The first day of sophomore year hit different.


Noah stood outside the school gates, earbuds in, backpack slung low, and watched the swarm of students flooding into Ridgeway High. Last year, he had melted into the crowd. This year, people nodded at him. Dapped him up. Called his name.


It was weird. Cool. A little scary.


“Look at you,” Eli said, stepping up beside him. “Famous now, huh?”


Noah grinned. “Stop playin’. I’m just tryna survive this year.”


Eli laughed, pulling his hoodie over his head. “Then why you dress like you’re about to drop an album?”


“Gotta keep ‘em guessing.”



---


Jayden joined them next, sketchpad already in his hand, earbuds looped around his neck. He gave a small smile and bumped fists.


“Y’all ready?” he asked.


Noah shrugged. “As I’ll ever be.”


Malik was last to arrive—fresh haircut, varsity hoodie already on, and a basketball tucked under one arm like it belonged there.


“Let’s get it,” Malik said. “Year two. We run this now.”



---


The boys walked into the building together—tight formation, quiet confidence.


They passed freshmen who looked lost, teachers calling names, and upperclassmen eyeing them with mixed curiosity and respect. It felt like stepping into a new chapter—familiar, but charged with energy.


Malik peeled off first. “Coach wants to talk. Be back later.”


Jayden headed toward the art hall, already zoning out.


Eli and Noah ended up in homeroom, side by side.


Noah looked around, took a breath, and muttered, “Feels like something’s coming.”


Eli raised an eyebrow. “Yeah?”


“Yeah. Like… a storm or something.”



---


And he was right.