Chapter Twelve – Friday Night Fallout The gym was packed for the first big game of the season. The cheer team lined up courtside, the crowd roaring as the players took the floor. Yn’s adrenaline was high — but so was her awareness of Lila, who kept throwing smug glances her way. During the halftime routine, everything went wrong. Yn was mid-lift when Lila “accidentally” shoved her elbow into Yn’s ribs, causing her to stumble. The crowd gasped. The coach blew her whistle, but Lila just smiled like nothing happened. When the routine ended, Yn stormed toward her. “What is your problem?” Lila smirked. “You. Always you.” “You almost dropped me in front of the whole school!” Yn’s voice was loud enough to draw attention. “Oh, please,” Lila said, stepping closer. “You’re just mad because Malachi’s mine now. And guess what? He’s here tonight — watching you fail.” Yn’s chest tightened. “This isn’t about him. This is about you being a petty, jealous—” Lila shoved her. Hard. The crowd’s chatter turned into a sharp buzz. Freya rushed forward, but Yn had already reacted — shoving Lila back. “You want to fight?” Lila taunted. “Let’s fight.” And then it happened — Lila swung first, catching Yn across the cheek. Yn’s head snapped to the side, but she didn’t hesitate. She grabbed Lila’s arm, yanked her forward, and the two crashed to the floor, fists flying. The gym erupted. Mekonnen jumped from the bleachers, trying to pull them apart. Freya was yelling, the coach was screaming, and Malachi was suddenly there, grabbing Lila and dragging her back. “Enough!” Malachi shouted, his voice echoing. Yn’s lip was bleeding, her hair a mess, but she stood tall. “She started it.” Lila, breathing hard, spat back, “You deserved it.” The coach’s face was pale with fury. “Both of you — out. Now. And if this happens again, you’re off the team.” As they were escorted out, the crowd was still buzzing, phones recording every second. Yn knew by Monday, the whole school would have seen it — and the war between her and Lila had just gone from whispers to headlines. Malachi stayed behind, watching Yn leave. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes followed her until she disappeared through the doors.
