Synopsis of Chapter 3: For the first time, Shinobi watched basketball practice and she loved it. Now, Rukawa is tutoring her about the actual game.

Ever since Rukawa and Shinobi became friends, everybody noticed change in both of them. Dismissal Time, Rukawa was going to the gym for practice when Shinobi approached him.

"Hey Rukawa! Where are you going?"

"Basketball practice."

"Oh, I see. So I guess I'll see 'ya tomorrow."

"You know, you can watch our practice if you don't have anything to do. I know you'll enjoy being there."

"Really, I can watch your practice? I'd really love that. I'll just fix my things and I'll head straight for the gym."

"That's great. So see you at the gym."

When Shinobi arrived at the gym, the team's practice has not yet started.

"Hey, you're Rukawa's friend right? What brings you here? I thought you didn't like basketball." Ayako asked.

"Yeah, I don't like basketball but I don't have anything to do. The stupid Judo club won't have me. Besides, I'd like to see for myself if Rukawa is really good at this."

"You mean, you haven't seen him play before?"

"Nope, I don't know much about the sport, that's why I never bothered. By the way, I didn't catch your name. Mine is Shinobi Tanima."

"Oh, how silly of me, my name is Ayako ." (She doesn't have a surname right? If she has, pls tell me what.)

They smiled at each other. It was obvious that they were both happy to meet each other.

"I assure you, you'll enjoy watching them play basketball." Ayako said, then she invited Shinobi to sit near her and the practice began. It was rather a very tough day, and it was getting dark.

"ASEMBLE!" the captain shouted. Signifying that practice was over.

"All of you did great today. See you all tomorrow and I hope you'll get ready for the Inter-High Competitions." (Let's just say that Tomigaoka is a tough team & they're always qualified in the IH) their coach said and all of them went to the shower/locker room.

"So Rukawa, why haven't you told us that you have a girlfriend. And she's cute aren't she guys?" a sophomore guy said.

"Yeah Rukawa, you're so lucky with the ladies. Tell us the secret to that very strong appeal of yours..." their captain also commented.

"She's not my girlfriend." Rukawa replied and then he left the shower/locker room.

"You're very lucky to have a friend like her. She's very nice." Ayako teased Rukawa when she saw him coming out.

"Thanks." He replied and turned to Shinobi "Come on, I'll walk you home."

Shinobi just nod and then they left. While they were walking,

"It's late. You could've left earlier, why didn't you?" Rukawa suddenly asked.

"Why, don't you want me around? Besides, I was having fun. Ayako is really fun to talk to. We talked about you laughs a bit clears throat and she taught me some things about basketball. And I think I want to give it a try. Um... could you... well, you know... teach me the actual game? "

Rukawa nodded.

"Really? So can I expect you tomorrow at 6:00 am at the nearby court?"

"Sure."

"Yay! I can't wait for it!"

Next morning, Rukawa cycled to the place where he would teach Shinobi (it's the court (whatever place that is) where Haruko taught Sakuragi the lay-up shot). When he reached the court she was dribbling a basketball trying the best she could. She tried to shoot it but it didn't go in. It was an air ball (is that what it's called?).

"You're held the ball wrong."

"Oh, it's you! Good morning Rukawa."

Then Rukawa picked the ball shoot it. Of course it went in. He picked the ball again and gave it to Shinobi. He positioned her hands right and whispered the right thing to do to her (I don't know, that's why I didn't mention). She tried for the second time and it hit the ring, but still didn't go in.

"That was a close one. Could you teach me more techniques?" And they spent the morning playing.

Every morning they do that. Little by little Shinobi learned the things about basketball and she learned to love the sport as much as Rukawa (well maybe not that much). She was always seen in their practices and she watched every game of their team in the Inter-High.

Because Shinobi now liked basketball, their friendship grew more. It was not long until the school year ended. Even it was vacation; they still see each other. They always have one on one matches, sometimes Shinobi could beat Rukawa, but most of the times Rukawa is the one victorious.

It didn't take long for them to be back at school again. But this time, they're sophomore students. They were classmates again. Just like in their first year, Rukawa was in the basketball club and Shinobi watches their practice. But one day, the coach of the team approached her.

"Excuse me, do you have a minute?" the coach asked her while she was watching a game between the first year vs. second year and third year.

"Oh, of course." She replied, then they talked outside the gym.

When practice was over Rukawa and Shinobi walked home together, Rukawa noticed Shinobi's smile is merrier than usual.

"What's with all the smiling?" he asked

"I always smile... Why do you sound so intrigued this time?"

"You're smile today is different. What happened?"

" giggles You really do know me well... It's because I belong to a club now."

"But I thought the Judo club won't have you. Did they change their mind?"

"No silly, I'm not in the Judo club. I'm in the basketball club."

FLASHBACK:

"What can I do for you sir?" she asked politely.

"Well, I've been thinking... maybe, if you're interested to join our team?"

"Pardon sir? But female recruits are not allowed in the team..."

"Maybe female players are not allowed, but a female assistant coach is accepted."

"Does this mean, you want me to be your assistant?"

"Well, yes. I mean if that's ok with you. I really see your fondness in basketball I also see that you play. Do you accept my invitation?"

"Yes sir, I do."

END OF FLASHBACK

So with that, she became the assistant of their coach. Because of that, she and Rukawa became even closer and Rukawa's admirers gets more jealous. Rumors even spread that she and Rukawa are dating, but since they just ignored it, it passed and the people knew that they were just friends. YET

AN: Sorry for the sudden change of POV. I couldn't think straight right now. Too much pressure on studies. If you're a pro at Algebra and Biology, please help me!