1 Even Foxes Fall in Love
By: Abyssynian Sword
Chapter 2
"Yokatta ne!" Karuko said excitedly. It was the next day and according to the announcement posted on the bulletin board near the gym, the female freshmen will
have basketball for their physical education. "It's almost been a year since I have played
basketball." Haruko exclaimed. "I wonder if I can still remember the moves, aren't you excited?" she glanced at her friends. "Not me, Haruko." Said Suzie. "Yeah, you can go with your kiddie play, but keep us out of it." Joined in Jenny. Haruko watched them leave. "I don't care what they think." Haruko said. "I've been wanting to play basketball gain and this is the chance I've got."
Kaoru was on her way home that afternoon when she saw the announcement on
The bulletin board near the gym. "Attention: P.E. for all female freshmen will be basketball effective next week." She read. "Basketball." She repeated.
Flashback
"Kaoru, you did it." Shouted her teammate, Akane. "Well, I couldn't have made
it without you guys." Kaoru replied. "Finally, we made it! Were the division champions!" Shouted another teammate, Aida. "Well, that's because of God's grace and your hard work." Said their coach Mesi.
Kaoru is fixing the clothes on her gym bag when her mother entered the room. "Kaoru-san, I'd like you to know how proud your father and I am of you." Her mother said. "Arigato, Okaasan." Kaoru replied. "But I hope you won't also let your head grow big because of these achievements." Her mother reminded her. "Of course not, Okaasan, I will remember everything you've taught me." "But Kaoru, are you sure you wanted to do this?" asked her mother as she stroke Kaoru's hair. Kaoru zipped her gym bag shut. "I'm sure there's nothing I cannot handle, you don't have to worry about me." Kaoru said reassuringly. "I know I'm just being overprotective but please take care of yourself and don't forget to say your prayers, that's the best way to victory." Her mother reminded her. "I know, okaasan." Kaoru said as she kissed her mother on the cheek.
On the regional tournaments, the girls have to compete with tougher players from other schools. It was their fourth game and they have to win it if they want to get in the final four. Megumi made a pass to Kaoru. "We'll get this one!" Kaoru said as she began dribbling the ball. She was about to shoot when her guard tightened her defense and waved her arms frantically on the air. "Darn!" hissed Kaoru and she passed it to Aiza. Aiza made a three point shot and it went it. "Nice shot!" Sandra gave Aiza a high five. "Nice pass, Kaoru!" Aiza said. "Thanks." Kaoru replied. At the end of the fourth quarter, both teams were even. Jonjouno and Kingetsu 72. There is an overtime. "We have to get this one." Said Coach Mesi. "OK, everyone we'll play man to man, Lionel." Coach Mesi called to the team's center. "You'll be in charge of rebounding." "Aiza, Sandra and Megumi, mark the players outside the goal." "Kaoru, concentrate on your shooting." The coach instructed. "I will, sensei." Kaoru replied. "OK, we can do this, don't give up now, God give us strength." Said Coach Mesi. "Please give us this victory,
O God." Kaoru prayed.
Only 6 seconds are remaining in the three-minute overtime. Jonjouno is tightening their defense. "We must break that zone defense." Said Sandra. Aiza dribbled the ball. She eluded two players and is about to make a lay up when she passed it to Megumi. Megumi dribbled the ball when two players guarded her. "Darn!" Megumi hissed. Then she saw Kaoru was free. "Kaoru!" Megami passed the ball to her. Kaoru gt the ball, bended her knees, made an arch and was ready for a three-point shot when Jonjouno's big center knocked her down on the court really hard. Good thing she was able to release the ball before that happened. The ball went in as the final buzzer sounded. "Yata! We won!" shouted Lionel. Sandra and Megumi hugged each other. "We did it!" Aiza cried. Coach Mesi and the rest of their teammates came to greet them. Aiza glanced at Kaoru. The Jonjouno's center is talking to her. "Are you all right?" the center asked. The referee approaced them. "How is she?" the referee asked. Aiza approached them. She tried to wake up Kaoru until Aiza is shaking her. "Kaoru! Kaoru! She's unconscious!" Aiza shrieked.
