|| NOAH ||

Everyone got into ready positions in the court as everyone fell quiet. Zack and Damian stood in front of each other at the very center while the referee held the ball between them. When the ref tossed it up to the air, both guys jumped at the same time, but Zack managed to steal it, causing the ball to launch over to Jackson. With the ball being dribbled, Jackson rushed over to the ringed-net while others pursued with speed. Damian's playstyle was aggressive as he was running over to intercept Jackson's shot. TopStar's side cheered as they manage to retrieve the ball, everyone started chasing one of their players to the other court. I looked at the others beside; Taylor and Davey kept their sight on the play, not missing a second of it, even Annabel had her vision glued to the activity in front of her. The sound of cheering filled the stadium as the opponent's scored a point. Liam took hold of the ball as he darted through the others. With his way blocked by the other team, he passes it over to Brad then to their fifth member. Seeing as the four of Wolverine's side are a regular bunch of friends and another student-athlete, it made me realize why Taylor doesn't play along with them. Looking at Taylor to my side, I tapped on his shoulder, "yeah?" He said, facing me.

"I was just now wondering, why don't you ever join any sports game with them? You're like the only one left out," I asked curiously. Eyeing him from head to toe, he probably has the ideal height of a basketball player.

Taylor sighed, "dude, I may hang out with them frequently, but the reality is, I just hate sports man," he admitted.

"Wait, you do?" I said, sounded as if I really expected him to be.

He nods, "I'm actually quite lazy. Notice how a mostly wear baggy tops and sweats? I wear them to hide my fat," he says, lifting his sweater and undershirt a tad bit to reveal his side. Giving it a pinch, his skin squishes, "see, definitely not fit," he chuckles, "sometimes, I wonder how I manage to befriend them in the first place without having the same interests..."

"Well... if one of them could fall in love with a dork like me, they definitely don't have a problem with you," I smiled. Taylor stifles a laugh, giving a small pat to my shoulder. Looking back at the game, I manage to see Brad make his score on the hoop, causing the audience around us to howl with excitement. As he passes by us, he gives me a heart gesture with his hands before refocusing on his performance. Grinning, I shook my head. He's such a goofball sometimes.

-

Everyone was on the edge of their seats as once again as the match was just incredibly intense. As the ball passes through the hoop scoring TopStar another point, the halftime bell chimes out with the combination of everyone's perpetual yelling, the room became chaotic. The guys looked exhausted as each player grouped up to their respective coaches. Our scores are tied by fifteen to eighteen, us being the former. Our five were huddled quite close to us. I could see that Brad would take a glimpse at me with worry. "Brad, concentrate over here," his coach scolded.

"S-sorry coach," he mumbles breathlessly. Frowning, I feel concerned about his rusty behavior. Back when I saw his game in football, he was the most valued player. Is basketball a rather very different game to play for him? I also noticed that Damian was exceptionally more professional with his movements. He was swift and agile, as if although he was implementing his style from football to here. A server provides the guys with water.

-

After a while, the announcer tells us to get ready as we had only about a few seconds to get back on track. "How are you doing?" I asked him with concern.

"I... I'm trying..." he said unconfidently. Just then the bell rings, causing everyone to returned back to the center. Brad firmly stands and grasps the ball to shoot, giving us an extra point. The play comes back to normal speed us TopStar begins sprinting towards the other side of the court while Jackson and Liam hindered two of their opponents. The other passed it to an unoccupied one who then tried to shoot. Luckily, Zack manages to deflect it away but was accidentally redirected to Damian. Catching it in air, he tried to make a rebound, which again was defended by Brad. Everyone was roaring as they witnessed how nerve-wracking the offense and saves were. Damian looked annoyed as Brad formed a playful smirk. Rushing back to the other side, Brad scored points for us. The audience applauded as they watched, Annabel I joined in as well, but not as loud as Davey and Taylor who were almost as if trying to attain as much attention as they can.

The cycle continues, all ten would alternate. Zack would gain points, Damian scores, the game ties with a twenty-five to twenty-five.

Then again, the bell rings, signaling another break.

The author here: lol, I just now realized that I made a mistake and made three consecutive chapters in Noah's perspective, sorry about that.