Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

"I'm giving you another five minutes to discuss your strategies," Miss Cherry said.

"Apply what you've learned in dodgeball and self-defense alike to be able to win the game!"

"I will be giving a prize to the winners," she said, making the students even more excited.

There was nothing like unhealthy competition in a high school filled with students who have big egos!

With determined expressions, each team huddled together, discussing their strategies with exaggerated gestures and hushed voices. In one corner of the court, Kai, Lina, and Suzy stood in awkward silence.

The five-minute strategy period seemed to stretch endlessly as none of them spoke.

Lina glanced at Kai, feeling disappointed. She had hoped to be paired up with him, but now they were a trio.

"I thought this would be couple dodgeball," she muttered. "Why did it end up as a throuple?"

Suzy, sitting on the other side of Kai, looked equally disappointed. She had wanted to be alone with him, too.

"She should have sat this one out," she muttered, feeling bitter.

After a while, Lina finally cleared his throat.

"So, what are we going to do?" Lina asked, breaking the silence.

"I don't think we have much time to think about it," Kai replied, noticing Miss Cherry signaling the other teams to get ready.

With that, he stood from the bench and turned to the two of them.

Suzy and Lina looked up at him with bright, wide eyes.

"I'll protect you guys," Kai said nonchalantly.

Both Lina and Suzy pursed their lips as they couldn't help but swoon a little.

"Alright, everybody settle down!" Miss Cherry exclaimed.

They took their positions conveniently in the very middle of the court.

Miss Cherry smiled in amusement as she handed the ball to Rambo, who had a mischievous look in his eyes.

Then, she blew the whistle, signaling the start of the game.

Without hesitation, Rambo hurled the ball straight at Kai. With quick reflexes, Kai covered it, deflecting it to the side. Continue your journey with My Virtual Library Empire

The gym echoed with impressed gasps and murmurs.

Kai shook his head. He had expected Rambo to throw it to him after what happened during the last dodgeball game.

The ball rolled over to Haobin, and with a frown, he launched it back at Kai with force.

Kai clicked his tongue in annoyance.

However, he blocked it once again.

Lina cursed under her breath.

"Why are they only throwing it at us?" she asked.

"Beats me!" Suzy chimed. "Aren't they afraid that they'll ruin this beautiful face of mine?"

Lina shook her head in amusement while Kai was focused on protecting the two ladies behind his back.

The two ladies felt like they were on a rollercoaster ride, with Kai dragging them from side to side as he evaded the others' throws.

Bao's partner managed to get the ball, and she threw it to Kai once again.

Kai sighed. "Even you?" he exclaimed.

Bao showed a peace sign. "Sorry, Kai. We need you out of the game if we want a chance to win!"

Indeed, almost the entire class threw toward Kai when they got the chance.

"I don't want to do this anymore!" Lina exclaimed as Kai swiftly carried them to turn around.

"I'm getting dizzy," Suzy muttered, pursing her lips together.

"This isn't the romantic couple dodgeball that I imagined," she added in a whisper.

"Kai, slow down," Suzy said, poking his side.

Lina sighed and became limp in Kai's arms, almost as if she was accepting her fate.

"I don't think he's hearing us right now," Lina said.

Suzy frowned and called for Kai once again. "Kai," she said. "Slow down."

However, the boy didn't pay her any attention as he deflected another ball away.

"How'd you even know that?" Suzy asked.

Lina shook her head and nodded toward Kai's face. "He's having fun."

There was a small smile playing on his lips.

It was clear from the start that Kai was being targeted, but he found it exhilarating, almost like playing basketball. It was a great way to improve his defense skills!

"Besides," Lina added, turning to Suzy with a proud smirk.

"I know him better than you," she boasted. "We also see each other every day."

Suzy narrowed her eyes at Lina and held onto Kai's arm even tighter.

Rambo threw the ball at him again, but this time, Kai caught it mid-air. Without missing a beat, he aimed and threw it at an unsuspecting duo across the court.

The ball struck them both, and they were out of the game.

The eliminated students, including Bao, erupted in cheers and applause.

The ball was passed to Haobin, who was more agile and accurate than Kai had anticipated. He aimed at Suzy, but Kai anticipated his move. He dove in front of Suzy, catching the ball just before it hit her. He quickly stood and threw the ball at another pair, eliminating them from the game.

"He protected me," Suzy said with a proud smile, making Lina narrow her eyes.

"Great job, Kai," she said.

"Thanks," Kai replied, giving her a quick smile before refocusing on the game.

Despite the intense competition on the court, it seemed like the two ladies were having a competition of their own.

Another ball came flying towards them, this time from Mike, who aimed for Lina. Kai was ready. He leaped into the air, catching the ball in one hand in mid-air. He landed gracefully, immediately launching the ball at Mike, who was too slow to react. Mike and his partner, Yumi, were out.

As the game continued on, it was obvious that two protectors were dominating it—Kai and Rambo.

So, when the two of them were the only teams left on the court, it wasn't really surprising.

"Oh, this seems familiar," a first-year student said,

"Why do I feel like we've seen this before?" another chimed.

"We definitely had."

"Remember the ball incident?"

"Yeah, I heard he still pees with blood from time to time."

"Isn't that just a UTI?"

Rambo heard their comments from where he was, so he gripped the ball tighter, his gaze focused on Kai.

Kai could feel Rambo's desperation, making him feel a little bit hesitant.

Then, Rambo pointed at Kai, his eyes filled with determination.

"Kai Guo!" he exclaimed. "You'll pay for what you've done to me before!"

"I'll also give you bloody balls!"