•• SOCIAL MEDIA ••

(A/N: If you noticed in the last chapter, I started putting dates on top of the social media posts to show the passage of time between them. I might use this section as a "time skip" occasionally like how I'm gonna do now)

11-21-2015

@/RepublicRecords
Brand new #HaizEP merchandise available only at @/HaileeSteinfeld's store! Get it now: *link*

201 Retweets 🔁 | 412 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/KillerJoke50 fun fact guys, Y/N L/N produced the EP
^@/edizpide #TIL
^@/TheCxsmic ?
^@/edizpide "Today I learned"

@/AntonioRush7 Awesome
^@/laserigneous88 Awesome
^@/WilsonsWits Awesome

• •

12-1-2015

@/groovyq
AM I WRONG by Haddon ft. ScHoolboy Q

OUT NOW: *link*

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

(A/N: Imagination! Just pretend it's the reader singing Anderson .Paak's part)

1,728 Retweets 🔁 | 3,627 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Platinumsnoow did NOT expect this wow

@/Shadow457 he's a singer too? dude's a jack of all trades
^@/gogogreen17 but he can't pass
^@/Shadow457 and you can't get any hoes lol

• •

12-28-2015

@/BleacherReport
Kobe's final game in Charlotte ends in a 108-98 loss to the Hornets. Bryant scores 20 points.

The Lakers are now 5-27.

5,261 Retweets 🔁 | 8,992 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/n30n_w0lfz this is becoming worse than last year LMAO
^@/YourPrettyCool we're never going to make the playoffs again smh

@/salmonskinroll11 oh well time to prepare for the lottery...again!

@/CheshireNL doesn't matter at least Kobe scored 20 💪🏾

• •

1-26-2016

@/InsideSoCal
Lakers' L/N and Clarkson are selected to play in Rising Stars Challenge at NBA All-Star Weekend in Toronto.

473 Retweets 🔁 | 899 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/NM_720 only positive to come out of this season
^@/valleyboi69 towns > L/N tbh
^@/NM_720 deez > nuts lil bro

@/Octane_The_Fallen bought tix for a flight to Toronto hope my wife doesn't question where I'm at
^@/FatherKaaji got tired of the couch?
^@/Octane_The_Fallen yeah

• •

2-15-2016

Tagged: @/chadwickboseman

❤️ Liked by kevinhart4real and 351,773 others

@/Original_L/N Much love to this guy right here. Looking forward to seeing him on the big screen again in May!

Comments 💬

@/simp6996 oh man I loved him in 42!

@/TheEhhGuy him as Black Panther is gonna rock!
^@/Marvel_King01 very excited to see how he brings tchalla to life!

@/Alex56940 sucks he won't play in the celebrity game. He was great last year.

• •

2-14-2016

@/SportsCenter
That does it for Kobe Bryant's final All-Star Game! He ends his tenure with 4 All-Star Game MVPs.

The best to ever do it.

11.2k Retweets 🔁 | 15.7 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/JGMG10 LOVE YOU MAMBA!!!

@/WANDASJOSEPH we're so close to the end ima cry 🥺
@/WilsonsWits same 😭😭

• •

2-16-2016

Tagged: @/haileesteinfeld

❤️ Liked by spidadmitchell and 92,201 others

@/Original_L/N that is her favorite chair

Comments 💬

@/Yhorm_the_Giant with the amount of pictures y'all share I would assume you guys are in love lol
^@/TheB1ThatL1v3d you'd be making too much sense haha

@/Zendaya the comments above me 👀👀👀
^@/Altspider what are you saying 👀

@/dav1233555 I bought one on Ebay it's my thinking chair

• •

3-2-2016

@/LakersNation
Y/N L/N lead his team to victory last night with a career-high performance, also earning him his second Rookie of the Month award.

