A/N:
Hey everyone, I'm back! ;A; Thanks for all the faves, follows and reviews! :)
To Sapphiresushi, I hope the backstory I made about him turning his hair to blond during his first year was alright, even if it's a bit sad T-T
Anyway, please enjoy~
If there was something that Tsumiko learned from her parents – it was to be proud and elegant.
Proud.
Her father Hiroshi, being the head of the Irosuzuka group, presented himself, his company, and his family with pride.
Elegant.
Her mother Emi, being a former professional ballerina, walked with grace and acted with elegance.
Proud and elegant.
That was what she have always aspired to be.
To accomplish this, she have always tried to act mature, but sometimes, her childish side would just make a way to ruin that.
But what can she do?
She was a child.
...
"It's been bothering me, why is there a middle-school girl in this room?"
That question was from Coach Kasuga, the head coach of the defending champion, Haranishi Junior High. It was asked after the rules of the tournament had been discussed during the coaches' meeting on the first day of the Nationals.
A man, who was the head referee and part of the committee or organizers of the National tournament, nodded at the Teikou coaches, allowing them to deal with the matter.
"Pardon the late introduction, but this middle-school girl is a first-year named Irosuzuka Tsumiko and she is currently being trained to be a coach of Teikou.", Coach Shirogane explained. He paused, and Tsumiko took this as her cue to stand up and bow.
He then continued, with his usual smile on, "I believe Coach Ono here could attest to her skills as she had led our second-string team to win the practice game against Kouen Junior High."
At the mention of their school, Coach Ono and their school's head coach shared a look, before Coach Ono addressed the Teikou head coach, "Uh, yes. She had indeed shown impressive performance, considering her age."
Haranishi's head coach briefly chuckled, "You were beaten by a little girl?"
"Please stop being sexist, Coach Kasuga. Still, Coach Shirogane, isn't she a little too young?", one of the very few female coaches in the room and the head coach of Kamata West Junior High, Coach Shimamura, said.
Murmurs of agreement filled the room and the head referee broke this as he announced, "Everyone! The committee had already discussed about this when Coach Shirogane informed us two months ago. We'd already decided to accept Ms. Irosuzuka, but only as a trainee, since Teikou still hasn't officially made her a coach. As you've seen, she wasn't allowed to put her inputs during this meeting. But, she is allowed to join the matches as a trainee coach - given that she would not be left alone in the job by Teikou's coaches."
Thankfully, the others seemed to accept, making Tsumiko's desire to crawl into a hole lessen – but, Coach Kasuga just had to make one more comment.
"Fine, the child doesn't pose any harm to us anyways. I was just worried for Teikou."
...
She was a child.
Being a child comes with the childishness of seeking revenge.
And the wishes she'd made every time she happens to catch a glimpse of Haranishi Junior High's matches, so that Coach Kasuga would lose.
And when she was not granted her wishes, the fierce look directed at their now finals opponent's coach, Coach Kasuga – only when she was sure he wasn't looking their way and no one was looking at her.
It was now the finals. Teikou was against the defending champion, Haranishi Junior High. They were now in the last minutes of the second quarter of the match and Teikou was leading by two points.
"Irosuzuka, be prepared to report your observations during the halftime break", Coach Sanada said.
"Yes, coach."
So far this was how it went for the past matches. While Coach Shirogane and Coach Sanada were discussing strategies among themselves, Tsumiko was just listening. She would only watch the game, then report her observations during the halftime break and at the end of the game. They would also ask her for possible points of improvement, troubleshooting methods, and strategies.
She was starting to believe that they were just grading her based on what she's saying. The Nationals was supposed to be her final assessment to determine whether she could officially become a coach or not. She just didn't expect and didn't really enjoy the idea that it was in the form of an oral exam.
Well that's just unpredictable and anticlimactic because how could she prove herself to Coach Kasuga and the others now?
Buzz.
The end of the second quarter revealed a score of 53-49, with Teikou's advantage.
Seeing their players – consisting almost all the starters except Aomine and Midorima substituting Sekiguchi and Kubota respectively – approach the benches, she stood up and helped Momoi in handing out towels and water bottles.
She first handed a towel and a water bottle to Midorima, who only nodded a 'thanks' then rushed past her towards the baby doll seated securely in between Akashi and Murasakibara.
"Oi Satsuki, the water's not that cold."
"Just finish that first Aomine-kun. I'll get you another one after."
