After nearly an hour of wandering through the seemingly endless wonders of the Monjitas del Cielo complex, Aleksandar and Nikola finally made their way to the towering building that stood at the center of it all the club headquarters.
Its reflective surface shimmered beneath the Argentine sun, a wall of sleek glass that reached into the sky like a monument to ambition.
As they approached the automatic sliding doors, both boys paused for a brief second. Maybe it was the nerves. Maybe it was the weight of what this building represented.
"This is it," Aleksandar murmured, adjusting the strap of his bag.
"Time to officially become part of something bigger," Nikola replied with a grin.
The doors slid open with a soft mechanical hiss, revealing a spacious, sunlit lobby bathed in white and silver tones. But neither of them had time to take in the architecture.
Because standing just beyond the entrance were two figures they recognized instantly.
One leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, trademark shades resting on his nose and a familiar half smirk on his face. The other stood straight, arms behind his back like a seasoned general surveying his troops.
"You're late," vinnie said with a teasing scoff, walking toward them.
"By three minutes," Hao added flatly, but even he couldn't hide the small, satisfied smile tugging at his lips.
Aleksandar froze for a second, stunned. Seeing Vinnie and Hao here, in this new world, was like seeing familiar stars in a completely different night sky.
"Hao..." he muttered, and before he could finish, Vinnie closed the distance and gave him a firm pat on the shoulder.
"You actually made it," Vinnie said, the smirk softening into something more genuine. "Didn't think you'd survive this long."
Nikola stepped forward, nodding politely. "And I'm here to prove I belong, too."
Hao gave a small bow of acknowledgment. "One roster spot. But we believe in fair chances. Impress us."
Aleksandar looked around the pristine lobby, back at the men who had guided his journey from the very beginning, and felt his chest tighten not from nerves this time, but from pride.
The warm reunion was suddenly interrupted by a voice sharp with purpose.
"Aleksandar," Vinnie said, stepping forward and checking his watch. "It's time. You'll be meeting the team captain and head coach now. After that, you've got your official photoshoot for the club website."
Vinnie then turned his gaze toward Nikola, who stood a few steps behind, still taking in the grandeur of the facility.
"As for your friend," Vinnie continued, "he can either wait here for you or head over to the apartment we've arranged. The tryout doesn't start until tomorrow, so he's free to explore the city a bit. You, on the other hand, are going to be busy all day."
Aleksandar gave a small nod, his heart pounding with nervous anticipation. Still, there was no hesitation in his voice.
"Alright, let's get all that done," he said with a spark in his eyes.
Then, turning back toward Nikola, he offered a relaxed smile and a pat on the shoulder.
"Spend the day however you like," Aleksandar said. "Check out the city or rest at the apartment. Looks like I'm booked until tonight anyway. We'll catch up later."
Nikola gave a thumbs up and a lazy grin. "Got it."
With a casual wave, Nikola turned and made his way back through the glass doors, his footsteps fading into the wide corridors of the Monjitas del Cielo headquarters.
Aleksandar stood still for a second, watching his friend disappear down the hall. Then he turned back to Vinnie and Hao.
Aleksandar followed behind Vinnie and Hao as they descended the quiet hallway of the towering Monjitas del Cielo headquarters. Each level they passed, each polished marble floor and tinted glass window, only deepened his curiosity.
"Just how many floors does this building have…?" he wondered, glancing upward as the golden elevator lights ticked higher and higher.
Finally, the soft chime of the elevator signaled their arrival. Ding.
The doors slid open with a quiet hiss, revealing the top floor.
But what greeted Aleksandar wasn't just more walls or meeting rooms. No this was something else entirely.
A massive panoramic window stretched across the far wall, sunlight pouring through and bathing the floor in warm amber. Aleksandar stepped forward slowly, drawn to the breathtaking sight before him. From this height, he could see it all the entire club complex sprawling out like a miniature city below.
There was the main arena where he and Nikola had first arrived… the secondary court nestled among trees… the cafeteria where players gathered… the gym, dorms, training grounds they were all there, vivid and alive under the golden sky.
His breath caught for a second.
"So this… is where it all begins."
Time seemed to pause. But before he could lose himself in the moment completely, Vinnie's voice brought him back to reality.
"Aleksandar," he said with a calm but firm tone. "We've arrived."
Aleksandar turned around, slightly dazed. And there they were three of them now standing before a set of massive, dark oak doors, engraved with the club's crest. The air felt heavier here, as if something important waited beyond.
Vinnie glanced over at him and added with a small grin:
"Behind these doors are the Coach and the Captain. So…"
He placed a hand on Aleksandar's shoulder.
"Lock in."
Aleksandar nodded silently, feeling his heartbeat rise again.
Vinnie stepped through the grand doors first, his posture calm and confident. Hao followed closely behind, his sharp eyes scanning the room with practiced ease.
Aleksandar took a deep breath and entered last.
The moment he crossed the threshold, the air itself changed.
The vibrant energy he felt moments ago, the excitement of the view, the wonder of exploration all of it vanished. In its place was a quiet, almost suffocating stillness.
Like a courtroom right before a verdict.
The room was spacious, yet simple clean lines, dark wood furniture, floor to ceiling windows veiled by gentle curtains, and trophies lining the shelves like silent witnesses to greatness.
At the far end stood two men.
Both were in their early thirties. Both wore crisp, tailored suits. And both had eyes sharper than any blade Aleksandar had ever faced on a basketball court.
Their presence alone was commanding.
One stood with his arms folded, his expression unreadable, posture straight like a soldier. The other leaned slightly forward with a hand on the desk, his gaze locked onto Aleksandar with a quiet intensity that made his heart skip a beat.
This wasn't just a casual introduction.
These were the men who would judge his worth.
Who had the power to shape or shatter his future.
Aleksandar could feel it this room wasn't like the others.
This was the heart of Monjitas del Cielo. And in it stood the minds that led the machine.
He straightened his back instinctively, pushing down the nerves rising in his chest.
This is it, he thought. The true beginning.