They were sitting at the gazebo. Kouichi had dragged Shunpei across the court and met at the abandoned gazebo. Truth be told, Shunpei was reluctant at first because there was some horror story about that place that he had heard back when he was a freshman. So normally they would just stay away from the haunted ground but Kouichi convinced him that it was just a lie so that the seniors had a place to hang out without the juniors interrupting them.

So when Shunpei realized the gazebo was clean with no spider webs or dust, he realized this place was actually maintained very well. There's no way a gazebo as clean as this would be haunted, right? Shunpei can only hope.

Hibari-chan raised her hand after Shunpei filled her in about the meeting with Kosugi-sensei. "Hold on, our class is 1A but you told Sensei the wrong classroom. We need to correct him now."

Shunpei shook his head. "It was intentional. We figured if Taoka-sensei was searching for Yuki-chan all over the place, it would show the students how much Taoka-sensei had wanted her."

"What if Taoka-sensei couldn't find Yuki and give up? This would make all our efforts be in vain."

Kouichi answered her. "We know Taoka-sensei well enough to know what he'll do. He will definitely get to Yuki no matter what. I'm more worried he couldn't recognize her and grab the wrong student."

Shunpei turned to Kouichi. "Do you have any pictures of Yuki-chan he can look at?"

"Why would I have those? Even if I do have it, it can't be used because they are all childhood pictures of us. Yuki has grown since I last saw her that she became much pret...," Kouichi stopped himself and cleared his throat. "I don't have it."

"Let's just trust Sensei in this case," Sendoh stretched himself with a yawn. "I am sure when Taoka-sensei calls for her, she will answer and our worries will then be resolved."

Hibari-chan sighed. "I can only hope so. Perhaps I should make Yuki wait outside the classroom so Taoka-sensei will be more likely to find her."

Kouichi nodded his head. "That works. Get Yuki to wait in front of the class after school tomorrow."

"Alright, so all that's left is my article. I need to take pictures, print and photocopy them. I do hope I will be able to get a good shot. Oh yeah, how about the fans?"

Shunpei replied first. "Kouichi and I have briefed the juniors and seniors. They were more than happy to invite the fans to the club. Kinda excited to get the attention and support."

Then it was Sendoh's turn. "The freshmen and I have also done what we can. So all we can do now is wait for tomorrow."

"Good," Hibari-chan said. "All right, anything else you guys would like to clarify. Perhaps Shiroma-sama have anything on his mind?"

Hibari-chan stared at Kouichi in anticipation. Kouichi had been kind of distant since Sendoh had introduced her to them earlier. Shunpei wasn't sure why but there's something weird about the way Kouichi is looking at her.

Kouichi straightened himself. "How's Yuki?"

"Not good, I am assuming. I don't think she's feeling particularly positive. She's been kind of trying to stay strong with everything happening around her," Hibari-chan's eyes turned sad. "She has been hiding everything from me like those scribbles, the pranks and the notes. Those damn notes. Asahara-senpai had gotten almost every girl in class to put those nasty notes and planted spies to make sure I was holding the end of the bargain. I even had to turn Yuki down today during lunch because of the sudden meeting with that senior."

"Is she really going to be okay?" Shunpei asked in concern.

Hibari-chan shook her head. "I don't know. I don't know how to help her at the moment. I've been slipping those etched notes I've seen in those detective movies, saying sorry and motivational stuff but I don't know if she gets it."

"I saw her today actually," Sendoh said and rubbed his neck. "Not looking good. She was eating her lunch alone as she walked back to class."

Hibari-chan looked down. "We need to end this horror fast. This is not going any good for Yuki."

Shunpei turned to Kouichi who was just staring at his clasped hand on the table. Although they were sitting around the same table, his eyes were distant like he was thinking of something far away.

Then he closed his eyes momentarily and opened them again as he looked up at everyone. "She will be fine. I'm sure of it. I've known her long enough to know she'll get through this. Although she's not completely the same person I've known in the past, I could still see the old her in there somewhere. The old her will keep her going for sure. For now, let's make sure there are no hiccups tomorrow."

Sendoh then turned to Kouichi. "Senpai, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"The old Sasaki. What was she like?"

He glanced at everyone's faces and Shunpei was sure what his friend saw was faces that were filled with anticipation and curiosity. Shunpei was sure he was reluctant to share the details but their expressions somehow made him give in.

