Y/n's point of view

We've gotten pass the first round. As we walk through the hallway to the court, I keep thinking about what Kaede-kun told me last night before we part ways.

"Look! It's that freshman Rukawa!"

"He's tall!"

"Rukawa-kun!"

"So cool..."

Kaede-kun's fangirls drooling over him again. I mean we hear them but I still feel kind of jealous.

'I should be the only one who should look at him like that!' I thought with a frown.

The stadium is full of cheers and screams as the players warm up.

"Isn't that Kainan?!"

"Kainan!"

The people at the bleachers screamed while pointing at the sideline near the basket.

"Kainan's Jin!"

"Second year, Jin!"

"Number one rookie! Kyouta Nobunga!"

'Kainan players?! What are they doing here?!" I panic.

"Come on! Let the game begin!" Nobunga-san said.

At the last minute of second half of the game the score is 24-153 to Shohoku. The crowd cheer on how strong Shohoku is. The game ended with 24-160 to Shohoku. Sakuragi got disqualified and didn't got a chance to score for the whole game.

The team were walking out of the stadium, I was walking beside Kaede-kun.

"Sakuragi Hanamichi, think of it as gaining experience! The more experience you get, the better you'll become." Ayako-sempai encourage.

"Yeah, and besides your just started playing." I added to Ayako-sempai.

But I think it didn't do anything, but at least we tried.

Third person's point of view

Shohoku's third match their score surpassed 100 points, winning with a score of 103 to 59, giving their team more and more respect. Number 10 Hanamichi Sakuragi got fouled put during the first 15 minutes of the game, causing to be in a worse mood as the days go by.

Shohoku in high morale met up with the strong team during their fourth match... Tsukubu. At the beginning Tsukubu's three-point shots went in, giving them the lead but Shohoku's number 7 Miyagi's successful steals and fast breaks, causing Tsukubu unable to catch up, leading to many faults... In the end being defeated by Shohoku. Also, during this time, Number 10 Sakuragi got fouled out. At last, Tsukubu couldn't turn the tables over, final score was 111 to 79; Shohoku winning the match!

Next match is against Shoyo. This will decide if Shohoku will get into semifinals.

Y/n's point of view

While we were walking the first-year players started to cheer about Shohoku going to the quarter finals. I see Sakuragi walking at the back of the team with his head down and a frown plastered to his face. I slow down my walking so he can catch up with me.

"Hey Sakuragi, you okay?" I asked.

"Oh, Y/n-san." Sakuragi greeted and looked at me for brief second and looked at the floor again. "I'm fine I guess."

We walked in silence.

"Y/n-san. Do... Do you think I'm not genius at all?" Sakuragi hesitantly asked.

"Hmm, what do you mean?" I asked.

"Well, 4 games, 20 fouls... 0 points... Disqualified 4 times. Maybe I'm not a genius." Sakuragi answered.

"Well, Sakuragi not all players start playing basketball and became a genius immediately. Every player needs to fail to be able to succeed or to become a genius." I said to him.

"So, you're saying that it's okay?" Sakuragi asked while looking at me.

"Yeah, I mean it's natural for beginners to not be a genius in the beginning and it's part of growing up. Just make it an inspiration and make yourself believe that you can do it. You can play games without getting fouls, disqualified, and making points." I said with a smile. "So, don't be too hard on yourself, it's natural."

"Yeah okay, that made me feel a lot better. Thank you, Y/n-san." Sakuragi said.

"You're welcome, I'm glad I made you feel better." I said and smiled at him.

In the middle of the night.

I am currently seating down with my book on my hand and watching Kaede-kun practice basketball here at the school gym. He is wearing his jersey and I can see his sweat in his forehead.

'Why does he look so handsome even when his covered in sweat?!' I dreamily thought.

After he dunks the ball, he put his hands on his knees. I put my book to the side and made my way to him with his towel and water in hand.

"You did good Kaede-kun." I praised him with a smile.

"Thanks." He said as he took the water from my hand.

I tip-toe to attempt to wipe his sweat. I think Kaede-kun notice it, he closes his water bottle and bend down so I can wipe his sweat easier. I feel my cheeks getting warm because how close Kaede-kun's face to mine and how he looks directly in to my eyes. I can see him shift his eyes to my lips back to my eyes, his face is getting closer to mine and...

"Hey!" Someone opens the door and shouted.

I move backward from Kaede-kun and shifted my eyes to the door to see Sakuragi standing at the door. Kaede-kun is still in the same position and looks at Sakuragi by the shoulder.

"Next game against Shoyo, I won't get disqualified!" Sakuragi stated and pointed his finger at Kaede-kun. "I'll get more points than you! You hear!? Rukawa!" Sakuragi immediately shuts the door leaving Kaede-kun and I confused.

Kaede-kun turned to me. "Let's call it a night."

"Uh, yeah." I said as Kaede-kun get his extra cloths to change.

'Are we just going to ignore that we almost kissed?!' I panic and fix my things and waited Kaede-kun by the gym entrance so we can walk together.

At the train station.

"I'll be going now, thank you Kaede-kun." I spoke.

"Yeah, thank you too for staying with me at the gym." Kaede-kun said.

"Be careful on your way home." I said and planted a kiss on his cheek and immediately got inside the train in a blushing mess.

'What did I just do?! How am I going to face him tomorrow then?! I'm so stupid!'