"Thank you, Principal!" Aota shouted loudly, "I will certainly live up to your expectations!"
The principal glared at him, annoyed. "You'd better get out of here..."
After everyone had left, the principal sighed wistfully.
If Aota hadn't suddenly appeared, things wouldn't have gotten so complicated... Luckily, I casually mentioned the makeup exam tomorrow, which would only delay the basketball team's practice by one day. If I had said it seven days later, wouldn't I have become a sinner?
He knew Akagi well; he played basketball with all his might, and he probably wouldn't be much worse at studying either.
That evening, all five starters of the Shohoku Basketball Team gathered at Takenori Akagi's house.
This is the final sprint before the makeup exam.
It was Kogure's idea to call Shirasawa over as well. Shirasawa barely passed every subject, Kogure felt that he must have some unique learning methods.
Even if not, Shirasawa can at least serve as a role model and boost morale.
Shirasawa didn't hide anything from them and honestly admitted that he had submitted blank papers, and even forgot to write his name for two of them.
The only thing I could probably get points for was that the paper was relatively clean...
But nobody believed it!
"If the school is taking care of the basketball team, then why didn't we get in?" Hisashi Mitsui couldn't help but mutter.
"I think you'll definitely pass the make-up exam; it's just a formality," Shirasawa patiently analyzed. From the moment he learned that he had passed all his subjects, he had a general idea of what was going on.
Although the analysis made a lot of sense, Takenori Akagi dared not take the risk.
In his mind, studying is a serious matter... how could he be so perfunctory?
Regardless of whether Shirasawa's words are true or false, let's learn them first!
And so, the Akagi family home became a temporary tutoring center.
These guys, who were so formidable on the court, could only obediently pick up their textbooks now. Although they all wore reluctant expressions, they knew the importance of the task. After all, if they couldn't make it to the national tournament, all their previous efforts would have been in vain.
Let's learn as much as we can... Even if we only get 30 points, at least we can talk to the principal again, right?
Shirasawa, however, quietly slipped away. He had no intention of being a model student, and felt that this make-up exam was just a formality. Rather than watching those guys study hard, he would rather go to the Base Camp and see how Fujima dealt with Michael Okita.
As soon as I stepped out of the Akagi house, I saw Haruko pacing in front of the door. Her long, slender legs were particularly eye-catching in the night, making me a little dizzy.
Before she could even get a good look, Haruko had already spotted him.
" Xiao Bai?" Haruko's voice was filled with joy, her eyes curving into crescents. Her smile was exceptionally pure; even without makeup, she looked more beautiful than many people who were meticulously dressed. The air around them seemed to freshen up...
"It smells so good..." Shirasawa blurted out instinctively.
Haruko's face flushed red, and she lowered her head, fidgeting with the hem of her clothes.
Shirasawa laughed, "It smells good, why would I say it stinks?"
Haruko chuckled, her earlier tension dissipating considerably. They'd been in the same class for a semester, but hadn't actually exchanged many words. Mainly because Shirasawa was rarely in the classroom, while Haruko often went to the basketball team to quietly watch him.
Since the end of the prefectural tournament, Akagi has required the team to train in seclusion, and Haruko hasn't even had a chance to go to the basketball court. Seeing Shirasawa at home today made her inexplicably nervous all evening, though she did secretly observe him for a long time. This was the first time she'd seen Shirasawa off the court, and he seemed... even more likable.
Her heart was pounding so hard she could hardly stand it, so she went outside for some fresh air to calm down. But she hadn't been outside long when she ran into Shirasawa again. And this time, it was just the two of them!
Her heart, which had just calmed down, started pounding again. Thankfully Shirasawa spoke first, which eased her tension. And... he just said I smelled nice...
"Want to take a walk together? Those guys inside are probably going to be up all night," Shirasawa suggested.
Haruko nodded immediately, following him like a docile little deer. She was completely different from Ayako and Sanae, and always made people want to take extra care of her.
" Haruko, are you going to Hiroshima for the national tournament?" Shirasawa asked as they walked.
Haruko pouted, "I really want to go... but my brother won't agree. He said he won't have time to take care of me there, and he's worried about my safety."
"What could possibly happen? Ayako- senpai is going too."
" Xiao Bai, to be honest, I really don't want to miss any of Shohoku's games." Haruko's eyes suddenly lit up. "I want to see you win the national championship with my own eyes!"
When basketball is mentioned, she becomes noticeably more talkative, and her whole demeanor lights up.
"Then why don't you go secretly?" Shirasawa suggested. "I bet Yoko from Takezono will be going too, you two can go together."
If Akagi knew about this idea, he'd probably skin him alive. But Shirasawa just couldn't bear to see Haruko disappointed; she always made people want to protect her. As for Yoko... Shirasawa was 100% sure she'd go. That girl looks quiet and reserved, but she's actually very bold and has a lot of opinions.
Take, for example, the dinner party after Shohoku won the championship. Yoko actually came along with Sakuragi without any hesitation. And! In front of everyone, she tacitly admitted that she and Sakuragi were dating. Sakuragi was completely dumbfounded and almost lost his mind with joy.
