Publishedat 6th of January 2019 07:16:03 AMChapter 19
It was the day for the final games . The cheerdance compet.i.tion will be held in the afternoon .
Dan was playing among the team for the basketball championship game . It was a close match and on the last 30 seconds of the game, they are trailing by 4 points .
Captain Long was with the ball inside the ring . He tried to take a basket, failed but was granted 2 free throws from a defensive foul from the team who is on penalty . He missed the first free throw but got the second in .
There was 13 seconds left on the clock when their team got the rebound from a missed basket .
Midori was praying hard on the bleachers, even clasping her hands . She had the urge to tightly close her eyes but she must not take her eyes off of the game .
In the last 4 seconds, his teammates managed to pa.s.s the ball to Dan who was standing at the perimeter .
However, the other team"s captain tried to block his shot, with 2 seconds remaining .
Dan just threw the ball with no projectile planning or good technique, the ball went in .
But before he let go, the buzzer signaled the end of the game .
They lost the championship game!
In the dugout, most players were looking down on their shoes or on the floor . Captain Long and the other seniors were exchanging looks and bitter smiles .
They were surprised to suddenly hear Dan take the initiative to speak .
"Well guys, that"s it for high school basketball among us seniors! I am grateful that everyone welcomed me warmly in this team despite playing with you guys for only a few months . So, thank you very much to everyone! I enjoyed playing with you!" He made a deep bow .
"That"s right! It was fun being with you guys! We will miss hara.s.sing the juniors and freshmen!" Captain Long guffawed .
Merry cheers were ringing in their dugout afterwards . The juniors were sending off the graduating seniors and the seniors were tapping the shoulders of the new captain nonstop .
After shower and changing, they dispersed to watch other games being played in the morning .
Midori was waiting for Dan outside the covered court .
She smiled brightly as he emerged from an exit door . When he finally stood next to her, she embraced him warmly .
"Hey, I"m okay . We"re okay . " He was talking how the team was holding up .
"I know . " she almost whispered . "But I still want to say . . . " she moved from the embrace to look at him . "You will always be my MVP . " Then she flashed her sincere smile .
Meanwhile in the pool area . . .
Midori and Dan arrived hands together . Mei noticed them and waved for them to come to where she was seated .
"Why do you look so excited?" Midori was looking at her friend, amused .
Mei pouted . "It"s because you only watch his game so you don"t know anything about others . " Mei eyed Dan then looked at Midori accusingly .
Midori replaced some strands of her locks behind her ear and grinned guiltily .
Dan started to move the neckline of his shirt to fan himself . "It"s too hot outside . I"ll go to the vending machine to buy some drinks . You girls want any?"
"Apple-flavored tea for me!" Mei requested without hesitation .
"What about you?" Dan looked at Midori .
"Green tea latte . " Midori faintly smiled .
Dan went to the closest vending machine . He put bills into the machine for the purchase . Just when he was to press the corresponding b.u.t.ton for the drink, a fair delicate hand pressed on the b.u.t.ton for the iced americano .
He immediately turned to the culprit . He saw a pair of dark brown eyes looking at him intently .
"Sorry . I just need this right now . " The soft voice explained in an instant while claiming the drink which was just dispensed . "Oh, here"s the money for the drink . " Dan was handed some coins in exchange . "Again, sorry to bother you . " The figure bowed . "I must go now . Thank you!"
Dan remained shocked speechless throughout the interaction which occurred within 2 minutes . He looked at his hand full of coins, then looked back at the retreating figure .
"Weird girl . " He mumbled, then proceeded on buying drinks .