Kaoru opened her eyes. When she did, she's already in the hospital with a respirator beside her bed. Kaoru tried to speak but she can't. A nurse entered the room. She was surprised to see Kaoru awake then she removed the mask on Kaoru's mouth and nose. "I'm glad to see you're finally awake." The nurse said happily. "How long have I been sleeping?" Kaoru asked. "Two weeks" the nurse said. "Two weeks? That long? What happened?" Kaoru asked. "You were knocked down during a basketball game, I believe, there is no serious brain damage but you still have to be CT scanned." The nurse explained. "Was it that bad?" Kaoru asked. She's thinking about the basketball team. Where could they be now? How are they doing in the regional chamionship? Kaoru can't wait to play with them again. She tried to get up. "Don't get up just yet." The nurse ordered. "Your brain will be CT scanned tomorrow so that we'll know if you can get out of the hospital, meanwhile, you'll need all the rest you can get." "But I have been sleeping for two weeks!" Kaoru retorted. "No buts, if you want to leave the hospital soon, you have to follow my orders." The nurse said as she closed the door behind her.
Kaoru's brain was CT scanned and the doctors said she avoided brain damage but needed another two weeks to rest. Kaoru was so happy. She tried to get up from her bed in the hospital one day. But she can't. Her back hurts. "Ouch! My back!" Kaoru winced in pain. The nurse entered the room. "Don't try to get up just yet." She advised.
"I thought I'm going to be OK, there's no brain damage but why does my back hurt?" Kaoru asked. "We tried not to tell you Kaoru, but when you were knocked down, some of the bones at your back were dislocated and some were even fractured." The nurse explained. "You mean I have a broken bone?" Kaoru asked in amazement. The nurse nodded. "You have to wear a back brace for a while until you are ready for an operation." The nurse explained. "Until then.." the nurse continued. "Until then what?" Kaoru asked. "Until you are operated, you are asked to lessen high-impact exercise like basketball." The nurse said apologetically. Kaoru felt as if she has been slapped. Basketball means the world to her. Her teammates need her. She cannot quit playing, she cannot even lessen it, not now when her team needs her. "I am sorry Kaoru, but this is for your own good." The nurse said as she left the room. "No!" Kaoru whispered in the empty room. "NO!"she shrieked.
2 PRESENT
"Ok girls, warm yourselves up!" Coach Tsujimoto, the girls' P.E. teacher, said. "We'll start the training within 10 min." The girls did several stretchings. Some of them are annoyed of the basketball training while some of them are really excited. "I've never played basketball before, I wonder how will I do." A girl with red hair said. "Me neither."
Said a girl in pigtails. "Don't worry, I'm sure it will be fun." Said a brunette. Coach Tsujimoto blew her whistle. Everyone gathered around her. "OK, I know this will be a new experience to everyone. Maybe some of you know how to play basketball but most of you still need basic training." The coach began. "You must know that basketball is not a kiddie play, you need to use your strength, speed and agility in this game." The coach continued. Some of the girls yawned and some look bored. But most of the girls listened eagerly to the coach. "Each team is composed of 5 players, we'll start the game with what we call a jump ball, does anyone know what a jump ball is?" the coach asked. Haruko shyly raised her hand. "Akagi." Coach Tsujimoto called. Haruko stood up. "Jump ball is when the referee tosses the ball between the two representatives of each them, usually the center. Each representative will try to toss it to their team mates. The team who first holds the ball gets the chance to score first." Haruko explained. "Well said Haruko, you must have learned that from your brother." The coach said with a smile. "Now first, you have got to learn the rules and violations in playing basketball." The coach started orienting the girls about the game. They lost track of time that they didn't get to start their training that day. "Tomorrow, we can start with your dribbling lessons." Coach Tsujimoto said.
"Class dismissed."
The next day, Coach Tsujimoto taught them the proper way of ball handling, how to dribble it with the left and right hand, and for the fast learners, speed dribbling and other dribbling drills. Coach Tsujimoto couldn't help but admire Kaoru's
speed and experty in handling the ball. "Megami, you're quite good." Said the coach. "A-arigato." Kaoru replied blushing. "Can you perform more complicated drills?" Coach
Tsujimoto asked. Kaoru began doing the double bounce front and back, then the single bounce, she can even do the single bounce with only one hand. The whole class applauded. "She's good." Commented one girl. "You're right, she looks so relaxed." Said another. "Well done, Kaoru-dono." Said Coach Tsujimoto. "How did you learn to do that?" the coach asked. "Ah- ah, I used to play basketball when I was little." Kaoru explained. "Well, keep it up, now girls, practice everything I've taught you today, we'll study more complicated drills next week. Make your movements fast and avoid looking on the ball while dribbling." The coach reminded them. "Hai!"eceryone replied. "Class dismissed." The coach said.
The next day, while some of the girls continued to learn how to dribble. Coach Tsujimoto taught some of the girls how to pass. The coach motioned for Kaoru.