876 Retweets 🔁 | 1,429 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/ironboybooks cares Towns dropped 30 and 12 last week
^@/Mightwhites1919 don't know I should wait for laser to ratio you or do it myself
^@/weeb_kiing inserting yourself into their war is su*c*de don't do it

@/npc0123 ICE IN MY VEINS!!!!

• •

4/6/2016

@/CaliCalv_TW
Nah this is crazy. New track by Y/N L/N and he's SINGING!?!? And with HAILEE STEINFELD?!?

Pitfalls - Haddon (ft. Hailee Steinfeld)

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

(A/N: Imagination...again! Just pretend the ones singing in the track are the reader and Hailee)

4 Retweets 🔁 | 20 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/IHateYoutubeAds SO GOOD until I got an ad
^@/fandomboi_simp hopefully they come out with an ad-free version I don't mind paying

@/Imartian wow they NEED to collab again this is music

• • •

THE SEASON WENT by as quickly as it had begun. Throughout the year, Y/N gathered accolades and accomplished what he could both on and off the court.

He was currently averaging about 21 points per game shooting around 48% from the field and 39% from three. He was neck and neck with Karl-Anthony Towns in the Rookie of the Year race, with the center averaging 18 points per game, 11 rebounds, and almost 2 blocks a game. Out of the six possible Rookie of the Month awards, they both have won three each.

Outside of basketball, Y/N was kicking off the music side of his career. He was recognized for producing Hailee's EP Haiz and that lead to him getting into contact with ScHoolBoy Q, who was ironically also a Lakers fan. With his help, they made "Am I Wrong".

During the All-Star break, Y/N came to Hailee and asked if she wanted to be featured in a song with him. She was happy to do so. They worked on it during that free week Y/N had and ended up releasing "Pitfalls" the beginning of April.

Both friends had a great time collaborating. It brought back the memory of how they joked about becoming a music duo back in middle school. They weren't one, but they were still making music together. They knew down the line they had to partner up again.

On the night of April 13, the world revolved around what was happening at Staples Center in Los Angeles. All eyes and ears paid attention.

It was Kobe Bryant's final game as an NBA player.

Celebrities, other athletes, and icons attended the rather expensive event. They filled the courtside seats as well as the few rows behind them. Lucky fans who could afford such tickets sat in seats they could get.

The game was against the Utah Jazz. Both teams were already out of playoff contention so this was going to be a pretty friendly game, or at least they thought.

Vanessa Bryant sat court-side with her daughters. A few seats down sat Y/M/N with Zendaya, Hailee, and Donovan. The three childhood friends of Y/N were given tickets by Kobe himself and they definitely were not going to miss it.

About twenty minutes before tip-off and the start of the game, they had a pregame tribute for Kobe. Celebrities who knew him and former star teammates had videos speaking to him playing on the big screen. A few of the young Lakers players also had messages for Kobe, one of them being from Y/N.

"Kobe, I want to say thank you. You set the standards for not only me but for all other young players around the league. I couldn't have asked for a better role model. Love you, man."

The veteran appreciated the words. He looked past the cameramen surrounding him on the bench and glanced at Y/N, who smiled back.

After the tribute, the game began.

Every time Kobe got the ball, the crowd erupted. Even when he would miss, they still sounded and encouraged the hooper to let it fly. Other players like Randle, Clarkson, and L/N would shoot too, but their priority was to have Kobe be the main offensive option.

Every shot he made, the crowd erupted. By the time the game reached the fourth quarter with 1:04 left in the game...Kobe had 53 points.

The veteran dribbled the ball up the court. He went to the side and another rookie, Trey Lyles, got on him. Kobe wasn't deterred and shot a three over him, sinking it.

The crowd went bonkers. The Utah Jazz called timeout and cheers kept filling the arena. The broadcasters, who were almost losing their voice from all the exclamations, reacted once again.

"On its way! It's a one-point game!"

"He's so tired he can barely pick his feet up! Look at him!"

"But he continues to wheel himself and put his wheel on the opposition. It's amazing!"

