Hype

The excitement in Reikou Academy was reaching its peak. The final match between Yami no Kiba and Raijin was only a few days away, and the tension was thick enough to cut with a knife.

For Kazuki, this wasn't just about basketball anymore.

It was about proving himself. About pushing his limits. About making sure there were no regrets—not on the court, and definitely not when it came to her.

"So, you ready?" Reo asked, leaning against Kazuki's desk.

Kazuki stretched, rolling his shoulders. "Yeah. Been training harder than usual."

"Man's dedicated," Naoto grinned. "I'd say it's for the team, but…"

He wiggled his eyebrows.

Kazuki gave him a blank stare. "Don't."

"Oh, come on. You think we don't know?" Reo smirked. "You're extra fired up lately. Wonder what's driving you?"

Before Kazuki could respond, Daiki joined in, casually dropping into the chair beside him. "Tch, like it even matters. They're gonna lose anyway."

Kazuki raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Big talk from someone whose team is one match away from getting crushed."

Daiki grinned. "Confidence, my guy. We've got skill, teamwork, and an actual strategy."

Kazuki smirked. "Yeah? Let's see if that still holds up when I break your ankles on the court."

The class laughed at that, but before Daiki could fire back, a familiar voice chimed in.

"I think it'll be a good match," Miyuki said softly.

Kazuki stiffened slightly. He hadn't even noticed her approaching.

She stood near his desk, a small, calm smile on her face. "Both sides have strong players. It'll be interesting."

Daiki leaned back. "Oh? Does that mean we have a supporter?"

Miyuki tilted her head. "I'm neutral."

Reo snorted. "Lame."

Kazuki, however, wasn't focused on the banter. Miyuki was looking at him now, her gaze steady.

For a moment, it felt like the entire classroom noise faded away.

She reached into her pocket and pulled something out—a small, silver keychain with a tiny black wolf charm attached to it.

"Here," she said, holding it out to him.

Kazuki blinked. "What's this?"

Miyuki hesitated for a fraction of a second before saying, "A good luck charm."

His brain short-circuited.

She just—

Reo and Naoto's eyes practically popped out of their skulls.

Daiki whistled. "Damn. That's rare."

Kazuki, somehow keeping his voice steady, took the charm. It was small, but the gesture felt… huge.

"…Thanks," he said, forcing himself to sound normal.

Miyuki nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Do your best, Kazuki."

Then she walked back to her seat, leaving him utterly stunned.

The moment she was out of earshot, Reo grabbed his shoulder. "BRO."

"Shut up," Kazuki muttered, pocketing the charm before anyone could snatch it.

Naoto grinned. "Oh, he's in deep now."

Kazuki sighed, rubbing his face. It was going to be a long day.

After school, Kazuki and his team gathered on the basketball court. With the match coming up, everyone was pushing their limits, refining plays, testing strategies.

Kazuki was in the zone—practicing passes, dribbles, and shots until muscle memory took over.

But just as things were going smoothly, Raijin's team showed up.

Daiki walked over first, but behind him were a few of his teammates—some of the strongest players from Raijin.

One of them, a tall forward with sharp, confident eyes, smirked at Kazuki.

"Kazuki, right?"

Kazuki met his gaze. "Yeah."

The guy crossed his arms. "I've seen you play. Not bad. But in the finals? You're not scoring against us."

Kazuki's expression remained calm. "Guess we'll see."

Daiki sighed. "Man, can we not start a rivalry right now?"

The Raijin forward grinned. "Just making sure Yami no Kiba knows what they're up against."

Kazuki wasn't one for unnecessary talk. Instead of arguing, he turned to his teammates. "Let's run another drill."

The meaning was clear: Talk is cheap. Show it on the field.

And as the sun set, the intensity only grew.

Kazuki had never been more fired up.

Not just for the match.

But for everything that came after.