"Megami, maybe you can teach these girls the proper way of passing." "I'll do what I can sensei." Kaoru taught some girls the proper way of passing that afternoon. "She's really good isn't she?" Sensei asked Haruko. "You're right, it seems as if she's been playing basketball for long." Jenny commented. "Seems like it." Haruko agreed. Before, she thought she was the only girl in school who likes to play basketball. But now, here's a new classmate who seems to have been a star basketball player during her junior high years.
One week later, Coach Tsujimoto taught some of the girls how to lay the ball. "You dribble the ball while running, jump high, then use the power of your arm in driving the ball into the hoop. " the coach explained. She made a demonstration. After that, the girls tried to lay the ball themselves. Some of the girls missed while some made it. Finally, it was Haruko's turn. She got the ball, dribbled it then made a shot just how her brother taught her. "Nice one, Akagi." Coach Tsujimoto said.
One week later, the girls were taught how to make the jump shot. Haruko was having trouble with that ever since. She used to be good in doing lay-ups but never in jump shots. Most of the girls missed it but some made flukes. As usual, Kaoru made almost 10 successful shots. She tried to teach some of the girls the proper way of shooting. Haruko watched Kaoru as she teaches her classmates. How I wish I can talk to her. Haruko said to herself.
That night, Haruko realized that she had left her science textbook in her locker. "Oh no, I need it for tomorrow's long test." Haruko went to Shohoku. She got her
textbook from her locker. On her way home, she passed by the park and saw someone playing basketball. "Who could it be, playing basketball at this time of the night?" Haruko asked herself. Haruko went inside to see who is playing. The person made a three-point shot, got the ball, dribbled it then made a lay-up. Haruko was amazed. She looked at the player. The latter has a slender figure and layered black hair. Could it be? Haruko asked herself. "Kaoru-san!" Haruko shouted. Kaoru was surprised to hear someone call her name, She thought she was alone in the park. Who could it be? She turned her back and saw a fellow schoolmate near the lamp post. "Ah, Konichiwa Kaoru-san, I didn't mean to startle you." Haruko apologized. "It's OK, Haruko-san." Kaoru said.. Haruko ran towards her and smiled. "I never thought it was you, playing basketball at this time of the night." Haruko said. "Well, I used to do it quite often when I was in junior high, I stay playing until 8 pm!" Kaoru explained. "You really like basketball, do you?" Haruko asked. Kaoru nodded. "Kaoru-san, I've been wanting to talk to you for days, I've been so happy when I saw your interest in basketball the other week at gym, I thought I was the only girl in Shohoku whose nuts about it." Haruko explained. "Well, I
understand that your brother is the captain ball of the basketball team, they made it to the
inter-high didn't they?" Kaoru askeed. "Hai!" Haruko replied with pride. "It's been my brother's dream for years, now, it's a reality." The girls chatted for a few more minutes. "Oh No! Look at the time!" Haroko pointed at the clock on the park. "It's 8 pm alredy, my brother's going to kill me!" Haruko said. Kaoru laughed. "You'd better get going." Kaoru advised. "Hai, see you tomorrrow Kaoru-san!" Haruko waved.
"You'd better see her onee-chan, she's really good in playing basketball." Haruko said. Akagi placed his textbook down. "Well, it's nice that she
has interest in sports, you girls must spend more time doing physical activity anyway."
"She's not only interested, she's really good at it onee-chan, she even taught some of my
classmates how to dribble and shoot." Haruko explained. Akagi turned a page of his textbook. "Well, if I have a free time, you may introduce her, ok?" "Yata! And maybe after that, you can let her join the basketball team."Haruko said excitedly. Akagi laughed.
"Don't push it." He said.
The next day Kaoru was walking along the school corridors when she ran into Haruko. "Kaoru-san! You're just the person I've been wanting to see." Haruko exclaimed. "What is it?" Kaoru asked. "Do you want to watch the basketball club practice in the gym?" Haruko asked. Kaoru hesitated then she looked at her watch. "Um.. ok!" Kaoru agreed. "Yata! Let's go then!" Haruko said.
"Use those legs, hurry up, defense!" Akagi shouted. The players are having another practice game. Mitsui, Sakuragi and three freshmen are on one team. Rukawa, Ryota and three sophomores are on the other. A freshman passed the ball to Mitsui. Mitsui dribbled the ball. "Mitchy, pass!" Sakuragi called. Mitsui passed the ball and Sakuragi made a jump shot. It went in. "Sakuragi's improving a great deal." Ayako observed. "Good for him." Akagi agreed.
