A/N:

Hello!

Sorry, I was busy with school. o.o Anyway, thank you for the follows!

This chapter contains a bit of a flashback in the middle. In the anime/manga, there are two second-years in the first string of Teikou that were named: Sekiguchi and Kubota. Sekiguchi will be making an appearance here and Kubota will also be mentioned here. :D Also, look out for blondes ;)

Here 'ya go~

Feel free to ask if you have clarifications or anything! Thanks~~


It was a Saturday.

Saturdays are great for sleeping in, especially if one just had a tiring match the day before. Nothing bad happens during Saturdays. Saturdays are –

A knock.

"Tsumiko" a male voice called behind the door.

This.

This is the worst thing that could happen during a Saturday.

Recognizing the voice that belonged to her brother, the girl didn't even bother to get up from the comforts of her bed to open the door. Instead, she let out an irritated "What?", voice still a bit hoarse from the sleep.

"Nijimura and the others are already on their way, so you better hurry up"

Her eyes shot up, and she immediately pushed the covers away. Not even bothering to give in to the temptation – which is to open the door, just so she could shut the door on her brother's face – she made a run to her closet, without tripping, in all fairness.

Yuuta, on the other side of the door, heard the panicked steps his sister made. Restraining himself from laughing, he left and proceeded downstairs.

A few minutes later, the youngest child rushed down the stairs and towards the dining room, where her brother was taking his time eating his sandwich.

"Wow, it's such a skill that you could still dress nicely under pressure" Yuuta casually remarked as he surveyed his sister. She was wearing white sneakers, denim shorts, a black tank top, an unbuttoned red Off-White plaid long sleeves that hang loose on her petite frame.

Despite the casual tone of her brother, Tsumiko didn't miss the suspicious glint in his eyes. As the gears on her mind worked, she looked at the clock – undoubtingly with its own gears perfectly working.

It was early.

It was a Saturday.

It was still early.

Not wanting to admit defeat easily, she fought the urge to roll her eyes and simply took the seat across her snickering brother, without showing any sign of annoyance on her face.


"Senpai!" "Irosuzuka-senpai!" two boys beamed as they approached the older of the Irosuzuka siblings.

The younger Irosuzuka's eyes wandered to the raven-haired second-year, who was following behind the two boys. He was sporting a simple black-shorts-and-navy-shirt look, topped with an unbuttoned gray long sleeve and his usual scowl.

"Senpai, Kubota couldn't make it today" Sekiguchi Toru, who was a reserve player last year, but was now a second-year small forward of the first string, informed about Kubota Masaya, who was also a reserve player last year and was now a second-year shooting guard of the first-string.

"Yeah even Miyagi and the other third years already had plans" Obura Bunta, a third-year who has been playing as a center of the first string since last year, added – referring to Miyagi Youhei, a third-year who has also been playing as a point guard of the first string since last year.

"It's okay, since this is all so sudden. How are you guys?" The former Teikou captain and small forward then focused his eyes at Nijimura, "How's the team, captain?"

The current captain and power forward replied dryly, "Same old, probably better since you're not there. Already heard about the four first-year brats who entered the first string?"

Ignoring the first statement, the older and slightly shorter male retorted back," Yeah, I did. But isn't it good to know that the greatest brat of all is not much of a brat now, huh?"

The atmosphere, which was growing a bit dark due to the supposedly playful exchange of two raven-haired boys, was brightened by a sudden laugh by a light-haired boy, Sekiguchi.

"This is so like the good old times. Why won't we play some ball, huh?" Sekiguchi asked, while bringing out a basketball from his bag.

At the sight of the radiant color of the basketball, Yuuta enthusiastically replied, "Sure, we still have time before lunch anyway."

The younger raven-haired boy simply followed behind the three eager boys, stealing a glance to the girl quietly walking beside him.


Sitting on the bench of an open court at a nearby park, Tsumiko watched the boys play with other people on the court and coached them from time to time. This brought back memories of the time she had decided to attend Teikou.

...

It was the final game of the Nationals last year. Teikou was against Haranishi Junior High. Tsumiko was seated next to her mother on the stands. It was her first time watching her brother play in the Nationals because during the past two years, she spent her summer in Kyoto.

Teikou was leading, up until the second quarter. However, she sensed something wasn't right and no, it wasn't the blond-haired guy that stood out from the team.

This was why during the half-time break, she hurried towards Teikou's locker room, lying to her mom about going to the restroom. Once she managed to sneak past the security and reached the locker room, she overheard the coach giving instructions. Panicking at the instructions, she completely forgot about her place, as she didn't even knock and barged into the room.

Ignoring her brother's 'Tsumiko?!', she offered the coach a bow before introducing herself and saying "Pardon my rudeness." She then proceeded to explain and voiced out her suggestion.

