Chapter XXVII

* POV: Kojima -

The beautiful orange leaves fell from the trees as I slowly guided my bike towards school, the once hot summer air now replaced with a cool, crisp autumn breeze. Sugahara walked beside me, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his jacket.

"Can you believe it's been three months already?" he said, kicking a pile of leaves.

I nodded. "Yeah, time flies when you're busy."

We had played thirteen games over the last three months, a whirlwind of practices, road trips, and tough opponents. Sugahara was already reflecting on the season so far.

"That game against Ryukyu was intense. I thought Nakamura was gonna get tossed after he got in Tanaka's face."

I chuckled at the memory. "Yeah, coach had to pull him aside. Nakamura was fired up that night."

"He played out of his mind though," Sugahara said with a grin. "Twenty-eight points, ten boards? That was crazy."

I agreed with a nod. Nakamura had been on another level recently, finally living up to his elite athlete title.

"You weren't too shabby yourself," Sugahara said with a playful nudge. "Eight assists, zero turnovers? When did you become Mr. Efficient?"

I laughed it off. "Hey, I'm just trying to take care of the rock, ya know? Gotta get you guys good looks."

It was November 27th, and with those final thirteen games finished our regular season was over.

We ended up with a great overall record of 17-3, qualifying us to be put onto the inner high bracket.

* * *

As I'm walking down the hallway with Sugahara, a random girl approaches us. "Hey Sugahara, Kojima!" she says with a bright smile.

Sugahara returns the greeting with a friendly wave. "What's up?"

"Just wanted to wish you guys good luck at the inner high tournament," she says excitedly. "The whole school is rooting for you!"

"Thanks, we appreciate the support," I reply with a nod.

As we continue down the hall, I noticed all of the new posters announcing our team's qualification for the inner high bracket. It's clear our basketball program has really gained popularity around school.

We reach the locker room and begin changing into our indoor shoes. "Crazy how many people know who we are now," Sugahara comments as he ties his laces.

I nod in agreement. "Those home games were absolutely electric this year. The crowd really brought the energy."

"Nothing better than hitting a big three and hearing the roar." He said with a chuckle.

During lunch, our usual group went to go try out a new food truck. The truck was outside of the school premise so we left as early as we could so we can get back on time.

It served Mexican style cuisine, which was a rare find here in Japan. We eventually arrived and placed our orders.

I took the first bite of my food, a burrito. "This is incredible," I mumble through a mouthful of tender carnitas and perfectly seasoned rice.

Sugahara gives me a knowing look as he digs into his own plate of loaded nachos. "Told you this place was legit. Best new spot in town."

Across from us, Kinoshita is happily snapping photos of her colorful veggie bowl, making sure to get the vibrant truck's logo in frame. "Should I post this on Insta?" she asks cheerfully.

Haruno playfully rolls her eyes. "Can't you just enjoy your food like a normal person?"

"This is me enjoying it!" Kinoshita protests with a laugh before taking an exaggerated bite.

"Man, this place sure is packed isn't it?" Asari mentioned.

Asari was right, this place was really popping at lunchtime. The line stretches down the block with people from all over trying to get their hands on these amazing Mexican eats.

"I didn't realize this many people would be here," Haruno comments, eyeing the crowd. "Good thing we got here early to beat the rush."

"No kidding, I can't believe how many folks have discovered this gem already," Sugahara agrees between mouthfuls of nachos. "And I thought I was the first one to discover this place."

I nod, surveying the mix of students, office workers, and families all gathered around the bright blue truck. Some are chowing down at the limited outdoor fseating like us, while others are taking their food to go. The aroma of smoky meats and zesty spices hangs heavy in the air.

"This is so cool! Who would have thought we'd find legit Mexican food right here?" Kinoshita mentioned.

Suddenly, Kinoshita's name gets called out. "Hey! Kinoshita, is that you?"

Kinoshita whips her head around. I followed her gaze to see two vaguely familiar faces approaching our table.

"Oh Isshiki, is that you?" Kinoshita says in disbelief. "I haven't seen you since middle school!"

Standing before us were two new faces. Well not actually new at all.

Isshiki Minoru - the star soccer player at our old junior high. He his eyes a shade of green, and his hair a shaggy strawberry blonde. He was the most popular guy in junior high, and because of that, I didn't really speak with him much.

Standing next to Isshiki was none other than Tachibana Kate - the most popular girl during junior high. Her attractive looks made any guy want to be with her. Heck, even I got nervous when I was ever around her. However, she apparently has bad blood with both Kinoshita and Haruno.

She stood their with a pair of rich amber eyes paired with her platinum blonde hair.

