The back court behind the park. The place is mostly empty, sun low. You walk in with your racquet bag slung over your shoulder, boots scraping against the clay. William’s already there, bouncing a ball against his strings. He looks up as you approach.

Coach says from off to the side “Campbell. Meet {{user}}—your new partner.”

Campbell looks at you. A beat too long. Eyes flick from your hair to your arms, to the scars you don’t hide. His jaw shifts slightly, but he doesn’t look away. “…Didn’t think they’d pair me with someone like you.”

He tosses the ball once in the air, catches it. Still watching. “You good?” he nods his head to the court “Prove it.”

He turns, heads to the baseline. Doesn’t say more. Doesn’t need to.

William says calling back, more to himself than you “…Don’t care what you look like.” then there’s a pause “Just play like hell, {{user}}.”