Hearts On Court Episode Two

 

Episode Two: New Faces on the Court

The Maplewood High gym buzzed with energy. Posters for the upcoming Inter-School Basketball Tournament were plastered everywhere. Coco zipped up her jersey, tying her sneakers tight.

“Ready to crush the boys again?” Lila asked, braiding her hair.

“Always,” Coco smirked.

Just then, Chris popped into the locker room doorway, earning playful groans from the girls.

“Walters, out! This is the girls’ locker room,” Lila called.

Chris just grinned. “Relax, I’m here for my girl.” He held up two candy bars like victory flags.

Coco shook her head, walking over. “You’re going to give me cavities before the tournament even starts.”

Chris leaned down, whispering, “Sweet tooth for a sweet girl.”

Her teammates gagged dramatically, making Coco laugh as she shoved him out the door.

At Practice

The sound of bouncing balls and squeaking shoes filled the court. The girls’ and boys’ teams were practicing side by side, since the tournament meant both squads needed to be sharp. Coco led the girls with her usual fire, crossing over defenders and sinking threes with ease.

From the other side, Chris watched, pride swelling in his chest. “That’s my girl,” he muttered under his breath.

But midway through practice, Coach Williams blew his whistle.

“Alright, listen up! The district assigned a transfer student to our boys’ team. Everyone, meet Roy Carter.”

A tall, lean boy with sharp eyes and a confident smile jogged onto the court. His presence demanded attention instantly.

Coco froze for a second, ball in her hands. New guy, huh?

Roy spun the ball on his finger casually. “Hope y’all don’t mind me stealing some spotlight.”

The boys hooted, impressed by his flair.

“Show-off,” Chris muttered, crossing his arms.

Roy glanced over at the girls’ side, his eyes locking on Coco. He smirked. “And who’s the star over there?”

Coco arched a brow, dribbling. “Depends. You planning on keeping up, or just talking big?”

The gym erupted in ooohs.

Coach whistled again. “Settle down. Scrimmage—boys versus girls. Let’s see what both sides got.”

During the Scrimmage

Coco and Roy went head-to-head more than once. He was fast, confident, and had a way of smiling every time he challenged her.

“You play tough,” he said after she blocked one of his shots.

“Better get used to losing, rookie,” Coco shot back, darting down the court.

On the sideline, Chris clenched his jaw. He hated how easily Roy’s attention landed on Coco. And worse—he hated how Coco didn’t seem to mind the challenge.

After Practice

Coco grabbed her bag, laughing with Lila. Roy approached, tossing his towel over his shoulder.

“You’ve got skills,” he said, stopping in front of her. “Ever think of playing beyond high school? You’d kill it.”

Coco raised a brow. “Thanks. I plan to.”

Chris appeared at her side, sliding his arm around her waist. “She already has all the support she needs.” His tone was sharp.

Roy smirked, holding up his hands. “Relax, man. Just giving credit where it’s due.”

Coco felt the tension crackle between them, her heart racing for reasons she couldn’t quite name.

As Roy walked away, Chris muttered, “Don’t pay him any attention. Guys like that—full of themselves.”

Coco nodded, but her eyes lingered on Roy’s back just a moment too long.

—To be continued…