Chapter I

Ringgggg ringggg ringgggg riii…

The sound stopped as I turned off my alarm clock.

Today was April 4th, a day I had been anticipating.

I got up, made my bed, and started making my breakfast.

“Ramen again huh,” I said to myself.

The darkness outside was still apparent as it was only 4 a.m.

My mom had texted to make sure I had breakfast and took my medications.

After replying, I went ahead to brush my teeth.

It was all the usual, as a part of a usual day.

Except, today was not a usual day.

After all that was taken care of, I grabbed my bag and went outside.

The air felt refreshing and I couldn’t help but be a little excited.

I unlocked my bike and headed off.

Riding on these parts of the terrain was fun, the many slopes and hills gave me chills like I was on a roller coaster.

Up until recently, I had never owned a bike.

My mom had just got it for my birthday a few months back.

Growing up poor was never a problem for me.

Though it’s a shame I haven't seen my mom in a while.

She's been out of town due to her demanding job.

I stopped and locked my bike up.

Looks like nobody is here.

“Ughh I told them to be here at 4:30,” I murmured to myself.

I was at a local outdoor basketball court.

They had just repainted the lines so I was excited to see how things were.

“Looks like it’s just m—” “HEY!,” shouted a familiar voice.

“Sorry we’re late, I mean waking up at 4 is just a little…” “Too much,” said Hanami and Yuki.

Hanami and Yuki were a couple of my Junior High buddies.

“Well at least you’re here now, let’s start,” I said ready to play.

“We have around 2 hours before we should go,” I mentioned.

After all, today was my first day of high school, wouldn’t want to be late.

We began shooting around to warm up.

After about 15 minutes we played a game of 21.

The rules of this game were as follows: A free-for-all match where the first person to reach 21 points wins.

When you score you can take up to 3 free throws to further increase your score.

Missing the free throw allows for other players to get the rebound and have the possession.

“Hey stop cherry-picking Hanami!” said Yuki.

“I’m not even, you’re just saying that cuz your losin'!” Hanami snapped back.

With their little argument, I drove past them and laid up my last shot.

Eventually, I won with 21 while Hanami scored 9 and Yuki 5.

“Man, Koji, you’re too good,” said Yuki.

“Yeah, for real, are we even worth practicing with,” Hanami joked.

“Of course you guys are, regardless of your skill level I wouldn’t be getting better without partners,” I said as I joked with them.

“Man, a whole hour left? When I get home I wanna fall asleep,” cried Hanami.

“Ugh, I get that you’re a workaholic Koji, but why do we have to go play basketball at 4 a.m. on the first day of school?

We should be asleep right now,” complained Yuki.

“Sorry guys but tryouts are also today as well so I wanted to get an extra bit of practice.

Besides you guys owe me remember?” I mentioned.

“Yeah, we get. You better make the team with all the hard work we put in man!” exclaimed Yuki.

“For real! This spring break we’ve done nothing but play basketball.

Honestly, I should try for the team since I’ve been getting good too,” Hanami said laughing.

“Anyway let’s get back to it,” I said.

“Always so serious Koji,” said Yuki, as we started play again.

✾❀✾

A New POV

Bounce… Bounce…. Bounce….. Huh?

I had just opened my eyes hearing the sounds of a basketball.

I noticed that some people were playing on the court adjacent to me.

Still half asleep, I lay on the park bench with a blanket over me.

I looked over at the giant clock in the center of the park.

The time read 5:45. I believe that school starts at 8:30.

“Hmm,” I looked over at the people playing basketball.

“Basketball eh?” I said to myself.

I had time to kill, and don’t think I could fall asleep again.

I slowly got up from the bench.

“Man, my back is all stiff. Sleeping on a park bench is the worst,” I thought to myself.

I looked up at the rising sun.

The sky sure was pretty last night, I had thought.

Along with me, I had my blanket and backpack.

My backpack was a utility backpack with a ton of space.

I had all the essentials, a toothbrush, some snacks, water, and my school uniform.

Today was my first day of high school.

I finished putting my blanket in my bag and decided to go have a bit of fun.

“And one!”-“Hey no fair”-“Hey street rules son!”

As I walked over a blonde kid noticed me.

“Hey, you guys mind if I join in?” I asked the group.

There was a kid with blonde curly hair and dark black eyes.

