•• February 20, 2020 ••

THE HOUSE FELT too big. Even with the cardboard boxes cluttering the entrance, the unassembled furniture leaning against the walls, and the faint scent of fresh paint still lingering in the air, it already felt like home.

Y/N stood in the middle of the open-concept living room, hands on his hips, turning in a slow circle as he took it all in. It didn't feel real yet. The high ceilings, the sleek, modern design, the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out into the backyard. A complete contrast from his LA condo—not just bigger, but more grown.

This was the kind of place people with families lived in.

He thought about that for a moment. About Kobe.

The last time they talked about real estate, Y/N had jokingly told him he'd just keep renting until he retired.

"Smart decision financially," Kobe had said. "But eventually, you gotta build something. A home. A foundation."

A home. A foundation.

"You're making that face," Hailee's voice echoed from the kitchen.

Y/N turned to see her standing by the marble island, pulling out their In-N-Out burgers from a bag.

The kitchen was massive—state-of-the-art everything, the kind of place that would make a chef geek out. But tonight, it wasn't being used for anything except holding a scattered mess of grocery bags and fast food.

He arched a brow. "What face?"

"The holy shit, I really made it face."

He scoffed, shaking his head, but he couldn't deny it.

Hailee walked over, standing on her toes to press a kiss to his cheek.

"Well, get used to it. This is home now." She added.

Y/N exhaled as he looked around again. His dream home, finally real.

And yet, it felt incomplete.

Because Kobe should've been here.

This was the kind of moment he would've called him about. The kind of thing that would've turned into a whole lecture—

"Did you check the foundation? What's the square footage? You gonna build a court in the backyard?"

Hell, he would've driven out here himself just to make sure Y/N had picked a real good house.

A small lump formed in his throat, but he pushed it down. Tonight wasn't about grief. It was about moving forward.

"You think we'll ever get used to this?" Hailee asked, plopping down on the floor and motioning for him to join her.

Y/N smirked, grabbing his food before sitting beside her.

"Nah. Just gonna appreciate it more every day."

They sat cross-legged, eating their burgers and fries with no table, no chairs—just two people in a house too big for them, figuring it out.

Hailee let out a small laugh, picking at her fries.

"Feels kinda like a throwback to when we were younger. Just sitting on the floor, eating whatever, talking about life."

Y/N nodded. "Except now, we don't gotta check if my mom's coming home before you sneak out."

Hailee burst into laughter, nudging his shoulder. "I never snuck out."

"Uh, you did. Remember that one time you were grounded and just showed up at my window?"

Hailee snickered. She did. She can vaguely recall one time when her mom punished her for talking back, young teenage girl stuff, and couldn't go out for a couple of days. But, Y/N enticed her saying he had somehow got a bootleg copy of the movie Up, which they hadn't seen yet at the time. So...she snuck out.

"You were so scared my mom would see you and tell your mom." Y/N added with a laugh, chewing his food.

"You know my mom." Hailee replied. "She's would've flipped her shit."

He chuckled, but memories started flashing in his mind. Late-night talks in his room when they were still just best friends, those first few months when things between them started shifting, the way she used to trace circles on his palm when she thought he wasn't paying attention.

Back when life felt simpler.

"You remember when we used to talk about shit like this back in high school?" Y/N asked after a beat.

Hailee smiled, taking a sip of her drink. "Yeah. Except back then, we thought a two-bedroom apartment in Burbank was peak luxury."

They both laughed. They really thought that was the dream.

Hailee leaned back on her hands, looking around the house.

"This is crazy." She spoke again. "We're really here."

Y/N glanced at her. She looked so at ease, so happy. The dim kitchen lights made her skin glow, her loose hoodie hanging off one shoulder.

She looked...home.

"You ever think we'd actually get here?" He asked.

Hailee thought for a second, then smiled softly.

"Yeah. I did."

Y/N tilted his head. "That confident?"

"I just...I don't know. I always felt like we were meant to be something special, you know? Like, even if we weren't together, even if we went in different directions, we were always gonna end up where we were supposed to be."

Y/N didn't say anything at first. He just stared at her, letting her words sink in.

He thought about Kobe again.

About what he told him after Y/N won his first playoff series.

"The hardest part ain't the climb. It's what comes after. You get to the top, and now you gotta ask yourself—what kind of legacy you leaving? What kind of life you building?"

Y/N had been so caught up in getting here—in achieving, in pushing, in proving himself—that he never stopped to think about what came next.

Maybe this was it. Building something real.

"Yeah," he murmured finally. "We did pretty good, huh?"

Hailee turned her head to look at him, the corner of her lips tugging into a grin. "Yeah. We did."

They ate in comfortable silence for a while, occasionally stealing fries from each other's fry boats. The wrappers and mess didn't matter. The house already felt warm.

After finishing their food, Y/N leaned back against the wall, stretching his legs out.

"Alright, we gotta unpack at some point."

Hailee groaned, flopping dramatically onto his lap. "Can we just pretend the boxes don't exist?"

Y/N chuckled, resting a hand on her back. "You tryna live outta a suitcase in a mansion?"

"It's not that bad," she mumbled into his shirt.

"You say that now, but in a week, you're gonna be mad when you can't find your face wash."

Hailee huffed but didn't argue. Instead, she lifted her head slightly. There was a beat.

"You think this is the place we'll start a family in?"

Y/N paused. His hand stilled against her back.

He wasn't expecting that question. The young man looked at her.

"...You tryna have my babies already?" he teased, trying to lighten the moment.

Hailee rolled her eyes but smiled. She shifted, now sitting in his lap and facing him.

"I just mean...does this feel like home-home? Like, the place where life really starts?"

Y/N looked around, taking in the space, the quiet, the possibilities.

He thought about Kobe again. About Vanessa. About the girls. Kobe had always said family was the most important legacy.

"...Yeah," he said finally, voice softer. "Yeah, I think so."

Hailee smiled, pressing her forehead against his.

"Me too."

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped up in each other, the rest of the world falling away.

Eventually, Hailee yawned, rubbing her eyes. "Alright, I'm calling it. I'm gonna pass out."

Y/N smirked. "On the floor?"

Hailee blinked sleepily. "Yeah."

He chuckled, easily lifting her into his arms.

"Alright, Haiz," he murmured. "Let's get you to bed before you start snoring on the hardwood."

As he carried her upstairs, he thought of Kobe's words again.

"Build something. A home. A foundation."

Maybe, for the first time in a long time, he wasn't just chasing something.

Maybe, just maybe...he was already where he was supposed to be.

The house was quiet.

Most of the boxes were still unpacked, the furniture still waiting to be assembled, but none of that mattered right now.

Hailee was upstairs, asleep. The world was still. But Y/N's mind wouldn't shut off.

So, he did what Kobe would've done....he went to the gym.

The private facility wasn't far—just a short drive through the dimly lit streets of Encino, the roads nearly empty this late at night. It was almost eerie, but he liked it that way.

No distractions.

No noise.

Just work.

Y/N parked, turned off the engine, and sat there for a second. His hands gripped the steering wheel, his thumb tapping against the leather.

He hadn't cried since the All-Star Game. Hadn't allowed himself to.

