Chapter 19: Chapter 19: The Calm Before the Storm
Chapter 19: The Calm Before the Storm
Malik sat back in his chair, his fingers scrolling through his phone, the buzz of notifications seeming endless. His social media was flooded with messages, posts, and comments, all reacting to the video that had gone viral. It felt surreal, like something out of a dream. In the span of one afternoon, Malik Tyson, the son of a boxing legend, had become the talk of the town.
But amidst the chaotic surge of attention, Malik was strangely calm. He wasn't overwhelmed, nor was he particularly flattered. He'd been in the spotlight before, in a different life, under different circumstances. This wasn't new. This was just part of the game.
His phone buzzed again—a text from his father, Mike Tyson. Malik smiled as he unlocked the message.
Mike Tyson:
"I see you're getting some love. Just don't let it get to your head, son. Focus. Stay grounded."
Malik didn't respond right away. He knew his father had his best interests at heart. Mike had never been one to sugarcoat things, and for all the fame he had in his life, he never forgot the importance of staying humble.
But Malik had his own thoughts. He wasn't interested in fame or attention. What mattered to him now was control. He was going to carve out his own path, one that wasn't shaped by his father's shadow. The expectations were high, and that's exactly why Malik planned to exceed them—on his own terms.
---
The Next Day—High School Hallway
It was the first full day back at school after the basketball game, and Malik could feel the stares of his classmates following him as he walked down the crowded hallway. Whispers filled the air, but no one dared approach him just yet.
He'd been through this before. The first time he'd stepped into the spotlight, when people learned who he was, how they looked at him like he was some kind of rare animal at a zoo. There were always people who expected him to be a certain way, act a certain way.
But Malik had learned long ago that expectations were the easiest thing to break.
"Yo, Malik!" A voice called from behind him.
Malik turned to find his new classmate, Darius, walking toward him with a grin. Darius wasn't a jock, but he seemed like the kind of guy who could fit in anywhere. His broad shoulders and confident stride made it clear that he wasn't intimidated by the Tyson name.
"Sup, man?" Malik greeted him, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"I saw the game yesterday. You were insane out there. Where'd you learn to ball like that?" Darius asked, genuinely curious.
Malik shrugged. "I've always had a knack for it, I guess."
Darius raised an eyebrow. "A knack for it? Man, that was raw talent. You were making moves that even pros struggle with."
"I just play. No pressure, you know?" Malik replied casually.
Darius chuckled, but there was a certain respect in his eyes. "I like that. You're not all in-your-face about it. I can tell you're not the type to flaunt it."
"That's not me," Malik said, nodding in agreement. He wasn't looking for recognition. He didn't need the accolades. He just wanted to do his thing.
They reached the classroom, and Malik's eyes automatically swept over the room. The other students were already seated, and as he stepped inside, the chatter died down. His entrance didn't go unnoticed.
Every head turned toward him, and Malik could hear the quiet buzz of whispered conversations. He made his way to an empty seat in the front row, his usual spot, and sat down. His presence in the room wasn't something he could ignore, but it wasn't something he was bothered by either. He knew what was coming.
The teacher, Ms. Parker, an older woman with a stern yet kind demeanor, took a moment before speaking. "Alright, class, let's get started. We have a new student joining us today." She smiled at Malik. "Why don't you introduce yourself, Malik?"
Malik stood up, his posture relaxed but confident. "Hey, everyone. I'm Malik Tyson. I just transferred here, and I'm looking forward to getting to know you all."
The class went silent for a moment, processing his last name. Tyson. There were a few murmurs, a few raised eyebrows. The tension in the air was palpable, but Malik wasn't phased. He'd been through introductions like this before.
He took his seat again, ignoring the curious stares. The teacher continued, but the class felt different.
---
Later That Day—Lunch Period
Malik sat at a table near the back of the cafeteria, picking at his lunch. He wasn't hungry, but he needed the time to think. The social media storm had only just started to die down, and with all the attention, he knew it was only going to get louder.
He couldn't afford to get distracted. Not now.
"I can't believe you're really here," Darius said, dropping down next to him with a tray of food. "The Malik Tyson. Like, the Mike Tyson's kid. That's insane."
Malik glanced up, meeting Darius' eyes. "I'm just a regular guy, man."
Darius raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, right. You just casually show up and dominate everything you do."
Malik chuckled. "You're giving me too much credit."
But deep down, Malik knew Darius was right. He wasn't just a regular guy, not anymore. The world had its eyes on him now, and he had to keep his focus.
Stay grounded. Focus on what matters.
He had a plan—one that didn't rely on his father's name, but on his own abilities. He wasn't going to let the noise get to him. There was still so much left to prove, and he wasn't about to let anything—or anyone—distract him from his goals.
As the bell rang and the lunch period ended, Malik stood up, ready to face whatever came next. He wasn't the son of Mike Tyson. He was Malik Tyson, and this was his story.
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