fresh air." He walked to a quiet park not far from King's house, his hands buried in his hoodie pocket. Kiisi was already there, sitting on a swing, her hair swaying in the light breeze.
When she saw him, her face brightened. "You came."
"Of course," AJ said softly, taking the swing beside her. For a while, they didn't say anything, just let the creaking of the chains fill the silence.
Finally, Kiisi spoke. "I… I watched your match. You were amazing out there. Strong, but calm. You… stood out."
AJ rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. "I just did my part. You were incredible too. The way you play—it's like you're dancing."
She laughed quietly, and the sound made AJ's chest feel light. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the rest of the world blurred away.
Kiisi leaned in slightly, her voice softer now. "I'm glad we're… friends."
"Me too," AJ said, but deep down, he knew what he felt was more than friendship.
Back at King's house, Ebun sat quietly in the corner while the others played cards. Her mind was elsewhere. She kept watching Cadel and Jasmine laugh together. Every time Jasmine leaned toward him, Ebun's jaw clenched tighter. She didn't say anything, but inside, the storm was brewing.
King, sensing the tension, leaned closer to Mia. "You think Ebun's okay?"
Mia whispered back, "Not really. But maybe… she just needs time."
King nodded slowly, though he wasn't sure if time alone would fix it.
For now, though, the team stayed together, enjoying one of the rare peaceful nights they would have before the storm of matches continued.