Bryant was leaning against the wall outside the gym when two of his teammates strolled by, laughing.
"You hear about Mani?" one of them said. "Word is he's taking Brooklyn out tomorrow. Guess those roses weren't the end of it."
The other chuckled. "Damn, dude's moving fast. I'd say Bryant better watch his back."
They didn't notice Bryant listening until he pushed off the wall, his expression darkening.
"What did you just say?"
The teammates froze. "Uh—nothing, man. Just… campus talk."
"Talk about what?" Bryant pressed, his voice sharp.
"About Mani asking Brooklyn to dinner," the first one muttered. "That's all. Chill, bro."
Bryant's jaw tightened as the guys quickly excused themselves. He stood there, fists clenching at his sides, every muscle coiled with frustration.
Dinner. Mani was already closing in, pushing himself into Brooklyn's life more and more. And the worst part? She hadn't said no.
Bryant stormed into the gym, grabbing a basketball and hurling it across the court with a growl. The echo rang through the empty space, but it didn't quiet the storm inside him.
He hated this — feeling powerless, like Mani was always one step ahead. But deep down, the real fear gnawed at him:
What if Brooklyn actually said yes?
And what if, just this once, she didn't come back to him?