---
Agency Wrap-Up – Empty Smiles
Kenji wiped the sweat from his brow as the photographer gave a thumbs-up. "That's a wrap! Natural athlete vibes—perfect."
The stylist removed the mic clipped to his jersey, whispering, "Your 'troubled prodigy' act sold so well. The client wants you for next month's—"
"I'll check my schedule," Kenji lied, already untying his shoes.
The contract was fulfilled. He could quit the team now.
So why were his fingers hesitating over the resignation email?
---
Convenience Store Run – Unplanned Meeting
The bell jingled as Kenji pushed open the store door—and nearly collided with Yuki, her arms overloaded with sports tape and energy drinks.
"O-Oh! Tachibana-kun!" She fumbled, a can rolling to his feet.
Kenji caught it. "Need help?"
"I-I'm fine—" (Another can escaped her grip.)
He sighed, grabbing a basket. "Just point."
---
Walk Back – Awkward Questions
The setting sun painted the sidewalk orange as they walked, Kenji carrying most of the bags.
Yuki kept stealing glances at him. "So… you and Ami-san. Are you two…?"
Kenji adjusted his grip. "Dunno. Feels like a business deal now."
"Oh." A beat. "That's… sad."
"Not really." (He ignored how her ponytail swayed when she walked.)
---
Gym Announcement – Principal's Cup
Coach Morita slapped a flyer onto the whiteboard:
<
<
The team groaned—except Jiro, who cracked his knuckles. "Ryusei? Those rich kids who think they're NBA scouts?"
Morita smirked. "Exactly. Lose to them, and we're disbanded before the Cup."
Kenji's phone buzzed:
<
Great job today! We're extending the campaign—new contract attached.
His thumb hovered over Delete.
---
Morning Practice – A Sharp Question
Kenji was mid-stretch when Rin's shadow fell over him. The injured ace leaned on his crutch, his sharp eyes boring into Kenji's.
"Hey, Tachibana."
Kenji glanced up, sweat dripping down his temple. "What?"
Rin tilted his head toward the bleachers where a cameraman had been lurking during yesterday's drills. "Why was there some guy filming us?"
Kenji's fingers stilled on his shoelaces. Shit.
He forced a smirk. "Probably a fan. You know how it is."
Rin snorted. "A fan? Of this dumpster fire team?" His gaze didn't waver. "Try again."
Kenji shrugged, standing up. "Not my problem if you don't believe me."
Rin studied him for a long moment before shaking his head. "Whatever. Just keep your drama off the court."
As he limped away, Kenji clenched his fists.
Why didn't I just tell him the truth?
If Rin had known—if the team had known—maybe they would've kicked him out right then. No more contracts. No more pretending.
But he'd lied.
And he wasn't sure why.
---
Lunchtime – The Weight of Secrets
Kenji picked at his food, the cafeteria noise fading into static.
Haru slid into the seat across from him, already rambling about efficiency ratios, but Kenji barely heard him.
I could've been done with this.
One confession, and the team would've turned on him. No more early mornings. No more drills. No more feeling like a fraud every time he touched a basketball.
But something had stopped him.
Maybe it was the way Rin had looked at him—like he already knew Kenji was full of shit.
Or maybe it was the way the team had actually started passing him the ball.
Like they expected him to be there.
Like he belonged.
Kenji's phone buzzed. Another email from the agency.
He didn't open it.
---
After School – The Cameraman Returns
As practice wrapped up, Kenji spotted the same cameraman lurking near the exit.
This time, Akira noticed too.
"Oi." The captain nudged Kenji with his elbow. "That guy again."
Kenji's throat tightened. "Like I said—"
"Yeah, yeah. A fan." Akira rolled his eyes. "Just tell your stalker to buy merch like everyone else."
He walked off, but not before Kenji caught the skeptical glance he exchanged with Rin.
They didn't believe him.
And for some reason, that stung more than he expected.
---