In the early evening, a light drizzle pattered softly against rooftops and umbrella tops, the cool droplets creating a faint rhythmic tapping that blended with the distant hum of the city. Students and workers alike made their way home—some by train, some by car, others simply walking with umbrellas tilted against the damp, chilly wind that carried the faint scent of wet asphalt and blooming jasmine from nearby gardens. The city shimmered in the faint golden hue of passing headlights, the reflections rippling gently in puddles, calm and alive all at once.
Haruko stood under the warm stream of her shower, the water cascading down her skin in a soothing rush, mixing with the steam that curled thick and warm around her. She felt the tension in her shoulders slowly dissolve as the droplets slid over her arms, but her thoughts remained distant and swirling like the swirling mist. She sighed, a soft breath that mingled with the steady rush of water, almost swallowed beneath its steady roar. After a few more moments, she reached out and turned off the faucet; the sudden silence left a ringing in her ears. She stepped out, the cool bathroom air prickling her damp skin. Wrapping herself in a thick, fluffy towel, her fingers worked automatically—drying her body with the soft, slightly rough fabric, slipping into a loose shirt and shorts that clung lightly to her still-warm skin, rubbing the towel through her damp hair, feeling each strand separate and cool.
A soft ping interrupted the quiet. She paused, towel still in hand, and crossed the room across the creaking wooden floorboards to where her phone buzzed gently atop her bed. She picked it up, the smooth glass cool beneath her fingertips, and glanced at the screen. A message from Kotone lit up the group chat.
The 3rd years going to high school next year! Group
Kotone: Today was amazing. I can't believe we won our first game so easily! All thanks to the captain! 😉
Sayaka: Yes, even I'm a bit surprised it was such a one-sided game.
(attached sticker: shocked pigeon)
Suzume: I hope we keep this streak up and win the championship.
Kotone: Yes, me too. It's too bad Tetsuo couldn't make it to the match. I'm sure it would've motivated Haruko to score more points. She really likes the guy.
Haruko: Shut up!! What does that have to do with us winning?!
Kotone: Even though I can't see your face, I can tell it's completely red right now. 🤭
Haruko: No, it's actually not. 😤
Kotone: If you say so~
Haruko dropped the phone beside her on the bed, the soft fabric muffling its light vibrations, and flopped back onto the mattress, her eyes fixed on the ceiling. The coolness of the sheets brushed against her bare legs. Her smile faded into a quiet, contemplative expression.
We did win that game, she thought. And I really am glad... but Tetsuo didn't get to see me play. Because I couldn't ask him.
She turned her head and picked up the phone again, staring at Tetsuo's contact info. Her finger hovered near the call button, trembling slightly.
Why didn't I invite him? After what my sister told me…
That thought crept in again—the one that always left her tangled in knots, tightening her chest and making her throat dry.
If Tetsuo really is the boy from all those years ago... why do I feel so anxious about it? Shouldn't I be happy? Excited, even?
Instead, there was a pit in her stomach, cold and heavy, twisting beneath her ribs. She rolled onto her side and let her phone drop on the bed with a soft thud.
What if he's pretending not to know? What if he does remember and just doesn't care?
She bit her lip, the salty taste sharp against her tongue.
But he was so different back then… always cheerful, talkative, full of life. Now he's quiet, reserved… mysterious. But still kind. He's thoughtful in his own way.
Her thoughts drifted back to earlier that day—the buzz of the locker room, the faint metallic clink of keys, the nervous fluttering in her stomach like a trapped bird, and the pounding of her heart echoing in her ears before the match began.
She had sat on the bench, nervously checking her phone for the fifth time in five minutes, her thumb hovering over Tetsuo's name. Her lips parted, as if to whisper his name, to will herself to press "Call."
Then—
"Haruko! Coach Maeda's calling us," came Suzume's voice, calm as always, cutting through the tension like a bell.
Kotone glanced over, caught sight of the screen, and grinned mischievously. "Ohoho... is this Tetsuo? Planning to ask him to watch the game?" She darted forward and snatched the phone.
"Hey! Give it back!" Haruko leapt up, blushing furiously, her cheeks burning like warm embers.
"That's so sweet," teased Kotone. "Trying to impress a boy? Cute~"
"Stop teasing Haruko," Sayaka chimed in with a chuckle. "I mean, every girl our age has a crush or two."
