Adrian's POV
We settled ourselves on the bleachers, my little sister Ciel bouncing slightly beside me, still full of energy. I had made it very clear: No basketball for me today. Watching was safe. Sitting down, hidden from the chaos, was perfect.
"Adrian…" Ciel nudged me. "You should try playing too! I bet you'd be amazing!"
I choked on my own sigh. "No way. I already have enough people screaming my name everywhere. I don't need another crowd on the court."
But she wouldn't let it go. She leaned closer, eyes sparkling. "Come on… just once. I'll even cheer the loudest for you."
I could practically see my face turning red. Why does she do this? Why does she enjoy tormenting me like this? "Nope. Not happening this time. I'll just watch."
The five selected players—Yuri, Mayo, Felix, Rory, and Kit—were running drills, passing, shooting, and moving in sync. Breaks came and went, and each time I relaxed slightly… before Ciel leaned in again.
"Whispering something to Yuri," I realized too late. My chest sank when I saw him nod toward the court. Oh no… she's plotting something.
Ciel grinned at me. "You should come and try playing."
I froze. "Wait—no, you already exposed me to him!" My mind raced for escape plans, but it was useless. Yuri's grin told me I had no way out.
Maybe… maybe if I just played a little, small, I thought. Just enough to satisfy them. I sighed and gave in. Holding my sister's hand, I got up. She squealed with excitement, tugging me toward the court. I had no choice now. This is going to be a disaster.
Yuri's POV – Scheming on the Court
Practice was in full swing, the five Section E players moving fluidly across the court. I was taking a short break, wiping sweat from my brow, when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
Ciel leaned close, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yuri… you have to help me. Don't tell Adrian I said anything, okay?"
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's going on?"
She glanced around before leaning in even closer. "There are so many things my brother is good at… dancing, singing, basketball… he's talented at so much, and I want him to participate in this basketball game. In our old school, he barely joined anything. I think he should enjoy it here."
I suppressed a smirk. "You want him to play?"
Her grin widened. "Yes, but… don't tell him I told you. Just call him over and make him try. I want him to play tomorrow's game. Maybe if he tries now, he'll get a chance to substitute in. Just… don't make it obvious it was me."
I could feel my lips twitching. Of course she's plotting… of course she is. But the idea was… fun. Very fun.
I glanced over at Adrian, sitting there, pretending to watch the practice. He had that stubborn, "I will not be dragged into anything" expression plastered on his face. Challenge accepted.
"Adrian!" I called, loud enough for him to hear.
He froze and shook his head. "Uh… no, I'm fine. I'm just watching."
I raised an eyebrow and gave a subtle nod to the boys. One by one, they moved, grinning mischievously. I could see the panic flicker in Adrian's eyes as they gently but firmly dragged him toward the court.
I handed him the basketball. "You're playing a little. Just a little. Don't overthink it."
He groaned, muttering, but there was no escape. I settled back on the bleachers, catching my breath. "Nice one ," I called to Ciel, who had been watching from the sidelines. She returned it with a triumphant grin. Hope your plan works, I thought, watching the corner of her mouth curl with mischief.
Adrian started dribbling, passing, and shooting. He looked annoyed—but I could also tell he was enjoying himself more than he'd admit. I reminded myself not to distract him too much. Just sit back, watch, and let Ciel's plan unfold again .
This is going to be interesting, I thought, watching him slowly get into the rhythm of the game, sweat running down his neck, and a reluctant smile tugging at his lips.