Chapter 1

Seirin High School.

It has been 3 years since I've last seen them. I wonder how they're doing right now. As I walk down the hallway memories of how happy and painful my middle school was came flooding in. I've always wondered how things went wrong back then, but the more I wonder, the more painful it becomes.

"I have to say, it's rather unexpected for someone to transfer during the winter season"

I shifted my gaze to the teacher who was walking ahead of me.

"It's because of a business matter sir"

"Oh well, the principal accepted you so I guess it's all good"

The faculty teacher then guided me to my classroom and after a few adjustments, I was called in by the homeroom teacher. I took one glance out of the window and breathed a heavy sigh. After a few seconds, I took steps letting me walk inside the classroom.

"Okay so a new student will be joining us today, please introduce yourself"

"Hayazawa Hanabi desu, Nice to be your acquaintance"

I bowed after saying my greetings. After I raised my head, I took a moment to scan the classroom. No one really stands out in this class, just the perfect one to be in. Please take note of the sarcasm in my tone of voice.

"Any ques---"

"Say, are you a foreigner?"

"Ne, which club will you join?"

"Are you a model?"

"Where do you live?"

"Which middle school is you from?"

I smiled awkwardly before looking at the teacher, and as if she had read my mind, ordered the whole class to quiet down. Now, I'll really be having trouble just lay low, wouldn't I?

"Okay stop right there, please occupy the seat beside Furihata"

She motioned me to where I'll be sitting. I bowed to her and moved to my seat. Beside me sat a somehow anxious guy. He couldn't really look my way and was fidgeting. As I take on a closer look, I saw how he was shaking from head to toe.

"He..hello Fu.. Furihata Kouki desu"

I smiled at him expecting him to calm down a bit but it looks like it only made him nervous. I chuckled.

"Hanabi desu, ano you can calm down Furihata-kun"

"a..h..hai"

I swear, I've never met a guy like him who's so anxious.

By lunch, most of our classmates offered me to take around school but I kindly refused them saying that I was wanted by the teacher. Of course, that was a lie too. I still have a hard time associating myself with people ever since that had happened. I took this opportunity to roam around the school though I wasn't able to do it quietly as expected.

"She's so pretty"

"I think she's a foreigner"

"You think she'll date me?"

I grimaced, whether it's in America or here in Japan, the atmosphere is always the same. Maybe it was because of my hair but people always mistake me for a foreigner. You see, I have this rose gold-colored hair, it's like a shade of blonde that is all so rare. Both of my parents are Japanese however, my grandmother said that our family had the blood of the west since her ancestors originally came from there.

"PASS IT, KOGA"

My gaze quickly shifted when I heard that familiar sound.

The sound of the ball bouncing back and forth.

The sound of sports shoes running around the gymnasium floor.

I peeped inside the gym and saw the basketball team practicing.

"Hyuga, shoot it"

Their skills ain't bad, my eyes widened when the guy wearing glasses shot a three-point shot. He sure has the skill for shooting three points, he didn't even ponder on the thought of shooting the ball and just confidently shot it.

"Arf.."

"Huh?"

I looked below me and saw a cute puppy by my feet. Its fur had the shade of black and white and it was wearing an ultimately cute jersey. I crouched below so I'll be near his height.

"Arf... Arf"

"Kawaii"

I patted him in the head before proceeding on petting him which he seemed to like. As he stared up at me, I got to look at his eyes clearer, he looks like someone I knew.

"You're wearing a jersey huh? that's cute"

"Arf.."

I smiled, he's so cute and it's just tugging on my heartstrings, I just want to take him home.

"Nigou what happened?"

I looked up when I heard a female voice. The people inside playing basketball before we're already at the gym door.

"oh"

I stood up and bowed at them.

"Uhm, sorry did I disturbed your practice?"

They looked stunned for a moment until the girl finally spoke.

"Uh Iie it's okay but can we help you with something?"

"Oh no sorry I was just roaming around when I heard you guys practicing, so I took a peek, sorry to disturb your practice"

"It's okay, you don't look familiar, are you new here?"

