Chapter 12: The Tandem  

Time Left in the Second Quarter: 0:40

The gym was buzzing.

The momentum had shifted.

The Orlando Hoops felt it.

The Vorpal Basket players felt it.

And now?

It was time to act.

Evan Cooper dribbled at the top of the key. His eyes locked onto Ethan Albarado.

A silent understanding passed between them.

Ethan moved first.

A sharp cut to the left.

His yellow jersey flashed past Mason Hayes, who tried to react—

Too late.

Ethan was already gone.

Alec Storm's sharp eyes tracked him, his body tensing.

(Where's he going?)

Then—

It hit him.

Alec's eyes flicked to Evan.

He knew.

(Shit, they're running a play around him!)

Alec took off, closing the distance toward Ethan—

But suddenly—

Lucas Graves stepped in.

Screen.

Alec bounced off Lucas's shoulder, his balance breaking for just a moment.

"Tsk."

Alec clicked his tongue in frustration.

Lucas look at him seriously.

"You're not stopping him this time."

….

[Ethan POV]

I saw Evan's pass before he even made it.

His fingers snapped the ball toward me, the leather slapping perfectly into my grip.

Perfect timing.

Perfect rhythm.

I had an opening.

I took it.

One quick dribble.

Two.

Then—I attacked.

Alec, still recovering from the screen, tried to react—

Too slow.

I stepped into the mid-range.

Jaxon Wells, their 6'7" center, stepped up to contest.

His arms stretched high, his body wide.

A tower in the paint.

But—I already knew he was coming.

I stopped mid-stride and pulled the ball back.

Pump fake.

Jaxon bit.

His arms shot up.

I smirked.

(Too easy.)

I took one smooth step to the side—

Open shot.

I let it fly.

The ball arced high—

The crowd held their breath.

Swish.

Bucket.

The gym exploded.

…..

[Scoreboard Update:]

Orlando Hoops – 54

Vorpal Basket – 38

Lucas clapped his hands.

Evan grinned.

Even Ryan Taylor, usually quiet, pumped his fist.

We were still down.

But now?

We were fighting back.

….

[Alec Storm POV]

I exhaled slowly.

(So, that's how it is, huh?)

I stared at Ethan Albarado.

The guy who was just down a minutes ago.

Now?

He was controlling the rhythm.

And worst of all?

He wasn't afraid of me.

I licked my lips, a grin forming.

"Alright, Albarado."

"Let's see if you can keep up."

….

[Ethan Albarado POV]

I glanced at my system screen, my eyes scanning the numbers.

[Basketball Power System]

Name: Ethan Albarado

Level: Rookie

Upgrade Points (UP): 0

Shop Points (SP): 100

[Core Attributes]

[Offensive Attributes:]

Shooting Accuracy: 11Layup Skill: 4Dunk Skill: 3Dribbling Skill: 14Passing Skill: 5

[Defensive Attributes:]

Defense: 3Blocking Ability: 3Steal Skill: 4

[Physical Attributes:]

Stamina: 4Endurance: 4Speed: 9 (Base: 4 | +5 Upgraded)

[Skills:]

Basic Power Shot – Allows for standard shooting with average accuracy.Basic Precision Pass – Enhances accuracy in simple passes.Basic Dribble – Fundamental ball-handling skills.Magic Johnson Passing Vision (Intermediate Level) – Significantly improves court vision and playmaking abilities.Playmaker's Vision (Advanced) – Upgrades passing accuracy, decision-making, and assists, making teammates more effective.

I smirked.

(I already used my UP points and upgraded my shooting accuracy and dribbling.)

My fingers flexed as I let the system window fade away.

(It's time for payback.)

I lifted my gaze toward my teammates. Lucas. Evan. Ryan. Brandon.

Every single one of them was ready.

I exhaled sharply.

(They think they can shut me down?).

I turned my attention to Alec Storm. He stood at the top of the key, bouncing the ball lazily, his eyes locked onto me.

A smirk tugged at his lips.

"So, you're still standing?"

I rolled my shoulders, my smirk matching his.

"You talk a lot for someone who just got scored on."

His smirk twitched, but his eyes remained sharp.

"Cute. Let's see if you can keep that confidence."

[3rd Person POV]

Alec Storm dribbled up the court, his movements smooth and controlled. He wasn't rushing. He wasn't panicking.

He was picking his moment.

Evan Cooper squared up in front of him, knees bent, arms wide.

Alec grinned.

Then—

A sudden burst of speed.

