In that massive sports hall, the lights beamed down on the packed stands like stars in a noisy sky. Banners waved, and the roar of clapping and cheering shook the ground beneath them. Today was the grand final of the Tokyo Girls' Basketball Championship, and everyone knew the names of the two teams:
Hoshi no Kōtōgakuen – Star High School
Sango Kōtōgakuen – Coral High School
Inside the locker room of Star High School, the atmosphere was electric—not with anxiety, but with that pure anticipation that comes just before the storm.
Coach Tsukuyama—a woman in her thirties with hair tied in a neat bun, sharp eyes, and commanding features—stood before the team, her gaze piercing not just their faces, but their souls. In a calm voice laced with steel, she said:
> "You've carried the name of Star High for five straight years… and today, we don't just fight for victory—we fight for history. You are the stars of the sky, so let's show them how stars shine, even in daylight."
Soft "Yes!" whispers rose from the players, in sync with the pounding of their hearts.
The starting six huddled tightly around the coach. This wasn't just a pep talk—it was soul fuel. Each one of them was about to step into the final battle.
Haruka Shinohara, the captain, stood first. Her gaze was sharp and composed as she said:
> "We play together. We fall together. We rise together. Winning isn't just the end... winning is us."
Mai Saito, the vice-captain, placed her hand on Haruka's and said firmly:
> "Protect each other. That's all that matters."
Katerina sat for a moment, then rose with confidence. Her eyes sparkled like they were daring the universe itself. She smirked and said:
> "Ready to shatter expectations? I've got shots today that might make them question the laws of gravity."
The team laughed lightly, but the energy was on fire. Sabrina tossed a towel over her shoulder and said:
> "If you lag behind on the rebound, don't blame me when I score the final point solo!"
Yui Tanaka raised her hand casually, chewing gum:
> "If it comes down to three-pointers… I'm the glitch they didn't see coming."
Himari Fujimoto adjusted her hair tie and flashed a cocky grin:
> "Let's give them a season finale worth remembering… and if I steal the spotlight? Sorry, not sorry."
The players stacked their hands in the center, and their voices echoed in the locker room:
> "STAAAARS!!"
At the door, Coach Tsukuyama watched them with a small smile. She knew—this game, whether it ended in victory or loss, would never be just a game.
Outside, the announcement rang out:
> "Star High School team—prepare to enter the court!"
Katerina took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a second. She pictured her mother's face, her sisters, her father… everyone she had promised to win for.
Then she opened her eyes and whispered to herself:
> "It's our time to shine… and we won't burn out."
She dashed out with the team, into a roaring storm of noise, lights screaming their names.
•••
The arena lights focused on the court while cheers echoed like an endless wave. Some fans chanted team names, others held banners reading:
「明星高校 - Star Girls」
「珊瑚高校 - Crimson Coral」
The Star High team looked like they'd walked off the cover of a magazine: graceful movements, composed faces, each radiating a unique kind of charisma.
Haruka Shinohara waved to the crowd with calm precision, like saying, We're here to work, not to perform, all while scanning the rival team's moves.
Mai Saito gave a small nod and raised her hand with quiet confidence—her eyes sharp like a silent warning before the starting whistle.
Yui Tanaka smiled softly, as if whispering to every fan, Get ready for the show.
As for Katerina, she gave a small enthusiastic wave, but her eyes were focused—not just on the crowd, but on the court itself. She was already mapping plays in her head, calculating shots as she stared at the hoop like she could measure the distance with a blink.
Sabrina Moriano was laughing as she jogged along the sideline, waving to the fans, cracking a joke that made a teammate giggle, completely unfazed by the charged atmosphere.
And Himari Fujimoto? She was the undisputed showstopper. Blowing kisses, making heart signs with her hands, dancing to the beat of the stadium music, and shouting to her fans:
> "Get ready! The show's about to START!!"
Cheers rose even higher, cameras flashed like lightning.
One giant banner in the stands read:
"光り輝く星たち – The stars that never fade!"
Each player was a color in a glowing spectrum...
Each carried the weight of long-standing victories, six years of championships, and merciless expectations.
