Game Above Game

The sharp sound of sneakers squeaking against polished hardwood filled the Ironwood Academy gym. The morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows, painting long golden streaks across the court. Players moved in controlled chaos—passing, shooting, shouting.

Jaden dribbled near the three-point line, his eyes flicking between his teammates and the basket. His defender, Tyler Crane, stood in front of him, arms wide and expression sharp.

"Come on, streetball," Tyler said, smirking. "Show me something."

Jaden's grip on the ball tightened. Tyler had been on his case since day one comments under his breath, little elbows during drills, the occasional shove when no one was watching.

"Don't blink, big guy," Jaden replied, his voice low.

With a flick of his wrist, Jaden executed a perfect crossover, his body moving low and fast. Tyler lunged to one side—too late. Jaden spun off him, driving into the paint and leaping into the air.

The rim felt miles away, but in mid-air, Jaden twisted, his arm stretching out as he slammed the ball into the basket.

The gym erupted with shouts and whistles.

"Silk!" Tank called from the sideline, clapping his massive hands. "That's what I'm talking about!"

But the celebration was cut short by the sharp blast of a whistle.

Coach Hale stood at the baseline, arms crossed, his whistle still hanging from his lips. His face was unreadable.

"Hunter!" he barked. "Get over here."

Jaden jogged over, sweat dripping from his forehead.

"Nice move," Hale said flatly. "But we're running a play, not a highlight reel. You see Cross wide open in the corner?"

Jaden glanced back at Ethan, who was standing near the three-point line, hands on his hips.

"Yes, Coach," Jaden said.

"Then why didn't he get the ball?" Hale's voice was sharp, cutting straight through Jaden's pride.

Jaden's jaw tightened. "I saw the lane, Coach. I took it."

Hale stared him down for a long moment before nodding slightly. "Next time, you make the smart play, not the flashy one. Run it again!"

Jaden jogged back to his spot, frustration burning in his chest. The gym buzzed with low murmurs, but no one said a word directly to him.

---

Practice ended hours later, and Jaden sat on the edge of the court, his jersey clinging to his skin. His legs felt like lead, and every muscle in his body ached.

He glanced across the gym, where Ethan Cross was casually shooting free throws, his form perfect, every ball swishing clean through the net.

"Yo, Cross!" Jaden called out, standing up and walking over.

Ethan caught the ball as it bounced back and turned to face Jaden.

"What's up?" Ethan asked, wiping sweat from his brow with his jersey.

"What's Hale's deal, man? Every time I do something good, it's like he's gotta tear me down."

Ethan let out a short laugh and shook his head. "That's just Hale. He's testing you, Jaden. Seeing if you're gonna fold under pressure or step up."

"I don't fold," Jaden said firmly.

"I can see that." Ethan smiled faintly and passed the ball to Jaden. "But listen, Hale doesn't care about highlight dunks or flashy moves. He wants wins. Championships. If you can't prove you can deliver those, he'll keep you on the bench no matter how good you are."

Jaden spun the basketball in his hands, staring at the faded lines on its surface.

"Just… play smart," Ethan added before turning back to the free-throw line.

Jaden nodded slowly and walked off the court. Ethan's words lingered in his mind, mixing with Hale's sharp criticisms.

---

The cafeteria at Ironwood Academy buzzed with noise—students chattering, trays clattering, and the faint sound of music playing from someone's phone.

Jaden sat at a table with Tank and Leo "Shadow" Kim, picking at his food. Tank was halfway through a mountain of chicken tenders, while Leo quietly scrolled through his phone.

"So what's the plan, Silk?" Tank asked through a mouthful of food. "You gonna keep butting heads with Hale, or you gonna play nice?"

Jaden smirked slightly. "Man, I just gotta figure him out. He's like… one of those puzzle boxes. You twist it one way, and it locks tighter."

Leo spoke without looking up. "He's not a puzzle. He's a wall. You either climb it, or you don't."

Both Jaden and Tank stared at Leo for a moment before Tank burst out laughing. "Damn, Shadow! You been reading poetry or something?"

Leo's lips twitched slightly, but he didn't reply.

Before Jaden could respond, a familiar voice spoke from behind him.

"You're in my seat, Hunter."

Jaden turned to see Tyler Crane, tray in hand, flanked by two other players. The cafeteria seemed to quiet just slightly, as if everyone nearby was waiting to see what would happen next.

Jaden leaned back casually in his chair. "Didn't see your name on it, Crane."

Tyler slammed his tray down on the table, leaning forward until he was eye-to-eye with Jaden. "You think you're hot stuff, huh? Coming in here with your mixtape swagger, acting like you run this place?"

Jaden didn't flinch. "You got a problem with me, Tyler, we can settle it on the court. Or right here. Your call."

Tank pushed his tray aside, his massive frame tensing as if ready to stand up. Leo set down his phone, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Before things could escalate further, a voice cut through the tension.

"Enough!"

Ava Martinez, holding a camera bag and wearing a sharp expression, stepped into view. The entire table turned to look at her.

"Crane, you're embarrassing yourself," Ava said, her voice firm. "Coach Hale isn't gonna like hearing about this."

Tyler hesitated, his jaw tight. After a long moment, he grabbed his tray and stepped back. "This isn't over, Hunter."

Jaden watched him walk away before turning to Ava.

"Guess I owe you one," Jaden said with a grin.

Ava rolled her eyes. "Don't get used to it, Silk. I'm not in the habit of rescuing egos."

She walked off, her camera bag bouncing lightly on her shoulder.

Tank let out a low whistle. "Yo, who was that?"

"Ava Martinez," Leo said quietly. "School journalist. Smart. Sharp. Dangerous with a pen."

Jaden leaned back in his chair, a crooked smile spreading across his face.

"Interesting."

---

That night, Jaden lay in his dorm bed, staring at the glow of his phone screen.

One missed call from his mom. A dozen messages from Marco asking how it was going.

His body ached, and the weight of everything Hale, Tyler, Ethan, Ava settled over him.

But he wasn't backing down.

Not now.

Ironwood Academy wasn't ready for him. But soon, they'd know exactly who Jaden "Silk" Hunter was.