"With your grades, you can go any school you want but why Shohoku High?" he suddenly asked.
She blinked in surprise.
"Aren’t you aware that there is no female team in this school?" And you loved basketball so much, he added silently.
It seemed that Shizuko flinched at his question and a lengthy silence ensured. Then sitting up, she folded and rested her arms on her bent knees. "Why do you love basketball?"
Rukawa turned and stared at her because he did not count on her to answer his question with another question.
"……"
Seeing his reaction, she sadly smiled and softly continued, "Everyone has his or her reasons for doing certain things……it is suffice to say that I played basketball to keep the memory of my loved one alive. "
The Sensei was trying very hard to rein his temper.
His crooked fingers clenched and unclenched slowly, forcefully crumbling the white chalk in his sweaty palm into bits. However, the ivory powder was swept off by the wind before it sifted down on the classroom floor.
Without a doubt, all the students in the room witnessed this dramatic scene, and the whole of the pupil body kept quiet. Ironically, the noise of the crushing chalk was further amplified by its hushed surroundings, making everyone held their breath, waiting for the long overdue outburst. His rage radiated outward, scorching anyone within radius. Some timid ones cringed in fright, preparing themselves for the worst.
Yes, all of the students were apprehensive……
……all except one.
His head lay on his folded arms, which were positioned on the left end of the table. A lazy breeze caught his hair and caressed it lightly, as if trying to gently wake him up from his afternoon slumber.
Of course this serene figure, which was oblivious to its surroundings, was the source of the man’s fury. The Sensei gave the ill-fated chalk the final crunch, crushing it out of its very existence and the students paled considerably at once.
"Ru..Rukawa….." He finally spit the name out. The guy seated right in front of Rukawa was desperately finding a place to hide, least the enraged Sensei decided to shift his attention to him.
Grabbing the sides of the table in his last attempt to contain his animosity, the Sensei called out again, "RU-KA-WA."
It had an ominous ring to it.
Surprisingly, his head snapped up in attention. Perhaps he was not sleeping at all. The dark piercing eyes only coldly regarded the angry Sensei, as though challenging him to unleash his wrath.
The Sensei tightly continued, "Solve the question on the board RIGHT NOW."
It was an order.
Shifting into a sitting position, Rukawa crossed his legs and jammed his hands into his side pockets. At length, he answered, "I said before; I don’t forgive anyone who disturbs my sleep."
"How about this: If you can solve this question, you’ll have it your way……or is it too hard for you……Mr. Kaede?" The Sensei challenged in a sarcastic manner. He knew Rukawa could not tolerate provocation.
Rukawa’s eyes narrowed abruptly for he despised people who mock him; especially adults. Slowly, he uncrossed his legs and stood up, his tall stature shadowing the smaller built Sensei. The unfortunate girl sitting between the two nearly fainted of fright since she had mistaken that Rukawa was going to strike the teacher any moment.
Meanwhile, the students watched this heated exchange with much regret; the Sensei had purposely picked a tough question for Rukawa.
However, he took one look at the question and confidently walked towards the blackboard in long strides.
Lady luck was on Rukawa’s side that fateful afternoon; the question that the Sensei had painstakingly picked was familiar to him since Shizuko had taught him a similar question before……and the query was completed in less than a minute. The Sensei’s jaws nearly dropped when he saw his workings on the board.
He could only silently swear that he was going to get even one day.
Mitsui looked around.
Again, Shizuko was now where to be found. He mentally noted that she did not turn up last Saturday when the result slips were being returned. What is wrong with her? Sick? Hoisting his bag over his shoulder, he decided to pay her a visit after his practice.
"Shizuko-san’s residence?" Ayako repeated in surprise.
Feeling really embarrassed, Mitsui protested, "I needed some help in my work……"
Ayako whipped out the white paper fan and absently began to fan herself. It was a hot and stuffy afternoon. "I remember I wrote it somewhere in my diary…… Yoroshii(Alright), I’ll get it for you after the practice," she promised.
"Honto~(Really)? Harikato (Thank you) Ayako-san!" Mitsui secretly heaved a sigh of relief.
"Sappari(Not at all); I should thank you instead," Then she grinned mischievously, "remember, you own me lunch."
"Hora(Huh)?"
"She is pretty attractive, wakarimashita (I understand)." Ayako explained in mock- seriousness.
Flushing a deeper red, Mitsui helplessly answered, "Maitta~(You’ve got me)!" But then he solemnly continued, "She did not come today."
