“Wait, this is your song with Noah!” I exclaim. Kai’s eyes widen in recognition. We dissolve into laughter at Noah’s well-intentioned but epically mis-targeted apology.
When Noah shuffles in, boombox under his arm, his sheepish hopefulness makes me bite back another laugh.
“That was...” I shake my head, grinning, “something else, Noah.”
“Yeah, okay, okay. I know that was over the top,” he says. “But I needed to make things right. Kai, I’m really sorry about that tackle today. And for causing so much drama.”
“Why the boom box, though? I have to ask! Have you been on an 80s movies binge or something?”
“Well, I figured the locker room apology wasn’t enough, all things considered. I needed to do something more. And when I thought about it, and about you, Kai, in general, well, I just couldn’t get this song out of my head.”
The tension melts away as we gather around Noah, teasing him mercilessly, but with understanding. Looks like I’m not the only one seeking redemption here. For now, we’re just teammates again.
Noah rubs the back of his neck, and his cheeks are very flushed. “So we’re good?” He glances around, making eye contact with each of us, his eyes eventually landing on Kai.
Kai sticks out his hand, and Noah does the same. Their hand shake is solid and seems authentic. Nobody’s wrist is like a limp fish. Nobody tries to prove they’re stronger than the other by crushing their hand bones. I’m shockingly proud of them in this moment.
“Agreed?” Noah quirks a brow at me.
“Agreed,” I nod. “And no more boomboxes, Noah. Next time, just talk to us, okay?”
The others laugh, and even Noah snorts. “Deal,” he says.
He turns to me, true remorse in his eyes.
“Dylan, I let my own insecurities make me act like a jerk, and that wasn’t fair to you. You deserve to be seen for the amazing player you are, not dragged into my petty issues.”
I’m touched by his sincerity. After feeling overlooked for so long, this means a lot.
“It’s okay, Noah,” I say. “I think we all let this rivalry go too far. How about we put it behind us and focus on working together?”
Noah’s shoulders relax in relief.
“Absolutely. And no more boomboxes, I promise.” He grins.
Kai claps him on the back. “We’re good, man. Just leave the love songs for me from now on.” He winks, and Noah blows him a kiss.
The exchange makes my heart full. Maybe there’s hope for us after all, without anyone trying to kill the other.
We settle onto the couch, the earlier tension gone. Noah queues up a movie while Killian brings over snacks. Curled up with these guys, their easy banter washing over me, I feel lighter than I have in a long time.
Maybe I’ve finally found where I belong. A family of choice that sees me. Somewhere I can just be myself. For now, the serious and life-changing conversations can wait. For now, we all need space to just be.
I smile as the opening credits roll, the scent of popcorn filling the air. Kai and Killian bicker lightheartedly over what toppings to add—Killian preferring furikake and Kai preferring mountains of butter and salt—while Noah flips through our stacked DVD collection.
“Seriously though, I can’t believe you pulled aSay Anythingmove,“ Killian laughs. “That takes some guts.”
Noah groans. “Don’t remind me. I’ll be hearing about this for weeks. The idea seemed better in my head.”
“Are you kidding? That’s instant legend status,” I say. “Noah’s Boombox Ballad is going down in—not just team, not just apartment, butclubhistory… because you know for sure the women’s team will be finding out about this!“ Despite my efforts to keep a straight face, a Cheshire cat-sized grin beams from ear to ear.
Noah tosses a pillow at me, his eyes glinting with humor.
“Laugh it up, Dylan. Just remember, I know where you sleep.”
Kai nudges him with a grin. “Careful, she might like that.” He turns to me. “And sorry I won’t be able to make your game. I’ll be back as soon as I can, I promise.”
I feel my cheeks flush as the others hoot and holler. But it’s a rush, being part of their casual flirtatious energy. Kai’s needing to leave tomorrow to deal with a family emergency isn’t ideal, but I’d never ask him to stay in the circumstances.