In the early evening, a light drizzle pattered softly against rooftops and umbrella tops. Students and workers alike made their way home—some by train, some by car, others simply walking with umbrellas tilted against the wind. The city shimmered in the faint golden hue of passing headlights and puddle reflections, calm and alive all at once.
Haruko stood under the warm stream of her shower, her thoughts distant and swirling like the steam curling through the bathroom. She sighed, a soft breath lost beneath the running water. After a few more moments, she turned off the faucet, stepped out, and wrapped herself in a towel. Her fingers worked automatically—drying her body, slipping into a loose shirt and shorts, rubbing the towel through her damp hair. The rhythm was calming, but her thoughts were anything but.
A soft ping interrupted the quiet. She paused, towel still in hand, and crossed the room to where her phone buzzed gently atop her bed. She picked it up 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 and flopped back onto the bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling. 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.
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.
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. She rolled onto her side and let her phone drop on the bed.
What if he's pretending not to know? What if he does remember and just doesn't care?
She bit her lip.
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 pounding of her heart 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.
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.
"That's so sweet," teased Kotone. "Trying to impress a boy? Cute~"
"Stop teasing Haruko," Sayaka chimed in with a laugh. "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. "Let's go win, team!"
On the court, the five starters took their positions beneath the bright gymnasium lights. The air buzzed with tension and excitement. The sound of sneakers squeaking against polished wood echoed with each shift of weight.
Kazue, the power forward, stood tall and energized, her eyes gleaming with the thrill of competition. Sayaka looked nervous but focused. 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. She took a deep breath, grounding herself.
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. "Do your best, girls."
The referee blew the whistle. The game began.
The ball flew up into the air. Kotone, standing at 177 centimeters, easily out-jumped her opponent, tapping the ball toward Suzume. She caught it cleanly and immediately passed it forward.
"Catch, Sayaka!" Haruko shouted, spotting her teammate sprinting to the rim.
Sayaka caught the pass and scored a smooth layup.
"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.
Shoin brought the ball up, but Haruko was already closing in. She intercepted the first pass and took off down the court on a fast break, laying it up herself.
"Nice one, Haruko," said Suzume, offering a high-five.
"Yes! Let's win!" Haruko replied, heart racing for a different reason now.
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 ball bounced free.
Kazue snatched it and raced down the court, but a defender stepped in. She passed to Suzume, who calmly pulled up and drained a two-pointer.
"Nice block, Kotone-senpai! Nice shot, Suzume-senpai!" came a cheer from the bench.
"Maintain formation," Coach Maeda instructed. "Don't let them break through."
Haruko applied pressure on the next play, forcing a turnover. She passed to Kotone, who scored with ease.
"Start pressing them full court!" Haruko called, her voice strong.
"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, received the pass, and launched a shot. It soared in a perfect arc and swished through the net.
"That's the way, Haruko!"
"Good work, Captain!" Kazue said.
The crowd, small but lively, erupted with cheers.
Haruko grinned as she ran back to join her teammates. 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.