LOOSE BALL
Chapter 2: 3-POINT PLAY… the troop arrives!
I feel like a freak show. As soon as I stepped out of the car and stepped inside the school gate I felt every attention directed on me. "Looks like our school's going international." One guy said, I just kept on walking and I kept hearing whispered comments.
"Is she asking for attention with that blonde hair?"
"She's obviously a freshman, the nerve to color her hair that flashy."
"Who's that?"
"Looks like it's going to be an interesting year again."
I put on my blank face and kept on walking. I can't be bothered with gossipmongers… we also had that back in France, and the best thing to do is to ignore them. I still have the introduction and the athlete exhibition later… but as I walked towards the auditorium I realized that I was lost…
DAMN IT! I can't be late. The scholars will be introduced at the ceremony and I don't want any more negative attention.
I stopped to find someone reliable-looking to ask for directions. Everyone just looked too intimidating, girls laughing loudly, guys goofing off… Until I saw a man walking slowly as if he owned time, he will do… He's an upperclassman too so he'd only be too willing to help me.
"S… Senpai!" I ran towards him, putting on a positive aura so he'd be at least charmed, isn't that what school girls normally do?
I felt everyone go silent. More whispering and now… glaring… from women, this school is too weird. I just shrugged and tapped the man's shoulder since he didn't seem to hear me the first time. Damn he's tall.
He turned around and I froze in shock.
I know that face… I've seen him a hundred times on the web, in the online videos I tried hard to mimic, I've read articles about him.
"K… Kaede Rukawa." I whispered. He stared down at me with his heavy lidded but piercing blue eyes, like he was sleep walking or something.
I, Kyouaki Jaune, have never been tongue tied before. But seeing the man who did all those moves when he was just 16, standing in front of me was so surreal. It was amazing. I wanted to get his autograph.
"Oh wow… Can you tell me where the auditorium is?" WHAT THE PANCAKE did I just say? My mind isn't thinking coherently.
Out of nowhere a wall of girls stood in between me and him, "Hey there freshman."
"A… hey there. I was just looking for the auditorium."
"Right." one of them said, I was surprised to see them talk for they really looked like a hard wall for a second. "We just don't 'grab' our senpais understand girlie?" she was looking up at me since I am taller than most of them by an inch or three,
"That huge building over there, first floor." She pointed behind me,
"Oh… thanks." I said with gratitude and gave them all a last look with what I felt was a bizarre expression on my face. Oh well, I'll get him to sign one of my shoes one of these days.
••••••
"And now… let us give our welcome to Shohoku High's first ever group of scholars."
" As we know it is uncommon for high schools to grant scholarships but it is not unheard of. Shohoku decided to choose 5 exceptional students… from around the globe and in Japan to mold them into becoming great athletes and scholars, also preparing them for college if they wish to continue their studies in Nihon and make our country proud..."
I fidget while listening to the chairman's introduction. I am finally here, I still can't believe it, but hearing the chairman's speech made me remember my reasons for being here. I am finally beginning to live my dreams.
We were sitting on the front row of the freshman side, there were five of us: Megumi, the dark haired girl from Kyoto wearing huge dark-rimmed glasses, Shinta an orange haired boy… who isn't really smart looking but he looks athletic, he told me he's from Hokkaido, there's Stephanie and Cybil, both from the United States and were chosen for their outstanding academic records.
"… Kyou, get up." Shinta whispered, we were being called on to the stage. We were presented with our scholarship plaques of recognition and for the athletic scholars: which were Shinta and I, we were to have a *talent showcase* after school which students have a choice of watching or not.
•••••••
The orientation and the opening ceremony lasted for 2 hours, I was thankful when they ushered us to the classrooms. I was surprised to be on the same class as Megumi, but since I'm an 'almost-straight-As' student in France I think it's not that shocking after all.
Megumi looked quiet. There's a mole beneath her eyes and she wore her raven black hair in two separate braids which hung down her shoulders. Compared to me, she's a really slow-walker, it's not as if the books she's always carrying close to her chest are that heavy…
"So…" I began as we slowly walked towards our building, "Shohoku's nice isnt it?"
