🧠 Scene 1: Overclock Phase 2 Begins
Coach Anzai laid out a strange setup in the gym:
cones, mirrors, color markers, and something that looked like a light-up chessboard.
"This is Phase 2, Kudo. Court perception at hyper-speed."
He handed me special lenses. The world around me blurred, colors shifting.
"You'll read the court in patterns now—not people. React on instinct. Think in chaos."
For an hour, I didn't shoot. I didn't dribble.
I read.
And slowly… I began to see plays like layered time—moments before they happened.
Akira's instincts. Kudo's resolve. Together.
💔 Scene 2: A Familiar Stranger
That afternoon, a new student arrived from Kansai.
Sharp eyes. Dark undercut.
He scanned the gym—and when his gaze locked on me…
He froze.
"...Akira?"
Everyone turned.
Me: Don't say it. Please don't say it.
But he stepped forward, voice trembling.
"It's really you… isn't it? Akira Kajiwara."
Silence.
Coach Anzai stepped in fast. "You two know each other?"
The student—Ren Mizuhara—blinked, then smiled quickly.
"Ah… sorry! He just looks like someone I knew back home."
But as he passed me, he whispered:
"I saw you die. How are you here?"
And I knew:
This peaceful life… wouldn't stay peaceful much longer.
👀 Scene 3: Haruko, Closer Than Ever
Later that day, Haruko found me in the equipment room.
She offered me water. Then just… sat down beside me.
"I'm glad you're opening up more."
I smiled. "Guess I ran out of excuses."
"You look less… haunted."
I looked at her. "You make that easier."
She blushed. I felt it too.
We didn't move closer.
But we didn't move apart, either.
Outside the door, Sakuragi walked by—and paused.
He didn't open it.
But he stared at the handle like it had betrayed him.
😐 Scene 4: Rukawa Reacts
That evening, at practice, Rukawa and I ran a two-man drill.
He didn't speak.
Until the last pass.
"I don't care if you're a ghost or a genius."
He caught the ball, turned, dunked cleanly.
Then looked back.
"But if you hurt her, I'll make sure you stay dead next time."
And just like that… he walked off.
📓 Final Thoughts
My mind is unlocking.
My past is chasing me.
My heart is caught between what was… and what might be.
And now?
I'm not the only one who knows.