Chapter 18: Getting Bullied? Who? Part-1
Leo, now, stood silently in the middle of the basketball court, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the smooth pavement. Around him, the faint echo of footsteps and low whispers filled the open space.
His eyes remained locked on Kai, who stood at the other end of the court wearing a smug expression, arms crossed over his chest, clearly enjoying the attention.
Leo hadn’t come here by choice. He had been pushed, herded, and cornered—literally—by a group of boys twice his size, until he found himself in the middle of this "friendly match."
To his right, he could see the same ten bulky students who had blocked the classroom door earlier, now standing with folded arms, watching him with amused grins like they were about to witness a circus act.
Kai clapped his hands once, drawing everyone’s attention. His voice was filled with exaggerated excitement.
"Before we begin this thrilling little game," he said dramatically, turning toward the group of students gathered at the sidelines—most of whom looked like they’d rather be anywhere else, "Let me announce something for all the lovely visitors who came of their own free will." His voice dripped with sarcasm as he smirked.
He waved a hand toward Leo. "Our beloved Leo—my best friend, mind you—told me earlier that he’s actually good at basketball. That he wants to join our team."
A few students exchanged glances, clearly sceptical.
Kai continued, his grin widening. "So, we’ve decided to be generous and test his skills. If he’s good enough... maybe we’ll accept him into the team."
Then his eyes narrowed slightly, and he stepped closer to Leo, lowering his tone so it felt more personal—and more dangerous.
"However... just to be clear... this is a game," Kai said, now standing face to face with Leo, "and who knows? You might end up breaking a few bones. Hope you’re ready for it."