"It is." Her voice was sweet, and soft.
"Do you play any sports?"
"No."
"Really? I noticed you have great legs, I thought you run."
"No… I was told I have short legs and walking close to you I realize what they mean."
"Uh… Haha. Right." What do I do? I don't want her to feel bad! "What's your favorite subject though?"
"Chemistry. Biology. Calculus and English." I looked down at her; she never once looked at me, which made me wonder if she thought me as a lower form of an intellectual human being.
I was about to break another question when out of nowhere two arms circled their ways around each of my arm and I stared at two beautiful identical faces of two red heads, the color of fuji apples.
"A… Excuse me?" I asked, trying to sound aloof and unaffected, the two of them are about my height but they were stronger and they were purposely dragging my pace slower than Megumi's, obviously trying to isolate me.
"So… you're our new recruit!" the twin on my left said. "I'm Hikari!" she stared at me with her pretty brown eyes.
"And I'm Kaori." The other twin said.
"Oh… well, I'm Kyou."
"We know. And the three of us are in the same class but the two of us aren't scholars, our dad is one of the board of directors in the Kanagawa High School District and we've been training here since Jr. High."
Rich kids, I thought,
"Anyway, we're glad that it's you. Your looks and our looks fit perfectly with the team, we'll draw in sponsors from all over Japan."
"That's our goal."
"That's ridiculous." I blurted, "Shouldn't our goal be to win and be number 1?"
"Uh- That's already inevitable. This year we're going to be stars unlike any women's basketball team have ever been before!"
I stare at the enthusiastic faces of my teammates; I must admit that after hearing everything I am getting more pumped up. Basketball for me was about 'the game', while these two were talking as if the team was a package. I kind of like the idea that they were trying to paint… I study them from the corner of my eyes, they looked keen and athletic. Their features and movements were controlled meaning they are very aware of their environment even with their very flippant demeanor. If I were to judge them based on that, I'd say my teammates are very skilled and they indeed know what they were talking about. They understand the beauty of basketball and they want to look beautiful in addition to working their asses off training to be number one. It makes it more challenging and worthwhile that way.
We reached the classroom and they took their seats beside me. Megumi sat in front although I wanted to sit with her because she was after all the first friend I made on the first day.
The day dragged on. I find myself being surrounded by curious freshmen, being the center of attention because of my heritage and as superficial as it sounds, my blonde hair. I'm starting to have the idea of coloring it black but then again, I like the attention… Back in France I always got attention using my height and my being a talented basketball player with the most beautiful form in school. That's how I got the scholarship in the first place, now I'm standing out because of my hair… it seems a bit weird for me, but it won't be too long before I'm noticed for my skills and cool-factor! After all, I'll be showing Japan a level of basketball they haven't seen before.
All in all the first day of lessons was surprisingly fun. Everybody was warm and I enjoyed listening to girls chit chat about boys… mostly sports men or athletes from the swimming club, soccer club, tennis club, Judo Club and basketball club.
It was finally the end of class, the twins and I went to the gym, they were going to help me prepare and warm up for my showcase. I wanted to watch Shinta do his Judo-thing but it just wasn't possible since we're both doing it at the same time.
••••-0-
"Wow…" I said in awe as I entered the gym just in time to see the beauties in short shorts and muscle cut jerseys. My eyes were instantly drawn to them before noticing everything else, that includes the group of trainees on the court side.
Okay. Here's the gist. I've been watching WNBA on TV since I was little and professional players in the women's league wear jerseys an inch above their knees or even past their knees, but not tight boy shorts exposing those incredible long legs… identical to mine.
Shohoku Women's Basketball Team had on the standard colors for the jersey: red and white. But their uniforms were obviously custom-designed by no-doubt, the twins. Red and white short-shorts that are just enough to cover the tight asses of the tall players, the upper jersey was made of cotton for the way they hugged the curves of the female body and the sleeves were cut just enough to cover past the underarm area.
