Her Smile || Sendoh x OC

Restrictions

It's a Saturday and Anika went to coach Anzai's house to have a talk. He said yes, she can join the women's basketball team, provided that she would not quit the chess club and continue training with them for the Nationals.

"But that's gonna be a lot on my plate, uncle Mitsuyoshi!!"

"Ho ho ho, I know, but you cannot quit chess. You won the Nationals last year. You are the best in Japan. That's my condition if you want me to let you join the basketball team."

Anika scratched the back of her head and said "Fine"

Coach Anzai continued to laugh, had a sip of his tea, and asked "Are you and Akira Sendoh dating?"

It's more than a year since they became a couple and this question coming from her uncle really surprised Anika.

"Yes, for more than a year actually... I thought you already knew, uncle Mitsuyoshi..."

"Ho ho ho, I heard it from the others but I wanted to confirm from you. That boy is going places. His gameplay is incredible. Even better than our Rukawa."

Anika's face beamed. Hearing those words from her uncle hits different. She couldn't stop smiling. She had a sip of her tea when coach Anzai spoke again.

"This year, Ryonan has a big chance to get into the Nationals."

"You really think so, uncle??"

"Yes, with Sendoh as the team captain and all their hardwork during training. There is no doubt."

***

After talking to her uncle, Anika went to Ryonan high to watch Sendoh's practice. However, he's nowhere to be found. When she reached the gymnasium, she only found Maki and Koshino. They stopped playing when they saw her.

"Anika-san! What brings you here? Is it our captain?" Koshino asked

Anika looked down, feeling a bit embarrassed and started to speak "Hi Koshino-kun, yes uhh, any chance that Akira's here?"

"Why are fangirls allowed here, Koshino? It's a total distraction during training." Maki said with a sigh

Anika crossed her arms and said "Hey, watch it! I'm not a fangirl, okay? Who are you anyway?"

Koshino's eyes grew bigger in disbelief. Is this the same Anika from last time? He thought to himself

Maki walked towards Anika until he is inches away from her. He started to speak "I am Shinichi Maki, I was Kainan's team captain."

Oh dear... Now, I remember. The great Shinichi Maki. Uncle Mitsuyoshi was talking about him last time and I saw him and his team play against Ryonan last year... Unfortunately, Ryonan lost that game...

Anika gave him an awkward smile and reached out her hand for a handshake.

"N-nice to meet you... I'm Anika. I'm—"

When Maki was about to shake Anika's hand, Sendoh came out of nowhere and said "That's my girlfriend."