Y/N exhaled sharply and grabbed his bag, stepping out into the crisp night air.

The moment he walked into the gym, he felt it.

The shift.

Everything outside didn't exist here. No cameras. No social media. No distractions. Just the game.

Y/N put his bag down by the wall, unzipped his hoodie, and pulled it off, revealing his drenched workout tee underneath. He was already sweating. He had been in his home gym before this, but it wasn't enough.

It never was.

He grabbed a ball and started with form shooting. The same way Kobe used to start.

One-handed shots close to the rim. Feel the ball. Feel the arc.

Backspin. Rotation. Follow-through.

Ten makes. Move back. Repeat.

The first few shots felt stiff. His shoulders were tight, his body sore from travel and games.

But he kept going.

The rhythm settled in. The game always felt easier in silence.

He moved to midrange—his bread and butter.

Turnarounds off the glass.

Fadeaways over an imaginary defender.

One-dribble pull-ups.

Jab-step, two-dribble into a step-back.

Every move had intention. No wasted motion.

Kobe's voice echoed in his mind.

"The work's the only thing that never lies."

Y/N kept pushing.

His lungs burned. His legs felt heavier with each shot. His arms ached, but he welcomed the pain.

Because Kobe worked through the pain.

And so would he.

After hundreds of makes, he moved to ball-handling.

Full-court dribbles. Tight crossovers.

Hesi-pulls. Step-backs.

Live-dribble passes off the bounce.

He played out imaginary scenarios in his head. The defense collapsing. The double-team coming. The clock winding down.

He pictured himself at Staples Center.

Crowd roaring. Game on the line.

He took the shot.

Swish.

The clock on the wall read 3:17 AM.

Nearly four hours had passed.

His body screamed at him to stop, but his mind wouldn't let him.

Not yet.

Y/N sat on the floor, his back against the padded wall, catching his breath. His shirt was soaked. His knees ached.

And yet, he felt peace.

He closed his eyes for a moment, head resting against the wall.

For the first time in weeks, he felt Kobe there. Not in the way everyone talked about—not in spirit, not in some cliché way.

But in the work.

In every rep. Every drop of sweat. Every moment spent alone in the gym when the rest of the world was asleep.

This is what Kobe meant.

"You build your legend in the dark."

Y/N opened his eyes.

He wasn't done yet.

The house was dark when Y/N got back.

The only light came from the small glow of the kitchen's nightlight, casting long shadows across the sleek countertops and scattered moving boxes. The house still didn't feel lived in yet. It smelled too fresh, too new.

He dropped his gym bag near the entrance, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle into his limbs. His hoodie and shirt underneath was still damp with sweat, his body sore from hours of work. But it was a good kind of sore. The kind that told him he had earned it.

Y/N rolled his shoulders as he stepped into the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. The cold against his palm was sharp, grounding him. He twisted the cap off, taking a long, slow drink, feeling the ice-cold liquid run down his throat.

He should go to bed.

But instead, he found himself wandering.

The entire house was quiet. The kind of quiet that pressed against his ears, almost too loud in its silence. He walked through the living room, past the half-unpacked boxes and the empty bookshelves waiting to be filled.

His steps were instinctive, taking him toward the stairs.

The door to their bedroom was slightly ajar. He pushed it open quietly, stepping inside.

Hailee was asleep, curled up on her side, her hair spilling across the pillow. She looked peaceful. One arm was tucked beneath her cheek, her other resting against his side of the bed—as if she had been reaching for him.

Y/N exhaled softly, running a hand through his damp hair.

He felt strangely detached from everything. Like his mind was still back in the gym, trapped in the rhythm of dribbles and shot mechanics. Like he wasn't quite here yet.

But when he looked at Hailee, he felt himself coming back.

Slowly, he peeled off his hoodie, tossing it onto a chair before stripping off his sweat-soaked shirt. His body was aching for sleep, but he didn't want to wake her.

He turned toward the bathroom to shower, but before he could take another step—

"Y/N?"

Her voice was soft, laced with sleep.

He paused. "Yeah?"

Hailee shifted, blinking up at him with tired eyes. "You just getting home?"

"Yeah," he murmured, rubbing the back of his neck. "Gym ran late."

She hummed, reaching out a hand toward him. "Come here."

Y/N hesitated. He was still sweaty, still stuck in that wired, post-workout headspace.

But she didn't care.

"Come here," she repeated, firmer this time.

So, he did.

He climbed into bed beside her, letting her pull him in. She curled against him immediately, her warmth against his cooling skin making him exhale.

"You okay?" she murmured.

Y/N swallowed, staring up at the ceiling. He didn't know how to answer that.

"I just..." He sighed. "Needed to clear my head."

Hailee pressed her cheek against his chest. "You always do that with a long ass workout?"

Y/N huffed a quiet laugh. "Sometimes."

She didn't push.

Didn't tell him to stop overworking himself. Didn't tell him to rest. She just held him.

And maybe that's why Y/N felt himself finally relaxing.

For the first time all night, he let his eyes close.

He was still locked in.

But here—with her—he could breathe.

• • •

FOR ONCE, Y/N slept in. Not by choice. Not because he wanted to. His body just...shut down.

He felt it the moment he stirred—that weird, disoriented feeling of waking up way later than usual. The sun was already filtering through the curtains, the house was silent, and for the first time in a while, he wasn't thinking about schedules or workouts.

He exhaled and rubbed his face, still groggy.

Then—something moved on his chest.

At first, he thought he was imagining it. His body still felt heavy from exhaustion, his brain not quite caught up yet. But no—something was definitely on him.

Then he felt fur. Tiny paws. A wet nose.

And then—a sudden, chaotic burst of movement as whatever it was climbed all over him.

"The hell?" Y/N's voice was hoarse, thick with sleep. He barely had time to process before a small, eager tongue licked his chin.

His eyes snapped open.

Tiny brown eyes. Tiny ears. Tiny paws. A tiny furball sitting proudly on his chest.

He blinked.

"...What the—"

"Oh, good, you're up!"

Y/N turned his head slowly to see Hailee sitting cross-legged beside him on the bed, grinning like she just pulled off the best prank of all time.

Still half-asleep, he pointed at the tiny dog sitting on him like he owned the place.

"Hailee," he said, voice still scratchy, "who is this?"

"That," she announced, "is our new puppy."

Silence. A beat.

Y/N stared at her. Then at the dog. Then back at her.

"...Since when do we have a puppy?"

"Since this morning," she said cheerfully. "Surprise!"

The puppy yipped excitedly, its tail wagging wildly as if in full agreement.

Y/N ran a hand down his face. He wasn't even mad—just stunned. He had left the gym at one in the morning, barely had the energy to drive home, passed out, and now woke up to a whole new creature living in his house.

He blinked again, still trying to process.

"Where—" He exhaled. "Where the hell did you even get him?"

Hailee shrugged, still beaming.

"Met a breeder a few days ago. I was gonna wait, but then I saw him, and I just knew. So I brought her home. A few hours ago, in a fact. You really slept in."

Y/N raised an eyebrow. "So you just decided we were getting a dog? No conversation? No heads up?"

"Okay, in my defense," she said, "I knew you'd love him."

