Science Assignment (2)

Kein planned to leave the field after Sherla left with her intimidating laugh. But before he left the gymnasium, the system suddenly came up with the same message repeatedly.

[Dribble for 30 minutes: Done!]

[Make 100 layup shots to the hoop: 80 left]

Patting his forehead, Kein almost forgot that there were still daily missions to complete. Not wanting to take any more risks, Kein hurried after Sherla to tell her that their meeting started an hour and a half from now. The girl simply nodded and walked back to the girls' dormitory.

Even though he was exhausted, the mission was still an obligation for him. He returned to the pitch after making sure none of the other players saw him. Kein approached a basket filled with balls, picked one up, and brought it under the ring while dribbling.

"Damn it. 80 times left. How long will it take me to complete this mission?" Kein muttered, slightly annoyed with the daily missions that were gradually getting more difficult and time-consuming.

"What's 80 times left? That's not a small amount."

A voice that surprised him quite a bit appeared from the outfield. Kein recognised that voice because, under the same circumstances, he had also encountered that player's voice and tried to remain calm and unruffled.

"Eighty times? Ah, I mean I almost forgot to complete 80 layups"

"Lay up that many times? What are you aiming for, Kein?"

He shook his head softly, still trying to remain calm. "You all know that I've been out of practice for a while, right? While in the hospital, I kept asking myself 'When can I leave this place and get back to training?'. As you know, the national competition is coming up soon and I don't want to let down your last year, Senior Davies."

He smiled, proud to have a partner who understood his condition and kept his spirit burning. "Alright, just continue with your training. I'm done. Don't forget to switch off the electricity and lock all the doors."

***

[Dribbling for 30 minutes: Done!]

[Make 100 layup shots to the hoop: Done!]

Kein looked at the message from the 'system' while filling his stomach in the cafeteria without anyone accompanying him. As usual, Damian was busy with his own world while he was forced to complete the extra assignment from his teacher as a form of punishment for his actions.

Not wanting Sherla to be disappointed and unwilling to help him, Kein immediately left his plate on the table and left quickly. Of course, he got a warning from the canteen maid.

"Damn boy!"

Heading to the room and Damian's voice was so excited when he picked up the bag, quite hurriedly. Kein took the books he needed and of course his mobile phone to facilitate his task when needed.

"Hey, I'm leaving for a minute. Don't lock the door or I'll have to kick your arse out of the window," Kein said, looking up at his friend. Damian nodded and cleared his throat, while his mouth, eyes, and hands were busy communicating with his friendlist.

Kein moved his feet as fast as he could until he was forced to run through the hallways of the dormitory, heading for the designated spot. After getting there, Kein didn't see his friend at all and decided to wait inside. He ordered a glass of matcha latte, considering he was in a dorm café that was always open to the public and dorm residents.

He decided to sit by the window while enjoying the public transport and private vehicles that were milling around quite a bit.

Not long after, Kein's head turned towards the entrance and saw Sherla walking towards him. In his view, the girl looked very simple as she was wearing pyjamas. Kein was a little disappointed by that because he had high expectations.

"Did I take too long?" Sherla approached him and immediately started a conversation.

"Very long. I thought you had slept," Kein said, his sarcastic intentions concealed.

"Oh, you mean my clothes? Don't mind. These are my favourite pyjamas. I even feel confident wearing them in public places like malls and tourist attractions."

"Hahaha, as long as you don't invite anyone else. I'm sure it's no big deal."

Sherla looked at him very sarcastically, although Kein tried his best to cover up the meaning of the remark, but the girl was not innocent and understood the meaning behind his reply.

After Sherla's drink came, they immediately started working on the assignment which was quite difficult. Kein had a hard time understanding every explanation his friend gave. But he understood as much as he could even though his head was about to smoke.

His hands began to write and listen to what Sherla was telling him. There was a moment when Sherla left Kein to his own devices, but it made his high blood boil even more.

"You're dumb, huh? Since when do fish breathe with lungs?"

"But dolphins breathe with lungs, right? They're fish too."

Sherla tapped her forehead, took a deep breath and explained again. "Distinguish dolphins from other fish. I don't know how long you've been in school but a seven-year-old would know that fish breathe through gills."

Kein scratched the back of his head. He had always assumed that all marine animals breathe using lungs because he was obsessed with dolphins as a child.

After debating long enough to tell a definite truth, Kein managed to do his job. His face was now quite calm and relieved, not rushed like before. Meanwhile, his friend looked frustrated and almost lost patience teaching a fairly easy science that Kein had no desire to find out and understand.

It was quite an exhausting night. Kein used his energy and mind extraordinarily while Sherla used her brain for the umpteenth time after realising that there was a rather complicated issue with the assignment.

Now that their business was done, Sherla wanted to go back to her room and rest her mind immediately. But Kein insisted on holding her back.

"Do you still have time? I'd like to ask you something if you don't mind?"

"About what?" Sherla turned her body around while pressing her forehead.

"About how you see me as a basketball player."