I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.
https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon
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Chapter 23: Unexpected Consequences
Jon stepped into the school, and something felt… off.
Not wrong, just different.
The moment he walked through the doors, he felt eyes on him. Not the usual curious glances or passive recognition, but something more. It was as if he had become the center of gravity in the hallway.
A junior he had never spoken to nodded at him.
A senior clapped him on the back.
Some guy from his math class shot him a "Yo, Jon!" like they were lifelong friends.
Jon offered a polite nod, returning a few fistbumps as he made his way to his locker.
This was weird.
Then came the high-fives.
The shoulder pats.
At one point, some random guy called him "my man," and Jon was pretty sure they had never exchanged words before in their lives.
By the time he reached his locker, he had drawn one conclusion: he had unknowingly walked into an alternate universe.
Maybe he had developed psychic powers over the weekend? Some kind of weird charisma boost?
Jon spotted Terry at his locker and made a beeline for him.
"Terry."
Terry turned, saw Jon, and grinned. "Well, if it isn't the man of the hour."
Jon raised an eyebrow. "What is happening?"
Terry shut his locker with a smirk. "Dude, you really don't get it, do you?"
Jon crossed his arms. "Considering I have no clue why half the school is acting like I cured a disease? No."
Terry laughed. "It's because of Friday, obviously. You put on a show. You won us the game. People love that."
Jon frowned. "All this just because of one football game?"
Terry shrugged. "You didn't just play, man. You dominated. That was highlight-reel material. We haven't had a player like you in years. This school worships football. Welcome to the club."
Jon blinked. He had expected some reaction after the game, but this?
"My last school never reacted like this when I won martial arts tournaments."
Terry chuckled. "Yeah, well, welcome to America, dude. Football is different."
Jon sighed. "Noted."
He turned to open his locker, but then he noticed someone was already standing there.
Someone… blonde.
And smiling in a way that felt rehearsed.
Jessica Monroe. Head cheerleader.
Jon immediately braced himself.
"Hey, Jon." Jessica's voice was syrupy sweet. "I was waiting for you."
Jon glanced at Terry for help.
Terry, like the traitor he was, just shot Jon a thumbs-up before walking away.
Jon sighed internally.
Jessica leaned against the lockers, flipping her hair. "So, I just wanted to say… your performance on Friday? Incredible. Like, wow."
Jon grabbed a book and nodded. "Thanks."
Jessica didn't move. "A lot of us are really excited about this season now. And we love supporting our players." She smiled. "Especially the ones who make the game so… fun to watch."
Jon knew that tone. It was the same predatory saleswoman voice used in those sketchy late-night infomercials.
Jessica took a step closer. "So, I was thinking—"
Jon felt it before he saw it.
A presence.
Then—
A hand grabbed his collar.
And suddenly, lips.
Soft. Warm. Insistent.
Jon's back hit his locker as someone kissed him senseless.
His brain short-circuited for a moment before catching up.
Sam.
It had to be.
The way she fit against him. The way her hands fisted in his hoodie. The way she kissed him like she was staking a claim.
Jon barely had time to react before instinct took over. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her in. He could hear students murmuring, whispering, reacting, but none of it mattered.
Right now, there was only Sam.
She finally pulled back, smirking.
Jon was breathless.
Sam looked him in the eyes, then turned slightly—just enough to make eye contact with Jessica.
Jon followed her gaze.
Jessica was already walking away. Quickly.
… Oh.
That wasn't just a kiss.
That was a statement.
Sam turned back to him, still smirking. "See you later, dork."
She patted his cheek, turned, and walked away like she hadn't just claimed him in front of half the school.
Jon exhaled, still leaning against his locker, his head spinning.
The hallway was buzzing. People were whispering. A few guys gave him nods of respect.
Jon closed his eyes briefly.
He had expected some changes after joining the football team.
But this?
This was something else entirely.