At the end of the game, everyone except for Akagi, Kogure and Ayako proceeded to the locker room. The three are checking the team's progress. Haruko approached Akagi. "Onee chan!" she called. "Ah, Haruko- san!" Akagi greeted. "Konbanwa, Haruko–chan." Kogure said. "Konbanwa, Haruko." Ayako echoed. "Konbanwa, Kogure-senpai, Ayako-senpai." Haruko said. "There's someone I'd like to introduce to you." Haruko motioned to a girl behind her. "This is my friend, Kaoru Megami, Kaoru meet Kogure-san, Ayako-san and my brother, Takenori Akagi." Haruko introduced. "Konichiwa." Kaoru said shyly. "So, you're the girl whose so interested in basketball." Akagi rationalized. "Really?" Ayako asked. "You don't look like one." "But anyway, is it true? Do you really like basketball?" Kogure asked. Kaoru nodded. " I loved it since I was a child." Kaoru explained. "Well, hope to see you in all of our games, Kaoru-chan." Ayako said. "We'll be there, right Kaoru-san?" Haruko asked. "Hai!" Kaoru replied.
Two nights later, Kaoru was walking alone in the park when two unruly men blocked her way. "Hi there, missy!" one of them said. Kaoru took a step backward. "Hey, what are you so scared of? Were not going to hurt you, y' know." The second man said. Kaoru took another step backward. "We just wanted you to make our time worthwhile." Said the first man. Kaoru turned around to run but the guy held her arms fast. "Slow down, missy!" he said. "Let go of me!" Kaoru said. "Hey, give me a hand here buddy." The first man motioned to his accomplice. But just as the second man is about to approach them, someone hit him with a stone on the head. "Who the hell was that?" the second man asked. A tall man approached the former, punched him on the face and kicked him on the stomach which sent him rolling down the alley. The first man let go of Kaoru's hand and approached the tall man. "You're going to pay for this!" said the former. He was about to punch the tall man but the latter pressed his fist, pressing it so hard. The bad man felt his knuckles are about to be broken. "Ow!" The tall man kicked the man on the stomach and punched him on the face. The latter fell on the ground then stood up with his accomplice right beside him. "You're going to pay for this." He said as he and his accomplice began to leave.
The tall man approached Kaoru. "Are you all right?" he asked. Kaoru nodded. "Arigato." She said. Kaoru's face is pale as if she has seen a ghost.
"Don't walk alone on these streets at this time of the night." Advised the tall guy. Kaoru nodded. She began to leave. "Maybe I should walk you home, in case those guys decide to get back on you." The tall guy suggested. "Iye, I'll be ok." Said Kaoru. The tall guy moved closer to her. "Don't be afraid, I'm not a stranger." The light on the lamppost shone on his face. Kaoru thinks there is something awfully familiar about him. "Ru-Rukawa- kun?" Kaoru asked. "Were classmates." Rukawa said. "I've seen you around but we never really talked, come on, I'll walk you home." Rukawa said.
A few weeks later, Coach Tsujimoto has an announcement to make. "Some of you made great improvements inspite of our short time of practice and I'm pleased with that." "Some just need more training, though our mini tournaments help a lot, you need to get used to competing with well-trained players." The coach continued.
Most of the girls look bored. Some are just staring on empty space tired of the coach's long speech. "As a preparation for those who wanted to enter any girl basketball team in high school and as a final requirement for your physical education, you'll have a practice game with Shohoku basketball team next week!" the coach said jovially. Haruko spitted
out the water she was drinking. Several of the girls looked really surprised. Some looked as if the coach suggested something silly like jumping off the roof. One girl raised her hand. "But we don't stand a chance, those guys play like professionals." She commented.
"Our goal is not to win but so that you girls will get used to playing with well-trained players." The coach explained. "Well, maybe some of the basketball players are perverts, I don't like to play with them." Said a brunette. Some of the girls laughed. "But some of them are really cute." Said one girl in a pony tail. "Yeah, especially Rukawa-kun."said a girl with curly hair. "This is a good chance to improve yourselves girls, show those guys what you are made of." The coach encouraged. "Well, I guess I won't mind the loss, especially if we play with Rukawa-kun." Said one girl with glasses. Coach Tsujimoto cleared her throat. "Don't worry, you won't play with first class players, you'll play with the bench warmers for starters." "NANI?" asked the girls. "Why?" the coach asked in surprise. "They're basketball players too and you might find them pretty good." "But that means we can't play with Rukawa-kun." One girl said. "Yeah, that won't be fun at all."
Said another. "Well, let's just wait and see." Said the coach with a smile.
