The air was heavy with anticipation as the Toraoka basketball team gathered in the gym. Their first real competition was just days away, and the atmosphere during practice had shifted. Everyone was more focused, more determined. For Kazuki, it felt like a chance to prove himself, to show that he had more to offer than just quick feet and fancy dribbling.
Coach Inoue stood at the center of the court, arms crossed, his sharp gaze passing over the players. "This isn't just another game," he began, his voice firm but calm. "We need to set the tone for the rest of the season. If we come out flat, teams will write us off. We're going to face teams faster, stronger, and more skilled than us. But that doesn't mean we can't outwork them."
Kazuki felt a surge of determination. The team had improved a lot since he joined. He could see it in Ryota's shooting, in Hiroshi's movements in the post, and in the overall energy of the squad. They were starting to gel, and it felt like things were finally coming together.
A Late-Night Conversation
That evening, after practice, Kazuki found himself once again shooting in the now-quiet gym. The echoes of bouncing basketballs filled the space, but his mind was elsewhere. The weight of the upcoming game pressed on him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he still wasn't where he needed to be.
Just as he lined up for another shot, he heard familiar footsteps approaching. He smiled to himself before turning around to see Mika walking into the gym, her usual confident expression in place.
"Still here?" she asked, grabbing a loose ball and dribbling it lazily. "I swear you spend more time here than at home."
Kazuki chuckled, taking another shot. "Gotta get ready for the big game."
Mika nodded, then tossed the ball she was holding toward him. "You're ready, Kazuki. You've been putting in the work. But you're not going to fix everything in one night."
Kazuki caught the ball and paused, looking at her. "Yeah, but I feel like there's still something missing. I don't want to just be a decent player. I want to be someone the team can rely on."
Mika smiled softly, leaning against the wall. "You're already that person. You're the one pushing everyone, making them better. You don't have to do everything yourself."
For a moment, they stood in silence, the weight of her words sinking in. Kazuki realized that she wasn't just talking about basketball. Since their friendship had grown, Mika had become someone he could talk to, someone who understood the pressure he put on himself. He appreciated her presence more than he could put into words.
Kazuki put down the ball and walked over to where Mika stood. "Thanks, Mika. For everything. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Mika's eyes flickered with something unreadable, and then she smiled. "You'd be fine. But I'm glad to be here anyway."
The quiet moment hung between them, and Kazuki felt something shift. He didn't know when it had happened, but his feelings for Mika had grown beyond just friendship. She had become someone he looked forward to seeing every day, someone who made him feel like he could take on the world.
But before he could say anything else, Mika pushed off the wall and gave him a playful shove. "Now stop being sappy and show me what you've got. Let's see if all this extra practice has actually made you better."
Kazuki grinned, picking up the ball again. "You asked for it."
Game Day Approaches
The days leading up to the game were intense. Practices were filled with scrimmages, drills, and strategy sessions. Coach Inoue emphasized defense, reminding the team that their strength would come from shutting down their opponents.
Kazuki, Ryota, and Hiroshi were constantly working together, refining their chemistry on the court. Ryota's outside shooting continued to be a valuable asset, while Hiroshi's strength in the paint provided the team with a solid inside presence. Kazuki's ability to break down defenses and create opportunities was improving with every practice.
But there was still tension in the air. Everyone knew that their first game would be a statement not just to their opponents, but to themselves. They had to show that Toraoka wasn't a team to be taken lightly.
The Night Before the Game
The night before their first competition, Kazuki couldn't sleep. He tossed and turned in bed, his mind racing with thoughts of the game. He replayed scenarios in his head what would happen if he missed a crucial shot, if he turned the ball over, if they fell behind early.
Unable to take it anymore, he grabbed his phone and sent a quick message to Mika. "Can't sleep. You up?"
A few moments later, his phone buzzed with a reply. "Meet me outside."
Kazuki threw on a hoodie and quietly slipped out of his house, jogging down the street to the school. When he got there, he found Mika waiting by the gate, her hands stuffed into the pockets of her jacket.
"Couldn't sleep either?" Kazuki asked as he approached her.
Mika smiled. "I had a feeling you'd be overthinking everything."
Kazuki sighed, leaning against the gate beside her. "I just keep thinking about the game. What if we're not ready? What if I mess up?"
Mika looked at him, her expression serious now. "You're going to mess up at some point. Everyone does. But that doesn't matter. What matters is how you handle it."
Kazuki frowned, staring at the ground. "Yeah, but what if—"
"Stop thinking about 'what ifs,'" Mika interrupted, her voice firm but gentle. "You've prepared for this. You've worked hard for this. Now you just have to trust yourself."
Kazuki looked at her, feeling a strange sense of calm wash over him. Mika always had a way of cutting through his doubts and helping him see things clearly. He didn't know what he'd do without her.
"Thanks," Kazuki said quietly. "You always know what to say."
Mika smiled again, and for a brief moment, they stood there in silence, just enjoying the quiet of the night.
Before he knew what he was doing, Kazuki reached out and took her hand. It was a small gesture, but it felt like the most natural thing in the world. Mika didn't pull away. Instead, she squeezed his hand gently, and they stood there together, neither of them needing to say anything.
End of Chapter 4