"She was bright, happy, strong and determined. She has never back down from challenges no matter how hard it was. When I first got her into basketball, she absolutely sucked in it but she never gave up and always kept training even when I told her to rest. Truly one of the most stubborn friends I've known. A tomboy that is just rude and air-headed but nice at the same time. Too nice actually. She has gotten into many trouble because of me in the past but she has never blamed me even once for it. Ever."

Kouichi's face had mixed expression. Sad and happy at the same time as he reminisced the memories.

Sendoh then leaned back and smiled. "Based on what I'm hearing, sounds like Sasaki is still the same. She's just a little down now, but I'm sure we can bring out the real her again someday. Right, Hibari?"

"Absolutely!" Hibari-chan got up from her seat and threw a fist in the air. "For our friend!"

"For our friend!" The guys cheered.

...

"And that brings us to today," Asato-senpai said.

My mind was overloaded with so much information. Everything was starting to make sense about today and Fumika's behaviour yesterday. But there was still something not answered.

"Wait, I still don't understand. What was the purpose of all this? Taoka-sensei, the fans and the article," I asked in confusion.

Fumika turned to me with a wide grin and then pulled out a paper from one of the stacks they were carrying earlier and placed it in front of me. My eyes widened as I saw the picture of myself bowing to Taoka-sensei in the corridor earlier. There was more picture below with me surrounded by Asato-senpai, Kou and Taoka-sensei. Me standing in between Kou and Taoka-sensei as I bowed my head at the players. The players cheering happily. Earlier events all captured in the article with a big headline stating 'The new team manager of Basketball club'.

I skimmed through the article which basically detailed how I was discovered by the basketball captain and vice-captain. It was all Taoka-sensei's idea and with the reason why Taoka-sensei personally recruited me as the new manager of the club. It mentioned how my support will lighten the burden of the members so they can fully focus on winning Regional and getting into Nationals this year. It even had simple details of my leg injury and my basketball experience, which Kou shared. I was glad there was no mention of the connection between me and Kou.

And immediately the dots connected in my head and I turned to Fumika for confirmation.

Fumika read my expression and smiled. "Looks like you already got it. Yes, we needed Taoka-sensei to recruit you because we had to make it looked like it was Taoka-sensei that was actually pulling the string. So what these guys hanging around you was just paving the coach's way to you. We needed the fans to be at the gym so the words will spread faster and the best ways to make them believe is to let them hear and see the whole event. And for those that didn't witness for themselves, they will have this school article to keep them updated which is basically the official story."

"Oh my god," I could barely say anything else. I could only glance around at everyone and all of them had on a warm smile. I could feel my waterworks coming but I quickly looked aside and breathe in and out a few times before turning back to them.

"But Fumika, what will happen if Asahara-senpai sees this? She would find out you betray her and then what if she hurt you? I can't let you get into trouble because of me."

"Don't worry about that. That's taken care of. I ran into Asahara-senpai just now and she saw the article when I was in the journalist club. She turned ballistic and enraged," she said and I immediately feel worried but she gave me a reassuring smile. "But I had a backup help out of nowhere. Itaru-sensei came forward. He said it was a good scope and I was acting based on his instruction. He asked Asahara-senpai if there was any valid reason that this article couldn't be posted and seeing her speechless literally made my day."

"But...," I started.

"This is a groundbreaking article, Yuki. I have told you. There never was a manager before in the club so it was definitely something worth writing. And Itaru-sensei said it was all shared by Taoka-sensei himself so the story was legit. There is nothing Asahara-senpai could do even if she wants to. She will not do anything risky especially anything that involves Taoka-sensei which can affect the basketball club. She values the club too much."

"Are you sure? I can't let anyone of you get into trouble just because of me."

Fumika nodded. "Guaranteed. Trust me. But of course, I'll be honest. I don't think Asahara-senpai will ever allow me to write any basketball article for as long as she's here."

"Fumika..." I bit my lips, feeling guilty.

"Hey, it was all worth it and not your fault. This is my way of making sure you stay here as my best friend and stand up to that no good senior," she slung her arm around me and hug me. "Besides, I just have to hang in there for 1 year and the role will be mine naturally."

"Actually, Hibari," Kou called out to her and Fumika immediately let me go then turned to Kou eagerly.

"Yes, Shiroma-sama?" Fumika answered happily.

"The female basketball team are more than happy to let you write about them if you like. Currently, there is no one writing about them so perhaps you can ask Itaru-sensei about it."

"Oh yeah, that's another way to go. Thanks for worrying about me, Shiroma-sama."

"Yeah, you're welcome," Kou rummaged his hair. He's uncomfortable around Fumika. I wonder why.

