"...How did you even do that?"
"Just basic technique. No need to make such a big deal out of it."
That afternoon, when Haizaki Shogo left the basketball court rented by Midorima Shintaro, Midorima was visibly unsettled. His mind was elsewhere because what Haizaki had casually demonstrated and explained had genuinely shaken him.
Midorima realized something clearly now.
Some things couldn't be achieved through effort alone.
Talent was absolute.
No matter how much you trained, there were limits you simply couldn't cross.
But even so...
That realization did not shake Midorima Shintaro's unwavering determination.
========
The Next Day — Tanabata Festival
Haizaki wore a light blue short-sleeved shirt. Standing in front of the mirror, he adjusted a black tie, giving himself a surprisingly sharp look. After picking up a carefully prepared gift, he waved goodbye to his mother and left the mansion.
========
Tokyo Downtown — Kappabashi
Haizaki leaned lazily against a thick, old black utility pole while holding a small gift box. He yawned, completely bored. People passed by in crowds, and many glanced at him. Some girls even gathered the courage to approach him and invite him to stroll through the festival together.
He politely refused.
School life in Japan… is honestly too peaceful.
As long as you haven't entered society yet, you don't really get beaten down by it.
Compared to my life overseas... this is far too easy.
Just as his thoughts drifted away, a soft hand tapped his shoulder. A clear, gentle voice rang out.
"Shogo-kun, sorry to keep you waiting!"
Haizaki turned his head.
The girl standing there was Shimizu Rena.
She was dressed in a Tanabata yukata, a stunning violet-blue fabric adorned with dark red sakura patterns. Her rose-colored hair was lightly pinned up, revealing her elegant neck—and a glimpse of beauty that Haizaki had only ever caught in passing before.
She's… breathtaking.
After a month apart, she looked even more beautiful than he remembered. Even someone as shameless and bold as Haizaki froze for a brief moment.
Then, without hesitation, he immediately opened his arms and hugged her tightly.
BOOM!
Rena's cheeks turned red instantly, and even her ears burned. But after only a brief hesitation, she gently wrapped her arms around him in return.
Long time no see… I missed you.
That was the feeling between them.
Haizaki released her from the embrace and took her hand instead, slowly walking through the festival crowd. As they walked, he handed her the gift.
"Here. Your present. French perfume. I don't really know much about it—they called it 'Chanel No. 19.'"
"Thank you," Rena smiled softly. "Anything from you… I love it."
She then lifted her wrist slightly. Wrapped around it was the Tanzanite bracelet—a gift Haizaki had given her before. The gemstone shimmered beautifully beneath the festival lights.
She really suits this kind of beauty…
Haizaki smiled faintly as they continued walking deeper into the festival.
The streets were decorated with Tanabata ornaments and glowing lanterns. Eventually, they entered a shrine filled with bamboo trees. Girls all around them were busy writing wishes and tying colorful strips of paper onto the bamboo branches.
Haizaki handed Rena a piece of paper and a pen. She accepted them quietly before looking at him with soft eyes.
Haizaki immediately understood.
He turned slightly and bent forward.
...Again?
Rena placed the paper on his back as a makeshift writing desk. Her soft hand rested lightly against him, making Haizaki feel a strange, ticklish sensation run through his body.
After a while, she finished writing.
But just as Haizaki straightened up—
"Wait, Shogo-kun. One more," she said softly.
"...Huh?"
He bent down again.
BOOM!
When she finally finished, Rena tied the papers onto the bamboo leaves. Only then did Haizaki stand properly and look at them.
One read:
"I wish for a gentle heart that crafts happiness with skillful hands."
The other read:
"I wish for you to reach the highest peak, always surrounded by stars."
Haizaki stared at them for a moment before smiling. Without saying anything, he took her hand again and walked toward the shrine exit.
At the gate, they both paused.
Then they saw a strangely mismatched pair walking inside.
Aomine Daiki and Satsuki Momoi.
Aomine wore a white shirt and tie, looking as lazy as ever. Momoi wore a light green yukata, her long hair flowing freely and accentuating her feminine charm.
But the strange part was that Momoi was smiling sweetly at everyone...
While dragging Aomine forward by his tie like a stubborn dog.
It's like she's walking a pet that refuses to move…
Haizaki couldn't hold it in anymore.
BOOM!
He burst out laughing and crouched down, clutching his stomach. Rena quietly smiled beside him as she watched the scene unfold.
Momoi suddenly noticed them.
"Aomine-kun, Shogo-kun, Rena-chan… long time no see!"
She immediately let go of Aomine's tie and switched into full elegant mode, gracefully walking over.
"Momoi-san, Aomine-kun. Hello," Rena greeted politely.
Momoi and Rena instantly latched onto each other, chatting excitedly like close friends.
Meanwhile, Aomine walked over to Haizaki and lightly kicked him.
"Oi… are you done laughing yet?"
Haizaki wiped the tears from his eyes, still laughing.
"Haha… n-not yet… let me… just… a little more…"
"...Boring," Aomine muttered.