Loxus PoV
The morning sun had just started to peek over the horizon when Loxus laced up his running shoes and stepped out of the house. Leaving Dusk to Brick, he started his route towards the campus. The city was still waking up, the streets quiet and serene as the city slowly came to life.
The cool morning air was invigorating as he kept up a steady pace, the rhythmic sound of his footsteps echoing in the otherwise silent streets. He took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp morning air that still held a faint chill.
His path took him through the city, past the sleepy storefronts and quiet neighborhoods, until the buildings began to spread out and the structures of Kallen University came into view. The silver school, as it was often called, was an impressive sight with its grand architecture and sprawling campus.
His family had founded it a century ago, before they fell on hard times and had to sell it to the state.
He took out a paper map of the campus. His eyes scanned for the location of the gym. Today was basketball tryouts. Kallen University hosted theirs a week before the school year began.
Loxus continued his jog, the paper map crinkled in his hand as he scanned the layout of the campus. The gym was located towards the north side of the campus, not too far from the main building. He could make it there in a few minutes at his current pace.
He picked up speed, his mind focused on the task ahead. He had played basketball all his life, but today was different. Today, he was trying out for the Kallen University team. Today, he was taking the first step to fulfilling Laure's dream.
As he neared the gym, he could see a group of students already gathered there. Some were stretching, others were shooting baskets. Loxus took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was about to come.
He strolled up to the gym just as the coach was calling everyone to gather. He was a burly man with a stern face, the kind of coach who wouldn't accept anything less than a hundred percent.
Loxus joined the group, his eyes scanning the faces around him. Some were familiar, classmates from his high school years. And then there was Wilt.
"Why are you here? You're already part of the team, no?" Loxus asked, striding over the the teal-eyed star.
He nodded and laughed. "Came to see who might be my new teammates. I'm also curious how you will fare."
Loxus glared at him. That guy, did he really have so much free time on his hands?
"Everyone, listen up!" the coach boomed, getting everyone's attention. "We will start with some basic drills to get warmed up. Once you are done, I want you all on the court. We will be doing a series of exercises to test your skill and stamina. If you are not up to snuff, don't even bother joining."
The guys present all had determined faces on. Each of them present was here because they loved basketball, and wanted to continue playing it at the university level.
Only one guy didn't. The slender tall guy had a stoic expression on his face. The coach eyed him warily, as if he was expecting him to back out.
"I will do whatever is necessary to get on this team," the guy stated, his voice low and calm. He grabbed a hair tie and pulled his seafoam green hair back.
The coach raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the determination in the young man's voice.
"Fine. Get started," he ordered, motioning to the gym floor.
The group ran laps around the gym.
Loxus noticed Wilt smiling at him. Was he some kind of sadist?
He turned away, ignoring the cocky bastard.
The coach was shouting at everyone, barking orders and commands. He was a tough one, making the group run laps until they were exhausted.
After a grueling half-hour of running, the coach called them all to stop.
The slender guy cupped a hand over his mouth. He panted and gritted his teeth. His knees were shaking, threatening to give way.
"What's your name, kid?" the coach asked, looking him over.
"Sylvester. Sylvester Faulkner," he answered between ragged breaths.
The coach nodded, a hint of approval in his gaze. "Well, hope you can survive the next test."
Sylvester simply nodded, his eyes showing determination despite his ragged appearance.
The coach turned toward Wilt. Wilt nodded and opened up a cool with water and sport drinks.
"Alright, get hydrated," he instructed, tossing a bottle to Sylvester.
The slender guy caught it and quickly downed the contents, his thirst overriding his dignity.
Loxus calmly made his way over to the cooler.
Wilt grinned. "You did well for a guy who hasn't played basketball in over four years."
He scoffed. "Looked up my past stats, did you?"
"I was curious if you even had the talent. Now, I see I had nothing to worry about. You're pretty talented, for a thug."
Loxus glared at him. He didn't need this guy's approval. All he needed was Wilt's skills on the court.
