Opening Scene — School Courtyard, Late Afternoon
The golden hour sun casts long shadows. Students crowd the area. Airi sits alone under a cherry blossom tree, her sketchbook open, headphones in.
Her eyes flick to the basketball court where Knight is practicing free throws, shirt drenched in sweat.
She flips to a sketch she's been working on: it's Knight mid-dunk, with fire trailing behind him. She pauses, then starts shading the background.
Internal monologue (Airi):
"You're reckless. Loud. Always trying too hard. But I see you."
Her pencil stills.
"Maybe I always have."
---
Scene — Gym Hallway
Maxwell and Coach Rintaro walk side by side after watching footage of their next opponent: Kenshin Academy.
Coach Rintaro:
"They're tall. Control tempo. Slow you down till you fall asleep."
Maxwell (calculating):
"Then we change rhythm. Force them to run."
Coach:
"You'll need Knight focused. Can you get through to him?"
Maxwell (without hesitation):
"I already have."
---
Scene — Knight's Dorm Room, Evening
Knight's on FaceTime with his little sister. She's holding up a school drawing she made of "Maxwell, Knight, and Hunter as superheroes."
Sister:
"You're the fastest in the world, like lightning! But Max is like the brain."
Knight laughs.
Knight:
"Yeah, he's the brain. I'm the storm."
His laughter fades slightly as he stares at the sketch.
---
Meanwhile — Girls Dorm
Airi and Rena are in their pajamas, watching a K-drama and eating chips.
Rena (smirking):
"So… you gonna tell him?"
Airi (defensive):
"Tell who what?"
Rena (grinning):
"Knight. You draw him like he's the main character in your diary."
Airi (blushing):
"…I don't even know if he sees me like that."
Rena:
"Then make him."
Airi grabs a pillow and throws it at her. They both burst into laughter.
---
Next Day — Lunchtime
Knight walks into the outdoor lunch area. Airi is sitting alone again. He walks up.
Knight:
"This seat taken?"
Airi (surprised):
"N-no. Go ahead."
They eat in silence for a few seconds.
Knight (without looking up):
"Your sketch of me dunking… it was dope."
Airi freezes.
Airi:
"You saw it?"
Knight:
"Maxwell showed me. He said you've got real skill."
Airi hides her smile.
Airi:
"Maybe… I just draw what inspires me."
Knight finally looks at her. There's something different in his eyes.
Knight:
"You're not like the others."
Airi (softly):
"Neither are you."
Their hands brush accidentally. A beat of silence. Knight looks away quickly.
---
Scene — Practice Before Game Day
The team is tighter now. More fluid. Knight and Maxwell share no words—but understand each other's movements perfectly.
Hunter yells after a dunk:
Hunter:
"That's what I'm talkin' about! We're finally clicking!"
Coach Rintaro watches them from the bleachers. He scribbles in a notebook:
> "They're becoming a unit. The storm, the shadow, and the beast."
---
Night Before Match — Phone Lights Up
Airi texts Knight:
> "Can we meet? Just for a sec."
He types: "Sure."
They meet at the vending machines by the gym.
Airi (nervous):
"I wanted to say something… before the match."
Knight:
"Yeah?"
She takes a deep breath.
Airi:
"When you're on the court… I believe. In you. And I… kinda like you."
Silence.
Knight just stares. The air is thick.
Knight (softly):
"…I'm not good at this stuff."
Airi (smiling sadly):
"That's okay. Just don't pretend I didn't say it."
She walks away.
Knight stands alone. For once, speechless.
---
Final Scene — Game Day Arrival
The team steps into Kenshin Academy's polished gym. Calm. Cold. No shouting, no taunts—just the eerie focus of a team that plays like machines.
On the far side, Kenshin's captain, a tall, silent boy with white hair and eyes like glass, watches them enter.
Maxwell (to himself):
"…That one doesn't blink."
Coach Rintaro:
"Welcome to chess on hardwood."
---
Episode 5 Ends
Next Episode: "The Ice King of Kenshin"