Makoto shifted his weight and reached into his pocket. A small metal click echoed as his fingers brushed the coin inside. Its surface reflected the bright gym lights in a thin, steady gleam. He lifted it between his fingertips, his voice carrying calmly across the court.
"So… we've settled the teams for the thirty-minute scrimmage. How should we decide who gets the first ball? Do we go with the usual way, or use a coin toss?"
Yukio straightened up near center court, his fingers tightening around the backs of his shoes. The rubber soles gave a faint scrape against the floor as he shifted his stance. A steady breath left him before he spoke.
"Since it's four people on each team, I think using the coin toss is the best choice."
Takahiro crossed his arms, the fabric of his jersey pressing lightly against his chest as he settled his feet. A quiet exhale slipped from him, steady and relaxed, before he spoke.
"Yeah… I agree with that method. It's straightforward."
Makoto let the coin rise and fall in his palm with a soft metallic tap each time it landed against his skin. His eyelids lowered slightly as he turned his head toward Hayato with an easy, unhurried gaze.
"Alright… heads or tails?"
Hayato shifted his stance, the heel of his shoe pressing lightly into the floor as a small breath slipped from his nose. A faint curve formed at the corner of his mouth.
"I'll go with tails."
Makoto flicked his thumb upward, sending the coin into the air. It spun rapidly under the bright gym lights, giving off a brief metallic ring before dropping into his waiting palm. He closed his hand around it, steadied his breath, and then opened his fingers.
"Alright… let's see."
The coin showed its result, and he lifted his head toward the group.
"Hayato's team gets the first ball."
Nanaho rose from the bench, the whistle resting against her fingers as it tapped lightly against her palm. Her shoes pressed firmly into the floor as she straightened her posture.
"Alright. Now that this part is finished, we will begin."
The players moved into position, the sound of sneakers spreading across the court in short, sharp beats.
Tetsuo walked past Makoto, his steps steady and his expression unreadable. His voice dropped low as he passed him.
"…You did that on purpose, didn't you."
Makoto's eyes widened by a small margin, the faintest shift in his expression. A shallow breath left him before a quiet smirk settled on his lips.
"So you noticed it. Not bad, Tetsuo."
Takahiro stepped forward, the soles of his shoes brushing the floor as he leaned in and sent the ball toward Hayato. The ball met Hayato's hands with a firm slap, and he pushed off smoothly, guiding it up the court. Each dribble struck the hardwood in a steady, compact rhythm that filled the open space around them.
Hayato's eyes moved quickly across the court, his breath lifting slightly with his rising energy.
"We've got fifteen minutes for this half. We need to score as much as we can."
Makoto slid in to guard him, shoulders lowered, his footsteps barely audible—as if he wasn't even trying. But Hayato didn't pause for a second. He zipped a pass to Noboru on the right wing.
Noboru caught it cleanly, his eyes darting to Shino—who closed the distance in an instant to cut off his lane. With a sharp jab step and a quick ball fake, Noboru threw Shino off balance and slipped past him. His sneakers scraped the floor with a brief burst of friction before he snapped a low bounce pass into the paint.
Liam caught it with both hands and lowered his hips right away, setting his weight firmly. The solid impact of his shoulder hitting Yukio's chest traveled through the gym, and Yukio shifted back under the pressure, his heels brushing the paint near the semicircle. Liam pushed upward and guided the ball off the backboard for a clean layup.
"You've gotta do better than that, Captain." Liam's voice carried a bright lift as he spoke, and a relaxed smile settled across his face while he jogged back on defense. His steps landed softly for someone his size, matching the easy rhythm of his mood.
"Nice one, Liam. Okay, let's stop them on this possession." Hayato's voice carried a steady focus as he moved back, his sneakers giving a short scrape across the floor while he took his defensive position.
Noboru exhaled through his nose as he dropped into position.Heat rising in my chest. He scored because I passed the ball. So why am I not getting anything for that? His jaw tightened as he shot a quick glare toward Liam.
"I see. You're starting to get the hang of it, Liam." Yukio's voice held a calm authority as he spoke, and a small, approving smile formed as he watched Liam on defense.
On the next play, Yukio stepped in and inbounded the ball to Makoto.
"Hamaguchi. Be ready to receive the ball." Makoto's calm voice carried toward him, and the direct warning made Yukio blink once in surprise. He eased into his dribble, guiding the ball up the court with a smooth, low rhythm that barely rose above the court's natural echo.
Hayato slid in front of him, stance low and hands spread, a small smirk lifting at the corner of his mouth.
It's been a while since we played against each other. Show me what you have, Makoto.
Yukio sprinted forward, then shifted his body to block Takahiro's path for a brief moment — just long enough for Tetsuo to curl around the screen and slip into open space.
"Shino, try to free yourself." Makoto's voice drifted out in a relaxed tone, his posture barely changing as he watched the play unfold.