Alec crossed right—then left—his movements crisp, effortless.

Evan bit.

Just a little.

That was all Alec needed.

A quick spin move.

Evan lost his footing—just for a second.

That was enough.

Alec drove past him.

Ryan Taylor stepped up to help.

Too late.

Alec floated the ball over him.

Jaxon Wells caught it mid-air—

Slam!

The rim shook violently.

The crowd exploded.

….

[Scoreboard Update:]

Orlando Hoops – 56

Vorpal Basket – 38

[Ethan Albarado POV]

I stared at Alec.

His eyes flicked toward me, amusement dancing in them.

"You're up, Let's see what you got."

I smirked, walking toward Evan as he inbounded the ball.

As I caught it, I glanced at Lucas.

(Watch this, Lucas.)

I dribbled up the court, Alec shadowing me instantly.

His stance was low. His footwork perfect.

He was ready.

I kept my dribble slow. Calm. Controlled.

Then—I snapped it into a quick crossover.

Alec's eyes narrowed, tracking the movement.

He didn't bite.

Smart.

But that wasn't my real move.

I pushed forward, shifting my weight—

Alec anticipated it.

I saw it in his stance.

He expected me to drive.

(Wrong.)

At the last second, I stopped on a dime.

Alec, caught off guard, took an extra step forward.

I had space.

Just enough.

But I wasn't going to take the shot.

I wanted him to see it.

Lucas Graves.

I looked at him—and made sure he was watching.

Then—

With a flick of my wrist, I whipped a pinpoint pass straight to him.

The ball zipped through the air, clean, sharp.

Lucas caught it—perfectly in rhythm.

His golden eyes locked onto mine for a split second.

I nodded.

(Your turn, Lucas.)

Lucas grinned, gripping the ball tightly.

He didn't hesitate.

With one quick jab step, he sent Mason Hayes stumbling back.

Then—he rose up.

A smooth, confident jump shot.

Mason lunged, but Lucas's release was too fast.

The ball sailed through the air.

Perfect arc.

Perfect rotation.

Swish.

Bucket.

….

[Scoreboard Update:]

Orlando Hoops – 56

Vorpal Basket – 40

…..

The crowd murmured, buzzing.

Even the Orlando bench looked slightly thrown off.

Alec Storm's smirk twitched.

Lucas jogged back on defense, his golden eyes flickering with excitement.

As he passed me, he smirked.

"That pass was cold, Ethan."

I chuckled.

"Get used to it."

Lucas let out a small laugh, shaking his head.

I turned toward Lucas, stepping closer so no one else could hear me.

"I have a plan."

Lucas raised an eyebrow

…

[3rd Person POV]

Alec Storm dribbled the ball at the top of the key, his sharp eyes scanning the Vorpal Basket defense.

Julian Cross, standing near the wing, locked eyes with Alec.

A silent understanding passed between them.

Alec gave a small nod.

Julian nodded back.

Evan Cooper, watching their exchange, immediately braced himself.

(He's passing to Julian!)

Alec's eyes flicked toward Julian.

His right hand twitched—a sharp, sudden motion.

A fake pass.

Evan took the bait.

He lunged toward Julian—only to realize his mistake.

"Shit—!" Evan cursed as he realized the ball was still in Alec's hands.

On the bench, Josh Turner, still icing his injured ankle, clenched his fists.

(Damn, that was a fake?)

Alec smirked.

But before he could make his next move—

Lucas Graves was already standing in front of him.

Alec's eyes widened.

(Fuck—how did he get here?!)

Lucas's golden eyes gleamed with sharp intensity.

He had read Alec's movement.

Anticipated it.

And now?

He was cutting off his path completely.

Alec clenched his jaw.

This wasn't part of the plan.

From the sideline, Ethan Albarado watched the scene unfold, his blue eyes flashing with amusement.

He grinned.

(Bingo.)

…..

(During the plan)

I pulled Lucas aside before the play started. The crowd noise buzzed in the background, but

I kept my voice low.

"I know Alec's movements now."

Lucas blinked, his golden eyes flickering with curiosity.

"You do?" His tone was filled with enthusiasm, a grin forming on his face.

I smirked, glancing toward Alec, who was dribbling near the top of the key.

"Just follow his movements. He always fakes his passes. Every single time. And these idiots—" I casually nodded toward Evan and the others, "always fall for it."

Lucas turned his head slightly, observing Evan, who had no idea he was part of the conversation.

