4:00 PM
Old Midtown Arena
The air inside the old gym was stale, faded banners hung like forgotten memories, and the bleachers creaked under shifting weight as various teams milled about, each hoping for their shot at Blazing Fox.
Ethan stood near the edge of the court, eyes sharp, scanning the space.
He turned to Evan.
"You already called them, right? That we're challenging them?"
Evan nodded.
"Yeah. I did. But… they said they're going to draw lots, to pick which team they play today. I mean, a lot of teams challenged them so…"
Ethan's expression darkened.
"…So you're saying it's not guaranteed that we play them today?"
Evan scratched the back of his head.
"I mean… yeah. That's what I was trying to tell you."
"Are you kidding us!?"
Louie's voice cut the air like a whip.
He stormed toward Evan, face tight with frustration.
"Ethan's life and soul are on the line for this, and you're telling me it might come down to some stupid lottery!?"