"56 points! The amazing Kobe Bryant!"

After the timeout, the team got back on the floor. Y/N, Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr, Randle, and Kobe were on defense. After the Jazz missed a shot, the rookie grabbed the rebound and immediately handed it to Kobe.

The veteran dribbled the ball up as the clock ticked down. A few seconds passed by and after Randle set a screen, the man got free and shot jumper. It went in and the crowd erupted once more. He had 58 points and put the team up by one.

"Yes! Kobe Bryant gives the Lakers the lead!"

The Jazz called another timeout and the young players gathered around a panting Kobe. Y/N cheered and chest-bumped his mentor. On the sidelines, Vanessa was in awe along with her daughters. Hailee, Zendaya, and Donovan joined everybody else in the hurrah.

Once the break concluded both teams went back onto the court. The Jazz were on offense again but couldn't get a shot off. Kobe got the ball with 16 seconds left on the clock and Utah was forced to play the foul game.

They fouled Kobe and forced him to shoot free throws. The crowd chanted "MVP" as he readied for the first shot, which he made. They continued as he bounced the ball and prepared for the next shot...which would be the final one in his career.

He made it. Kobe had 60 points. The Lakers were up three.

The Jazz immediately inbounded the ball and ran up the court. Their star player, Gordon Hayward, tried to lay the ball up but missed. Randle grabbed the rebound and threw it to Kobe, who saw Y/N running down the court.

As if it was a passing of the torch moment, the twenty-year veteran heaved it across the court and the star rookie caught it.

He dribbled toward the open basket and jumped up, dunking the ball.

"The Lakers are gonna win it! The Lakers are gonna win it!"

"What a performance! What an exit for 24! You couldn't have written this!"

Y/N ran back toward Kobe, who was out of breath but still took the time to embrace the young guys on the team.

"That's the way to do it, OG!" One of them exclaimed.

With only a few seconds left, the Jazz decided to inbound the ball and let the clock run out. The buzzer sounded and it marked the conclusion of the game. It also marked the end of the Lakers season...and the end of Kobe Bryant's career.

"The game is over...and Kobe Bryant's final memory for us is a 60-point game and a victory over the Utah Jazz!"

Right after the game, they gave Kobe the microphone at center court and he spoke to everybody in attendance.

He spoke about growing up a Lakers fan and being honored to have been a part of the franchise since he was drafted (and traded there) at 17 years old. He said how he will not only remember the championship years, but also the down years he had, fondly.

Kobe also made a joke about how after twenty years of being yelled at to pass the ball, he was surprised that they yelled at him today to keep shooting. That got a laugh out of everybody along with Y/N and his teammates on the sidelines.

He thanked his wife and his family for supporting him over the years. He thanked and told the fans that he loved them as well.

"What can I say...? Mamba out."

Kobe kissed his fingers and pointed up toward the fans. The crowd cheered at the longtime Laker, basketball legend, and Los Angeles icon. He beamed at them, and dropped the mic before walking off.

•• SOCIAL MEDIA ••

4-13-2016

❤️ Liked by barackobama and 927,827 others

@/Lakers 🐍 #MambaOut 🐍

Comments 💬

@/ChristianTuricos 🐍 FOREVER

@/THEUNEXPECTEDENDGAME we will get back on top soon for you Kobe!

• •

4-14-2016

❤️ Liked by Zendaya and 211,763 others

@/Original_L/N just know that this isn't goodbye... ♾ #forever

Comments 💬

@/MAtothedamnDEA big happy family 💛

@/FromThe919 hopefully we still see him at the games 🙏
^@/Baddger this is his home to I would expect so

• •

5-16-2016

@/NBA
A duo so great...we had to make two trophies!

Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns and Los Angeles' Y/N L/N are your 2016 KIA NBA Co-Rookies of the Year.

This is the first year with Co-Rookies winners since Jason Kidd and Grant Hill in 1995.

