ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ
𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐎𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧
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🏀

Hampton University

❤️ 💬 ↗️
𝟓𝟔,𝟎𝟗𝟖 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬
𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 #𝑪𝑻 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲. 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐢'𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚'𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫, 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐧. 𝐈𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐢'𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝, 𝐚 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐚 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐲𝐬?
𝑽𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒂𝒍𝒍 9,083 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔

𝐲𝐮𝐧𝐠_𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝟒𝟒  𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐧 𝐈 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐦𝐡

Shai thanked the staff director then stepped out of line. He looked at the piece of paper he received giving him his next spring semester courses. He was taking Management and Marking II, Psychology, and Oral Communication. Next semester looked like a breeze to him and he was cool with that. He folded the paper and placed it in his pocket then took out his phone. Just like he imagined, his notifications were blowing up. He was slowly regretting getting social media back.

He only did it because he was missing the latest basketball updates on Twitter. He recently found out an old friend of his just transferred to LSU and he wanted to congratulate him. However, being on social media for two days has shown him more drama than he needed. Once again, his father was in the blogs for an affair. He didn't bother to watch the video or look at the pictures. It wasn't his business. He ignored whatever his parents had going on.

Things only got worse when he went ahead and posted a video and picture of Dess. It wasn't on purpose either. They were on FaceTime, he took a picture, and uploaded it. A part of him had a feeling the blogs and the internet was going to do too much over it. Make it into it was not. But, the other part of him wasn't thinking much of it. And he had a reason too. He was never posted on blogs. Never. Whenever he posted on his Instagram or Twitter, those posts stayed on his page and never was reposted on a blog ever.

He didn't want to be posted for anything. He didn't want to be tied to his parents and their drama. He didn't want any of that. Sadly, he was this time. The only thing he was really worrying about was Dess. He was sure she seen the comments. He saw them too. A lot of them were nice. Some, mainly women, called her cute and beautiful. Other, mainly men, had some weird and disrespectful things to say. He found himself about to reply to every mean comment there was but decided not to.

He could only imagine the shit people would throw back at him. His mom. His dad. His existence. His whole life. Shai knew he wasn't going to win any type of argument online whatsoever. Still, he wanted to do something about it. For right now though, his mind was blank. As he made his way out the building, Keith ran up to him and placed his arm around his shoulder. Shai look back at him, he rolled his eyes once he saw that it was Keith.

"Ayo, gang, you in a relationship playa!" He shouted right in Shai's ear. Shai leaned away from him, moving Keith's arm from around him.

"No need to yell dawg, I can hear you." Shai told him, Keith putting his hands up.

"My fault. Anyway, I seen the blogs and lemme just say..." Keith paused, keeping his hands up. "...I didn't think you were into that." he continued. Shai squinted his eyes, turning to look at Keith.

"Whatchu mean by that?" He questioned. He already knew what Keith was referring to but wanted him to actually say it. He wanted to see just how bold he truly was.

"I mean..." Keith dragged, trying to ease his way into what he wanted to say. "...I personally wouldn't mess with a girl that look like her, but if that's what you're into then that's cool."

Shai stopped to face him, his eyes still squinted. "Whatchu mean by look like her? The fuck she look like?" he continued pressing Keith so he could get him to say what he wanted to say.

Keith started laughing at how serious Shai was being. He thought he was joking but noticed the serious look on Shai's face. Keith nervously chuckled, scratching the back of his head.

"I-ion know what I mean." He cleared up, still nervously chuckling to himself. "Don't worry bout it bro. I'm just talking shit just to talk shit."

"Yeah, I advise you to stop talking before you hit in your shit." Shai threatened. He began walking again, leaving Keith standing there with his lips tucked in. Sometimes he wondered why he even tried Shai. He may be quiet but he was a fierce individual.

Keith started jogging to reach Shai. "My fault for being disrespectful. I'm happy to see you happy." He commented, Shai nodded his head.

"Yeah, thanks." Shai muttered. He wasn't paying Keith any mind since he ended up seeing Dess and Ashley walking in their direction.

He noticed she was wearing sweats and a hoodie. He had a feeling her sudden change in attire was because of the blog. He hope and prayed she was going to change because of rude people and their comments. As long as she knew that he loved the way she looked and dressed, everyone else opinions didn't matter. They started approaching each other, Dess lowered her head to avoid eye contact with him.

"Hey, Shai." Ashley greeted him first, waving at him.

He gave her a head nod. "Wassup, Ashley. Everything cool?" he asked and she nodded her head.

"Yup. Can you tell Dess that sweats are cute but we love the flamboyant style?" Ashley answered, bumping her hip with Dess. She didn't answer and kept her attention on the ground.

Shai look Dess up and down, "She's beautiful either way, so it doesn't matter to me." He answered, Dess lifting her head up to look at him. Shai gave her a smile, Dess looking away instantly.

An awkward silence came over them. They all knew where it was stemming from and it needed to be talked about. Ashley was the first to acknowledge the silence between them.

"Let's go the cafe." Ashley said to Keith. He looked around, completely clueless as to what was going on. Shai knew what Ashley was doing. To help out, he hit Keith's arm and grabbed his attention.