Yet in the middle of it all…
Katerina felt something shift. A tiny flutter in her chest—not fear, but longing.
Longing to fight. To burn. To run like she had wings...
She looked at her teammates, then at the rival team, and smiled faintly to herself:
> "I'm not just going to be part of a winning team...
I'll be the reason… we keep winning."
As the referee's voice neared, calling them to the court center, the six girls stepped forward together…
Hearts pounding. Eyes blazing.
The match was about to begin.
And this battle… wasn't going to be easy.But the Star Girls?They weren't made to lose.
Amid the rising roar of cheers and chants echoing through the stadium, Katerina scanned the crowd from the benches, her eyes darting anxiously among the spectators, searching for her family who hadn't shown up yet. Her gaze swept every corner, her eyes reflecting a mix of worry and hope.
Sabrina, her closest friend who could read her like a book, noticed immediately. She stepped beside her lightly and whispered with a warm, teasing tone:
"Who're you looking for?"
Katerina answered quietly, honestly, but with a trace of sorrow:
"My family… I can't see them in the crowd."
Before Sabrina could say one of her usual snarky reassurances, a familiar voice suddenly cut through the noise. Both girls turned toward it and saw Sabrina's family—her five brothers standing with their father. Despite his sharp features and serious aura, he was cheering for her with a soft voice full of pride and love.
Her mother, however, stood next to them with a cold, stern gaze, silently saying, "If you don't win, don't bother calling me your daughter."
Sabrina smiled helplessly, raising her hand to wave affectionately, while Katerina watched her with a faint, wistful smile.
Then Katerina turned to see her other teammates greeting their families.
Haruka was waving to her mother—a regal, intimidating woman who nonetheless looked thrilled to see her daughter.
Mai was waving to her wise, gentle grandfather.
Yui was waving at her energetic father sitting beside his cheerful second wife, who clapped enthusiastically.
Katerina and Sabrina shared an amused look at how different Yui was from her parents—Yui being calm and serious, while her father and stepmother were literal sunshine.
Meanwhile, Himari waved at her parents: her famous actress mother and well-known model father. They were cheering loudly, while she waved back with childish glee. Her teammates rolled their eyes—clearly convinced Himari had dragged some of her family's star power right into the arena.
The moment was thick with emotion—a chaotic blend of excitement, pressure, familial support in all its forms, and the sheer weight of what lay ahead. These little details added a rich emotional depth to the scene, especially around Katerina, who felt it all more intensely.
•••
As the countdown to tip-off neared, the coach made the announcement.
Coach (firmly):
"Starting five: Haruka, Mai, Katerina, Sabrina, Himari. Yui, you're the first sub."
That moment—like beams of light cutting through the tension—hit each girl differently. They exchanged glances somewhere between fire and fear.
Katerina clenched her fist softly, while Sabrina clapped lightly for herself and said aloud:
"Oh yes, the golden squad's in!"
The girls began walking toward the court, their shoes clicking excitedly against the polished wood. But as Sabrina walked beside her, she noticed Katerina's distant expression. Her body was here—but her mind was clearly somewhere up in the stands.
Sabrina nudged her lightly and smirked:
"Don't worry. Your family will show up. You're their golden girl… no way they're missing one of your matches."
Katerina slowly looked at her, smiling softly—no words, just a warm look of gratitude in her eyes.
Suddenly—
A sharp voice cut through the chaos, shouting her name:
"KAAAAA-TERINAAAAA!"
Katerina whipped around, scanning the crowd—until her eyes landed on a hand waving high in the air, attached to a face beaming wider than the sky.
It was Nadezhda, her fourth sister—the stern doctor who rarely smiled… now standing and waving proudly like the most enthusiastic fangirl on Earth.
Then Nadezhda pointed upward—
And there they were.
Her entire family.
Her father was sitting beside her mother. Her sisters lined up like a front-row fan club. Her dad was whistling. Her mom wore a look of royal pride. Her sisters held a banner that read:
"Katerina – Our Strong Champion!"
Katerina froze.
