The next morning, Royal Court players arrived at school with the same energy buzzing from their last sleepover. The bond between them was stronger now, and for once, it felt like things outside the court mattered just as much as what happened inside it. But today wasn't going to be just another day of jokes and walking to class together—today, Kiisi would officially register as a student at their school.
Coach Tunde had handled the paperwork early, so the team already knew. The coach, as usual, kept things direct and professional. "She's part of the team. Treat her with respect, and make sure she adjusts quickly. No distractions," he had said that morning before class.
Now, the real question was how the school—and the rest of Royal Court—would react.
Walking in Together
King, Mia, Cadel, Jasmine, Treasure, Ebun, AJ, and Kiisi all walked into the front entrance. Other students turned their heads almost instantly. Kiisi wasn't just new—she had presence. Her poise, her sharp eyes, the way she carried herself—people whispered like they were seeing a star transfer from another world.
"Damn," AJ muttered under his breath, keeping his voice low. "Whole hallway just froze."
Treasure chuckled, "Yoo, feels like we just signed a celebrity."
Kiisi smiled politely, though she could feel the stares burning into her back. She glanced at Mia and whispered, "Is it always like this?"
Mia, ever gentle, smiled. "Only when you walk in with the basketball team that beat Ironclad Titans. You'll get used to it."
The Girls' Conversation
Later, when they sat in the courtyard before first period, the group split naturally into smaller circles. King and AJ were talking about training drills, Treasure and Cadel were joking around, while Jasmine and Ebun sat together with Kiisi just a little further off, reading through her forms.
Ebun leaned closer to Jasmine, lowering her voice. "Jas, I'll be real with you… I still don't like how fast all this is happening. She's already on the team, and now she's coming here too? It's… a lot."
Jasmine didn't snap back—she understood. She placed her hand on Ebun's arm softly. "I know. Change is hard. But think about it—Coach Tunde wouldn't bring her in if he didn't believe she could fit. Maybe this is exactly what Royal Court needs."
Ebun pressed her lips together, frowning. "I'm not hating, Jas. She's cool, she's talented… but damn, it just feels like she's in everything now. I'm not used to it."
Jasmine smiled warmly. "And that's okay. You don't have to be used to it right away. Just give her a chance. We all had to grow into this team too."
Ebun exhaled and gave a small, reluctant smile. "Fine… I'll try. Only 'cause you said it."
The two shared a laugh, their friendship stronger for the honesty.
Classroom Buzz
When they entered class, whispers chased them again. Students leaned across desks, whispering about the new girl with Royal Court. Some even pulled out their phones, pretending to take notes but actually sneaking pictures.
"Shit, look at them already talking," Treasure muttered from the back row, resting his chin on his palm.
King, seated beside Mia, just shook his head. "Ignore it. Once she starts hooping in P.E., they'll see she belongs here."
AJ added with a smirk, "And if they don't, we'll just make 'em believers at the next game."
Kiisi tried not to let the stares bother her, focusing on the teacher's introduction. Still, she caught herself glancing at her new teammates, comforted by the fact that she wasn't alone.
After School
After classes ended, the team met in the gym for light drills. Coach Tunde was waiting, clipboard in hand. He gave his usual firm speech:"Kiisi is not just a player now. She is a student here, and that means she represents Royal Court in every way—on the court, in the classroom, and in this community. I expect discipline, teamwork, and focus. No excuses."
"Yes, Coach!" they all echoed.
As practice began, AJ jogged beside Kiisi. "Yoo, not bad for your first day, huh?"
Kiisi laughed softly. "It was… intense. But I'll get used to it."
Treasure jogged past them, spinning the ball on his finger. "Damn right you will. Welcome to the madness, Kiisi."
Ebun, watching from the other side of the court, folded her arms. She wasn't fully convinced yet, but seeing Jasmine smiling and Kiisi already blending in gave her a small spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things would work out.
That night, the entire Royal Court team left the gym together, laughing, teasing, and planning their next hangout. The road to the quarterfinals was going to be tough, but with Kiisi now officially part of their school and squad, the story of Royal Court was only just beginning.