"What?" Keith asked, looking at all of them with a confused look on his face.

"We're going to go the cafe." Ashley told him again, Keith raised his brow.

"Us? I don't know you." He remarked, scrunching up his face. Ashley rolled her eyes, stepping to him and lightly pushing his chest.

"Let's go dum-dum." She grabbed his arm, pulling him away to leave Shai and Dess alone. Shai glanced back to watch the two of them walk off. He shook his head then turned back to Dess.

"Where you headed?" he asked, putting his hand out for hers. She had thoughts of leaving it there but went for it.

"My dorm." she answered. Shai nodded his head, turning around and started walking.

"I thought you had class?" He asked.

"I did but I don't want to go anymore. I'm not feeling it." She answered lowly, keeping her attention on the ground. She couldn't keep her head up since she refused to anyone to recognize her. For once, she didn't want any form of attention on her. Negative or positive.

"Mhm, I really don't want you to change because of the internet. It's stupid for the most part and unnecessary. If you want me to tell them to take it down then I can do that, I don't have any issue with that." He mentioned, wanting to make things right with her.

Dess shook her head. "No, it's fine. It's already been up for 24 hours, so there's no need. I just wasn't ready to be posted on a blog so early in our relationship and having negative comments about me. But, that's the internet for you." she muttered to herself, shrugging her shoulders.

Shai look down at her then sigh. "Dess..."

"It's okay, Shai." she cut him off. She didn't want him to keep going on, trying to fix a situation that she was slowly starting to get over with.

"It really isn't though, Dess, and I don't like how you just let things happen to you without addressing it. There are certain things that need to be addressed sometimes. I just don't want you to feel different about yourself because of some random people on the internet. You're extremely beautiful inside and out, and I don't care about what others have to say. I don't want you to either." He told her, lightly nudging Dess arm.

She let out a small chuckle, making Shai smile. "So, are we good?" he asked.

"We always been good, Shai. I didn't have an issue with you just so you know." She informed him. Shai let out a relieved sigh, knowing that there wasn't an issue. He knew now to tread lightly with posting Dess since the blogs were going to be on his ass now.

"That's good to hear." He said, Dess shaking her head. "To add onto to good things, I'm going to apologize to Adams today after class about the fight. It's the right thing to do."

"It's unnecessary but whatever makes you happy softie." Dess responded. Shai smacked his lips, letting go of her hand and shoving her head.

"Nowhere near soft and I don't have to explain."

🏀

Shai took a deep breath before knocking on the door. Danny Adams look up from his computer, putting his attention on the door. Shai gave him a smirk, the older man signaling for him to entering the office. Shai opened the door and walked inside to the smell of peppermint.

"How can I help you?" Danny questioned, going back on his computer.

"I-" Shai paused when his voice cracked a little. Danny glanced up at him.

Shai cleared his throat then continued speaking, "Sorry. I came in here to apologize for the fight that took place in the gym a few weeks ago. The game got aggressive really quickly and things took a sudden turn. A fight shouldn't have broke out but things happen without plans. Hopefully, you understand that."

"I can understand that but I know when you handle myself accordingly and not act upon emotions. That's something kids your age should learn, especially athletes." Danny responded, Shai nodded his head agreeing.

"I agree. I really do agree and that's why I know I didn't respond appropriately. That's what I'm coming to you and apologizing for my behavior and speaking to you inappropriately. I just don't want it to mess up my chances of trying out for the team." Shai mentioned, Danny looking up from his computer again.

He looked Shai up and down. He knew exactly what he wanted to say, but couldn't say those exact words. After all, he was speaking to a student. A student he knew of but a student nonetheless.

Danny went back on his computer then responded, "It's practically school policy to allow everyone to try out for any sport and to he given a chance. I couldn't stop you from trying out if I desperately wanted to."

Shai slowly nodded his head as he processed what Danny said. He wasn't sure how to take it. Did Danny want him on the team or not? He wasn't sure. He was going to keep the thought in the back of his head.

"Right, it was just something I was worried about but now I know I'm good. Hopefully." Shai mentioned in an uncertain tone. Danny nodded his head, confirming for him.

"Like I said the school has a policy that allows everyone to tryout for any sport they desire. However, they don't have a policy on how coaches choose to operate said sport they're coaching."

"So?" Shai asked, squinting his eyes at him a little.

"So, that means I can conduct my team however I please..." Danny paused, looking at Shai. "...so know Shai that your status doesn't play a part on my team. Though we both may come from a similar background, that doesn't put you above others. Be mindful that you're no one without a team." he continued.

Shai tuck in his lips, not knowing what to say to that. Danny expected a reply but didn't receive one. He hummed to himself then went back on his computer. Shai realized his presence was no longer needed here anymore.

He cleared his throat, "Right, well thank you. I'll see you when tryouts...when are-"

"The day we come back from break." Danny cut him off, answering his question.

"Okay, thank you." Shai thanked him. He walked out the office, shutting the door behind him.

He made his way out the locker room and back into the gym where he ended up seeing Taylor and Bo sitting on the bleachers. Bo saw him first then put his hand up to acknowledge him.

