"Oh, on that note, we have a practice match coming up as well," said Tetsuo.
"Really? Against which high school?" asked Haruko.
"Yokonan High School, I believe," Tetsuo replied nonchalantly.
"Yokonan? They're pretty strong. How come you're so calm about playing them?"
"I know, but I believe we can beat them. No matter how good they are, they're still human, just like us. That's why I'm not nervous in the least."
"Um, would you mind if I tag along to watch?" Haruko asked hesitantly.
"There's no problem with that, but may I ask why?"
"Well, honestly, I'd love to see my coach in action," Haruko said, smiling brightly.
"So, I'm a coach now, huh?" Tetsuo thought to himself.
"So, is that a yes?" Haruko asked, awaiting an answer.
"Okay, but tomorrow is a school day, so you'll have to skip to come with us."
"Skipping one day won't do much harm. Besides, I have a really reliable friend—she'll definitely get the notes for me," said Haruko.
"Well, I think I better get going. I don't want to get in trouble," said Haruko.
"Why are you leaving so suddenly? Did something happen?" asked Tetsuo.
"Well… I kind of, sort of snuck out of the house," Haruko admitted with an awkward chuckle.
"Okay, but before you go, I want to show you something," Tetsuo said as he reached for his ball.
"Show me what, exactly?" Haruko asked curiously.
Tetsuo moved closer to Haruko, placing his hands on both her shoulders, which made her blush unexpectedly. He guided her to the free-throw line, positioning her to face him.
"Stand right here and play defense. Try to stop me from scoring, and make sure you observe my movements."
"Okay," Haruko responded, determined.
Tetsuo started dribbling the ball, driving within the three-point line toward Haruko. As he picked up the ball and took his first step, Haruko thought, I'll cut him off here and rushed to stop him. However, he suddenly took another step in the opposite direction, breaking down her defense with minimal movement.
"Huh? But… how did he get past me?" Haruko asked herself in disbelief.
Tetsuo laid the ball off the backboard, and it swished cleanly through the net before bouncing on the ground.
"How? How did you break my defense so easily with such little movement?"
"It's a simple move called the Euro step. Think of it as a variation of a layup. Instead of taking both steps in the same direction, you step in two different directions, making yourself unpredictable—especially if you can read the defender," Tetsuo explained.
"I see… it really caught me by surprise."
"You can practice it on your own to perfect it."
"Thanks for your help. I really mean it—it means so much to me. Thanks to you, I was able to do so well in training the other day, and I'm sure I will in this upcoming season. Oh, and don't forget to text me the date, time, and where we should meet. See you later," Haruko said as she waved goodbye.
As Tetsuo watched her leave, he thought to himself, I don't understand… for some reason, I feel at ease when I talk with her. It's almost as if I've met her somewhere before. I get so talkative around her. She gives off the same energy as my little sister, so maybe that's why.
Tetsuo's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of loud clapping coming from the darkest side of the court. A boy in a high school uniform emerged from the shadows.
"Who's that?" Tetsuo muttered.
"You're quite the player, having a girl out here at this hour. I'm jealous," the boy said.
"The name's Tadao Inoue. I'm sure you've heard of me before."
Tetsuo remained silent, observing him.
"Why so quiet all of a sudden? I was just praising you. It's impressive that you managed to pull a girl out of her house this late," Tadao smirked.
"We both know that's not why you confronted me. You were watching the whole time, weren't you?" Tetsuo asked.
"Well, you're smarter than you look. At least you understand where I'm coming from, so let me be clear and concise.
"In the daytime, you and your little girlfriend can play around here anytime you want. But after hours—this is my turf. So unless you want me to kick your ass, I suggest you stay away. Can't say I didn't warn you," Tadao said, shoving his hands into his pockets before walking off.
"Kick my ass? I didn't know people still used phrases like that," Tetsuo thought to himself.
Haruko carefully climbed through her bedroom window, closing it slowly to avoid making any sudden noise. As she let out a relieved sigh, the room's light suddenly switched on.
"Where have you been at this time of night?" Sachiko asked.
"I missed the part where that's your business," Haruko replied bluntly.
"What do you mean? It is my business. You're my younger sister—I have every right to be worried about you."
"If you really considered me your little sister, you would have backed me up when I needed you the most."
"I'm here now, so you don't have to worry about it. But if Mom and Dad find out, they'll be furious."
"Can you just leave my room, please?"
"But I'm not done—"
"GET OUT!" Haruko shouted, pushing Sachiko out and slamming the door behind her.
"That's the first time Haruko's ever been so upset with me… Is it because I didn't say anything to Father? She wanted me to stand up for her, but I was too afraid. I'm the worst."
The alarm in Takahiro's room beeped, waking him up. He turned it off and sat up.
"So, today's the big day, huh?" he muttered before heading downstairs to make breakfast.
"Mom, why are you up so early?"
"I woke up early to make breakfast for you and help with anything you need before your match. It's the least I can do," his mother said with a smile.
"I see. Thank you, Mom. Oh, and Dad—did he say anything?"
"He wishes you the best for your match. You just missed him."
"The old man really said that?"
"You're looking older every day, big brother. Sometimes, I even mistake you for Dad. Why don't you shave that beard?" said Takahiro's younger brother, Chihiro.
"Chihiro, why are you up so early?"
"I heard you have a practice match today, so I stayed up all night just to tell you—do not lose, big brother!"
Takahiro chuckled and ruffled Chihiro's hair. "Thanks, little man."
"Hey! Stop patting my head! I'm not a kid!"
Meanwhile, Shino was already jogging.
"We're up against Yokonan High School. I can't afford to relax now. I want to help the team however I can," he thought to himself.
"Aunty, I'm heading out! Be back soon," Shino called as he left the house.
"Be careful on the road, dear. It's super early—good grief," his aunt replied with a sigh.
Noboru, on the other hand, was still sound asleep, snoring loudly without a care in the world.
At the riverbank, Hayato stretched before sitting on the grass.
"I didn't think I'd see him again so soon. I'm looking forward to testing my skills against him," he thought, smirking.
In his room, the captain, Yukio, curled a 25-pound dumbbell while reading a book.
"Here goes nothing. Today is the day we see how far we can go."
Tetsuo sat on his bed, eyes closed, imagining different scenarios for the match. He took a deep breath, exhaled, and opened his eyes.
"It's time," he said to himself.