After the chaos of the game, the four of themâJaxon, Lena, Ethan, and Madisonâneeded a break. A real one. No drama, no tension, just food and the satisfaction of knowing they had pulled off something incredible.
So they found themselves at their usual diner, sliding into a booth still buzzing with energy from the night's win.
Ethan leaned back in his seat, stretching his arms over the top of the booth, his fingers briefly brushing against Madison's shoulder. She glanced at him, raising an eyebrow, but didn't move away. "Man, I think I might still be running on pure adrenaline. That was insane."
Madison smirked as she picked up a menu, but her focus lingered a little too long on Ethan as if just now she is seeing him in a different light. "You're telling me. I thought Ryan was going to spontaneously combust by halftime."
Jaxon, lounging beside Lena, snorted. "I think he actually tried." He turned to Lena with a smug look. "You see how many times I had to save Ethan's ass out there?"
Ethan scoffed, grabbing a sugar packet and tossing it at him. "Oh, please. If anything, I was keeping you from doing something stupid. Like, I don't know, launching a full-court shot to show off."
Lena arched a brow at Jaxon. "Would you have done that?"
Jaxon took a dramatic sip of his water. "I plead the fifth."
Madison rolled her eyes. "God, your ego is unbearable."
"And yet, here you are," Jaxon shot back with a grin. "Sitting across from me, enjoying the presence of my greatness."
Madison opened her mouth, undoubtedly ready with a comeback, but the waitress arrived, sparing them all from another round of Jaxon's self-praise.
After they placed their ordersâburgers, fries, and milkshakes because they had earned itâEthan leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, but as he did, his knee accidentally bumped into Madison's. He muttered a quick 'sorry,' but Madison just smirked, her eyes flicking to his in amusement. "So, real talk. You think the scouts were impressed?"
Jaxon hesitated, running a hand through his hair. "I mean... I hope so. It was a damn good game. But who knows what they're looking for?"
Lena nudged him lightly. "They were watching you. A lot. And not just because you hit the game-winner. You controlled the game. You led the team. That matters."
Jaxon looked at her, something soft flashing in his eyes before he smirked. "You just like hyping me up."
Lena smirked back. "Consider it my way of making sure your confidence survives the constant roasting."
Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Okay, but seriously, that was probably one of the best games I've ever been a part of. And the fact that we completely wrecked Ryan on top of it? Even better."
Madison grinned. "I told you my guy would come through. Miles had the time of his life out there."
Jaxon chuckled. "Yeah, I gotta admit, he played his part perfectly. I almost feel bad for Ryan."
Ethan raised a brow. "Almost?"
Jaxon took a bite of his burger. "Nah."
Lena laughed, shaking her head. She let herself relax into the moment, enjoying the warmth of being surrounded by people who cared about her. People who had her back. It felt... good. It felt right.
As the night went on, they fell into easy conversation, teasing, joking, and reliving the best parts of the game. For the first time in a long time, there were no problems to solve, no tension hanging in the air. Just them, their victory, and a whole lot of food.
And honestly? That was exactly what they needed.