He squinted at her. Then looked back at the tiny, energetic Yorkshire Terrier, who had now settled onto her stomach, wagging her tail like she was waiting for approval.

"Besides," She added. "When you first got this property a couple of years ago, we talked about possibly getting a dog. So..."

Y/N sighed. She was right. He looked at the puppy and rubbed its head.

"...You lucky you cute, girl."

Hailee clapped her hands together. "See? I knew it."

Y/N scratched behind the puppy's ears, feeling the small weight of her against his chest. He had to admit—the little one was growing on him fast.

"What's her name?" he asked.

"Martini."

Y/N blinked again. "Like...the drink?"

Hailee grinned. "No, like the film term."

Y/N just stared at her with that same look he had when whenever he had to study a gameplan for someone like KD, Giannis, or even LeBron before he came to LA. Confusion.

Hailee rolled her eyes playfully. She explained.

"The Martini Shot is the final shot before wrapping a set for the day. I thought it fit—and because she's also teenie."

Y/N let that sink in. Then he huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head.

"So you got a Yorkie and thought, Yep, Martini."

"Exactly."

"...You're ridiculous."

"And yet, you're already in love with her."

Y/N looked down at the puppy, who immediately rolled onto her back, waiting for belly rubs.

He sighed. "Yeah. Maybe."

Hailee nudged him. "Definitely."

He smirked, finally sitting up, feeling lighter than he had in weeks. Maybe she was right. Maybe this was exactly what he needed.

A distraction. A little joy. Something simple and good.

Martini barked, hopping into his lap like she'd been waiting her whole life for this moment.

Y/N chuckled. A new member of the family had officially arrived.

"Alright, little girl. Let's see what you got."

It was half past 10 AM. The gym inside the Lakers Practice Facility in El Segundo was already buzzing by the time Y/N walked in.

Coaches were setting up drills, trainers were working with guys on stretches, and a few of his teammates were already on the court, getting their warm-up shots up. The energy was focused but loose—exactly how a game-day walkthrough should be.

Y/N felt good.

The soreness from last night's workout was still there, but it was manageable. The five hours of sleep he got were enough to keep him sharp, and the morning with Hailee and their new pet, Maritni, had helped clear his head.

Now, it was time to get back into game mode.

"Ah, look who decided to show up," Jared Dudley called out, grinning from across the court. "We thought you and your girl were still hard at work breaking in that new home of yours."

There was a collective chuckle from other players nearby. Dudley, being the veteran he was, always set the mood.

Dudley looked toward Quinn Cook. "Q? How many rounds you think?"

Cook snickered. "Man, I don't think that mattress lasted more than 4."

"Y'all really wondering how good I am in bed?" Y/N asked with a chuckle.

"What's wrong with that?" Dwight asked.

He shook his head. "Fruity ass motherfuckers."

They all laughed. Y/N dropped his bag near the bench before heading toward the court.

LeBron and AD were already shooting around. Y/N jogged over, grabbing a ball and taking a few warm-up jumpers to get loose. The rhythm was there.

Coach Vogel and his staff gathered them up a few minutes later.

Their match against the Memphis Grizzlies was tonight. They were young, hungry, and athletic as hell. Ja Morant had been tearing through defenses all season, and they'd have to find ways to contain him while keeping their own offensive flow steady.

"Alright, let's get into it," Vogel said, clapping his hands. "We're keeping this light, just focusing on some key matchups and adjustments. Y/N, you're taking lead on running through their main sets since you'll be matched with Ja a lot tonight."

Y/N nodded, already flipping the switch in his head.

Defending Ja was a challenge—the guy was quick, explosive, and fearless in the paint. But Y/N loved a challenge.

They ran through Memphis' offensive sets, breaking down Ja's tendencies—where he liked to attack, how he used screens, when he looked to pass versus finish.

LeBron, standing next to Y/N during a breakdown, nudged him slightly.

"He's quick, but he doesn't love contact. If you body him early, make him feel you, he won't get as aggressive driving later in the game."

Y/N smirked. "So you're saying I should foul the hell out of him early?"

"Not a bad idea," AD chimed in. "Except, you know, don't get into foul trouble."

"Great insight, fellas," Vogel interjected dryly.

The walkthrough continued, going over offensive spacing and transition defense.

Y/N wasn't just locked in—he was processing everything.

Every play. Every adjustment. Every little wrinkle they could exploit.

When they finally wrapped up, Vogel clapped his hands together.

"Good work, guys. Get some shots up, get treatment, get your naps, and be ready for tonight."

Y/N stayed on the court for a little longer, getting some extra reps in with AD and Kuzma before heading to the weight room for a quick lift.

As he walked off the court, LeBron pulled him aside.

"Yo," LeBron said, his tone more serious now. "I know you've been working through some shit. Just checking in. You good?"

Y/N hesitated for half a second.

The easy answer was Yeah, I'm fine.

But he knew Bron would see through the bullshit.

So instead, he gave the truth.

"I'm getting there," Y/N admitted.

LeBron studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Good. Let it fuel you tonight."

Y/N smirked. "Oh, I plan to."

•• SOCIAL MEDIA ••

2-21-2020

@/NBAonTNT
Ja vs. Y/N did not disappoint.

Who's taking the young stars in a 1v1? 👀

📊 Final Score:
Lakers 121 - Grizzlies 110

Y/N L/N: 32 PTS, 7 AST, 4 REB, 3 STL, 1 BLK
LeBron: 24 PTS, 11 AST, 8 REB
AD: 26 PTS, 12 REB, 3 BLK
Ja Morant: 28 PTS, 9 AST, 5 REB

12K Retweets 🔁 | 90K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/YER_MA728 Y/N owns Ja 😹😹😹

@/projectmmbape for a second there I thought Ja was gonna pull out the 9
^@/WilsonsWits 💀💀💀
^@/NotJa12 careful buddy

@/LuZzX_ and he thought he was the better #2 pick 💀
^@/NotJa12 bro I'm serious yall better shut it

• •

2-21-2020

@/Original_L/N
Unbreakable ⛓️🤝⛓️

6K Retweets 🔁 | 77K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/HungrySavage Get Danny out this pic he literally bricked every shot
^@/Newrinzler12 cook that bum

@/TheGingerMatt championship vibes wish my Knicks had that
^@/GhostOfWakanda soon bro im from the future you getting Brunson
^@/TheGingerMatt i dont want that midget on my squad

@/Almod1119 MVP

• •

2-22-2020

❤️ liked by dualipa and 156,889 others

@/haileesteinfeld teenie says good morning ☀️

Comments 💬

@/itssoalina 💜💛

@/ST2004Comics WTF SHES SO CUTE

@/Original_L/N now I'm not the only one that can lick your face smh
^@/spidadmitchell no way you just commented this with no shame
^@/haileesteinfeld oh my god
^@/kuz someone get they mans

@/zendaya im a proud aunt

@/KN1GHTFALL I want to lick your face too
^@/Original_L/N🤨
^@/WilsonsWits 🤨
^@/KN1GHTFALL what

• •

2-23-2020

@/Lakers
Doesn't get much sweeter than beating the Boston Celtics. #LakersWin

3K Retweets 🔁 | 9.3K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/KyogoFuruhashi8 Celtics more like Celshits
^@/dav1233555 relax man