"Hai, I just transferred today, ahh my name is Hanabi Hayazawa, a pleasure to meet you"

I bowed but was surprised when the girl suddenly held my hand. I looked up at her and she was already teary-eyed like any moment she was about to cry.

"A pretty lady, with such manners, call me Riko nee-san okay?"

"Ha ahh o..okay Riko nee-san"

"Riko you're weirding her out, move aside"

The guy with glasses who was good at shooting three points held me in the shoulder and looked at me straight in the eyes.

"Okay, Hanabi call me Hyuga nii-san"

Before I can even say anything Riko nee-san grabbed his shirt and threw him inside the gymnasium.

"Shut up you Lil perv"

I looked at them as Riko nee-san started punching Hyuga nii-san. Well, to punch is an understatement it was more of like she was beating the life out of him.

"Hanabi isn't it?"

I looked at the tall guy who stood in front of me, he looks nice. He smiled and I swear, flowers just started to pop out in the background. He was also so tall that he had ultimately blocked my view from the others.

"Ahh hai"

"Sorry about that, you can drop the nii-san and nee-san on those two and just add senpai"

"Ahh right uhm"

"Kiyoshi, nice to meet you"

He smiled again and I swear the flowers returned once more. His smile is too bright. I smiled back at him.

"Nice to meet you too, well I'll be taking my leave now Kiyoshi senpai"

"Mmm, take care"

I threw one last glance at Riko nee-san and Hyuga senpai, a smile crept up on me when I saw them bickering while the others try to calm them down, well, mostly Kiyoshi senpai.

Makes me remember the old times, this basketball team surely is weird. They've got some pretty interesting guys too. I spotted one who was overflowing with aura. That redhead, wonder how good he is.

"So? How was it?"

I looked at my grandmother who welcomed me by the front door. I kissed her in the cheeks and pulled an apron from the cabinet upfront. I placed my bag on top of it before proceeding on putting on the apron. I took her arm and lead her to the hallway that connects the restaurant from the front door.

"It was okay"

She smiled at me before patting my cheeks. I smiled at her as reassurance. I kind of knew that she was worried about how well I'll do in this new school considering the pretty rough scars I got back in my middle school.

"I'm glad that you're getting along with the new atmosphere you are in right now"

She said before she went back inside the kitchen. I smiled. She really was such a worrier. I took on the order notebook and pen before proceeding with tending her customers.

I lived with my grandma ever since I was a child, in this restaurant, I grew up. My parents are both Japanese but somehow they both decided to work in America and left me here with grandma in Japan. I grew up pretty far away from them so I was never really close with both of them. The only time that I ever spent with them was those 3 years that I was away from Japan.

"Hanabi, can you clean up over there"

Grandma pointed to the vacant table near the window. I nodded and went to that table. As I was cleaning the sight of the cherry blossom tree caught my eyes. After cleaning up, I went to that nearby park where the cherry blossom tree stood. The park itself had changed in three years, but I was glad that the tree hasn't been cut down.

"ne, ne look it's heart-shaped"

"eh? wow"

"it's pretty right?"

"oh? it is"

I smiled at those memories that came running back. I sat by the swing and looked up at the tree. Its branches were branched out widely providing enough shade.

"Promise me, that we'll watch this tree bloom together"

"I promise"

But even that promise was broken. I smiled sadly at that thought. It has been three years already since I last saw and talked to them.

I wonder.

Do they still remember me?

Tetsu-kun..

Ryouta-kun..

Shin-kun..

Daiki-kun..

Atsushi-kun..

Sei-kun..

Satsuki-chan..

I wonder if they also miss me.

As I think about it. I felt the tears welling up in my eyes.

Here we go again.

"Furihata-kun good luck on your game"

"A...Arigatou"

As I enter the classroom, all I heard from our classmates were good luck for Furihata-kun. I looked at Furihata-kun who was already leaving.

"Eh? you're not attending the remaining classes?"

He looked at me and smiled. I was kind of glad that after two weeks, he stopped shaking whenever he was around me. He seemed more relaxed with my existence right now and I'm happy.

"Hai, today's the preliminaries for the men's basketball winter cup"

"Basketball? No way, you're in the basketball club?"

