From the windows of the building, Luna saw a large track and field stretching into the distance. Next to it was a basketball court, its empty hoops standing still under the night sky.
Nikhil followed her gaze and smiled. "That's the basketball court. I used to play here a lot."
Luna turned to him, intrigued. "You play basketball?"
"Yeah," he nodded, stepping toward the window. "Not professionally or anything, but I was pretty decent. Used to play with friends whenever we had free time."
Luna smiled. "That's cool."
They made their way outside, stepping onto the open ground. A refreshing cool Breeze brushed against Luna's skin. As they passed the court, she pointed at the skateboard he was holding. "I actually like skateboarding… but, unfortunately, I don't know how."
Nikhil's eyes lit up. "You like it but don't know how?" He smirked. "That can be fixed. Want me to teach you?"
Luna hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "Sure!"
Nikhil placed his skateboard on the smooth ground. He patted it lightly. "Alright, step on it carefully. Balance is key."
Luna stepped onto the board with caution, wobbling slightly as she tried to steady herself. Nikhil held onto her wrist, guiding her movements. "Keep your weight centered. If you lean too much to one side, you'll fall."
She nodded, trying to follow his instructions. Her first few attempts ended in quick stumbles, but she refused to give up.
"Relax," Nikhil encouraged, his voice calm. "Feel the board under your feet. Let it move with you."
After a few more tries—and a lot of near falls—Luna finally got the hang of it. She started gliding forward, her movements more fluid, her confidence growing.
A sudden rush of joy filled her chest. She laughed, the sound light and carefree as she skated around.
"I'm doing it!" she giggled.
Nikhil watched her with a small smile. "See? Told you that you could."
Luna continued skating, the thrill of learning something new making her heart race in the best way. In that moment, under the vast night sky, she felt free.