EX-istential Crisis

Chapter 27: The Reckless Teamplay

3 PM in the afternoon. After that one reckless play from Nelly against the Hankford Breakers, they were ready for the finals, matching up against the best players in the world: the Digiton Jets.

"Hearing Digiton... Hmm, I didn't know Miro's university had such a strong basketball powerhouse," Nelly thought.

In the stands, Miro entered with her boyfriend, Kian. Miro thought, "Cyberton... hmmm. Isn't that Nelly's university" As they settled into their seats, the final match began. The announcer's voice boomed as the lights dimmed, highlighting the players.

As they introduced the Digiton Jets, the crowd erupted for Digiton's Whirlwind, Sean Windwalker! His fangirls shouted wildly. Miro turned to Kian and said, "Kian, that's the guy! He's one of my friend's boyfriends; I heard he's the powerhouse of the team."

Kian responded, "Oh, really? Dang..."

Miro continued, "They've got this in the bag! This is the first time Cyberton reached the finals, most likely supposed to be Hankford or Kujitech."

The announcer's voice rang out, calling the promising challengers, and finally, "And last, the promising rookie point guard, number 9! THE THUNDERBOLT!"

Nelly exclaimed, "Wha—what Thunderbolt?!"

The guys in the gym, along with Nelly's friends, and Mira and her friends cheered, "WOOOOOAHHH!! THUNDERBOLT! THUNDERBOLT!" In his characteristic attention-seeking manner, Nelly executed a sliding b-boy stunt just as the announcer shouted, "NELLY STORME!!" The crowd erupted, "EEYYY!!!!!" as he struck his final pose. His homies laughed from the sidelines.

Mira's friends exchanged reactions, captivated by the spectacle. Suddenly, someone dropped their drink, and all heads turned to see Miro, who looked shocked.

Kian asked, "You okay?"

Shin and the others glanced back and shrugged, "Of course she would be here, it's Digiton."

Mira interjected, "Let's just focus on the game—no need to talk behind anyone's back, okay?"

Ran chimed in, "Oh yeah, isn't that Mrs. Gina's daughter? Basically your twin sister, Mira!"

Mash added, "And Nelly's EX..."

Ryan remarked, "Ah, a rivalry—interesting."

Mira quickly denied it, "No, it's not like that. I kinda do want to talk to her in the future; I want to know her more, you know?"

Her friends looked at her with adoration, "Ahh, what a sweet girl we have here. Nelly's lucky."

Meanwhile, Miro noticed a girl with a face strikingly similar to hers, though with different eye color and hairstyle, who was sitting with Nelly's friends. She leaned over to Kian and said, "That's the girl from that viral video in the bar, not me. The thing we argued about."

Kian replied, "Oh yeah, and yeah, I'm sorry about that, hehe."

Miro thought, "What relationship does she have with Nelly?" She sensed a different vibe from the girl—distinct from what she thought of herself.

As the match started, Nelly and Sean exchanged a handshake. Sean said, "Let's have a great match."

Nelly replied, "Yep, same dawg. Have fun—may the best big balls win!"

The referee tossed the ball into the air. Zane, as usual, grabbed the ball and passed it to Rex. Sean was quick, stealing the ball and scoring a quick basket.

Rex apologized, and Nelly shouted, "Don't worry! Let's get it next!"

Digiton Jets scored 2 - 0 againsts Cyberton Swifters