11.9k Retweets 🔁 | 13.7k Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Monica0228 looking fly 😎

@/cringefestWP WHAT??? HOW??? THAT IS Y/N's AWARD AND HIS ONLY

@/laserigneous88 oh no ironboy is gonna have a field day
^@/CobrasPhantom you seen him around?
^@/laserigneous88 he always lurks...comes out when least expected
^@/cunningundead in the trees! in the trees!

• •

5-17-2016

@/LakersNation
The Lakers land the 2nd overall pick in the draft for the second year in a row.

Who should they select?

538 Retweets 🔁 | 833 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Almod1119 DRAFT INGRAM !!!
^@/paterminstor I think we should take jaylen brown

@/strawhatdragneel trade up and get Simmons lol

• •

6-19-2016

@/BleacherReport
The beauty of victory.

The agony of defeat.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are your 2016 NBA Champions! #NBAFinals

10.5k Retweets 🔁 | 14.2k Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Themaximoffs2015 LEBRON IS THE GOAT

@/WardellStudios don't worry, the Dubs will be back ✊
^@/DarthOogway42 Curry burner?
^@/WardellStudios ??
^@/DarthOogway42 Steph's first name is actually Wardell so...

^@/OwenC13 WARRIORS BLEW A 3-1 LEAD LMFAOOOOO
^@/drayfromthebay rigged series
^@/OwenC13 cry kid
^@/drayfromthebay once we sign Durant you will be the one crying
^@/OwenC13 KD?? Kevin Durant??? LOL in your dreams bro

• •

6-23-2016

@/SportsCenter
With the 2nd overall pick, the Los Angeles Lakers select Brandon Ingram out of Duke!

2,366 Retweets 🔁 | 4,022 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/the_prancing_prince SLENDERMAN

@/NR6Swagger Y/N x Brandon will be the ultimate duo

• •

6-28-2016

Tagged: @/_y/m/n_l/n

❤️ Liked by karltowns and 337,918 others

@/Original_L/N Ma woke up to a surprise today. Enjoy and love you mom! Still figuring out how to give you the world but enjoy this early birthday gift in the meantime! ❤️

Comments 💬

@/yelenaswhcre awwww this is so sweet 🥲

@/Alex_the_baller she gonna be pulling up in a benz lmao that's luxury right there

@/karltowns always the dream to reward our moms for their sacrifices 🙏🏾

• • •

THE FIRST WEEKEND of July was reserved for Y/M/N's birthday celebration. Being as humble as she was, she didn't want anything planned, but with a little convincing from her son, she caved. Besides, it was also the 4th of July, so they needed to have some sort of party.

Y/N had a small gathering in his condo in the city. He started renting the place in the middle of last season, having moved out of his old house where his mom and grandparents still lived in.

They weren't going to be there for long though...as Y/N was in the process of getting them a much better place. They didn't know yet and he wanted it to be a surprise.

Attendees at the party were obviously his mother and grandparents. The Steinfeld family came as well as Zendaya and Donovan. The Bryant family also arrived.

The group celebrated with food and beverages. Three of the four childhood friends were 20 years old (Hailee was 19 but turning 20 in December) but were still allowed to drink, albeit responsibly.

Hours went by and there were times when they conversed as a group and others when they split off and did their own thing.

Vanessa would talk with Y/M/N and Hailee's mom, Cheri. Gianna and Natalia would be with them as well. Hailee's dad, Peter, spoke and joked around with his son, Griffin, and Kobe. Hailee, Zendaya, Y/N, and Donovan would talk amongst each other as well. They often posted on Instagram about the night with Donovan being the most active on the platform.

It started getting late. Kobe's family decided to leave first and wished everybody a good night. Hailee's family was on their way out next, but the teenager told them she was going to meet them at home later. They trusted Y/N and her friends so they obliged.

Some more time went by with the remaining people and Y/N drank some more. So did the rest of his friends.