Looks like I'll be wearing the warmers after all. Boy shorts make me feel naked… but those tight jersey tops might be as comfy as they look. BUT I have to admit that I can't peel my eyes off from my teammates. It's like watching Magic Knight Rayearth in real life. They all looked so cool.
"CHI. SENPAI!" Kaori ran towards the tall-marionette looking girl shouting at a group of girls shooting balls. "We're here!"
Hikari ushered me towards them and I stood there face to face with a girl 3 inches taller than I am, her silky black hair pulled back in a tight ponytail.
"Ah. We finally meet Kyouaki Jaune. I'm the one who reviewed your video, I'm impressed by your skills, but puzzled as to why you wanted to study here in Japan." She said in a voice that would make you respect her.
"Ah… Thanks… I have my reasons" I said politely, Hikari smiled and said,
"Kyou, meet Captain Chiaki Suoh. Don't be fooled by her beauty. She's won the MVP back in Jr. High and even though Shohoku hasn't won first place in any tournament, she's always chosen as one of the mythical 5 in the Kanagawa area. And scouts and newspaper magazines always look forward to our games because of her."
I nodded,
Hikari continued "And that over there is Aya Otori. " my gaze went to the petite girl with a boy-cut hair complete with silver-framed eye glasses as she made a flawless three-point. There's something about her that's ironic. Ironic that despite her fashion choices she appears to be appealing and friendly, cool and refreshing. "She's the vice captain and our genius 3-pointer." I took note of the number in her jersey, 7. I was mesmerized by her ivory white skin, does she even have pores? I was anticipating her three-point shot again when I felt a hand pulling on my blonde hair which I forgot to tie up.
"Hmmm…" I heard someone say and I turned to see the most beautiful creature I've ever laid my eyes on.
Snow white hair curled delicately and flowing down her back, penetrating gray eyes and the smallest pink lips ever. She wore the jersey like a costume, her little pert nose cried 'aristocracy'. A freshman no doubt, but she looked more like a Jr. High School student with her really slim body and 5'5 feet tall height.
"Hello there." I said with a smile befitting a goddess' presence.
"Is that how you greet your senpai?" she said, her voice slicing through me.
My eyeballs nearly popped out of my eyes but I held my composure. "Oh. Sorry, senpai, I'm Kyou nice to meet you."
"That's better." She said with a stern voice.
"Haani... Be nice to the freshman." Chiaki said in exasperation.
"I was just kidding Chiaki." I frowned when I saw the white haired princess' cold smile change to the sweetest I've ever seen and then I felt her gentle hands cup my face and her cute face was an inch away from mine, "Gomen. I was just trying on my new found 'feisty' face. Was it 'kawai'? I'm looking forward to your showcase later Kyou-chan." She smiled at me with the cutest smile I almost melted.
"N… No problem senpai. Are you our point guard?"
"I'm the team mascot! Isn't it obvious? Tadah!" she pulled out lots of sweets out of nowhere and started sucking on a lollipop with her cute face… "Don't you think we'll gain more sponsors with me on the sideline?"
"Y… You look like a catalogue model."
"I know! Kyahahaha…" a bit weird though… I thought to myself.
"Haani. You're scaring the freshman." From the door came a sleek and foxy model-esque woman, taller than Chiaki senpai, she walked as if she was on a runway show, her face didn't show any emotion. She was as cool as Haani senpai was sweet. Her hair was so black it was almost blue. It was so straight! Her eyes were a pool of black and her lips were red and nicely shaped. Her nose looked like it was sculpted by a painter. She wasn't wearing the uniform but tight leather pants, high heels and a tight red corset tank top.
"Sorry for being late. I came from a photoshoot from Tokyo." She said in her deep sultry voice, perfect with her small face framed with her bangs.
"Ehhh… Mory didn't attend the first day as usual. Are you planning to end high school without attending even ONE orientation?" Haani said in her sweet voice.
"Is that how you're going to greet me after I bought you…" she took something out of her bag, "These?"
Haani-senpai shrieked. "Wahhhhh! Is this the new product? Kyah! I love you Mory. It's chocolate and strawberry icy-bons!"
