The sky was already fading into soft oranges and purples by the time Ethan reached his street. The breeze felt cooler here, carrying the familiar scent of home—quiet, warm, steady.
Ben split off a few blocks back, still whining about homework and begging the universe for mercy. Ethan had listened with a chuckle, then waved him off before turning down his own road.
He walked up the small paved path, opened the front door, and was immediately greeted by the gentle sound of clattering from the kitchen.
"Ethan? Is that you?" his mother called.
"Yeah," he replied, slipping off his shoes.
"Welcome back! Dinner will be ready soon."
Ethan set his bag down and stretched his shoulders. "Okay, Mom."
He moved toward the kitchen where Mrs. Cross was chopping vegetables with practiced, rhythmic movements. She glanced over her shoulder and smiled brightly.
"So? First day of high school?"
"It was good," Ethan said simply.
Her smile grew. "That's all you're giving me?"
"It was… normal," Ethan clarified. "Quiet. Teachers seem nice."
"And friends?"
"Ben's still loud."
She laughed. "That's not new."
He leaned against the counter, watching her. Something about the kitchen always felt grounding—the soft light, the familiar smell of spices, the sound of the stove. Home always brought a sense of peace he didn't realize he needed until he stepped inside.
"Where's Dad?" Ethan asked.
"Still at work," she said. "And Lucas is upstairs."
Ethan nodded. "I'll go change."
"Okay. Call your brother down for dinner when you're done."
He went upstairs to his room, switched out of his uniform, and let himself relax on the bed for a minute. The day had been long, but not exhausting—just filled with the unfamiliar. He turned on his phone and scrolled through messages, mostly memes from Ben.
After a few minutes, he stood, left his room, and knocked lightly on Lucas's door.
"Yeah, come in," came his brother's voice.
Ethan opened the door.
Lucas sat at his desk, notebook open, headphones on one ear. When he saw Ethan, he pushed them back and leaned back in his chair.
"There you are," Lucas said. "How was day one?"
Ethan entered the room and sat on the edge of the bed. "It was fine."
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Fine?"
"Yeah."
"That's not saying much."
Ethan shrugged lightly. "Classes were okay. Teachers seem good. Met some classmates."
"Anyone interesting?"
"Just… normal people. Friendly, I guess."
Lucas smirked. "Make any new friends?"
"I talked to a few," Ethan said. "Not close or anything."
"Give it time," Lucas replied. "High school's a slow start."
Ethan nodded. He wasn't bothered by the pace. He liked things unfolding naturally.
Lucas leaned forward slightly, studying him. "How're you feeling about everything? New place, new people?"
"It'll be fine," Ethan said calmly. "Just need some time."
Lucas smiled and ruffled his hair, making Ethan roll his eyes. "You'll fit right in. You always do."
Ethan didn't argue. Lucas always said things with a kind of confidence that made doubting him feel pointless.
After a moment of quiet, Lucas tapped his pen against the desk. "Did you check out the club posters?"
Ethan looked at him. "Yeah."
"And?"
"I'm thinking about joining next week."
Lucas nodded slowly. "Good timing."
"You think so?"
"Yeah," Lucas said. "If you walk in on the first day, it'll be a bit much. People notice the newcomers more during the first week."
Ethan understood what he meant.
Not because Lucas wanted him to hide,
but because Lucas understood how attention worked in a team environment.
"Plus," Lucas added, "Coach Hale will be calmer next week. Today he was probably too busy with club paperwork."
Ethan considered it, then nodded. "Makes sense."
Lucas leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. "Ethan… when you join, just be yourself, okay?"
Ethan blinked. "What do you mean?"
"No showing off. No going all-out. Just play your game."
"I know."
Lucas exhaled softly. "The upperclassmen don't know you well yet. I've talked about you, but they haven't seen you play recently. Let things settle first."
Ethan appreciated the reminder. "I was planning to ease in anyway."
"Good."
Lucas smiled a little. "And don't stress about proving anything. You're going to stand out no matter what you do."
Ethan looked at him, lips pulling into a modest curve. "You make it sound like a prophecy."
"It is," Lucas said lightly. "I predict you're gonna make a lot of noise this year."
Ethan chuckled. "Great."
Lucas leaned back in his chair. "Just… take your time. You don't need to rush."
Ethan nodded again. Lucas's confidence always grounded him. Despite being the older brother and a former school ace himself, Lucas never pressured Ethan to live up to his name. If anything, he tried to guide Ethan away from unnecessary expectations.
"You ready for dinner?" Ethan asked, standing.
"In a minute," Lucas said. "Go help Mom set the table."
Ethan headed downstairs. The dining table was already halfway set, and he helped place plates and cups. A few minutes later, Lucas joined them. They ate together—just the three of them, with their father arriving late after a long shift.
When Mr. Cross finally walked in, tired but smiling, Ethan stood automatically.
"Welcome back, Dad."
"Ethan," his father said warmly, patting his shoulder. "How was the first day?"
"Good," Ethan replied. "Nothing crazy."
"That's good," his father said, settling into his seat. "High school's a long journey. No need to sprint through it."
Lucas snickered. "You hear that, Ethan? No sprinting. Don't go showing off your moves in the hallways."
Ethan shook his head. "Why would I?"
"That's what I'm trying to figure out," Lucas joked.
Their mother smiled knowingly. "He means don't rush into anything. Let things come naturally."
Ethan nodded. "I was planning to."
"Like basketball?" Lucas added casually.
Mr. Cross perked up. "You're joining the club?"
"Probably next week," Ethan answered.
His father smiled, proud but not surprised. "Good. You've always had the passion for it."
"Just don't overwork yourself," Mrs. Cross added. "Your brother did that too much in his second year."
Lucas groaned. "Mom…"
"It's true," she insisted.
Ethan hid a small smile behind his drink.
Dinner continued with casual conversation—school updates, small jokes, and Lucas telling a story about his third-year teammates struggling to carry equipment that morning. It felt warm, familiar, one of the reasons Ethan loved coming home.
When dinner ended, Ethan went to his room. He lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling for a moment.
High school had barely started, but something felt good about it.
Not exciting, not overwhelming—
just right.
He turned onto his side and closed his eyes.
Tomorrow would come soon.
And next week…
he'd step onto Ravenwood's court for the first time.
Not as Lucas Cross's brother.
But as Ethan.
Quiet.
Calm.
Ready.