The evening had settled into a quiet rhythm after the intensity of preparation, and for the first time in days, the team was allowed to breathe. The weight of strategy meetings and relentless analysis eased, replaced by the familiar comfort of the court, where sneakers squeaked softly against polished wood and the echoes of laughter returned.
They had rested, not only their bodies, but their minds, and the shift in atmosphere was evident in the way they carried themselves. What began as a light return to form soon drew the first five together at center court, where instinct gradually replaced fatigue.
"Okay team! Let's do our best! Group huddle!" He said.
"Yosh! Let's go!" They had a unified shout.
Renji stood composed, his posture relaxed yet attentive, while Xin dribbled with effortless control, Shintaro drifted naturally toward the perimeter, and Kevin wore his usual confident grin. It was supposed to be casual, but the moment Xin passed the ball, something deeper took over.
