"Snort!"
Oliver was panting as he handed the bag full of snacks to Chika Furukawa, who stood at the door with her arms crossed and a scowl on her face. But despite the peace offering, her expression didn't improve. She turned her head away with a huff.
"Please, my lady, I bought the pudding you asked for, and I also got extra chips and popsicles. Please forgive me, okay?"
Oliver clasped his hands together and gave a dramatic plea.
Chika reached into the plastic bag and pulled out her favorite red bean pudding and mung bean-flavored popsicles. Her scowl softened, if only slightly.
"Brother, why did you come back so late? Didn't the game end around five?"
"Huh? Oh, our coach was so happy that he treated us to dinner, so we got back late."
Oliver walked into the house, slipped off his shoes, and changed into his slippers. He let out a long yawn and stretched.
"Is there any hot water left? I want to take a bath."
After playing two intense games, he was soaked in sweat and felt sticky all over.
"There should still be some in the tank," Chika replied. "It should be enough for you."
She closed the front door and eyed him curiously. "Didn't you say your coach was notoriously stingy? Why would he suddenly treat everyone?"
"Ah, because we won the game. He was in such a good mood that he became generous for once."
"Oh, I see. That explains it. You won, huh? That's great—"
Chika suddenly froze.
"EH!?"
"What now? Why are you yelling?"
"Wait, wait! Did you just say you won??"
Her eyes widened as she leapt toward him. "How did you win? How did you beat Kaede Rukawa?!"
Oliver stared at her as she bounced with excitement, her eyes sparkling like stars. She looked like a puppy wagging its tail.
"You're way too close. It's hot. Back off."
He gently pushed her forehead, causing her to stumble back with a pout.
This girl never stopped talking about basketball.
Chika Furukawa loved basketball more than Oliver did. Unfortunately, she had no athletic talent herself. Still, she was an avid fan and adored watching matches, especially when it came to handsome, skilled players like Kaede Rukawa.
Given her understanding of their teams, she must've assumed Wako Middle School had no chance against Kaede. So the result understandably blew her mind.
"Hey, big bro, come on! Tell me how you guys won! What tactics did you use?"
Chika grabbed the hem of his shirt and twirled like a kitten. It was her classic move to coax information from him—and it always worked.
"Okay, okay... but I feel like you won't believe me even if I tell you."
Oliver sighed.
"I went on the court and led my team to a dramatic comeback. We beat Kaede Rukawa and won the game."
Chika blinked slowly.
"Brother?"
"Yup."
"You?"
"That's right."
"...Pfft!"
She burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"Hahahahaha! Bro, you're hilarious! Come on, I know your level. Your shooting is garbage. You can't even jump for a proper layup! Now you're telling me you led a comeback? Hahaha!"
"I knew it..."
Oliver's face twitched as he watched her roll on the floor laughing.
She'd seen him practice at home countless times. She knew how bad he used to be.
But he wasn't lying. Not even a little.
Should he say it?
"Sis, I'm actually a time traveler with a powerful system. Now I'm a basketball prodigy."
Yeah, no. She'd laugh even harder.
"I'm going to shower."
Ignoring her, Oliver grabbed his pajamas and headed to the bathroom.
"Hey! Don't walk away! You haven't told me how you actually won!"
Bang!
The bathroom door slammed shut. Chika glared at it with puffed cheeks.
"Tch. Fine! If you won't tell me, I'll find out myself!"
She stormed into her father's office, booted up the computer, and began typing rapidly.
"Kanagawa Basketball League... Kanagawa Basketball League... Aha! Here it is!"
She clicked on a link that led to an article headlined: "Surprise! Wako Junior High's Secret Weapon Emerges!"
"Wow, dramatic much? Is there a video?"
She scrolled down and clicked play on the embedded video.
The commentators' voices erupted.
"Oh!? Kaede Rukawa from Fugaoka Junior High has the ball again! He just cut through three defenders like butter and finishes with a layup! Incredible!"
Chika squealed.
"Rukawa is sooo cool!!"
She clutched her chest and sighed dreamily. But she furrowed her brows in confusion.
"Wait, how did they lose this?"
The screen showed Wako Middle School calling a timeout.
"Here it comes!"
She leaned in as Oliver walked onto the court.
"Let's see what my dear brother does now..."
Honestly, she didn't expect much. Her brother's past performances were... underwhelming.
Beep!
The whistle blew. And then...
Oliver soared.
He jumped like a superhero and slapped the ball away, launching a fast break.
Chika froze.
Five minutes later, she was still frozen.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
The hallway rattled as she sprinted toward the bathroom.
"EXCUSE ME!!"
Bang!
The bathroom door flung open.
"Wha—HEY! I'M NAKED IN HERE!!"
Oliver screamed, ducking into the tub.
"This isn't important right now!!" Chika shouted, leaning over the tub.
"Was that video REAL?!"
Oliver clutched his towel in panic.
"What video?! What are you talking about??"
"The game from this afternoon! The one where you played like a total beast! Was that REAL?!"
She leaned in even closer, unbothered by his embarrassment.
"WHY are you barging into the bathroom!? I said I'm NAKED!!"
"Answer the question, Oliver!!"
Her voice echoed off the tiles.
The next morning was going to be awkward.
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