Chapter 33: Coffee Again

Wilt PoV

Loxus took back his kitten and went back to his room to read his manga.

Wilt sighed as he sat down in the couch. Natasha made him rest for today. The only other basketball he would be doing all day would be his match against Loxus in the afternoon. 

He stared at the ceiling, his mind buzzing with thoughts. He wasn't used to having so much free time. Usually, he would be out shooting hoops or hitting the gym. But today, he was confined to the dorm with nothing to do.

He glanced at the clock. It was still hours before his match with Loxus. He needed to find a way to kill time.

He considered turning on the TV, but the idea of mindlessly flipping through channels didn't appeal to him. He didn't feel like reading either; he'd wanted to do something more fun for what remained of his summer vacation.

His eyes drifted to his laptop, and an idea began to form. He could catch up on the latest basketball games. He hadn't had time to watch any matches recently due to being busy with rehabilitation and other stuff.

He chuckled to himself. Yes, that sounded like a good plan.

Wilt quickly brought his laptop over, settling on the couch with a bowl of tortilla chips. He went to a sports streaming site, finding a match that had aired a couple of days ago. He didn't know the outcome yet, which made it all the more exciting.

As he watched the players move across the screen, he found himself analyzing their techniques, their strategies. He made mental notes of moves he could try out, things he could improve on.

The match was intense, and Wilt found himself completely absorbed. He cheered when his favorite team scored, groaned when they missed. He forgot all about his impending match with Loxus, his worry over his injuries. For a while, he was just a basketball fan enjoying a good game.

By the time the match ended, Wilt let out a sigh. That was a good game. He looked at the clock, he had time left.

He kinda wanted to check out more of the campus, he hadn't really had the chance to explore the campus properly.

He pulled on a hoodie and left the dorm, wandering through the campus. The main building was a hub of activity, housing the food court, study rooms, and the offices of various student clubs. It was bustling with early arrivals like himself.

As he navigated through the food court, a familiar figure caught his eye. It was Natasha. She was sitting alone at a corner table in one of the cafes, a cup of coffee in her hands. She was reading a book of some kind.

He blushed. First the gym and now here? Was destiny trying to pair them up? He laughed and waved his hand. No, no. That was silly talk.

"Huh, Wilt?" Natasha said, looking up. She sighed. "Aren't you supposed to be resting?"

Wilt sighed. "I did. Just decided to look around campus. I didn't get a tour."

Natasha snickered. "You should ask Vanessa to show you around."

He laughed and scratched his face. "I rather ask your cousin than her."

"Well, how about you join me?"

He blushed. "You wanna drink coffee with me?"

"It wouldn't be the first time. Remember the cat cafe?"

Wilt chuckled as he joined her. "I do. Actually, I think my roommate would love that place."

"Who is your roommate?"

He gulped. It was probably best he didn't say a thing, else Loxus would break his leg.

"Just a guy from the basketball team," Wilt replied casually, careful not to reveal too much. The last thing he wanted was to bring Loxus into the conversation. He wasn't sure how Natasha would react if she knew he was rooming with the guy who broke his leg. Not that she knew Loxus was the one who did it.

Natasha raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Well, it's great that you're making friends," she said, taking a sip of her coffee.

Wilt nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. He wouldn't exactly call Loxus a friend, but their relationship was certainly... something.

He stared at the book she was reading and realized it was actually a manga. Not just any, but Slam Dunk Spirits, the same one Loxus was reading. It almost made him want to reread it.

Wilt's interest was piqued by the manga Natasha was reading. "Slam Dunk Spirits, huh? I've heard that's a good one."

Natasha looked up, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "You read manga too?"

Wilt nodded, feeling a connection forming over their shared interest. "Yeah, I used to read it a lot more before high school and basketball took over my life."

Natasha smiled, closing the book and setting it aside. "Well, if you ever want to borrow it, let me know. I've got the whole series."

He laughed. "I already read all of it."

She frowned. "Hey, no spoilers. Got it?"

Wilt couldn't help but laugh, the sound echoing in the quiet corner of the cafe. "You own the whole series but haven't finished it? That's a plot twist I didn't see coming."

Natasha's frown turned into a playful glare. "I've been busy, okay? And I like to savor my manga, not binge through it like some people."

Wilt raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, no spoilers. But you're missing out. The ending is epic."

Natasha's eyes sparkled with curiosity, but she shook her head. "Don't tempt me. I'll get there when I get there."

They chatted for a while longer, discussing their favorite moments from the series without giving too much away. Wilt found himself enjoying nerding out more than he expected.

Eventually, Wilt glanced at the clock and realized he should head back. "I should get going. I've got that game against Loxus later."

Natasha nodded, standing up with him. "Good luck. And remember, no injuries this time."

Wilt smiled, feeling a surge of confidence. "Thanks. I'll be careful."

She crossed her arms. "Maybe I should come with you. Just to be sure. I can serve as referee too."

He winked. "Aww, you just want to see my awesome moves, huh?"

Natasha coughed. "Ugh, stop being so conceited!"

Wilt's grin widened, enjoying the playful exchange. "Can't help it if it's true," he teased, watching Natasha's reaction.

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Fine, show off. Just make sure those 'awesome moves' don't land you back in the infirmary."

Wilt swung his arms over his head and grinned. "Don't worry, I've got this. And having you there might just give me the extra edge I need to win."

Natasha shook her head, laughing as she gathered her things. "Alright, superstar. I'll witness your victory... or your defeat."

"Victory!" he said, winking as he lead the way.

She sighed, chuckling as she followed him out.