☕ Scene 1: Haruko's Question
It started with an innocent text:
"Can we talk?"
We met outside a quiet cafe near school.
Haruko sipped iced coffee. I picked something called "matcha fusion" and instantly regretted it.
"Kudo-kun… I know I asked you before, but I never really let you answer."
She looked down.
"Do you still love the person I remind you of?"
I took a breath.
The wind was gentle that day. The kind of wind that doesn't rush, but lingers.
"I think… I used to love her like a memory. But now, I want to get to know you. Not just what you remind me of."
She looked up.
And smiled — not fully. But softly.
"That's a good answer."
🏀 Scene 2: Sakuragi's Surprise
Practice was light that day.
Coach Anzai had Sakuragi and me do lay-up drills.
Then, out of nowhere:
Sakuragi: "Oi, Kudo! Teach me that no-look pass again!"
Me: "What, you mean the one that got you hit in the face last time?"
Sakuragi: "Yeah! I dodged it in my dreams last night. I think I'm ready."
We tried again.
He actually caught it this time.
Then did a victory dance that looked like a fish gasping on land.
Kogure clapped. Ayako facepalmed.
I just laughed.
For the first time, Sakuragi wasn't just comic relief—he was trying.
📓 Scene 3: Kudo's Private Note
That night, back at home, I opened the journal I hadn't touched in weeks.
The one Akira used to write in.
"Dear Akira,
I think I'm starting to forgive you… for leaving so soon.
And maybe I'm forgiving myself, too, for surviving.
This life isn't perfect. But it's mine now."
I closed it.
Put it away.
And didn't cry this time.
🌌 Scene 4: Rukawa's Unexpected Moment
Rukawa stopped beside me as we left practice.
"She smiled at you today. Haruko."
Me: "Yeah. I noticed."
"Don't break it."
Then he walked off, headphones in, like he hadn't just said something surprisingly profound.
📓 Final Thoughts
Not every step has to be loud.
Not every moment has to hurt.
Sometimes…
Peace is found in small things.
A look.
A pass.
A promise not to run.