Then a giant kid, probably 190 centimeters, with shorter hair and defined muscles.

Then one with short hair, and a skinny build with blue eyes.

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The giant and skinny kids looked at each other when I asked.

“Sure,” said the blonde kid, as the others were staring at him.

“You sure Koji?” said one of them.

“Yeah, in fact, it’s a good idea. We can play two’s,” said the blonde.

“Oh sweet, that sounds fun!” I said smiling.

“Sure does. Anyways I guess we should introduce ourselves first,” said the blonde.

“I’m, Kojima Kouki,” said the blonde.

“Oh, and I’m Hanami Daichi,” the big one said.

“I’m Yuki Watanabe! Nice to me ya,” said the skinnier one.

“Nice to me you all, names Sugahara Oda,” I said.

With the introduction out of the way, we went back to the court.

POV: Kojima

“This is great I’ve been dying to play with teams,” I thought to myself.

Playing with Hanami and Yuki has made me better offensively and defensively, but the reality is in a real basketball setting, it’s a team sport.

This will make for some great practice.

I wonder how good this Sugahara guy is.

He looks about my age so he’s pretty young.

“Let’s shoot for teams,” said Sugahara.

“Sounds good,” I nodded.

The four of us stood single file at the free-throw line. The order went me, Hanami, Yuki then Sugahara.

I made my shot first try.

“Of course Koji makes it!” shouted Yuki, standing third in line.

Hanami shot next and missed, hitting the rim.

Yuki and Hanami have no real basketball experience other than playing with me, so it’s no surprise he’d miss it.

Yuki would probably do as well.

To my surprise, however, Yuki’s first shot went on his first try.

“Wow, I told you guys, I’m getting better!” Exclaimed Yuki.

That means as of now, the team leaders are Me and Yuki.

Depending on if the Sugahara guy makes it he’ll be on my team.

If not then Hanami will shoot again and they’ll keep going back and forth.

Sugahara dribbled a little bit then went for the shot.

BONG

He hit the back of the rim.

“Aww man thought I had that one,” said Sugahara.

Though he missed, I was genuinely impressed by his form. Looks like he’s played some basketball before.

Honestly, I hope he’s good, I’m itching for a challenge.

Hanami shot again and made it, finalizing the teams.

The teams are me and Hanami, going up against Yuki and Sugahara.

The advantage of partners certainly goes to me.

Not only is Hanami slightly better in skill than Yuki, but Hanami is also taller and better at getting rebounds.

Not to mention Yuki never takes it that seriously, as he’s not the athletic type.

“Guess that settles it,” said Sugahara looking at Yuki.

“Let’s get this win Koji!” Hanami said, coming to slap my hand.

“Plan on it,” I replied.

Yuki looked a little nervous though.

“Hey man not trying to drag the fun, but we’re gonna lose!” Yuki whispered to Sugahara.

“You see the blondie, Kojima? Well, he’s a total basketball geek and he’ll beat us without even tryin'!”

“That so?” asked Sugahara.

“Wow, I had no idea he was so good. Hopefully, we can a least put up a good fight,” smiled Sugahara.

“We can try but Hanami’s a tank, just look at him! I mean we’re at a total disadvantage,” said Yuki.

“Hey, you guys ready yet!” yelled Hanami.

“Just give us a second we’re discussing strategy!” Yuki replied.

“Strategy huh?” I said to Hanami.

“Alright, we’re ready to kick some ass!” said Yuki as enthusiastic as ever.

“Cool let’s shoot for the ball then,” I said.

“I‘ll shoot it,” said Yuki.

“You sure?” I replied.

“Well duh, it’s our only option! If you shoot it you’ll make it. At least we’ll have a chance if I shoot it,” Yuki said.

From the three point line at the top of the key, Yuki shot his shot.

Lo and behold was a complete utter miss with Yuki starting to get mad.

“Man, nothing but bad luck today!” Yuki yelled.

“Sorry man I’ll let you shoot it next,” Yuki told Sugahara.

“Don’t sweat it, we still got a shot don’t we?” Sugahara asked.

“Honestly I don’t think we do. Their team is just too good, and without luck on my side, I don’t think I can make any shots,” replied Yuki.

“Hm, guess we’re in a pickle huh?” Sugahara said.