Y/M/N was going to leave with her parents. Zendaya made sure to tell her happy birthday for what was probably the tenth time that night, but she didn't care. Y/N, a little bit buzzed, was all smiles as he hugged his mother and bid her farewell.

"Love you Ma'. Happy Birthday."

Y/M/N smiled and kissed her son on the cheek. Y/N went back toward the kitchen while Hailee and Donovan bid farewell to them as well. Before they left, Y/M/N chuckled and asked them a favor.

"Make sure my boy doesn't go out of this house like that."

"You can count on us, ma'am." Donovan replied although he had been drinking as well.

They left the condo and the only ones remaining were the four friends. They spent time with each other, eating leftover food and talking. Drinks were still available, which Hailee and Donovan gladly indulged in. Zendaya didn't though, as she knew she had to drive home. Y/N also stopped drinking, feeling a headache coming on from the alcohol he had before. He must've been a lightweight.

Once Zendaya decided to go, she let her two intoxicated friends know to call an Uber if they were to leave.

"Yeah, yeah, I know." Donovan replied. "I literally have the app open right now in my pocket."

"Hailee?" Zendaya asked again, noticing her silence.

She looked at her, already pretty buzzed. "Uh-huh. What Donny said."

Donovan arched a brow. "Donny? I—I hate that name."

"Really? Donny. Donny! DONNY!" She poked fun at it.

Zendaya laughed to herself and waved goodbye. She left the condo and the three remaining friends continued joking around and talking.

Hailee and Donovan were wasted. Y/N still felt the aftereffects of his previous drinking but was way soberer than them. He found it pretty funny seeing how they acted. Thankfully, they knew when to stop and didn't over-drink.

"Wha—what time is it?" Donovan asked Y/N, who was starting to pick up things around the living room.

"Like...2 AM."

"Shit." He slurred and looked at his phone. The app was still open. "Guess...guess I should go home then."

"I'm pretty good right now. Want me to take you?" Y/N asked.

"Nah, nah, nah." He pointed at the screen. "Look, there's a driver a block away. Ima get him." He tapped through a couple of pop-ups and ordered the ride. "Boom."

Y/N chuckled and looked ahead at the other sofa, seeing Hailee resting her head on the arm of the furniture with her eyes closed. Donovan noticed her too.

"Woooooow she is waaaasted. I'd call another cab but I think I can't book two in the same time slot. I think...man, thinking is tiring." Donovan said.

"It's fine, Don. I'll handle it. Maybe I'll call it myself, or take her home, or if she's that messed up then I can let her have the guest room."

Donovan pointed at him. "Good plan. Good plan from a good friend. Great strategy from a great guy. Excellent approach from—"

"Aight, bro. I get it." Y/N laughed. "Relax or else you'll crash before the cab arrives."

The Uber finally did show up. Y/N made sure to walk Donovan downstairs and lead him to the car. He texted Donovan's sister and let him know he was coming home. The driver understood the situation and reassured Y/N that he would be taken care of and brought home safely.

Y/N thanked the driver and bid farewell to his best friend. He watched the car drive down the road before going back inside the complex.

He entered his condo and closed the door, the noise startling the drowsy Hailee on the sofa.

"Wha—who—who's there?" She called out in a slurred manner.

"It's me. Not a burglar. Relax." Y/N replied as he walked in.

"Who's me? A burglar named me?" She was staring blankly ahead. "Mister Me what?"

"Oh, you're drunk drunk." He replied with a laugh.

"I am not! Maybe you—" She stopped and looked around. "What happened to the party?"

"Well..."

"Are you hiding?" She called out. "Why you hiding? Y/M/N knows we're gonna be here!"

"Haiz...you're drunk. Do you hear yourself?" He asked with a chuckle. "Party ended a few hours ago. Daya and Donovan just left."

It took Hailee a moment to process it. She let out a laugh and ran her hands over her face.

