"Show us what you're made of," Coach Nami's words echoed in Kan's ears.
"She's referring to you, dude," remarked one of the attackers, a tall and muscular guy with a mocking smile and a thick mustache above his mouth.
Without uttering a word, Kan turned his face away from the taunt. As he began to walk, he caught Emily's eyes fixed on him. Their eyes met, and she smiled, giving him a reassuring thumbs-up.
Encouraged by Emily's gesture, Kan smiled back at her and proceeded to the spot where the first attacker stood.
"Go!" Coach Nami's shout echoed, and the official outside kicked the ball with the same accuracy towards Kan. Time seemed to slow as the ball approached him, and a wave of uncertainty washed over him.
"What if I make a mistake? What if Coach loses interest in me?" Kan thought, battling his own doubts.