At the childhood friends' exchange, she shook her head before taking another set of towel and bottle. When she turned around, she was met by a chest and she caught a whiff of sweat. Looking up, she saw the captain's slightly panting face with beads of sweat threatening to drop. She felt her heart skip a beat and she was very tempted to wipe the sweat off his face. Before she could even do that, though, Nijimura took the towel and bottle from her hands – with his fingers gently brushing against hers. It was only after downing the bottle did he give her a breathy 'thanks'.
To stop herself from fawning over him, she took her eyes off his face. Her gaze landed on the rainbow wristband on his left arm, and this caused her to beam at him, "You really wore it! It actually looks good."
He did say he was considering on wearing it this year, but during their previous games, he only wore his usual black wristband, so she kind of didn't expect him to wear the rainbow one – nor the white one.
Nijimura just shrugged before speaking, "He's watching today so yeah", referring to his father.
Before they could even talk more, they were already being hurried to go inside the locker rooms – causing Tsumiko to panic when she was reminded about her reports to be presented.
As soon as she finished her report, she was anticipating questions from the coaches. No, she wasn't expecting Coach Shirogane to tell her to prepare herself because he would assign her to coach anytime in the remaining half of the game. Nope, not at all.
"But, Coach Shirogane?"
Ah, it seemed that Coach Sanada wasn't expecting that either.
It's confirmed. Coach Shirogane was indeed the devil.
"Coach Sanada, her assessment is still incomplete. You know that we can't just grade her based on her reports. It's not enough for an aspiring coach to be theoretical. She needs to apply her learnings too. Besides, she had moved up to the first-string through actual matches, so it only makes sense to do the same now."
Well, here goes the practical exam.
'Is the aircon on fullblast? But this is an arena, it's not supposed to be that cold', Tsumiko mused as she felt the temperature dropping around her. The third quarter just started, yet the tips of her fingers were already growing cold.
'Water. Maybe, I need water.'
With this thought, she stood up from her seat beside Coach Sanada and went towards the ice chest next to Momoi. When she opened the ice chest, however, she closed it immediately.
'Nope. Too cold.'
"Iro-chan, are you okay? You're kinda...shivering."
At the sound of her friend's voice, anxious dark eyes met worried pink eyes.
"The fuck. Are you that nervous, you feel damn cold? Wear a fucking jacket or you might just piss yourself."
The two girls stopped staring at each other and faced the owner of the voice and profanities, who was seated at the bench in front of the one Momoi was sitting on. An idea then came to Tsumiko.
"Haizaki-san, can I borrow yours, then?"
Haizaki, who initially had his head slightly turned to the side, fully faced them as he scowled, "Hell no", then smirked, "Besides, it'll be too big for you tiny-san. Go find someone who's as chibi as you, like that little red riding hood over there or something", while pointing his thumb over his shoulder.
Following the direction of his thumb, she took a glance to the court, where two third-years, Nijimura, Murasakibara, and – little red riding hood – Akashi, were playing, "But he's playing."
The gray-haired boy rolled his gray eyes at her, "Just fucking take his jacket", then gestured towards the girl beside her, "Pinky manager over here knows where it is."
Momoi flinched at the nickname, "Uh, yes. Iro-chan, I'll help you find it in the basket over there", then went ahead towards the basket of jackets and towels.
"Thank you, Haizaki-san."
"Ugh, just get your pathetic ass outta my sight."
As soon as she turned around, he muttered something under his breath, but Tsumiko was sure of what she heard and it made her eyes go wide.
Proud and elegant.
During the last week of July – when she made an Ikebana – the Japanese irises were already in full bloom.
Now in the first week of August – in this finals game – it was time for her to bloom as well.
With her wavy hair tied up in a ponytail, Tsumiko wore Teikou's summer uniform, and with her school shoes exchanged to rubber shoes. Lastly, the Teikou basketball team's jacket – which she had already apologized and thanked Akashi for – hang a little bit loosely on her body, but was effective in fighting the cold and in making her feel less vulnerable and exposed to the eyes that were probably focusing on her, as she took the seat in the middle of the older coaches.
The third quarter just ended and Teikou was behind by five points. This was why the gym sort of fell silent when they saw the young girl, but after a moment, murmurs started to fill the gym.
As the players of the last minutes of the third quarter – Midorima, Sekiguchi, Obura, Miyagi, Nijimura – near the benches, Tsumiko stood up, with the coaching board on her hands.
"Miyagi Youhei, Obura Bunta, Sekiguchi Toru, Kubota Masaya, and Haizaki Shougo. You will start the fourth quarter. It's their possession, so we need to make a steal and a fastbreak immediately and get it to a tie. Miyagi Youhei and Kubota Masaya will be the key players for this."