Then something warm spread from her chest to her face… an overwhelming wave of joy. Her eyes sparkled. Her heart raced. And the smile that bloomed on her lips—this one wasn't small. It was full. Of belonging.
She waved with both hands and shouted:
"I'm here!!"
Then turned to Sabrina, who was giving her the "I told you so" look.
Sabrina (grinning):
"See? Your family doesn't let you down. What did I say?"
Katerina (gratefully):
"Thanks… You're always annoyingly right."
She exhaled deeply, feeling every ounce of tension in her body finally melt away.
The two of them stepped onto the court together—like two soldiers heading into battle. But this time, each one carried an entire world behind her back.
They took their place alongside Himari, Mai, and Haruka. Five girls, shoulder-to-shoulder in a straight line, eyes locked on the opposing team lining up on the far side.
The atmosphere was electric. Lights blazed down from above. The crowd roared like a storm around them.
The referee stepped forward, sharp eyes and strict tone:
"Do you all know the rules?"
"Yes!" the players answered almost in unison—tight voices full of nerves and adrenaline.
Both teams bowed respectfully and said:
"Let's play a fair game."
When the ref told them to take positions, the players spread out like chess pieces being moved with precision.
Katerina stood at center court, ready to leap for the tip-off.
Sabrina flanked her, waiting for the pass.
Himari stood near the wing—almost dancing with anticipation.
Mai moved into position with calculated calm.
Haruka stood by the three-point line, eyes glowing with resolve.
The ref raised the whistle to his lips…
And the world held its breath.
FWEEEEET!!
The whistle sliced the silence—
And the ball soared into the air.
Katerina jumped, light as a feather, fierce as a hawk.
Air swirled past her ears as she extended her arms—eyes locked on the ball.
An opposing player leapt too, but Katerina beat her by a split-second.
Her fingers touched the ball first.
With a subtle flick, she sent it toward Sabrina—who caught it with flawless control and burst into motion.
The crowd exploded.
The coach's voice blended into the chaos:"Focus, Katerina! Sabrina, break left!"
The court had become a scene of pure energy, as if everyone was breathing in sync, their hearts beating as one.
Katrina could feel her heartbeat racing—not from nerves, but from excitement. She glanced up—there was her family, waving and cheering—and to the side, she saw Sabrina turning to her with a subtle smile as she prepared for the next pass.
This was only the beginning, but for the first time, Katrina felt like she was playing… not just to win, but because this was exactly where she was meant to be.
•••
Minutes of intense gameplay passed, sweat dripping from every player, and the scoreboard stunned the crowd:
Team Stars – 50 points, Opponents – only 15.
The ball had barely left Team Stars' hands, and every time Katrina touched it, she made a visible impact—as if she was born to be on that court.
On the left wing, Katrina sliced through the defense like a knife through butter. With the footwork of a dancer and the precision of a pro, she dodged two players, dashed in at an angle, then leapt mid-range...
The ball left her fingers like it already knew its path.
It spun gently through the air, then—swish!—landed smoothly through the hoop.
Another point.
The crowd erupted. Some chanted her name, others simply applauded in awe.
Katrina landed softly, her light blond hair stuck to her forehead from sweat. Her face wasn't beaming—it wore that calm, focused expression she was known for.
But as she slowly walked back to her half of the court, she felt that warm thrum in her chest—not just because of the point, but because she was in control.
Sabrina jogged over with her usual grace and a grin:
— "That shot was fire, champ!"
A faint smile tugged at Katrina's lips. She wanted to say "thank you"...
She opened her mouth, but the words stuck—as always.
Sabrina, who knew her better than anyone, understood everything in that look.
She chuckled softly and shook her head:
— "Forget thank you—I want our secret handshake."
Katrina looked at her quietly, her violet eyes gleaming with gratitude. Then…
She smiled gently and raised her hand.
In perfect sync, their palms met with a light slap, fingers interlocked in their secret pattern, and Katrina tapped Sabrina's pinky with her own—the signal they'd invented on the first day they met.
It was a small moment, but in the middle of all the noise—coach yelling, sneakers screeching, the echo of the bouncing ball—
That handshake was the calmest and most powerful thing in the entire half.