"And here… their newest product, chocolate strawberry ice cream that never melts!"
"Huwah! I love you…!"
I stood there dumbfounded. I didn't expect any of this. Hikari and Kaori weren't kidding, I looked like a wall flower next to my team mates:
Chiaki Suoh, the charismatic leader;
the allure of the twins: Hikari and Kaori;
the mysterious vice-captain Aya Otori;
the beautiful and delicate flower Haani-senpai
and the cool and foxy model Mory. I feel as if I joined some modeling agency or something.
"How's the try-outs going?" Mory asked Chiaki-senpai… My focus went to the group of girls panting from the laps they were made to run around the court.
"I don't want to judge yet. They are still freshmen after all." Chiaki senpai said
"Maybe after the showcase your brain will start working again. You just don't have anyone to compare them to." Mory said nonchalantly while braiding her straight hair.
Haani senpai joined their talk, "That's not fair Mory. It's not right to compare them to Kyou-chan."
"Hmmm. I'm just saying, maybe Chiaki's uninspired and she needs something to get her brain working again." Mory senpai said as a matter of factly, her beautiful face and her harsh words strangely suit well together.
Hikari appeared with my jersey and told me to change at the locker room. I have 30 minutes till my 'showcase', what happens is that basically I have to showcase my talent to show people why I'm here and at the same time give my thanks to Shohoku for choosing me and granting me a scholarship. I have my team to help me and we're supposed to put on a show together, we discussed the short program and Chiaki senpai gave me free reign on what to do which means I have control on my performance.
I went to the locker room to change. I released a long sigh when I saw myself wearing the red and white jersey bearing the 'number 10' for the first time. Well, from a third person's point of view, speaking as a detached outsider… I do look like one of them, and if I weren't too uncomfortable and if I didn't own this body I'd say I look ravishing. The girl in the mirror had her blonde her tied in a high pony tail, long legs emphasized by the shorts that are one size smaller than her since Hikari didn't BOTHER asking for the right size! The shirt was probably designed to show some skin in the first place (I have to take note of telling Hikari to give me another change of jersey for I am sure that this was all planned out to give the audience a good show.), the neck was long and elegant, shoulders were squared and pushed back… the long knee pads and arm supporter added the additional touch of sportiness instead of the 'model' look that the twins were going for. I smirked, proud of my pathetic attempt in rebelling. No matter how I support their idea of 'commercializing' the club, I have to stay true to myself.
*….*….*….*
"Look who came…" hushed whispers filled the gym as I entered and my attention quickly went to the main entrance where a group of 10 or more men marched in calmly as if they owned the place, and then I see Kaede Rukawa lazily walking at the end of the group, a ball twirling on his fingertip.
"The men's basketball team came to watch."
"They're showing their support for the women's team."
"Tch. It's not like it was their idea. Coach Anzai and Coach Izumi of the women's club are old friends, Anzai sensei probably forced them."
"They'd probably be making fun of the girls. Especially Sakuragi."
Sakuragi… I wonder who they're talking about, they were all still wearing their uniforms, I observed as 5 of them took the floor to get a better view of the court while Rukawa remained standing behind the 5 delinquent-looking guys. Are they really high school students? Unlike the commercial-looking women's team, the men's basketball team looks like they're looking for a brawl. One has a striking red hair flashed like a flag of war, one was smaller but looks deadlier with the pissed off look on his face and a stud earring on his right ear, he was talking to an equally deadly looking guy, but unlike the brown skinned one he looked like he's the type to actually start the trouble. And then there's the 7-foot mountain who looks like king-kong out of its natural habitat. But with the megane-kun beside him he looked sane. The subs sat on the bench with their bodies straight and their mouths in a prim zip…
I feel my hand start to sweat. I'm supposed to perform in front of all of them and impress them,
…wearing this ridiculous sorry excuse for a jersey the twins designed. How is anyone going to take me seriously?
TO BE CONTINUED
Hope you had fun, as much as I enjoyed coming up with the plot. What can you say about the women's basketball team? Did you notice anything? R&R.