The morning was calm at King's house. The TV was on, playing highlights from the Broad National Tournament, but King wasn't paying attention. Mia sat cross-legged on the couch, flipping through a magazine while sipping juice.
"You're not watching?" she asked, glancing at him.
King shrugged, leaning against the armrest. "Not really. Thinking about… stuff."
"Stuff like what?" Mia tilted her head.
"Our next game. The elimination stage isn't just random matches anymore. Every team that makes it here is dangerous."
Mia smiled softly, setting her magazine aside. "You worry too much. You're strong, King. And… you're not carrying the team alone. You've got us."
Her words sank into him. Sometimes, he did feel like the weight was all on his shoulders. But hearing Mia remind him they were in it together—it loosened the tight knot in his chest.
King reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "Thanks, Mia. You always know what to say."
Her cheeks warmed, but she didn't let go. "That's because I believe in you. Always."
Meanwhile, at Cadel's house, Jasmine sprawled on the floor beside his desk, sketching in a small notebook. Cadel sat at his chair, spinning a basketball lazily on one finger.
"You've been quiet," Jasmine said without looking up.
Cadel sighed. "Just… the games ahead. If we lose once, it's over. No second chances."
Jasmine put down her pencil and looked at him. "Then we won't lose."
He chuckled bitterly. "It's not that simple."
"It is, actually," Jasmine said firmly, her tone surprising him. "You've seen how strong we've become. You've seen what we can do together. Stop doubting yourself, Cadel. You're not just a player—you're one of our anchors."
Cadel blinked at her, taken aback by the conviction in her voice. For a moment, he didn't know what to say. His chest tightened, and he quickly turned his gaze to the spinning ball. "...Thanks."
Jasmine smiled knowingly. "You don't have to thank me. Just promise me you'll play with that fire I know you've got."
Later that afternoon, the whole squad met up at a local park. The air was crisp, the benches shaded by tall trees. Treasure had bought snacks from a nearby stand, and AJ sat with his hoodie up, quietly munching on chips.
"Alright," Treasure said with his mouth full, "so who do y'all think we're facing next? Any guesses?"
"It doesn't matter who," Ebun muttered, arms crossed. "We'll be ready."
"Facts," King agreed, leaning against a bench. "But still—we should expect every team to come at us with their best. No more easy wins."
Cadel added, "Brook Academy's been making noise. And don't forget teams like Pent Villa Court or Stormbreak. We'll run into one of them eventually."
The group went quiet for a moment, the weight of his words settling in.
Then Treasure smirked, breaking the silence. "Good. Let them come. Royal Court isn't backing down from anybody."
Mia grinned, Jasmine nodded, and even AJ cracked a small smile.
For that moment, sitting together in the park under the fading sunlight, they weren't just teammates. They were a unit. A family. And no matter who stood in their way, they knew they'd face it together.