"Oh, God...I am." She continued laughing. "I am. This has never happened before."

"It's pretty funny to see."

"This whole thing is like I'm in a dream world. Maybe this is a dream. Can I transport myself to Paris?"

"I don't think so." He replied. "Want me to take you home?"

"No, no, no, no. I—I wouldn't want my parents to see me like this. And I could already hear stupid Griff and his stupid laugh."

Y/N laughed at her statement. Hailee pointed at him.

"Stop laughing! See? Stupid laugh!"

He put his arms up. "All right. You want to stay the night then? I have a guest room."

"You have more rooms?"

"Uh...yeah."

"Of course you do, Mr. Millionaire. Rooms upon rooms upon rooms..."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. You were Miss Big Bucks before I had money." He walked over to her. "Come on, let me help you up."

Hailee lazily allowed herself to be pulled up. She stumbled but Y/N made sure to hold her close and not let her fall. The girl felt his strong hands and it made her feel somewhat safe...protected. That along with his reassuring tone as he escorted her down the hall seemed to...also excite her.

"Right this way." He said and lead her into the guest room. He walked to the edge of the bed and let go of her so he could turn on the bedside lamp.

"Okay...I might have something for you to change in so you could—"

As he turned around, arms wrapped around his neck, and Hailee's lips connected to his. She had to go on her tip-toes because of their height difference.

Their embrace lasted a couple of seconds before Y/N parted. He was in shock at the action and looked into the half-lidded eyes of his friend.

"Haiz...?"

"Why'd you stop?" She asked with a breathy laugh. "Come here."

As much as he wanted to kiss her again, he knew this wasn't her usual state of mind. He couldn't take advantage of Hailee. He pulled his head back a bit as she tried leaning in.

"Hailee, no."

"Come on...you don't want to kiss me? You don't want to touch me?" She ran her index finger across his left bicep. "Fuck me?"

Oh, of course, Y/N thought. But not like this.

"You're not thinking straight, Haiz. Trust me. You wouldn't be saying this if—"

"If I wasn't drunk?" She interjected with a chuckle. Hailee clicked her tongue and continued.

"I've always wanted you, Y/N. For you to be with me..." Hailee raised her hand and hovered her fingers by his temples. "...so I could look into these eyes..." She ran her fingertips down his cheek. "To feel this face..." They reached the side of his mouth. "...to savor these lips."

Y/N didn't know what to think. Hearing these words from her made his heart damn near hammer out of his chest. But the downside was that...she was drunk. Did she actually think this? Or did the drinking play a factor in her sudden arousal?

Hailee snapped her friend out of his thoughts by kissing him again, this time more passionately.

Y/N had an internal battle on whether to keep going, but he decided otherwise. It was until she felt her hands roam down his torso and to the hem of his shirt that he chose to pull away once more.

"I want you to be mine." Hailee purred.

Y/N inhaled as he stared at her. After a few seconds of silence, he finally spoke.

"I want you too." He muttered before speaking clearly. "But I love you too much...to act now...while you're like this."

"Like what?" She smiled and asked rather doltishly. This further proved how intoxicated she was.

To get out of the situation and give Hailee the rest she needed, he decided to play along.

"How about you go to bed...and I'll be back in a bit. Just get into the pajamas in the drawer and get under the covers while I...clean up a bit outside."

She grinned and let out a chuckle. "All right."

Y/N handed her some spare (yet oversized) clothes he had in the drawer. He left her in the room and waited outside a bit, having lied about the cleaning. After a few minutes, he quietly opened the door and peeked inside, seeing Hailee under the cover sleeping. She was knocked out, her drunken state finally getting to her.

The man let out a quiet sigh of relief, thankful that his plan worked out. Now he wondered how everything would be in the morning. He closed the door and let his friend enjoy her slumber.

• • •

A/N: Next up...the morning after (might be shocking! 😲) And a bunch of other stuff of course!

Mr. Wits...out!