CHAPTER 16

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Author's POV:

The big gymnasium was filled with the rhythmic thuds of a basketball continuously hitting against the shiny wooden floor. Son took deep breaths, feeling tired but staying focused as he dribbled past imaginary opponents with skillful moves. His strong flexing muscles were visible under his sweat drenched jersey. Every time he dribbled the ball, he felt the weight of his dreams pushing him to do his best.

With a smooth show of athleticism, Son jumped up, his eyes fixed on the ball. It flew through the air in a perfect arc and gracefully went through the net, making a satisfying sound. This proved how many hours he had spent practicing alone, improving his skills. "Come on, Son," he muttered to himself in an inaudibly quiet. His voice showed determination and a little bit of self-encouragement. "You have to be unstoppable as fuck."

His mother's voice echoed in his mind, the words piercing his heart and forcing him to question himself:

//Flashback//

'That pathetic basketball thing won't put food on the table, you idiotic boy! Look at your brilliant younger brother and learn something from him. Look at how outstanding he is in every aspect, excelling in his studies and showing utmost respect for his elders. And you! You're nothing more than a hot-headed bull, always ready to charge and cause trouble, and the proof is your suspension! Was there a need to fight like a mad, you foolish hot-blood?!

Tsk! You seriously loses your goddamn brain when it comes to your "worthless" friends. You're nothing but a freaking emotional fool! You know that? And, to be honest, I don't expect you to become like him because, as a hot-headed, arrogant, and foolish boy like you, you don't even deserve to be compared. However, you still have the potential to make something meaningful out of your seemingly useless life. Try to become a valuable person, Son! How much longer will you continue like this? Will you remain a worthless piece of garbage? Answer me!!' His mother demanded.

//End of flashback//

In that moment, he chose to stay silent, turning a deaf ear to her hurtful rants. This had become a usual pattern for him, enduring such treatment from her, and he had gotten used to responding in the same negative way, completely shutting himself off from her words. Long ago, he had realized that engaging himself in an arguments with someone who couldn't love him back as her own child was pointless.

Nevertheless, regardless of what others have to say, basketball meant a lot to him. It wasn't just a sport, it was his way out of the suffocating life he had. It was a chance for him to prove himself and exceed the expectations his family had placed upon him. He wanted to be the epitome of excellence, not only for the few people who loved him back no matter what, but also for himself.

As he stood firm on the basketball court, his face showing his strong determination, he felt a surge of motivation. In a soft, almost inaudible murmur, he whispered to himself, "Proving her wrong will make the taste of victory even sweeter," He only wanted to show that his mother was wrong, and that fueled to his fiery determination, making him even more determined. It made his jaw hardened.

With every bounce of the ball, he felt even more determined. It was as if he was challenging the fate that seemed to be hanging above him. His mother would witness his abilities; she would understand that he had the potential to achieve something meaningful. He wasn't meant to be just another anonymous part of their family business.

Meanwhile, in the quiet library, Pin sat at an old mahogany desk. The desk had a long history and many stories, making it the perfect spot for what he was doing. His fingers hovered over the admission form in front of him, which was a gateway to his dreams. The form offered him the opportunity to attend a prestigious college that focused on the academic fields he was interested in. He felt excitement in his heart, causing it to beat faster. But despite his emotions, he carefully filled out each empty space on the form, making sure his handwriting stayed neat and precise.

"Imagine, Pin Tanapon, Ph.D.," He quietly said. As he wrote down his information, Pin let his mind wander. He pictured himself with a Ph.D., being called Pin Tanapon, Ph.D. The thought of achieving such a prestigious title brought him a rare moment of congratulations to himself. He allowed himself to enjoy that feeling of pride, even if it only lasted for a short time.

Pin understood that his family had made many sacrifices for his education. He can't forget that his father is working hard as a librarian at SWU and coming home late, visibly tired. His mother always worried about money, and it was always at the forefront of their small home. But Pin knew that all these sacrifices had a purpose. None of it would be wasted. He carried his family's hopes and dreams on his shoulders and he was fully devoted to his studies.

As he sat at his desk, holding his pen, Pin felt very grateful and determined. He wanted to repay his family for their constant support. This made him even more ambitious as he wrote, feeling like each stroke of his pen was getting him closer to the bright future he had always dreamed of.

"Let this be the first step towards the future I've always dreamed of," he thought. With a focused mind, Pin confidently put his signature at the bottom of the page.

Earlier that day, Pin's friend understood how important this moment was. "Isn't it exciting?" his friend said, his eyes filled with excitement.

"Even more than you can imagine," Pin replied, his voice showing his eagerness and determination. His eyes sparkled with the possibility of many different futures as he sealed the envelope with his completed application. He knew how significant this moment was.

"Next time we come to this library, we might be alumni, coming back to visit," he imagined, a small smile appearing on his face. The thought of returning to this place, not as a student but as a successful graduate, filled him with great pride and excitement.

Son's strong determination on the basketball court was truly impressive. He showed intense focus and a strong drive to succeed with every dribble. It felt like he was so close to winning, just within his reach. Meanwhile, Pin's commitment to his studies was equally amazing. He immersed himself in the world of academia, loving to learn and absorb knowledge like a sponge. His goal of excellence was fuelled by an unwavering desire to create a bright future for himself.

As the sun set, casting a warm, golden glow over the campus, Son and Pin stood at the edge of their own paths. The growing shadows reflected the uncertainties that lay ahead, but neither of them was ready to give up on their dreams. They were determined to seize the opportunities that awaited them, no matter the challenges they would face.

Little did they know that their paths were about to intersect in a way that would challenge and transform them in unimaginable ways. The universe had a way of arranging unexpected encounters, and as the sun disappeared below the horizon, Son and Pin were about to embark on a journey that would forever change their lives.

To be continued.....

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