The morning sun filtered softly through the tree branches, casting dappled light across the park benches. A gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh grass and distant coffee. Birds chirped lazily as if even they weren't in a rush today.
Nikola sat on the edge of a bench near the path, his hoodie half zipped, eyes scanning for a familiar figure. It wasn't long before he spotted Kris approaching, hands in his pockets and a small grin on his face.
"Yo," Kris called out casually, lifting one hand in greeting.
Nikola stood up and returned the gesture with a smile.
"Yo. You found the place alright?"
"Yeah, wasn't hard. Google Maps hasn't failed me yet," Kris chuckled as he reached him. "Nice little spot you got here. Quiet."
"It's not bad," Nikola nodded. "Good for clearing your head."
Kris stretched a bit, glancing around the park. "Slept well?"
"Not really," Nikola admitted. "Kinda kept overthinking everything from yesterday. You?"
Kris shrugged. "Knocked out like a baby. Guess I was just glad I didn't completely mess it up."
Nikola laughed lightly. "You went 21 out of 25. I think you did more than alright."
Kris smirked. "Appreciate that. You were no joke either, man. That last drill? You lit it up."
A brief pause of mutual respect passed between them.
Then Kris clapped his hands together. "Anyway since we've got the whole day free, how about we make the most of it?"
Nikola raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I mean," Kris grinned, "let's go explore the city. Hit a few spots, grab some food, maybe see something cool before our fates get decided by some clipboard in a gym."
Nikola considered it for a second… and then nodded with a grin.
"You know what? Yeah. Let's go. Beats sitting around staring at my inbox."
"Exactly," Kris said, already turning toward the street. "Let's make it a good day who knows what tomorrow brings."
The city was alive, humming with the rhythm of weekend life. Nikola and Kris wandered through the winding streets, taking in the sounds of chatter, car horns, and the occasional bark of a dog pulling at its leash. The sun hung lazily in the sky, casting long shadows as the two friends began their day of exploring.
Their first stop was a row of small local stores, tucked between cafés and souvenir stands.
"Look at this," Kris said, holding up a bright blue hoodie with design on it. "Kinda drippy, right?"
Nikola laughed. "Depends. You trying to join a boy band?"
Kris threw the hoodie back on the rack with a chuckle. "Hater."
They wandered into a small shop filled with basketball gear. Nikola paused at a rack of signature sneakers, running his hand along the rows of colorful soles.
"I always wanted these," he muttered, eyeing a pair of Kobe 6 Protros.
Kris whistled. "Same. If we make the team, I'm buying myself something stupid expensive. Just to say I did."
"You already thinking about your rookie shoe deal, huh?" Nikola teased.
"Manifesting," Kris said, tapping his temple.
As they exited the shop, the scent of salty sea air began to grow stronger. A short walk later, they arrived at the city's pier. Waves lapped lazily at the dock as street performers entertained passing tourists. There were booths selling fried snacks, couples taking selfies, and kids running with balloons.
Nikola leaned on the railing, eyes fixed on the endless blue.
"Man… this is nice," he said quietly. "I've been so locked into basketball… I forgot how it feels to just breathe."
Kris nodded beside him. "Facts. Sometimes you gotta step back. It's not all just drills and stats."
After some time, they resumed walking and eventually stumbled upon a small arcade tucked into the pier's far end. Neon lights buzzed faintly, and old game music spilled out through the open doors.
But what caught both of their eyes wasn't the pinball machines or air hockey it was the boxing arcade machine. The kind with the hanging speed bag that measured the power of your punch.
Kris turned to Nikola, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?"
Nikola smirked. "Only one way to find out who hits harder."
"Oh, it's on," Kris said, already pulling a coin from his pocket.
As the machine blinked to life with loud beeping, they took turns, drawing a small crowd of laughing tourists and kids who began to cheer them on. The scores lit up in red numbers after each punch.
Kris: 789.
Nikola: 811.
"Yooo!" Kris hollered. "Okay, I see you!"
Nikola laughed. "Guess all that frustration had to go somewhere."
As the ocean breeze swept through the pier and the distant chatter of families and street performers filled the air, Nikola and Kris were still laughing near the boxing arcade machine, casually debating whether they should try a rematch.
But then from the other side of the pier two familiar figures approached.
"Yo! Ain't that Aleksandar?" Nikola said, squinting through the sunlight.
Sure enough, Aleksandar and Hao were strolling side by side, mid conversation, dressed casually with relaxed expressions, clearly enjoying their own off day. Aleksandar's eyes scanned ahead and the moment he spotted Nikola, his face lit up.
"Nikola out here throwin hands now?" Aleksandar said, smirking as he walked over.
Nikola grinned and extended a hand. They exchanged a crisp dap, followed by a brief one armed hug.
"Man, wasn't expecting to run into you two here," Nikola said.
"We were just heading to that little spot Hao's obsessed with," Aleksandar replied, tilting his head. "Said it's some secret place."
Hao gave a small nod. "Best dumplings in the city."
Nikola chuckled, then gestured to his side. "Oh, right. This is Kris met him at the tryouts yesterday. We've been hanging out since."
Kris offered a cool wave. "Nice to meet you guys."
"Likewise," Hao replied politely, while Aleksandar nodded.
But then Aleksandar's eyes caught the glowing machine behind them the boxing arcade.
"Hold up. Did y'all just play that?"
Nikola smirked. "Yeah. Little friendly competition. I got 811, Kris had 789."
Aleksandar turned slowly toward Hao with a devilish grin.
"…You already know what's about to happen."
"Oh no," Hao said instantly, taking a step back. "You're not dragging me into"
But it was too late. Aleksandar was already digging through his pocket for coins.
"Come on, bro. Just one. Peer pressure."
Hao sighed deeply, the kind that said he knew resistance was futile. He stepped up to the machine, cracked his knuckles, and took a single calm breath before launching a precise and shockingly powerful punch.
BAM.
The machine lit up.
870.
Nikola and Kris raised their eyebrows, impressed.
"Okay!" Kris said. "I didn't expect that from the quiet one."
"I shadow boxing for cardio," Hao said, adjusting his sleeves.
Then Aleksandar stepped up with the swagger of a pro wrestler entering the ring.
"Watch and learn, gentlemen. I wrestle bears on the way home just to stay sharp."
Kris blinked. "…Wait. Is he serious?"
THWACK.
The bag flew, the machine shook, and the score climbed fast.
930.
Aleksandar turned around like a victorious gladiator, pointing at the group.
"That's a Serbian handshake right there."
Hao glanced at his phone. "We gotta head out if we want to get a table. This place gets packed."
They all exchanged goodbyes, and the two groups split up once more Aleksandar and Hao walking off toward the restaurant, still debating their boxing form.
Kris stretched his arms and checked the time. "It's almost four. I say we grab something to eat too maybe find somewhere with a view?"
Nikola nodded, smiling. "Yeah. Sounds good to me."
With that, the two friends walked off into the city again this time, with rumbling stomachs.