Chapter 6: Progress and Personal Growth
The third game â but the first I could attend since arriving in Japanâwas against Takahata High School, and I could feel the tension in the gym. It was my first time seeing the team in action since I arrived in Japan, and there was so much to absorb.
Shohoku started strong, but there was a hiccup when Sakuragi fouled out in the first half. Ugh, classic Sakuragi, I thought, but honestly, he was still strong on the boards. His rebounds were getting better, and I could see how much potential he had. But for now, he was still a bit of a novice in terms of fundamentals. I was already brainstorming some drills that could help him refine his skills, especially in terms of accuracy and timing. After all, his energy could be a huge asset if we could smooth out the rough edges.
Mitsui, on the other handâHisashiâwas a true veteran. His 3-pointers were still deadly, even though I could tell he was still holding back. He was here, but it was clear that something was off. His injury, the one I saw him nursing when he arrived late to the game, seemed to be bothering him, but he pushed through. I knew his history with injuries made him a bit more reserved about his physical limitations, but it didnât seem to stop him from sinking those threes. What a beast, as always.
As for the rest of the team, the bench was weak. I could see it during regular practice, and I knew we needed to push them harder. So when the team lined up for their warm-up laps before the next game, I decided to jump in. I ran behind them, Ayakoâs fan in hand, waving it as a motivational tool. Run, boys, or youâll get whipped!
I wasnât about to let them slack off. My pace matched theirs, and I made sure no one tripped or injured themselves. Iâm fast, sure, but I also wanted them to know I was there for them. My court name in the USA was "Speedy," and that was no joke. I wasnât just quick on offenseâI could run with the best of them when it came to conditioning. Wait until they find out I have an alter ego, I thought with a smirk. But thatâs irrelevant for now.
The fourth round came, and we faced Tsukubu High School. Sakuragi fouled out again, this time in the second half, which didnât help matters. But the team still pulled through and managed to win. We advanced to the quarterfinals, and I could feel the momentum building. But something was still nagging at me. It wasnât just about the teamâit was about Hisashi.
I couldnât ignore the remnant injury on his face, the one he succumbed to since the Takahata game. Heâd shown up late, and I noticed the strain on his body as he moved. Was it something that happened before he arrived? I wasnât sure, but I knew something was off. The way he seemed distant, yet still engaged on the court, made me wonder.
After the fourth game ended, I approached him, trying to bridge the gap between us. âHow are you feeling?â I asked softly.
There was a brief pause. I could feel the awkwardness in the air, but I didnât care. I wanted to make sure he was okay. He turned to me, his expression unreadable for a moment, before he finally spoke.
âI'm okay,â he said quietly, his voice almost a whisper. âThanks for asking, Lin-chan.â
Heâs still calling me by my first name⌠I couldnât help but smile a little. Thatâs a good sign.
âI heard from my cousin. Iâm glad youâre doing better,â I said, giving him a gentle smile.
There was an almost imperceptible change in his faceâlike something shifted. A tiny smile appeared, and then, before I could react, he wrapped his arm around my shoulder in a tight squeeze.
It wasnât dramatic or overly emotional, but it was enough to make me pause. I looked at him, and his grinâsubtle but thereâwas enough to make my heart skip a beat.
âWelcome backâŚLin,â he said softlyâwith that emphasis on my first name.
I had to take a deep breath to keep my composure. Okay. OKAY, this is fine. I smiled, keeping it together. âThanks, Hisashi. Iâm happy to be back,â I said, my voice steady, but there was a softness behind it. Then, quietly, I added, â...and to see you again. Itâs been awhile. I missed you.â
Hisashiâs arm around my shoulder tightened just a bit, acknowledging my words, and I felt a warmth spread through me. It was nothing overly dramatic, but it was a small step toward something moreâtoward a reunion that was long overdue. And for now, that was enough.








