On the basketball court...
"All he knows is how to shout like some lunatic," Jim muttered under his breath, hurling the basketball onto the ground with frustration. "Useless pieces of crap around me…"
He grabbed the ball again, his fingers tightening around it as his thoughts churned.
"I could've shown Jackson my strength today," he murmured while taking a shot, "but that little girl… she showed up like some divine interference."
The ball sailed through the air and landed cleanly in the basket.
"Wow! That was a great shot—can you do it again?" a cheerful voice called out.
Jim turned his head sharply. Cherry was standing at the edge of the bleachers, clapping softly.
"Huh?" he frowned, clearly surprised by her presence.
"Oh—sorry for peeking at you while you were practicing," Cherry said, smiling sheepishly as she made her way down the stairs.
Jim didn't respond. Instead, he walked to the bench, picked up his water bottle, and took a long sip, ignoring her completely.
"You know," Cherry continued, still walking toward him, "most people can't even make one basket."
Jim remained silent and began packing his things.
"I just came here to apologize... for this morning," Cherry said gently, holding out a folded letter.
Jim glanced at her with cold eyes. "What's that?"
"It's an apology letter," she replied nervously. "I wrote it for you."
"I don't want your apology," he snapped, knocking the letter from her hand to the ground. "Now get lost."
"Hey—wait! Don't be angry," Cherry said quickly, stepping forward. "If you don't like the letter, I'll do sit-ups for you, or anything—just don't stay mad."
She reached out and lightly touched his hand.
Jim jerked his arm away. "Don't touch me," he growled and started walking off.
"Hey! Where are you going?" Cherry said, trailing behind him. "You know, anger's really bad for your health."
She caught up beside him. "My dad always says too much anger can mess with your blood pressure!"
Jim stopped abruptly and turned toward her. Without warning, he grabbed her arm and gripped it tightly.
"Didn't I tell you to leave me alone?!" he yelled. "Why are you still pestering me?!"
"Jim… you're hurting me," Cherry whispered, tears welling in her eyes from the pain.
He shoved her away and stormed off.
Cherry stumbled but caught herself.
"His grip… it's really strong," she murmured to herself. "But I won't let him go like this. He needs help… and I'm not giving up on him."
Without hesitation, she followed him—into the cafeteria, where the air buzzed with student chatter and the clinking of trays.
"Jim!" Cherry called, running up to block his path. "I know I talk a lot—but I truly want to help you. We could be good friends, too."
Across the room, Martha watched with wide eyes.
"What is Cherry doing here… with Jim?" she whispered, frozen in place.
Cherry stepped forward and offered the letter again. "Here. Please take it. I really believe this could help."
Just then, a sharp voice rang out.
"What the hell is this?!" Alice said, glaring furiously at the scene unfolding before her.
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Jim's Thoughts
This girl… again? Making a scene in front of everyone. Why does she have no shame?
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Jim snatched the letter from Cherry's hand, tore it into tiny pieces, and threw them in her face.
"This is what your letter means to me," he spat. "Now take your shameless face and disappear from my sight."
He shoved her hard. Cherry stumbled backward.
"I knew my Jim wouldn't accept anything from her," Alice said with a smirk of satisfaction.
Jim didn't say another word. He turned and walked away.
Laughter erupted around Cherry. Some students threw leftover food at her, others took out their phones and started recording.
Cherry stood frozen, her eyes wide with humiliation.
"Cherry! Are you okay?" Martha cried, rushing to her side and grabbing her arm.
"Did you get hurt?" she asked, scanning her quickly for injuries.
Cherry shook her head slowly, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm alright… Martha."
Without another word, she turned and walked away, her heart heavy and her eyes stinging.
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To Be Continued
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