End of Chapter 2
AN: Comments and suggestions, please e-mail me at mimi_aya_sakura@hotmail.com
By: Abyssynian Sword
Chapter 2
"Yokatta ne!" Karuko said excitedly. It was the next day and according to the announcement posted on the bulletin board near the gym, the female freshmen will
have basketball for their physical education. "It's almost been a year since I have played
basketball." Haruko exclaimed. "I wonder if I can still remember the moves, aren't you excited?" she glanced at her friends. "Not me, Haruko." Said Suzie. "Yeah, you can go with your kiddie play, but keep us out of it." Joined in Jenny. Haruko watched them leave. "I don't care what they think." Haruko said. "I've been wanting to play basketball gain and this is the chance I've got."
Kaoru was on her way home that afternoon when she saw the announcement on
The bulletin board near the gym. "Attention: P.E. for all female freshmen will be basketball effective next week." She read. "Basketball." She repeated.
Flashback
"Kaoru, you did it." Shouted her teammate, Akane. "Well, I couldn't have made
it without you guys." Kaoru replied. "Finally, we made it! Were the division champions!" Shouted another teammate, Aida. "Well, that's because of God's grace and your hard work." Said their coach Mesi.
Kaoru is fixing the clothes on her gym bag when her mother entered the room. "Kaoru-san, I'd like you to know how proud your father and I am of you." Her mother said. "Arigato, Okaasan." Kaoru replied. "But I hope you won't also let your head grow big because of these achievements." Her mother reminded her. "Of course not, Okaasan, I will remember everything you've taught me." "But Kaoru, are you sure you wanted to do this?" asked her mother as she stroke Kaoru's hair. Kaoru zipped her gym bag shut. "I'm sure there's nothing I cannot handle, you don't have to worry about me." Kaoru said reassuringly. "I know I'm just being overprotective but please take care of yourself and don't forget to say your prayers, that's the best way to victory." Her mother reminded her. "I know, okaasan." Kaoru said as she kissed her mother on the cheek.
On the regional tournaments, the girls have to compete with tougher players from other schools. It was their fourth game and they have to win it if they want to get in the final four. Megumi made a pass to Kaoru. "We'll get this one!" Kaoru said as she began dribbling the ball. She was about to shoot when her guard tightened her defense and waved her arms frantically on the air. "Darn!" hissed Kaoru and she passed it to Aiza. Aiza made a three point shot and it went it. "Nice shot!" Sandra gave Aiza a high five. "Nice pass, Kaoru!" Aiza said. "Thanks." Kaoru replied. At the end of the fourth quarter, both teams were even. Jonjouno and Kingetsu 72. There is an overtime. "We have to get this one." Said Coach Mesi. "OK, everyone we'll play man to man, Lionel." Coach Mesi called to the team's center. "You'll be in charge of rebounding." "Aiza, Sandra and Megumi, mark the players outside the goal." "Kaoru, concentrate on your shooting." The coach instructed. "I will, sensei." Kaoru replied. "OK, we can do this, don't give up now, God give us strength." Said Coach Mesi. "Please give us this victory,
O God." Kaoru prayed.
Only 6 seconds are remaining in the three-minute overtime. Jonjouno is tightening their defense. "We must break that zone defense." Said Sandra. Aiza dribbled the ball. She eluded two players and is about to make a lay up when she passed it to Megumi. Megumi dribbled the ball when two players guarded her. "Darn!" Megumi hissed. Then she saw Kaoru was free. "Kaoru!" Megami passed the ball to her. Kaoru gt the ball, bended her knees, made an arch and was ready for a three-point shot when Jonjouno's big center knocked her down on the court really hard. Good thing she was able to release the ball before that happened. The ball went in as the final buzzer sounded. "Yata! We won!" shouted Lionel. Sandra and Megumi hugged each other. "We did it!" Aiza cried. Coach Mesi and the rest of their teammates came to greet them. Aiza glanced at Kaoru. The Jonjouno's center is talking to her. "Are you all right?" the center asked. The referee approaced them. "How is she?" the referee asked. Aiza approached them. She tried to wake up Kaoru until Aiza is shaking her. "Kaoru! Kaoru! She's unconscious!" Aiza shrieked.