@/KN1GHTFALL Old man Bron fadeaway dagger over Brown 😂 bum
^@/dav1233555 shut up

@/CanYouBeCarr Bring me Boston in June lol Lakers belting that ass
^@/dav1233555 Tatum and Brown gonna cook them

@/Uzumaki1047 great statement win 🏆

• •

2-23-2020

@/Original_L/N
Rivalry games just hit different. 🟣🟡

12K Retweets 🔁 | 98K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Dragonsw best player on the floor with Bron, AD, Tatum, and Brown 🔥🔥🔥

@/MK11_EGY Kobe possessed him that second half

@/dav1233555 you not beating us again

@/LockRequiem consider this a warning Boston
^@/dav1233555 there's nothing to be scared of
^@/DarthTalek Y/N dropping 80 on yall if he faces you again

@/HaileeSteinfeld Yes, yes. Great win. Now come home 🙃
^@/GhostOfWakanda I'm coming honey
^@/KN1GHTFALL chill man
^@/Original_L/N block these guys

• •

2-24-2020

@/etnow
Kobe Bryant's 'Celebration of Life' memorial is today. 💜💛  Here's how you can watch it live.

*link*

342 Retweets 🔁 | 877 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/KRzy901 we will be there

@/Almod1119 I'm gonna cry man

@/_CamWrites_ 😭😭😭

• • •

THE SILENCE IN Staples Center was deafening.

Not the kind of silence that felt empty—but the kind that carried weight.

Thousands of people packed into the arena, the very place Kobe had built his legend. The air was thick with grief, with love, with a shared understanding that this moment wasn't just about basketball—it was about something bigger.

Y/N sat in the front row, staring ahead, his hands clasped tightly together. His suit felt suffocating, his throat dry. Everything about today felt unreal.

To his left, LeBron sat with his hands steepled over his face, eyes closed. AD leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, staring down at the floor. So many players, past and present, had their heads bowed. Some had their arms wrapped around their loved ones. Others just sat still.

And then there was Vanessa.

God...Vanessa.

She had just finished speaking, and Y/N didn't know how she had the strength to do it. She was the strongest person in the room. No question.

She spoke about Kobe as a husband. As a father. About Gigi. About the light and love they brought into the world. She spoke through tears, through heartbreak, but her voice never wavered.

Y/N had already been holding it in all day, but the moment she said, "God knew they couldn't be on this Earth without each other..."

He broke.

Tears slipped down his face.

He had lost people before, but this was different.

Because Kobe had been so much more than a mentor. More than a big brother.

And now, as his name was called to speak, Y/N felt a lump in his throat.

He stood up.

LeBron gave him a slight nod, eyes red. AD patted his back as he walked past. Vanessa squeezed his hand as he passed her, and he returned it, just for a moment.

Then, he stepped onto the stage.

He took a deep breath. The crowd was massive. The world was watching.

He gripped the podium, steadied himself.

"My name is Y/N L/N," he started. "And I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for Kobe Bryant."

A pause.

A sharp inhale from someone in the crowd. A murmur. A shared understanding.

"He wasn't my coach. He wasn't just my teammate. He wasn't my blood."

His voice wavered slightly. He let it.

"But he was my family."

A deep, resonating silence settled over the arena.

Y/N exhaled through his nose, looking out over the thousands of people in Staples Center. He spotted familiar faces—NBA legends, actors, musicians, teammates.

He saw Pau Gasol, eyes rimmed red, nodding.

He saw Derek Fisher, jaw clenched tight.

He saw Kobe's girls.

Natalia sat with Vanessa, holding Bianka close, rocking Capri gently in her arms. The sight of them made Y/N's heart ache.

They lost the most.

He looked away, cleared his throat.

"I met Kobe when I was four years old. I don't remember much from that day. But I remember him."

A small, nostalgic smile flickered across his face.

"I was running around my birthday party in a Batman cape, probably being an absolute menace, and my aunt Vanessa brought her boyfriend. Some guy named Kobe Bryant. I didn't know who he was. But when I handed him an eye mask and a toy sword and asked him to play with me, he didn't hesitate."

A quiet chuckle rippled through the crowd.

"He got down on the floor with me, fought me like we were in some superhero movie. He let me 'win' a few times, but he also told me I had to 'earn it.' Even then, he was pushing me to be better."

Y/N swallowed. The weight of it all settled in his chest.

"That was Kobe. Always. Pushing you. Making you better. Whether it was basketball, business, life—he wanted you to be great. And he led by example."

His gaze swept across the arena.

"You all know about his five rings, his MVPs, his 81-point game. The Mamba Mentality. The guy we saw on the court? That wasn't a persona. That was who he was. Kobe didn't just play the game—he lived it. He treated every day like he was chasing something greater."

He let in a breath.

"And when I was old enough to really understand that, I told myself—I want to be just like that."

His voice softened.

"But there was more to him than that. More than the competitor, more than the basketball icon. He was—"

His throat tightened. He took a deep breath.

"He was a father. And a damn good one."

Silence. Then, soft sniffles throughout the arena.

"He loved his girls. He loved them more than anything in this world. You should've seen his face when he talked about them. He would light up whenever Gigi would hit a fadeaway, whenever Natalia hit an ace in volleyball, whenever Bianka or Capri did anything. They were everything to him. And Vanessa—"

He looked toward her, blinking back his own tears.

"He worshipped you."

Vanessa wiped a tear away, smiling faintly.

"He used to tell me all the time—'Don't ever settle for someone who doesn't challenge you. Who doesn't push you. Who doesn't make you better.' And he'd always follow that up by saying, 'That's why I married Vanessa.'

A mix of quiet laughter and soft sobs rippled through the crowd.

Y/N smiled, but it was bittersweet.

"I think we all thought we had more time. I know I did." His voice thickened. "I thought I had more time to ask him things. To tell him things. To thank him."

A deep breath.

"But the thing about Kobe is—he never really leaves you."

Y/N's gaze lifted up, toward the rafters. Toward the jerseys. Toward 8 and 24.

"He left his mark on all of us. In different ways. Some of us knew him personally, some of us never got to meet him—but we all carry a piece of him. In the way we work. In the way we push ourselves. In the way we attack life like there's no tomorrow."

He let out a slow breath.

"Kobe always told me, 'Leave everything better than you found it.' And he did. He left the game better. He left the world better. He left me better."

A beat.

"And I swear to you, Kobe—I'll do the same."

The arena was silent.

Then—applause. Loud, thunderous applause.

Y/N stepped back from the mic, wiped his eyes, and looked up—one last time.

He wasn't just saying goodbye.

He was making a promise.

For Kobe.

For Gigi.

For everything he left behind.

Mamba Forever.

•• SOCIAL MEDIA ••

2-24-2020

@/MariaShriver
The Kobe and Gianna Bryant Memorial held today at The Staples Center was moving, heartbreaking, and life affirming. I was honored to be there to pay tribute, along with my son Christopher and his friend Shawn. #KobeFarewell

265 Retweets 🔁 | 729 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/dav1233555 respect

@/y3s957 I was in tears dawg

@/lightdarkness98 quote is heartbreaking
^@/VergilioSupremacy03 facts

• •

2-24-2020

@/ESPN
Michael Jordan. Shaquille O'Neal. Y/N L/N. Diana Taurasi. The basketball world came together today to honor Kobe & Gigi. 💜💛

6K Retweets 🔁 | 45K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/projectmmbape LEGENDS

@/toofoolishauthor great seeing the GOAT there

@/ConnorJ7 amazing ceremony

@/Silent_Hawk_7 Damn, Y/N really did him justice. Salute.