"Hai(Yes), I noticed that too. It is high time someone finds out how she is doing," Frowning, Ayako added, "Honestly speaking, she doesn’t seem to be the kind who falls sick easily."
Mitsui only nodded in mute agreement.
Rriiinnng!
The phone rang for the second time, its shrill pitch tearing apart the peaceful air, destroying the otherwise quiet evening. Its defiant outburst was at last rewarded when the owner slowly stirred from her sleep. Sluggishly, she got up and gazed around with bleary eyes, just as though as she was seeking the source of her disturbance.
Then the phone rang again.
Instantly she twisted around, her eyes blazing with anger. Grabbing the nearest book, she flinged it towards the object of her irritation.
The blue thin book smashed against the telephone, knocking it off the desk and finally succeeded in silencing it. Spurting its last few strangled rings, the phone ultimately surrendered to its fate.
Satisfied, she laid down once more and continued with her slumber.
The tone went dead.
Cursing, Mitsui redialed the number again but the line refused to get through. Strange, I swear it went through just now. Annoyed, he slammed the phone down, Maybe she is avoiding calls?
Determined, he decided to head for her place.
The sweet dreams had eluded her for months.
Dreams of her contented former life, recollections of her lovely past.
Sometimes, such heart-warming reminiscences would come unexpectedly in the middle of the night……but then ironically, they departed with her feeling more empty than ever.
It was cruel to let her savor such tenderness of the life and then be forcefully bereft of it, she always thought. However, there were times when she actually longed to indulge in them.
Nevertheless, no matter how hard she tried, the dreams just would not come. They seemed to have also abandoned her at last.
However, she would not simply lie there wallowing in self-pity. Raising from the bedstead, she stood up and considered. Yes, she would take a walk.
Night was giving way to murk and soon, the moon threw a mantle of silver light over the sleepy town.
Rukawa kicked an empty drink can out of his way. He had sent his bike for maintenance and had to be contented with walking for the next two days. The IH National Championship is only three weeks away, he idly reflected.
Unexpectedly, the basketball casually tucked under his arm felt exceptionally heavy; he had a sudden urge to play.
Thus he headed for the suburb court instead.
The weather beaten backboard overlooked the court with its metal corroded companion, their glorious past long forgotten.
Rukawa scrutinized the place ruefully; he had hoped to see the neighboring kids at play. The court looked even more vacant without their joyful laughter.
He bounced the orange sphere with his left hand, at first slowly but then picking up speed with each passing second. The moment he mastered the rhythm, he immediately charged forward and did an impressive backslam.
Without missing a beat, he reclaimed the ball the moment it freed itself from the net and dribbled back to the center. Then, he deliberately aimed the backboard and hurled the ball across the court. He was going for a rebound. Apparently, he had absolutely no faith in Hanamichi, knowing that he would pull stupid stunts right in the middle of the game; no way was Rukawa going to let that baka’s mistake cost the team. Rushing forward, he leapt up and gracefully tipped the ball back in the rim.
When the ball released itself from the net the second time, he caught it again and dribbled smoothly to one end of the court, after which he dashed past imaginary opponents and halt behind the penalty line. Then, he dribbled the ball between his legs before leaping up and shot in one fluid motion.
He watched the ball descending towards the rim after reaching its projectile's height. Suddenly, mental images of another ball emerging out of now where, impeding his ball’s path, flashed across his mind.
Swoosh.
The ball made it.
However, Rukawa only silently watched as it bounced on the ground; he did not make any move to reclaim it.
His thoughts tumbled about his mind, like stones in a jeweler’s polishing wheel. One only he found rough, uncut and disturbing……
Shizuko-san.
His lapse in concentration was totally unexpected and he found it quite disquieting. Scowling, he decided to call it a day.
Even though her initial intention was buying dinner, she had no appetite. However, she had skipped breakfast, lunch and now dinner. Yet, she chose to continue her stroll.
The grey cat’s eyes scanned around its surroundings with its sharp teeth baring. It had accidentally let its prey escaped and was now torrid with anger. An escaped prey meant an empty stomach and that implied hunger. Of course, no animals like that. Suddenly a swift movement, which was undetectable by human’s eyes, across the streets in a darken nook caught its attention. Meowing with rage, it took off.
Shimata! A creature had collided with Rukawa while he was on his way back to his apartment. The impact was small but unexpected and it was enough to cause him momentary lose hold of his basketball.
