The Destiny Of Red String

PART 29||HAUNTING

"she is the reason I believed in fate"
~Austin kim~

The sun was high, casting a golden glow on the basketball court as the group gathered for a much-needed day of laughter and escape. The air was light, filled with the sound of teasing, playful banter, and the occasional sound of shoes squeaking against the court.

"Alright," Austin clapped his hands, grinning at the group. "Boys versus girls. You two don't stand a chance."

Shanaya arched an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. "Oh, please. We'll crush you so badly, you'll be begging for mercy."

Aanya laughed, tying her hair into a ponytail. "Don't underestimate us, boys. We're smarter."

James chuckled, spinning the ball in his hands. "Smarter, maybe. But can you play? That's the real question."

Shanaya rolled her eyes. "We'll show you."

The game started with the boys dominating early on. James and Austin's teamwork was seamless, and they moved across the court with ease, scoring basket after basket. Shanaya and Aanya tried their best, but the boys seemed unbeatable.

"14-6," Austin announced smugly, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "What did I say? You girls don't stand a chance."

"Relax, the game's not over yet," Aanya shot back, determination blazing in her eyes.

As the boys celebrated their lead, Shanaya pulled Aanya aside. "We need a strategy."

Aanya nodded. "What do you have in mind?"

A mischievous grin spread across Shanaya's face. "Flirt and distract. Boys are hopeless when it comes to handling that."

Aanya smirked. "I like the way you think."

The game resumed, and the ball ended up in James's hands. Shanaya jogged toward him, her expression suddenly shifting into one of playful charm. She stopped in front of him, tilting her head slightly, and flashed a wink.

James froze, caught off guard. His grip on the ball loosened slightly, and for a moment, he forgot what he was doing. "What... are you doing?" he stammered.

"Nothing," Shanaya said innocently, her voice dripping with fake sweetness.

At that exact moment, Aanya swooped in, snatched the ball from James's hands, and raced to the basket, scoring easily.

"Goal!" Aanya cheered, raising her hands in victory.

Austin stared at James in disbelief. "What the hell, man? Are you serious right now?"

James blinked, realizing what had just happened. "She-she distracted me!"

"Distracted you?" Austin repeated, his voice dripping with mockery. "You loser in love! God, can't you even recognize when a girl is trying to trick you?!"

Shanaya and Aanya burst into laughter, high-fiving each other.

"Let's see you do better, lover boy," James shot back, shaking his head.

The game continued, and soon the ball was in Austin's hands. He dribbled skillfully, his focus razor-sharp. But just as he was about to make a move, Aanya stepped into his path, her expression softening.

"Wow, Austin," she said, her voice dropping into a flirtatious tone. "You look so strong out here. Is this what you do in your free time? Impress people with your basketball skills?"

Austin faltered, his confidence visibly wavering. "Uh... I mean... maybe?"

In that split second of hesitation, Shanaya dashed in, stole the ball, and scored again.