• •

2-24-2020

@/Trevor_Lane
A moment that stood out today: As Y/N L/N walked off the stage after his speech, he was immediately embraced by Vanessa Bryant, LeBron James, and Quinn Cook. You could feel the emotion in the building.

1K Retweets 🔁 | 11K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Cai0aRdSaint so wholesome
^@/Baddger fr even Bron got me crying

@/StormTZ33 mamba forever man
^@/ByEmmet forever

• •

2-25-2020

@/NBA
NBA Players of the Week for Week 16.

West: @/Original_L/N (@/Lakers)
East: @/jaytatum0 (@/celtics)

🔁 702 Retweets | ❤️ 4.3K Likes

Replies 💬

@/ventcity he in his mamba bag oml

@/_L/Ns_World_ BOW DOWN TO THE KING BITCHES
^@/Alex_the_Baller and you should stop bending over
^@/quandorondoniggaa cook his fruity ahh
^@/WhisperQM he worse than them harden stans lmao

@/REAPERKING4 Y/N coming for that player of the month next

• •

2-27-2020

@/BleacherReport
Y/N L/N DROPS 41 IN SAN FRANCISCO! 🔥

🎯 15/22 FG | 7/10 3PT | 6 REB | 10 AST
😤 Put on a show at Chase Center

11K Retweets 🔁 | 77K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Tuna_boi blew the shit outta em 😭😭😭
^@/champagnewrites is was literally just Eric Paschall and friends 💀

@/projectmmbape Jordan Poole lead squad 😂 easy dub obv

@/GhostOfWakanda don't run Stephen 😹

• •

3-1-2020

@/ESPN
🚨 LAKERS WIN BIG IN NOLA 🚨

🔹 LeBron: 34 pts, 12 ast, 13 ast
🔹 Kuzma: 23 pts, 7 reb
🔹 Y/N: 28 pts, 8 ast, 3 stl

🔁 4K Retweets | ❤️ 34K Likes

Replies 💬

@/_L/NsWorld_ Y/N OWNS ZION 😭 GAVE HIM BELT TO ASS

@/PelsWits why did we trade AD to them
^@/KN1GHTFALL enjoy Slendgram bro

@/toofoolishauthor fuck AD
^@/KN1GHTFALL respect the brow
^@/TheGingerMatt don't mind him he's salty he stuck with Mr. Tubby
^@/toofoolishauthor you literally employ Julius Randle

• •

3-6-2020

@/NBAonTNT
Lakers take down the Bucks in a statement game! 🔥

🔹 LeBron: 37 pts, 8 reb, 7 ast
🔹 Y/N: 31 pts, 10 ast, 5 reb
🔹 AD: 29 pts, 13 reb

Giannis finished with 32 & 11 in the battle of the best teams in the league.

16K Retweets 🔁 | 101K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/GreekFreakSZN Giannis will remember this for the Finals
^@/Almod1119 Heat beating them

@/GhostOfWakanda Y/N was COOKING in the second half 😤🔥

@/ConnorJ7 LeBron & Y/N & AD are the best trio in the league, no debate.

@/HungrySavage EAT A D1CK OLD MAN LMFAOOO @/RealSkipBayless
^@/WilsonsWits LMFAOOOO

• •

3-8-2020

@/NBA
🌟 BATTLE OF LA 🌟

#1 in the West @/Lakers on a 3-game win streak clash with #2 in the West @/LAClippers on a 6-game win streak today at 3:30pm/et on ABC!

1.2K Retweets 🔁 | 6.2K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/YER_MA78 Bron vs Kawhi 🥵

@/ST2004Comics Lakers winning

@/ezioenthusiast PG better run back to his snowbunny he ain't safe

• • •

STAPLES CENTER WAS buzzing. The air was thick with tension, excitement, and the lingering weight of the Lakers' emotional week. After taking down the Milwaukee Bucks in their last game, the Lakers were coming into this one locked in—but they knew this battle was different.

Y/N adjusted his warmup hoodie, rolling his shoulders as he looked across the court. The Clippers were on the other end, going through their pregame drills, just as focused. Kawhi Leonard, stoic as always, exchanged no words with anyone. Paul George, bouncing the ball at halfcourt, nodded at a familiar face courtside. Patrick Beverley? Loud, animated, already talking.

LeBron walked past Y/N and patted him on the back. "This one's gonna be a dogfight."

Y/N smirked. "That's the only way I want it."

Anthony Davis stretched nearby, rolling his neck as he interjected. "We need this one. We've been hearing the noise. We ain't letting them run LA."

Their first two matchups were split—Lakers took the season opener, Clippers won on Christmas Day. Tonight was the tiebreaker. Both teams knew it was more than just a regular-season game.

This was a statement.

As the teams huddled up, Y/N could hear Kobe chants from the crowd, a lingering presence in every game since his passing. He exhaled slowly, staring up at the rafters where both of Kobe's jerseys hung.

"This one's for you." He muttered.

The Lakers won the tip, and immediately, Patrick Beverley set the tone, pressuring LeBron at half court. The Lakers' first shot missed and the Clippers came back on the other end. Zubac had the ball at the free throw line then passed it to Paul George, who sank a midrange jumper.

Lakers ended up getting free throw attempts afterward, but JaVale McGee only made one of two. The Clippers ended up scoring on the other end thanks to layup by Patrick Beverley.

AD posted up Marcus Morris. He got deep into position but Zubac came over for the block attempt. He ended up fouling Davis, who sank his free throws.

Clippers missed their next shot. LeBron got the rebound and ran a play. McGee screened the man on Y/N to get him open, and LeBron quickly gave the ball to Y/N. He penetrated toward the basket, but stopped upon finding an opening and pulling up for midrange.

Swish.

Tie game.

On the next possession, Kawhi had the ball. He shot a pull up on LeBron and it was cash. Clippers were now up two.

Y/N got involved early—not by scoring, but by facilitating. He pushed the tempo, finding LeBron on a fast-break alley-oop that ignited the crowd.

"LeBron with the jam!"

"Showtime already?!"

The Clippers answered back with another Kawhi pull-up jumper over Danny Green. Y/N picked up Patrick Beverley on the next possession, fighting over a screen and successfully getting a steal. He ran down the open floor on the fast break, where he laid it despite Beverley trailing and trying to smack the ball.

"Picked his pocket!"

Y/N flexed on Pat Bev as he walked back, barking in his face as Patrick always did to everyone else.

"Fuck you doing trying to block me, huh? You weren't doing shit."

The referee nearby heard Y/N and immediately blew his whistle and gestured a T sign with his hands. Y/N did not care and ran back on defense.

"And a technical foul has been called, I believe on L/N."

"But he is not phased."

As the quarter went on, the Clippers and Lakers traded baskets.

Kawhi drilled a contested three.

