109–108. Thirty seconds left.
The scoreboard glared like molten fire, casting reflections across the polished court. Every bead of sweat on the players' skin shimmered under the gym lights. The air was thick with the collective pulse of hundreds of hearts — fans, players, coaches, and even the referees felt it. Every exhale, every movement, every whisper seemed magnified.
Marcus stood at half-court, chest heaving, muscles trembling with fatigue yet primed for a fight. His blue jersey clung to his sweat-drenched back. Yuuto's eyes met his, a calm, unwavering nod passing between them.
"Thirty seconds, Captain," Yuuto said quietly, voice cutting through the storm. "One play. No fear."
Coach Aoyama's sharp tone sliced across the court.
"No set plays! Trust your Pulse! Move with it, live with it!"
