Chapter 31: Boy's Practice Game
Orion walked briskly down the hallway, a warm sensation lingering in his chest after the exchange with Aria. He was eager for the game to start and finish quickly so he could visit her again. Arriving at the gym, his coach spotted him immediately.
"Orion, you're in Team 1 today," the coach announced decisively. "You'll be playing with Louis, Carlo, Sven, and Jem." Orion nodded, his focus sharpening as he mentally prepared for the game ahead.
Glancing over at Team 2, he noted the lineup—Rico, Von, Niko, Harold, and Baron—ready for their matchup.
Orion glanced back at Rico.
'this feeling... I don't like it,' Orion thought as his mind replayed the moment when Rico had rushed to help Aria earlier. Mixed feelings churned within him.
On one hand, he admired Rico's quick response and genuine concern for their friend. On the other, a flicker of jealousy gnawed at him.
"Orion! Warm up quickly," Coach's authoritative voice echoed in Orion's ear.
The coach's voice cut through Orion's thoughts, snapping him back to the present. He straightened up, pushing aside the emotions as he refocused on his role as team captain.
"Direct your team, we're starting soon."
Orion nodded in acknowledgment, his mind shifting gears. He glanced at his teammates, Louis, Carlo, Sven, and Jem, who were already warming up and exchanging quick passes.
"Alright, guys, focus lang tayo," Orion called out, his voice firm and commanding.
'Ironic, sabi ko focus pero ako ang hindi makafocus,' Orion thought.
"Louis, huwag kang magdalawang-isip pag may open shot ka," Orion added, clapping Louis on the shoulder. "Confidence lang."
Carlo gave a thumbs-up. "Got it, captain. Perimeter defense ako."
Sven grinned, bouncing the ball a few times. "Rebounds, check. I'll be all over it."
Aiden adjusted his headband, nodding at Orion. "Sharp passes, right? understood."
"Good," Orion said, feeling a surge of determination. "Remember, communicate and trust each other. Teamwork tayo. Kaya natin 'to."
As they moved into position, Orion took a deep breath, the adrenaline starting to kick in. "Let's go, Team 1! Play smart and play hard!"
The referee blew the whistle, signaling the start of the game. Orion glanced briefly at Rico, who was staring back with an intense look.
Shaking off any lingering doubts, Orion focused entirely on the game ahead.
The ball was tossed into the air, and Team 2, with Rico's quick jump, secured the tip-off.
Rico immediately took control, dribbling with precision and speed. Orion moved into defensive position, his eyes locked on Rico. Rico passed the ball to Von, who drove towards the basket, but Carlo stepped up to block his path.
Von quickly passed the ball back to Rico, who faked a shot, causing Orion to momentarily shift his stance. Taking advantage of the split second, Rico drove to the left and took a shot.
"Defense, Carlo!" Orion shouted, trying to rally his team. Carlo leaped to block the shot, but the ball sailed over his fingertips and into the basket. Team 2 scored the first points, and Orion felt the pressure.
"Don't mind guys! Let's get it back!" Orion called out, quickly moving to inbound the ball.
He passed to Jem, who dribbled up the court, then handed it off to Sven. Sven found an opening and passed it to Louis, who was waiting at the three-point line.
"Louis, now!" Orion yelled. Louis took the shot, but it bounced off the rim. Orion and Rico both jumped for the rebound, their bodies colliding mid-air.
Rico managed to tip the ball to Niko, who started a fast break. Orion sprinted back on defense, keeping pace with Niko. As Niko approached the basket, Orion timed his leap perfectly and swatted the ball away, preventing an easy score. Jem grabbed the loose ball and quickly passed it back to Orion.
"Let's push!" Orion commanded, dribbling swiftly up the court. He saw an opening and drove to the basket, evading Harold's attempt to block him. Orion jumped and laid the ball gently into the net, tying the score.
As the game progressed, Aiden continued to create scoring opportunities for their team. Using his sharp court vision, he found Orion cutting to the basket and delivered a precise pass, allowing Orion to score an easy layup.
"Nice pass," Orion complimented Aiden as they jogged back to defense. Aiden just nodded at Orion's remark.
The rest of the game went in a blur, with both teams fiercely competing for every point. With only seconds left on the clock, the score stood at 94-99, with Orion's team leading.
Rico's team quickly fouled Orion to stop the clock.
With 15 seconds remaining, Orion stepped to the free-throw line. He took a deep breath and sank the first free throw, extending their lead to 94-100. He then calmly made the second, pushing the score to 94-101.
Rico's team inbounded the ball quickly, but with time running out, their desperation shots missed the mark.
Enggggg
As the final buzzer sounded, Orion and Aiden's team emerged victorious with a final score of 94-101.
'Finally, tapos na ang laro!' Orion thought, wanting to go back immediately to the clinic.
"Great game, everyone!" Orion said, high-fiving his teammates.
The coach called all the boys over and announced, "Alright, good job today. Now, we need to clean up the gym. Rico, Von, Baron, Harold, and Niko, you're on cleanup duty tonight together with Tamara's team."
The losing team members groaned in unison. Then laughed, their spirits lifting despite the loss.
"Coach, tutulong rin ako," Louis spoke up despite being in the winning team. But in truth, he just wants to spend more time with his girlfriend, Tamara.
Orion couldn't help but chuckle at Louis's eagerness to volunteer. He clapped Louis on the back and leaned in with a teasing grin. "Really, Louis? Di ko alam na mahilig ka pala maglinis,"
Louis's face turned a light shade of pink, but he kept his composure. "Tutulong nga ang tao oh," he said, trying to sound casual. "Besides, para madali matapos ang clean up."
"Suree," Orion said, still smirking and then he grabbed his bag.
"Una muna ako, see you guys," he said, heading straight for the door.
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