The tension in the gym was palpable from the moment The Unseen arrived for their joint practice. As the cheer squad began setting up mats and equipment, it was clear the two groups weren’t going to coexist peacefully.
"We’re not done yet," Brent said, his voice rising as he stepped closer.
"You’ve had the gym all morning!" Sasha’s voice cut through the buzz of bouncing basketballs.
"We’ve got a championship to win!" his authority as captain practically radiating off him.
. "Is yelling part of your game plan, Captain?" Marcus’s voice cut in, sharp and mocking. He leaned casually against the bleachers.
Brent froze for a moment, his jaw tightening as he turned toward Marcus. The smirk on Marcus’s face only fueled his irritation.
"Stay out of it," Brent snapped, his tone sharp enough to make the nearby players exchange uneasy glances.
Marcus raised his hands in mock surrender, the grin on his face unbothered. "Just saying. All this shouting? Not exactly inspiring confidence."
Brent shot him one last glare before turning back to Sasha. “Fine, you can take the gym,” he muttered, then turned to his team. “Guys, we’re done for today!”
“What? You said we need to practice more!” someone called out from his team.
Brent’s gaze snapped to them, sharp and unforgiving, as if to say, I’m already irritated—don’t push me.
“Well, now I’m saying we’re done for today,” he repeated, his voice cutting through the growing silence as the sound of dribbling basketballs faded.
The players exchanged hesitant looks, but Brent’s expression left no room for argument. Grumbling under their breath, they began to gather their things, the squeak of their sneakers echoing against the polished floor.
As the court cleared, The Unseen finally had their space, Sasha giving Brent a satisfied nod as the last basketball player reluctantly exited.
.
Later, after practice Betty found Marcus by the lockers. His shirt clung to him from the heat of the day, and he looked as relaxed as ever, completely unaffected by the earlier tension.
"Did you have to provoke him?" she asked, crossing her arms.
"Wouldn’t be me if I didn’t.".