NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: The Vanishing Dribble
While Haruko was teaching Shirayama some basketball basics, she was surprised to see that her "student" really seemed to have some talent.
What started as clumsy, awkward dribbling quickly became much smoother.
"You've already picked it up? Shirayama-san, you're really talented!"
"It's all thanks to Haruko-sensei's excellent teaching."
But Shirayama knew the truth.
This improvement wasn't due to his own skills.
It was the system's doing, helping him rediscover the "Phantom Sixth Man's" basketball level.
He wasn't actually learning—it was just coming back to him.
"Well then, since you're doing so well, I'll teach you one last move for today: the dribbling breakthrough."
With that, Haruko got ready to demonstrate directly against him.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
She performed a simple right-handed acceleration dribble, breaking past Shirayama's left side.
"Got it?"
"Uh… a little bit."
Shirayama nodded.
This move didn't seem particularly difficult. He felt like he could do it after watching her once.
"Only a little? That's okay. When I learned this from my brother, it took me a whole week!"
Haruko-sensei was truly a great teacher.
Not only was she patient, but she was also so understanding.
With such a teacher, how could any student not take learning seriously?
At that moment, Haruko passed the ball to Shirayama.
"Shirayama-san, give it a try."
For the first time, Shirayama attempted a breakthrough move.
Haruko had taught him to avoid the defender and get past them.
But as a basketball novice, Shirayama misjudged the distance.
And accidentally…
Knocked Haruko over.
"Ah!"
"Haruko-sensei, are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Let's keep going."
The second attempt went better. He brushed past her.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm okay."
The third time, he brushed past again.
"Sorry about that."
"It's fine."
This happened over and over.
Haruko got knocked off balance several times, but Shirayama was quick to catch her every time, preventing her from falling to the ground.
After so many attempts, Haruko's face was flushed, and her legs felt weak.
Though she enjoyed playing basketball with Shirayama, his gentle embraces made her heart flutter.
Still, she was exhausted and starving.
That was enough practice for one day.
Trying to learn too much at once wouldn't help.
"Shirayama-san, basketball isn't something you can rush. It takes consistent practice over time. Let's continue tomorrow…"
"Haruko-sensei, can we try one last time? I promise I'll get it right this time."
Seeing how earnest and eager Shirayama was, Haruko couldn't bear to refuse.
"Alright then, just one last try."
"Are you ready? I'm coming!"
Shirayama gave a small smile, letting her know in advance.
"Bring it on!"
Haruko spread her arms wide, getting into a defensive stance.
Her confident expression seemed to say, "Give it your best shot; I'm ready for anything."
To Shirayama, it felt like she was underestimating him.
So, he decided to show off a little.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Shirayama sped up, charging directly toward Haruko.
In her eyes, his figure grew larger and closer.
Suddenly, she realized he was coming too fast.
He was about to collide with her!
"Dangerous!"
Even though she knew it was risky, Haruko didn't step aside.
Because she noticed how close his face was to hers.
"Is he trying to kiss me? Shirayama-san is this bold? Should I dodge or not?"
As her face turned completely red with shyness,
Whoosh!
In an instant, Shirayama disappeared right in front of her.
Haruko froze on the spot, stunned.
"What… just happened?"
"He vanished?"
"Shirayama-san disappeared?"
Behind her, the sound of the basketball bouncing reached her ears.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Haruko-sensei, how was that?" Shirayama asked.
As soon as she processed what had happened, Haruko jumped into the air, cheering loudly.
"Wow!!!"
"Shirayama-san, that was amazing!"
"What's this move called? It's so cool! I couldn't even see what you did!"
Excited, Haruko dashed to Shirayama's side, grabbing onto his arm and shaking it enthusiastically.
Her soft touch left Shirayama slightly flustered.
"Let's call it the 'Vanishing Dribble.'"
"The 'Vanishing Dribble'? That's awesome!"
Haruko's eyes sparkled like she'd discovered a treasure.
"How did you do it?"
"I'm not sure. I just copied the movements Haruko-sensei showed me."
"You copied what I taught and came up with a brand-new move?"
Looking at Shirayama's pure, sincere expression, Haruko's heart was completely won over.
She didn't suspect for a second that Shirayama was hiding his true abilities.
Instead, she thought he was a genius.
"Shirayama-san, you're definitely a genius! With time, you could become a point guard as talented as Miyagi-senpai."
Shirayama humbly waved his hand, shaking his head.
"I'm no genius. I can't jump high or run fast. I'm just an ordinary person."
"There are many kinds of geniuses. Maybe Shirayama-san is a different kind of genius."
For some reason, Haruko felt Shirayama was unlike anyone else.
To her, he seemed like a treasure waiting to be uncovered.
"Shirayama-san, as a member of the Shohoku basketball team, I officially invite you to join. Will you?"
Seeing the hope in Haruko's eyes, Shirayama didn't hesitate to nod.
"Of course. I'd be happy to."