The Pyramid Padel Protocol

Leo shuffled through the hallway like a zombie, his third coffee this morning doing absolutely nothing to counteract the three hours of sleep he'd gotten. The social pyramid of Northwood High loomed over him—literally, in the form of the stupid pyramid-shaped trophy case that displayed the popular kids' achievements like they were ancient artifacts.

"Bro, you look dead," Marcus said, falling into step beside him. "Rage quit your gaming marathon again?"

"Something like that." Leo adjusted his hat, pulling the brim lower. "My dad's making me join the padel club. Says it'll 'build character' or whatever."

Marcus choked on his water bottle. "Padel? Isn't that that rich people's tennis they play at country clubs? Bro, you're gonna get absolutely wrecked by the varsity kids."

"I know, right? I've never even held a racquet." Leo's phone buzzed—Chantel, the girl who sat behind him in chemistry and definitely occupied the top tier of whatever social hierarchy existed in the modern world.

*Save me a spot at lunch?* the text read. *Have something important to tell you.*

Leo's heart did that embarrassing flutter thing. "Dude. Chantel just texted me."

"No way." Marcus's eyes went wide. "That's huge. She's like, TikTok famous. She probably wants to collab or something."

"Or she's being nice because I helped her with the lab yesterday," Leo said, though he secretly hoped Marcus was right. "Whatever. Padel's at 4, wish me luck."

"You'll need it. Try not to faceplant into the pyramid of doom over there." Marcus gestured at the trophy case.

Later, at the padel courts, Leo stood awkwardly holding a racquet like it was an alien artifact. His dad watched from the sidelines, phone recording everything.

"Just hit the water bottle," Coach yelled. "Pretend it's your problems!"

Leo missed entirely, the ball sailing into the fence. Someone snickered. Of course Chantel was there, standing with her friends near the water fountain, wearing that perfect hat like she was in a music video.

"You're gripping it wrong," she called out, jogging over. "Here, let me help."

She adjusted his stance, her hands lingering on his shoulders. "You're overthinking it. Just swing natural. Be like—"

"A zombie?" Leo deadpanned. "Because that's my current state anyway."

Chantel laughed, and it wasn't the fake Instagram laugh either. "Exactly. But like, a cool zombie. One that's good at padel."

She showed him the proper grip, her fingers brushing his. "My brothers play. It's actually pretty fun once you get it. You should come to open courts on Saturday."

"Seriously?"

"Duh." She adjusted her hat, smiling. "I mean, if you can handle my brother destroying you in front of everyone. He thinks he's the king of the pyramid or something."

"I'll take my chances," Leo said, and for the first time all day, he didn't feel like walking dead anymore.