A Conversation Between Friends
The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the gym entrance. The rest of the team had already left, but as Renji slung his bag over his shoulder, he noticed someone waiting for him just outside.
Yuuto.
For a brief second, Renji tensed.
Not too long ago, Yuuto had been distant—almost cold. There was a time when Renji was sure Yuuto resented him, not just for his role on the court, but for his growing bond with Asuka.
But tonight, Yuuto didn't look resentful at all.
Instead, he smirked. "So… it's official, huh?"
Renji hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Yeah."
Yuuto crossed his arms, his grin widening. "Guess she picked the quiet guy after all."
Renji braced himself. He expected sarcasm, maybe a teasing jab. But what he didn't expect—
Was the firm pat on his shoulder.
Yuuto let out a small chuckle. "I was jealous before, but honestly? I'm proud of you."
Renji blinked, caught completely off guard. "You… are?"
Yuuto nodded. "Yeah. You've changed, Renji. You're not the same guy from the start of the season."
Renji wasn't sure how to respond.
The rivalry that had once pushed them apart…
Had somehow become something stronger.
Had become friendship.
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Yuuto's Own Growth
Yuuto stretched, glancing back at the empty court. "I guess I got too caught up thinking that I had to win everything—including Asuka's attention."
Renji stayed silent, letting the words settle.
Yuuto sighed, running a hand through his hair. "For a long time, I thought if I just worked harder, played better, and pushed myself more, I could prove something. But… I don't even know what I was trying to prove."
Renji frowned. "You always wanted to be the best."
Yuuto smirked. "Yeah. And I still do."
He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "But you know what? Asuka was right about you."
Renji blinked. "What do you mean?"
Yuuto met his gaze. "You may not be loud like me, but you're always there when it counts. And that's what matters."
For the first time, Renji saw it clearly—
Yuuto wasn't upset.
He wasn't bitter.
He wasn't looking at Renji as a rival anymore.
Instead, there was something else in his expression.
Something like… respect.
And that?
That meant more than any words.
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Looking Toward the Future
As they walked out of the school gates, Yuuto spoke again. "So, what's next for you?"
Renji thought for a moment. "Keep training. Keep improving. I don't want to just be good—I want to be great."
Yuuto smirked. "Now that's what I like to hear."
Renji chuckled. "And you?"
Yuuto stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Same thing. Just… maybe with a better attitude this time."
The honesty in his voice made Renji smile.
As the cool evening breeze brushed past, Renji felt something unexpected.
Lightness.
The weight of doubt, of uncertainty, of rivalry—it was gone.
He had a team that believed in him.
He had Yuuto's respect.
And most of all—he had Asuka by his side.
The season may have been over, but something even greater was just beginning.
For the first time, Renji was excited for what came next.
The future looked bright.
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End of Chapter 51
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To Be Continue