But seeing the confident and calm manner they are wearing, I felt reassured, A sense of warmth flooded in me. A sensation that I haven't felt for a long time. I stood up and bow my head low at everyone. "I just want to say thank you and I will fully use this opportunity to do my best not just as the basketball team manager but as your friend. And if there's anything you ever need, just let me know and I will give it my all."

"Come on, Yuki. Don't be so formal with us. This is what friends do, right?" Fumika grinned. "We girls will stick together from now on."

I straightened myself and gave Fumika a nod in agreement.

"Yeah, Yuki. Stop worrying so much. We all made it through. Just make sure you come to me from now on if there's any trouble and no more keeping things from me," Kou said strictly. "Got it? If you don't, I'll work you to the bones in the club."

My eyes narrowed at him but I knew he was just trying to cheer me up.

"Yeah, Yuki-chan. If you want to repay us, how about going out with me on a date?" Asato-senpai said and sure enough, he received a death glare from Kou. "Just kidding, maybe."

Kou then turned to him and smack him on the head which made Asato-senpai clammed up. I couldn't help but laugh.

Hiroaki-san then also chimed in. "Yeah, don't worry about it, Sasaki-san. I didn't do as much as these guys but I'm sure you'll be fine."

Fumika nodded her head. "I am glad you noticed. All you did was invite the fans, carry these stacks and helped me find Sendoh earlier. You shouldn't be here in the first place."

Hiroaki-san immediately blushed and turned away then muttered something softly under his breath like an apology to her.

Then I turned to Sendoh who was observing us leisurely. "Looking forward to hanging out with you again, Sasaki. There's no escaping us anymore."

"I guess not," I replied and couldn't help but smiled.

Sendoh gave me a thumbs up and I returned the gesture.

"Alright, now that this is all straightened up, Hibari. What do we do with all these papers?" Kou asked.

"Right, let me just check the time," Fumika looked at her watch and then I looked at mine. It was already 8pm. "Good. I think everyone should have left the school. Alright guys, let's dump a stack of articles in each class and the remaining at the entrance. Then we can go back. Yuki, you go home first."

"Wait, I want to help," I offered.

"You can't. If anyone saw you with the article, they would just think you tampered with the content or you were in collude with the journalist club. Let us handle this. If the guys were caught, at the very least we can say that they were just being gentlemanly to help the damsel me, right, guys?"

Kou turned to Asato-senpai and then back to us and nodded. "Yeah, go home, Yuki. Sendoh, can you escort her home?"

"Wait, why?" I asked in defence.

"Because it's late and I can't let you go home by yourself. It can be dangerous for you. I would have walked you home myself but Shunpei and I are more familiar with the school layout so we know how to get around faster. Besides, Sendoh's the one that's near your house. Can you do it, Sendoh?"

"With pleasure," he replied and grabbed his bag. "Let's go, Sasaki."

"I guess one of you will escort me home later too?" Fumika asked innocently at Kou.

"Yeah, of course," Kou replied and Fumika jumped up in excitement. "You'll do it, right, Hiroaki?"

"Yes, Captain," Hiroaki-san agreed immediately without hesitation. He looked at Fumika then quickly turned the other way when she glared at him.

"Alright, tomorrow will be the reveal. Get a good rest tonight, Yuki," Kou said. "Bye for now."

He grabbed his bag and the stack of papers from Sendoh then head towards the school while the rest followed him.

"Right, let's go, Sasaki," Sendoh patted on my shoulder. Then I grabbed my stuff and we were off. He walked ahead while I trailed behind him.

We walked in silence as my mind wandered to the whole event that had just transpired. It was crazy and I just couldn't believe what they have done. I wonder what will change and what will happen tomorrow. I was getting nervous. I wanted to repay them but I wonder what I could do for them. And I began to be worried about Asahara.

"Don't think so hard," Sendoh said and I looked up to see him glancing over his shoulder. "What happens tomorrow will happen. Just remember we are all here for you. Got it?"

I felt reassured and nodded my head. "Thank you, Sendoh."

"Enough thanking me. Come on, walk faster. It is getting dark. Wouldn't want your parents wondering why you're not home yet. Actually, would they?"

I picked up my pace and we stepped through the entrance together. "I think so. I don't think I've ever stayed out this late since coming here."

"Well, you better tell them about the manager role too then. You're gonna get busy from now on and have to stay back with us from time to time."

Ah, my parents. This is going to be bad. Looked like there were more things I need to clear up. "Yeah."

