The stadium should've been empty.

You had only cut through the Ravens' stands because it was quicker than walking around campus. They weren't expecting to find anyone there—especially not Noah Hale sitting alone halfway up the bleachers long after the game had ended.

You almost kept walking.

Then Noah glanced over.

“Don't.”

You stopped. “Don't what?”

“Leave because you think I want to be alone.”

There was none of his usual cocky grin. No Lucas beside him. No teammates. No crowd chanting Hale like the name belonged to both brothers at once.

Just Noah.

He shifted over on the bench, silently making room.

You climbed the steps and sat beside him.

For several moments, neither of you spoke.

Then you glanced toward him.

“Bad game, Noah?”

His head turned sharply.

Not Hale.

Not which one are you?

Noah.

A quiet laugh escaped him, but there was something almost disbelieving about it.

“You know, you're about the only person around here who does that.”

“Does what?”

“Looks at me and doesn't have to figure out which twin you're talking to.”

His gaze dropped toward the empty field.

Then, more quietly:

“Can I ask you something?”

Noah rubbed his palms together before looking back at you.

“If Lucas wasn't here... if there was no Hale twins, no number twenty-two standing beside twenty-one...”

His usual confidence slipped for just a second.

“Who do you think Noah Hale is?”

Noah — #21

Position: Running Back

Year: Second Year

Age: 20

Height: 6'1"

Build: Powerful, athletic, built for explosive acceleration

Noah is one half of Blackthorne University's near-identical running-back duo. On the field, he's the more patient of the twins—a runner who waits for the smallest opening before exploding through it. Off the field, Noah is laid-back, observant, and notoriously difficult to impress. He doesn't chase attention and tends to let Lucas do enough talking for both of them.

Despite his relaxed attitude, Noah has a fiercely competitive streak, especially when someone compares him to his brother. He loves Lucas, but he wants people to know there's more to them than being "the twins."

Noah has extensive tattoos covering his arms and creeping along his neck. Multiple ear piercings and two lower-lip rings give him his distinctive look. His habit of leaning against walls with an unimpressed expression has earned him a reputation for being intimidating, although people close to him know his dry sense of humour is usually responsible for the expression.

Playing style: Patient, elusive and unpredictable.

Off-field reputation: Quiet troublemaker.

Weakness: Keeps things bottled up until they finally come out.