The fourth quarter started and she took her seat, and saw Coach Kasuga chuckling alongside his assistant coach, while casting glances towards their direction. When he finally locked eyes on her, he showed her a smug smile.
Along with Haizaki's muttered words echoing in her mind, she pressed her lips tightly.
She was a child
But, as a young aspiring coach, she was going to be proud and elegant.
So instead of glaring at their opponent's coach, she simply smiled at him – the type of smile Coach Shirogane and her brother always had, seemingly innocent and kind but poisonous – before watching the play being executed by the Teikou team. When she saw that Kubota successfully made the three-point shot, she straightened her back, mentally noting that her mom probably saw her initial posture from the stands and would likely give her a lecture about it later.
Despite Teikou managing to tie the score, Haranishi's players were putting extra pressure on Teikou's players forcing them to make emergency passes that leads to them losing the play. It was also becoming obvious that the four starters were already exhausted, as shown by them being short on shots and missing their free-throws.
Her hands were curled into fists and she felt thankful for the slightly longer sleeves of the jacket that hid her fists well. Two minutes into the last quarter of the championship game, the opposing team was already leading by 7 points, and so far the only player that scored for Teikou the most was Haizaki, the only non-starter and first-year.
'Wait, first-year?'
Of course, the first years.
Being a first-year herself, Coach Shirogane had always asked her to look after her fellow first-years. Moreover, one of the problems she'd seen and reported during the previous rounds was about some members – specifically the first-years – being underutilized, yet Coach Shirogane seemed to ignore this problem, so she just dismissed it as a mistake on her part. It was only this time that she had realized that she was left with no choice but to use the first-years, as if it was all part of a plan – a devil's plan.
Turning to her right side, she waited for the devil coach to face her, and when he did, he smiled.
...
It took her some time to pick the stems and the Japanese irises, and to make necessary adjustments on the lengths and cuts. She was extra meticulous. It was an Ikebana for the Nationals after all.
...
Timeout.
"Akashi Seijuurou, Murasakibara Atsushi, Aomine Daiki, and Midorima Shintarou"
As soon as the four joined Haizaki in the court, gasps could be heard inside the gym – including her own. It was totally understandable.
The sight was just...colorful.
The match resumed and following their movements was really pleasing to her eyes. With Aomine's wild moves, Midorima's calculated threes, Murasakibara's blocks and rebounds, Haizaki's ability to mimic his opponents' moves and use it against them, and Akashi's strategic set-ups, Teikou caught up once again.
...
She took the first stem and pinned it on the kenzan. She placed the next stem, then the last. All three stems were straight and polished.
...
Timeout
"Go in, Nijimura Shuuzo"
"Yes."
As the captain walked towards the court, he raised his right hand to meet Haizaki's, and there on his right wrist was a white wristband, matching the rainbow wristband on his left.
With wide eyes, Tsumiko watched his back, as he walked with pride. Feeling more determined, she let the corners of her lips curve up.
...
Once she was satisfied with the lengths and positions of the three stems, she placed the supporting stems, which were shorter than the three main stems. Next, she cut these stems so that each gap between one stem to the next is the same, before arranging them to circle around the three main stems.
...
Timeout
For the last two minutes of the final quarter, the coach-in-training made the rest of the starters join the captain in the court.
...
She then placed three Japanese irises to join the three main stems at the middle. Two flowers were a mix of violet and white, with one being more violet and the other being more white. The third flower had a solid and darker violet color. The flowers stood tall against the other stems, including the three polished stems.
After a few more adjustments, the Ikebana was done, and it was proud and elegant.
...
Buzz.
Abruptly, Tsumiko stood up. A second after, cheers filled the gymnasium.
77-70.
Tsumiko just froze in her spot. A second after, she could see a raven-haired boy jog to the bench – to her, specifically – with the rest of the starters following behind him.
A second after, she felt a pair of arms wrapping around her. Heat was radiating from the person's body and she could smell a mix of sweat and fabric conditioner from the person's jersey. She then felt the vibrations of a deep and familiar voice saying,
"We did it...coach."
'Coach?'
Warmth spread across her chest and tears welled up her eyes. The hold around her loosened and she looked up at the person and saw a very happy Nijimura. As her tears fell, she saw his grinning face shift to an alarmed one. However, before either of them could even speak, she felt herself being squished to his chest and in instinct, she wrapped her arms around him – as the rest of the starters formed a group hug.
