The whistle blew sharply across the court. The Blazing Tigers, dressed in red, had just earned a penalty shot. Their forward stepped up—but the ball bounced off the rim. Chaos erupted as players from both sides fought for the rebound.
A boy in black—the Dark Spiders' team—snatched the ball and immediately passed it to a teammate. That teammate threaded a quick pass between two defenders, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Their forward caught it cleanly and launched a perfect shot. Swish. The ball sailed through the net.
The Dark Spiders won.
Jack Xander, our main character, walked to the bench. His teammates glared at him—disappointment burning in their eyes. What was that shot, Jack? He could feel their anger without a single word spoken.
During the post-game handshake, a player from the opposing team pulled Jack into a hug.
"It's okay," he whispered mockingly. "You helped us win. Just know you'll never make it to the NBA."
Jack's frustration snapped—his fist connecting with the boy's face.
"You dumbass!" the coach roared as players rushed in to separate
As the coach stepped in, he blew the whistle again—sharp and furious.
"Everyone, grab your stuff and leave!" he barked. The gym fell silent under his authority.
He grabbed Jack by the arm and pulled him to the side.
"Listen here, Jack," he said, voice low but stern. "I will not tolerate your arrogance. I get it—you missed the shot. But taking it out on people? That's not how this works."
"He started it," Jack snapped, eyes burning with tears. "He mocked me."
"It doesn't matter," the coach replied, squeezing Jack's shoulders firmly.
Jack slapped the coach's hand away before he could finish.
he growled, snatching his bag off the floor.
"Hey!" the coach shouted as Jack started toward the exit. His voice echoed through the silent gym. "If you walk out that door, don't ever come back to this team!"
Jack turned back for a moment. The other players stared, unsure of what to say. With a sharp motion, Jack ripped off his jersey and threw it to the ground.
"Don't worry," he said coldly. "I never even liked this stupid sport."
"I'm callling your parents" the coach says in anger
Jack stormed out of the gym, muttering under his breath, anger still boiling. A hand suddenly landed on his shoulder.
"Hey, buddy!"
Jack jumped, clutching his chest. "You scared me, Waze."
His best friend smirked. "Relax. I'm not one of those good-for-nothing buffoons."
"Oh? Who are the buffoons, huh?" a familiar voice snapped from behind.
Before Jack could look, a player swung his bag at him. Jack reacted instantly, shoving him away. Both fell back, scraping across the concrete.
The boy stood up furiously, teammates gathering behind him with cruel grins.
"Listen up, you piece of shit," he snarled. "I'm really pissed off. What you just pulled? You're gonna pay for it—ten times."
Jack wiped the dirt from his palms and met his glare with cold defiance.
"Go ahead. Try me."
Waze stepped between them quickly. "Guys, stop. We've all had a rough night—let's just go home."
But the boy ignored him. His bag hit the ground with a loud thud.
"You never know when to shut the hell up," he growled, lunging forward.
He swung. Jack slipped past the punch, driving a knee sharply into the boy's chest. The bully folded with a gasp as Jack cocked his fist back for another strike—
A strong hand grabbed Jack's arm mid-swing.
"Enough," a deep voice commanded. "Son, I taught you better than this."
Jack froze.
His father stood there. Stern. Disappointed. Watching him.
Jack's father lifted the bully from the ground, brushing dirt from his shoulder.
"I'm sorry for the trouble my son caused," he said calmly.
The group of players exchanged nervous glances. Then, in a frenzy, they turned and sprinted away.
"What a freak!" one shouted over his shoulder as they disappeared around the corner.
Jack clenched his jaw, but his father spoke before he could react.
"Your coach called," he said, voice heavy with disappointment. "I'm very upset with you, Jack."
"I know I lost it," Jack replied, frustration rising again. "I was disrespectful, yeah—but I was bullied. And somehow I'm always the bad guy!"
"Yes, Mr. Xander," Waze chimed in quickly. "Those guys started everything. Jack was only protecting himself—and me."
Jack's father sighed, expression softening slightly. "I understand. We'll talk to your coach. But you're still explaining this to your mother."
He stepped aside, revealing Mrs. Xander—and she was already furious. Waze, suddenly losing all confidence, slowly backed away.
"It's all you, buddy," he whispered, retreating.
"You traitor," Jack muttered.
Smack.
The slap echoed across the parking lot. Jack stared at the ground—cheek stinging, pride burning.
Meanwhile, at the school gates, the bullies collapsed, panting hard.
"I can't… run… anymore," one wheezed.
The one who started the fight stood tall again, wiping sweat from his forehead . As he glanced at a car a wicked grin crept across his face.
"You know… I've got a plan."
His friends exchanged uneasy looks as the grin grew sharper.
End of Chapter 1