The sphere bounced and rolled across the road as the grey cat scurried across the streets. Then the ball rolled around the bend and down the gently sloping path. Cursing again, Rukawa ran after it.
The ball finally rolled to a stop and it had chosen its destination in front of Shizuko. Puzzled, she knelt down to retrieve the orange sphere, wondering whose basketball it belonged to. Touching its surface with experienced fingers, she noted with satisfaction that it was well worn; its owner must be a seasoned player.
Rukawa dropped his speed when he saw from afar that a stranger had picked his ball up. As he neared, he realized that it was in possession of a girl who was wearing faded torn, knee length jeans and white top.
As though sensing his approach, she turned around and their eyes met.
He stopped short in his tracks when he recognized her. It was very hard to tell who was more surprised; Rukawa or Shizuko.
However, if she was astonished to meet him, she hid it well. After bouncing it for a few times, she caught the ball with both hands prior throwing it back to him. Then, she continued on with her disrupted stroll.
Rukawa hesitated briefly before he decided to catch up on her.
They walked together in silence.
Obviously, Shizuko refused to acknowledge his presence and looked dead ahead. Didn’t he know that I want to be left alone? She seethed with anger.
Meanwhile, Rukawa’s mind was also preoccupied. He noticed, with much disapproval, that she looked thinner than before; evidently she had been neglecting her health for the past few days. What ever that has happened must have affected her badly, he pondered. He thought of helping her but had stopped himself; her egoism would definitely deny any form of comfort and besides, she was just too proud to accept such gesture of kindness from others. Approaching her directly wouldn’t do; he had to be more discreet. But how to be subtle? Finally, Rukawa let out a sigh without being aware of it himself.
However, that seemed to be deliberate to Shizuko. Ultimately, she could not contain herself any longer. Halting suddenly in her tracks, she demanded, "Nan da yo (What is it)?"
Rukawa stopped walking and blinked in surprise. So, finally she is talking. Unexpectedly, an idea hit upon him. "I……I was just thinking that it is such a pity……" he stolidly replied. A cool breeze swept the dried leaves off the dingy ground, taking some dust along with it.
A pity ? Shizuko echoed puzzledly. What is he taking about?
"……I thought that you are one of those few who made me think otherwise." The surrounding foliage was also caught in the currents and they softly rustled.
Jesus, what is he trying to drive at?
"I thought that you are a very good basketball player." Rukawa explained at last, his dark penetrating eyes bored right into hers.
Rage rose within her, swift and sudden but white hot with fury. "You thought ?" Her voice was dangerously low.
Running his fingers through his wind tossed fringe, Rukawa regarded her imperturbably, "Then prove it."
Shizuko was on her guard, her eyes never leaving her opponent’s. Meanwhile, she nimbly dribbled his ball on her right side, with her left hand slightly outstretched in an attempt to increase her defense area. Of course, her body was in the way of the ball, effectively preventing Rukawa from intercepting it.
Clearly, Shizuko was more than a head shorter than him. In fact, she barely reached his shoulder, given her petite built. This gave Rukawa an undeniable advantage; once he had the ball, he could easily shoot and score since there was certainly no way she could have blocked his shot. However this triumphant picture would take place provided he had gained procession of the ball in the first place (knowing this, Rukawa had insisted in giving her ball, claiming that she wouldn’t win even if she had it first).
In fact, such a simple defense position should be easy for Rukawa to break through……
…… if the handler of the ball was of a taller built.
Paradoxically it seemed, her lack of height gave her an unexpected edge. Rukawa had to lower himself a lot more than usual so as to face her (observing her eyes movement was very vital) and he had to admit that she was the shortest competitor he had faced so far. To put it plainly, it was truly a backbreaking experience.
It seemed that Shizuko knew of his discomfort. Giving a secret smile, she lowered herself even more. Always try to turn your disadvantage into your advantage, her father had always said. And moreover, she recognized that Rukawa was not used to play with people as short as her. Nonetheless, she cognized that her road to victory was not going to be easy.
One shot……only one shot to win. (because whoever make the first shot wins) She briefly looked past Rukawa and stole a glance at the well-worn backboard. Meanwhile, Rukawa’s mind was preoccupied with thoughts; what is going to be her next move? Will she try to get past me and shoot? If so, then is it to be my left or right? He wondered. As usual, he was attempting to foresee his opponent’s next move.