LeBron with an and-one.

Lou Williams pull up.

Another Y/N midrange shot.

Zubac spin move for the lay in.

AD jam on a fast break.

By the end of the quarter, the Lakers led 27-25. Y/N had 6 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds, playing a controlled but aggressive game.

In the second quarter, the Lakers tightened their defense. Alex Caruso checked in and immediately caused problems for Lou Williams, forcing him into a tough shot.

On the other end, Y/N took charge.

He called for a screen from AD, drove hard, and found Dwight Howard for a monster dunk.

On the next play, he came off a curl and drained a pull-up three.

Then, in transition, he euro-stepped past Harrell for a smooth layup.

But Kawhi responded—hitting back-to-back midrange jumpers, reminding everyone why he was Finals MVP last season.

LeBron checked back in and started taking over. He attacked the paint relentlessly, bullying his way inside and drawing fouls. When Beverley got too aggressive, LeBron waved him off and calmly drained a step-back three right in his face.

By halftime, the score was Lakers 53, Clippers 49. Y/N had 11 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal.

When the third quarter started, the Clippers came out with more energy, more physicality, more intensity.

Paul George, who had been rather quiet, erupted. He hit a deep three over Y/N, then came down the floor and threw down a one-handed dunk off a baseline drive. The Clippers went on a 12-2 run.

Y/N and AD responded—running a perfect pick-and-roll, leading to a thunderous AD dunk.

But Patrick Beverley sparked a defensive frenzy. He ripped the ball from Y/N in the backcourt and set up a Clippers fast break, leading to another PG three. Then he clapped in Y/N's face, barking at him all the way down the court.

"Oh, you talking now?" Y/N asked him.

"Been talkin' n—" He barked back. "You're in my house."

"You talking about the dumpster in the back of the arena?"

Beverley snickered. "Better than that dump you and your bitch are in."

Y/N could not believe he heard that from him. If this wasn't the hardwood, he would've definitely swung on his ass. But with a technical already assessed to him, he couldn't confront him and risk another that would eject him from the game. He just chuckled, calling for the ball that was inbounded to LeBron. He gave the rock to Y/N.

In that Laker's possession, Y/N took his time. He called for an isolation, dribbled between his legs, then hit Beverley with a snatch-back crossover that sent him stumbling.

The crowd immediately reacted. Y/N pulled up and drilled the jumper as the arena exploded. Y/N just stared him down as he ran backwards. Beverley, shaking his head, just got back up and resumed play.

The intensity reached playoff levels. The third quarter ended with Lakers up 85-81.

Y/N had 18 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds.

It was now the fourth quarter. Closing time. LeBron. Kawhi. AD. PG. Y/N. Lou Will. It was time for the stars to shine.

The Lakers leaned on their defense. LeBron blocked a PG jumper. Y/N stripped Kawhi in transition. Every possession felt like war.

But at the end of the day, the tandem of the Lakers trio was too much.

By the time the game only had 3 minutes left, the Lakers were up 7 with the score being 104-97.

Y/N had the ball. He drove past Lou Williams and Kawhi quickly tried to double team. Montrezl Harrel also stepped up from underneath the basket. This freed up AD, who slipped past PG.

Y/N saw him and immediately dished the ball to AD. He rose up, throwing down a reverse dunk.

"In the paint to Davis for the slam!"

Kawhi ended up coming back and putting up a midrange jumper of AD. The score was now 106-99.

A minute passed and after some free throw attempts and the score was now 107-100 with a little over a minute left.

Y/N had the ball again. Kawhi took the challenge to guard him one on one. With five seconds left on the shot clock, he Y/N faded away from his post up and sank the jump over Leonard.

109-100.

"Right over Leonard!"

Staples erupted. They all ran back on defense and awaited how the Clippers would respond.

They ran a play. The Lakers stuck to their man and also switched as they kept swinging the rock to their perimeter guys. It ended up reaching Paul George, who was open for a split second and threw up a three.

Clank.

Markieff Morris got the rebound. He gave it back to LeBron, and the clock was now at 50 seconds with them up 9.

The King isolated Marcus Morris at the top of the key. Everyone was on their feet. The arena stereo system sounded, thumping their DEFENSE tune. The crowd was filled with yellow and blue, but mostly yellow. Despite it being a Clippers home game...Lakers fans filled most of the seats.

LeBron initiated a hard drive toward the rim. Marcus Morris tried to stay with him, but LeBron was too fast and too strong.

He laid the ball in but was also fouled by Morris. The referee blew the whistle.

And-one.

LeBron skipped around in glee, shouting at the crowd who cheered back. He turned around, facing the court and shouting again.

Y/N went over to dap LeBron up, and they chest bumped.

The arena soon chanted MVP. They kept sounding off as he readied to shoot his free throw.

It was so surreal. Everyone was on their feet, chanting praises to LeBron James in what was technically an away game. That went to show how much of an icon he was. The aura he had.

This was something Kobe would've loved to see.

LeBron sank his free throw. Clippers immediately called timeout. While they all went to their benches. Kuzma stopped in front of LeBron and crowned him.

They came back out on the floor soon after. Once again, Paul George missed a three. With only less than 24 seconds left and the game basically put away, they chose to let the Lakers hold the ball until the game clock ran out.

The buzzer sounded.

Lakers win.

112-100.

"The Lakers will go undefeated on this statement weekend. Resounding victory against the Bucks on Friday and they defeat the Clippers here on Sunday afternoon."

Y/N finished with 24 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, and a dagger before the dagger with a fadeaway over Kawhi Leonard.

For the postgame, various reporters interviewed the stars. ESPN was on the sideline interviewing LeBron. Nearby Y/N stood with a towel draped over his shoulders, still catching his breath after a hard-fought win. The crowd in Staples Center was still buzzing, and Spectrum SportsNet's Mike Trudell held out the mic with a smile.

"Y/N, first off, congrats on the win," Trudell began. "You guys came out tonight and made a statement against a team that many view as your biggest competition in the West. What does this victory mean to you and the squad?"

Y/N wiped some sweat from his forehead, nodding as he took in the question. His smirk was small, but it was there.

"Man, it means a lot," he said. "We knew coming in that this was gonna be a battle. It's March, things are ramping up, playoff intensity's creeping in, and we wanted to show that we're ready for it. But at the same time, it's just another step, another win. We ain't satisfied."

Trudell nodded. "You had 24 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds tonight. You were aggressive from the jump, hit some big-time shots late, and really set the tone. What was your mindset coming into this one?"

"Just to hoop," Y/N said simply. "Be aggressive, play my game, and take what the defense gives me. They got dogs over there, no doubt. But I trust in my work, I trust my teammates, and when it's time to make a play, I'mma make a play."

Before Trudell could ask his next question, a familiar voice cut in from the side.

"Hey, this dude different, man! He different!"

LeBron James stepped into the frame, still in his jersey, sweat dripping from his forehead. He clapped Y/N on the back with a grin before mock-shoving him forward.

"Y'all see what he on! Y'all see it!" LeBron hyped up, looking straight at the camera like a proud big brother.

Y/N laughed, shaking his head. "Man, get outta here."

Trudell chuckled at the interaction. "It's clear the chemistry on this team is special. You guys seem to really feed off each other."

