Prologue
Riku Kanda’s last shot of summer sank through the net in the empty gym’s quiet. He wanted to play bigger games. High school awaited. To prove he was more than ‘the smaller guy,’ he joined Seiryu High’s basketball team. His hands still sweated at the thought of tryouts. Nothing was certain for him, even talent.
Tryouts Begin
The first whistle thundered in his ribs. Senior captain Jin Tatsu pulled everyone together. “Alright!” Jin barked. “We’re not here for numbers. Show who you are.” Older boys traded tired glances. Were you ever the youngest on a squad, just hoping not to choke?
Kazuki, best friend, tugged Riku aside. “Stay by my side, we’ll shine together.” Riku smiled, but his voice wavered. “What if the captain thinks I’m not cut out?”
First Drills
It got rough fast. The ball crashed from hands left and right. By the end, Riku’s legs shook. Coach Nemoto barked, “Shadows slow you down—forget yesterday’s limits!”. Was Riku’s height a wall, or an old voice in his ear?
Characters’ Challenge
Miyu, one of only two girls trying out, spun a neat pass past Riku. She grinned. “Stop overthinking. You play best fast.” Riku watched her pace, nodding. His sister, Mika, sat on the bleachers, texting updates to their mom. Underneath her cheer was worry Riku felt more than heard.
Flashback and Resolve
The gym’s hush opened childhood hours again: chasing a bright orange ball on cracked park courts by dusk. Height rarely stood in his way then. These memories snapped back in, hard and clear, shaking his fear. Jin clapped him on the back, “Go for this last run, rookie. No regrets.”
The Crucial Game
Trial teams split blue versus green. Kazuki tossed Riku the ball. He nearly let nerves pull the pass back. Instead, pain flared in his knees. One pivot. He dove through tighter arms, flipping the ball to Miyu. Swish—her shot scored. The bench burst out laughing. Did you ever have a moment when doubt just faded away?
The Test Doesn’t End
Coach’s frown said it: nothing was finished. “Last play. Show what matters most!” Riku found Jin eyeing him. In that instant, Riku knew eyes lingered on those who refused to give up, not the tallest, nor the loudest who shouted in practice. Riku forced a calm breath.
The Cliffhanger
Kazuki set a pick. Miyu dodged her defender. The gym’s sound dropped into a thick hush. Riku tore down the paint, caught Kazuki’s fast low ball, and jumped higher than he’d tried for all season. His hope rose with him.
Sweat stung. The ball arched. Gong! The buzzer rang but did his shot fall? The ball hovered over the rim, everyone’s hearts pounding underneath. Was this his breakthrough, or just another chance? What do you think happens next?