Katrina wasn't just playing to win.
She was playing because, finally… she'd found a place where she was understood—without needing to speak.
•••
Midway through the match, the sound of sneakers sliding on polished wood echoed through the gym, mixed with the roar of the crowd and the rhythmic bounce of the ball. That's when each member of Team Stars began to show their unique flair:
🏀 Haruka Shinohara – The Captain
Standing tall at center court, her eyes were razor-sharp, more focused on the opponents' movements than the ball itself. She shouted orders:
— "Mai, left side! Himari, mark number 12!"
She read their intentions like a book—shoulder angles, eye shifts—everything.
Suddenly, one of the opponents dashed for the three-point line—but Haruka had already predicted it. She stepped in, arm at the perfect angle—interception!
The stands erupted in cheers.
🛡️ Mai Saito – The Silent Wall
The opposing team tried again, aiming for the basket—but Mai was there... like a shadow.
A tall player went for an easy shot. But the second the ball left her hands—BAM!
Mai blocked it mid-air.
No scream. No smile. She just landed calmly, turned to a teammate, and said:
— "Don't let her through again."
And everyone knew—the defense was solid.
💃 Himari Fujimoto – The Flashy Showstopper
On a fast break, the ball landed in Himari's hands. Only one defender stood in her way—plenty.
She spun effortlessly, faked left, changed direction so suddenly the defender stumbled and hit the ground.
The crowd gasped.
Himari slid past, pulled off a fake shot that bounced off the backboard and dropped straight in.
— "I try to stay humble, but it's so hard!" she laughed, blowing kisses to the crowd.
🔥 Katrina – The Fearless Sniper
Katrina caught the ball just inside the arc. Eyes locked in, low stance, tracking two defenders.
In two swift steps, she dodged the first and opened a shooting lane—
Then both defenders leapt toward her—too late!
But... it wasn't a shot.
It was a pass.
In a breathtaking move, Katrina whipped the ball behind her shoulder with one hand—no look—straight to...
⚡ Sabrina – The Lightning Bolt
...who had zipped from the corner like an arrow.
The ball hit her chest perfectly—she jumped and released it mid-air.
Swish!—a clean net with no rim touch.
She screamed as she ran back on defense:
— "Kat, do that again and I'm gonna pass out from the beauty!"
Katrina laughed lightly, replying:
— "No promises."
🌟 The Golden Duo: Katrina & Sabrina
The synergy between them was terrifying to the opponents.
Quick passes. Swapped positions. Just one glance and they knew exactly what the other would do.
Sometimes Sabrina would steal the ball and launch a blind pass Katrina would already be there to catch.
Sometimes Katrina would draw in three defenders, then flick the ball behind her back to Sabrina for the perfect shot.
They didn't need words—just motion and trust. The rest was history.
📣 The result? The crowd was screaming their names. The opposing team began to falter under the pressure and fluidity of Team Stars.
And on the bench, Yui, the quiet substitute, watched calmly, a small smile on her lips, thinking:
— "When I get in… I won't just be a sub. I'll be the spark."
The match wasn't over—but one thing was now crystal clear to everyone watching:
Team Stars was unbeatable—
Not just because of skill…
But because they played with heart, and as one.
•••
The second half began amid the roar of the crowd and a slight tension in the air. The opposing team looked discouraged, but the Star Girls carried a completely different energy.
At center court, everyone stood ready. The referee threw the ball high into the air, and all the players' eyes followed it. But no one jumped with the same confidence as Katerina.
With a graceful leap like a trained ballerina, she soared above the rest and caught the ball effortlessly. As soon as her feet touched the floor, she didn't even pause to think—she flung the ball behind her back without looking, fully confident of where it needed to go. The ball sailed smoothly and landed in Sabrina's hands, who was already sprinting toward the other end of the court as if she could read Katerina's mind.
Sabrina didn't hold the ball for long. She sent a quick, precise pass to the right corner... where Yui Tanaka stood calmly, making her first appearance of the game.
Yui, with her usual quiet smile, caught the ball, bent into shooting form, and launched a perfect three-pointer. The ball arced gracefully, then dropped clean into the basket—without even brushing the rim, as if it had always been meant to score.
