Chapter Two: Three Players Nobody Wanted

” Su added two lines. “Midnight Court is 1.7 meters narrower than regulation. Han fakes a screen at the elbow. If they switch, the corner opens for eight-tenths of a second. We practice only that.” By sunset, they managed it three times in a row. Nothing looked elegant, but the ball always arrived earlier than the defense expected. Before midnight, their marks burned together. Su extended a fist. “If we lose, don't blame the tactics.” Han bumped it. “If we lose, I'll handle the swearing.” Zhou joined them. “And if we win?” “Then we argue afterward.” Light swallowed the shop. This time, the stands booed. The board announced a City Qualifier against the Hounds, underground street players with nineteen consecutive wins.