Morning – Gym Class
The moment Kenji stepped onto the court, whispers erupted.
"Look at his shoulders—"
"I heard he was scouted for modeling!"
"Do you think he'll join the basketball team?"
Kenji ignored them, rolling his neck as the gym teacher barked orders. Beside him, Haru adjusted his glasses, already muttering calculations under his breath.
"Based on your warm-up strides, your explosive power is at 78% of your father's recorded—"
"Shut up," Kenji snapped, snatching the basketball from the rack.
He dribbled once, twice—then launched into a flawless layup. The ball swished through the net without touching the rim.
The class erupted in cheers.
Haru frowned. "Statistically underwhelming. Your father could dunk at your age."
Kenji's grip tightened on the ball.
---
Break Time – The Swarm
As soon as the whistle blew, a flock of girls surrounded Kenji, notebooks and phones at the ready.
"Tachibana-kun! How tall are you?"
"What's your favorite color?"
"Do you train somewhere? You should model for our magazine!"
Kenji smirked, answering lazily—until he spotted Yuki, the manager, struggling to push through the crowd, her clipboard raised like a shield.
"Excuse me—I just need to—"
A particularly enthusiastic girl elbowed her aside. Yuki stumbled, frustration flashing across her face before she retreated.
Kenji watched her go, an odd twinge in his chest.
---
Endurance Test – The Delinquent's Edge
"Pair up! Tachibana and Kobayashi—endurance drills!" the teacher announced.
Jiro slouched forward, hands in his pockets. "This gonna be a waste of time, Pretty Boy?"
Kenji didn't answer.
The drill was simple: suicide sprints, burpees, wall sits—last one standing wins.
At first, Kenji dominated. His long strides ate up the court, his form flawless. But as the drills dragged on, something shifted.
Jiro's breathing steadied. His movements became effortless, like his body was built for punishment.
By the final lap, Kenji's lungs burned. Jiro crossed the line first—without breaking a sweat.
The teacher clapped. "Kobayashi wins. Again."
Jiro didn't celebrate. He just muttered under his breath, "…waste of damn talent."
Kenji bristled. "What's your problem?"
Haru materialized beside them, eyes gleaming. "Oh! Jiro is the undisputed streetball king of Shinwa District! His crossover is legendary! His win rate is—"
Jiro flicked Haru's forehead. "Shut it, Calculator."
But Kenji was already piecing it together. This was the guy Yuki wanted for the team.
And he just lost to him.
---
After Class – The Manager's Resolve
Yuki watched from the bleachers, fingers gripping her clipboard.
Jiro was a must.
Kenji was a miracle.
She had to get them both.
Across the gym, the team captain, Akira, leaned against the wall, arms crossed. He said nothing.
But his eyes never left Kenji.
---