Swish!
The clean sound of the ball hitting nothing but net fired up the crowd on the Star Girls' side.
At the other end of the court, one of the opposing players stood frozen in disbelief, a flicker of resignation showing in her eyes. She sighed a little, then called out loud, trying to smile:
"Come on, it's just a game! We're here to have fun, no need to fall apart!"
Her words were meant for her teammates, but they were clearly heard by the golden duo—Katerina and Sabrina—who weren't standing far away.
Katerina looked at her calmly, while Sabrina raised an eyebrow and chuckled lightly:
"Nice... Just make sure you enjoy watching real play!"
The opposing player smiled despite herself, and the tension broke for a moment. Then the match reignited, but something was now obvious to everyone…
The Star Team wasn't just playing to win—they were playing to dazzle.
---
The game ended with the referee's whistle, and the gym exploded with cheers and screams. But one number dominated everything: 87–27. A crushing victory… no debate.
The opposing team stood stunned, clear frustration etched on their faces, even as they tried to keep smiling. As for the Star Girls—they were glowing. Small hops, loud laughs, eyes sparkling with pride. This win was the fruit of their effort, understanding, and team spirit.
Katerina stood at center court, her light blonde hair sticking to her forehead from sweat, but her eyes were lit with burning fire. She raised her arms and clapped, then quickly turned to Sabrina, who ran toward her laughing like they were little girls again. They hugged tightly, then slapped palms in their signature way.
Yui was breathing hard, her face flushed pink from the effort, but she looked like she might float from pure joy. She tossed her towel over her shoulder and sprinted toward her teammates, waving her arms with childlike glee.
Mai and Haruka exchanged a proud glance, then bumped fists calmly. Himari, who had returned to the bench, clapped and smiled—even though part of her wished she could've been on the court until the very end.
Meanwhile, the substitutes were in their own universe of excitement. They stood, clapping with all their might, chanting the names of the six starters:
"Katerina! Sabrina! Mai! Haruka! Himari! Yui!"
—as if they were stars of a massive show, not just school athletes.
Amid all the energy, the starting players stepped toward the opposing team. Their faces showed respect, not arrogance. They shook hands with each opponent one by one, hearts silently saying:
"You fought with honor… and the game always deserves respect."
The rival team returned the handshakes, and despite the heavy loss, a few of them smiled—like they were genuinely glad, even for a moment, to have played against a team like this.
Then the six players gathered in a tight circle, stacking their hands together. Katerina shouted:
"We are… the Star Team!"
—and the others replied in one powerful voice that cut through the air:
"And we are undefeated!"
And just like that, their sixth major victory was etched into the team's legacy.
A win not just of points, but of spirit, harmony,
and the golden fire glowing in the heart of every single one of them.
—
They all stood in a straight line on the award podium, under the blazing ceiling lights that rained down on them like artificial stars blessing this moment of glory. The gym echoed with cheers and clapping, but despite the noise, each of the girls felt as if time had paused for just a breath.
The six players stood tall, each wearing a track jacket emblazoned with the "Star Team" logo over their uniforms. Sweat still clung to their faces, but the shine in their eyes was enough to wash away every ounce of exhaustion.
The first to receive her medal was Haruka, the captain. The gleaming gold was raised before her and slid gracefully around her neck, crowning her—officially—as the "heart of the team." Her face was calm, but it was the calm of a volcano—silent, yet burning with mountainous pride. She glanced at her teammates, a small smile forming on her lips. The smile of a leader who knows the long journey finally bore fruit.
Next was Mai, the vice captain, standing firm. When the medal touched her neck, she drew a deep breath, as if trying to capture this feeling forever. Her expression remained serious, but she closed her eyes for a moment—a moment of victory she absolutely deserved.
Katerina was next. When the medal was placed across her chest, she couldn't stop herself from smiling—that rare smile born from proving every doubter wrong. She glanced at the crowd and raised her hand in a soft wave, as if saying, "See? Told you we could."
