I Always Get It In

The party on the island went on until dawn broke.Some guests stayed in the island, sleeping in nipa huts, with some in drunken stupor on open cottages. Other guests, for instance, Midori and Dan, and their assistants went back to the ship in the middle of the night. People were allowed to sleep in. In the morning, everyone was back in the cruise ship.

After they had their lunch, the four of them walked along the deck, passing by the swimming pool wherein women wearing strips of cloth they call swimsuits googly eyed Dan.

Dan was wearing a light blue casual shirt and dark blue chino shorts, with a pair of beige topsiders. His height and features, with his hazel eyes, despite the indifferent attitude, charmed the ladies.

Midori, who was idly walking beside him scoffed at the scene. It will really be a piece of work if she gets back together with him.

He noticed her expression and was amused. He was wondering if she felt jealous. He opened his mouth, about to say something, when a bug came jogging towards their group.

"Midori! Hi!" He was sweating as he waved his hand excitedly.

Midori's mouth twitched. 'Why did this guy suddenly address me like that?'

Dan's face turned murderous. This bug kept on buzzing near his lady. The assistants behind them looked at each other as they felt a chill on such a fine whether.

"We're playing basketball." Tang Jinxuan declared.

"So? What does it have to do with us?" Midori's words stabbed him back.

Dan smirked as he heard her say "us." He might let this bug live for now.

Tang Jinxuan is suspicious of Midori's relationship with CEO Zhou. To test the waters, he sent him the invitation. "CEO Zhou, I still can't believe we lost to you in yesterday's game. I hereby challenge you to a one-on-one!" His dramatic antics involved pointing towards Dan while cradling the ball in his other arm. "First to get 10 shots in wins."

Midori shook her head gently. This bug does not know whom he is challenging. She waited for Dan to calmly decline.

To her surprise, he replied, "What's in it for me?"

Tang Jinxuan sleazily smiled. "I'll have Midori Xiu for three hours!" His forefinger pointed to her.

Before Midori could protest, Dan calmly said, "Deal."

The prize opened and moved her mouth but no comprehensible words came out. She sat on a bench as the two men positioned themselves on the half court. She turned to Riley. "Get me a cocktail!"

A while ago, Midori was certain that Dan can beat this guy. After all, he was a good shot in high school. However, doubts and worries flooded her when she became the prize. It would be alright if Dan wins since she could control him, in a way...but what if by chance he loses? Who knows what will that sleazy heir do to her!

And so the game began! Dan let Tang Jinxuan have the ball first. The latter drove into the basket, but his shot was easily blocked by the tall figure. Dan had his turn on the ball and swiftly evaded Tang Jinxuan's defense to get a lay up in.

After several easy baskets, Dan led with seven, while Tang Jinxuan could not even get a single shot in. This pissed off the heir, but he decided to be pathetic and secretly begged CEO Zhou to give him some face.

They were making the turnover pass when he whispered, "CEO Zhou, won't you give me some face? At least let me make a basket."

Dan looked at him indifferently. "Alright. But you have to take the shot from here."

They were at an area way beyond the 3-point line if this was a regular court.

"Are you kidding me?!" Tang Jinxuan was mad at how inconsiderate this CEO was.

"No." Dan passed him the ball. "Take your shot." he ordered.

Tang Jinxuan had played some basketball in school before, and leisurely plays with his friends from time to time, but he is not good with long-range shots. Though hesitant, he still took the chance. With correct form, he made a jumpshot. The ball went, and ended as an air ball.

Tang Jinxuan's group of friends laughed aloud.

Some had mocking remarks. "Tang Jinxuan, how much of an idiot are you? Why did you take a shot from that distance?!" Louder laughter was heard.

Tang Jinxuan's face was beet red. He knew it won't get in! It was all Verdan Zhou's fault! Of course, he cannot declare that he begged his opponent for a free shot!

To save his face, he declared, "Hey! I bet even CEO Zhou could not get it in from this distance too!"

People averted their gazes towards CEO Zhou. The taunting was from a pathethic loser, but they were also curious if could really get it in.

Dan shot Riley a look. "Get two more balls." He pointed to a rack near one of the benches.

Riley hurriedly went to take two balls and stood near Dan.

Dan scanned the audience. He saw Midori sipping cocktail. "I need 3 more baskets to win. It's getting boring. I shoot 3 from here to finish the game."

Everyone initially fell silent with this declaration. Then murmurs came buzzing in, doubting his words.

Not minding them, Dan took 3 consecutive shots from where he is. Each ball getting inside the basket. He glared at Tang Jinxuan. "I always get it in." Then he casually walked towards Midori. He grabbed her wrist and dragged her away.