๐ง 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 nowโnot people. React on instinct. Think in chaos."
For an hour, I didn't shoot. I didn't dribble.
I read.
And slowlyโฆ I began to see plays like layered timeโmoments before they happened.
Akira's instincts. Kudo's resolve. Together.
๐ Scene 2: A Familiar Stranger
That afternoon, a new student arrived from Kansai.
Sharp eyes. Dark undercut.
He scanned the gymโand when his gaze locked on meโฆ
He froze.
"...Akira?"
Everyone turned.
Me: Don't say it. Please don't say it.
But he stepped forward, voice trembling.
"It's really youโฆ isn't it? Akira Kajiwara."
Silence.
Coach Anzai stepped in fast. "You two know each other?"
The studentโRen Mizuharaโblinked, then smiled quickly.
"Ahโฆ 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 lifeโฆ wouldn't stay peaceful much longer.
๐ Scene 3: Haruko, Closer Than Ever
Later that day, Haruko found me in the equipment room.
She offered me water. Then justโฆ sat down beside me.
"I'm glad you're opening up more."
I smiled. "Guess I ran out of excuses."
"You look lessโฆ 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 byโand paused.
He didn't open it.
But he stared at the handle like it had betrayed him.
๐ 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 thatโฆ he walked off.
๐ Final Thoughts
My mind is unlocking.
My past is chasing me.
My heart is caught between what wasโฆ and what might be.
And now?
I'm not the only one who knows.