"You're all here today because you want to play basketball," Coach Yamazaki states, his black dress shoes clacking loudly against the recently waxed gym floors. "But not all of you are going to make the team, I'm going to make you work for the spot. I refuse to have someone that will drag down the rest of the team playing in a competitive sport."

Tch. What a rude thing to say, especially to a bunch of middle schoolers who want to do this for fun.

"Now, I'm going to call your name and grade, raise your hand when I do."

He began to yell names, I personally zoned out, I don't care much about learning names to people I'll only speak to once.

He might choose to cut me; considering the fact that I'm-

"Kita Makoto."

I gracefully lift my hand in the air, ignoring all the stares I'm getting.

The coach looks at me with bewilderment. "But you're a girl."

"I'm aware," I deadpan, unable to keep back the sarcastic remark. "I'm also aware that according to league rules, those that identify with the female gender— which includes me— are permitted to play on the male team."

My statement seems to fluster Yamazaki, and the rest of the boys for that matter.

"Um, alright then," Coach mutters before moving on to the next name on the list.

Coward. What happened to that attitude you had when you were giving us crap about how you were going to cut the useless?

The kid standing beside me— some guy with extremely long limbs and purple hair— obviously thought the same thing, because he began snickering. I glance over to him and we make eye contact, then we simultaneously smirk at each other both knowing what the other is thinking about.

He leans down— which is a rather far distance, considering I'm a whopping 5'0 (though I hope to one day make it to 6'0) and he's like 10'0— and whispers, "I like you, you're funny."

"Thanks, bud," I reply casually, refusing to feel intimidated by his height or overall calmness.

He snickers, muttering something along the lines of "she called me 'bud'" under his breath. "Aka-chin's not going to have very much fun with you on the team; it's going to be a really fun year if you make it onto varsity."

Aka-chin? I'm not sure who this guy is, but based on purple kid's analysis, he can suck my big, fat—

"Kita! You're up!"

I start, moving towards Yamazaki.

"You'll be given ten shots in order to see just how many baskets you can make. You can take the shot from wherever you want to, however, the one-pointers look the worst in comparison to three-pointers, so be mindful of where you attempt to make the basket."

I nod in understanding before grabbing the first ball and making my way to the half-court line. I bounce the ball.

1… 2… 3… whoosh

It goes into the basket, no problem. Not much of a surprise considering the ungodly amount of practicing I do at even ungodlier hours.

I back up methodically for the rest of the shots, making each one without a hassle and ending with my tenth shot on the edge of the opposite boundaries.

"Will that be all, Coach Yamazaki?"

He appears to be more than a little surprised at my skills. "Erm, for today. Tomorrow we'll pair up the top tier players into groups of three and have them face off for the varsity spots."

"Alright, thank you. See you tomorrow, Coach."

Am I debating throat-punching this man? Obviously. Will I? No, I'm not tall enough.

I pack up my belongings then throw the strap of my duffel bag over my shoulder before leaving the expansive gym. A drop of water splashes on my nose.

Damn. It's raining… and I have no umbrella.

Lifting my bag over my head, using it as a makeshift covering, I make my way home.

I'm going to ruin my new shoes. I should've brought another pair and actually checked the weather for once.

"Kita-chin!"

I turn my head to see the big, purple giant racing towards me, umbrella in hand and splashing gallons of water everywhere with his steps.

Should I run? No one would blame me running from this guy. I mean, look at him. I'm not really interested in speaking with him or having him know where I live, I don't know him or his name for that matter.

Before I can make a decision he's materialized next to me, umbrella opened and covering my head. "Can't have you getting too soaked, Kita-chin!"

"Um, okay...bud?"

He gives a large toothy grin. "My name is Murasakibara Atsushi. This is my second year Teiko."

"Kita Makoto, which you seem to already know. I'm a second year too."

"Really?" His eyebrows furrow in confusion. "I haven't seen you around. Did you not play basketball last year?"

"I did, but my specific talents aren't as efficient on the girls team."

He nods, but clearly doesn't understand. Eh, he'll see tomorrow.

"Did you do well on your tryout?"

Murasakibara's eyes brighten. "Yup! I didn't miss one! But I was sad that I wasn't allowed to dunk, that's a lot more fun than throwing stuff."

It makes sense that he would like to dunk. He's definitely got the height for it. I've never been able to dunk before, maybe he'd lift me up like Simba so I could have a go.

I glance at my surroundings, I'm only a block away from my home. "Hey, thanks for walking me home Murasakibara-san. It was very nice of you to lend me the umbrella."

"Of course, Kita-chin. We're going to be best buds by the end of the season!"

"I thought Aka-chin was your best bud?"

He laughs at me. "Yeah right, Aka-chin doesn't have friends. Well, bye Kita-chin. See you tomorrow!"
He sprints off with only the streetlamps lighting his path and disturbing the formerly peaceful puddles.

What a guy. I've never felt so confused by someone in my life.

I shrug off the interaction and make my way to my house.

I'm going to take an absurdly long shower and sleep until noon. And I'm going to love it.