📍 Graves Court — August 5, 2010, 4:00 PM
The rhythmic echo of basketballs bouncing across the hardwood filled the gym. The walls were scuffed, the paint on the three-point line faded, but for the boys of Vorpal Basket, this was sacred ground.
Ethan stood near the baseline, arms crossed, eyes scanning his teammates as they ran shooting drills. Lucas was practicing fadeaways in the corner while Louie Gee Davas worked on his flashy streetball-style layups.
Then—
"LUCAS!!"
The sharp, energetic voice cut through the noise like a whistle. Heads turned. Lucas froze mid-dribble and looked toward the gym doors.
There she stood, a girl in casual jeans and a black windbreaker, holding a clipboard with one hand and waving with the other.
Ayumi Brooke.
Lucas's eyes widened. "Ayumi?"
Ethan grinned and stepped forward, patting Lucas on the shoulder.
"Oh, I didn't tell you?" Ethan said, amused. "She's our new manager. Officially."
