Oxygen

Aiden bit his lip as he watched the gap increase with each passing second. 

Kai still tried to get his attention, but he didn't want that! He was already too afraid to face him! 

The second quarter had started, and except for Marcus, the other players had been switched. 

Kai was still on his knees, poking Coach Xu Wei like a little kid wanting to play games on their older cousin's phone. 

"Kai," Coach Xu Wei said, massaging the bridge of his nose. "Your knees are red. Go and sit with your teammates." 

"But coach," Aiden whined, shaking the old man's belly.

Coach Xu Wei clicked his tongue and gently pushed him away. 

"Put me back in, Coach! Please! I told you—my life is on the line here! Do you want to see your favorite player burn into dust?" 

Coach Xu Wei shook his head, his arms crossed. "You're being dramatic, Kai," he said firmly. "You can still play in the next games."