CHAPTER VII: POOR AYAKO!

Game day…

Akagi reviews his teammates. "All right, minna. Remember, we're on our way to the Interhigh ticket. And…"

Akagi spots a long-faced Ayako.

"Ayako, what's the matter?"

"Huh? Uh, nothing, nothing…" Ayako averts her gaze. "Just go for it, and win this game." She lets out a long sigh.

Miyagi couldn't stand it anymore. "Tell me, do you have a problem? Did someone hurt you?" He sits down beside Ayako.

Ayako tries to hide her face from the point guard. How can she face him right now?

"Aya-chan," Miyagi pleads.

"Do your best, Ryota. To the nationals…" is all Ayako could say.

Anzai-sensei steps in. "Ika, minna. You go on ahead. I'll take care of Ayako-kun."

"Hai, sensei."

Shohoku heads out, with Sakuragi belting out "Ore wa, ore wa, tensai…"

Miyagi remains rooted to the spot.

"Miyagi-kun," Anzai regards him. "If you're worrying about Ayako- kun…"

"Please take care of my Aya-chan, sensei." Miyagi rises heavily from his seat. "She is precious to me."

"As if the whole school doesn't know." Anzai chuckles. "Daijobu, Miyagi-kun. I'll have her fixed in no time."

Assured by Anzai's words, Miyagi throws Ayako one last look. "I'll win this game for you, Aya-chan. I promise."

Ayako nods wearily. "Ganbatte, Ryota."