Part-298

  Dipa gnervously betweeeammates, clearly feeling the pressure. But when even Zia, who rarely engaged in group banter, offered a small smirk and said, “We won’t let you die(eat) alone,” Dipa’s defenses began to crumble. The friendly teasing and encement slowly wore her down.

  She exhaled, a relut smile tugging at her lips. “Okay, okay. I guess I make an exception this once.”

  Coach Gin grinned, clearly pleased with his success in uniting the team—through food, of course. “That’s the spirit! Grilled chi for all. And if you really want, Dipa, I’ll make sure yours is the smallest piece. Deal?”

  The group burst into ughter, the tension of the day finally dissipating as the mood shifted from exhaustion to light-hearted camaraderie. Even Dipa couldn’t help but ugh, the ahat had been gnawing at her softening uhe warmth of the group.

  As coach started heading out to restaurant, the team began to chatter more freely. James walked alongside Ryan, still buzzing with excitement over the promised meal. “So, who do you think will eat the most? Sourov or Abbas?”

  Ryan ughed. “Easy—Sourov. That guy’s appetite is on another level. Abbas might look like he could eat a horse, but he’s too reserved to actually do it.”

  “Challenge accepted,” Sourov called out from ahead, clearly overhearing their versation.

  “You guys should put money on it,” Keya teased, falling into step with them. “Loser pays for dessert.”

  “Dessert?” James feigned shock. “Now you’re just trying to bankrupt me.”

  They all ughed, the rhythm of their versation light and easy. It felt good to unwind, even if just for a little while. The looming pressure of the quarter-finals remained, but at least for now, it was in the background—pushed aside by jokes and the promise of food.

  As they made their way to the restaurant, the aroma of grilled meat filled the air, instantly making their stomachs rumble in anticipation. The pce wasn’t fancy—just a cozy little joint with wooden tables and pstic chairs—but to the team, it erfebsp;

  Coach Gin took charge of , making sure no one held back. “I’m serious, guys—get what you want. We’ve ear.”

  The ptes arrived, piled high with grilled chi, rice, and sides of vegetables. Sourov’s eyes widened as he took in the feast before him. “This… this is beautiful.”

  “You’re ridiculous,” Nabi said, ughing as she picked up her fork.

  They all dug in, the versation flowing as freely as the ughter. Stories from past petitions were shared, along with inside jokes that only teammates could uand. Dipa, who had started the eveniant and uain, found herself ughing along with the rest of them, her earlier aies fotten.

  “This,” Ryan said through a mouthful of food, “is what team bonding looks like.”

  “And tastes like,” James added, raising his water gss in a mock toast. “To grilled chi and quarter-finals!”

  The others raised their gsses, king them together with exaggerated enthusiasm. “To quarter-finals!” they echoed, their voices filling the small restaurant with warmth and ughter.