''Is someone too scared to come or are you admitting defea-" Claire was getting impatient as well as uncomfortable after waiting for such a long time.
''What's the rush. I was going to give you few more minutes to remain prideful but, Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Guess my kindness fell on an ungrateful brat.'' Ivy voice was heard first before she walked from among among crowd. Well there wasn't any more path left due to overcrowding so people had actually squeezed themselves, if that was even possible, to create a path to let her pass through.
''Heh... I'll just take it as wasting time and emotions on a dirt I saw at the side of the road.''
In the entire hall, every place was filled to the brim except for the court itself. Only Ivy and Claire stood in the center of the court with numerous pairs of eyes watching them.
Unlike Claire who had changed into a jersey, Ivy was still in her over sized clothes. She was still wearing those glasses and she still looked the same as before, like the simple girl from the book, who doesn't know anything about the world.
But even if she still looked the same, something felt different. The aura on her right now wasn't the meek aura she normally exuded. Right now, she felt strong, and powerful. Totally unable to be ignored. Infront of the well dressed Claire, she didn't seem small. She even seemed to overshadow Claire.
Everyone: Is something wrong with me? Why do I suddenly feel that Ivy is not someone to be trifled with.
''So you came afterall. Don't you have anything to ask? Go on. Ask me. Why I befriended you. Why I trashed you online. Why I-"
''Why should I bother myself with the obvious? Isn't it just because of Lyle.''
''You...'' Claire was actually stumped from words at hearing such a direct yet correct answer.
''Cut the crap. What do you want to challenge me to? Basketball? Are you sure?''
''I know you are spherophobic but yes, I am challenging you to it. What? Wanna back out? That's not impossible. But you have to admit you are wrong and you should stay away from Lyle in the future. It's best if you could drop out of the school.'' Claire was completely convinced that she would win. Since Ivy's spherophobic, Claire was somewhat sure that she would give up without even trying. So she suggested dropping out as the bet. That way, she will be able to get rid of Ivy once and for all making it easier for her.
''Oh... so you want to use dropping out from the school as the bet? Are you sure?''
''Scared?''
''Yup. On your behalf.''
Hearing Ivy's confident words, Claire felt like something was wrong but she couldn't pinpoint at what was actually wrong.
What can a spherophobic person do? Even if she played, it would be for the first time so it's impossible for Ivy to beat her, a soon to be professional player.