Chapter 1: Shining Star

You are a star,

All I could do is look at you

And no matter how hard I try

I would never reach you…

Cheers and giggles of girls filled the basketball gym while they watch the shohoku team play, the newly recruited freshmen versus the sophomores and seniors, so far the higher years are winning.

"Ahhh…. Rukawa-sama!" the girls cheered when the said player, the second year ace, made a dunk against two first years: much to the chagrin of the a certain red-head Sakuragi Hanamichi.

"Teme, kitsune! You show-off!" Sakuragi fumed from his position while Rukawa just ignored him. Haruko just smiled to herself, things never change even after a year. The Shohoku's ace player never fails to amaze with his spectacular plays on the hardcourt. She remembered when she was just like those fan girls screaming and giggling Rukawa Kaede's name whenever he's on the court. But ever since she became Ayako's apprentice, Haruko tried her hardest to erase her fangirling fantasies towards Rukawa to work better for the team. She doesn't want a small crush for the ace hinder her tasks as the assistant team manager.

"It seems that Rukawa has gained more fans this year," Ayako remarked. She was standing beside Haruko who was recording the scores. Ayako was right, Rukawa became more popular, especially among the girls, after the team's inter-high stint. There are so many spectators today and it's just the first practice!

"The girls really like him," Ayako smirked.

"Hai…" Haruko mumbled, agreeing.

"I heard many girls put love letters to his shoe locker," Ayako added. "How about you Haruko-chan, when are you planning you confess to him?"

"EHHH?!" Haruko shrieked, she felt her whole face turned red.

"H-Haruko-chan?" Sakuragi asked, with a puzzled look on his face. The two girls didn't realize that the players have stopped playing because of Haruko's sudden outburst.

"Go-Gomenazai!" Haruko bowed her head and blushed because of embarrassment. "I'm sorry for disturbing you!"

"Continue practicing, don't mind us," Ayako waved her hand in dismissal. "It's a girl thing." Ayako smiled mischieviously while patting Haruko's shoulder. "Ne, Haruko-chan?"

"H-Hai…." Haruko blushed madly.

"So – " Ayako eyed Haruko, smirking, when the players resumed their game.

"I don't have plans about – about confessing…." Haruko sheepishly muttered. "It's enough for me to just support him as the assistant manager. I'm happy just to be here for him." Haruko smiled at Ayako.

It was what she really feels. She knew that Rukawa would never see her more than the assistant manager of the Shohoku basketball team. He has only his eyes on basketball. He would never reciprocate her feelings; that's why she decided to be just being there for him without expecting anything from him.

"Haruko-chan!"

Haruko heard Sakuragi shouted from the court and before she or Ayako could react, Haruko felt a sudden impact that caused her to lose her balance. She felt the hard floor on her behind and her right hand receiving the weight of her body. She cringed on the pain. One of the freshmen has crushed unto her while chasing a loose ball.

"Haruko, are you alright?" Ayako asked trying to help her from the floor.

"Haruko-chan!" Sakuragi and the other players were already around her, worry visible on their faces. "You, first year, how could you do this!" He grabbed the freshman's collar, lifting him.

"I'm fine, Sakuragi-kun," Haruko uttered, trying her best not to wince due to pain on her wrist. "Don't worry, I'm really fine. Ne, Sakuragi-kun." She smiled at him brightly.

"Are you sure?" Miyagi asked.

"Mmm, hmm!" Haruko beamed at them.

"Gomen, Haruko-san," the freshman, Katsuki bowed his head.

"It's okay, Katsuki-kun, I'm fine," she assured once again, masking the pain on her wrist with yet another bright smile. She was glad; at least everyone cared for her. That thought makes her happy.

"Huh?" she gasped when Sakuragi grabbed her shoulders and stared at her intently, the playfulness in his eyes all gone. "Don't worry, ne?" She gave him her brightest smile. He just nodded.

When she had reassured everyone that she's alright, the players resumed went to resume their practice. Haruko caught a glimpse of a certain raven-haired sophomore eyeing her form a distance but he diverted his gaze immediately as if nothing happened.

The sun has set when the Shohoku basketball team was done practicing. Haruko checked if everything is in proper places, it was one of her duty as the assistant manager. She was also the one who makes sure if the gym is properly kept and locked. All of the players have come home but she knew that the ace is not done practicing yet. He was always the one who stays late for practice.

Haruko made sure to leave a spare towel and a bottle of water and energy drink for him. Leaving it neatly on the bench near his locker; she smiled, happy that she could do something for Rukawa Kaede.

"Huh? Ru-Rukawa-kun!" she gasped when she saw the said person standing by the doorway. How come I didn't feel him arrived? Haruko thought. He saw me putting the drinks and the towel!

"I- I just thought you might need those," Haruko muttered, a small blush adorning her cheeks. "Don't worry – I'll be leaving –" She paused when Rukawa held out a bundle of bandage to her. She stared at it, opened her moth to say something but no words came out. Haruko stood there confused, looking at Rukawa's stern façade and the bandage he was holding.

"Are you hurt?" she asked. "Do you want me to tie it for you?" Maybe that was it, he Rukawa-kun wants me to do it for him. Haruko reached for the bandage but instead Rukawa pulled her arm and made her sit on the bench.

"Rukawa-kun, what are you doing?" she asked, puzzled by his sudden actions. he did not answer her, he just loosen the bundle and held Haruko's right wrist. Haruko flinched with the sudden contact, and the pain she felt. Her eyes widened when Rukawa started to tie the bandaged around her wrist. How did he - ? Staring at his non-reaction face, she couldn't help but be puzzled at the same time felt lightheaded. Her long time crush, doing something she didn't expect him to. Her heart fluttered with the events.

"A-Arigato, Rukawa-kun!" Haruko smiled at him brightly, brighter than the moon that shines outside. Rukawa didn't react nor say anything, he just stood up, getting the drinks and towel that Haruko put near his locker and strode out of the room.

Going home, Haruko stared at the stars which seemed brighter than the other nights. She lifted her hand like she was reaching for the stars.

You're a star.

I could never reach you.

But will keep on trying to reach you

No matter how impossible it may be.