Bully Lord

Part-223

Without thinking, the words left his mouth. "You look great," he said, almost absentmindedly.

Mili looked up, blinking in surprise. "What?" she asked, the faintest hint of a blush creeping up her cheeks.

James realized what he had said and chuckled. "I mean, you just look... nice. That outfit suits you."

Mili's usual tomboyish demeanor faltered for a moment, and she looked away, trying to hide her slight embarrassment. "Uh, thanks," she muttered, clearly not used to receiving compliments like that. "You’re acting weird."

James shrugged, smirking. "Just calling it like I see it."

She rolled her eyes, trying to brush off the awkwardness, but there was a faint smile on her lips. "Let’s just go."

As they started walking, James glanced over at her. "So, why’d you call me out here? Something on your mind?"

Mili hesitated for a moment, her hands in her pockets as they strolled along the sidewalk. "I don’t know, I was just... feeling a bit bored," she admitted. "Thought it’d be fun to hang out."

James gave her a sideways look, half-joking. "No other friends to bother today? No girl squad?"

Mili snorted at that, shaking her head. "They're all busy or out of town for the break. I didn’t feel like hanging out alone, so here we are."

James chuckled. "Lucky me." He tilted his head slightly. "So, where are we headed then? You clearly had something in mind when you texted me."

Mili smiled, her eyes brightening. "I do. Just follow me. It’s not too far."

James, still feeling the soreness in his muscles from the earlier match, didn’t mind the slower pace as they made their way through the streets. Despite her usual tough exterior, there was something relaxed and easy about being with Mili. It wasn’t often they hung out like this—just the two of them, outside of school or their study sessions.

He wondered what she had planned.

After walking for a while, Mili led James to a large, indoor stadium. The structure was bustling with activity, and as they entered, the sound of cheers and squeaking sneakers echoed throughout the space. Inside, the air was thick with the energy of a live game. James looked around and realized the venue was used for basketball, volleyball, and even kabaddi matches.

"Here?" James asked, raising an eyebrow.

Mili nodded, gesturing to the basketball court at the center of the stadium. "Yeah. There’s a game on today. Thought it’d be fun."

James looked around, taking in the sights. He hadn’t pegged Mili as a sports fan, let alone someone who would bring him to a basketball match. "I didn’t know you were into basketball," he remarked, genuinely surprised.

Mili scratched the back of her neck, looking a little sheepish. "I’m not, really," she admitted. "But I’ve been watching this anime about basketball lately, and it got me curious. I figured, why not check out a real game?"

James chuckled. He was a fan of anime too, so he didn’t mind the idea. "Which series? *Kuroko no Basuke*?" he asked, already guessing.