It was the day for the final games. The cheerdance competition will be held in the afternoon.
Dan was playing among the team for the basketball championship game. It was a close match and on the last 30 seconds of the game, they are trailing by 4 points.
Captain Long was with the ball inside the ring. He tried to take a basket, failed but was granted 2 free throws from a defensive foul from the team who is on penalty. He missed the first free throw but got the second in.
There was 13 seconds left on the clock when their team got the rebound from a missed basket.
Midori was praying hard on the bleachers, even clasping her hands. She had the urge to tightly close her eyes but she must not take her eyes off of the game.
In the last 4 seconds, his teammates managed to pass the ball to Dan who was standing at the perimeter.
However, the other team's captain tried to block his shot, with 2 seconds remaining.
Dan just threw the ball with no projectile planning or good technique, the ball went in.
But before he let go, the buzzer signaled the end of the game.
They lost the championship game!
In the dugout, most players were looking down on their shoes or on the floor. Captain Long and the other seniors were exchanging looks and bitter smiles.
They were surprised to suddenly hear Dan take the initiative to speak.
"Well guys, that's it for high school basketball among us seniors! I am grateful that everyone welcomed me warmly in this team despite playing with you guys for only a few months. So, thank you very much to everyone! I enjoyed playing with you!" He made a deep bow.
"That's right! It was fun being with you guys! We will miss harassing the juniors and freshmen!" Captain Long guffawed.
Merry cheers were ringing in their dugout afterwards. The juniors were sending off the graduating seniors and the seniors were tapping the shoulders of the new captain nonstop.
After shower and changing, they dispersed to watch other games being played in the morning.
Midori was waiting for Dan outside the covered court.
She smiled brightly as he emerged from an exit door. When he finally stood next to her, she embraced him warmly.
"Hey, I'm okay. We're okay." He was talking how the team was holding up.
"I know." she almost whispered. "But I still want to say..." she moved from the embrace to look at him. "You will always be my MVP." Then she flashed her sincere smile.
Meanwhile in the pool area...
Midori and Dan arrived hands together. Mei noticed them and waved for them to come to where she was seated.
"Why do you look so excited?" Midori was looking at her friend, amused.
Mei pouted. "It's because you only watch his game so you don't know anything about others." Mei eyed Dan then looked at Midori accusingly.
Midori replaced some strands of her locks behind her ear and grinned guiltily.
Dan started to move the neckline of his shirt to fan himself. "It's too hot outside. I'll go to the vending machine to buy some drinks. You girls want any?"
"Apple-flavored tea for me!" Mei requested without hesitation.
"What about you?" Dan looked at Midori.
"Green tea latte." Midori faintly smiled.
Dan went to the closest vending machine. He put bills into the machine for the purchase. Just when he was to press the corresponding button for the drink, a fair delicate hand pressed on the button for the iced americano.
He immediately turned to the culprit. He saw a pair of dark brown eyes looking at him intently.
"Sorry. I just need this right now." The soft voice explained in an instant while claiming the drink which was just dispensed. "Oh, here's the money for the drink." Dan was handed some coins in exchange. "Again, sorry to bother you." The figure bowed. "I must go now. Thank you!"
Dan remained shocked speechless throughout the interaction which occurred within 2 minutes. He looked at his hand full of coins, then looked back at the retreating figure.
"Weird girl." He mumbled, then proceeded on buying drinks.