The hardwood felt alive.
Miho shifted his weight.
Not rushed. Not forced.
Just inevitability in motion.
Lucas mirrored again… but the strain in his muscles was no longer invisible. His calves trembled. His breath hitched. His pupils were locked on Miho's center of gravity.
Miho's eyes didn't waver.
He knew.
He'd forced Lucas into a state where his body was not reacting… but chasing.
The finishing move was coming.
The arena didn't breathe.
Vorpal's Reaction
Evan's voice clicked sharp in his mind, the read already complete:
"He's going to collapse the lane. He'll either Euro or spin into a kick-out."
Ryan's smirk faded, replaced by a hunter's stillness:
"This is the strike. The next movement decides the possession."
Brandon shifted his stance, massive frame settling just a fraction lower:
"He's coming to the rim. I'll be the wall."
Louie's bouncing stopped, completely frozen:
"C'mon Lucas… don't fold. Don't fold now."