"You cocky bastard, we'll see who the best is after tryouts."
"That we will," Wilt replied, an arrogant smile on his face.
Loxus shook his head. "So, how's your leg?"
Wilt knelt down and rubbed the back of his left leg. "Better. No thanks to a certain someone..."
"Well, I undid my work," he replied, crossing his arms.
Wilt sighed.
"You two know each other?" Sylvester asked.
"Unfortunately," Wilt mumbled.
"Yeah," Loxus said at the same time.
Sylvester glanced at them. He looked around the place. "How nice. I wish I knew someone else trying out."
Wilt laughed and put a hand on the slender guy's shoulder. "Well, you can count me and Loxus as your friends."
Loxus blinked. "Excuse me? You might be, but not me."
Sylvester's shoulders drooped. "Ah, I see."
"Hey, don't be like that, Loxus. Give him a chance. We're all going to be teammates soon, anyway," Wilt said.
Loxus crossed his arms and scoffed. "You're too naive, Wilt. The world isn't such a nice place. This is basketball, not kindergarten."
"True, but we can still help each other out," Wilt countered, grinning.
He sighed. "You can say that, being a part of the team, but for me everyone here is an enemy. I don't have time to be nice to anyone."
Sylvester frowned, his lips quivering.
"Don't listen to him. He's a sourpuss," Wilt reassured.
Sylvester smiled faintly. "Thank you, Wilt. I'll keep that in mind."
Loxus narrowed his eyes. That guy was really getting on his nerves.
The coach's voice boomed. "Alright, everyone, break is over. It's time for push-ups."
"Oh boy," Wilt exclaimed.
Sylvester sighed.
"Get moving!" the coach ordered, his voice echoing throughout the gym.
With a groan, everyone dropped to the floor, each of them doing their best to complete the demanding set of push-ups. Loxus found himself next to Sylvester, the slender man struggling to keep up with the pace. He was clearly not used to this type of intense physical exertion.
"You can do it, Sylvester," Wilt encouraged, grinning as he watched from the sidelines.
Sylvester grunted in response, his face red and sweaty as he pushed himself to keep going. It was clear to Loxus that the guy was not going to give up easily.
After what felt like an eternity, the coach finally called for a stop. Everyone collapsed onto the floor, their bodies exhausted. Loxus sat up, wiping the sweat off his face. He took a moment to catch his breath before glancing over at Sylvester.
The slender man had collapsed onto his back, chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. Despite his exhaustion, there was a small smile on his face. It was the smile of someone who had pushed past their limits and survived.
Before Loxus could say anything, the coach called for them to stand.
"The final test for the day will be a scrimmage," he announced, pointing towards the basketball court. "This will be your chance to show me your skills. Don't hold back. But for now, hydrate yourselves."
Wilt walked up to Loxus and Sylvester, grinning as he held a water bottle for Sylvester and a blue sports drink for Loxus.
"Here, this is for you," Wilt said, handing the sports drink to Loxus.
Loxus eyed the drink, then glanced at Wilt. "I didn't ask for your help."
Wilt just shrugged, his grin unwavering. "I know, but you look like you could use it."
Loxus took the drink, his fingers brushing against Wilt's. He quickly pulled his hand back, feeling a strange jolt at the brief contact. He stared at the drink in his hand, then at Wilt, his face unreadable.
Wilt just chuckled, patting Loxus on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Loxus. It's not poisoned or anything. Just a friendly gesture."
Loxus grumbled under his breath, but he didn't refuse the drink. He unscrewed the cap and took a long sip, the cool liquid soothing his parched throat.
"Thanks," he muttered, his cheeks heating up slightly. He quickly turned away, hoping Wilt didn't notice his embarrassment.
"You're welcome!" Wilt replied, his voice laced with amusement.
As Loxus walked away to join the others, he couldn't help but feel a strange mix of annoyance and gratitude towards Wilt.