Now, usually when kids say something smart, people would simply pat their heads or squeak out a 'You're so adorable'. She normally didn't like it when older people did that, but oh how Tsumiko wished that the older man in front of her would do that, instead of showing her a smile that if Tsumiko didn't know better, she would be convinced that he was actually fond of her.

"Little miss, only the Teikou basketball team is allowed in here. Also, only a coach can give instructions to his players" he then shifted his gaze to the raven-haired boy standing next to the girl and commanded, "Irosuzuka-kun, let one of the bench members escort your sister back to the stands"

Tsumiko was stunned. However, she hoped that her vocal chords and mouth were stunned as well, because instead of giving in to the coach's command, she still managed to say "It's fine, I can go back by myself. I apologize for intruding. I wish you all luck" With another bow, she left the room.

As the match resumed, she noted that Teikou was still following the coach's instructions, and by the end of the game, Teikou lost.

After the awarding ceremony, the coach approached Tsumiko, who was busy taking pictures with her brother and mother.

"Coach! My mother's here, and uh, you already know my sister" Yuuta said with an awkward chuckle.

"It's nice to see you again, Madam" he then turned towards Tsumiko and said, "I'm the head coach, Shirogane. I take that our first meeting wasn't that pleasant, right little miss? I would like to apologize. It also appears that you were right." He gave her a smile, but this time it wasn't as threatening as before instead, it looked apologetic. Before she could even say that she had been rude and that there was no need to apologize, her mother interrupted.

"Pardon me, but what do you mean, coach? I believe I'm a little bit lost here"

Tsumiko was about to explain, but she was once again interrupted, as the coach told the story.

Oh, adults.

"Your daughter's a keen observant. She might have the talent and potential to be a coach." He once again showed them a genuine smile.

Tsumiko felt pleasant while hearing the word 'coach'. She also remembered what the coach said back in the locker room.

'Only the Teikou basketball team is allowed in here.

Also, only a coach can give instructions to his players'

'A coach' she pondered

Her thoughts came out before the voice of reason could intervene, "Can I be a coach in Teikou?"

The three simply looked at her.

Yuuta was the first one to recover and he uttered the only words that could be said in this situation "Oi Tsumiko?!"

"I guess I'll take that as an application?" Coach Shirogane chuckled, but they all sensed that he was seriously considering it.

This time, the three looked at him

Yuuta was the first one to react again, "Wait, Coach?!"

The coach nodded. With that confirmation, her mother held her hands and said "Wait, Tsu-chan, are you serious, honey?"

Wide-eyed, she looked up to her mother and nodded "Will it be okay, mom?"

"We'll talk about it with your father, okay? I believe that as long as you don't forget your studies, you could be allowed to be one. But hey, I know my baby girl can do it!"

Feeling a bit embarrassed by how she was addressed by her mother, she turned to the coach and bowed. She said "Thank you, coach. However, I believe that I need to get into Teikou first, right?", tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Of course. But once you and your family have decided, I can allow you to visit the team during training sessions whenever you're free."

With this, the mother and daughter beamed, while the son's jaw was still left hanging.

A certain blonde boy walked up to them to call the coach and captain back to the team. Now that she saw him up close, she deduced that blond wasn't his natural hair color. He only did a slight bow before going back to his team.

...

"Nijimura-senpai, have you ever considered dying your hair blond again?"

The three other boys, who just finished a game, burst out laughing at the memory of a blond Nijimura back in his first-year.

Nijimura just slightly gaped as he felt betrayed by the girl's random question.

Flick.

"Ow"

Tsumiko had just been flicked on her forehead by no other than Nijimura. The other boys simply paused for a second before laughing even louder.

At the sight of her brother dying from laughter, she thought, 'This traitor'


After lunch, they were all strolling down the shopping street. The three boys in front of her seem to enjoy each other's company. On the other hand, the boy beside her seems to be so bored, as usual. Unlike the three guys, who do not seem to run out of topics to talk about, she and the current captain just talked about whatever they see on the streets.

"Oh that looks nice"

"Yeah"

"That one's funny"

"Looks like crap"

'Crap' was how she felt during the rest of the walk.

Next thing she knew, they were entering a building for a restroom break.

Obura was the first one to get out. The dark brown-haired center was just casually waiting outside when a pretty boy with equally pretty blond hair rushed into the building – casually making him momentarily confused of his sexuality.

"Oi Nijimura, how'd you dye your hair blond before?" he hazily asked when he felt everyone's presence, causing another fit of laughter from everyone except one certain captain.

It took Nijimura a lot of self-control to not punch Obura in the face as he spat, "You'll look shitty"

Obura wasn't even offended because it was true – thanks to the existence of the pretty boy with pretty blond hair.

Few moments after recovering from his laughter, Yuuta checked his phone and declared, "Oh shit, I'm sorry, but I have to go now. I'll be meeting some of my classmates from middle school at 4. You guys can still stay."

With this, Tsumiko checked the time, as well.

3:30.

'This traitor.' He didn't tell her about this.

