Her Smile || Sendoh x OC

Champions

*Writer's POV*

Today is Anika's semi-finals and Ryonan's match against Sannoh for the Nationals. If she wants to watch Sendoh's performance, she will have to finish her game early. Luck's on her side because both events are being held in Osaka.

The first thing she did in the morning is to call Sendoh. She didn't hear his voice for quite some time and she's missing him terribly.

"Akira, I wish you all the best for your match later. I know you'll do well, as always."

"Same to you, Anika. Let's both do our best and be champions. Okay?"

"Okay. I love you."

"I love you too. Sorry, I have to go now. See you soon!"

And with that, Sendoh hung up the phone. Anika took a deep breath and when she turned around, she saw her coach staring at her with his arms crossed.

"Don't let other things distract you. I want you to focus! You are representing Kanagawa here. Do you understand?"

"Yes, coach."

***

At the middle of the match, Anika's already having a migraine. She couldn't focus. Her opponent is not that good but she's very distracted with the fact that she couldn't go and watch Sendoh and cheer for him. It's his last year and she knows that winning the Nationals has always been his dream.

What time is it? Where is the clock? If I leave now, will I be able to make it?

2:38pm on the clock and Ryonan's match starts at exactly 3pm. It's a 30-minute drive from where is Anika right now.

I have to finish this now. By then, I'll have enough time. I just need to see him...

Anika have decided to end the game. She placed her king in a checkmate position, quickly stood up from her seat and bowed to show sportsmanship from her defeat. Her opponent couldn't believe her eyes. She was shocked by what just happened. Before she could speak, Anika already ran towards the exit.

***

It's already the 2nd half and Sannoh is leading by 12 points. Koshino and Fukuda looked defeated and exhausted.

"Guys, just 1 rebound and let's score! Don't get distracted!" Sendoh yelled

He knows how to motivate his team which makes him a really good captain. Fukuda and Koshino's hope lighted up with what Sendoh just said, and their gameplay changed in an instant.

10 minutes left on the clock and Sannoh is still on the lead by 8 points. Sendoh looked at the scoreboard and thought of a good gameplan. His teammates are already exhausted and are not in a great condition for the plan he has in mind. He thought harder but nothing's coming out of his brain until...

"AKIRAAAAA!"

Sendoh's eyes grew big and even bigger when he saw Anika yelling her heart out at the bench, wearing his varsity jacket.

How is she here?

Sendoh smiled like he never did before and he instantly felt that they will definitely win the Nationals.

Sendoh became unstoppable. He scored 10 points in 5 minutes and everyone in the gymnasium is cheering for him.

"WOAHHH THAT RYONAN CAPTAIN IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING! I WANT TO TAKE A PHOTO WITH HIM LATER!"

"I WANT TO MARRY SENDOH!"

Anika looked up at the crowd in awe and when her eyes landed back on Sendoh, his serious gaze is on her. She felt her cheeks become warm. She smiled at him and winked. Sendoh smiled and shook his head as he head towards the ball and did another 3-point shot.

2 minutes left and Ryonan is leading by 6 points. Sendoh is panting real hard. He is at his limits but he has to keep going. His teammates are supporting him by guarding the opponent and doing as much rebounds as they can.

The ball is with Sendoh and after a successful slam dunk, the bell rang. It's the end of the game and it's clear that Ryonan won with the score of 110-108.

Sendoh froze in place when he heard the bell and immediately looked at the bench but Anika's not there. To his surprise, she's already hugging him as tight as she could.

Anika placed her hands on Sendoh's cheeks and wiped his tears with her thumb.

"Congratulations, Akira. I'm so proud of you."

Sendoh hugged Anika and whispered.

"I love you so much"