"Yooo!" Bo exclaimed, Taylor looking back to see Shai approaching them. A smile grew on his face from seeing him.

"Yo, wassup playa." he greeted him, putting his hand out. Shai dapped him up and dapped up Bo.

"Wassup."

"You was talking to coach?" Taylor asked, Shai nodded his head.

"Yeah. I went and apologized for the fight that happened. I didn't want it to mess me up later on." He answered.

"Makes sense. I'm not gon' lie though...you fucked Elijah up." Taylor boasted, laughing.

Shai shook his head, not responding since he wasn't the one to brag about fighting. It wasn't anything he adored doing, even if he it comes down to it. Fighting was ugly, which is why he always feel bad about it later. He was learning how to keep his emotions locked in and not resort to fighting when he was ticked off. He was slowly showing some progress. Slowly.

Bo nodded his head, agreeing with Taylor. "Yup, and I'm glad you did. That nigga does too much and has anger problems seriously. No wonder he always foul out in the first half of a game." He remarked, thinking of previous games they played.

All he could remember was their teammate arguing with the ref and getting a tech. Elijah having to be escorted off the gym floor immediately with no chance of coming back. That same night, the team lost their championship game.

"Yeah. Anyway, while we're speaking on game., tryouts is coming up." Taylor brought up, putting his attention on Shai. "It's when we get back from break. You coming out?"

"I know, coach just told me and of course. It be dumb for me not to come try out for the team. I'm just hoping coach feeling me by then." Shai mentioned, turning his attention towards the locker room where Danny office was in.

He was hoping after their talk that everything calmed down. He wanted to come back to school, ready to start training. He was going to do whatever it took to get on the team. But, he also wasn't going to allow all the light to shine on him. He wasn't his father.

"True. You haven't done anything wrong for him to not feel you. Just be you." Taylor told him.

"Just don't be a ball hog like these other niggas and actually be a teammate." Bo added. He couldn't stress it enough at how much he hated ball hoggers and people who thought they were the shit. He never got along with cocky people. To this day, he wonders how he befriend Elijah.

Taylor chuckled at his friends statement since he knew how adamant he was about it. "You'll be fine, Shai, foreal. When you make the team just be prepared for coach to put you through hell and back." He informed him, Bo blowing a breath since he knew what he knew what he was talking about.

"Whatchu mean?" Shai asked, curiously. Taylor and Bo turned to look at each other, both wondering who was going to tell the confused Shai. Shai stood there, watching the two of them as they look back at him.

"Aye, pretty much coach is gonna wanna make you commit. Like seriously." Bo bluntly said, Shai's eyes widening.

Taylor hit Bo's chest. "Chill. He's exaggerating like hell." He clarified, Bo smacking his lips.

"Don't lie now. Nigga almost had me."

Taylor shook his head. "Anyway, all we're saying that coach is one strict ass dude. He's determined too. Practice every day right after classes and until ten o'clock at night. Fruit and water diets every two weeks or so. No partying, drinking, smoking, or staying up during game week. Conditioning last for a good week or two. Oh, and relationships are broken off cause you'll see ever your significant other." He explained everything to the T to Shai.

"Even when we don't have practice, we're in the fitness room or at the Y. No fucking alone time." Bo threw in there, Taylor nodding his head.

Shai tuck in his lips, listening to everything they were saying. He wouldn't say he was all that surprised. Danny Adams was a legend. He saw Miami Heat's workouts on YouTube several times and how intense it was. But, he also saw how powerful those players ended up being on the court and their ability to work together and win championships. Shai knew that he was wanted to get good like those players, he was gonna have to suck it up with Danny Adams as his coach. The not seeing his girlfriend part threw him off a bit.

"Regardless though, coach is still helpful. He helped some past seniors get into the NBA. He's played for the Mavericks now." Taylor added a good thing about Danny to clean up the bad.

"Yeah, he also has a few NBA stars pop out to come practice with us or coaches to watch us. So, though he's coaching style is intense, it's worth it." Bo agreed.

"Yup. Anyway, while you here, you tryna get a game in?" Taylor changed the subject, reaching in his duffel bag and pulling out his ball.

"Y'all not playing?" Shai questioned, pointing at the two of them.

"We were but this nigga wanna be a simp ass nigga, so we're not anymore." Taylor answered while standing to his feet.

Bo suck his teeth, "I'm not being a simp."

"Yeah, right. Whenever shawty goes bow, you bow and offer to kiss her feet. Simp as nigga." Taylor continued, Bo waving him off.

"Don't be mad that I have someone to tend to while you're busy single. That's that hater shit I be talking bout." Bo said, pointing at Taylor and shaking his head.

"Whatever. We playing or what?" Taylor asked Shai again. Shai didn't have to think about his answer since he was all in. He didn't have anything else to do since Dess was studying and wanted some alone time.

"Yeah, I'm in. I just gotta text my girl." He answered, taking his back off his back and placing it on the bleachers.

"But, you not calling this dude a simple!" Bo exclaimed, tossing his hands