Chapter 39: Nationals 3rd Placer vs Seiho Part 2
As Hideki got back to the bench it was during a time-out, now re energized and amped up for a game. He saw the score was 67 to 57 with Seiho in the lead and there was still three minutes before the quarter ends.
As Hideki got to the bench, he bowed to the players and the coaches and said "Sorry guys, I was not myself today I hope you forgive me!" Aoki got near Hideki who then said "Aoki, I am especially sorry to you I gave up today, but the concussion should come later."
Hideki then looked at Coach Yoshida and asked, "So what do I do coach?" the coach just said "Just guard Teppei and let's go from there" Hideki nodded and removed his jacket and pants, and he got back into the game.
As he entered the court he shook hands with Teppei who returned it briefly and Hideki said "Sorry, I was not myself today Kiyoshi, let's have fun today" Teppei smiled and said "Yeah, I want to face you at your strongest and still have fun Hideki"
As the ball went live, Hideki got the ball at the top of the key and two Shoei players guarded him so he passed the ball to an open Renji across the court who shot the three-pointer.
Now Hanabira is so back into the game.
On the next possession, Hideki guarded Teppei and was able to stop his "Right of Postponement" as he was it's natural counter. He could react to Kiyoshi's post moves and abrupt passes.
The third quarter ended with 80 to 74 with Hanabira still trailing but was getting their mojo back.
The fourth quarter saw the tide returned back to Hanabira as Hideki constantly passed the ball around when he was double teamed, opening opportunities for his teammates. In spite of this Kiyoshi was grinning and was also happily playing.
Hideki was able to rack up 10 assists for the fourth quarter.
The game was tied with 6 minutes remaining and Shoei was still able to score another basket but that was the last time they had a lead against Hanabira.
Hideki continued to beat Shoei with his offense and defense, and it caused his team to be alive again, it was a if he revived the dead team from the game, who was silently accepting their lost.
After a full quarter, the game ended with 100 to 91, with Hanabira winning 3rd place, not bad considering they had 2 consecutive 2nd place finishes behind Teiko.
After the game ended, Kiyoshi shook Hideki's hand and said "Nice game, that was a fun game" Hideki returned the hand shake and said "Yeah, thanks for the fun game too, too bad I only enjoyed 15 minutes."
As the teams bowed out of the tournament, they got back to the changing room and changed into their jacket and pants, and the team got out of the room quickly to go to their seat, except for Hideki, but he smiled as he said "Go on first, I'll follow in a while, maybe a minute or two"
As Hideki sat there, he was reminiscing about his time with Hanabira and how he promised to bring championship to them. It was just unfortunate that they were beaten by Teiko three times in a row. Not that he choked but they were the superior team compared to Hanabira.
Then he remembered his first buddy and running mate Benjie, who told him he's still in rehab but things are going smoothly but would take a lot to heal his kness and walk again.
Then he remembered his teammates, all of them from his first year, the Hanabira Dream Team and the teammates now, how they got better at the game.
He remembered next his dear friend Megumi the manager, despite her initially having no knowledge about basketball, she got to know the game a lot with Hideki's teachings and came to love it too.
Lastly he remembered his first crush, Momoi, who he hadn't given up on, they had dates here and there and taught her cooking, despite her initial abysmal cooking skills, he was able to rectify that and taught her how to cook better. He's still the better cook though.
But in this time of need, when he needed salvation the most, she stepped up to the plate and prevented him in his downward spiral of depression. And the best part there was that she told him she loves him too.
A little while the door opened again and once again he saw Momoi, he asked "I thought you have a match right now?" Momoi just told him "It's ongoing but I know we'll win without me"
Momoi sat beside Hideki, held his hand and said "Thank you for keeping your promise"
Hideki chuckled and said "Of course I keep my promises my lovely lady"
Momoi giggled and said "I know you'll do it"
After a second of silence Hideki asked "So are you my girlfriend now?"
Momoi giggled and then she said "Yes, I am your girlfriend now Hidekin"
Hideki was giddy and as he was looking at Momoi his face was inch by inch moving closer.
As their faces closed on each other, they kissed chastely and softly with full of love.
References used:
Flopping - intentionally exaggerate a play to make it seem you are fouled, either in defense or offense.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Pel47
Pel47 Hi Everybody Author here,
Sorry for not releasing this chapter after the first one was released.
Basically the Intense Heat here in our country has made working harder and had to work from home. At first all I did was check some unchecked works at home but it got boring so I did the most easiest thing (and possibly the most hated thing by other teachers) which is upload the lessons on YouTube.
Now for this story, I will post again regularly as I have written a few chapters this time after doing work related stuff.
Again sorry for not posting any updates especially last week.
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