"Ah.. hai well I'll go now"

"oh yeah good luck"

I looked at him, before returning to my seat. You really will be surprised about some people. Who could've thought that someone like him was in the basketball club too?

"I hear they're battling Touo Academy"

"Eh? That's where that Aomine is studying right?"

I flinch at that name that rang through my ears, I called out to our classmates who were talking.

"Say, do you know where the winter cup is being held right now?"

"Wow!! they're here"

I panted as I ran up the stairs. I thought I won't be able to make it. I ran as fast as I could after class, well, I missed one class to be exact.

"How many points will they do today"

"The rising tyrant, Touo Academy"

"And the prodigal scorer of the Generation of Miracles, Daiki Aomine"

I breathed heavily, his physique surely has changed within these 3 years, he became bulkier, his aura, however, was still the same as when I left. I sat at the farthest seat open. I wouldn't want anyone from the past to see me. A moment later, both teams lined up. As if, I was being played with by destiny, my whole body froze upon the sight of a familiar face.

"No way, Tetsu-kun?"

Tetsu-kun was lining up along with the guys from Seirin, I laughed at my obliviousness, we were in the same school and yet I never noticed. The world sure is a small one.

Tetsu-kun and Daiki-kun huh? I never thought I'd see them going up against each other. I roamed my eyes around the arena and I immediately noticed Atsushi-kun, his long hair and tall physique peering out amongst the crowd. Not to mention that familiar lazy aura, he was also eating some chips, which was his usual hobby.

The game started and Daiki-kun immediately planted the first point for his team but was immediately countered when Tetsu-kun used an ignite pass on him.

"What was that pass?"

I'm sure that was an ignite pass but it definitely has more power in it now. That sure riled the crowd up not to mention that it's only the first quarter. I smiled, Tetsu-kun had also changed but it was definitely for the best.

The ball was passed to Tetsu-kun but instead of passing it, he held it and did a drive. My eyes grew wide, he never held the ball even before. Looks like he grew up so much, the one marking him wasn't even able to move a muscle.

But that still isn't enough to make Daiki blink, I looked around and saw Satsuki-chan in Touo's side. She's still looking after him after all these years huh. Having her as a manager sure is a pain in the neck for the opposing team. And I was right, not a moment later, Daiki already broke Tetsu-kun's drive.

"Seirin High, time-out"

I looked at Riko nee-chan, I was told that she was the basketball team's coach, it would be wise if she puts Tetsu-kun out for now. Being who he is, I bet he's having a total mental breakdown. He may seem strong and he is but when something he's good at suddenly goes sideways, it will rile him up for sure.

"The only person who can beat me is me"

"You're useless now, even with effort do you still think you can be useful?"

Such harsh words rang in my ear again as my gaze shifted towards Daiki-kun. The memories from that time making my heartache from pain all over again.

"You still haven't changed huh? Even your gameplay is the same"

After the time-out, Daiki's team got hold of the ball once more but then there an amazing thing happened, Daiki-kun's shot was blocked by that number 10 player, and it wasn't pure luck the way he did that on the second time. He was the redhead that had a very noticeable aura that I saw back at the gym.

Blocking Daiki's full-throttle was impossible in the first place and yet here lies the guy who was able to do it, twice on that note. 46-48, with Touo in the lead, I wonder what kind of gameplay would Seirin do.

"Seriously, when will I ever defeat you"

"Now you're just useless"

There it is again, the sudden fang of pain. I honestly am cheering for Seirin right now, but I have this selfish desire to want Daiki-kun to lose. To let him feel what it's like to be defeated once more.

After the break, the second half started with Tetsu-kun in the lineup once more. He still doesn't know how to give up. With his drive broken, I was left to wonder what he would do but I was surprised when he purposely charged in to stop Daiki.

Just when things were pretty much starting, the Tuou's captain marked Tetsu-kun and had a pretty tight defense. I'm guessing he's one of those reader types, those that see through one's expression. A pretty skillful one on that note too, considering Tetsu-kun was the type of person who could naturally hide his emotions.

The gap between their scores sure is getting bigger, I'm not pretty sure if they're actually capable of handling Daiki's team. But I want to believe that they could.

