Chapter 8: Lesson Learned

The third quarter began with a palpable shift in the atmosphere. Seijou High's coach, an experienced tactician with an eye for detail, had clearly noticed the momentum that Yumei High gained at the end of the second quarter, primarily due to Haruki and Hiroshi's performances. Adjusting their strategy, Seijou High began double-teaming Haruki and Hiroshi, effectively stifling their ability to dominate the court as they had done before.

Caught off guard, Yumei High struggled to adapt to this sudden change. Haruki and Hiroshi, while exceptional players, were not immune to the pressure of two skilled opponents consistently hounding them. With their usual routes to the basket heavily guarded, they found themselves needing to adjust their game plan quickly.

From the sidelines, Coach Saito yelled out instructions, his voice barely audible over the deafening cheers of the crowd. "Haruki, Hiroshi! Spread out, involve the rest of the team more!"

Haruki wiped the sweat off his brow, nodding in acknowledgement. "Ryota, Daichi, Tetsuya, get ready to move! They're focusing on us, so the floor's going to open up for you," he shouted, trying to be heard over the noise.

Recognizing the predicament, Haruki attempted to shift the focus towards the rest of the team. He passed deftly to Ryota, to Kazuki, and to any teammate who found themselves momentarily open. Yet, Seijou High's defensive rotations were well-coordinated, and they expertly shut down any scoring attempts by Yumei's other players.

Meanwhile, Hiroshi found himself engaged in a physical struggle under the basket, the tall and sturdy figure of Seijou's centre matching him blow for blow. "You think you can just bulldoze your way to the basket?" his opponent sneered, a smirk playing on his face.

Hiroshi returned his smirk, unfazed. "You're welcome to try and stop me," he shot back, his voice carrying an underlying layer of resolve.

The tension on the court was palpable, the third quarter playing out as a relentless siege, with Yumei High struggling to break through the ironclad defence put up by Seijou High. The spectators watched with bated breath as the dynamic of the game continued to shift dramatically.

Haruki could feel his patience thinning. Every pass he made was anticipated, every shot contested, every drive towards the basket thwarted by a sea of Seijou jerseys. Yet, in his eyes, a flame of determination burned brightly. He wouldn't let Seijou High break their spirit.

"Keep moving, guys!" Haruki instructed, his voice filled with grit. "They can't cover all of us."

Ryota, already out of breath, gave a determined nod. He moved swiftly, doing his best to find open spaces and create opportunities. However, his lack of experience was evident as he struggled to find a rhythm against Seijou's aggressive defence.

Daichi, on the other hand, was struggling to find his groove. He made himself available for passes, always ready to back up his teammates. However, Seijou's defensive rotations were cutting him off effectively, reducing his contributions on the offensive end.

Meanwhile, Hiroshi was locked in an intense battle under the basket. He grappled with Seijou's centre, refusing to give up an inch of space without a fight. His usual teasing demeanour was replaced by an unyielding resolve, his eyes reflecting his fierce determination.

As the final quarter began, Haruki, Hiroshi, and the rest of the Yumei High team dug deep within themselves for one final push. Haruki, despite the pressure from Seijou's defence, managed to slip through the cracks and deliver precise passes. Hiroshi, too, was unyielding under the basket, his relentless rebounds and successful shots painting a picture of resilience and determination.

With the game clock ticking down, Haruki weaved his way through the court, the ball seemingly attached to his hand. He drove towards the basket, a determined glint in his eye. But as soon as he made his move, he was swiftly met by a double team.

Anticipating this, he sent a swift pass towards Ryota, who was momentarily open on the wing. Ryota caught the pass, but instead of immediately going for the shot, he hesitated, doubt clouding his decision.

Seizing the opportunity, Kyo lunged in with lightning speed, his hand connecting with the ball and blocking Ryota's belated attempt at a shot. The crowd gasped, and before anyone could react, Kyo was already sprinting towards the other end of the court with the ball.