Yui nearly jumped in place. As the medal was looped around her neck, she burst out laughing and raised her hands in a victory sign. Her face glowed like the sun, not caring about the cameras or the crowd—she was simply living a moment she had long dreamed of… or rather, reliving it all over again.
Sabrina accepted her medal with a soft, dazzling smile, but her eyes said so much more. Struggle, willpower, sleepless nights… all summed up in that piece of gold now hanging proudly around her neck. She glanced over at Katerina and gently nudged her with her elbow—a gesture brimming with sisterhood and triumph.
And finally came the Himari. One of the youngest of the group, like Katerina and Yui, but somehow she seemed taller than ever before. When the medal rested on her chest, she bit her lip to hold back a wild scream and stop a tear from escaping. It wasn't a tear of sadness—but of pride, a declaration to herself that she belonged on that stage.
Then... came the moment.
Haruka stepped forward. With the poise of a true leader, she gripped the massive golden trophy with both hands. Time froze. Camera lights exploded, and hundreds of lenses pointed their way like they were the final stars of a grand performance.
Haruka raised the trophy high above her head—and the crowd erupted like a storm:
"Six wins in a row!!!"
With the trophy raised to the heavens, medals gleaming around their necks, and a gym thundering with applause as if worshipping their legend—that moment became the start of a new history.
Not just for the Star Team, but for every girl in that school who had ever dreamed of becoming a legend one day.
---
Amid the chaos of camera flashes and noisy photographers, the six girls stood on the glowing podium—chests lifted, smiles shining with exhaustion and pride. The cameras flashed without mercy—lights from the right, flashes from the left, and shouting all around:
"Look here!" "Katerina, Sabrina, raise the trophy again!" "To the camera, perfect!"
Katerina and her friend Sabrina stood at the center, holding the golden trophy together, each smiling at the unblinking eyes of the cameras. The trophy gleamed under the spotlight—but inside them, that moment shone brighter than any gold.
Sabrina let out a cheeky laugh and whispered,
"My Girl, we are officially a legendary duo."
Katerina laughed softly and nodded, trying to keep her expression composed, but something stirred deep inside her.
And then… Katerina felt something strange. A small feeling—but one that pierced her heart like a whisper from far away… as if this moment—this joy—was just a flash that would pass and never return. Her eyes shimmered—not from the camera lights, but from that quiet sense of impermanence.
She knew herself. She never had the words. She was bad at talking about feelings. For a split second, she thought:
"Why do I feel this way? This is supposed to be happiness… right? I should be smiling… So why does it feel like this might be the last time?"
She looked forward, but her mind drifted—time slowed, just for a second.
Haruka, the wise captain, turned toward her without saying a word. She knew. She felt. No need for explanation. She understood that Katerina wasn't the kind of girl who said "I'm not okay."
Silently, and without a word, Haruka reached out and placed a hand on Katerina's shoulder.
Katerina turned slightly, their eyes met—and Katerina gave the tiniest of smiles. No one else noticed it, but it was enough.
Haruka's hand seemed to say:
"I get it. But remember—you're not alone."
And so, the cameras kept flashing, and the smiles kept posing…
But deep in Katerina's heart, that moment was captured—not by a camera—but by the soul.
To be continued…
I know many of you have been eagerly waiting for the "transportation moment," and now some of you might be starting to wonder:
"Wait… is this really a romantic drama isekai?"
The answer is: yes, it is — but in my own unique way.
What sets this story apart from typical isekai novels is that I didn't jump straight into the transportation scene.
Most stories rush to that part without giving any real depth to the protagonist's previous life or the people they left behind.
I chose to do the opposite.
I wanted to show you the main character's life as it really was — who she lived with, how she interacted with others, how they treated her, and how she treated them.
I wanted you to see her as a real person, not just a random girl tossed into another world.
And more than that, I was tired of the cliché: the depressed, poor, broken protagonist.
In my story, you'll meet someone different… strong, yet human.
For those of you waiting for the actual isekai moment — look forward to episode two.
That's when everything will change.
Let me know your thoughts —
Did you enjoy this kind of emotional, psychological buildup?
Or do you prefer stories that dive straight into the action?
I'm reading all your comments. 👀✨