Winning came with a price.
And tonight?
The price was chaos.
The party was already loud when we got there.
Music shaking the walls.
Lights low.
People everywhere.
Typical high school celebration after a big game.
I didn’t even want to come.
But my best friend dragged me anyway.
“You’re not hiding anymore,” she said. “Not after everything.”
So here I was.
In a crowded house.
Surrounded by people who knew my name now—for all the wrong reasons.
“Relax,” she nudged me. “You look like you’re about to fight someone.”
“I might,” I muttered.
She laughed. “Good. Growth.”
Across the room—
Marcelo.
Of course.
Still the center of attention.
Teammates around him. People congratulating him. Girls hovering a little too close.
And right next to him?
Vanessa.
Clinging.
Smiling.
Li
