Her Smile || Sendoh x OC

Ryonan vs. Shohoku

Anika arrived early at the gymnasium. Today, she have decided to wear her usual uniform but tied her hair in a ponytail. She knew that she'll be needing her full concentration for the match.

She went to a vending machine before meeting up with the team to buy Pocari Sweat. When she was a few metres away, she saw a familiar silhouette. It was Sendoh with Uozumi and Koshino.

"Hi" Anika nodded to the three of them and locked her gaze to Sendoh "You are early today"

"Here to watch the game?" Koshino asked

"Actually, she's here to sub for coach Anzai." Sendoh said and drank

"WHAT??" Uozumi and Koshino said in unison

"I've read your interview." Anika tried to change the topic and continued "I'd say... You really seem like a superstar."

Koshino and Uozumi turned to Sendoh and his face turned to a crimson shade.

"Let's leave the both of them. Let's go, Koshino! Sendoh, don't be late." Uozumi said in a stern voice.

When the two left, Anika held Sendoh's hand and spoke again "I'm wishing you all the best for today's match, Akira... Even if I'm subbing for my uncle, I never wished for you nor your team to lose... But I do not want us to lose either... It's just—"

Sendoh squeezed her hand and cut her off "I know. That's why we promised to do our best. Right?" he smiled at her and moved his head closer to hers

"Uhh A-Akira..."

Sendoh cupped her face in his hand and kissed her forehead before speaking

"I have to go now. See you at the basketball court." He gave her a wink

***

Ryonan is leading by 10 points during the 1st half. Sendoh is really a scoring machine.

"Anika-san, what are we going to do? How do we stop Sendoh??" Ayako asked Anika and is now in panic

"He cannot be stopped until Rukawa shows his true skills."

"Ehh what do you mean?" Kogure asked

"He's reserving his energy for later."

The first half ended with Ryonan's lead by 5 points. Sendoh looked to check on Anika but she was very busy talking to the team. This side of Anika is all new to him.

"Sendoh, focus here will you??" Coach Taoka called Sendoh's attention and continued to explain to the team their next strategy

The 2nd half started great. Shohoku was able to catch up with Ryonan but a lot of team members were getting fouls, and Mitsui wasn't looking good.

"Ayako-senpai... Mitsui-senpai is exhausted but we can't sub him out right now... We need his 3-point shots.."

"You're right, Anika. Let's keep him playing for a while."

***

10 minutes left on the clock and Ryonan is still leading. Rukawa and Sendoh were guarding and throwing shots against each other but it was noticeable that Sendoh's skills were still higher than the freshman.

With 5 minutes left on the clock, Mitsui passed out.

"Mitsui-senpai!!" Ayako yelled and they all went to him

When Anika reached his exhausted body, she spoke to him "You made uncle Mitsuyoshi very proud. Now it's time to leave the rest to us. Thank you Mitsui-senpai."

Ayako helped Mitsui stand and Anika noticed that he was in tears. He was disappointed to himself. Before returning to her seat, she caught Sendoh's worried gaze. Before she could smile, the referee asked Anika about who will substitute for Mitsui.

Anika sent Yasuda to the court. "All the best, Yasuda-senpai!"

Sendoh wouldn't stop scoring and with 2 minutes left on the clock, Sakuragi made his 5th foul. Anika sent Kogure to the court and told him "Kogure-senpai, we can do it. Just 5 points! We are strong!"

The rest of the team heard Anika and they all said "WE ARE STRONG!! GO SHOHOKUUUU!"

Everyone thought that it will be Ryonan's win but with 1 minute left on the clock, Rukawa was able to score 4 points and with Kogure's 3-point shot, it saved the team from getting eliminated. They all jumped out of happiness and captain Akagi, who is in tears, blurted out

"We are going to the Nationals!!!!"