Kaoru opened her eyes. When she did, she's already in the hospital with a respirator beside her bed. Kaoru tried to speak but she can't. A nurse entered the room. She was surprised to see Kaoru awake then she removed the mask on Kaoru's mouth and nose. "I'm glad to see you're finally awake." The nurse said happily. "How long have I been sleeping?" Kaoru asked. "Two weeks" the nurse said. "Two weeks? That long? What happened?" Kaoru asked. "You were knocked down during a basketball game, I believe, there is no serious brain damage but you still have to be CT scanned." The nurse explained. "Was it that bad?" Kaoru asked. She's thinking about the basketball team. Where could they be now? How are they doing in the regional chamionship? Kaoru can't wait to play with them again. She tried to get up. "Don't get up just yet." The nurse ordered. "Your brain will be CT scanned tomorrow so that we'll know if you can get out of the hospital, meanwhile, you'll need all the rest you can get." "But I have been sleeping for two weeks!" Kaoru retorted. "No buts, if you want to leave the hospital soon, you have to follow my orders." The nurse said as she closed the door behind her.
Kaoru's brain was CT scanned and the doctors said she avoided brain damage but needed another two weeks to rest. Kaoru was so happy. She tried to get up from her bed in the hospital one day. But she can't. Her back hurts. "Ouch! My back!" Kaoru winced in pain. The nurse entered the room. "Don't try to get up just yet." She advised.
"I thought I'm going to be OK, there's no brain damage but why does my back hurt?" Kaoru asked. "We tried not to tell you Kaoru, but when you were knocked down, some of the bones at your back were dislocated and some were even fractured." The nurse explained. "You mean I have a broken bone?" Kaoru asked in amazement. The nurse nodded. "You have to wear a back brace for a while until you are ready for an operation." The nurse explained. "Until then.." the nurse continued. "Until then what?" Kaoru asked. "Until you are operated, you are asked to lessen high-impact exercise like basketball." The nurse said apologetically. Kaoru felt as if she has been slapped. Basketball means the world to her. Her teammates need her. She cannot quit playing, she cannot even lessen it, not now when her team needs her. "I am sorry Kaoru, but this is for your own good." The nurse said as she left the room. "No!" Kaoru whispered in the empty room. "NO!"she shrieked.
2 PRESENT
"Ok girls, warm yourselves up!" Coach Tsujimoto, the girls' P.E. teacher, said. "We'll start the training within 10 min." The girls did several stretchings. Some of them are annoyed of the basketball training while some of them are really excited. "I've never played basketball before, I wonder how will I do." A girl with red hair said. "Me neither."
Said a girl in pigtails. "Don't worry, I'm sure it will be fun." Said a brunette. Coach Tsujimoto blew her whistle. Everyone gathered around her. "OK, I know this will be a new experience to everyone. Maybe some of you know how to play basketball but most of you still need basic training." The coach began. "You must know that basketball is not a kiddie play, you need to use your strength, speed and agility in this game." The coach continued. Some of the girls yawned and some look bored. But most of the girls listened eagerly to the coach. "Each team is composed of 5 players, we'll start the game with what we call a jump ball, does anyone know what a jump ball is?" the coach asked. Haruko shyly raised her hand. "Akagi." Coach Tsujimoto called. Haruko stood up. "Jump ball is when the referee tosses the ball between the two representatives of each them, usually the center. Each representative will try to toss it to their team mates. The team who first holds the ball gets the chance to score first." Haruko explained. "Well said Haruko, you must have learned that from your brother." The coach said with a smile. "Now first, you have got to learn the rules and violations in playing basketball." The coach started orienting the girls about the game. They lost track of time that they didn't get to start their training that day. "Tomorrow, we can start with your dribbling lessons." Coach Tsujimoto said.
"Class dismissed."
The next day, Coach Tsujimoto taught them the proper way of ball handling, how to dribble it with the left and right hand, and for the fast learners, speed dribbling and other dribbling drills. Coach Tsujimoto couldn't help but admire Kaoru's
speed and experty in handling the ball. "Megami, you're quite good." Said the coach. "A-arigato." Kaoru replied blushing. "Can you perform more complicated drills?" Coach
Tsujimoto asked. Kaoru began doing the double bounce front and back, then the single bounce, she can even do the single bounce with only one hand. The whole class applauded. "She's good." Commented one girl. "You're right, she looks so relaxed." Said another. "Well done, Kaoru-dono." Said Coach Tsujimoto. "How did you learn to do that?" the coach asked. "Ah- ah, I used to play basketball when I was little." Kaoru explained. "Well, keep it up, now girls, practice everything I've taught you today, we'll study more complicated drills next week. Make your movements fast and avoid looking on the ball while dribbling." The coach reminded them. "Hai!"eceryone replied. "Class dismissed." The coach said.
The next day, while some of the girls continued to learn how to dribble. Coach Tsujimoto taught some of the girls how to pass. The coach motioned for Kaoru.
