The two-hour basketball practice after school was the liveliest time of the day in the gymnasium.
“Look, look! Orson scored again! He’s so handsome!”
“Look at Avira! He seems even more charming than usual! I wish I could be the ball in his hands!”
“Hey, hey! Look at that petite girl! She’s not even 170 cm tall, and she can dunk! She’s so cool!”
The gym was packed inside and out, swarming with girls who had hearts practically leaping from their eyes.
Some fans from other schools, devoted followers of Orson, had even mapped out his schedule in detail. Whenever he had practice, they’d rush to Easwest Academy. It was said that Eastwest’s luxurious gymnasium now resembled a sold-out concert venue.
Lucas stood quietly at the sidelines, watching the scrimmage at the center of the court. One hand rested thoughtfully under his chin, his expression calm and composed.
Though his demeanor remained gentle, he exuded an inexplicable air of authority. It was enough to deter anyone from recklessly intruding upon his space.
When Asake joined the team, some teachers had intended to coach the basketball club. However, to everyone’s amazement, Lucas not only had the credentials to coach but even possessed an official basketball coaching license.
He could cook, carried himself with unmatched elegance, brewed exceptional tea, drove cars with ease, excelled academically, and held a coaching certificate. Who knew how many more skills he had?
“Everyone, please gather here for a moment.”
His warm voice carried an invisible command, instantly silencing the once-boisterous gymnasium.
Looking at Lucas, it was almost impossible to associate him with a basketball coach. He was more like a refined butler straight out of a manga, always maintaining perfect poise. Even a casual smile could captivate a room full of girls, his popularity rivaling that of the other players.
No, perhaps it was better to say that this basketball team was an enigma. If they had formed a host club instead, it would have caused an earth-shattering sensation.
And yet…
All of them had chosen basketball—a sport requiring physical strength. But there was no denying it: When they played, they seemed to radiate light.
It was the blinding aura of the strong, a glow so intense it made hearts race uncontrollably.
The once-hopeless basketball club now seemed infused with new energy, brimming to the point of overflowing.
The players lined up quietly, waiting for Lucas’s words. As a professional, he commanded absolute respect.
Asake sat silently in the back row of chairs. Even as a breathtakingly beautiful young man who could captivate anyone with a glance, his silence made it clear that no one dared to disturb him.
“I’d like to make some adjustments to the players’ positions.”
His voice remained calm and elegant, like moonlight gliding across the surface of water, carrying a translucent quality. “Orson, with your incredible court awareness, I’d like you to play power forward. George, steady and focused, your defense is impeccable, but your offense is equally strong. You’ll remain our center.
“Ashton, with a 99% steal rate and a 100% three-point shooting accuracy, your strength lies in long-range shooting. You’re perfect as our shooting guard.
“And finally, Avira… for the small forward position, there’s no one better suited than you. Does anyone have any objections?”
“Hmm…”
Avira brushed a bead of sweat from her damp eyelashes, tilting her head slightly as she glanced toward Asake, who was seated nearby. “Then the point guard… is it Asah?”
These past few days, Asake hadn’t shown any intention of training with the team.
Yet his physique remained in flawless condition. She wondered if he was exceptionally strict with himself in private.
She remembered the image of him practicing alone under the moonlight.
He didn’t need opponents anymore.
At this point, the only person he needed to defeat was himself.
When Asake agreed to play basketball with her, she couldn’t help but worry he might regret it.
After all, he was incredibly busy—not only handling school matters but also assisting Don Kay with company affairs.
His life was one that ordinary people could hardly imagine.
Noticing her uncertainty, Asake curved his lips ever so slightly.
His deep violet eyes glimmered softly, like moonlight reflecting off a still lake, yet held a mysterious, almost black-hole-like quality that was hypnotically alluring. “I never go back on my promises—especially promises I make to you.”
Though his words were deeply suggestive, he delivered them with a matter-of-fact tone, free of any flirtatious undertones.
“Mm!”
Avira froze for a moment before nodding. Tilting her head, she gave a lazy but sweet smile. “Asa is the best…”
Orson’s brow furrowed slightly.
Something about the way Asake looked at Avira felt… strange.
That gaze carried an air of possession. It unsettled Orson more than anything Ashton had ever done.
