The summer heat hadn’t quite let go, even though backpacks and buses were back in full swing. Ridgeway High buzzed with that chaotic energy only the first day of junior year could bring—half excitement, half dread.


Jayden adjusted the strap on his bag and scanned the crowd. Everyone looked slightly taller, slightly older. Or maybe it was just him.


“Yo!” Malik jogged up, wearing a Ridgeway football hoodie even though it had to be 85 degrees out. “Junior year. We’re basically grown now.”


Jayden smirked. “Tell that to the giant zit on your chin.”


Malik rolled his eyes. “Battle scars. I earned this over summer training.”


Noah arrived next, holding a cold iced coffee and looking like he hadn’t slept. “I already miss summer.”


“You say that every year,” Eli chimed in from behind, tossing his arm around Noah’s shoulder. “But this is our year, fellas. I feel it.”


They stood for a second in their usual spot by the front steps, watching students pour into the building.


Jayden broke the silence. “I’m doing it this year.”


“Doing what?” Malik asked.


“I’m entering the Ridgeway Art Showcase. The big one. Citywide competition.”


Noah nodded. “Proud of you, man.”


Malik fist-bumped him. “Let’s go! Finally putting that sketchbook to use.”


Eli grinned. “Guess it’s the season for big moves. I got a shot at a real producer—if I drop one more solid track.”


Jayden raised an eyebrow. “Since when?”


“Since last night,” Eli said. “It’s happening. I can feel it.”


Malik looked at them both. “Y’all are out here chasing dreams. Maybe I should—”


“Maybe you should get to first period before Coach hunts you down,” Noah said, nudging him.


The bell rang, and students began to stream inside.


“Ready?” Jayden asked.


“Not even close,” Eli said, laughing.


But they all walked in anyway—together, like always. Because even when things changed, some things stayed the same.


Like friendship. Like first-day nerves.

And like four boys stepping into a new year with everything to gain—and everything to prove.