A/N: A reviewer asked me to update a story, I have one more. Rather, I modified an old one.
#07 LOVE WILL BRING YOU BACK
by
サンテラ
"Love will lead you back here, to reap a longing, to heal past hurts. Bring with you the old self, the one who loved me for who I am." - Dewa 19
The school retained a familiar grandeur, a relic to time's slow touch. Though some walls bore the marks of fresh paint, it was unmistakably Shohoku, the place of his youth. He inhaled, the crisp air a nostalgic echo of his past. A rush of memories flooded his senses – the rhythmic thump of a basketball, the roar of a frenzied crowd. Even amidst the bustle of students, his mind swirled with those bygone days. A faint smile played on his lips.
Teenagers in uniform streamed through the open gate, stealing curious glances his way. He chuckled inwardly as they whispered and giggled. He hoped he didn't look out of place in his simple white t-shirt, black coat, faded jeans, and Air Jordans.
Ignoring their chatter, he strode confidently towards the school office, his every step guided by ingrained memory. The girls' whispers intensified, but their words remained elusive. With determined strides, he reached his destination.
"So, the new basketball coach arrives today, eh?" Tanaka Sato, the cheerful science teacher, chirped from his swivel chair, twirling with childlike glee.
"According to the Prefecture Office, yes. And from what I gather, he's an alumnus – a former Shohoku basketball player himself," Nohara Takashi, the bespectacled math teacher, replied with a hint of pride.
"One of the golden years?" Tanaka inquired.
"Indeed. Though after graduation, he seems to have followed our path – college, then teaching."
"I heard he's quite handsome!" Murabe Kaoru, the Japanese language teacher, exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. Her glossy black hair curled neatly below her ears, and her crimson lips hinted at a playful spirit. Though single, she radiated an infectious optimism.
"Don't forget those wedding invitations if things work out, my dear," Tanaka teased. "Looking forward to celebrating your happiness – and free drinks!"
"Pay for your own, cheapskate!" she retorted with a playful pout.
"Such unbecoming conduct for a teacher," Takashi quipped. "If you want that elusive invitation, Miss Murabe, perhaps a touch less intimidation is in order."
Akagi Haruko glanced back to see Tanaka winking in her direction. "Miss Murabe is just fine," she offered with an easy smile. Miss Murabe's laughter echoed in the room, a carefree sound tinged with a hint of mischief.
"Always the spoilsport, Akagi," Tanaka said with a mischievous grin.
The office door creaked open, interrupting their banter.
"Greetings. I'm Mitsui Hisashi, the new Shohoku basketball coach."
Haruko turned to see him, now fully straightened after his respectful bow. His heart almost stopped when he saw her familiar deep blue eyes. He had undeniably matured, but the same piercing gaze met hers, radiating the familiar intensity of his youth. A warmth spread through her as she stood and bowed.
"Welcome back, Hisashi... It's been a while."
END