As that thought crossed my mind, a strange feeling begun occurring unto me, I glanced at Tetsu-kun and I'm sure that this strange feeling, is his presence. So they forced his presence out so that his teammates may be able to use his drive.

I chuckled, to think that they were able to figure out Tetsu-kun's true form, I should give them a round of applause. Even Sei-kun wasn't sure how to drive out Tetsu-kun's true form back in middle school.

"The last quarter huh"

While it is true, that Seirin sure has guts and tactics. Daiki hasn't shown his true power yet. Among athletes, we have this so-called ZONE, It was said that deep concentration enables you to open up to that place. Only a few had been able to go inside of it willingly though.

And Daiki is one of those few.

"WOW!! THAT WAS A FAST PLAY"

Daiki entered the zone and did a fast play that left the whole Seirin dumbfounded. They should give themselves credit though, driving Daiki down the zone will mean that his normal play won't work anymore.

"That number 10 awesome!!"

"It's a one-on-one"

I kept having this eerie feeling like something amazing will unfold in front of me. I glanced at the number 10, and finally realized it when he was able to match Daiki's pace. That guy is also in the zone now.

While matching with Daiki's fast pace, he still can coordinate willingly with Tetsu-kun.

"So he's your new light huh?"

I smiled sadly, so much has changed, your past light being your opponent right now. And having a new light, pains me but I guess nothing stays the same huh? the only permanent thing in this world is change after all.

"WIN SEIRIN!!"

"DON'T GIVE UP"

I glanced at the other side of the gym and saw Ryouta-kun, those yellow locks, and handsome features seemed to have changed also, along with the playful demeanor there was something else; I chuckled when I realize that he's cheering for Tetsu-kun, biased as always.

"Defense... Defense... Defense"

With a one-point lead and five seconds remaining on the clock, I wonder how you'll be able to counter this Seirin. Number 10 was able to get the rebound but Daiki has already blocked him, the ball flew out of their hand and Touo's team captain made a run for it. He's wide open, the moment he makes a basket they win.

I gasped, that guy never ceases to amaze me every time.

Tetsu-kun was already running ahead of him and passed the ball back. Number 10 was able to receive it, now all he needs to do is shoot it despite having Daiki on his mark.

Confusion... Reminiscing something...

And other unnameable emotions are overflowing inside of him now.

You've met your match Daiki.

I stood up and started walking away from the gymnasium.

Congratulations Seirin, you just defeated the undefeated prodigy. It was only a 40-minute game but it was enough to get my blood pumped up. I stretched my arms upward.

"Maybe I'll do a few shots while grandma's asleep"

"Hana-chan gomen, but can you give this to sensei? Our club had an emergency"

"Sure"

I look at my classmate before taking in the class record and walked to the faculty. I needed to get off my butt from my chair anyway, my legs were starting to get numb, and badly needs a walk. I knocked lightly on the door before peeking in.

"Excuse me"

"Oh, Hayazawa need anything?"

"Midori-kun wanted to return this"

"Eh? Why didn't Haruno return it himself?"

I handed sensei the class records and scratched the back of my head sheepishly.

"He said he had a club emergency"

"Again? I swear, those swimming club really know how to get into trouble"

Eh? So Midori-kun is in the swimming club huh? No wonder he looks fit.

"That reminds me, Hayazawa you still haven't joined any clubs yet haven't you?"

I scratched my nape and smiled awkwardly. I was still not comfortable with groups that's why I decided not to join any clubs yet.

"Uhh... it's kind of not my thing sensei"

Socializing that is...

"Eh? but you'd be great in whatever club you choose, which reminds me, can you run an errand for me?"

That was quick but I nodded otherwise. I figured it will be a pain in the neck if I say no.

"Can you tell the basketball club that they need to return the DVD's they took from the stockroom, just check if it's complete then return the checklist to me if it's okay"

Then he handed me a paper. I looked at the list and was amazed by how long the list had gone.

"Sure sensei, then I'll be going now"

I walked out of the faculty room. I can't believe they've stocked so many DVDs of gameplays from other schools. They sure know how to take care of their athletes.

