Arthit's POV

What happened?

He was at a stand still.

Is he alright?

Did he injure himself?

We were few steps away so I sauntered back to his direction.  "Something's wrong?" panting, I asked.

I was somewhat alarmed.

I was about to come closer when he budged and turned to me.

"Arthit, play fair. " he said, he seemed back to normal.

I sighed long and deep. 

I was still trying to steady my breathing.

"What?" I was bewildered and at the same time my blood boiled.

"Don't use your charm on me" he said impishly. 

My eyes squinted.  

It was useless worrying for this idiot.

Keep your  head cool, Arthit.

How could he still think of other things other than the game?

"Kongpob, focus!. Will you? " I muttered between my teeth.

"What can I do if you smile like that?" he sounded frustrated.

I threw the ball at him.

Ignoring what he just said.

He began dribbling.

  He stepped towards me, "I'm sorry but I need to win this." he said, certainty was on his tone.  "I need to bag that prize,"

Dribbling and trying to escape me. "You wish, I won't make it easy for you," I snickered.

Truth is, guarding him appeared to be difficult.

He was like everywhere.

He can run from corner to corner swiftly.

It led the person defending him to exhaustion.

His agility is no joke.

On the other hand, I felt at ease knowing he was fine.

He swept a glance at the scoreboard.

27 – 29

I got a two-point  lead.

"The game is not over till it's over, baby!"

I smiled broadly at him to show him I wasn't affected by his teasing.

There are only 15 seconds left, his ball.

He has the chance to tie it or go for the win.

I won't let him.

I have to put my guard up.

He slowly nipped towards me.

His left shoulder was on my chest while the other is dribbling the ball.

He was challenging  my defense. He did a jab step, it enabled him to break through my defense.

I didn't see it coming.

I thought he would drive all the way to the basket but I was surprised when he changed his direction at the eleventh hour  and headed to the corner.

Shit.

He was aiming for three points.

I swiftly ran towards him to block him.

He took his time to get the perfect stance.

It gave me time to come closer and challenge it.

I jumped just exactly when he did but he tricked me.

It was a fake.

I was on the air when he landed his foot on the floor and  went for another shot.

He made sure that our body would brush against each other as he jumped

Instinctively, my hand stretched out to block him.

As a result, he was able to get a foul from me.

3

2

1

Knot whistled, a signal that the game was over.

The ball went straight in the hoop.

He won.

I crouched and rested my hands on my knees.

"That was close." I look up and I saw Kongpob flashed a tight-lipped smile.

He offered his hand for a handshake. "Let's play again next time,"

I stared at him for a moment before I took his hand.

He held my hand tightly. "You don't have to eat with me, if you don't really want." then let go of my hand.

He was apprehensive.

Before he could walk away, I caught his hand impulsively. "It's not that," then quickly release my grip on him. "You won, we eat."

"But if it is against...." he hastily replied but I interrupted him.

"Kongpob, we will go and eat. No more buts," I said with finality. "It's just eating anyway,"

A smile permeated on his stubborn expression.

I couldn't understand why that smile brought a sudden surge of bliss inside me.

It was hard for me to comprehend how this man's mood could affect mine.

I turned around before I could betray myself.

When he was out of sight, unable to hide it anymore, a thin smile graced my lips.

"For someone who just lost, you aren't definitely sulking."  I didn't notice Knot was able come near me.

I quickly pursed my lips. "Well, what do you want me to do? Lie on the floor and throw a tantrum?" I chuckled at my own joke.

He was certainly stunned by what I said then he gradually smile.

Normally, I would be furious but this time I was able to accept it at once.

I was known to be fiery after all.

I hate losing but I know how to admit defeat.

"Well, that's something new," he smiled cunningly.

He tapped my shoulder then walked towards Kongpob.

I couldn't blame Knot if he was dazed by me.

I, myself, couldn't fathomed it as well.

"Kong, I know we had a deal but I really hope you'll consider." I heard him pleaded.

It piqued my interest.

I slowed my steps so I could hear what would be his response though I expect him to turn it down.

But to no avail, I heard nothing from him.

I continued to walk towards Bright and Prem whose expressions were tantalizing me.

"O captain, my captain." Bright said. "I am sorry for your loss."

Prem threw a towel at me.

Bright had a bottle of water prepared for me.

I did not wait for him to hand it instead I snatched it from him.

I opened the bottle and poured the water over my head.

I need something to cool me down.

I just need to clear my mind.

"You should try to convince him to join,"

"No way, we'll just have make it without him," then headed to the locker room.

I was organizing my things when Kong ,talking on the phone, entered the room.

Yes, later.

Ahuh..

Text me the place.

Okay.

Bye.

I overheard him speaking.

Then I saw him on my side, "Going home?" he asked.

I reluctantly nodded. 

My business is done for the day.

He was able to quickly finish putting his things in his bag. "I'll go ahead,"

I deliberately ignored him but I notice his phone was sitting on the bench where his bag was at.

"Kong,"

He turned to look at me.

"Oh?" An evil grin was on his lips.

"Your phone," I pointed his phone beside me.

His evil grin grew even wider. "Ah, I'm actually thinking of buying a new one."

"Huh?" I was flabbergasted.

He walked back and picked the phone. "Because this one doesn't have your number in it, "

The corner of my lips perked up for a smirk.

What am I going to do with him?!!!