"Sayaka, you're not helping!" Haruko protested, snatching back her phone. "And it's not like that!"
"Oh yeah? Then why is your face red?" Kotone said with a wink.
Suzume stepped in coolly. "Now's not the time. Game's starting."
"Right! We'll talk later," Kotone said, spinning around, her sneakers squeaking softly on the polished gym floor. "Let's go win, team!"
On the court, the five starters took their positions beneath the bright gymnasium lights, which cast stark shadows across the polished wood. The air was thick with the sharp tang of sweat and the faint rubbery smell of the basketball. The space buzzed with tension and excitement. The sound of sneakers squeaking against polished wood echoed sharply with each shift of weight, mixing with the distant shouts of the crowd.
Kazue, the power forward, stood tall and energized, her eyes gleaming with the thrill of competition. Sayaka looked nervous but focused, her breath coming in short, even gasps. Kotone stood at the center circle, confident and calm, already smiling like she knew they'd win. Suzume wore her usual blank, unreadable expression as she prepared to take command of the court as point guard. And then there was Haruko—team captain, shooting guard, and heart beating a little too fast, thumping against her ribcage like a wild drum. She took a deep breath, grounding herself in the slight coolness of the gym air and the familiar, worn grip of the ball in her hands.
Today's our first match in round one. We're facing Shoin Junior High. Let's give it our all, she thought.
Coach Maeda stood by the sideline, whispering encouragement, her voice calm but steady. "Do your best, girls."
The referee blew the whistle, sharp and clear. The game began.
The ball flew up into the air, spinning slightly as it reached its apex. Kotone, standing at 177 centimeters, easily out-jumped her opponent, her fingertips grazing the ball with a crisp smack, tapping it toward Suzume. She caught it cleanly, the ball warm and solid in her palms, and immediately passed it forward.
"Catch, Sayaka!" Haruko shouted, spotting her teammate sprinting to the rim, the sound of her voice slicing through the roar of the crowd.
Sayaka caught the pass, the ball slapping off her fingers, and scored a smooth layup, the net swishing softly.
"Nice one, Sayaka!" Kotone called out, already shifting back into position on defense.
"That's it! Great start, girls! Don't let up!" Maeda cheered,her voice filled with pride.
Shoin brought the ball up, but Haruko was already closing in, the sharp scrape of her shoes against the floor like claws. She intercepted the first pass, the ball cool and slippery under her fingers, and took off down the court on a fast break, her legs pumping hard, muscles burning. She laid it up herself, the ball floating softly toward the hoop.
"Nice one, Haruko," said Suzume, offering a high-five, her palm warm and firm.
"Yes! Let's win!" Haruko replied, heart racing for a different reason now, adrenaline humming through her veins.
Shoin managed to push through the defense on their next possession, but when one of their players attempted a layup, Kotone leapt up and blocked it, the sharp thud of her hand against the ball echoing loudly. The ball bounced free.
Kazue snatched it and raced down the court, the scent of sweat mixing with the faint leather smell of the ball, but a defender stepped in. She passed to Suzume, who calmly pulled up and drained a two-pointer, the ball rolling crisply through the net.
"Nice block, Kotone-senpai! Nice shot, Suzume-senpai!" came a cheer from the bench, the voices bright and eager.
"Maintain formation," Coach Maeda instructed, her tone firm. "Don't let them break through."
Haruko applied pressure on the next play, forcing a turnover, the thrill of the steal sharp and electric. She passed to Kotone, who scored with ease, the crowd's cheers swelling around them.
"Start pressing them full court!" Haruko called, her voice strong, steady, filled with determination.
"Yes, Captain!" came the reply.
Their full-court press was relentless. Shoin couldn't get the ball in before the five-second violation. Hachioji took possession.
Kotone set a quick screen as Kazue inbounded the ball. Haruko popped out to the three-point line, the cool air brushing her face, received the pass, and launched a shot. It soared in a perfect arc, the sound of the ball cutting through the air like a soft whistle before swishing through the net.
"That's the way, Haruko!"
"Good work, Captain!" Kazue said.
The crowd, small but lively, erupted with cheers that filled the gym with warmth and energy.
Haruko grinned as she ran back to join her teammates, the pounding of her heart echoing with excitement. The game was flowing, her team in sync, and yet—even with the joy of their first victory building in her chest—her thoughts slipped, once again, to the boy who wasn't there to see her shine.