I watch as Isshiki and Kate approach our table, surprised to see them here together. It's no real shock though - even back in middle school, Kate always seemed to be chasing after Isshiki, who was probably the only guy she considered truly attractive enough for her.

From what I remember, Kate was completely infatuated with Isshiki, always finding excuses to be around him. She even went as far as passing the entrance exams for Midori Academy, the prestigious high school Isshiki is attending, just so she could be in the same school as her crush.

Isshiki nonchalantly gave a little wave. "Didn't expect to run into you all here."

image [https://imgur.com/v9sUEu6.jpg]

Kate remains quiet, eyeing our group with an inscrutable expression. Her gaze lingers on Kinoshita and Haruno.

"Well isn't this a blast from the past!" Kinoshita says, putting on a polite smile despite the obvious tension. "I didn't realize you two were still, uh, hanging out together."

"Can we just go, Minoru?" Kate says with an annoyed tone, tugging at Isshiki's sleeve. Her eyes narrow as she glares at Kinoshita and Haruno.

Isshiki chuckles, unfazed by Kate's impatience. "Relax, Kate. We haven't seen these faces in forever. Don't you think it's kind of a funny coincidence running into them here?"

He gestures around our table in a sweeping motion. "I mean, what are the odds? We should be grateful for this little reunion."

I tense up slightly as Kate's gaze lands on me with thinly veiled disdain. Even after heading to high school, her fierce demeanor hasn't changed a bit.

"Yes, what a delightful coincidence," Haruno deadpans, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She doesn't even try to hide her dislike for Kate.

An awkward silence falls over our group. I exchange a wary look with Sugahara, both of us unsure how to diffuse the growing tension.

I bated a breath as Isshiki slyly turns to Kinoshita. "So Kinoshita, have you found yourself a boyfriend yet in high school?"

Kinoshita's eyes go wide at the blatant question. Everyone's gazes snap towards Isshiki, including mine. Even Sugahara tenses up beside me, his eyes sharpening.

A blush creeps across Kinoshita's cheeks as she stammers, "N-No, not yet..."

Isshiki flashes a charming smile. "Well then, how about it?" He says it so casually, but the implication is clear - he's asking Kinoshita out.

I can't help but glance at Sugahara, whose jaw has gone slightly slack. Haruno looks ready to interject with a scathing remark.

But Kinoshita recovers quickly, putting on an apologetic smile. "Oh Minoru, you never change do you," she says in a playful manor.

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"My answer isn't changing," Kinoshita states, as her tone shifts somewhat seriously.

Her rejection is polite but firm. Isshiki's confident smirk falters slightly before he laughs it off. "Can't blame me for trying, right?"

Kate rolls her eyes beside him, clearly displeased with the exchange. The rest of us stay silent, caught off guard.

It's then that the realization hits me - Isshiki has had a crush on Kinoshita since our days back in junior high. All those little interactions and lingering looks suddenly make sense. I remember him always finding excuses to talk to her, or go out of his way to sit near her in class.

I recall him asking her out multiple times, but every time, Kinoshita politely declined.

"Hey, you're that guy that plays basketball right?" Isshiki suddenly turns his attention to me, his eyes locking onto mine with a casual curiosity.

I'm a bit taken aback that he even knows who I am. We never really interacted much back in middle school - he was always in a completely different social circle.

I guess he may remember me since I was friends with Kinoshita, and Isshiki was always in close proximity to her.

"Uh, yeah that's me," I replied, trying to keep my tone casual despite my surprise. "I play point guard for Sakura High now." I added.

Isshiki nods, a hint of recognition crossing his features. "Right, right, I think I've seen your name mentioned before. You guys had a pretty solid season from what I heard."

"And you are?" he asks, his gaze shifting over to Sugahara.

Sugahara straightens up a bit, meeting Isshiki's eyes. "Sugahara Oda," he says evenly. "I'm a friend of everyone here and also a starter on the basketball team."

Isshiki raises an eyebrow, giving Sugahara an appraising look. "The basketball team, huh? I've heard that name before too." His tone is casual but carries a hint of scrutiny.

"Matter of fact I think I know exactly who you are," Isshiki said.

"You're the guy," he added.

The guy? What does he mean?

Confusion flooded everyone's mind. "Care to elaborate?" Sugahara asks.

Isshiki smirks, clearly enjoying having everyone's attention. "You know, the guy," he says nonchalantly, dragging out the suspense.

Then, his expression shifts into one of mock seriousness. "The guy I gotta crush into bits," Isshiki continued.