"Yeah, for sure," Y/N said, his grin lingering. "It's all love, man. We go at it in practice, we push each other, but at the end of the day, we're a unit. We move as one."

Just as he finished, Anthony Davis stepped into the shot, holding up three fingers in the air with a dead-serious expression.

"THREE-POINT DEMON!" AD announced, pointing at Y/N like he was declaring something biblical. "Certified! Give him the badge, Mike!"

Y/N burst out laughing, shaking his head as he dapped up AD. "Man, stop playin'."

Trudell shook his head with a chuckle.

"All right, all right. Last question before you guys steal the whole show—how important was this game in setting the tone for the rest of the season?"

Y/N's smirk returned, but there was something more behind it this time—something cold, locked in. His eyes glinted as he leaned toward the mic.

"It's big, no doubt," he said. "But like I said earlier, we ain't satisfied. We respect what we just did, but we know what the real goal is. June. That's all I'ma say."

Trudell nodded, knowing there was nothing more to be said. "Fair enough. Y/N, congrats on the win. Appreciate your time."

"Appreciate you, Mike," Y/N replied, shaking his hand.

As the camera began to fade out, LeBron and AD stayed behind, still hyping up Y/N, bumping into him and messing around. Y/N just shook his head, laughing as he walked off.

•• SOCIAL MEDIA ••

3-8-2020

@/NBA
LBJ, AD, and Y/N lift LAL 💪

@/KingJames (28 PTS, 7 REB, 9 AST) @/AntDavis23 (30 PTS) & @/Original_L/N (24 PTS, 8 AST) help the @/Lakers top LAC at Staples Center! #LakeShow

469 Retweets 🔁 | 3.9K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/ezioenthusiast PG left crying lmfaoooo
^@/HungrySavage 😭😭😭

@/CanYouBeCarr LA IS A LAKERS TOWN
^@/_CamWrites_ cook them lame clippers fans

@/projectmmbape Y/N over Kawhi was Kobe shit dawg

• •

3-8-2020

@/statmuse
Lakers BIG 3 combined for 82 points vs the Clippers.

- 30/8 for AD
- 28/7/9 for Bron
- 24, 6 threes for L/N

111 Retweets 🔁 | 767 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/KN1GHTFALL THE LEAGUE IS SHAKING

@/_L/NsWorld_ Bro I got so hard when he sank that sixth three he's so amazing
^@/GhostOfWakanda hop off the D bro
^@/HungrySavage wipe dat mouf

@/JustSomeWackyWriter dope

• •

3-9-2020

@/_L/Ns_World_
WE BEAT THE BUCKS AND CLIPPERS ALL IN ONE WEEKEND 😹😹😹😹 I KNOW THE LEAGUE SHAKING IMAGINE HAVING TO DEAL WITH Y/N BRON AND AD. AND OF COURSE Y/N LEADING THE LAKERS TO THE PROMISED LAND LIKE IVE ALWAYS SAID. KEEP COOKING GOAT.

67 Retweets 🔁 | 203 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/champagnewrites insane glaze
^@/_L/Ns_World_ NOT GLAZING IM APPRECIATING

@/Tuna_boi you on his d like crazy
^@/_L/Ns_World_ STOP SAYING THAT

@/Alex_The_Baller watch them lose to the Nets now you fckin jinx
^@/_L/Ns_World_ lol yeah sure we losing to the Dinshittie Nets 😹
^@/quandorondoniggaa Watch bro
^@/_L/Ns_World_ I'd deadass shave my head if that happens

• •

3-10-2020

@/LakersNation
Anthony Davis misses the game winner versus the Nets.

Onto Thursday vs the Rockets.

23 Retweets 🔁 | 119 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Alex_The_Baller what did I say @/_L/NsWorld_
^@/_L/Ns_World_ stfu man

@/REAPERKING4 thought that AD three was going in smh

• •

3-11-2020

@/SportsCenter
Breaking: The Warriors are planning to play foreseeable home games without fans in observance of the San Francisco Health Office's order prohibiting group events of 1,000 or more persons, a league source tells @/wojespn.

Their next home game is Thursday against the Nets.

6K Retweets 🔁 | 77K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/KN1GHTFALL At least they dont have to see those bum ass warriors anymore lmfao
^@/projectmmbape 😂😂😂

@/toofoolishauthor things are getting bad
^@/TheGingerMatt relax bro this is nothing

• •

3-11-2020

@/wojespn
The NBA's Board of Governors shared a consensus to continue the season playing games without fans in arenas amid the coronavirus crisis and the league expected to move in that direction, sources tell me and @/ZachLowe_NBA.

393 Retweets 🔁 | 1.1K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/LockRequiem wtf is happening

@/Silent_Hawk_7 bro that's gonna suck

@/dav1233555 idc Celtics still winning without fans

• • •

THE KITCHEN WAS eerily quiet, save for the occasional scrape of a spoon against ceramic and the faint sound of birds chirping outside. Sunlight poured through the glass doors leading to the backyard, casting golden rays across the countertops. It was peaceful—too peaceful, considering the frustration that lingered from last night.

Y/N sat at the kitchen island, phone in hand, scrolling through Twitter reactions to the Lakers' loss.

LeBron's near-triple-double wasted? Check.

Missed defensive rotations? Check.

People blaming him even though he played fine? Absolutely check.

He let out a slow breath. Annoying, but expected. Losses with the Lakers were never just losses—they were full-blown catastrophes.

But right now, basketball wasn't the priority.

His attention drifted to the small, sleep-deprived figure wrapped in an oversized hoodie, curled up in the chair across from him.

Hailee.

She had shuffled into the kitchen ten minutes ago, mumbling about needing tea before she could function like a normal person. Now, she sat hunched over the island, stirring her tea bag in slow, mindless circles, her eyes barely open.

Y/N smirked, watching her struggle to stay conscious. This was his moment.

He stretched his arms over his head, feigning casual indifference, and said smoothly, "So, Beau..."

Hailee froze mid-stir.

Her half-lidded hazel eyes snapped open.

"...What did you just say?"

Y/N took a slow sip of water, his expression unreadable. "Beau."

She blinked. Then blinked again. "Where. Did. You. Hear. That?"

He set his glass down, shrugging. "I have my ways."

She groaned, rubbing her forehead like she had a headache. "Oh my God. No. No, no, no. You don't get to say that."

"Why not?"

"Because." She huffed, finally sitting up straight. "That's a family nickname. My parents, my brother, my childhood best friends—they're the only ones who call me that."

Y/N arched an eyebrow. "Huh. And what am I?"

Hailee opened her mouth, ready to argue—then stopped.

Her sleep-deprived brain finally processed what he was getting at.

He was her childhood best friend.

"...Damn it," she muttered, flopping back into her chair.

Y/N grinned. "Checkmate."

She shot him a glare, but her exhaustion took the edge off. Instead, she lifted her tea and took a slow sip, glaring at him over the rim like he had personally betrayed her.

"You are the worst."

"No, I'm the best." He smirked. "Beau."

She let out an exaggerated groan, pulling her hoodie sleeves over her hands to hide her face. "God, I hate this."

"No, you don't." Y/N nudged her plate of toast closer. "Eat your food, Beau."

