Chapter 26: The Necessity to Play

Morning enveloped the city in a soft light as Ming You emerged from the dark basement. He reached for the heavy trash bags that concealed the remains of So Ho and his sister So Yeon. This process had become routine for him, and he felt neither fear nor remorse. Thoughts of an upcoming basketball game already swirled in his mind. He even felt a slight relief from having eliminated a threat that had loomed over him for a short time.

Ming You's footsteps echoed dully in the emptiness as he headed toward the van. He opened the doors, tossed the bags onto the back seat, and without wasting any time, started the engine. The sound of the motor sliced through the morning silence as he pulled onto the road. The journey to the nearest trash bins seemed endless, but Ming You was focused on his thoughts of how to make the newcomers play, or rather — lose.

Stopping at the first bin, he quickly disposed of one of the bags. He felt a sense of relief as the bag landed with a dull thud at the bottom. Ming You moved to the next bin. The second bag also found its way inside, and a heavy weight fell from his shoulders. Ming You felt a slight satisfaction ignite within him — another step towards victory.

Parking the van in the shade, he checked the time on his phone. Time was pressing, but it did not cause him any anxiety. He exited the van and, leaving everything behind, headed to the school.

The noisy corridor greeted him with its familiar hum: laughter, chatter, and tattle. Ming You walked forward with an indifferent expression, as if nothing had happened.

Ming You entered the Yoshido club locker room, where his teammates were waiting. Inside, there was an atmosphere of light excitement and anticipation. Jung Ho, slightly serious and focused, sat on the bench dribbling a ball. Lu Shen, sitting on the floor, was doing homework, while Haru Lin and Hung Ren simply stared blankly at the ceiling.

"Hello, everyone," Ming You began, catching their attention. "I have an announcement for you."

Jung Ho looked up, his expression becoming more focused.

"What happened, Ming You?" he asked, setting the ball aside.

"Today is the final game against those losers, and the only one of us who hasn't demolished those losers is you, Hung Ren." Ming You glanced at Hung Ren, then paused for effect. "And the rules remain the same: points are quadrupled."

Lu Shen, not missing the chance to tease, replied with a smirk: "So it'll be six losers on the court?"

Hung Ren, who had been staring at the ceiling, finally turned his head toward Lu Shen.

"If I'm a loser, then you're an eternal virgin. I hope you won't interfere with my game."

Laughter erupted in the locker room, even Ming You joined in, and Lu Shen, raising his hands in surrender, said: "Okay, okay, I won't interfere. I'll just sit back and watch you demolish those losers."

Haru Lin finally chimed in, breaking away from his thoughts. "If you two keep chatting like this, we might not live to see the game. We need to practice, not discuss Lu Shen's eternal virginity."

"Oh, don't worry, Haru," Lu Shen replied with a grin. "After Hung wins against those losers, I'll show who's a virgin and who isn't!"

"I think it's pretty obvious already," Haru Lin quipped, causing veins to bulge on Lu Shen's forehead.

Jung Ho, observing their interaction, couldn't suppress a smile.

"Alright, enough jokes. Hung Ren, demolish them completely. Our job will be to support you."

The team nodded confidently, and as Ming You prepared to leave, he added over his shoulder: "Good, I'm glad for your spirit, but now I need to warn those losers that today is the final game."

The players nodded, and sounds of bouncing balls and laughter mixed with the tension before the game filled the locker room.

Exiting the school, Ming You approached the basketball court, where the sun was beginning to set slowly, painting the sky in warm shades of orange and pink. He noticed a group of newcomers from the Yoshido basketball club gathered in the corner of the court, animatedly discussing something among themselves. Discontent and slight irritation were evident in their eyes.

"Where is So Ho?" Jen Ryu asked, tossing his hair back. His voice sounded sharp, like a knife's edge. "He promised to come, and here we are like fools."

"Maybe he just doesn't want to play with us," Mei Yu scoffed, crossing his arms.

Ming You, sensing this was his chance, stepped closer.

"Hey, losers," he began, trying to sound confident. "You have a game on the line, you know? One against five. If you haven't forgotten."

Jen Ryu turned around, his face contorted with disdain.

"You kidding me? You think we have to play with you?" He stepped forward, his eyes glinting with hatred. "Get the fuck out of here, Ming You!"

"Yeah, do you really think we're going to waste our time on some social reject?" added Mei Yu, his tone calm but the threat palpable in his voice. "We're not obligated to play with you, and you can't make us."

Ming You wasn't backing down.

"You know you have debts," he said, his voice turning cold. "And if you don't play, your families could be in serious trouble."

Silence hung in the air. Jen Ryu clenched his fists, his face flushed with rage.

"Are you threatening us?" His voice trembled with anger. He stepped forward and grabbed Ming You by his shirt, pulling him close. "You have no right to talk about our parents!"

