The gym buzzed with murmurs as both teams prepared for the final quarter. The scoreboard glared down: Hachioji Academy - 39, Misono Girls - 31.
"I can't believe it. Hachioji Academy is a whole lot better than we thought," whispered one of Chizuru's teammates, her voice tight as she stared across the court.
"That girl in number four really did out performed Chizuru. I hate to admit it, but she's better than her," mumbled another, shoulders tense, grip tightening on her towel.
Coach Yamaoka stood in front of the bench, arms folded, her eyes on Haruko. Her tone, though quiet, held no uncertainty.
"I never could have imagined that Hachioji had gotten this good. What surprised me the most, though, was that girl. She's an all-around player and a great leader.
She excels at defense, passing, and—on top of that—her handles are beyond your average junior high school player. Not only that, but I think she might even be a better shooter than Chizuru. I'm not sure if we can win this game," she admitted, her voice low but firm as she walked over to Chizuru.
The bench straightened.
"Hold your head up, Chizuru. I underestimated Hachioji, which is why we're behind now. But don't worry—I'm giving you permission to take over this game and play selfishly. Everyone, make sure the ball gets to Chizuru and try to free her up every time. If you're in a good position, you're allowed to shoot.
As for that girl in number four, I want both you and Chizuru to double-team her," Yamaoka instructed.
"Yes, Coach!" the girls replied in unison.
Chizuru wiped her face with her jersey, then lowered it and looked at her coach.
"Coach, is it alright if I guard her alone? I want to stop her with my own strength. We will not lose—trust me," she said, eyes firm with intensity.
Yamaoka stared for a second before nodding. "I see. If that's what you want, then do as you wish. However, if you lose, you'll bear all the responsibility."
"I know. Thank you, Coach," said Chizuru, bowing slightly before jogging toward the court.
Across the floor, Hachioji's girls sat catching their breath. Beads of sweat slid down their necks, arms resting on knees, water bottles clutched in tired hands.
"At the end of the first quarter, the score was eleven to sixteen. In the second quarter, we were down by one point at twenty-four to twenty-five, and then we overtook them in the third quarter, leading thirty-nine to thirty-one. Haruko might not realize it, but she's the one who turned this game around," thought Coach Maeda as she watched her players reset.
"Listen up! Get the ball to me, everyone. I'll score us some points so we can go home as victors," said Haruko, rising with a determined look. Her jersey clung to her back, damp from effort, but her voice carried steady confidence.
"Haruko has really changed overnight, hasn't she?" Kazue thought to herself with a faint smile, glancing sideways at her captain.
The buzzer sounded. Players took their positions. The final quarter had begun.
Suzume inbounded the ball with a short bounce pass to Haruko. Chizuru stepped up fast, her sneakers squealing as they slid into defensive position. Her arms rose quickly, and she leaned forward slightly, ready to cut off Haruko's drive.
Haruko faked a shot with a quick rise of her arms, and Chizuru flinched, reacting with a jump. That small motion was all Haruko needed. She exploded forward, her shoes thudding on the hardwood, and blew past Chizuru. A quick step forward, and she pulled up for a clean mid-range jumper.
The ball left her hands with precision. The shot hit cleanly—nothing but net.
"Damn it! I won't lose!" Chizuru said to herself, fists clenched, her breath quickening.
Misono responded quickly. A teammate set a screen for Chizuru, who darted through the opening with sharp footwork. The ball arrived in her hands a beat later, and with barely a pause, she released a three-point shot.
Her legs straightened, follow-through crisp. The ball spun once, then dropped through.
The bench erupted.
Back on offense, Suzume caught a pass and saw open space ahead of her. Without Chizuru shadowing her, she stepped into a mid-range shot and released. The ball struck the back of the rim, bounced once, then settled into the net.
On the next play, Chizuru attempted to penetrate the lane. Haruko slid quickly into position, her arms up, legs wide for balance. With her path cut off, Chizuru halted and rose for a jumper.
The shot was clean. Two more points.