Shizuko’s dribbling began to pick up speed and Rukawa’s eyes narrowed at that very instant. Without warning, she launched forward as if trying to push him out of her way. Baka! Don’t tell me she is going to push her way though! However, she suddenly pivoted to her right in a blur……
Shimata, she is fast!
Rukawa immediately shifted to his left and had almost succeeded in impeding her……
……but he accidentally caught a fleeting sight of her eyes in the mist of his haste and instantly sensed that something was wrong; she was concentrating hard at something behind him and that gaze was a look of someone going to make his shot.
Nani?! (for they were still somewhere in the middle of the court)
Spontaneously, he reached out instead so as to intercept her ball. Nevertheless, the abrupt change in his momentum caused him to lose his balance. Due to the fact that both of them were pretty near to each other, there was no way for Shizuko to avoid him and thus she was knocked onto the dirt floor real hard, with Rukawa sprawling on top.
Shi…shimata……Rukawa found himself staring into her large, shimmering eyes and the world around him appeared frozen that very moment. In fact, he was losing himself in those liquid depths…… Shizuko slightly grimaced in pain but somehow managed to break into a smile, chuckling softly, "You actually believed I can make that shot?"
This broke the spell and jointed him back to reality. Suddenly, Rukawa was acutely aware of the awkward position they were in. Turning away, he picked himself up. Wordlessly, she got up and dusted off some dust off her bruised kneecaps. Noticing this, he quietly apologized, "Gomen (Sorry)."
"Don’t be, I will be extremely upset if you are going to play soft just becoz’ I’m a girl." There was a hint of mockery in her voice.
"……" Silently, Rukawa bent down to redeem the ball.
Seeing that he made no effort to hand it over, Shizuko interrupted, "……which reminds me, that was a foul."
He turned around, his cold mien unchanging as if challenging her otherwise. "After all, you did pushed me," she pointed out, never withdrawing from his icy stare.
A cursory look of irate briefly passed Rukawa’s face before he tossed the orange sphere back to her; no way was he going to loose his cool over a girl.
Catching it deftly, she dribbled the ball between her legs, nimbly alternating it between her hands. As much as Rukawa hated to admit it; she was good. Bending low, Rukawa was also back to his defenses. This time, he was determined not to be fooled by her. Shizuko wasted no time and her dribbling promptly picked up speed. She agilely avoided him when Rukawa suddenly advanced in his attempt to seize the ball……
……and slide past to his left in a flash.
Surprised, he backtracked at once. Undeterred, she continued to propel forward to shove her way through. Do-aho; she is too reckless! At that point, he saw an opening in her attack and stretched out, preparing to steal the ball from her right……
Without warning, she swiveled to her left instead and at the same time, the basketball bounced towards her left hand……
Still and all, Rukawa had anticipated this move and was well on his way to prevent her from passing through……
……the moment the ball reached her left hand, she leapt up in one smooth, rapid motion, falling slightly backwards as she shot with her left hand.
That is impossible! Rukawa’s eyes widened in astonishment; for a long distance shoot halfway through a court is extremely hard, not to mention if it is done by someone who usually shots with her right hand.
The ball drew a wide arc in the night sky before it entered and cleared the net perfectly.
It was a beautiful shot.
Silence.
"……you purposely faked the last move?" The accusation in his voice was obvious.
She slowly smiled and replied, " You can put it that way."
"……" The icy glare was back.
"You didn’t fall for the first one, but that doesn’t mean that I would not try it again," Shizuko protested. Then, she heaved a great sigh of relief before flopping on the ground; she was completely exhausted.
Suddenly, Rukawa understood: She took a huge risk even though she was not sure if she could make it.
Yet, she risked it.
She opened her eyes and gazed up at him, "Perhaps this might cheer you a bit; your defense was so good that there was absolutely no way for me to shoot……but then again, a desperate man makes desperate moves……so never underestimate your opponent." her voice serious.
The last sentence slipped from her mouth without her realizing it. Almost immediately, Shizuko regretted deeply for she did not mean to criticize his folly because after all, it was an enjoyable game. Remarkably, Rukawa did not find her remarks offensive (possibly since he did belittle her ability in the first place) and chose to sit down beside her.
He idly rolled the basketball before him, as if deep in thought. Then after a while, he finally spoke. "You’re right handed." There was something cogitating in that statement.
