head over heels

52 ~ then all hell broke loose

[A/N - TW for some slightly more graphic than usual violence and slurs. SORRY FOR THIS ONE. honestly, our dear evan needs to reach a breaking point where he can no longer justify Theos bullshit in his head, and this my dears is that breaking point. alas it is all in the name of character development. live laugh love queens]

During the last game of the day, Evan played well enough.

He didn't miss any shots, nor did he fumble any receives. He played a solid game, as did everyone else on the team.

For the third time, they took the win.

He felt a bit strange. Not bad per say, just... Strange... It was like that feeling when you're about to sneeze, only you just— can't...

The cameras that usually grated on Evans' nerves just felt like annoying little insects buzzing around behind him. The noise in the gym had faded. The teams ever present worried looks shot in his direction had finally faded.

He should be feeling fine, but— the world around him felt like a weird, liminal space between events, and he felt like he was stuck in it, drowning in a sea of nothingness with a disaster looming on the horizon.

However, the one thing that was really bothering Evan was Theo. He was back. His beady eyes watched the game, drinking in all the details with an impassive look on his face.

Evan hated that look.

Then there was Dan, who stood quiet on the sidelines. No jeering, no insults, nothing. It was eerie, and Evan hated it. He was starting to prefer when they both just outright hit him, as ridiculous as that was. He almost felt the need to march up to the two of them and start a fight on his own terms.

God, he was a mess.

Needless to say, the win felt a tad bittersweet.

They were through to the nationals, but still— he couldn't help but dread it.

Around him, the team riotously celebrated. Dan joined them along with the rest of his goons, amicably grinning at something one of them said.

Dan was in too good of a mood.

Kei didn't see it, not really. He celebrated with the rest of the guys, dragging Evan into the circle happily. Hastily, he checked to make sure Theo was firmly on the opposite side of the court before joining him.

After the false alarm in the morning, Evan was starting to think he was just paranoid .

When the team's riotous celebrations calmed, Coach gave his usual post game speech, and around them, the gym started to empty out. They had been the last game of the day after all.

They were one of the last teams to make their way out. The afternoon sun was hot, but a cool breeze wafted through the grounds outside the stadium. Evan followed the team out to the bus, relief coating his every movement.

Evan just about cried as he spotted it waiting for them.

The end was in sight. Shit— sheer relief hit him so hard he felt slightly weak at the knees.

God, he wanted to be out of this hellhole so desperately.

Then, beside him, Kei paused.

"Shit," he mumbled, rummaging through his pockets, "I forgot my phone."

"O-oh." Shit shit shit. "Want me to call it?"

Kei nodded, clearly distracted by the lack of it. Evan whipped out his own phone and promptly called the other boy. Only, nothing. It wasn't in his bag, or any of his pockets.