Part-223

  Without thinking, the words left his mouth. "You look great," he said, almost absentmindedly.

  Mili looked up, blinking in surprise. "What?" she asked, the fai hint of a blush creeping up her cheeks.

  James realized what he had said and chuckled. "I mean, you just look... hat outfit suits you."

  Mili's usual tomboyish demeanor faltered for a moment, and she looked away, trying to hide her slight embarrassment. "Uh, thanks," she muttered, clearly not used to receiving pliments like that. "You’re ag weird."

  James shrugged, smirking. "Just calling it like I see it."

  She rolled her eyes, trying to brush off the awkwardness, but there was a faint smile on her lips. "Let’s just go."

  As they started walking, James gnced over at her. "So, why’d you call me out here? Something on your mind?"

  Mili hesitated for a moment, her hands in her pockets as they strolled along the sidewalk. "I don’t know, I was just... feeling a bit bored," she admitted. "Thought it’d be fun to hang out."

  James gave her a sideways look, half-joking. "No other friends to bother today? No girl squad?"

  Mili s that, shaking her head. "They're all busy or out of town for the break. I didn’t feel like hanging out alone, so here we are."

  James chuckled. "Lucky me." He tilted his head slightly. "So, where are we headed then? You clearly had something in mind when you texted me."

  Mili smiled, her eyes brightening. "I do. Just follow me. It’s not too far."

  James, still feeling the soreness in his muscles from the earlier match, didn’t mind the slower pace as they made their way through the streets. Despite her usual tough exterior, there was something rexed and easy about being with Mili. It wasn’t often they hung out like this—just the two of them, outside of school or their study sessions.

  He wondered what she had pnned.

  After walking for a while, Mili led James te, indoor stadium. The structure was bustling with activity, and as they ehe sound of cheers and squeaking sneakers echoed throughout the space. Ihe air was thick with the energy of a live game. James looked around and realized the venue was used for basketball, volleyball, and even kabaddi matches.

  "Here?" James asked, raising an eyebrow.

  Mili nodded, gesturing to the basketball court at the ter of the stadium. "Yeah. There’s a game on today. Thought it’d be fun."

  James looked around, taking in the sights. He hadn’t pegged Mili as a sports fa alone someone who would bring him to a basketball match. "I didn’t know you were into basketball," he remarked, genuinely surprised.

  Mili scratched the back of her neck, looking a little sheepish. "I’m not, really," she admitted. "But I’ve been watg this anime about basketball tely, and it got me curious. I figured, why not check out a real game?"

  James chuckled. He was a fan of aoo, so he didn’t mind the idea. "Which series? *Kuroko no Basuke*?" he asked, already guessing.