"Ah, it's 3:30!" Sekiguchi announced with all the panic he could muster, before continuing, "Need to go now, too. How about you Obura-senpai?"

"I suddenly feel like shit" Obura dejectedly replied. It was true.

"Oh that's too bad, Obura. You should go now, too. Then I guess, I'll leave Tsumiko to you, Nijimura?" Yuuta patted Nijimura's shoulder with his left hand.

"But Yuuta-nii"

He held his sister's shoulder with his other hand."It's okay. I already told mom we won't be home by dinner anyways, so go ahead and have some fun." He then innocently looked at Nijimura, "Unless, Nijimura has plans?"

Still taken aback by the situation, Tsumiko missed the suspicious glint in her brother's eyes.

But, Nijimura wasn't a moron.

Sekiguchi's acting was just bullshit and what the hell was wrong with their center.

But, maybe he is a little bit of a moron.

He didn't get it. What's their point in doing this?

Nothing made sense, except one – their former captain was surely a bastard.

"I don't have plans. I'll take her home safely."


Okay now, this was too much.

It was even worse than earlier since they were alone now. They were never awkward, right?

In school or in practice, they have plenty things to talk about. But this – this is outside territory. She realized that basketball and school were the only things they talk about.

She looked at her watch.

4:30.

It had only been an hour since her brother ditched her, and they already ran out of topics to talk to about.

Still walking aimlessly down the shopping district, she wondered if he felt awkward too, so she turned towards him, only to see him staring ahead with a pensive expression.

"Sorry, senpai. You probably had other things to do" she blurted out.

He faced her, as he spoke, "Like I said, I don't have plans, so stop worrying", giving her a smile and a gentle pat on the head.

After recovering from the sudden and brief contact, she questioned "Well, is there anything you want to do?"

"Hmm..I really can't think of anything. But I guess I haven't been to the arcade for a while" he answered, while gesturing to the arcade, which was two shops ahead.

When they entered the arcade, he noticed how her eyes sparkled. Observing her wandering eyes, he wondered, "First time in an arcade?"

Realizing she had made her excitement so obvious, she explained, "O-of course not. It's just, I guess this will be the first time that I can fully explore it. When we were younger, Yuuta-nii and I rarely went to arcades, and when we did, we usually had a time limit", letting out a pitiful laugh afterwards.

His eyebrows slightly raised with this information, "Y'know I was really amazed to see how you two don't act like the usual spoiled brats, well your brother's still a bastard. Guess, you guys are still treated as the spoiled brats that you're expected to be, huh?"

She shook her head a bit, "Well, I think our parents are still relatively lax than the others. I mean, some kids probably aren't given this much freedom. I'm thankful, but maybe, sometimes there are some things that really can't be helped"

"That's such a pain" He sighed before guiding her further inside the arcade, "Alright, let's play as long as you want, then"

It was beginning to feel warm.

It was probably due to her proximity to him, as he led her towards the Tekken game, careful not to bump onto people in the almost-crowded arcade.


Tsumiko didn't know how many arcade games have they played already. She didn't even bother checking her watch this time.

She was busy playing air hockey with the second-year. They both won one game each, so they were now playing their final round to determine the winner. It was an important match because they had a bet – the loser will treat the other to ice cream.

Now, ice cream made everything serious. With the mention of ice cream, anyone, especially middle schoolers, would get extra competitive.

She was already preparing for his attack. She already had a plan – if anyone even has the time to make plans for air hockey.

Ring.

Nijimura landed a goal

Ring.

"Senpai, aren't you going to answer it?"

Ring.

"That can wait. This cannot."

Ring.

Tsumiko attacked and scored.

Ring

With an irritated tone, he finally picked up his phone "What?"

His annoyed expression changed to that of a shocked one then to a worried one.

"Okay. I'll be there."

With that, he hung up and gave her an apologetic expression, "Uh, that was my sister and she said there's an emergency." He paused a bit and continued, "She's older but she could be such an idiot sometimes, y'know" while shaking his head.

Tsumiko only looked at him expectantly, urging him to go on.

"Sorry, I have to leave. I need to go to that brat."

He then raised the air hockey equipment in his hand as he said, "Guess, I lost? Don't worry, I'll still buy you ice cream."

"No, it's okay" she finally assured with a small smile.

She glanced at her watch.

6:35.

They then returned the equipment and walked towards the entrance. Seeing that it was turning dark outside, he offered, "Well, I'll at least take you home. I'm really sorry"

Stopping in front of the arcade, she met his gaze, "You don't have to. I'll be fine. Your sister needs you"

Despite the bright lights of the arcade behind them, she noticed the relief that briefly adorned his face – only to be replaced by regret again.

"Thanks for understanding. I'll go ahead. Text me once you get home, okay?"

With her lips slightly tugged upwards, she reassured him one last time, "I will. Thanks for today, senpai."

He simply smiled back and nodded before walking away.

However, once he was far from the girl's sight, he ran.