She physically recoiled. "Oh my God, stop saying it like that. Like it's...natural. It's so weird."

"It's natural to me," he shot back smoothly.

"It shouldn't be."

"Well, it is." He casually picked up his phone. "Matter of fact, I might just tweet about it—"

Hailee's eyes widened. "No, no, no—"

She lunged across the counter, attempting to snatch the phone from his hands. But Y/N was quicker, leaning back just in time, laughing as she nearly fell out of her chair.

"Y/N, I swear—"

"I mean, the people deserve to know." He tilted his head, pretending to contemplate the biggest decision of his life. "Should I just say, 'Good afternoon, everyone. Did you know my girlfriend's real name is actually—'"

"I will break your knees."

He laughed harder, pocketing his phone. "Damn, that escalated quick."

Hailee let out a defeated sigh, slumping back against her chair. "I'm too tired for this."

"Then drink your tea, Beau."

She made a sound of pure agony.

Y/N grinned. Too easy.

"Just stick to Haiz." Hailee replied. "I've gotten used to it for the last decade-plus that you've been calling me that."

"Aw," He reacted. "But what I wanted to try something new?"

"Well boo-hoo."

Y/N chuckled as he thought about it for a moment. Beau was cool and cute, but he did come up with the Haiz nickname for her that she loved. Still, maybe once in a while he'll bring it up.

For a moment, silence settled between them as she begrudgingly ate her toast, scowling at her plate like the whole name situation had personally offended her.

Then, without looking up, she muttered, "If you ever call me that in public, I will have you erased."

Y/N chuckled, reaching over to steal a piece of her toast. "I would never."

She shot him a look. He snickered.

"...Okay, maybe once. Just to see your reaction."

Hailee exhaled, shaking her head. "You're so lucky I love you."

He smirked, taking a bite of the stolen toast. "I know."

And despite her dramatic protests, Hailee knew deep down—

She didn't really mind.

Not when it was him.

It was later in the evening. The house was unusually quiet. Too quiet.

Y/N sat on the couch, one leg stretched out over the coffee table, remote in hand as ESPN played in the background. Hailee was curled up beside him, Martini napping in her lap, her tiny chest rising and falling in slow, peaceful breaths.

They had just finished dinner—grilled chicken and vegetables, something light because he still had practice tomorrow.

At least, that's what he thought.

The night felt normal, even after the last few days of uncertainty. He'd been keeping up with the COVID-19 news, but he figured the league would take precautions and keep pushing forward. No fans, limited media, more sanitization in arenas—sure, it'd be weird, but it wasn't like the NBA would actually shut down.

Right?

"Are they still talking about it?" Hailee's voice was soft, almost tired.

Y/N looked at the screen. Scott Van Pelt and another cohost were on SportsCenter, going back and forth about how the NBA was considering further steps. A graphic showed COVID-19 cases rising in the U.S., with a growing concern about large public gatherings.

"Yeah," he muttered. "Same shit, different day."

He scrolled through his phone mindlessly, seeing tweet after tweet about Rudy Gobert touching mics at a press conference. The reactions ranged from jokes to serious concern. He didn't know how to feel about it.

"It's kinda crazy," Hailee murmured, shifting slightly as she stroked Martini's fur. "Everything escalated so fast."

Y/N nodded, still half-distracted. He checked his texts—his teammates were sending memes, making light of the situation the only way they knew how.

If we play in an empty gym, I'm pulling up from half-court like it's an open run.

Bro, imagine no crowd energy. Straight rec league vibes.

Y/N, this might be the only time you don't get heckled at the free throw line.

He smirked at that one.

Then, he got notification. He froze upon reading it.

@/ShamsCharania
Utah Jazz All-Star Rudy Gobert has tested positive for coronavirus, sources tell @/TheAthleticNBA @/Stadium

Sources say Gobert is feeling good, strong and stable — and was feeling strong enough to play tonight.

A sudden influx of tweets, retweets, and alerts spammed his feed afterward. He looked through them for the next few minutes, in shock at what transpired. Hailee noticed his expression and spoke up.

"What's wrong?"

Y/N kept looking at his phone. "Uh...Rudy Gobert, a guy from the Jazz, he just tested positive for COVID."

"Shit, really?"

"Yeah..." He sighed, then he realized something. "Damn...what about Donovan?"

Hailee shook her head. She hoped their close friend was healthy and safe. The danger of this whole sickness was still rather unknown.

Y/N kept looking at his feed. But then, his heart dropped as he saw the next breaking report.

Woj Bomb.

@/wojespn
The NBA has suspended the season.

Y/N sat up. "What?"

He refreshed, making sure it wasn't fake. Another tweet appeared.

@/wojespn
The Jazz and Thunder players are currently quarantined in the OKC arena, league sources tell ESPN. This is following Rudy Gobert testing positive for the coronavirus.

Y/N stared at the words, his grip tightening around his phone.

"Yo," he muttered under his breath.

Hailee looked over, sensing the shift in his energy. "What?"

Y/N didn't answer right away. His hands moved on their own, clicking into the group chat, where the messages were coming in faster than he could read.

Yo what the fuck??

We really shut down? No games??

What does this mean for us??

Bro, Rudy tested positive? Wasn't he just playing yesterday??

Shit, Donovan might have it too.

His breathing slowed. This was real.

"...The season's suspended," he finally said.

Hailee blinked. "What?"

Y/N exhaled sharply and turned the screen toward her. She leaned in, her expression shifting as she read Woj's tweet.

"Wow."

They both turned back to the TV just as Van Pelt's voice took a more serious tone.

"We have breaking news here tonight," he said. "The NBA has officially suspended the 2019-2020 season after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. The league has instructed teams to remain where they are, and tonight's game between the Thunder and the Jazz was postponed moments before tip-off."

The screen cut to footage of Oklahoma City's arena, showing referees talking to coaches and players leaving the court. Fans sat in confusion, many checking their phones, realizing in real time what had just happened.

"This is insane," Hailee whispered.

Y/N couldn't even process it.

A week ago, they were preparing for the playoffs. Now, there was no season.

He ran a hand down his face, trying to think.

What happens next? Do they keep practicing? Are they even allowed to? What if someone on the Lakers already had it?

His phone buzzed violently.

A call from LeBron.

Y/N exhaled before answering. "Yo."

"This shit crazy, huh?" LeBron's voice was steady, but there was tension underneath.

"Yeah," Y/N muttered. "This is surreal."

"Just got off with the team. Everybody's got orders to stay home for now. No practice, no meetings—just quarantine. They're gonna test us soon, man see if we've been exposed."

Y/N leaned back against the couch, rubbing his temple. This was really happening.

"Damn," he replied. "You think any of the guys from Brooklyn had it?"

"Fuck if I know. Hopefully not. We'll see."

There was a brief pause before Bron continued.

"We just gotta stay locked in. Ain't no telling when we're coming back, but we will. Until then, just keep your people safe. You good?"

Y/N looked at Hailee, who was still watching the TV in shock, her arms wrapped around Martini like she needed the comfort.

"...Yeah," he said. "I'm good."

But in reality?

Nobody knew what the hell was next.

And for the first time in his career...he wasn't thinking about basketball.