"This is a provocation, Jen," Mei Yu intervened, trying to calm his friend. "Don't fall for it."

"Provocation?" Jen Ryu shot Ming You a contemptuous look. "Even if it is, that bastard has no right to say anything to us."

Ming You, not breaking eye contact, smirked and said, "If you refuse to play, I, or rather the organizers of these games, will take care of your families. Think about what will happen if you can't pay your debts. Especially you, Jen Ryu; your lecherous mommy will have to work in some club to pay off the debts, heh heh."

Jen Ryu couldn't take it anymore. He punched Ming You in the face. The blow landed on his nose, and Ming You staggered back, feeling the blood start to flow. He reached for his face to wipe away the blood, and his smile only widened.

"Is that all you can do?" he said slyly.

The newcomers exchanged glances, and Jen Ryu, despite his desire to keep fighting, was thrown into confusion. Mei Yu pushed him back.

"Calm down," he said with cold determination. "We can't let him provoke us."

Feeling the tension rise, Ming You added, "You're going to play anyway. Or I'll have to act differently."

"Alright, alright," Mei Yu muttered, his voice becoming calmer. "We agree, but only because we have no choice."

"In that case, I wish you luck," Ming You said sarcastically, turning his back to them. "I hope you won't regret your decision."

He left, leaving the newcomers alone. As soon as he was out of sight, Jen Ryu erupted in curses.

"What a motherfucker!" he spat, clenching his fists. "I'm not playing with that faggot!"

"But we have to," Mei Yu said, his voice filled with fatigue. "He's threatening our families, and calling the police will only make things worse. We can't just back down; we need to gather ourselves and prepare. If he thinks he can intimidate us, he's sorely mistaken."

"Maybe you're right…" Jen Ryu reluctantly agreed, trying to suppress his anger.

Later that night, Ming You and his team headed to the streetball court, where the illuminated hoops beckoned them like beacons in the dark.

"Are you sure they'll play?" Jung Ho asked, squinting as they approached the court.

"Sure," Ming You replied without looking back. "They'll have to play if they don't want to drown in debt."

"Unless they decide to take revenge," Lu Shen added, winking at Haru. "But that's not our style, right?"

"Don't get distracted," Haru Lin said, his voice steady and cold. "The main thing is to focus on the game."

They reached the court, and a group of organizers led by Taek Jung greeted them. Taek Jung, with an expression that could hardly be called friendly, welcomed Ming You with a slight bow.

"Ming You, good to see you again," he said, his voice sounding sly. "You know expectations are high."

"I have no doubt," Ming You replied, his eyes shining with confidence. "My player is ready to show what he's capable of."

Sung Wo, the game's referee, stood next to Taek Jung, his face expressionless. He nodded in agreement, but a shadow of discontent flickered in his gaze.

"The crowd has already gathered," he noted, pointing to the people eagerly discussing the upcoming game. "They're waiting for a show."

"There will be a show," Lu Shen said, grinning at the crowd. "Especially when Hong Ren starts taking these losers apart."

Haru Lin shot him a stern look.

"Don't forget this is a game, not a show."

The crowd began to gather around the court, and soon a team of five players approached them. Jen Ryu, with a fiery gaze, stepped forward, his face twisted with hatred.

"Where the hell is So Ho?!" he shouted, dialing his number on his phone.

"I can't get through to him either; maybe he's sick?" Mei Yu suggested.

Jen Ryu gritted his teeth and put his phone away, glaring at Ming You.

"Bastard!" he said, clenching his fists. "What the hell are you doing here? Do you think you can intimidate us?"

"Intimidate?" Ming You smirked, his voice full of mockery. "I just came to watch how you'll endure defeat."

Mei Yu, standing next to Jen Ryu, gritted his teeth.

"Don't be so arrogant, bastard."

"Oh, I think I'll be more arrogant than I really am," Ming You replied, his voice cold and confident. "Good luck losing."

Hong Ren, standing a little to the side, merely raised an eyebrow, showing neither emotion nor interest. His indifference contrasted sharply with the heated atmosphere around them.

"Is everyone ready?" Taek Jung asked, raising his hand to attract attention. "We start in five minutes."

The crowd buzzed with excitement, and the thrill began to fill the air. Ming You leaned back on the bench, his gaze sharply darting to the five players, but after a moment, he began to look at the court.

"Time will show who is stronger," he said, his voice confident and commanding.

"We're not afraid of you, jerk!" Jen shot back, his eyes flashing with fury.

"And that's your main mistake," Ming You sneered, his words like an icy wind.

All eyes were fixed on the court, where the game was about to begin. Hong Ren took his position, and the tension reached its peak. Time seemed to stand still, and the entire crowd held its breath, ready for a spectacle that promised to be thrilling at first glance.