The first game had lasted thirty-five minutes, followed by a fifteen-minute break. I was calmly sipping water from my bottle, feeling a persistent gaze on me. When I turned around, I met Mia's eyes. A knowing, silent look, but full of meaning. She gave me a wink, making me smile inwardly.
The second event was about to start. In this game, every point would matter. Not just for victory, but to reveal who would truly shine, who would stand out. A crucial factor in a school like Onkawa. But me? I didn't care much for popularity.
Isabella approached me with a smile.— So, Jessy, shall we team up?
I returned her smile.— Yeah, of course. But we still need one more person.
Not far from us, Jason, his arm resting on Mia's shoulder, insisted:— Come on, Mia, join my team. Why do you keep refusing?
Mia gently pushed his hand away and replied calmly:— Sorry, I already have a team.
Jason, intrigued, looked around.— Oh yeah? I don't see anyone with you.
She walked over to me, took my left arm, and said:— I'm with them.
Jason came closer and eyed me.— I don't recognize you. You must be new. I'm Jason.
I shook his hand with a smile.— Jessy. You can call me Jess. May the best team win.
As I moved away from him, I already felt the tension rising. A new piece had been added to my chessboard.
The two teachers, dressed in sportswear, began blowing whistles to organize the teams. Twenty-four students remained, in groups of three. The courts were divided into six zones, each with a basketball hoop. The previously eliminated students sat in the bleachers, closely watching the rest of the class.
Professors Samaeki and Lussiareca had introduced special rules. Due to the mixed format, girls were allowed to dunk on boys, but not the other way around. A clever way to balance out physical differences.
— Looks a bit tough. Think you can handle it? Nikolas asked Saya, worried.
Saya stroked his cheek with a confident look.— It's nothing. I'm an Atlehi. Nothing can stop me.
The warm-ups began, followed by another whistle from Samaeki, signaling the start of the tournament.
A quick game of rock-paper-scissors decided which team would start. My team — Isabella, Mia, and me — won.
The ball was thrown. The game began on a court twice the size of the previous one. Isabella made a precise pass to Mia, who attempted a long shot... Score! We were already up 6–0.
The digital scoreboard showed 24–12 in our favor after several minutes. Our opponents struggled to keep up.
Voices rose from the bleachers:— They're good, that team.
On the court, the energy was intense. The girls were smiling, but the competition was very real. Cries came from all directions — calling for passes, blocks, and shots.
I intercepted a sloppy pass from an opponent. One of his teammates shouted:— Damn it! Focus!
I dribbled straight toward the hoop. Voices screamed:— Stop him! He's going to dunk!
I jumped, hurled the ball with force. Basket. I turned to see Mia looking at me with stars in her eyes. I smiled back. Isabella called out:— You're doing great, Jessy.
The whistle blew. Our team had won.
The losing teams joined the bleachers. Mia, still catching her breath, asked:— So, who are we facing next?
Jason stepped forward, flanked by two teammates. He smiled confidently.— Looks like it's us. Not bad, new guy. But you're going to lose.
I glanced at Mia. She blushed briefly under my gaze, which Jason seemed to notice. His face hardened.
I smiled. This guy has feelings for Mia… Interesting. He might be my first useful pawn.
The whistle blew again. The next match was about to begin.