"Well... not that I can deny it." Lucas let out a small chuckle.

I crossed my arms.

"I know you can follow his moves, right?"

Lucas stared at me for a moment, his smirk fading just a little.

"You..."

I raised an eyebrow. "Come on, you copy his moves. It's only natural that you can predict his movements."

Lucas hesitated for a split second.

(Well, that's not the only reason.) I thought. (The real reason is because of your eyes—Absolute Mimicry. But I won't bring it up. Not now. He'll tell me when he's ready... or in the future.)

Lucas exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Ehehe, you're right. If I can copy his moves, then I can definitely follow his movements."

I smirked.

Lucas let out a relieved sigh, sneaking a quick glance at me.

He was relieved.

Not because of the plan—

But because I didn't mention his secret.

For now, that was fine.

….

[Back to the Present – 3rd Person POV]

Alec Storm's eyes widened slightly as he stared at Lucas Graves, who now stood firmly in front of him.

"You…" Alec muttered, his smirk faltering for the first time.

Lucas, fired up, locked eyes with him—his golden irises practically glowing with excitement.

Alec's breath hitched for just a second.

(This guy… so much passion…)

It wasn't just the way Lucas moved.

It wasn't just his quick reactions.

It was his eyes.

That burning passion for basketball.

Alec had seen that look before.

It was the kind of look only the truly obsessed had. The ones who played not for stats, not for glory, but simply because they loved the game.

Alec clicked his tongue. "Tsk."

He had no time to hesitate.

Alec faked another pass—

But—

Lucas didn't flinch.

His feet didn't move.

His eyes never left Alec.

Alec's stomach churned. (He read it?)

Then—

Ethan Albarado shifted his stance slightly.

His fingers twitched.

His smirk widened.

(I'll steal the ball at the right moment.)

Across the court, another set of sharp eyes observed him.

Ethan Blake.

The starting power forward of Orlando Hoops.

His brows furrowed slightly as he focused on Ethan Albarado, who was smirking like he had already won.

Ethan Blake exhaled through his nose, his jaw tightening.

(This fucker's smirking…)

Alec Storm gritted his teeth, his fingers tightening around the ball. He could feel the pressure closing in—Lucas in front of him, Ethan Albarado lurking nearby like a predator waiting to strike.

For the first time in the game…

He felt cornered.

But Alec Storm wasn't a top player for nothing.

He adjusted his grip, faking another pass.

Lucas, flinched.

Alec smirked. (Got him—)

But before he could make his next move—

SWIPE!

A hand shot out.

Clean. Fast. Precise.

The ball was gone.

Alec's eyes widened in shock. "What the—?!"

The ball was no longer in his hands.

He whipped his head around—

Ethan Albarado had it.

(Bingo.) Ethan thought, his smirk widening as he sprinted down the court.

The entire gym erupted in noise.

"HE STOLE IT!"

Lucas grinned. "Nice one!"

Alec, still in shock, took a fraction of a second to react—too late.

Ethan was already gone.

...

[Ethan Albarado POV]

The wind rushed past my ears as I bolted down the court.

I could feel Alec right behind me.

I could hear his footsteps, his rapid breathing—

But I wasn't stopping.

(Time to see if my upgrades paid off!)

I checked the scoreboard in the corner of my vision.

[Scoreboard Update:]

Orlando Hoops – 56

Vorpal Basket – 40

I needed to score.

Fast.

Alec was gaining on me.

Mason Hayes was already in the paint, waiting.

(If I go straight for the layup, he'll block it. If I slow down, Alec will strip me from behind.)

Then—

Lucas Graves.

He was trailing slightly to my right, keeping up with my pace.

I smirked. (Perfect.)

I planted my left foot—hard.

Then, at the last second—

I flipped a behind-the-back pass toward Lucas.

Alec's eyes widened. "Shit—!"

Lucas caught it smoothly.

One step—

Two—

Lucas jumped.

Mason reacted too late.

BOOM!

Lucas slammed the ball through the hoop.

The rim rattled violently.

The gym EXPLODED.

.....

[Scoreboard Update:]

Orlando Hoops – 56

Vorpal Basket – 42

Lucas landed smoothly, his golden eyes flashing as he turned toward me.

He grinned. "You are really good."

I smirked back. "You too."

The energy shifted.

The momentum—was ours.

Alec Storm, still standing at half-court, clenched his fists.

His jaw tightened.

His smirk was gone.

For the first time—

He was feeling something…. Something that was missing.

To be continue