Anika was able to find a good seat beside Haruko and Sakuragi's friends. However, a few minutes later, Yasuda found her and asked if she could sit beside coach Anzai.
"Coach really wanted you to sit and watch with him and the team. Please, Anika-san! I don't want to get scolded!"
"I do not think the "White-haired Buddha" will scold you.. But okay, sure." Anika said and waved goodbye to Haruko and the others.
On the way down, Anika bumped into Sendoh and the members of Ryonan basketball team.
"Anika? Where are you going?" Sendoh asked
"Anika-san!! It's good to see you here! Are you excited for the match? I didn't know that you're a basketball fan!" Hikoichi said in an energetic manner
The entire team, including coach Taoka looked at her. It made her a bit nervous, causing her to look into the ground but before she could speak, Sendoh spoke again
"Do you want to sit with me?"
Anika continued to look down, adjusted her glasses and finally able to speak
"uhh, hi uhm sorry, I have to g-go."
With all of the questions, that's the only thing that she was able to say and went on her way.
***
"Anika, I'd like you to observe today's match and voice out your opinions. I'd like to hear what you think." Coach Anzai said.
Anika nodded and took out her notebook and pencil.
The match started really bad for Shohoku. Sakuragi was a mess, and the teamwork was not that strong. For the first half, Shoyo was leading by 8 points.
"Old man, what are we going to do?? Rukawa is definitely messing up my gameplay!" Sakuragi protested
"Ho ho ho our main goal right now is for their team captain, Fujima, to play. If he is still in the bench, then it means that it's still not their best game. Your thoughts, Anika?" Anzai and the entire team looked at her. She adjusted her glasses before speaking. She tried to look at them in the eyes
"I believe that my uncle is right. What we lack right now is teamwork. Sakuragi-kun and Akagi-senpai, keep getting the rebounds and from there, you can either pass it to Rukawa-kun or Mitsui-senpai. Mitsui-senpai can do his 3 -point shots. If it doesn't go in, keep rebounding. Miyagi-senpai, use your speed to steal the ball from them and fast break. This is the only way that we could win."
There was a moment of silence after Anika spoke. Everyone's eyes were on her and they were all serious. All motivated to win this game. Coach Anzai finally broke the silence and started to speak
"Ho ho ho that is very clever. We will follow what she just said. Remember, all of you are strong."
"ALRIGHT! LET'S GO SHOHOKU!" Akagi yelled and all of the members of the team followed, including Anika. She enjoyed doing this with the team and of course, with the guidance of her uncle. She can't hide the fact that she loves basketball and it makes her happy.
During the 2nd half, Shohoku was able to catch up. Shohoku was leading by 6 points when Fujima decided to play. When he went in, Shohoku's gameplay got messed up again. Fujima was a very strong opponent. He alone can carry the team. Shoyo was able to catch up and lead by 8 points in a flash. With 8 minutes left on the clock, coach Anzai called for timeout.
Mitsui was looking exhausted. He was ready to pass out anytime. Coach Anzai started to speak
"Mitsui-kun... Until the very end, never lose hope. It's when you give up that the match is over."
And with that, Mitsui got into his senses again. The entire team's fighting spirit had lifted up. Everyone fought like it was their last match - which lead to victory.
Anika couldn't hide her happiness. She hugged Ayako and her uncle. When she looked up, she caught Sendoh's gaze from the audience. He was warmly smiling at her.
YOU ARE READING
Her Smile || Sendoh x OC
FanfictionAnika is coach Anzai's niece who moved to Kanagawa due to her parents' divorce. She loves to read books and was often seen competing and winning quiz bee and chess competitions in Tokyo when she was in middle school. The move affected her emotional...
