Chapter 10(The Clash of Titans)

The basketball court buzzed with anticipation as students filled the bleachers, their cheers echoing throughout the gym. The match between the software and science departments was highly anticipated, not just for the skills of the players but for the underlying personal dramas. Tuiwei sat with her friends, trying to focus on the game but her thoughts kept drifting to Xiao Nai. She knew he had insisted on playing despite his recent accident, and that worried her more than she wanted to admit.

As the game commenced, Xiao Nai’s movements on the court were a perfect blend of grace and power. His presence was commanding, and every dribble and pass he made showcased his exceptional talent. His determination was palpable, and the crowd could feel the intensity of his focus. Tuiwei, seated in the middle of the bleachers with her friends, couldn’t help but steal glances at him. Her heart raced with a mix of worry and admiration, especially knowing about his recent accident. She marveled at his resilience and dedication, yet couldn’t shake the anxiety gnawing at her.

Rui Shui, the leader of the science department’s team, played with equal intensity. His eyes occasionally drifted towards Tuiwei, his feelings for her adding fuel to his competitive spirit. He had admired her from afar for a long time, and seeing her support for Xiao Nai only strengthened his resolve to win. The crowd sensed the tension and excitement, making the atmosphere electric. The clash between these two talented players seemed almost symbolic, a battle not just for the game, but for something deeper.

The game progressed with both teams scoring almost equally, creating a nail-biting scenario. Every time Xiao Nai made a move, Tuiwei’s heart skipped a beat. She admired his determination and skill, but worried gnawed at her knowing he was pushing himself despite his injuries. She could see the strain on his face and the careful way he moved, and it pained her to think he might be doing this for her.

The final minutes of the game were intense. With the score tied, every move could determine the winner. Xiao Nai, driven by a mixture of competitive spirit and a desire to impress Tuiwei, pushed forward with a final, daring play. He dodged Rui Shui, leaped, and scored the winning basket just as the buzzer rang. The crowd erupted in cheers. Xiao Nai’s teammates lifted him in celebration, but his eyes were searching for Tuiwei. He spotted her amidst the cheering spectators and smiled, a silent message of reassurance. Tuiwei felt her heart flutter but quickly looked away, unsure of her own feelings.

As the teams shook hands, Rui Shui approached Xiao Nai. “You played well,” he said, his voice steady but his eyes betraying a hint of disappointment. Xiao Nai nodded, appreciating the sportsmanship. “You too. It was a tough game.” The brief exchange was charged with unspoken emotions, each understanding the other’s struggle.

After the exhilarating match, Tuiwei and her friends headed back to the dorms. The victory and excitement were still fresh, but Tuiwei felt a mix of confusion and unease. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Xiao Nai and his unexpected presence at the match despite his injuries. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt, wondering if her expectations had pushed him too hard.

Meanwhile, Xiao Nai was equally restless. Back in his room, he debated whether to reach out to Tuiwei. His friends urged him to rest, but his mind was set. He sent a message to her through their online game platform, hoping she would see it. His message was simple, asking if they could meet in the game later to talk. He knew they needed to clear the air and understand each other’s feelings.

Tuiwei, on the other hand, was hesitant to check her messages. Her friends noticed her distraction and encouraged her to talk about what was bothering her. Reluctantly, she shared her concerns about Xiao Nai’s accident and the match. Her friends, seeing the depth of her worry, urged her to reach out to him. “Maybe he has something important to say,” one of them suggested. Gathering her courage, Tuiwei opened her laptop and logged into the game.

Logging into the game after a long hiatus felt surreal to Tuiwei. She navigated through familiar settings, feeling a pang of nostalgia. Almost immediately, a message from Xiao Nai popped up, asking to meet her in a particular virtual location. Curiosity and apprehension mixed within her as she headed to the designated spot. When she arrived, she found Xiao Nai’s character waiting. They stood facing each other in the virtual world, the silence heavy with unspoken words.

Xiao Nai’s message was simple yet heartfelt. He apologized for missing the quest and explained the accident. He expressed his feelings, not just as a gaming partner but as someone who deeply cared for her. Tuiwei felt a surge of emotions, but before she could respond, a sudden power outage in her dorm cut the conversation short.

The abrupt end left both of them in a state of uncertainty, but it also set the stage for their next encounter. Tuiwei knew that their relationship, both in the game and in real life, had reached a turning point. The clash on the court was just the beginning of a deeper, more meaningful connection that they both longed to explore.