CHAPTER XIII: BACK TO NORMAL

"Nyahahahaha! Look at that no. 8. He's so clumsy!" Sakuragi guffaws, pointing at the game.

"Just like you, do-aho." Rukawa shakes his head.

"They look too preoccupied with something. Like making goals." Mitsui observes. "That's why they make fouls a lot."

"Yeah, preoccupied. Like someone over there.'

Everyone look at Miyagi.

"Don't worry, Miyagi," Kogure assures him. "Everything will be all right with Ayako."

The point guard turns away. –I do hope everything will be fine. I can't lose her. Not now…not ever!-

"Oi, minna! You can go back now. Anzai-sensei wants to talk to you."

"Aya-chan?" Miyagi pivots towards the voice. His heart flutters at the heavenly vision approaching. –Aya-chan!-

"So you're back to normal, eh?" Akagi straightens up.

"Hai, sempai. There's nothing like a heart-to-heart talk with the coach." She glances fleetingly at Miyagi. "Hey, it's my turn to watch the game. I'll wait for you here." -Did he notice the earrings?-

"Iku so!" Akagi and the group plod back to the locker room. Ayako follows them with her eyes.