Part-285

  “Not bad for our first day,” Keya said, shaking her head in disbelief. “I knew we’d do well, but this is beyond what I imagined.”

  James took a deep breath, letting the momele over him. While the day had been long and exhausting, it had also been exhirating. Every match, every victory, felt like a stepping stoo something greater. For James, though, there was something more—this wasn’t just about winning judo matches. The petition, the camaraderie with his team, the rush of victory—it all reminded him of the challenges he faced in the dungeon, of the battles that awaited him there.

  As they sat on the benches, catg their breath, Dipa, the team’s backup pyer who hadn’t o pete today, approached James. Her presence was quiet and unassuming, but James could sehe admiration in her eyes. He hadn’t fotten how she had joihe Judo Club to defend herself after the bullying i, and he admired her for stig with it, even if she hadn’t peted yet.

  “Hey, great job today,” Dipa said, him a shy smile.

  “Thanks,” James replied, grinning at her. “You’re , though. We’ll need you in one of the rounds for sure.”

  Dipa’s cheeks flushed, and she nodded. “I’m ready. I’ve been training hard, so whe’s my turn, I’ll give it my best.”

  “I know you will,” James said with fidence, his tone encing. He knew Dipa had worked tirelessly, despite her introverted nature, and he was eager to see her in a. “Just keep that same mi, and you’ll be great.”

  Dipa’s smile widened a little before she returo the rest of the team. James watched her go, feeling a sense of admiration for the quiet strength she showed. She reminded him that strength came in many forms, not just physical.

  ---

  As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over the stadium, the team gathered their belongings and prepared to head home. Their jourhrough the tour was far from over, but today had been a clear indicator of their potential. Banani High was a team to watch.

  Walking out of the stadium, James fell into step with Ryan. The energy between them was light and easy, as it always had been.

  “You know,” Ryan started, looking thoughtful, “this might be the best shot we’ve got at making it to the finals. Everyone’s perf at their peak.”

  James nodded, his eyes distant for a moment. “Yeah, it feels like it. We’ve got a solid team, and the petition’s been tough, but I think we make it.”

  Ryan gnced over at him, raising an eyebrow. “But you’ve got that look in your eyes. You’re thinking about something else, aren’t you?”

  James smiled, caught off guard. “You know me too well, this shortly.”

  Ryan ughed. “e on, what is it? Is it that gym stuff again?”

  James hesitated for a sed before nodding. “Yeah. I’m still stuck... I ’t figure out a way to get past it, no matter what I try.”