Yukio cut back across the court, his steps quick as he slipped through the key toward the rim.
Takahiro's eyes darted between Yukio and Tetsuo, a tight panic rising in his chest. Liam, focused on Tetsuo a moment earlier, shifted over to help as well. The instant both defenders leaned toward the perimeter, Makoto snapped a sharp pass inside. Hayato's eyes widened; he couldn't react in time. The ball landed firmly in Yukio's hands.
What…? Takahiro felt the shock hit him all at once, his breath catching for a beat.
Yukio planted his feet and lifted straight into the layup. The ball left his fingertips cleanly, touched the backboard with a soft contact, and slipped through the net with a clear swish.
"If something that simple can break your defense, then you still have a lot to work on." Makoto let out a quiet yawn as he moved back, his breathing steady and his expression untouched by the play that had just unfolded.
"That was so cool!" Liam's voice jumped with excitement as he moved up court, his steps light and full of energy.
Nanaho watched Makoto closely, her posture still as the play settled.
Makoto really is a great point guard. With just one play, he showed it so clearly. That pass was fast and precise—I almost didn't catch it with my eyes.
Hayato received the ball again and pushed the pace, his steps picking up speed as a series of hurried footsteps echoed behind him. He swung a quick pass to Takahiro on the left side, then moved in to set a solid screen on Tetsuo.
Takahiro brushed past it and curled toward the basket. Yukio stepped forward, rising at the perfect moment to meet him in the air — but Takahiro shifted his body mid-jump and sent a fast pass under Yukio's arms to Liam.
Liam caught it cleanly while still moving toward the rim and drove his weight upward. The ball left his hands with force, and the slam shook the rim for a brief moment before he released it.
"Yes! That's what I wanted to see! Let's go!" Noboru threw his fist upward with force as he backpedaled, his voice sharp and full of energy.
Makoto wasted no time. He clapped once for the inbound, the sound light and unhurried, then called out in a relaxed tone, "Double screen."
Tetsuo and Shino moved at the same moment, forming a solid barrier as Makoto slipped through the gap without changing his calm pace. Takahiro reacted quickly and left his mark to block Makoto's lane, while Liam shifted over to support, their steps tightening the space around him.
Makoto's eyes dropped briefly as he slipped the ball through a tight gap, his pace steady and relaxed. Without stopping his stride, he sent a no-look pass through Takahiro's legs—clean, fast, and without any hesitation.
Tetsuo caught it just outside the arc. His form came together immediately: feet set, shoulders firm, release straight. The ball rose smoothly, and the swish rang out across the court.
The instant it fell through, Noboru was already pushing forward. Hayato fired a full-court pass with sharp control, and it dropped straight into Noboru's hands. He carried his speed into the lane and placed a clean layup off the glass.
Noboru smirked, his chest rising with sharp, excited breaths.
The players barely had time to reset before Makoto took the ball again. Hayato closed in immediately, his stance tight and aggressive, his hands positioned close as he tried to pressure Makoto from the start.
"Let's see what you've got, Makoto." Hayato's voice came out sharp, his stance tightening as he leaned in.
Makoto didn't answer. He dribbled once with his right hand, the ball hitting the floor with a low, steady sound, then shifted left in a smooth cut. From the corner, Yukio burst across the lane. Makoto gave him a brief glance—just enough to read the movement—before snapping a behind-the-back pass, quick and sudden.
The ball zipped between Takahiro and Liam and thudded into Yukio's chest. He didn't even blink—just absorbed the pass, gathered it in one motion, and went up. Liam lunged in to contest, but Yukio released early, the ball rolled off the glass and slid through the net with an easy swish.
How the hell did that pass get through? And that angle… Hayato's jaw tightened. He slipped it right through the smallest gaps in our defense. Damn… he's good.
Now I see why they called him the Phantom Point Guard back in junior high.
Yukio jogged back with a small smile tugging at his lips. His passes are lethal—fast, precise. He even puts a spin on them. It's like a missile locked onto its target. The ball finds you no matter where you are, even mid-motion.
Looks like Makoto's still living up to his junior high reputation. Nanaho's smile widened, a faint blush warming her cheeks. Our team honestly couldn't get any better. Just imagining him running my plays… I'm getting excited already. Inter-High, here we come.
Hayato received the next inbound and swung it to Takahiro, who took a controlled step to the left. Tetsuo trailed him tightly, feet squared, shadowing every move.
Takahiro rose for a mid-range jumper—but at the very peak, Tetsuo's fingers brushed the ball.
Man… that kid can jump, Takahiro thought as the shot clipped the rim and bounced away.
Both Yukio and Liam went up for the rebound, bodies colliding in the air. Liam snatched it first and powered straight back up, finishing with a clean layup that slipped through the net.
Makoto brought the ball down again and passed to Shino.
Shino caught it, but the moment the ball touched his hands, he stiffened. He dropped into a triple-threat stance a little too quickly, shoulders tight.
