After settling the discount with the Bearded Shopkeeper, Nango and Kano began browsing for basketball shoes.
It was Kano's first time helping a boy shop—let alone for basketball gear—so she was lively and curious, walking around the store and touching everything. Every so often, she'd hold up a pair she liked and ask for Nango's opinion.
This time, she picked up a pair of purple-and-gold shoes, eyes shining with anticipation. "Nango! Nango! What about these?"
Nango glanced at them and shook his head with a small smile. "Too heavy. I want something lighter and more convenient for playing."
Back then, basketball shoes focused on protection. They were bulky, heavy, and not very stylish. For Nango—who knew the sleek designs of future generations—it was unacceptable. Unfortunately, since he couldn't design his own, he could only keep searching.
After several rejections, Kano, now following his preferences, picked up a red-and-white pair. "Nango, how about these?"
The moment Nango saw them, a grin spread across his face. I'm an idiot. Why didn't I think of classics right away?
Compared to the others, this pair looked more like low-tops, with a bold design that stood out. The red-and-white scheme even matched Shohoku's uniform.
He gently examined them. As expected—it was the Air Jordan 3, the elephant print pattern making them iconic.
"Quick, try them on," Kano urged, practically bouncing with excitement. She was thrilled she'd finally found a pair he liked.
After getting the right size, Nango tried them on. He let out a satisfied sigh. "Classics never fade. Stable, flexible… these are perfect."
He looked at Kano. "Nice choice. They fit perfectly."
Kano beamed, her expression like a cat that had just been given a fish treat. Shopping might not always be about buying, but when a woman finds something good—even for someone else—it sparks joy.
The Bearded Shopkeeper wrapped the shoes and handed them over. "Young man, good taste."
As he spoke, he threw Kano a knowing wink.
Kano caught the hint and smirked playfully, shooting Nango a teasing look.
Nango nearly choked on air. He quickly paid and dragged Kano out of the store before he melted under her gaze.
The café they entered was filled with the rich aroma of coffee. The décor was fresh and cozy—an atmosphere where you could sit all afternoon. In later years, it would've been an influencer hotspot.
Most patrons were couples. Of course, this era's couples were far more reserved, sitting opposite each other, barely daring to flirt.
Nango and Kano also sat across from each other. The tall, muscular Nango felt awkward, like he was perched on needles. Kano, on the other hand, leaned in with sparkling eyes, like a mischievous cat sizing up her prey.
"How is it? Tastes good, right?" she asked with a smile.
Nango nervously licked his lips. "Mm. Delicious."
Awkward. Painfully awkward.
Nango couldn't figure out what Kano wanted. His brain looped the same delusion: She likes me.
But… did the old "hero saves the beauty" trope really work that well? Besides, Sakuragi was the one who helped that day, not him!
And truthfully, he wasn't eager to date. Basketball was his focus. Plus, the idea of "an old ox eating tender grass" made him uncomfortable.
"Nango, have you liked basketball since you were little?" Kano asked, trying to steer the conversation toward his comfort zone.
"Yes," he answered without hesitation. Both in this life and the last, he thought privately.
Then silence.
Nango was, in both lives, a hopeless straight man who had no idea how to flirt.
Idiot! Kano cursed silently. Who answers a girl like that? How am I supposed to continue?!
Nango also scolded himself. I'm the worst at conversations.
After a long pause, he tried. "Kano, do you like basketball?"
Kano tilted her head, looking troubled. "Mm… I'm not very good at sports. I don't know much about basketball."
Then her big, watery eyes locked onto him. "But I'm willing to learn. Nango, will you teach me?"
Nango's heart skipped. Foul! That's too cute. Effective foul!
He gave up resisting. "Of course. I'd be happy to."
"Really? That's great!" Kano clapped her hands, her smile radiant.
"But… why basketball?" Nango asked, still curious.
Kano pouted, fingers poking together nervously. "Um… my best friend is the manager of our basketball club. She's always busy, so I want to help her. But I don't know anything about basketball…"
"Which school are you from?" Nango pressed.
"Eh? Did I not say? Sorry! I'm from Ryokufu High. Our school just started a basketball club last year."
Ryokufu? Helping her best friend? So she wasn't interested in him after all?
On the surface, Nango stayed calm. Inside, he was playing funeral music.
Truthfully, Kano had just made up an excuse. After two encounters, she already found Nango interesting. He seemed upright, looked good, and was shy in an oddly endearing way. She wanted to give both of them a chance.
If Nango thought it through, he would've noticed her story had holes. Why would someone from another school teach her? Why seek out a near-stranger?
But his straight-man brain wasn't connecting the dots.
Even so, he kept his composure and asked patiently, "Alright. So, what do you want to know first?"
Kano thought for a moment. "How about this: next time, let's go watch a game together. You can explain little by little. Does that sound good?"
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