Chapter 35: Fierce Match

Natasha PoV

Watching Loxus and Wilt duke it out in the basketball court felt more like watching a fight than a game. Each time they reached for the ball, shockwaves would echo throughout the battlefield.

The score currently stood at seven versus nine, with Wilt in the lead over Loxus. The two wanted to play a thirty minute game. The fact that they were doing a full court game for a one on one was just insane to Natasha. Especially as Wilt had to be careful with his left leg. Yet, Wilt looked fine.

She snickered as she watched the cocky redhead go. He really was something else.

Wilt was just about to score another point when Loxus made his move. He darted forward, moving at an almost unnatural speed.

Natasha gasped. With little warning, Loxus faded into the shadows. He was using a power move!

Natasha blinked, her heart pounding in her chest. It was like he had disappeared into thin air.

Loxus soon reappeared, right behind Wilt, the ball now in his possession.

"Wha-?" Wilt said, turning around. He let out a huff.

Loxus smirked, dribbling the ball before shooting it toward the hoop. It sailed through the air and went straight in, earning him another two points.

Natasha could hardly contain her excitement as she updated the score. The game was now tied. She was on the edge of her seat, her eyes glued to the court. This was one of the most thrilling games she'd ever seen in a long time.

Wilt, now in possession of the ball once again, smiled despite the unexpected turn of events. There was a gleam in his teal eyes.

"Nice move, tough guy," he called out, snickering. "My turn."

With that, he launched into action, dribbling the ball rapidly. He maneuvered skillfully across the court, reflective of his constant training.

Loxus wasn't letting Wilt go freely. He sped up and shadowed Wilt as he tried to steal the ball once again. His earlier power move had been impressive, but Natasha knew Wilt would be even more wary of it.

As Loxus lunged for the ball, Wilt turned while using his elbows to defend. It was a smart move.

Natasha watched, her heart pounding in her chest as Wilt threw the ball into the hoop. Natasha couldn't help but cheer as Wilt revived his two-point lead.

Loxus, however, was far from defeated. He retrieved the ball, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Well done, Princess," he said, his voice full of grudging admiration. "But this game is far from over."

Loxus rushed straight toward the basket.

Wilt ran after him, gradually closing the distance. But instead of slowing him down, it seemed to spur Loxus on.

Natasha could hardly tear her eyes away from the court, her heart pounding in her chest.

Wilt tried to block him, but Loxus threw the ball before he could stop him. They were tied again!

Wilt gulped, stunned. Slapping himself, he quickly grinned. He scooped up the ball from where it had landed.

Loxus, on the other hand, didn't waste any time. He was already on Wilt.

Wilt made a break for the hoop, but Loxus was right there, attempting to block the shot. Wilt, however, managed to fake him out with a feint, and made his shot. The ball sailed through the air and landed squarely in the hoop. Wilt was in the lead again!

The intensity of the game escalated with each passing minute, the scoreline seesawing back and forth as Wilt and Loxus matched each other's skill and determination. Natasha, caught up in the excitement, found herself cheering and clapping for both players, her role as referee momentarily forgotten.

Loxus, not one to be outdone, quickly regained control of the ball. He dribbled fiercely, eyes locked on the hoop.

Wilt was right on his heels, but Loxus executed a swift crossover that left Wilt momentarily off-balance. Seizing the opportunity, Loxus leaped and released the ball in a smooth arc, scoring another basket and tying the game once more.

Wilt, now with the ball, wiped sweat from his brow and met Loxus's challenging stare. The game truly was a battle of wills

As the final minutes ticked down, the score was neck and neck. Natasha kept a close eye on the clock, her fingers ready to stop the timer. The tension was palpable, the air charged with the energy of the competition.

In a sudden burst of speed, Wilt drove towards the basket, Loxus hot on his trail. With a deft spin move, Wilt created just enough space to take a shot. The ball hit the backboard and teetered on the edge of the rim before falling in, putting Wilt ahead by two points with only a few second left.

Loxus, determined not to let the game slip away, grabbed the ball and raced down the court. With the clock winding down, he made a desperate three-point attempt. The ball soared towards the basket, and as the buzzer sounded, it swished through the net, securing a one-point win.

Natasha's mouth fell open in shock, and the court erupted in cheers from the few spectators who had gathered to watch.

Wilt stood there, stunned, before breaking into a grin and extending his hand to Loxus.

"Good game," Wilt said, respect evident in his voice.

Loxus smirked. "Remember to buy the most expensive steak."

Wilt sighed and chuckled. "Fine. Just be glad you made that three-pointer."

He crossed his arms and scoffed. "That was skill, not luck."

The redhead snickered. "Well, you sure are no slouch." He sighed and scratched his face. "Kinda embarrassed to have lost after all that talk."

Natasha stood up from the bench and walked over. "Hope losing to Loxus humbles you."

Wilt sighed. 

She smiled softly at him. "You did well, Wilt. Don't feel bad."

Wilt looked down at the concrete court. He trembled. It looked like he wanted to cry. Losing wasn't easy, especially after one gave it their all.

"I'll pay for the steak," Natasha spoke up.

Loxus frowned. "No, the loser should pay."

Wilt looked up and nodded. "Yeah, it was our bet, not yours."

Natasha giggled. "But you both were amazing out there."

The two boys blushed.

"So, how about it? Steak on me."

Loxus crossed his muscular arms and scoffed. "I still would prefer that Wilt pays, but fine."

Wilt sighed. "Let me pay at least half."

Natasha smiled and nodded. "That's fine by me."

Loxus smirked as he picked up his basketball. "Well, then, let's get going. I'm starving."

Wilt's stomach grumbled as well. His face reddened. "Uh, same here."

Natasha giggled. "Alright, let's get you two boys some food in your bellies."