Chapter 8

"James's eyes flickered, but nothing happened. Returning his attention to the book, he was preparing for class when the light in front of him suddenly dimmed.

Looking up, James saw Thompson standing like an iron tower. Thompson had a fierce face, exuding an oppressive aura. Unfazed, James leaned on the table behind him.

"What's up?" James inquired, crossing his arms.

Ignoring the presence of Thompson and others, James, who had dealt with knife and gun-wielding individuals in society, seemed unperturbed.

"Thompson, what's going on?" Parker stood up behind James, aligning himself with his friend.

Gwen, anxious, also stood up. "Thompson, this is the campus. Think before you act."

Thompson, under the watchful eyes of James, Parker, and Gwen, felt a moment of self-reflection. Was his life limited to fighting?

Sighing deeply, Thompson looked at James seriously, sincerity in his eyes. "I want to play basketball."

James remained unresponsive.

"What do you mean? If you want to play, talk to the coach. Without proper grooming or socializing, the coach won't be interested in you," James retorted.

Glancing nervously at Parker and Gwen, Thompson explained, "Don't worry, I'm not here to cause trouble."

Observing James, Thompson continued, "I'm here to ask for your help."

James gestured for Thompson to sit in the empty chair behind him. "Speak up; I may or may not help."

Thompson, straightforward, stated, "Our coach, a former assistant in a college basketball team, arranged a fraternity match with the college team visiting New York. It might be my last game before joining the army next month."

"Joining the army?" Parker and Gwen were surprised.

Thompson nodded, "Yes."

"Why did you come to my house for lessons and homework help if you're not going to college?" Gwen, irritated, questioned.

Thompson blushed, "I'm sorry, Gwen. I wanted to talk to you earlier, but every time I tried, you were engrossed in studying."

James interrupted, "Get to the point and spare us the unnecessary details."

Thompson refocused, "Right. I want you to join our basketball team against Davidson College. They're strong, and I don't want high school to end with regrets."

Acknowledging his past mistakes, Thompson sought James's help. "I hope you can help me, despite yesterday's embarrassment in the gym. Let's face this challenge together."

James, appreciating Thompson's straightforwardness, agreed, "Alright, I'll help. When's the game?"

"This afternoon," Thompson replied eagerly. "Come to the gym at noon, and let's practice together."

Arriving at the gym with Parker, James was surprised to find it packed with spectators.

"Wow, there's a crowd. This place is usually empty," James commented.

Parker replied absentmindedly, "Yeah."

James lost interest in the conversation, realizing the crowd wasn't there for him but for the baby-faced player on the court practicing shooting.

The game between Midtown High School and Davidson College began at 3 o'clock. James, alongside Thompson, doubled Davidson's head point guard, Stephen, as the match unfolded."