Shizuko recognized the concern in his voice and nodded, "Don’t assume what your opponent can and cannot do. For me, training for long distance shots only increased my chance of winning, but using my left hand to shoot secured it since I’m doubtful that anyone will anticipate that move. So naturally, such thinking applies to the players in the IH Championship…… Always prepare for the unexpected." Abruptly, she narrowed her eyes and bit her lips, for her father used to say, Always prepare for the unexpected, Shizuko-chan.
A sudden gust of wind blew, bearing a couple of dried leaves with it. Rukawa reached out and slowly closed his fingers around one, crumbling it and releasing its sweet murky aroma in the process. "He must be among them……the Japan’s finest player."
- Shizuko nodded in mute reply. So, he is striving to be number one.
"With your grades, you can go any school you want but why Shohoku High?" he suddenly asked.
She blinked in surprise.
"Aren’t you aware that there is no female team in this school?" And you loved basketball so much, he added silently.
It seemed that Shizuko flinched at his question and a lengthy silence ensured. Then sitting up, she folded and rested her arms on her bent knees. "Why do you love basketball?"
Rukawa turned and stared at her because he did not count on her to answer his question with another question.
"……"
Seeing his reaction, she sadly smiled and softly continued, "Everyone has his or her reasons for doing certain things……it is suffice to say that I played basketball to keep the memory of my loved one alive. "
Mitsui watched the two from afar, his mind in a state of confusion.
Rukawa and Shizuko? Somehow, it did not sound right, the two of them together. The cold, unfriendly Rukawa sitting and talking with Shizuko-san? Now that is a miracle, considering the fact that he always ignored girls (pretty or ugly ones), especially those fans of his. How did they end up in the basketball court in the first place? No, it should be how did Shizuko-san end up in court? Watching Rukawa play? Then, seeing them showing signs of fatigue made him reasoned otherwise. Then he instantly understood; Rukawa was playing basketball with her! Nani? Rukawa only played with people who were skilled, unless……unless……
- She is proficient enough to challenge him.
An hour later……in Rukawa’s Apartment
Rukawa threw his bag onto the floor and took off his shirt. He contemplated bathing but then dismissed it.
Shower can wait.
He sat on his white Persian carpet and looked around. Where is she when I want to feed her? Then, as if answering him, Noyi leapt from her hiding place behind his hi-fi and into his lap, obviously delighted in surprising him as usual. Rukawa gave one of his rare smiles and nuzzled behind her ears. She meowed and purred loudly in response to her master’s cuddle.
However, she sensed acutely that something amiss in her master’s touch. Opening her big crystal-clear eyes, she saw that he looked disturbed tonight.
Rukawa absent-mindedly stroked her shiny black fur, his mind adrift……
"Why do you love basketball?"
"Everyone has his or her reasons for doing certain things……it is suffice to say that I played basketball to keep the memory of my loved one alive. "
Sighing, he quietly said, "I played basketball to be the best of the best." Or is it so? Is that the only reason why I loved basketball in the first place? Now, he began to have doubts. Suddenly, he was not sure of anything anymore. Her heartfelt conviction troubled him and he found himself probing into his innermost secluded conscious.
She frowned.
The room smelled of ink and excitement. It was a catching smell, one that filled any student’s blood instantly. The dull roar of the noisy student body hit the new arrivals like hammer to their faces as they opened the sliding door to the classroom. To add to this array of disorder, the afternoon heat was as oppressive as before.
However Ayako was not moody because of these.
She stared blankly at the textbook before her, the voice of her Biology Sensei retreating and blending into the deafening background.
Flashback……
The sounds of the dribbling balls and squeaking sneakers filled the hall.
"Oh?"
Ayako looked up from her score sheet and glanced at the great coach Anzai who was sitting on a foldable chair. His massive bunk dwarfed the pathetic looking furniture with his bulky frame spilling out in all directions.
Giving a rather quizzed look, she asked, "Nan desuka (What is it)?"
His pudgy hand adjusted his spectacles before he chuckled jovially, "Ho ho ho! She’s studying here in Shohoku? On my, I must be getting old for not realizing that!"
"Eh?"
Ayako followed his line of vision and discovered that he was referring to Shizuko-san
"Anzai Sensei, you know her?" She inquired incredulously.
Putting aside his favorite cup of green tea, he nodded. "Her otoosan (father) is a very talented coach."
A basketball coach?
"Iie(no), I should say ‘was’……" his gentle eyes softened with sorrow, "……he died in a car accident two years ago. It must have been a terrible blow for a child that young."
Then suddenly, he broke into a smile. "But I have faith in that child. She proved that she was strong when she lost her okaasan(mother) at a tender age. I believe that she still bears that strength in her."