The two of them are inseparable now. Sakuragi has to complete three training sessions every day, often practicing until very late, Yoko waits for him nearby at least four days a week. Who would believe she didn't go to Hiroshima?
Ayako is mostly busy with the team, so it's good that Yoko and Haruko can keep her company.
Upon hearing Shirasawa's words, Haruko's face lit up with a smile. The more obedient a girl is usually, the more frightening she can be when she rebels. Haruko was clearly that type—although she didn't say anything, Shirasawa knew she had made up her mind. Akagi's expression then... would probably be quite a sight.
"Um... Haruko," Shirasawa scratched the back of his head, "Don't tell anyone I was the one who instigated this..."
Haruko giggled, her lips looking soft and delicate, as if they were lightly powdered...
Shirasawa was pondering this matter when suddenly, a bicycle came rushing out from around the corner!
That spot was a blind spot; neither side could see the other. Shirasawa reacted quickly, instinctively pulling Haruko sharply towards him, and the bicycle grazed past. The guy on the bike seemed to be in a real hurry; without turning around, he shouted "Sorry" and pedaled furiously, disappearing in the blink of an eye.
When Shirasawa came to his senses, he realized that Haruko was being held in his arms. It felt quite wonderful; she was soft and had a refreshing fragrance.
Haruko placed both hands on his chest, her heart pounding like a drum. She didn't pull away immediately, but instead secretly glanced at Shirasawa, her eyes holding something indescribable.
The surroundings were quiet, but the silence lasted less than two seconds before she broke it herself.
"Ouch..." Haruko groaned softly, her brows furrowing.
It turned out that when Shirasawa pulled her in his haste, he used too much force and accidentally twisted her ankle. She hadn't felt it at first, but now that she wanted to stand on her tiptoes, the pain immediately shot up, and she involuntarily slumped down.
"What's wrong?" Shirasawa seemed to be woken up from a daze, only to find his arms empty.
"I think I twisted my ankle," Haruko said, a little annoyed, feeling like she was being too weak.
Shirasawa quickly squatted down and looked at her slender ankles. "It's my fault, it was too sudden just now, I didn't control my strength well." He scratched his head, "Come on, I'll carry you back first."
Haruko blushed, nodded gently, and then carefully climbed onto Shirasawa's back.
I was carrying him in my arms just now, but now I'm carrying him on my back, and it definitely feels different.
" Xiao Bai, thank you." Haruko whispered in his ear.
The breath blew over, making Shirasawa shudder at the back of his neck and almost lose his balance.
" Xiao Bai..." Haruko's voice was even softer and a little muffled, "You... you pinched my leg a little, it hurts..."
It turned out that when Shirasawa was carrying her, his hands unconsciously used a little force. Haruko felt a little pain, but her face inexplicably became hot, so she hid her burning face against Shirasawa's back.
Along the way, Haruko chatted with Shirasawa in a mix of shyness and indescribable feelings. She secretly wished the road would be longer, but it seemed unusually short today, and before long, her house was in sight.
Not only did she see her house, but there was also a figure standing at the door—her brother, Takenori Akagi, looking around anxiously.
Good heavens!
Akagi's mind went blank the moment he saw their outfits. A thousand words stuck in his chest, finally culminating in a silent "Holy crap!" He rushed over, veins bulging on his forehead. Had his worst fears really come true? How did Xiao Bai manage to carry them back? Even if that kid passed all seven exams, it still wouldn't do!
" Haruko!" Akagi's voice was urgent and deep.
"Brother!" Haruko blurted out first, her voice instantly breaking into a sob, pitiful, "I twisted my ankle, it hurts so much~~"
At that moment, Akagi's hardened heart softened as if it had been soaked in warm water. He tried his best to force a gentle expression, though the effect was somewhat frightening.
"How could you be so careless!" He softened his tone and quickly stepped forward. "Quick, let me take a look."
He carefully helped Haruko down from Shirasawa's back. Despite his large size, he squatted down and examined her very thoroughly. When he saw the slight redness and swelling on his sister's ankle, this tough guy under the basket actually got a little teary-eyed. No one would have thought he had this side to him.
While her brother wasn't looking, Haruko secretly stuck out her tongue at Shirasawa, winked, and gave him a smug look that said, "Watch me!" It was so cute that it melted anyone's heart.
Shirasawa watched, subconsciously swallowing. He had to admit, Haruko had her brother completely under her thumb.
"How can I not worry about you, you little brat?" Only after confirming that his bones were alright did Akagi breathe a sigh of relief. He stood up, intending to scold her, but seeing his sister's pitiful state, he swallowed his words.
"Thank goodness I met Xiao Bai," Haruko said, seizing the opportunity to put on a great performance, her voice still trembling with lingering fear, "otherwise I wouldn't know what to do, sob sob~~" As she spoke, her eyes actually reddened, and she managed to squeeze out two tears.