The roar of the crowd echoed through the gym, a cacophony of cheers and shouts that vibrated in my bones. I stood at the free-throw line, the basketball slick against my palms, my heart pounding like a drum. Today was the day—the final match of my high school basketball championship, held in the heart of Takamatsu, Japan. I could feel the weight of expectation pressing down on my shoulders, but it wasn't just about the trophy. This was my chance to prove myself as the captain of the Kagawa Knights, a chance to show everyone, especially my crush, Hana, that I was more than just a talented player. I was ready to become a legend.

As I looked up into the stands, my heart sank. There she was, cheering loudly for my rival, Akira Tanaka, the captain of the Yamato Tigers. She clapped and waved her pom-poms, her laughter cutting through my determination like a knife. Akira was everything I wasn't: confident, charming, and now, standing between me and my dreams. The fire in my chest ignited into a furious blaze. I couldn't let this game slip away—not when everything I had worked for was at stake.

"Let's go, Knights!" I shouted, rallying my teammates, Jamal and Riku, as we huddled together. "We win this for each other, for our town!"

As the game began, the atmosphere crackled with energy. The referee blew the whistle, and we surged onto the court.

Commentary: "And we're off! The Kagawa Knights are facing off against the Yamato Tigers in a highly anticipated match! The Knights, led by their fearless captain, are looking to make a statement today!"

The ball flew between the two teams, and I fought for possession, weaving through defenders like a dancer. Jamal made an incredible pass, and I caught it, launching myself toward the basket. The air was thick with anticipation as I leaped, my feet leaving the ground, the world around me fading away.

Commentary: "What a move by the Knights' captain! He's going for a layup—oh! A fierce block by Akira! He's not letting his rival take an easy shot!"

The game was a back-and-forth battle, each team refusing to give an inch. I felt the adrenaline coursing through my veins as I made a three-pointer, the ball swishing through the net. The crowd erupted, and for a brief moment, I was invincible. But every time I looked up, Hana's gaze was fixed on Akira. My resolve wavered, and anger surged within me. I needed to win this, not just for the trophy, but for her.

With only seconds left on the clock, the score was tied. I could feel the energy in the arena shift as my teammates rallied around me. I glanced at the scoreboard: 75-75. This was my moment.

Commentary: "What a tense moment! The score is tied, and we're down to the last play! Will the Knights pull off a win, or will the Tigers claim the championship?"

I sprinted down the court, my mind focused on the basket. I could hear my heart pounding in my ears as I dribbled the ball, Akira hot on my heels. As I reached the three-point line, I planted my feet, eyes locked on the hoop. This shot would seal our victory.

Commentary: "He's setting up for a three-pointer! Can he do it? The crowd is on their feet!"

But just as I released the ball, I felt a rough shove. Akira barreled into me, a malicious grin on his face as he tackled me to the ground. Pain exploded through my body, and I heard the sickening crack before everything went black.

***

I woke up in a sterile hospital room, the beeping of machines echoing around me. Panic washed over me as I tried to move, only to realize I couldn't. I glanced down at my legs, the sheets obscuring what I feared to see. It hit me like a freight train—I was in a wheelchair.

My mind raced back to the game. We had lost. My teammates had fought hard, but without me, the Kagawa Knights were just a shadow of what they could have been. As I lay there, the reality of my life crashed down around me. I was paralyzed, my dreams shattered.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into years. I relived that moment over and over again—Akira's wicked smile, the sound of the crowd gasping, the impact that changed everything. I watched as my friends moved on with their lives, their bright futures unfolding while I remained stagnant, trapped in a body that no longer obeyed me.

For seventy years, I lived in a haze of regret, haunted by what could have been. I became a shadow of my former self, a forgotten soul on the outskirts of Tokyo, relegated to the streets. I saw Akira marry Hana, their laughter ringing in my ears like a cruel joke. My friends, my teammates—they all drifted away, leaving me behind in my misery. I was old, feeble, and lonely, and I hadn't even experienced love.

One bleak evening, I found myself at the top of my high school's old basketball stadium, the place where I once believed I could touch the stars. The memories flooded back: the sound of sneakers squeaking on polished wood, the thrill of sinking that winning shot, and the camaraderie of my teammates. But now, it was all gone. I was about to end my suffering.

With tears streaming down my face, I took a deep breath and prepared to jump.

Suddenly, a transparent screen appeared before me, glowing with an ethereal light.

"Would you go back to chase that dream of yours? YES or NO."

I blinked, disbelief coursing through me. Was this real? Was I hallucinating? All I wanted was to escape this misery. My heart raced as I contemplated my choices.

In that moment of desperation, I made my decision. I reached out, my finger hovering over the glowing word.

Then everything turned black.

***

Voices echoed around me, familiar and distant, like a faded memory. I strained to listen, hoping to grasp the fleeting remnants of my past.

This was not the end. It was a new beginning.