It wasn’t right…
It was simply because he had underestimated her!
Thiago clenched his fists slightly, lifting his chin to reclaim his earlier confidence and arrogance. “It’s only one point! I’m definitely going to beat you!”
There were still four more shots. He wasn’t going to lose!
Especially not to someone who looked like a delicate girl!
Avira lazily curved her lips into a slight smile as she handed the ball back to him.
“Mm… good luck.”
This time, Thiago didn’t dare to underestimate her. When it came to speed, he was sure he wouldn’t lose.
Dribbling the ball, he made his way around Avira, nearly reaching the hoop, but somehow she was already there, blocking his way.
Startled, he quickly composed himself and focused on defending.
Her speed was incredible…
This person was undoubtedly faster than him.
He tried several feints, but none could get past her defense. Finally, he grew impatient and tried to power his way through.
“I’ll take that,” Avira Nassy said as she smoothly slid sideways, knocking the ball out of his control and then sprinting toward his basket.
“It won’t be that easy!” Thiago gritted his teeth and chased after her, positioning himself to intercept her. As she attempted a quick move past him, he reached out, feeling his fingertips brush the edge of the ball. He was sure he had it this time!
“You’re about to lose again…”
Avira Nassy’s lips curved slightly as she hooked the ball into the air behind her with a flick of her wrist. Leaning back slightly, she caught it with her left hand and smoothly shot it toward the hoop.
The ball traced a perfect arc and fell cleanly through the net!
“2–0…”
Her gaze swept over Thiago’s stunned face, and a lazy, almost ethereal smile tugged at her lips.
What was this…?
Thiago turned to look at her.
Did she really not care about basketball?
But her speed, agility, jump height, and power were undeniable. If she were to face Theo Marker one day, even he couldn’t predict how that game would turn out…
His lips formed a thin, cold line.
He wouldn’t lose to her…
His love for basketball wouldn’t be lost to anyone’s!
When faced with strong opponents, he would only become stronger.
For the third shot, Thiago gave it his all, trying desperately to keep up with Nassy’s rhythm.
He was getting faster and faster, but Avira’s speed matched his perfectly. On the next play, he couldn’t even touch the ball. In just three shots, Avira had already scored easily.
“Mm… there are still two shots left…”
Avira looked at him and suddenly asked, “Do you prefer shooting or dunking…?”
“A real man obviously likes dunking more!” Thiago snapped, his voice filled with irritation. “Besides, you’ve already won. There’s no need to continue, right?”
Although he felt bitter, he had to admit she was truly impressive…
“Is that so…”
Avira lifted her collar to wipe the sweat from her face and tossed the basketball back to him. “There are still two shots left. If you can score even one, you’ll win.”
Thiago froze.
He caught the ball, staring at her, as if not understanding what she meant.
“In our territory, we follow our rules…” Avira Nassy said, pursing her lips. “Besides, I’ll have to shower anyway, so two more shots won’t make a difference.”
Of course… that strange feeling he had earlier had just been an illusion!
This person never failed to make him angry!
Even so, for some reason…
For some inexplicable reason, the animosity he had felt toward Avira seemed to evaporate.
Still, he couldn’t help but stubbornly lift his chin, looking down at her defiantly. “Hmph! You’re so cocky! Just wait until I make this shot—you’ll be crying with regret!”
With a determined flash in his red eyes, Thiago dribbled the ball and charged down the court behind her, moving as fast as lightning, cutting through the air like a gust of wind.
He dribbled skillfully, breaking through her defense, and prepared to slam the ball into the hoop.
“I prefer seeing other people cry…”
A shadow leaped up behind him, higher than he had expected, and knocked the ball out of his hands.
“If you like dunking so much…”
Before he could react, Avira had bypassed his defense, leaping high into the air.
The wind stirred by her movement lifted her black hair, the sunlight catching the strands and transforming them into delicate golden threads, dancing in midair.
In the bright light, her movements were swift and precise. She slammed the basketball into the hoop with impressive force and dominance.
“Here’s a dunk for you to see…”
Releasing the rim, Avira gracefully landed back on the ground.
The sunlight streaming through the windows bathed her in a soft golden glow, making the scene look like something out of a painting.
In that instant, her image was forever etched in Thiago’s mind.
For the first time, he sincerely acknowledged…
