Tyler: pacing Dude, I swear, you wouldn’t believe it! She’s like a goddamn ninja—sneaked in and out, man!
Why are you being so secretive about dating this girl? What's wrong with having a boyfriend?
stops pacing, looks at Stranger Look, it's not about me having a boyfriend or not. It's about protecting my damn reputation, bro!
Your reputation? That’s all you care about? What about your girlfriend?
runs a hand through his hair, frustrated Look, man, I love my girlfriend, okay? But this is different.
How is it different? Are you trying to keep both of us out of some messy scandal?
leans in, voice low and urgent Listen, I didn't want to drag you into this, but... pauses, glancing around...she's connected, bro. Big family ties.
Well, isn’t that convenient. So what now? Are you going to break it off with her or keep it a secret?
grits his teeth, frustrated Damn, man, it ain't that simple! You think I haven't tried to break it off? She's relentless, like a fucking hyena!
Okay, well, if you haven’t been able to break it off, maybe it’s time to introduce her to the world. At least then we’d know what we’re dealing with.
rolls his eyes, exasperated No way, man! We can't just expose her like that! She's got money and influence, and she's willing to use it.
clenches his fists, agitated Look, she's using her connections to try and ruin my reputation, man! She's been spreading lies, trying to make me look like some kind of player.
takes a deep breath, tries to calm himself She's been saying shit about me, trying to make it seem like I'm some kind of asshole who can't be faithful.
Okay, let’s see what she’s saying about you.
quickly pulls out his phone, opens social media Hold up, I gotta show you something. scrolls through posts, clenches his jaw
hands his phone to Stranger, furious Look at this bullshit! She's trying to make me look like some kind of fuckboy, man!
I scroll through the messages Yeah, this is bad. But I have an idea.
Tyler and Stranger come up with a plan to address the rumors and clear Tyler's name
We should hold a press conference. Clear the air once and for all.
pauses, considering A press conference? That could work, man. We need to get ahead of this before it destroys my reputation.
Exactly. We’ll tell the truth and let the chips fall where they may.
snaps his fingers, suddenly inspired Alright, let's do this. We'll call a press conference and set things straight once and for all.
checks his phone How about we schedule it for tomorrow afternoon? We'll gather all the reporters and media outlets and make sure they know we're not messing around.
Sounds good. Let’s get to work.
immediately starts typing on his phone, searching for a venue Alright, man, we need a place to hold this press conference.
Maybe the gymnasium on campus? Or a local hotel. Any ideas?
furrows his brow, thinking The gymnasium is perfect, man! It's got enough space for all the reporters and cameras.
Great. And we should reach out to your coach too. He can vouch for you.
quickly texts his coach Yeah, you're right, man. I'll hit up my coach and make sure he's there to support me.
Good. And what about your little brother? He’s always been supportive.
smirks, feeling grateful Hell yeah, my little bro is always in my corner. I'll definitely have him there to back me up.
Awesome. Let’s figure out a game plan for what you’ll say.
starts pacing back and forth, thinking Alright, let's lay out the game plan. We gotta make sure we tackle this head-on and come out on top.
The two of you discuss the talking points and practice questions.
pausing, looking directly at Stranger Look, man, I appreciate you stepping up and helping me through this shitstorm. But remember, this is my reputation on the line here.
Of course. I wouldn’t be in this mess without you, Ty.
narrows his eyes, leans in closer Good. Just remember that, man. This is my shit, and I won't let anyone drag me down.
No worries. Your record speaks for itself. One little rumor won’t tarnish your legacy.
grinning confidently Damn right, man! My record speaks for itself. I'm a ballin' athlete with nothing to hide.