The locker room was stifling. Marcus stood near the benches, his jaw tight and his fists clenched at his sides. Brent stood a few feet away,his hands half-raised like he was ready to defend himself,but from what, he wasn’t sure.
"You’re so full of it," Marcus growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Walking around like you’re some knight in shining armor, acting like you care about Betty.But all you do is hurt her. And now, my cousin too?!"
Brent’s jaw tightened, his own frustration boiling over. "And what about you?You broke Betty’s heart long before I ever could."
Marcus’s lip curled. The metal rattled loudly, the sound echoing through the empty space.
Brent recovered quickly, his body moving before his mind could catch up. He swung, his fist catching Marcus’s jaw with a satisfying crack.
Marcus retaliated with a sharp jab to Brent’s ribs, his strength sending a shockwave through Brent’s chest. Brent gritted his teeth and grabbed Marcus by the shirt, yanking him forward as they grappled each trying to overpower the other.
"You don’t get to talk to me about Betty!
"And you don’t get to act like you’re any better!" Brent spat, shoving Marcus away with all his strength. "You used her like a toy and now you’re trying to play the hero?"
Marcus lunged, tackling Brent to the ground. They rolled across the floor.
Finally, Marcus pinned Brent, his forearm pressing against his neck. Both of them were panting, sweat dripping down their faces.
"Why the hell are we doing this?" Brent choked out, glaring up at Marcus.
"Because you’ve hurt her."
Brent sat up slowly, wincing as he wiped blood from his split lip. "And you didn’t?"
Marcus didn’t answer immediately. His knuckles were red and raw, but his anger had burned out leaving only exhaustion in its place.
"I didn’t mean to," Marcus muttered after a moment.
"No one ever does."
T For a moment, they were just two guys who had no idea how to fix the mess they’d made.
Brent broke the silence. "If you ever get a chance with her again... don’t screw it up.Be honest with her. Don’t hurt her like I did."
Marcus didn’t respond right away. He simply nodded, his jaw tight as he stared at the floor.
“Just talk to Megan and fix the mess you did.”