Chapter 49
The living room is a disaster zone, strewn with workout gear, textbooks, and empty takeout containers—the chaotic aftermath of our busy lives. In moving here, I thought I might help them clean things up, but instead it’s almost like I’ve acclimated to their more… relaxed way of living. I sink into the lumpy couch, absently spinning a rugby ball in my hands. The silence hangs heavy, punctuated only by the ticking clock.
My thoughts churn like whitewater rapids, replaying today’s practice over and over. The whistle, Noah’s dirty high tackle. He should have been dragged off the field. My chest tightens. Will I ever escape petty team politics and just play rugby?
But this time, it’s almost worse than before. This isn’t some bureaucratic office drama, this is personal. The men who claim to want nothing more than to be with me, fighting over me and compromising their ability to play rugby at one of the highest levels.
Suddenly, the opening chords of Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” blast through the quiet, making us all jolt. Killian peers out the window, brow furrowed. Jonah joins him, peering out the window with interest at the loud sounds.
“Is that...Noah with a boombox?” His voice drips with disbelief.
I scramble over to join him and sure enough, there’s Noah hoisting a boombox over his head like John Cusack in Say Anything. A grand, ridiculous gesture I can’t help but chuckle at.
“What’s he trying to pull?” Jayden snorts, though his lips quirk into a smile.
The song continues, muffled but unmistakable. As the lyrics wash over me, memories surface—riding with Kai as this song played...understanding dawns.
“Wait, this is your song with Noah!” I exclaim. Kai’s eyes widen in recognition. We dissolve into laughter at Noah’s well-intentioned but epically mis-targeted apology.
When Noah shuffles in, boombox under his arm, his sheepish hopefulness makes me bite back another laugh.
“That was...” I shake my head, grinning, “something else, Noah.”
“Yeah, okay, okay. I know that was over the top,” he says. “But I needed to make things right. Kai, I’m really sorry about that tackle today. And for causing so much drama.”
“Why the boom box, though? I have to ask! Have you been on an 80s movies binge or something?”
“Well, I figured the locker room apology wasn’t enough, all things considered. I needed to do something more. And when I thought about it, and about you, Kai, in general, well, I just couldn’t get this song out of my head.”
The tension melts away as we gather around Noah, teasing him mercilessly, but with understanding. Looks like I’m not the only one seeking redemption here. For now, we’re just teammates again.
Noah rubs the back of his neck, and his cheeks are very flushed. “So we’re good?” He glances around, making eye contact with each of us, his eyes eventually landing on Kai.
Kai sticks out his hand, and Noah does the same. Their hand shake is solid and seems authentic. Nobody’s wrist is like a limp fish. Nobody tries to prove they’re stronger than the other by crushing their hand bones. I’m shockingly proud of them in this moment.
“Agreed?” Noah quirks a brow at me.
“Agreed,” I nod. “And no more boomboxes, Noah. Next time, just talk to us, okay?”
The others laugh, and even Noah snorts. “Deal,” he says.
He turns to me, true remorse in his eyes.
“Dylan, I let my own insecurities make me act like a jerk, and that wasn’t fair to you. You deserve to be seen for the amazing player you are, not dragged into my petty issues.”
I’m touched by his sincerity. After feeling overlooked for so long, this means a lot.
“It’s okay, Noah,” I say. “I think we all let this rivalry go too far. How about we put it behind us and focus on working together?”
Noah’s shoulders relax in relief.
“Absolutely. And no more boomboxes, I promise.” He grins.
Kai claps him on the back. “We’re good, man. Just leave the love songs for me from now on.” He winks, and Noah blows him a kiss.
The exchange makes my heart full. Maybe there’s hope for us after all, without anyone trying to kill the other.
We settle onto the couch, the earlier tension gone. Noah queues up a movie while Killian brings over snacks. Curled up with these guys, their easy banter washing over me, I feel lighter than I have in a long time.
Maybe I’ve finally found where I belong. A family of choice that sees me. Somewhere I can just be myself. For now, the serious and life-changing conversations can wait. For now, we all need space to just be.
I smile as the opening credits roll, the scent of popcorn filling the air. Kai and Killian bicker lightheartedly over what toppings to add—Killian preferring furikake and Kai preferring mountains of butter and salt—while Noah flips through our stacked DVD collection.
“Seriously though, I can’t believe you pulled a Say Anything move,“ Killian laughs. “That takes some guts.”
Noah groans. “Don’t remind me. I’ll be hearing about this for weeks. The idea seemed better in my head.”
“Are you kidding? That’s instant legend status,” I say. “Noah’s Boombox Ballad is going down in—not just team, not just apartment, but club history… because you know for sure the women’s team will be finding out about this!“ Despite my efforts to keep a straight face, a Cheshire cat-sized grin beams from ear to ear.
Noah tosses a pillow at me, his eyes glinting with humor.
“Laugh it up, Dylan. Just remember, I know where you sleep.”
Kai nudges him with a grin. “Careful, she might like that.” He turns to me. “And sorry I won’t be able to make your game. I’ll be back as soon as I can, I promise.”
I feel my cheeks flush as the others hoot and holler. But it’s a rush, being part of their casual flirtatious energy. Kai’s needing to leave tomorrow to deal with a family emergency isn’t ideal, but I’d never ask him to stay in the circumstances.
As the movie starts, I lean into Noah’s shoulder. Maybe I misjudged him initially. Underneath that cocky exterior is a pretty stand-up guy. We all make mistakes, but it’s someone’s ability to take accountability and own their actions, and stop repeating them, is what makes someone a good person to me.
With these four, I feel like I can drop my guard. Speak my mind, be bold, even be vulnerable.
They see me as more than just the tough quirky female jock, they see me as a true athlete, an equal. But also a confidante, a friend… and someone each of them enjoys spending naked time with. I really have no complaints.
I close my eyes, letting the sounds of their laughter wash over me.
This right here—this feels like home. More serious conversations still need to be had, but I’ll take this for now.