Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

Kai's mouth opened, but the words got stuck in his throat. He swallowed, his hands resting on the edge of the table as he stared at his grandma. "Grandma," he said with a sigh. "You don't have to say it out loud." Grandma Bingbing leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. She shrugged, wiping her hands on her apron before crossing her arms. "Why not? It's the truth, isn't it?" she said with a no-nonsense tone. "I'm asking this for your sake," she continued. "You would talk about it sooner or later. One thing I learned in my long life is that it's always better to talk about it sooner!" Kai pursed his lips. Of course, he knew that! It was just easier said than done. "You've been gifted an opportunity many boys dream of," she continued, her voice softer now. "But that gift comes with a price, Kai. You have to decide what you're willing to pay. Is it your education? Your time with Lina? Or something else entirely?" Lina's eyes darted from Grandma Bingbing to Kai, her expression unreadable. The room was filled with the sound of the ticking clock on the wall, and it felt like time itself had slowed. The question lingered in the air, casting a shadow over the warmth they'd shared just moments before. "I...I don't know yet," Kai admitted. His grandma nodded, expecting it. "You're young. You think you can have everything, but life doesn't work like that, Kai," she said, her gaze softening as she looked at Lina. "And you, dear, you must understand that too." Lina nodded slowly, but deep inside, there was a part of her that didn't understand. She pushed her chair back and stood up, forcing a small smile. "I should probably get going," she said quietly. Kai blinked, surprised. "Already? I thought we could—" He stopped himself, noticing the way she wouldn't quite meet his eyes. "Are you okay?" "I'm fine," Lina said quickly, but the forced cheeriness in her tone betrayed her. "It's just getting late, and I have homework. You know how it is." "But it's summer break," Kai muttered, knowing it wasn't the whole truth. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Lina, you don't have to—" But she was already gathering her things, giving his grandma a hug. "Thank you for the meal, Grandma Bingbing. It was wonderful as always." "Oh, anytime, dear," his grandma replied, squeezing her hand. "You take care now." Kai followed Lina to the door, hesitating as she slipped her shoes on. "We'll talk later, right?" he asked. Lina paused, her fingers lingering on the doorknob. She turned back to him with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Of course, Kai. Later." And with that, she was gone, the door clicking shut behind her. Kai stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door. He felt a sense of unease settle in his chest. He trudged back to his room, flopping down on his bed with a heavy sigh. He stared up at the ceiling, lost in his thoughts. That's when his phone buzzed, pulling him out of his thoughts. He glanced at the screen, seeing he'd been added to a new group chat. Global Games "What is this now?" he muttered. Kai frowned, opening the chat to see who had made it. The first message popped up from Jimmy. Jimmy: Hey, guys. I was forced by my dad to make this group. It's official now. We've been chosen. Kai raised an eyebrow. Leave it to Jimmy to make it sound like they'd been drafted into war rather than a basketball league. Jian : Wow, Jimmy. You didn't get disowned yet? Jimmy : Ha ha, very funny, Jian. How's it like chasing after my sister? Max : Umm, I think you need to message each other privately. Zheng : This is amazing! I've been waiting for this chance! We're going to play with the best players from around the world! Kai couldn't help but smile a little at Zheng's enthusiasm. It was typical of him—always excited about the next big challenge. It seemed like his mood had lightened after Kai had beaten Jian, too. Max : This is an opportunity of a lifetime. Of course, I'm in. I'd be an idiot not to accept. Zheng : Well, Max, we already knew you'd say yes. You've got posters of the Global Games MVPs on your wall, don't you? Max : I'm not the only one. You have more posters than me, for all I know. Kai chuckled, feeling like it wouldn't be too bad playing with these guys. Zheng : It's surprising that Jian agreed, though. I thought you were bored with these kinds of things. Jian : … Jian : I'm always up for a new challenge. Jimmy : Liar. You're only like this because you finally know the taste of defeat. How does it taste, huh, Jian?" Jian didn't respond any longer. Max : Kai is quiet. Zheng : Well, he has this cool guy persona now. Jian : It doesn't suit him. Max : Yo, Kai. You there? Kai paused, his smile fading slightly. He hadn't replied yet, hadn't even decided what to say. His thumb hovered over the keyboard as he read the messages again. Jian : Tsk. He's going to do it. He's so passionate about basketball that it's ridiculous. Zheng : Yeah, you're going to do it, right? This is a huge deal. He leaned back against the headboard, staring at the chat. The decision felt heavier now, especially after his grandma's question and his sudden departure. He had worked so hard to get here and become the player he was. But was he ready to leave behind his school, his friends, and maybe even Lina for this new chapter? His phone buzzed again, snapping him out of his thoughts. Jimmy : The committee just sent in waiver forms to your emails. You should fill it out. Max : I already did. Zheng : Me too. I turned it back the moment I received it. Jian : I sent it in, too. Max : How about you, Kai?