An orphan.
How weird to associate that dreadful term with Shizuko-san. No, to associate it with any of her friends. How appalling, how cruel, then she thought bitterly, how unfair!
The bell had gone off, marking the end of the last lesson for the day and soon, streams of students filtered into the corridor. Ayako, lost in her own turbulent thoughts, began to push her way through. Then, without warning, a strong hand reached out and gave a gentle but firm squeeze on her shoulder.
Surprised, she whirled around. A pair of dark brooding eyes greeted her.
"I had been calling you, Ayako-sama." It was Rukawa.
She turned and continued her way, "Gomen. I was not paying any attention."
He never failed to amaze her how his presence would affect the general female population, even the second and third year students. Already, there were some fans jostling towards them for his autograph.
"The ‘Nelkon and Parker Advanced Physics’; do you still have it?" he asked, ignoring his bevy of swarming fans. He seemed highly irritated at the unwanted attention.
Beaming, Ayako was ready to tease him but then, his question stopped her. At length, she replied quietly, "I left it with Shizuko-san, you can get it from her."
Rukawa noticed her sudden change in expression. Although puzzled, he proceeded to walk with her to the Basketball Clubroom in silence.
Once they stepped into the cool privacy of the Clubroom, Ayako immediately shut the door least some of the over eager fans stormed in and moreover, Akagi would not like that. Sighing, she sat heavily on one of the chairs.
Meanwhile, Rukawa took out his locker keys and began unlocking his compartment.
"Shizuko-san is a transfer student, is she?" she wondered out loud.
"……hai." He unzipped his bag and took out his towel. I thought you knew that, he pondered quietly.
After zipping up his bag, he tossed it into the small compartment and slammed it closed. However, the uneven door refused to stay shut. Using his fist, he rammed it at a corner and the unyielding locker surrendered. Satisfied, he turned his keys to secure it.
"Nobody gets to know transfer students well, I mean everyone is so busy with their work and all……so their past remains unknown……Shizuko-san is not an exception……" Was he hearing right? Or was there a tone of regret in her voice?
Turning around, he regarded the manager of Shohoku basketball team closely.
- Clenching her fist into a ball, she ultimately blurted out, "She is an orphan……"
- Rukawa looked at her in surprise, his towel forgotten.
Nothing but the silence of the dark wet streets, the distant honking of the cars and the heavy pounding of his heart accompanied Mitsui as he waited patiently for Shizuko.
He had requested for her assistance in his languages, notably English and she had responded in kind. In fact, she even offered tutoring him in her residence but Mitsui suggested a Sushi restaurant instead (since he was pretty nervous when alone with her).
All of a sudden, he felt a hard slap on his right shoulder.
Shocked, he instantaneously circled around with his fists ready to smash his attacker (for he still had trouble forgetting ways of a gangster; attack now talk later). He managed to stop himself in time when he recognized the grinning redhead.
Mitsui glared menacingly at him, "You could have gotten yourself killed."
"Hee hee hee, who are you waiting for at this hour?" Then he added, "……actually, I’m broke and onaka ga suku (hungry) so could you spare the tensai some money?"
Shimata, why does he have to appear at this moment?
Suddenly, Hanamichi sharply elbowed Mitsui in his side. "Ouch! That hurts you ba……"
"Oh, you were waiting for her?" Hanamichi smiled mischievously.
Mitsui turned around and saw that Shizuko was only a street away. She was wearing bell-bottomed jeans with a fashionable baby-blue top.
"Goshimpai naku (Don’t worry), with tensai around, I’m sure everything is fine!" he loudly declared.
A huge sweat drop appeared on Mitsui’s head.
"Hanamichi-san," Shizuko looked surprised, "Mitsui-san did not tell me that you are coming."
"Hai, hai, that must have slipped from his mind," then, beaming happily. "Anyway, let’s eat, shall we?"
to be continued......
Author’s Notes
Ok, this is addressed to some of those skeptical readers out there: it is possible to shoot from the middle of the court. Why? Because I have done that thrice in a day (though my arm hurts pretty bad after that since it requires a lot of strength). All you need is practice and practice. Shooting 3 pointers did not come naturally to me though.
And lastly, I hope that this new format is easiler to read.
Comments and criticisms for Part III? Please email me.
Signed off,
Passi0n-San
LivE LiFe Wif a PasSioN!
passi0n69@hotmail.com