Morning
The silver business card gleamed in Kenji's palm as the agency rep tapped it decisively.
"This is your 'natural athlete' narrative," Mr. Takada said. "We'll shoot documentary-style footage during practices. Authentic sweat, real tension—no studio can fake this."
Ami's strawberry milk carton crumpled in her grip. "You're turning him into some kind of—of sports mascot!"
Kenji studied the contract addendum:
Article 6.1: Model shall participate in school basketball activities for branded content opportunities.
The number beneath made his throat tighten—enough zeros to finally upgrade Mom's cramped apartment.
"I'll do it," he said.
Ami's chair screeched as she stood. "You're choosing them over—"
"It's just temporary," Kenji lied, pocketing the card.
---
After School – Third Floor Hallway
Kenji intercepted Akira at the stairwell, the captain's sneakers squeaking to a halt.
"Changed your mind," Kenji said. "I'll join."
Akira's eyes narrowed. "Why?"
"Does it matter?" Kenji adjusted his sleeve. "One condition. Haru Fujisawa joins too."
"The twerp with the clipboard?" Akira snorted. "We're a basketball team, not a math club."
Kenji turned away. "Then I'm not—"
"Fine." Akira grabbed his wrist. "But you both show up at 5AM tomorrow."
Through the window behind them, Coach Morita watched from the courtyard, a cigarette dangling from his lips.
---
Gym Storage Closet – Yuki's Victory
Jiro barely glanced up from his phone as Yuki bowed deeply, her bangs brushing the dusty floor.
"Thank you for agreeing! Even if your attendance is... irregular."
"Whatever." He pocketed his phone.
The door slammed behind him. Yuki exhaled Her fingers trembled as she texted the coach:
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---
Gymnasium – First Practice
The team froze when Kenji entered with Haru trailing behind, tablet already whirring with analysis.
"Tachibana?!" Rin's water bottle hit the floor. "And the *calculator*?!"
Akira crossed his arms. "New policy. We're accepting charity cases."
Yuki's head snapped up from her clipboard. "Wait, you recruited Haru too?"
"Obviously," Akira lied, rolling his shoulders. "Genius strategist. Basic team building."
Yuki's pen cracked under her grip. "Liar! You said—"
Coach Morita's whistle cut through the chaos. "Tachibana. Defense drills. Calculator Kid—chart his mistakes."
Haru beamed, fingers flying across his tablet. "Error tracking initiated!"
Kenji picked up a ball—lighter than he remembered.
From the bleachers, the agency's camera began recording.
---