Chapter 12 - Breaking Point #1

After everyone had gone their separate ways, the scene shifted to Vinny, who was at the bus station waiting for Ace. Vinny knew Ace would take the bus home and assumed the game was already over, so it was only a matter of time before he showed up, as the last bus was arriving in five minutes. While waiting, Vinny pulled out his phone and saw a message from Alvaro asking where he was. Vinny replied that he had something to take care of. Just as he was about to put his phone away, he got another message from Alvaro telling him to come urgently to Ahmud Kebab. Vinny replied that he was on his way, figuring that what he had to say to Ace wasn't all that important. So, Vinny headed toward Ahmud Kebab. As Vinny was leaving, Ace arrived at the bus station and noticed Vinny in the distance. They weren't particularly close; they only knew each other because of Hao, so Ace didn't feel the need to greet him. But he did wonder why Vinny hadn't stayed until the end of the game and why he had seen him there at all.

About ten minutes later, Vinny arrived at Ahmud Kebab, where Alvaro and Kobbie were waiting outside the store. As usual, they did their customary handshake, and Alvaro spoke up.

Alvaro: "Urgent question can I stay at your place tonight? My parents are still overseas, and I forgot to take the house key, so I have nowhere to stay. I already asked Kobbie, but he lives in a small apartment, so there's no room. I know you have your own place, so I thought maybe I could crash with you until my parents return."

Vinny: "You could have asked me that over text instead of making me come all the way here?"

Alvaro: "Well, we haven't seen each other in a while, so I thought we could hang out tonight, just you, me, and Kobbie."

Kobbie chimed in: "I can't. I have work in the morning."

Alvaro: "Fine, just you and me, Vinny."

Vinny: "Here, take my apartment key. You know where it is-you've been there a hundred times. I've got some things to take care of, and besides, who goes clubbing on a Thursday night? See you guys later."

Vinny left again, while Alvaro stayed behind, disappointed that no one wanted to hang out with him. But as Vinny walked away, Alvaro called out.

Alvaro: "Do you have an idea for our team name? We need to let Hao know by tonight so he can fill out the registration form online. We're out of ideas, and that's one reason we called you."

This takes us back to the conversation between Alvaro and Hao after the game.

Alvaro: "Big guy, you seem like a serious dude, so can you fill out the registration form for the tournament? Also, give me your number so I can make a group chat with everyone on the team. And just add Shrimp later."

Hao: "Sure, just send me the team name by tonight since there are very few spots left. I'm planning to fill out the form as soon as I get home."

Alvaro: "I'll ask Vinny. He'll probably have an idea."

So, Alvaro and Hao exchanged numbers. Now, back in the present, Kobbie told Alvaro.

Kobbie: "He probably didn't hear you."

Alvaro: "Looks like you and I will have to come up with something."

Suddenly, a voice was heard in the distance.

Vinny: "Big Ticket."

Alvaro and Kobbie looked at each other, not understanding the meaning behind the name, but since they had nothing better, they decided to go with it. Alvaro created a group chat named "Big Ticket," sent Hao the team name, and gave him the green light to submit the registration form. After everyone except Ace received the notification that the group was made, Kobbie casually said.

Kobbie: "See you later, Alvaro."

And with that, Kobbie headed home while Alvaro stayed behind, standing in front of Ahmud Kebab. Not long after, Alvaro headed to Vinny's apartment, as he had no idea what to do alone this late at night.

The scene shifted to Vinny, who was reflecting on the scrimmage he had watched between Alvaro, Kobbie, Hao, and Ace. He was more frustrated than anything because he realized that as a point guard, he wouldn't have made decisions as good as Hao's, let alone enabled Ace to score. It bothered him that someone playing a position that didn't require high-level playmaking had performed better than he would have as a point guard. That was the main reason Vinny left before the game ended. His pride in the position he played had been shattered by Hao in an instant. As Vinny walked in an unknown direction, all he could think about was what he would have done in Hao's place during the scrimmage.

Meanwhile, Ace was on his way home. He was just a few minutes away from the bus stop near his house. As the bus drove, he stared out the window at the city lights illuminating the sidewalk, thinking about everything that had happened that day. Then he suddenly remembered that he had stolen money from his parents. He had completely forgotten about it because of the game and everything that had happened today. He began to think about what would happen if his parents found out, but his thoughts were interrupted when the bus stopped, signaling that it was time for Ace to get off and head home. Ace got off the bus and began walking up the hill where his house was.

While Ace was walking home, Vinny finally arrived at his destination. He stood in front of large metal gates and an old building that looked like a sports hall. Vinny pulled a key from his pocket, inserted it into the lock, and opened the gate. Behind it was a large hall. Vinny turned on the lights and said.

Vinny: "I don't have the best gear on me, but I'll survive one training session like this."

At the same time, Ace arrived home. When he opened the door, he greeted his family.

Ace: "I'm home."

He headed straight to his room, but a deep voice from another room interrupted him.