Sanoh vs Shohoku
Haruko watches as Amane walks towards the group. "You looked like you just came from war", Takamiya described. "Thank you, Amane. I don't know how you did it but I was able to give the charm to Rukawa-kun and Sakuragi-kun", the bubbly girl gave a wide smile. Amane just nodded and sat beside the girls.
The game started with a fast pace. They were struggling to close the gap.
What can they do? Sanoh had been the champion for many years.
Those two-star players are still first-years, right?
They can try again next year.
Sakuragi's friend glared at them and made them stop their comments. Haruko clasped her hands together. "They will win this game. Shohoku will. ", Amane said making her voice louder gaining the attention of nearby spectators. "That's right. It's still the first half. A lot of things can happen", Mito nodded. "Like a meteorite will hit the court all of a sudden?", Ohkusu hummed. The black-haired lady chuckled and stood. "They will win because they prepared for this moment", she said with so much confident. Those who heard it felt the drive to cheer on the team.
Shohoku! Shohoku!Shohoku!
Sakuragi turned to the direction of the cheer and was startled with the sudden cheering. "Let's not put their effort into waste", Akagi slapped the back of his head.
"That was quite a heartwarming thing to hear", someone went in between Mito and Amane. "Yuzuki! You made it", Amane hugged her. "You were bugging to watch this match and even blackmailed me that you won't watch my game next week", she sighed and looked at Sakuragi's friends. She hissed at them. "They're not harmful, Yuzuki. They're good people", Amane assured and introduced them one by one. "You're Yuzuki-chan. Amane told us that she have an amazing friend who plays volleyball. What position do you play?", Mito made a bold move to engage in a conversation. He was ignored by Yuzuki and turned her face to the other direction. "If Amane would talk about me with you, I will assume that you're friends with her. Thank you for staying with her. I'm a wing spiker", Yuzuki shyly appreciated the group.
After sometime, Sakuragi fell on the ground. Amane looked at Coach Anzai and Ayoko who doesn't seem to react on it. "I'll just talk to Ayoko-san", the lady excused herself.
Break-Locker Room
Ayoko went out of the room. "Mizutani, what brought you here?", the manager asked. "Ayoko-san, about Sakuragi-kun-", she stopped as soon as the red-head also opened the door. "Don't worry Amane, Coach Anzai already gave precaution. How can we tell this big guy to just take his seat on the bench? But then, if we see that he's already out of gas, we will sub him out", Ayoko looked at the floor.
"Did you come here because you're worried about me? I am touched", Sakuragi laughed. "Hanamichi-kun, I'm glad that Haruko found you. You're having fun, aren't you. Good for you", Amane patted his arm. "I'm not in any position to say this but please play and have your fill. I know there will be a long future for you and basketball", the lady stepped back seeing that the rest are prepared to leave the room as well. "Ah, leave it to me, the genius", Sakuragi pointed at himself.
Court
As the red-head collapsed, his friends and the group of girls went down the court to check on him. Sakuragi was benched at the last minute of fourth quarter. He stood after Ayoko applied soothing gel on his back. He faced Haruko. "I am really having fun because you brought me to play basketball. I really am", Sakuragi held the lady's hand and squeezed it for a little to show his appreciation.
He went inside the court. "That surprised me, I though he was going to confess", Sakuragi's friend made a deep sigh. Just for a while, Rukawa turned to their direction. "You can do it", Amane said and the lad was able to lipread it.
End of the Game
Shohoku won and the team gathered to hug each other. The dynasty of Sanoh was broken. There were tears and the center was filled with cheers. Regardless of who won, the game was more than high school level.
The team went out of the court and was greeted by their fans. Sports magazine are also ready to interview players. Rukawa looked for someone in the crowd ignoring the cameras taking photo of him. He finally saw the person he was looking for and walked towards her. He bent down and hugged the lady for support. "I'm drained. Do you have any food?", the ace whispered and leaned his head on Amane's shoulder. "Here's some chocolate bar for you", she stuffed it in his mouth. "What are you? His nanny?", Yuzuki clicked her tongue. "Congratulations", Amane patted his back. "Sorry, I'm drenched in sweat", the ace was about to pull back but Amane hugged him back. "Your play really gives me tingle. I feel frustration and excitement at the same time. It gives me the drive to win as well", Amane pouted.
"Want a one-on-one with me?", Rukawa challenged still leaning on her shoulder. "I wasn't talking about playing basketball with you. I can't even score a decent point with you", Amane chuckled. Strong hands pulled Rukawa's clothes like a cat. "Your time to be interviewed and have picture taking", Sendo dragged him to join Shohoku already gathered in one corner.
Sendo went back. "You're sucking this better than I expected", Yuzuki elbowed the lad. "What else can I do? I love Amane enough to support her in whatever she is pursuing", Sendo watched the lady taking photos with Haruko and Sakuragi's friends. "How matured of you", Yuzuki tip-toed and patted Sendo's head. "You're doing great. Good deeds will be rewarded", she gave a wide grin.
Time Skip- 2 years after
Takezono High- School Ground
"President, I'm excited with the bonfire dance. What? You're not going to dance with anyone again this year? I don't want to pity you but you're already graduating. Even Sachi-senpai is dating the president of arts club", an underclassman sniffed.
"Don't show me that face. You make me look pitiful", third year Amane chuckled. She became the school president at her last year. "But before that, we have to survive this cold winter", she braced herself.
Yoko clung into her arms. "How much are you planning to grow, Amane?", Yoko tip-toed to match her height. "Well, this is advantageous in basketball. So bad that they didn't allow me to play this year sports fest", Amane pouted. "They wanted to reserve your energy for being the president. But even if you get to spend time playing, you still have so much energy to spare ", Yoko chuckled.
Sachi clung on the other arm. "What are you two talking about? Are you finally going to confess to that basketball hottie?", Sachi poked the president's face. The lady's phone rang. Sachi pulled it from Amane's pocket and saw the caller. Yoko and Sachi both squealed.
Chapter end.
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