A Win Is A Win

Three points. That was definitely three points—which would pull them to a one-point surplus.

But then, it came crashing down with those two words. 

No score.

It didn't register at first. 

Kai felt a flicker of happiness in his heart, thinking they had done it. However, not long after, he felt like his heart was ripped out and torn into pieces. 

"No score?" Max muttered, disbelief heavy in his voice, looking around to confirm if he had heard right. 

Zheng's hands hovered in the air, still frozen from the celebratory fist pump he'd started before reality struck.

Jian, standing nearby, was already shaking his head. His sharp eyes had caught it.

"It was late," he said, his voice quiet but certain.

Coach Xu Wei nodded. "Indeed. Just a fraction of a second too late."

The sighs of relief from the veteran team were audible.