The two could occasionally engage in a few rounds of back-and-forth tug-of-war.
Although Draco completely controlled the pace, it at least looked like there was a back-and-forth, and it looked like something was going to happen.
The eyes of the crowd below the stage, especially those of Tom and Jack who had just been so thoroughly defeated that they questioned their existence, lit up again.
Look! Barty caught it!
"That was beautiful!"
However, despite Draco's seemingly casual return, the vast gap in skill remained. His seemingly effortless returns were often tricky, always hitting Barty in the most difficult spots.
The points they conceded were entirely under his control.
He maintained firm control of the game's pace throughout.
Ultimately, the score remained 6-2, with Draco winning. Barty then won a frame, thanks to his own good form and Barty 'Draco cooperation, resulting in several good shots.
However, that was enough. When Barty left the field, although he had lost, he had a smile on his face. He had experienced what it was like to play against a master, and he had also won the game. He had both face and substance.
The audience watched with great interest, feeling that this was what a proper, entertaining tennis match should be like.
Then, a clear and cheerful voice rang out.
"My turn! My turn!" Becky, who had been expressing great admiration for Draco's tennis skills and looks, jumped out like a happy little bird, waving her pink racket, her face filled with undisguised excitement and adoration.
As she spoke, she ran up to Draco, tilted her head back, looked at him with her big eyes, and said in a sweet, coquettish tone:
" Draco, it's my turn! I want to fight you too!"
Draco was slightly taken aback when he saw the lively girl who suddenly jumped in front of him, then smiled and nodded, saying:
"Sure."
Becky was even more excited when he agreed, but she added a condition, "Could you grant me two requests?"
"What are the conditions?" Draco found it intriguing.
"First!" Becky held up one finger and said seriously, "You're not allowed to use those two moves on me just now!" She pouted, "Those were too scary, I couldn't catch them!"
Everyone laughed upon hearing this, feeling that while Becky's request was a bit unreasonable, it was also quite justifiable.
Those two moves are indeed not something an ordinary person can handle.
"Can."
"Second!" Becky continued, "We'll play three sets, but I have to serve in all three! Your serves are too fast and too tricky. Let me serve, and I can play a little longer!"
"Please, please," Becky, clasping her hands together in a pleading gesture, "Just say yes, let me experience it too!"
When Becky flirted with Draco in that cloyingly sweet tone, and Draco actually responded with a smile, Hermione frowned, pouted, and puffed out her cheeks slightly.
"Alright," Draco readily agreed.
"Yay! Draco, you're so nice!" Becky was so happy she almost jumped for joy, her eyes Winky as she looked at Draco.
" Hermione, don't mind her!" Mary sat down next to her and explained, "That's how Becky is when she meets someone who's good at tennis."
"Yes, yes!" Kate nodded in agreement. "She's like that with everyone. There was this older guy who played really well at the last community tournament, and she was clinging to him too. Don't take it to heart."
"Huh?" Hermione's cheeks flushed when her thoughts were exposed. The inexplicable discomfort she felt was amplified, but at the same time, she felt embarrassed, wondering if she had been too petty.
She quickly forced a smile, trying to appear poised and natural. "No, no, how could I mind?"
"Playing ball is all about having fun."
Her voice sounded calm, but only she knew that the bittersweet feeling inside hadn't disappeared.
On the court, Becky had already cheerfully run to the service line and was energetically warming up, while Draco stood on the opposite side with that damn smile on his face.
Hermione couldn't help but snort inwardly.
They agreed so readily!
She then looked away from the harmonious scene on the field, picked up her water bottle, and took small sips of water, trying to suppress the inexplicable... irritation in her heart.
The match is about to begin.
Although Hermione was looking elsewhere, her ears involuntarily perked up, her attention drawn to the court.
She wanted to see how this guy, who was always so accommodating, would play ball with this fangirl later.
As promised, Draco didn't use any special moves at the start, and the match began in a friendly atmosphere.
Becky was thrilled to have won the right to serve. Although her serve was not particularly fast or powerful, its placement was fairly consistent.
Draco's returns were even more considerate; she only needed to run two or three steps to comfortably receive the ball, with just the right speed and spin.
The two players then began to rally back and forth, the ball tracing gentle arcs through the air at a measured pace.
It looks a bit like a beginner's practice.
However, after seven or eight seemingly uneventful exchanges, Draco seemed to feel that the time was right.
At this moment, Becky hit a decent forehand cross-court shot, slightly faster than before. Draco shifted his feet slightly.
Just as the ball was about to reach his side, he suddenly spun 360 degrees and swung the ball, sending it flying over Becky's head and out of bounds.
"A backstab!" Kate exclaimed.
Becky, as Draco's opponent, was completely stunned. She had anticipated Draco's backhand move and kept her eyes glued to Draco movements, but she never expected the ball to fly out from behind Draco.
By the time she realized what was happening, it was too late.
"15-0," Draco announced casually.
"Wow!" After a brief silence, the crowd erupted in enthusiastic gasps and applause. Someone exclaimed, "My God, a behind-the-back shot! I've only ever seen pro players use that on TV!"
"So cool! That move! That anticipation!"
" Becky has been completely fooled! His vision has been completely obscured!"
Just how many tricks does Draco know?
" Draco, you cheated!" Becky said coquettishly, stomping her foot.
"I didn't. I didn't use any topspin serves or low returns," Draco said, feigning innocence.
It seemed so. Becky was speechless. He hadn't used those two moves, but where did that behind-the-back shot come from?!
"But you used some weird trick! I've never even heard of it before! You're bullying me!" she said angrily.
"I never said I only had those two moves."
Draco shrugged.
"You rascal!" Becky was both annoyed and amused. She quickly stipulated a new rule, saying, "No way! This trick can't be used! It's too unfair!"
The audience couldn't help but laugh when they heard their conversation. Becky was really into acting cute and spoiled.