Thud!
The two collided in mid-air, Ryu's layup attempt hitting the rim and bouncing out. They both landed hard on the court, Ryu rolling onto his feet while Subaru was quick to recover, snatching the rebound.
"Nice try!" she laughed, her competitive spirit shining through as she raced past him. Ryu watched as she took control of the ball, her agile movements dazzling the crowd.
"Not so fast!" Ryu shouted, determination fueling him as he sprinted after her. Subaru skillfully dodged his reach, dribbling the ball with finesse as she approached the three-point line.
"Here goes!" she called out, launching the ball toward the hoop.
Ryu's heart raced as he watched it sail through the air, knowing that if she made this shot, she'd take the lead.
Swish!
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers. Ryu's heart sank, but he quickly recovered. "Alright, it's 2-2 now. Game on!" he shouted, trying to mask his disappointment with determination.
"Feeling the pressure?" Subaru teased, flashing a confident smile.
"Not even a little!" Ryu shot back, determined to shake off any self-doubt. He took a deep breath, focusing on the game as he regained possession of the ball.
With a sudden burst of speed, Ryu pushed forward, zigzagging toward the basket. He felt the pressure of the crowd, their cheers echoing in his ears. "I can do this," he muttered to himself, his determination solidifying.
Subaru was hot on his heels, but Ryu was ready. He faked a drive to the left, then pivoted to the right, making a swift move toward the basket. He leapt up, going for a jump shot this time.
Thwack!
The ball hit the backboard and rolled down, but Ryu was right there, grabbing it for a quick putback attempt. He felt the rush of victory as the ball slipped through the hoop.
"3-2!" Kanade exclaimed, her voice echoing through the gymnasium as the crowd erupted into cheers. Ryu couldn't help but grin, the rush of success coursing through him.
Subaru laughed, clearly enjoying the competition. "Not bad, Ryu! But I'm just getting warmed up!" She positioned herself for the next play, her competitive spirit ignited.
With renewed energy, they squared off again. The atmosphere was electric, and both competitors knew that every move counted. Ryu could feel the weight of the crowd's expectations, but it only fueled his determination.
Subaru took the ball, dribbling with skill. She feigned left and then went for a fast break toward the hoop. Ryu was quick to follow, anticipating her next move.
"Nice try!" Ryu called out, rushing toward her, but Subaru's footwork was sharp. She spun around, dodging him and making a beeline for the basket.
Ryu was right behind her, desperate to catch up. As Subaru reached the hoop, she jumped for a layup, and Ryu leaped after her, ready to block.
Bang!
Their hands collided as the ball sailed through the air, ricocheting off the backboard. The crowd gasped, but Subaru was quick, catching the rebound and shooting again.
This time, Ryu was prepared. He leapt up, managing to get a finger on the ball and redirect it just enough to throw off her aim.
"Close one!" he laughed, relief flooding through him as the ball rolled harmlessly out of bounds.
Both players took a moment to catch their breath, eyes locked as they felt the intensity of the moment. The score was 3-2, and they both knew that the next play could decide it all.
"Ready for round two?" Subaru grinned, her competitive spirit shining through.
"Always!" Ryu shot back, adrenaline pumping as he prepared for whatever came next.
The tension in the air was palpable as Ryu and Subaru resumed their positions. The crowd was roaring with excitement, and Kanade's voice echoed, hyping up the audience.
"Only a few minutes left in this thrilling match! Who will come out on top—Ryu or Subaru?"
Ryu took a deep breath, focusing on the court. He couldn't let his nerves get the best of him now. This was his moment to shine.
Subaru took the ball, and the game was on again. She dribbled it low, her eyes scanning for an opening. Ryu mirrored her movements, determined not to let her slip past.
She feigned a left, then burst right, making a beeline for the basket. Ryu reacted quickly, positioning himself to block her path.
"Not this time!" Subaru called out, going for a quick crossover to shake him off balance. But Ryu was ready, shifting his weight and staying in front of her.
As they neared the basket, Subaru launched herself into the air for a jump shot. Ryu leapt to block it, arms outstretched.
Thud!
The ball ricocheted off his hand, flying towards the sidelines. The crowd erupted in excitement.
"Good defense!" Subaru laughed, her competitive spirit shining through as they both landed back on the court.
"Thanks! But we're not done yet!" Ryu shouted back, his heart racing as he took control of the ball again. He knew he had to make this shot count.
With determination, he dribbled toward the hoop, eyes locked on the basket. He could hear the crowd cheering him on, their excitement fueling his energy.
As he approached, Subaru positioned herself to block him. Ryu hesitated for a moment, then went for a quick spin, faking left and then darting right.
With one swift motion, he took the shot, the ball soaring through the air as time seemed to slow.
Swish!
The crowd erupted in cheers, Ryu's heart soaring with triumph. "4-2!" Kanade shouted, her voice ringing out as the crowd went wild.
Ryu couldn't believe it. He had won!
Ryu stood there, breathless and in disbelief, as the echoes of the crowd's cheers enveloped him. He had done it—he had won against Subaru in front of the entire school.
The exhilaration washed over him like a wave, and he felt a grin spread across his face. "I can't believe it!" he exclaimed, glancing toward Kanade, who was bouncing on her toes, clearly thrilled by the outcome.
"Ryu! Ryu! Ryu!" the crowd chanted, their voices a thunderous support that filled the gym. Ryu's heart swelled with pride, and he soaked in the moment, the adrenaline still pumping through his veins.
"That was a great game, Subaru" Ryu decided to brag slightly while showing some sportsmanship.
Subaru shot Kanade a glare, but it quickly softened as she took a deep breath, trying to rein in her frustration. "Don't think I'll go easy on you, Ryu. Just because you won that round doesn't mean you'll win the championship."
Ryu nodded, a mix of excitement and apprehension building within him. "I wouldn't expect anything less. I want you at your best!"
The crowd erupted into applause again, the atmosphere electric. Ryu felt the thrill of competition coursing through him, but he also sensed the determination in Subaru's gaze, which was like a fire igniting within her.
"Next up," Kanade announced, her voice cutting through the tension, "is the cooking challenge! It's a test of culinary skills, and I hope you two are ready to bring your A-game!"