She found herself getting dragged by Blaize into the very familiar room where she stayed as well before, back when she was one of the team. Standing at the door made all her memories came back to her like a flash of lightning, striking her with that nostalgic feeling she didn’t expect to feel.       Blaize seemed to understand what she’s feeling. He didn’t rush her, instead he waited for her to be ready, waited for her to open the door on her own. Glancing at him one more time, Jade finally felt ready and assured that she can do this. There’s no right time for her. Time here is nimble and life feels short-lived. As someone who came back from the grave, she knows it well eno

     Jade handed the notepad to Yekaterina. It’s the same notepad containing the list of the remaining games set to commence for the players. Yekaterina accepted the notepad, yet her eyes remained on Jade.      “What is it? Can you stop staring now?”       “I just can’t believe you’re real. It’s like seeing a ghost except you’re real.”

     Stepping inside the square, Jade picked up the first ball on the first row. The leader of the opponent team copied her and picked up the first ball on the last row. She stared at Jade, the look in her eyes held something like suspicion but Jade ignored her.      Bryan was about to pick the ball behind Jade but the opposing team’s member suddenly rushed to grab the ball. He stands behind Jade, grinning from ear to ear as he glances at his leader who also had a satisfied expression on her face.  

     Blaize woke up from the aches of his body. Just like his normal day, he trained without any breaks.      "You woke up already?" He saw his grandfather at the door of his room.      "Come on, let's jog before the sun's up."      "Grandpa, can I skip today?"

     The sudden change was unprecedented, putting them all in a state of vulnerability. Yekaterina and her team had always played fair, not knowing the game beforehand except the previous game.       Knowing beforehand is cheating and it’s like a drug that enabled them to relax and put their guard down. But just like a drug, once its effect wears off, you’re left with an anxiety you’re unable to handle. Your fears come back stronger and this time, you crave the relief and fake bliss that the drug has offered.       That’s exactly wha