"Megami, maybe you can teach these girls the proper way of passing." "I'll do what I can sensei." Kaoru taught some girls the proper way of passing that afternoon. "She's really good isn't she?" Sensei asked Haruko. "You're right, it seems as if she's been playing basketball for long." Jenny commented. "Seems like it." Haruko agreed. Before, she thought she was the only girl in school who likes to play basketball. But now, here's a new classmate who seems to have been a star basketball player during her junior high years.
One week later, Coach Tsujimoto taught some of the girls how to lay the ball. "You dribble the ball while running, jump high, then use the power of your arm in driving the ball into the hoop. " the coach explained. She made a demonstration. After that, the girls tried to lay the ball themselves. Some of the girls missed while some made it. Finally, it was Haruko's turn. She got the ball, dribbled it then made a shot just how her brother taught her. "Nice one, Akagi." Coach Tsujimoto said.
One week later, the girls were taught how to make the jump shot. Haruko was having trouble with that ever since. She used to be good in doing lay-ups but never in jump shots. Most of the girls missed it but some made flukes. As usual, Kaoru made almost 10 successful shots. She tried to teach some of the girls the proper way of shooting. Haruko watched Kaoru as she teaches her classmates. How I wish I can talk to her. Haruko said to herself.
That night, Haruko realized that she had left her science textbook in her locker. "Oh no, I need it for tomorrow's long test." Haruko went to Shohoku. She got her
textbook from her locker. On her way home, she passed by the park and saw someone playing basketball. "Who could it be, playing basketball at this time of the night?" Haruko asked herself. Haruko went inside to see who is playing. The person made a three-point shot, got the ball, dribbled it then made a lay-up. Haruko was amazed. She looked at the player. The latter has a slender figure and layered black hair. Could it be? Haruko asked herself. "Kaoru-san!" Haruko shouted. Kaoru was surprised to hear someone call her name, She thought she was alone in the park. Who could it be? She turned her back and saw a fellow schoolmate near the lamp post. "Ah, Konichiwa Kaoru-san, I didn't mean to startle you." Haruko apologized. "It's OK, Haruko-san." Kaoru said.. Haruko ran towards her and smiled. "I never thought it was you, playing basketball at this time of the night." Haruko said. "Well, I used to do it quite often when I was in junior high, I stay playing until 8 pm!" Kaoru explained. "You really like basketball, do you?" Haruko asked. Kaoru nodded. "Kaoru-san, I've been wanting to talk to you for days, I've been so happy when I saw your interest in basketball the other week at gym, I thought I was the only girl in Shohoku whose nuts about it." Haruko explained. "Well, I
understand that your brother is the captain ball of the basketball team, they made it to the
inter-high didn't they?" Kaoru askeed. "Hai!" Haruko replied with pride. "It's been my brother's dream for years, now, it's a reality." The girls chatted for a few more minutes. "Oh No! Look at the time!" Haroko pointed at the clock on the park. "It's 8 pm alredy, my brother's going to kill me!" Haruko said. Kaoru laughed. "You'd better get going." Kaoru advised. "Hai, see you tomorrrow Kaoru-san!" Haruko waved.
"You'd better see her onee-chan, she's really good in playing basketball." Haruko said. Akagi placed his textbook down. "Well, it's nice that she
has interest in sports, you girls must spend more time doing physical activity anyway."
"She's not only interested, she's really good at it onee-chan, she even taught some of my
classmates how to dribble and shoot." Haruko explained. Akagi turned a page of his textbook. "Well, if I have a free time, you may introduce her, ok?" "Yata! And maybe after that, you can let her join the basketball team."Haruko said excitedly. Akagi laughed.
"Don't push it." He said.
The next day Kaoru was walking along the school corridors when she ran into Haruko. "Kaoru-san! You're just the person I've been wanting to see." Haruko exclaimed. "What is it?" Kaoru asked. "Do you want to watch the basketball club practice in the gym?" Haruko asked. Kaoru hesitated then she looked at her watch. "Um.. ok!" Kaoru agreed. "Yata! Let's go then!" Haruko said.
"Use those legs, hurry up, defense!" Akagi shouted. The players are having another practice game. Mitsui, Sakuragi and three freshmen are on one team. Rukawa, Ryota and three sophomores are on the other. A freshman passed the ball to Mitsui. Mitsui dribbled the ball. "Mitchy, pass!" Sakuragi called. Mitsui passed the ball and Sakuragi made a jump shot. It went in. "Sakuragi's improving a great deal." Ayako observed. "Good for him." Akagi agreed.