The game started.

As I checked the ball up with Yuki I immediately passed it to Hanami. With a height advantage, he should easily score under the basket with Sugahara on him.

That was until…

“Hey I think you just traveled,” Sugahara said to Hanami.

“Wait uh…haha whoops,” said Hanami, as he turned over the ball.

“Sorry Koji guess I was a little nervous,” said Hanami.

“No sweat,” I told him.

“Looks like it’s our turn right Yuki!” said Sugahara.

POV: Sugahara

“Man, that guy just traveled like that?” I thought to myself.

He doesn’t play regularly, that's for sure. I can use that as an advantage.

I checked up with Hanami and then passed to Yuki on the right wing.

Kojima guarded closely.

As he looked around for another pass,

I ran behind him and looked for a handoff.

Seems he got the idea as he gave it to me.

Right now I'm in a good position. As I’ve forced our opponents to switch, driving to the basket from the right wing, I had Kojima on me.

Though he seemed experienced and could steal the ball from me if I was not being too careful, I was roughly 3 inches taller and was confident enough to score.

As I was at the baseline, ready to score, Hanami came up for help with defense.

I had to pass to Yuki, who was wide open at the top of the key.

He caught the pass but was hesitant to shoot as Kojima returned on defense quite quickly.

Yuki reluctantly passed the ball back to me as I made my way back to the three-point line. With about 3 feet of space, I decided to shoot a 3 pointer from the left wing.

Everyone turned their head toward the basket anticipating the result. I missed the shot.

“Rebound!” yelled Kojima for Hanami to grab the ball.

As expected, he’s a great rebounder with his height.

“Hey man you were a little open and all but maybe take a better shot next time,” Yuki told me.

“Yeah sorry about that! I won’t miss again I promise!” I said to Yuki with a chuckle.

Seriously, I won’t miss.

Effortlessly, Kojima blew right past Yuki and scored a layup.

Those were the first points of the game.

Now with a score of 0-2, the game was going to 11.

“Hold up are we playing make it take it?” someone asked.

The concept of make it take it is just as it sounds, if you make it, you get the next possession.

“Nah totally not!” Yuki snarled.

“You're just saying that cause you want the ball,” said Hanami.

“No it’s just—”

“How about at 4 points,” I said.

“If you guys score again it’s your ball” I continued.

“Sound good,” Kojima said in agreeance.

Yuki checked the ball up and passed it to me.

There was only one thing flowing through my mind right now, and that was to score.

I drove straight to the basket, shifting Hanami's momentum.

When I saw that, I immediately hit the brakes and performed a step back into the three-point line.

Elevating my elbow and lifting my upper body while jumping, I shot the three-pointer again.

“Hey, what are you doing? What did I tell ya!” yelled Yuki.

He had told me earlier to take better shots, but I ignored it.

Simply because every shot I take is a good shot.

The ball with great arch and backspin went up fast and came down fast.

It was a perfect swoosh.

“Woah that was great!” Yuki yelled in celebration.

“Hey with you on my team maybe we got a shot!” he followed.

The score was now 3-2 in our favor.

Since we aren’t at 4 points yet, Kojima and Hanami will get the ball next. After the checkup and passing to Hanami, Kojima quickly relocated, running around looking for an opening.

Meanwhile, Hanami was trying to post me up near the paint.

He’s strong as I expected and if he continues he’ll score on me.

I moved to action, I started harassing him back and made him pick up the ball. He can no longer move, only pivot, otherwise, surely he’ll pass to Kojima. As I anticipated, he tried to pass it directly behind me to where Kojima was, but I intercepted the pass as he was just too predictable.

I ran back to the 3-point line fast and shot another 3 without even thinking of Yuki.

Swoosh

“Another 3! Let’s go we’re winning!” Yuki screamed in excitement.

“Man, that guy's sorta good huh Koji?” Hanami commented.

“Hey let’s switch, I’ll guard him,” Kojima said to Hanami.

“You're having trouble keeping up with his speed, I think it would be best for me to handle him,” followed Kojima.

“Okay sounds good, guess I can bully Yuki then huh,” joked Hanami.

It was now 6-2 and we got the ball.

Though I could keep raining 3s, I want to add some variety. Maybe a couple of assists? Hmm, I don’t want to score all the points.