Kotone positioned herself under the basket on the following possession. As she received the pass, no defender contested her due to her size. She squared her shoulders and banked in the layup.
On the inbound, Misono kept their pace high. Chizuru curled off another screen, took a long step into the open space, and launched a three-pointer.
The swish was immediate.
Haruko motioned for Kotone to set a screen. As it hit, she stepped out wide and fired back with a three of her own. The ball sailed in a high arc before descending smoothly into the hoop.
Not to be outdone, Chizuru came sprinting down the court. Without hesitation, she took another long-range shot—this one off a single dribble—and scored again.
Immediately after, Hachioji fed Kotone in the post again. Her defender was too late. She laid the ball in softly, her hands firm and steady as she used the glass.
Before the defense could regroup, Chizuru caught the inbound, passed ahead to her teammate, and the ball was returned for a quick layup.
Their tempo was relentless now. The scoreboard reflected the closeness of the match: 50–44.
"Only fifteen seconds left. I know we've already lost, but I need to score one more basket," Chizuru thought, wiping her forehead as she turned toward Haruko again.
Suzume inbounded the ball to Haruko.
The crowd noise faded under the weight of tension. Sweat rolled from Haruko's temple as she steadied her dribble. Her breathing slowed. She signaled Kotone for a screen, keeping her stance low, eyes fixed on Chizuru.
But Chizuru anticipated the screen and darted around it, sticking with Haruko like glue.
Haruko switched hands, dribbled behind her back, and stepped back just as Chizuru lunged again.
She rose, the ball lifted in one motion. The buzzer screamed.
The ball hung in the air for a breath.
Then—swish.
The sound of the net snapping back was followed by a brief silence, and then an eruption of cheers.
"We won!" screamed Sayaka happily, her voice loud and high with joy.
"Yay! We did," said Suzume, her face blank but voice lighter than usual.
"Come on, Suzume, at least act happy, you emotionless robot," Kotone teased, grabbing Suzume and squeezing her in a hug.
"Get your sweaty self off of me!" Suzume snapped, trying to shove her off.
"Now that's more like it," Kotone said with a grin, refusing to let go.
"You really were awesome out there, Haruko," said Kazue, patting her captain on the back.
"Yeah, she was! And it's all thanks to Kawaguchi-senpai. I should take him out on a date as thanks. You have no problem with that, right, Haruko?" asked Kotone with a mischievous look.
"Do as you please," Haruko said, keeping her tone flat, but her cheeks were flushed.
"You're so cute when you get flustered," Kotone teased again.
Across the court, Chizuru approached, her breathing still rough from exertion.
"You're really good. We gave it our all, and we still lost," she admitted, brushing hair from her face.
"We won this game, but your skills were impressive. You're a great shooter," said Haruko, locking eyes with her rival.
"Right back at you. Say, what high school do you plan on going to? If you're unsure, how about attending our high school so we can play together?" asked Chizuru, voice softer now.
"I plan on enrolling at Toshigawa Academy and starting a high school basketball team there. You can join me if you want, but I've made up my mind about this," Haruko said, her voice steady.
"That's okay. I understand—you've made up your mind. But is there any special reason you want to attend that school?" asked Chizuru.
"Yes, there are a few reasons."
"It's definitely because of Kawaguchi-senpai. You really do like him, don't you?" teased Kotone from behind, smirking.
"Will you please stop? That's not why I want to go to Toshigawa," said Haruko, clearly flustered, her eyes shifting away.
"I'll be rooting for you. All the best in your matches. Next time around, we will win," said Chizuru with a smile as she rejoined her team.
"The game between Hachioji Academy and Misono Girls' Junior and Senior High School ended fifty-three to forty-four, with Hachioji Academy as the winner," declared Coach Yamaoka, standing near the officials' table.
Coach Maeda stepped toward her team, hands resting on her hips. Her voice softened, carrying a tone of genuine pride.
"You girls did well today—especially you, Haruko. I expect great things from you this season."
Haruko looked up and nodded.
"Yes, Coach."