Oh on that note we have a practice match coming up as well said Tetsuo. Really? Against which high school? Asked Haruko.Yokonan high school I believe said Tetsuo nonchalantly. Yokonan? They are pretty strong. How come you're so calm about playing them.
I know, however I believe that we can beat them, no matter how good they are because like us they are human as well. Which is why I'm not in the least nervous.Um, would you mind if I tag along with you to watch? Asked Haruko. No there's no problem with you tagging along, but may I ask why? Well honestly, I would love to see my coach in action said Haruko as she smiled brightly.
So I'm a coach now huh Tesuo said to himself. So is that a yes? Asked Haruko awaiting an answer. Okay, but tomorrow is a school day so you'll have to skip in order to come with us. Skipping one day won't cause much harm , plus I have a really reliable friend she'll definitely get the notes for me said Haruko.
Well I think I better get going, don't want to get in trouble said Haruko. Why are you leaving so suddenly ? Did something happened? Asked Tesuo. Well, I kind of, sort of snuck out of the house said Haruko as she chuckled awkwardly. Okay but before you go , I want to show you something said Tesuo as he went for his ball. Show me what exactly? Asked Haruko curiously.
Tetsuo got closer to Haruko and puts his hands on both her shoulders which made her blush astonishingly as he moved her to the free throw line facing him. Stand right here and play defense, try and stop me from scoring and be sure that you observe my movements. Haruko said " Okay" in response.
Tetsuo started dribbling the basketball and drove within the three point line towards Haruko. He took up the ball and made his first step. I'll cut him off here said Haruko as she rushed to stop Tesuo however, he took another step in the opposite direction breaking down Haruko's defense with simple movements. Huh?But how did he got by me? Haruko asked herself in disbelief.
Tetsuo then lays the ball on the backboard and it entered the rim with a swish and bounced on the ground. How? How did you break my defense so easily with such little movement. It's a simple move called the Euro step, think of it as a variation of layup. Basically you take your steps in two different directions rather than one, this makes you very unpredictable, especially when you read the defender replied Tetsuo.
I see, it really caught me by surprise. You can practice on your own to perfect it. Thanks for your help, I really mean that, it means so much to me. Thanks to you I was able to do so well in training the other day and I'm sure I will in this upcoming season. also don't forget to text me the date , time and where we should meet , see you later said Haruko as she waved goodbye.
I don't understand, for some reason I feel at ease when I'm taking with her, its almost as if I met her somewhere before. I get so talkative when I'm around her. She gives off the same energy as my little sister so maybe that's why. Tesuo was disrupted by loud claps coming from the darkest side of the court then a boy in high school uniform emerged from the shadows. Who's that? Asked Tesuo.
You're quite the player, having a girl out here at this hour, I'm jealous said Tadao. The name's Tadao Inoue , I'm sure you've heard of me before. Why are you so silent all of a sudden, I was only praising you, it's quite impressive that you pulled a girl out of the house this late he said as he smirked. We both know that's not the reason why you confronted me, you were over there watching the whole time weren't you? Asked Tesuo. Well you're smarter than you look, at least you understand where im getting at so let me be clear and concise.
In the daytime, you and your little girlfriend can play around here anytime you want, but after hours this my turf. So unless you don't want me to kick your ass, I suggest that you stay away, can't say that didn't warn you
Said Tadao as he puts his hand in his pockets and walked off. Kick my ass? I didn't know people still use those phrases said Tetsuo to himself.
Upon arriving back home Haruko climbed through her window and then closed it carefully to avoid making any sudden noise . After successfully closing it she sighed .
Where have you been this time of night said Sachiko as she turned on the lights. I missed the part where that's your business said Haruko bluntly.
What do you mean, it is my business, you're my younger sister, of course I'd be worried about you. If you considered me as your little sister then you would have backed me up when I needed you the most. I'm here now so you don't have to worry about it . If dad and mom find out about this they would be angry.
Can you just leave my room please. But I'm not done with you…. Get out!!! Said Haruko as she pushed Sachiko out of her room slamming the door. That's the first time Haruko has ever been so upset with me, is it because I didn't say anything to father, she wanted me to back her up but I was too afraid to do it, I'm the worst.
The alarm in Takahiro's room beeped which woke him up and he turns it off. So today is the big day huh Takahiro said to himself as he left his room and goes down stairs to make his breakfast. Mom, why are you up so early?
Well, I woke up early just to make breakfast for you and also help you with anything you need before it's time for your match. It's the least I can do said Takahiro's mom as she smiled.
I see , thank you mom. Oh and your dad said that he wishes you all the best in your match, you just missed him. The old man really said that. You look like you're getting older every day big brother, sometimes I even mistake you for dad. Why don't you get rid of that beard said Takahiro's little brother.
Chihiro why are you up so early? I heard that you have a practice match today so I stayed up all night just to tell you, all the best big brother, don't you dare loose .Thanks little man said Takahiro as he pats Chihiro's head. Hey, stop patting my head I'm not a kid.
I wonder how the first years are holding up, I hope that they don't allow their nerves to get to them. Noboru was fast asleep and snoring in his bed without a care in the world. I'm heading out Aunty , be back soon said Shino as he started jogging. Be careful on the road dear, it's super early, good grief.
We are up against Yokonan high school, I can't just relax now, I want to help the team in anyway that I can said Shino to himself as he was determined. Hayato ran until he reach the riverbank where he stretched and sat on the grass. I didn't think I was going to see him again so soon, I'm looking forward to test my skills against him said Hayato as he smirked.
The captain Yukio was reading a book while he curled a twenty five pound dumbbell. Here goes nothing, today is the day I see how far we can go. Tetsuo sat on his bed and closed his eyes imagining different scenarios of the match, took a deep breath and opened his eyes then he said to himself " it's time."