"What's wrong?" he asked with his head tilt to the side.

"Hmmm? What do you mean?"

"You sighed."

"I did?" Did I do it unconsciously?

"Tell me honestly. What's wrong? Are you having some kind of doubts again?"

"No, it's not that. I'm just not sure what will my parents feel about me getting into basketball again. I know I'm not playing but I'm still going to be around basketball. I just hope they won't freak out about it."

"Oh," Sendoh's eyes became clear. "Because of what happened in the past?"

I nodded my head then quickly forced a smile, hoping it wouldn't bother Sendoh. "Don't worry about it. Let me handle it myself."

He looked like he wanted to say something then he thought about it and shrugged. "I am just going to trust you then."

We were finally on Spiky Road. "Wow, can't believe I am standing on this road again so soon. Thought it would have been much later."

"It was kinda dull walking to school without you. So I'm assuming I'll be able to see you tomorrow morning?"

I shook my head. "Sorry, Sendoh. Let's just keep some distance for a while to be safe. I really don't want more trouble for you."

His eyes squinted disapprovingly, took a moment to think then exhaled a long sigh. "Fine, I'll leave it to you then. Anything you're comfortable with but don't let me wait too long, got it?"

I nodded my head cheerfully. "For sure. I prefer this Spiky Road anyway."

"Spiky Road?" Sendoh asked in confusion. "That's not the name of this road."

"Oh, I named this road after your...," My fingers automatically went to my mouth when I realized I was about to say something that would have been embarrassing. "Ah, sorry, I mean ummm... Oh hey, we've reached your house. I'll see you again soon. Bye."

I sprinted but Sendoh's long arm pulled my bag and I ran into his body. "Ouch, what did you do that for?"

"Because you're acting weird. You were saying you name it after my what?"

I shook my head. "Nothing."

I couldn't help it but my eyes shifted their attention from his face to his hair and he caught my eyes movement. He let my bag go and his hand went to his hair.

He laughed out loud. "You named it after my spiky hair? Oh, Sasaki. That was funny."

He continued laughing while he walked so I followed him. "You could have name it like almost anything, you know? There's a pole there. Maybe Pole Road. Or the see-saws and call it See-Saw Road. At least that makes sense. Spiky Road. Where are the spikes?"

I could feel my face blushing. "It's just I wasn't familiar with this road and the thing that left this road most impressionable on my first day was your spiky hair."

He didn't stop laughing immediately but he slowly reeled it in and took a deep breath and exhaled. "Okay, I had enough laughing already. Stomach can't handle it anymore," he shook his head in disbelief. "Spiky Road."

Just when I wanted to say something to defend myself, my eyes caught sight of the basketball court. Then I realized we had actually passed by his house.

"Hey, Sendoh. Wait, where are you going? Your home is that way," I stopped and pointed at his house.

"Yeah, but it's not yours. I'm supposed to send you home. So where's your house?"

"It's really not necessary."

"Don't be such a stranger. Your home isn't that far anyway, come on. I want to take a stroll down 'Spiky Road'."

He emphasised the road's name heavily and laughed again. I couldn't help but crack into a smile this time. I just feel so relaxed around him.

The whole way to my house, Sendoh was randomly pointing at objects and naming roads after them. It was getting more ridiculous so before I know it, I was laughing along with him

"So that's the Bicycle Road because there's a bicycle there and this here is Lamp Road," he said as he pointed at the tall lamp beside my house.

"Okay, I get it. I'm terrible at naming things. By the way, Sendoh. That's my house."

"Oh, so this is your house, eh?" Sendoh glanced around like he was making a mental note on the area. Then turned back to me. "All right, go on inside then."

"Right," I said. "I just want to say thank you. Not just for sending me home but for everything."

"Ah, stop saying that. One more time and I'll give you a knock," he said and held his fist up playfully.

"Fine, take care on your way home, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah. Bye, Sasaki."

"Bye," I said then quickly added. "Thank you."

Immediately, Sendoh closed in and raised his fist but I had already anticipated it and took a step back so his fist swung at the empty air.

He looked up in amusement and I gave him a wide grin then quickly run to my house before he could exact his punishment. I waved him goodbye as I entered my house.

The last thing I heard as I close the door shut was his laughter and the next words. "I will get you next time, Sasaki."

When I turned around, my mother was looking at me in surprise then she smiled. "What made you so happy?"

I guess it has been a while since I've actually looked happy so I guess my mother was relieved to see the look on my face. To be honest, being happy wasn't such a bad thing.