His breathing wavered for a second before he forced it steady.
Noboru stepped in front of him to defend, and Shino's eyes darted—just once—before locking forward again, his grip on the ball tightening slightly.
Noboru leaned forward a little, his sneakers scraping lightly against the floor as his grin widened.
"What are you going to do? There's nothing you can do. You'll never get past me, amateur."
Shino felt his fingers tighten around the ball. A small breath slipped out of him as his thoughts dropped.
He's right… I can't beat him.
From behind, Makoto's voice drifted over in a steady, unhurried tone, his footsteps barely changing pace.
"Shino, don't let him intimidate you. He's way too short for that."
Noboru's head snapped toward Makoto, his eyebrows jerking up.
"Hey, who are you calling short, you skinny bastard?"
Makoto lifted his shoulders slightly, his voice barely carrying any energy.
"I'm pretty sure I weigh more than you… but, well… forget it."
Shino clenched his jaw. If I can't get past him, I'll never get better, he thought, breath steadying.
He snapped a sharp fake toward Makoto. Noboru's shoes scraped lightly as he shifted in response, and Shino used that tiny opening to burst to the right with quick steps.
Crap, he caught me off guard, Noboru thought, turning sharply and chasing after him.
Shino jumped inside the paint and landed firmly on both feet before pushing upward for the layup.
The air around him stirred as Liam rotated toward the basket, his eyes fixed on the ball while he rose into the air.
Too scary… Shino thought, his stomach tightening as Liam rose above him. His hands trembled for a moment, and the breath in his throat felt stuck. The height difference pressed on him, and his shoulders curled slightly from instinct.
He pushed the ball away in a rush, sending it to Yukio under the rim.
Yukio caught it cleanly. Without pausing, he bent his knees and jumped, driving the ball through the hoop with one hand. The net snapped backward from the impact.
Thank goodness… A small breath slipped out of Shino, his shoulders lowering as the tension eased. Even so, his heartbeat stayed fast, thumping in his chest without slowing.
Liam is so tall… and so strong… It's hard not to be scared…
"Nice work, Shino. Keep it up." Yukio tapped his shoulder lightly as they moved back on defense, his touch steady and reassuring.
Wait… I did it… The realization hit Shino all at once, his eyes widening a little. I actually got past Noboru… and I passed to Yukio at the right moment…
A small smile formed on his lips, and a faint blush warmed his cheeks.
That bastard… He humiliated me in front of everyone… Noboru's jaw tightened, frustration rising sharply.
"Hayato, give me the ball."
Hayato kept the ball close to his body, angling himself to shield it from Makoto. Makoto's shoulders twitched slightly with each small step, ready to pounce on any opening.
Now's not the time for you to lose your composure, Noboru… Hayato held the ball a moment longer, steadying his breath. But… for your improvement—and to see how this plays out—fine.
He pushed the pass toward Noboru with a firm motion.
Noboru caught the ball with a sharp motion and stepped in, heat rising in his voice as he glared at Shino.
"Don't get carried away. That was nothing. I'll bring you right back down."
He pushed forward, dribbling with force, the ball hitting the floor in sharp, steady beats as he crossed over. Shino stayed in front of him, matching each shift, his sneakers sliding in quick adjustments that left Noboru no space to slip through.
"Would you look at that… Shino is improving," Takahiro remarked with a small grin, his breath steady as he tried to shake off Tetsuo's tight defense.
Dammit… when did he get so good at defense? Noboru thought, frustration tightening in his chest.
Shino steadied his breathing, each inhale quick but controlled as he kept his eyes locked on Noboru's torso. I won't let him get past me… just watch his center like Yukio taught you…
Suddenly, Makoto slid in, his shoes brushing lightly against the floor. With a sharp downward swipe of his hand, the ball was gone before Noboru even reacted.
Crap! I didn't see him— that sneaky bastard… Noboru thought, stomach tightening in irritation.
Makoto pushed the ball up the court, his footsteps light and steady, and finished with an uncontested layup. The ball dropped through the net with a clean swish.
I hate to admit it, but the four players they have make a better combination than ours… Hayato thought, his chest rising with a slow breath as he adjusted his headband with both hands. My only option is to use Liam and create some kind of advantage.
On the next play, Hayato slowed the pace and raised his hand, signaling Liam to post up. The court grew tense, the warm air sticking lightly to the players' skin after the nonstop movement.
Liam caught the ball on the low block. Yukio steadied himself in front of him, knees low, arms spread.
Liam turned and drove his shoulder forward. The sharp thud of their bodies echoed as Yukio's footing gave way for a moment. Liam pushed upward with both hands on the ball and threw down the dunk, the rim shaking as his feet hit the floor again.
This game is really getting exciting. I wonder who will win, Nanaho thought, the excitement showing clearly on her face as her eyes followed the court.