As captain of her squad, Emma wanted her players to feel good. She wished she could think of something to say to retaliate. But even if she did, she doubted she’d say it. Mackenzie was just an okay gamer. Emma was better. But she still felt intimidated by Mackenzie, and by Isabella, who’d dropped out of the club after the first week. Emma was still afraid of the hurtful things they might say if she got on their radar. She might have been squad captain, but once a match was over, she was still the same old anxious Emma.

Because the seventh grade wouldn’t study European history until next year, they hadn’t covered World War II in any detail. So it was curious to Ms. B to hear what the members of the club had learned or heard outside of school. She was surprised today when Mackenzie lectured the others on the difference between the German soldiers and the Nazis. Ms. B wasn’t sure about that, and would have to check. Still, she thought Principal Summers would be pleased to learn that there was an educational aspect to the eSports club.

But that wasn’t the only good news Ms. B planned to share with the principal. At lunch in the teachers’ room today, Mr. Parnes, who taught language arts, announced that he’d been nominated to thank her. Ms. B had looked up from her Tupperware container of chopped brussels sprouts and kale. “You’re welcome, Mr. Parnes. But for what?”

“The change in Zach Cook,” said Mr. Parnes. He was a gaunt, stooped fellow whose entire wardrobe consisted of plaid shirts and khakis. Shakespeare was his passion, and each year he directed the school play.

“It’s not like he’s suddenly become a model student,” added Ms. Orlean, who taught social studies. “But we’ve all noticed a change for the better.”

“You’ve given him the opportunity to stand out,” Mr. Parnes said.

“In a good way, for once,” added Ms. Orlean, who had brown bangs and loved to deliver short sarcastic quips.

Ms. B was aware of the improvement in Zach’s behavior. He wasn’t acting quite as squirrelly or remote as before. But she hadn’t said anything to anyone. She’d been waiting for someone else to notice. And now they had.

The truth was, Caleb had expected to lose again today. Luckily, Nathan finished the deciding round with a spectacular triple kill. But what truly surprised Caleb was something that he doubted anyone else on the squad had noticed: Zach had set that triple kill up for Nathan.

Now he and Zach were walking away from school. Leaving together after the eSports club had become a routine for them. It was a big change for Caleb, who usually felt he had to hurry home to do homework and chores. But he was glad not to be taking the late bus. For the past month, Crosby had gone out of his way to give Caleb the evil eye. Is it just because we’re on opposing squads? Or is it something more? Caleb wondered.