Basketball Ore

When you wake up, you already know your daily routine. You gained it through effort, even if that effort is as small as an ant.

My daily routine was very average. Except inviting friends in rare occasions, most of the time I was stuck into my average hobbies.

You know, these normal things people do, such as watching TV and reading newspaper in the morning.

One of the things that I learned from newspapers is how complex are sport activities when it comes to the competitive scene.

Basketball was my main curiosity.

"...Hey, you're telling me that curiosity killed the cat? I AM THE CAT?!"

It took me a long time to realize that's not how it works.

"Okay, so there's a basketball stadium, and I'm back in the real world. Which means.... wait, that still doesn't mean anything!"

"The very convenient gate led me here immediately after I reflected on my life. So because I mentioned playing basketball...it actually led me to an opportunity?"

That basketball stadium had preparations for the national grand finals. Many people gathered inside, many cheers were released onto the field.

I was stuck with the masses of the crowd, trying to get out.

"Umm, excuse me! Ah, sorry! Gee, if I could only- ah, take your time!"

A physical, but accidental torture.

"Great. I got out of them. Now if I could just take a shortcut-"

"Hey you there!"

It was at this moment, when I started seeing a different side of myself for the first time...literally.

"Did I make it? I'm Ore, from the Gemstones team! Gee, I hope my coach won't get mad- ...eh?"

"eh?"

eh.

"You look just like me...BUT WITH A COOL SHIRT!"

Not gonna lie. their team shirts were really cool.

"And you look just like me... WITHOUT A SHIRT!"

"Wait what?!"

"Hahahaha. Just kidding!"

Another Ore. Looking like me, sounding like me...but took a different path in his life.

I explained to him my whole situation. About my average life, how I ended up in the pure white space, and my own assumptions.

"So you are me, and I am you...and you're dead."

"Yeah, but I'm still investigating that case."

"COOL! It's nice to have another Ore around here! Even though you're not playing basketball. AH! Sorry man. I gotta run! This is the grand finals! Come watch us, other me!!!"

I didn't get the chance to wish my other self "good luck", but I still cheered for him and his team. Their team, the Gemstones, need to beat the other team, the Pinwheels. If they'll win, they're going to aim for the world.

After a long intense fight, the Gemstones lost in a close gap of 4 points. I thought they'll start crying or put a sad face, but surprisingly, they kept a strong morale and shook hands with the other team.

Shortly after, both of us sat on a bench in front of the stadium.

"Is everything OK? Must be hard to lose in such a big competition, huh..."

"Oh, that? Yeah, it sure feels disappointing..but it was so much fun!"

"Yeah, I get what you feel- wait a minute. fun?

Fun. Having fun despite losing, was something I didn't consider possible. Then again, I haven't done anything that could lead to victory or failure, except in video games and trivia.

"Yeah! It was so intense, but it was the most intense match I had so far! Now I'm even more motivated to try again!"

"Heh. Good for you, man. To be honest, playing basketball sounds fun, but I don't think it's something I can handle."

"Yeah. Probably."

"WAIT BUT AREN'T WE THE SAME?!"

"Uh, sort of. Let's make it simple: Because I became a basketball player, I'll be Basketball Ore. And until you'll decide what you want to do for real, you'll be Average Ore. Sounds good?"

I raised a smile. Not a simple smile for being polite...but because he inspired me.

"Yeah. Thanks, Basketball Ore!"

"You know, Average Ore. There are plenty more fish in the sea. If that path doesn't fit you, there are always more to choose from!"

"Heh. I'd love to catch those fish myself, if you know what I mean."

"Of course I do. I am you, after all."

At that moment, the very convenient gate appeared.

"Wait, why there is a very convenient gate right here?

"Ah, don't worry. It's my ride. Good luck in the next tournament, Basketball me!"

"You too, Average me!"

A travel inside the very convenient gate takes about 10 seconds.

It wasn't enough to realize the mistake I've made.

"Hey...is that a lake? There's so many fish...wait. Fish?"