The words hang in the air, and I feel Sugahara's guard instantly go up. My eyes narrow slightly as I regard Isshiki, unsure if he's joking or not. "What's that supposed to mean?" I ask evenly, keeping my voice level despite the growing tension.

Isshiki just chuckles, not offering any further explanation right away. He seems to be savoring the confused and slightly uncomfortable looks from everyone at our table.

Kate rolls her eyes beside him, apparently used to his antics. But the rest of us exchange wary glances, wondering where Isshiki is going with this.

Isshiki lets the silence linger, clearly relishing in the confusion. Suddenly his smirk widens as he takes in our reactions.

"You guys haven't looked at the inner high bracket schedule yet, have you?" Isshiki asks finally, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.

It's then that Asari speaks up from beside me. "We have our first matchup against Midori Academy in the opening round," he supplies evenly.

Realization seems to dawn on Kinoshita as her eyes widen slightly. "Wait...Midori Academy? Isn't that where you go, Minoru?"

Isshiki nods, his grin stretching even wider. "Finally catching my drift, are we?"

Kinoshita's brow furrows as she regards Isshiki carefully. "But why do you have to 'crush' Sugahara?" she presses. "You play soccer, not basketball."

Isshiki lets out a short laugh at that.

"That may be true Kinoshita, yeah I play soccer, but this year I tried my hand at being a multi-sport athlete," he explained.

He leans back casually, making a show of getting comfortable before continuing.

"Anyway, I tried out for basketball and ended up being pretty good," he continued.

Isshiki was already a generational athlete as a soccer player, I couldn't help but be curious of how good of a basketball player he is.

Could he already be better than me?

Kate suddenly tugs on Isshiki's sleeve, breaking the tension. "Minoru, we're going to be late," she says impatiently.

Isshiki glances at her and nods. "You're right, we should get going." He turns back to our group. "Well, it was great seeing some familiar faces again."

Just as he's about to leave, Isshiki pauses and shifts his gaze to Kinoshita. A mischievous grin plays across his lips. "Actually, before we bounce, Kinoshita..."

He lets the sentence hang for a moment, clearly savoring the dramatic pause. I tense up, unsure of what he's about to say next.

"How about we make this inner high matchup a little more interesting?" Isshiki propositions. "Let's put a friendly wager on the game."

Kinoshita blinks in surprise. "A wager? Like what?"

I hold my breath as Isshiki's spoke. The smug look on his face says it all.

"If I beat Sakura High in our opening match," Isshiki says slowly. "Then you gotta go on a date with me."

A hush falls over our table. Kinoshita's eyes widen in shock, her mouth slightly agape. Haruno's face contorts into a glare directed squarely at Isshiki.

"What kind of stupid bet is that?" Sugahara demands, his voice laced with barely contained irritation.

"Hush, this is Kinoshita's decision not yours," silencing Sugahara.

Sugahara's gaze slides over to Kinoshita, who still seems too stunned to respond. A lazy smirk plays across Isshiki's lips.

"Unless...you don't think Sakura has what it takes to beat little ol' me?" Isshiki instigates.

Kinoshita finally seems to find her voice. "Minoru, that's —"

Before Kinoshita could finish her sentence, Haruno let's out a loud snicker.

"What's so funny?" Isshiki asks Haruno.

Haruno's eyes narrow dangerously. "You've got a lot of nerve, but do you seriously think your school can beat us?" she taunted.

It's been a while since I've seen Haruno's cocky side.

"Should be no problem really, I mean you guys only have an eight man rotation, that's pretty pathetic," Isshiki retorted.

"Hmph," Haruno let out.

"Well in any case, I'll say one thing," Haruno said.

"Sugahara will demolish you," she stated.

Isshiki looked bewildered by the statement. Then Kinoshita suddenly spoke up.

"You know what Minoru, I do think Sakura has what it takes," Kinoshita declares, her initial surprise giving way to a determined look.

Kinoshita's eyes are focused, her voice steady as she continues.

"In fact, I'll take that wager," she says evenly. "When Sugahara beats you, I expect you to graciously accept my condition,"

Isshiki's eyes widen slightly at Kinoshita's bold acceptance of his bet. For a moment, I think I detect a flash of surprise in his gaze before his signature smirk returns.

"And what's your condition?" Isshiki asks.

"If I win don't ever ask me out again!" Kinoshita exclaimed.

Isshiki looked taken aback by Kinoshita's proposal, but quickly reverts back.

"Well, well, someone's feeling confident," Isshiki drawls. "I have to admit, I'm a little impressed you're actually willing to put yourself on the line like that, Kinoshita."