I signaled for Yuki to cut as I assumed he was faster than Hanami. I was right as I passed it to Yuki going for a layup.

However, from behind Yuki got blocked by Hanami.

The ball went out of bounds with Hanami touching it last so it will be our possession still.

We started up again and I had Yuki check it up. When I got the ball, I had Kojima already guarding me.

He was giving me a little bit space to shoot it, but it was merely a trap. He distanced himself in a perfect position to where he could catch my drives, but also he’d be able to contest any shots that I would take.

However, a contested shot is only contested. There’s no guarantee that he can make me miss. And with that, I simply took another 3-point shot.

Kojima surprised, rushed up to contest my attempt, however, it was already too late.

When shooters shoot, they usually get a feeling if it goes in or not before it goes through the basket. It’s called muscle memory. My form felt familiar and unchanged. Which ultimately resulted in another made 3.

“Oh man this guy he’s..” said Hanami.

“Wo who!” yelled Yuki as he jumped for joy.

The score was now 9-2.

We only needed to score one more time, either a 2 or a 3 to win the game at 11 points.

“You have a mean jumper man,” Kojima said to me.

“Haha thanks, I practice a little when I'm bored,” I replied.

“Do you play for any teams?” he asked me.

“Um nope never have,” I replied.

“Oh, that’s too bad. Well let’s settle this game then,” he added.

The opening was as clear as day when I got the ball back from Yuki. Driving straight into the paint, Hanami was standing right there, but it didn’t matter in the slightest.

Though he did try to block me, I switched my hands and performed a double clutch layup on the right side of the backboard. With a good spin, the ball hit the top right corner of the square on the backboard. Thanks to my spin, the ball fell perfectly into the basket.

Me and Yuki had won the match.

“Woah I can’t believe we pulled that off!” Yuki yelled.

“Or at least you did! I mean you scored all the points, talk about a total carry!” Yuki said praising me.

“Hehe guess I was lucky today I don’t usually make shots that efficiently,” I replied.

“Good game man,” Hanami said, coming to high-five me.

“Good game,” I replied.

“Man look at the time Yuki!” Hanami said.

“Woah it’s almost 7! We should get going ASAP!” replied Yuki.

As Yuki and Hanami left, it was just me and Kojima left on the court.

“That was pretty fun,” I said to Kojima.

“Sure was, I’m glad I played with you today” replied Kojima.

“Oh really? Why’s that,” I asked.

“Guess you humbled me. I thought for sure I could carry the win but you proved me wrong. My old coach said there’s always a better player out there. You have a lot of talent, I suppose you’re better than me,” Kojima said.

“Woah don’t say that! I just hit a few lucky shots today is all,” I replied assuring him.

“No, you’re definitely a monster. I can tell by the way you assess the game, your shooting form, as well as your ball handle, you’re clearly not an amateur.”

“Hahaha, I suppose not,” I replied laughing.

“Well hopefully I’ll see you again, I look forward to playing with you again in the future. I’ll be winning the next game,” Kojima said with a cold confidence.

“We’ll see,” I replied.

“Oh, by the way, before you leave can I ask you something?” I asked Kojima.

“What’s up?” Kojima replied

“Do you know how I could get to Sakura High? You see it’s my first day of school and I’m totally lost hehe,” I explained to Kojima.

“Hmm well, it’s pretty well known around these parts. I’m guessing you’re not from here?” Kojima commented.

“Nope, I just got down here,” I said.

“Huh? And you’re going to Sakura?” Kojima asked in a surprise.

“Yup sure am,” I replied

“Well, it just so happens that I go to Sakura as well. In fact, it's my first day of being a first-year student,” Kojima said.

“Oh, what! What a coincidence! I’m a first year too!” I replied in shock.

“Guess we’re in the same boat then. I can show you the way, after all, school only starts in about an hour and a half,” Kojima told me.

“Woah really? Hey, I’d appreciate that! Really,” I replied happily.

“Yeah, I just need to go home and take a shower,” Kojima added.

“Okay sounds great,” I said.

“Yeah might as well hang out for a bit since we’re both schoolmates now,” said Kojima.

“Yeah!” I said in agreement.

Maybe this guy will be my first high school friend huh?

“We’ll stop at the convenience store real quick. I’m out of shampoo.” Kojima said.

I nodded.