The sound of sneakers squeaking sharply against the polished wooden court echoed throughout Hachioji Academy's gymnasium. The harsh glare of the overhead fluorescent lights bounced off the glossy floor, casting stark reflections of the girls sprinting relentlessly up and down the court. A faint tang of sweat mixed with the smell of freshly waxed floors and the faint musk of old basketballs filled the air.
"Nice work, girls! Keep it up—one more minute to go," Coach Maeda called out, her voice firm but encouraging as she held the stopwatch tightly in her hand. The rhythmic thumping of basketballs being dribbled in the background was a constant heartbeat to their grueling aerobic drill.
After the timer beeped sharply, the coach finally allowed them a break. "Alright, break! Take five, girls."
The team slowed, panting heavily, backs hunched, hands on knees as they gulped air. Some leaned against the cool, concrete walls, the chill of the surface a brief relief against flushed skin.
"Yes, Coach Maeda," the girls chorused, their voices ragged but obedient.
Suzume wiped sweat from her brow with the hem of her jersey, turning to Kotone with a tired grin. "She made us run for half an hour straight. Coach sure is being tough on us today, isn't she?"
Kotone, stretching her long limbs and taking measured sips from her water bottle, shook her head. "Haven't you heard yet, Suzume?"
Suzume blinked, puzzled. "Heard what?"
"We have a practice match coming up. Coach is preparing us for it. I heard it's against the team that placed fourth last year. They're pretty tough competition. Considering we only made it to the second round last season, it's going to be a challenge."
Suzume took a long drink and wiped her mouth. "Well, we better work hard then."
Kotone nodded, eyes narrowing with resolve. "Yeah. We can't let history repeat itself."
Haruko sat quietly against the cool gym wall, letting the ache in her legs settle as she tilted her head back to stare at the stark white ceiling tiles. The dull hum of the ventilation system mixed with distant shouts and sneakers thudding against the court filled the background. Her fingers absently traced faint scuffs on the floor.
Am I really good enough? she thought, exhaling slowly. Can I really lead this team to victory? A heavy weight settled in her chest. Leading a team that doubts you, that looks down on you… it's harder than I ever imagined.
"Hey, Haruko, is everything alright?" Sayaka's voice broke through her thoughts. She crouched beside her, brows furrowed with concern.
Haruko forced a small smile. "Oh, Sayaka. Yeah, I'm fine. Just… thinking about how I'm going to lead the team to victory. After all, I am their captain."
A sharp, cold laugh interrupted. Kazue's eyes glittered with scorn as she stepped closer, arms crossed. "Lead us to victory? You can't even score a single basket. Sure, your defense is solid and your ball handling's not bad, but how do you expect to win if you're useless at scoring? Honestly, you're a liability. I don't know what Coach Maeda sees in you."
Haruko's jaw clenched, eyes flashing with hurt and anger.
"You—!" Sayaka sprang to her feet. "How dare you talk to Haruko like that, Kazue? I'm going to make you eat those words!"
"Sayaka, it's fine," Haruko said quietly, placing a calming hand on her friend's arm. "Don't waste your energy."
Kazue sneered, taking a step closer, her voice low and venomous. "Say what you want, but we all know the truth. She's not even good enough to be on this team. Let alone be captain. Is this some kind of joke?"
A second-year girl, standing just behind Kazue, looked down at the floor, avoiding everyone's eyes. "Please… stop."
Kazue turned, glaring. "Our seniors refuse to admit it, but they know. She's useless. She should just quit."
"Enough!" Sayaka's voice cracked with emotion, her fists clenched tightly.
"If we had to play against you seniors, we could beat you easily by just strategizing. We wouldn't even have to guard Haruko Takahashi," Kazue taunted, voice dripping with contempt.
Haruko pushed herself to her feet, eyes locked on Kazue's. Her voice was steady, filled with unexpected steel. "Is that so? Can your words back it up with actions?"
Kazue smirked cruelly. "You're one to talk—you can't even score."
Haruko drew a deep breath, chest rising. "I challenge you to a five-on-five match. Pick any first or second-years for your team. If you win, I'll give up being captain. But if I win, you will start respecting me and call me 'Captain.'"
Sayaka's mouth opened, speechless.
"Coach," Haruko said, turning toward the woman who watched quietly from the sidelines, "I'll be taking a lot of training time for this. Please forgive me."
Coach Maeda gave a slight nod, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "I don't mind. This is perfect practice for you girls. Though… the part about you giving up captaincy…"
Haruko smiled confidently. "Don't worry. I'm planning to win and teach her a lesson."
"Alright, then. The game will be to twenty-one, seniors against juniors. Let's begin."
Coach Maeda tossed the basketball high into the air. Its leather surface gleamed under the lights as it spun slowly.
Kotone, tall and lithe at 178 centimeters, leapt, securing the ball from her junior opponent with ease. Her breath came steady as she scanned the court.
"Nice one, Kotone! Let's go score some points," Suzume called, weaving the ball toward the opposite side.
Kazue quickly assigned defenders, locking eyes on Kotone. "Alright, everyone, remember the plan," she whispered to her team.
Kotone's eyes narrowed. Double-teaming me, huh?
Sayaka glanced toward Haruko, puzzled. "Nobody's guarding her? That's… insulting."
Haruko called out, "Pass the ball!"
Suzume hesitated, then passed. Haruko caught it, her palms cool against the textured surface.
Focus. Don't panic. Remember what he taught you. How he shoots… burn that image into your mind.
She squared her shoulders, lifted her arms, and released the ball in a smooth arc.
Kazue scoffed. "That shot won't go in."
The gym seemed to hold its breath as the ball swished cleanly through the net.
"What? No way—it actually went in!" Kazue exclaimed, eyes wide.
Kotone blinked in disbelief. "Whoa! She actually scored! I didn't think I'd see that happen anytime soon."
Suzume forced a smile. "Nice shot, Haruko."
Haruko's cheeks flushed. "It's okay. You don't have to pretend for me."
"Okay, if you say so."
Sayaka beamed. "Nice shot! That was so cool—I didn't expect it at all!"
Haruko smiled back, a spark of hope igniting in her chest. "Me neither, but… I think I'm starting to get the hang of this."
From Kazue's side, a teammate muttered, "Looks like our plan backfired. Haruko's not as useless as we thought."
Another added, "It's been months since we last saw her play. No wonder she's improved."
Kazue clenched her jaw. "Don't let one shot fool you. Everyone gets lucky sometimes. Stick to the plan."
She muttered under her breath, "That was pure luck."