As the final ball echoed off the rim and rolled to a stop, a heavy stillness settled over the gym. The sun had begun its slow descent outside, casting long shadows through the tall windows of the court. Sweat dripped, breaths were heavy, and the atmosphere was thick with exhaustion yet something deeper lingered too.
Anticipation.
Kumstrim walked toward center court once again, microphone in hand. His usual sharp, commanding presence now carried a note of finality, and even the most exhausted heads lifted when he raised the mic to his lips.
"Congratulations to everyone who showed up and gave it their all today," he began, his voice calm but firm, echoing clearly through the now quiet gym.
"You've all made it through a demanding set of drills. I saw effort, I saw focus and I saw heart. That matters."
He paused, letting the silence hang for just a moment before continuing.
"As I said at the beginning, only 24 of you will move on to the next stage. Tomorrow, you'll receive an email informing you whether you've made it or not. Only 24 names will be on that list."
The weight of those words was felt immediately. Some players looked down at their feet, others stared ahead, gripping water bottles tighter in silent hope.
"Over the next 24 hours, the staff and I will review every rep, every result, and every piece of effort shown today. We aren't just choosing the most talented we're choosing those who showed the most. The ones who proved something with their work."
Kumstrim's voice softened just a bit as he finished.
"I wish every one of you luck. Rest up, hydrate, and hold your head high. No matter what happens tomorrow... you were here. You showed up."
Then, with a nod, he concluded:
"You're all free to go."
As Kumstrim stepped away from the mic, the room stayed silent for a second longer until the echo of movement returned. Shoes scuffed, bags zipped, players exchanged quiet words. The day was over.
As the crowd slowly began to disperse, the air in the gym lightened, filled with tired chatter and the creak of duffel bags being slung over shoulders.
At the far end of the gym, Jamie quietly packed his things. He didn't say a word to anyone no nods, no glances. Just zipped up his sleek black backpack, pulled his hoodie over his head, and walked straight toward the exit. His footsteps echoed faintly, then faded away.
Nikola noticed, but didn't say anything. He wasn't sure what to think of Jamie anymore not quite a rival, not quite a villain. Just another story crossing his.
Meanwhile, Kris dropped his ball back into the equipment bin and strolled over, his energy still calm but positive. His white towel draped over his neck, and a half smile played on his face.
"You were on fire today, bro," Kris said, nudging Nikola lightly with his elbow.
Nikola laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "You weren't too bad yourself. 21 in catch and shoot? You almost broke the net."
Kris grinned. "Almost."
They stood there for a moment, surrounded by the lingering buzz of the gym. Something about the quiet after competition always felt... peaceful.
"Hey," Kris added, pulling out his phone, "you got Insta or something? We should link up tomorrow, maybe explore the city before results come out."
Nikola blinked, a bit surprised, but then nodded with a genuine smile. "Yeah, I'm down. Would be nice to think about something other than drills for a day."
They exchanged phones, typed in their handles, and fist bumped lightly.
"Catch you tomorrow then?" Kris said, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
"Yeah," Nikola replied, watching him head toward the exit. "Tomorrow."
As he stood there, alone now, Nikola looked around the emptying gym. The echo of bouncing balls had faded. What remained was something quieter hope, nerves, and just a little spark of excitement for whatever came next.
But for once... he was looking forward to it.
Aleksandar and Hao stood from their seats in the stands.
Aleksandar stretched his arms above his head with a satisfied sigh, then looked over to Hao.
"So, are we still grabbing something to eat?" he asked, a hopeful glint in his voice. "You think Vinnie's coming too?"
Hao glanced toward the far corner of the gym, where several coaches and staff were beginning to gather around Kumstrim. The head trainer looked locked in, already speaking with a clipboard in hand.
"Doubt it," Hao replied casually. "There's gonna be a staff meeting now. He'll be stuck here for a while."
Aleksandar let out a small sigh, his shoulders sinking just a bit. "Ah, I figured… still would've been nice if he came with. But whatever."
With that, the two descended the stairs and made their way toward the court, weaving through clusters of players. Near the baseline, they found Nikola sitting on a bench, wiping sweat from his neck, his bag already packed beside him.
"Yo!" Aleksandar called out, waving as they approached.
Nikola looked up and stood quickly. "Oh, hey."
"You did great out there today," Hao said with a nod, his expression calm but approving. "Really solid shooting all around."
But Aleksandar he was on another level. He clapped Nikola on the back with both hands, grinning ear to ear. "Man, that last drill? I swear, you were in the zone! Like, what was that? Prime Steph Curry energy?"
Nikola chuckled shyly, looking down, but the praise warmed him more than he expected.
"Thanks, I… I didn't think I'd shoot that well honestly."
Aleksandar raised an eyebrow. "Well, believe it. You lit it up, bro."
"We're about to grab something to eat," Hao added. "You coming?"
Nikola hesitated for a moment his body tired, his mind still processing the rollercoaster of the day but then nodded. "Yeah… yeah, I could use a bite."
Aleksandar threw an arm around his shoulder. "Let's go then. You earned it."
And just like that, the three of them Aleksandar, Hao, and Nikola walked off toward the exit, the golden light of the setting sun spilling in through the windows.
Tomorrow could wait.
Tonight, they'd just enjoy the win.