Part-291

  Ryan blinked in disbelief. “What?”

  Dipa groaned and buried her fa her hands. “Don’t listen to him! He’s making stuff up!”

  Ryan gave James a tired look. “Dude, why?”

  James grinned. “Hey, I’m just rep the facts.”

  The lighthearted banter helped ease the tension, and soon enough, the team was back to their usual selves. Even Ryan seemed more rexed, though James could tell that Jel’s preseill weighed on his mind.

  ---

  As the miicked by, the stadium’s energy tio build. Teams milled about, preparing for their matches, and the crowd's cheers echoed from the main arena. Banani High's match was fast approag, and the team began to gather their things.

  Just before they left the break room, James pulled Ryan aside.

  “Listen,” James said quietly, “if you o talk about anything, I’m here.”

  Ryan looked at him, surprised. It wasn’t like James to offer advice et involved in personal matters. But there was something sincere in his gaze, and for a moment, Ryan sidered opening up.

  Instead, he gave a small nod. “Thanks, man. But I’m good.”

  James didn’t press further. He simply cpped Ryan on the shoulder and offered a reassuring smile. “We’ve got this. Let’s focus on winning.”

  Ryan smiled back, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “Yeah. Let’s win this thing.”

  The atmosphere in the arena crackled with tension as the teams took their positions. Banani High stood face to face with Tejgaon High, each side sizing the other up in a battle of wills. The brightly lit space around them amplified the buzz of excitement and anticipation, as the crowd buzzed with energy.

  Ryan stood tall at the front of his team, a calm smile pying on his lips as he faced off against a hefty oppo from Tejgaon High. The boy’s name was Saimum, the leader of the Tejgaon team, and he radiated fidence, his posture rexed yet anding.

  “Yeah, we lost to you guys st time,” Saimum said, his voice steady, “but our team was nerfed back then. This time, things will be different—we’ll win.”

  Rya his gaze unflingly. “You’re right; you were weaker st time. But it doesn’t matter—we’re still going to win this time.”

  Saimum’s grin widened in response, a mix of rivalry and sportsmanship evident in his demeanor. Unlike Jel, Saimum's tone was devoid of hostility; it was just healthy petition, a desire to prove themselves o.

  ---

  As the two teams prepared to take their positions, Saimum’s gaze shifted toward James, who stood a little behind Ryan. The slight frown on Saimum’s face suggested he was sizing James up. He stepped forward aended his hand for a handshake.

  “I don’t remember seeing you st year,” Saimum said, his voice curious.

  James smiled and accepted the handshake. “I didn’t py then. I only started judo this year.”

  Saimum houghtfully, the hint of respect creeping into his expression. “I’ve seen your other matches, though. Holy, you’re more experienced and skilled than many pyers who’ve been practig for years.”