"Kagami, Aho! I told you to pass it"

"Bakagami"

"Shut up Kuroko"

I stood at the gym door and smiled when I saw the redhead and Tetsu-kun bickering, Hyuga senpai was also scolding them, which kinda reminds me of them. I was about to greet them when the puppy wearing a jersey ran in my direction.

"Arf.."

"Hello again, you're so cute"

"Hana-chan"

I looked up and saw Riko-nee running towards me, not a moment later I was enveloped in a tight hug.

"You're still a cutie whenever I see you"

"Riko she's not breathing"

I laughed at Kiyoshi senpai's remark, which made Riko-nee let go of me.

"Gomen Hana-chan, I just can't control it"

"It's okay Riko-nee"

"Hayazawa-san?"

We peeped at the back and saw Furihata-kun standing there holding a ball. I waved at him and smile.

"Hello Furihata-kun"

"Eh? you know Furihata-kun Hana?"

"We're in the same class"

"H...Hai t..that's right"

Stuttering again huh? I guess that's just the way he is. I smiled awkwardly before handing Riko-nee the paper I was holding.

"Here, Riko-nee sensei asked me if the DVD's from the stockroom were complete, he said it should be checked"

"Oh.. okay can you wait for it?"

I nodded before looking at the puppy below my feet, he's waggling his tail like he's happy. I crouched and touched his head.

"His name is Nigou, do you like dogs?"

I looked up at Kiyoshi senpai who crouched and played with Nigou too. Nigou barked loudly like he was really indicating how happy he is.

"mm yea pretty much"

"If you like him, you can take him away"

We heard someone mutter and not a moment later Riko-nee started cracking her knuckles.

"What was that Bakagami?"

Just then the tall red-haired guy hid behind Tetsu-kun which was utterly useless in the sense that Tetsu-kun was so much smaller than him.

"Kagami Aho"

"Kagami-kun, I'll pray for your soul"

"Kuroko damn you"

So his name is Kagami. I looked at Tetsu-kun and was surprised to see him staring at me. Suddenly it was like my heart was being squeezed by someone. I smiled at him before petting Nigou again.

"Seriously, you're so kawaii"

"Arf.."

Eh? I smiled at myself no wonder Nigou looks familiar, his eyes resemble those of Tetsu-kun.

"Hana-chan here"

I stood up and took the papers from Riko-nee.

"Gomen, it took longer than I expected, The 1st years will bring the box with you"

"Mmm sure, thank you again Riko-nee, we'll take our leave now"

Riko-nee nodded at me and instructed Kagami and Tetsu-kun to carry the boxes. I bowed to her and walked out of the gym. Not a moment later the two guys were already beside me.

"It's been a long time, Hanabi-san"

I was startled when Tetsu-kun suddenly spoke, even Kagami was surprised.

"3 years sure is long huh? Kuroko-kun"

"Wait.. you know each other?"

We both nodded at Kagami, it was then that Tetsu-kun looked my way.

"It sure was, also you never call me by my last name"

I grinned at his expressionless face.

"I just did"

He looked stunned for a second but regained his composure afterward.

"Well, I can clearly see that you're doing alright. Because you just defeated Daiki in your recent match"

I smiled bitterly at him and thus, the pained expression I've been waiting to see from him finally surfaced.

"you... watched our game"

"You can take those to the stockroom, I'll inform sensei about it. See you again Kuroko-kun, Kagami-kun"

Naturally, I don't have any plans of reconciling with you guys, but that doesn't mean I can't make you regret what you did before.

"The quarterfinals?"

I stopped sipping my shake when I heard Midori-kun.

"Yeah the men's basketball team, they're going up against Yosen High this time, Haruno-kun will you come?"

"I don't know, ne Hana-chan wanna come"

I waved my hand in front of my face.

"Gomen, I can't I have to help grandma at the shop"

"Oh is that so?"

"Gomen... Gomen"

"Stop it, it's okay maybe we'll stop by your shop when the game is over"

I smiled at them. I also want to watch the match, I heard that Atsushi-kun went to Yosen High. But then I just can't leave grandma in the shop all by herself.

I sighed.

I wonder how the game between them will go.