Author's note: /Disclaimers go here./ Most stories are set in the future, but this one's set in the past, and the story quite diverted, the story mainly talking about Kogure and Mitsui. Is it yaoi? I don't know. My brain will decide. This story is from Kogure meeting Mitsui until Mitsui joining the basketball club once again. Weirdness comes in here. Guess who is the girl…she's not an OC. Please review!

Am I…?

-Kogure-

I picked Shohoku. Why? I don't know. I just like it. I just like the sound of the name. Like wind whipping on my face. Like my hair flying around my head…sharp sounds. Besides, it's not too far from my house, which is an advantage. Why will I pick Kainan if it's some kilometers from our house? Stupid if I did.

I gripped the handle of my bag securely as I walked to the school, glancing all the while at the people walking around me, wanting to know if there's a familiar face. I sighed involuntarily, feeling the emptiness, like anorexia. I hoped I would see someone who I knew. That would help.

Suddenly there was someone calling my name. My heart went on double time. There it was again…a loud, booming call, almost frightening. I turned my head to meet the eyes of the caller. Akagi!

"Kogure! It's nice to see you."

I smiled genuinely, being gratefully happy on seeing this big guy.

"Are you going to join the basketball club?" he asked me, an old glint showing up from his eye. I smiled, now widely.

"Yes. I want my beginner practice pay off this year. You're joining?"

He nodded. "I want our team to be the no.1 in Japan!" his old motto. When we reached the room where we're supposed to hold our classes, we said our impermanent good-byes. I scanned a room and sat beside a rather big guy sleeping. I watched him for a few minutes, wondering how the heck he fell asleep on the first day of class. Then he lifted his head, bangs scattering on his forehead. I gaped at him.

"What?" he asked, no trace of annoyance in his voice, as though he was used to this gaping thing.

I looked down, embarrassed at the act, and felt very impolite. Staring at other people was not my thing, but I kind of recognize this guy. Then I gasped. Mitsui Hisashi, the MVP! Luckily the sensei went in the room, so I don't have to supply stammers to this guy.

After classes…orientation to the basketball club

Discipline…discipline. I stood like a tree beside other aspiring freshmen, Akagi beside me. My stomach felt like it was full of butterflies as my turn to introduce was getting close. My hands started sweating as Akagi introduced himself. It was my turn after he shouted his motto.

"Next!"

Then the door of the gym opened, a tall guy with bangs bursting in. He had a grin on his face. "Gomen. I am late," he said. A chorus of muttering filled the gym. "Mitsui Hisashi…" I whispered to Akagi. He grunted as a 'yes' and stared straight ahead.

"Quiet! Next time be punctual! Discipline!" the captain shouted and pointed to the place where Mitsui will stand. It was next to me. Now I'm feeling cold of nervousness, introducing myself in front of these people, including this tough-looking MVP. I gulped fresh air and gathered up my guts.

"Kogure Kiminobu, first year! I -"

The person beside the captain, who seemed to be the vice-captain, snickered. "Can you really play basketball?" he asked, looking at my features. My face started going crimson-red. Embarrassed rather than angry, I stood there, looking down.

"Anyone can play basketball if he likes," a deep voice. I turned abruptly to the speaker. Mitsui? Why?

"Quiet! Enough playing, Takeshi," the captain boomed. "Next!"

"Mitsui Hisashi, first year! I want our team to be the no.1 in Japan!" I heard Akagi gasp.

The captain smiled curiously at Mitsui then to Akagi. "Now, practice game! Everyone give their best!"

"O-oooooooo!"

Then he started announcing the members of each team. When we were preparing for the game, Mitsui went to me and put a hand on my shoulder. "Arrogant upper-years. Don't mind them. Just kick their asses with your playing," he said, shaking his head. My heartbeat slowed down, and my I can tilt my head now. "Thank you. And thank you about that thing a while ago."

"No problem." He grabbed a basketball and dribbled it to the court. Then he shot a ringless three-points. I watched him shooting baskets, wondering how a great player can be humble and boastful at the same time. I smiled to myself and stood up. It was time for the game. I will do my best.

After the game…7:15 p.m.

-Mitsui-

The practice game was like forever, but I didn't feel any pain on my joints. I was tired to do anything. Wryly, I yawned, inhaling the fresh night air. The light posts highlighted my features: quite pale, tall, muscular…and handsome. Hehehehe. I grinned happily, walking faster now. My stomach growls like it was not fed for a year.

"Ah!" I exclaimed as I bumped on something…something soft. I looked down and saw a girl having boy-cut hair and blue eyes wearing white shirt and blue shorts, her feet encased in large shoes. She grinned bashfully at me and held my hand to lift her up. When she stood up, I noticed how her height was close to mine. And those eyes were familiar…`

"Gomen nasai. Daijoubu desu ka?"

"Daijoubu. A…"

She was SO familiar! I wonder if I already met her. Maybe asking her name will support it. "Ano…Do you mind if I ask your name?" With that, she recoiled and looked down at the ground. It was a weird act, is she very shy to just say her name? "Well…if you don't like…then…"

"No I don't mind! Watashi wa…aa…Ayami." She gave me a sweet smile and glanced at her watch. "Oh no! I've got to go! See you around!" then she ran fast, an unusual thing for girls. As I watched her go, there was something about her that reminds me of someone…Shit, I hate thinking. I just sighed and walked home.

Author's note: To be continued! Please review. I will be very grateful to read reviews. ^___^