The basketball bounced a few times, capturing everyone's hopes that it would miss the hoop. Everyone except Leon silently wished for failure. Yet, to Leon's relief and everyone else's dismay, the ball swished cleanly through the net.
Viktor leaped with joy, sprinting back to his friends, who greeted him with laughter and high-fives. The spectators cheered, clearly impressed by Viktor's skill on the court.
Viktor assumed his position again, ready for action. Leon, determined, squared up in defense.
"I didn't even break a sweat, Leon," Viktor teased, chuckling.
However, Leon had managed to nearly block Viktor's shot, falling just short of stopping it entirely. He knew he just needed to replicate that effort one more time.