Yumei High players could only watch as Kyo effortlessly scored a layup, a mocking grin spread across his face. The cheers of the Seijou High supporters filled the air, a harsh reminder of the uphill battle Yumei High was facing.

With the stakes higher than ever, Haruki and Hiroshi locked eyes, a wordless agreement passing between them. In the midst of the chaos, they found their rhythm together. Hiroshi subtly nodded his head to the left, and Haruki took the hint. As Hiroshi moved to set a screen, Haruki darted left, using Hiroshi's block to shake off his defender.

The court opened up in front of Haruki as he drove towards the basket. It seemed like he was going for a layup, but instead, with a subtle flick of his wrist, he executed a perfect scoop pass back to Hiroshi.

Meanwhile, Hiroshi, his eyes never leaving the ball, had expertly positioned himself underneath the basket. The moment Haruki's pass reached him, he exploded upwards, the ball in his hands. Taro, who was ready to contest Haruki's layup, could only watch helplessly as Hiroshi rose above him, finishing the play with a thunderous dunk.

The gym fell silent for a moment, then erupted in astonished gasps and cheers. Even in the face of adversity, Yumei High had shown their tenacity and teamwork.

As the final buzzer of the game reverberates in the gym, Yumei High's players trudge off the court. The scoreboard tells a stark tale of defeat, yet the team holds their heads high. Their faces, grim with the loss, are also lit with a hint of resolve. Each one recognizes that the journey to becoming a formidable team has just begun.

As Yumei High's team leaves the court, a few Seijou High players approach them. Kyo, leading the pack, addresses Haruki and Hiroshi.

"Not bad for a couple of rookies," he says, his voice laced with a hint of respect. His teammates nod in agreement.

Hiroshi simply grunts in reply, acknowledging the compliment. Haruki, on the other hand, meets Kyo's gaze. "We'll be better next time," he promises, a spark of determination flaring in his eyes.

Kyo smirks. "Looking forward to it," he says, turning away to join his team's celebration.

It's only then that Coach Saito gathers his team for the post-match huddle and shares his words of wisdom and reassurance, as described earlier.

In the midst of the sombre atmosphere, Coach Saito, an emblem of calm, surveys the players thoughtfully. His expression doesn't display disappointment but a deep contemplation that intrigues the team. As they gather for the post-match huddle, the coach's calm voice rings out, silencing the murmurs. "I knew we were likely to lose this one. And frankly, I was hoping for it."

The statement hangs in the air, creating a ripple of surprise among the boys. Haruki and Hiroshi exchange puzzled looks while the rest of the team stare at the coach in confusion. Yet, there is no trace of jest on Coach Saito's face. He continues in the same composed tone, "We need to understand that we can't solely depend on Haruki and Hiroshi. Basketball is a team sport. Every single one of us needs to step up."

His words strike a chord within the team. Some players lower their eyes, introspecting, while others nod slowly, digesting his message. Yes, they had heavily relied on Haruki and Hiroshi today, and it was evident in the outcome of the match.

"But," Coach Saito interrupts their thoughts, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, "This match has given us valuable insights. We've seen our weaknesses, and now, we know what we need to work on. We're going to improve, and we'll come back stronger." His assurance rings with authenticity, instilling a renewed sense of hope and determination in the boys.

As the team absorbs his words, Seijou High executes one last successful play, further highlighting the skill difference between the two teams. It serves as a silent reminder of the path Yumei High has to tread.

In the end, Coach Saito brings a surprise. "Now, let's get out of here. Yakiniku is on me today." This unexpected announcement prompts a cheer from the team. Their spirits visibly lift at the prospect of the feast, momentarily pushing aside the bitterness of defeat.

"Hopefully, Ayumi can come and join us next time. It feels bad that she'd miss the game after going through all that effort to arrange this game for us," said Kazuki, joyfully eating his meat.

""Who"" said the two boys in tandem.