At the end of the game, everyone except for Akagi, Kogure and Ayako proceeded to the locker room. The three are checking the team's progress. Haruko approached Akagi. "Onee chan!" she called. "Ah, Haruko- san!" Akagi greeted. "Konbanwa, Haruko–chan." Kogure said. "Konbanwa, Haruko." Ayako echoed. "Konbanwa, Kogure-senpai, Ayako-senpai." Haruko said. "There's someone I'd like to introduce to you." Haruko motioned to a girl behind her. "This is my friend, Kaoru Megami, Kaoru meet Kogure-san, Ayako-san and my brother, Takenori Akagi." Haruko introduced. "Konichiwa." Kaoru said shyly. "So, you're the girl whose so interested in basketball." Akagi rationalized. "Really?" Ayako asked. "You don't look like one." "But anyway, is it true? Do you really like basketball?" Kogure asked. Kaoru nodded. " I loved it since I was a child." Kaoru explained. "Well, hope to see you in all of our games, Kaoru-chan." Ayako said. "We'll be there, right Kaoru-san?" Haruko asked. "Hai!" Kaoru replied.
Two nights later, Kaoru was walking alone in the park when two unruly men blocked her way. "Hi there, missy!" one of them said. Kaoru took a step backward. "Hey, what are you so scared of? Were not going to hurt you, y' know." The second man said. Kaoru took another step backward. "We just wanted you to make our time worthwhile." Said the first man. Kaoru turned around to run but the guy held her arms fast. "Slow down, missy!" he said. "Let go of me!" Kaoru said. "Hey, give me a hand here buddy." The first man motioned to his accomplice. But just as the second man is about to approach them, someone hit him with a stone on the head. "Who the hell was that?" the second man asked. A tall man approached the former, punched him on the face and kicked him on the stomach which sent him rolling down the alley. The first man let go of Kaoru's hand and approached the tall man. "You're going to pay for this!" said the former. He was about to punch the tall man but the latter pressed his fist, pressing it so hard. The bad man felt his knuckles are about to be broken. "Ow!" The tall man kicked the man on the stomach and punched him on the face. The latter fell on the ground then stood up with his accomplice right beside him. "You're going to pay for this." He said as he and his accomplice began to leave.
The tall man approached Kaoru. "Are you all right?" he asked. Kaoru nodded. "Arigato." She said. Kaoru's face is pale as if she has seen a ghost.
"Don't walk alone on these streets at this time of the night." Advised the tall guy. Kaoru nodded. She began to leave. "Maybe I should walk you home, in case those guys decide to get back on you." The tall guy suggested. "Iye, I'll be ok." Said Kaoru. The tall guy moved closer to her. "Don't be afraid, I'm not a stranger." The light on the lamppost shone on his face. Kaoru thinks there is something awfully familiar about him. "Ru-Rukawa- kun?" Kaoru asked. "Were classmates." Rukawa said. "I've seen you around but we never really talked, come on, I'll walk you home." Rukawa said.
A few weeks later, Coach Tsujimoto has an announcement to make. "Some of you made great improvements inspite of our short time of practice and I'm pleased with that." "Some just need more training, though our mini tournaments help a lot, you need to get used to competing with well-trained players." The coach continued.
Most of the girls look bored. Some are just staring on empty space tired of the coach's long speech. "As a preparation for those who wanted to enter any girl basketball team in high school and as a final requirement for your physical education, you'll have a practice game with Shohoku basketball team next week!" the coach said jovially. Haruko spitted
out the water she was drinking. Several of the girls looked really surprised. Some looked as if the coach suggested something silly like jumping off the roof. One girl raised her hand. "But we don't stand a chance, those guys play like professionals." She commented.
"Our goal is not to win but so that you girls will get used to playing with well-trained players." The coach explained. "Well, maybe some of the basketball players are perverts, I don't like to play with them." Said a brunette. Some of the girls laughed. "But some of them are really cute." Said one girl in a pony tail. "Yeah, especially Rukawa-kun."said a girl with curly hair. "This is a good chance to improve yourselves girls, show those guys what you are made of." The coach encouraged. "Well, I guess I won't mind the loss, especially if we play with Rukawa-kun." Said one girl with glasses. Coach Tsujimoto cleared her throat. "Don't worry, you won't play with first class players, you'll play with the bench warmers for starters." "NANI?" asked the girls. "Why?" the coach asked in surprise. "They're basketball players too and you might find them pretty good." "But that means we can't play with Rukawa-kun." One girl said. "Yeah, that won't be fun at all."
Said another. "Well, let's just wait and see." Said the coach with a smile.
End of Chapter 2
AN: Comments and suggestions, please e-mail me at mimi_aya_sakura@hotmail.com