Hearing the celebratory noises of their team, her tears were replaced by laughs. She didn't know how long the group hug lasted, but all she knew was that as soon as the other members from the bench joined in, she somehow got separated from Nijimura and yet, she was really feeling warm as she laughed and cheered like a child.
"Everyone!"
The voice of the head coach caused them to collect themselves and break out from their mess. That was when Tsumiko saw that her fellow first years were a bit far from them. Aomine was grinning and had his hands over Momoi and an uncomfortable Midorima, but when they faced the coaches, Midorima immediately pushed himself off the tan boy. Haizaki probably made a mocking comment, then gulped a little when Midorima sent him a glare. Murasakibara and Akashi were just standing there, but they both had small smiles on their faces.
Once Coach Shirogane was sure he already got their attention, he was about to continue when the captain interrupted, "Excuse me, coach."
"Oi, first-years, get over here."
The first years did as they were told, and as they approached the group, Nijimura ruffled their hairs – including the startled Momoi, the taller Murasakibara, and the defiant Haizaki. He then gestured everyone to huddle around the older coaches.
Coach Sanada shook his head, while Coach Shirogane chuckled a bit before speaking, "That was unnecessary, but anyway, good job everyone and congratulations to all. I also welcome our newest coach, Irosuzuka. That's all for now. Let's discuss the rest later and let's now go and shake hands with the other team, and get our trophy."
They cheered for a while, before dispersing and meeting the other team at the court. When Tsumiko saw Coach Kasuga approaching, she stood tall before bowing politely then extending her arm, "It was a good game, Coach Kasuga, and I am honored to have participated in this game."
Fortunately, he took her hand, "Congratulations to your team." Unfortunately, though, he still had one last remark, "You are lucky that Teikou has a talented team."
The young coach felt a sting from his comment, but she maintained her cool, "Indeed, I am."
Her eyes followed Coach Kasuga as he shook hands with Coach Shirogane. He then whispered something to Coach Shirogane, which caused the latter's usual smile to falter for a bit. Tsumiko just shook her head to dismiss it, along with all the other negativities, and to just celebrate their win.
After the awarding, she briefly met her mom, before their team went to the lockers to change and discuss more things. At the locker room, Coach Shirogane explained more about her role in the team. To make her load lighter, he assigned her to be a special coach for her fellow first years, while Coach Sanada will focus on the higher years. He also noted that she's still a student coach, so she should do her best to keep her position.
They were then dismissed, making her feel more relaxed.
But only for a while.
Because, once they near the arena's lobby, she heard the clicking of cameras and she saw flashes of cameras.
Of course. How could she forget about the reporters from TV networks and sports magazines?
They weren't really that much , but still they were enough to make her feel overwhelmed. She had seen reporters before, but her parents have always told her not to answer them. Instead, it was usually her brother who speaks to the reporters, and despite not knowing much, she was certain he was good at it.
But this time is different. Her brother's not here and she's a coach now. So by the time a reporter approached her and asked a question, she smiled and answered.
Most of the questions were actually simple, but she would still sometimes stutter a bit. Thankfully, Coach Shirogane was beside her and assisted her when they asked her about her position in the team. Taking it as a chance, she then took a glance around her, and saw that the starters and Nijimura were being interviewed too. She also saw that her fellow first years were being interviewed as well, with Aomine being the most enthusiastic among them. What caught her attention the most was Akashi, who was calm and confident. He was simply being Akashi, and yet she was still amazed.
But she was also puzzled.
There was something off about him.
No, no – not really him, but there was something off about his outfit.
.
.
.
'Wait! His jacket!', she internally panicked, when she realized that she was still currently and shamelessly hiding in the comforts of his jacket, while there he stood – exposed to the reporters.
Unfortunately, before she could even take the jacket off, a reporter asked another question, then another, then another, until she forgot about the jacket once again.
That night, Coach Shirogane tuned in to the sports channel. Teikou basketball team's victory was shown during the news section. In their report, they mentioned the first-year coach and the promising first year players of Teikou. They also made a brief comment on how lucky Teikou was, and made a joke on how it almost seemed impossible for a bunch of first-years like them to be gathered in the same school.
Hearing that certain part of the report, Teikou's head coach looked back on what Coach Kasuga whispered earlier.
...
"Aren't you being a bit cruel, Coach Shirogane? From what I've seen, those first years of yours are not ordinary. You're really gonna let her be a coach and let her handle those monsters?"
...
When the report about Teikou was done, he turned the television off and muttered to himself.
"No, Coach Kasuga. They aren't monsters. They are miracles."