He lets out a short laugh, shaking his head slightly. "But don't say I didn't warn you when Sakura ends up on the losing end of things."

Isshiki suudenly stood tall infront of Sugahara.

"Sounds like the girls have put a lot of faith in you, Sugahara," Isshiki says, looking at Sugahara with an appraising gaze. "Think you can live up to their expectations?"

"You're a real piece of work, you know that?" Sugahara retorts. "Making bets and putting Kinoshita on the line like some kind of prize. You're a pig." he added.

Isshiki raises an eyebrow.

"I don't plan on losing to a pig like you," Sugahara stated firmly, holding Isshiki's gaze. "Especially not to some soccer player who thinks he can just waltz onto the basketball court." adding further insult.

A cocky grin spreads across Isshiki's face. "Is that so? Well, I'd suggest you check the Player Performance App if I were you. Might make you rethink underestimating me."

His PPA? I wonder what he meant by that.

Isshiki lets out a short laugh, "Consider this a declaration of war."

With that, he turns and saunters away, Kate following closely behind with a disdainful look in our direction.

I let out a sigh of relief as Isshiki and Kate walk away.

"What an arrogant prick," Asari comments, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Tell me about it," I agree. "Trying to make some stupid bet involving Kinoshita like that." Haruno agreed.

Kinoshita remains quiet for a moment before speaking up. "He's always been a little...overconfident," she admits. "But I wouldn't say he's a total jerk."

Sugahara raised an eyebrow at her. "You're defending him after the crap he just pulled?"

Kinoshita shakes her head. "No, no, I'm not defending his behavior. Just saying there's more to him than that arrogant front he puts up." She pauses before adding, "At least, there used to be back in junior high."

"How do you even know that guy so well?" Sugahara asks, still looking slightly riled up from Isshiki's taunts.

Kinoshita glances at him. "We actually go way back to our soccer days," she explains. "Isshiki and I were the top players in soccer for our respective gender in junior high."

I nod slowly, recalling that Kinoshita was an impressive soccer player back then. "That's right, you were basically a prodigy at the sport," I remark.

Kinoshita shrugs modestly. "I guess you could say that. And Isshiki was basically the male version of me - super talented, hardworking, determined to be the best."

"So it wasn't hard for our paths to cross frequently," she continues. "We'd often have joint practices and such." Kinoshita explained.

Sugahara listens intently as Kinoshita speaks. "I see...so you two were like the star players everyone looked up to."

Kinoshita nods. "Pretty much. And because of that, I think Isshiki always viewed me as his equal in a lot of ways."

She lets out a soft laugh. "Of course, Isshiki being Isshiki, he always wanted to be the best. And he never hid his...admiration for me, let's say."

Sugahara snort at that. "You mean his obvious crush on you?"

Kinoshita gives me a look but doesn't deny it. "Well, yeah, I guess you could call it that. He did ask me out pretty persistently back then."

That explains the undertones I sensed whenever Isshiki interacted with Kinoshita in middle school. He always did seem a little too eager to get her attention.

"So that arrogant jerk has been pining after you since junior high?" Sugahara asks incredulously. "Man, I can't stand guys like that."

Kinoshita shakes her head. "I told you, there's more to him than just that arrogant front," she insists. "Deep down, Isshiki's actually a really hard worker who took soccer incredibly seriously. I always respected his dedication, even if his personality could be...abrasive at times."

She glances around at all of us. "Anyway, enough about Isshiki for now. We should focus on our upcoming match instead of getting riled up by his ridiculous bet."

As we walked back to school from the food truck, Haruno and Kinoshita gossip about Kate.

"You guys should have been there the day Haruno slapped Kate right across the face!" Kinoshita exclaims, unable to hide her amusement.

Haruno snorts derisively. "That blonde bimbo had it coming. She was running her mouth about Aiya like she was better than everyone."

"To be fair, Kate and I used to be friends back in the first year of middle school," Kinoshita admits with a small shrug.

I raise my eye to their conversation. I remember that was something they mentioned before, but I wasn't friends with Haruno or Kinoshita at the time. Still, it was pretty hard to believe that the kindhearted Kinoshita could have associated with someone as unpleasant as Kate. Then again, people can change a lot over the years.

Sugahara looks just as taken aback. "You were friends with that blonde vixen too? I can't picture it,"

Kinoshita lets out a soft laugh. "I know, it's hard to imagine now. But back then, Kate was the only one I had until I met Haruno."

Kinoshita then had a sudden shift in tone.

"Well anyways, enough with the past, I wanna enjoy the present!" she said in her usual bubbly tone.

We all smile at her as we approached school, ready to finish the day off.