Hoops in the rain

With the recording session over, I decided to approach Chika and ask her if she wanted to go to the arcade.

"Ara? Boldly inviting me out on a date? You do know who I am, yes?" Chika giggled.

Oh no, don't tell me my fears were real.

"Hmm, what exactly is it at the arcade that you want to show me?" Chika asked.

"Well, there's basketball-"

"Ah, then how about we head to a court outside."

"In this weather?"

"Didn't you say you can make a shot from the other basket? If so, doing it in the rain should be nothing."

That's an actual quote from my novel.

"Well, if you're going that far, I'll prove my skill."

That being said, I don't think I've ever played in rain this heavy.

"Should we wait out the rain?"

"Hmm? There's no advisory saying we can't be out now."

Guess trial and error will be on the docket.

...

Reaching an outdoor sports complex, the rain showed no sign of letting up. It wasn't like standing under a waterfall, but it would uncertainly effect the arc and path of the ball.

"So, did you model Belinda's skills after your own?" Chika asked as I set down my umbrella.

"I wish. She's what I would have loved to be," I stated as I took my first shot.

Too short.

"Hmm, reminds me of what coach Baro said. 'Oi, listen, if I wasn't shoved to the court, I'd be bank rolling millions on a pro team. You've still got a functioning ankle, so fight like hell to protect em both if you don't wanna be a depressed scruff like me'," Chika said, doing her best to try and impersonate Baro.

I held my shot as I stared at her.

"Hmm? You like the impression?"

"Er, how to say... not really? It just doesn't fit you," I stuttered as I took my second shot.

Off the back rim, another miss. At least the ball rolls back to this side without issue.

"Well, that isn't exactly a role I'd be getting anyway. Speaking of which, I heard you were really picky about casting him."

And of course after she says that, I make the shot.

"Wow, you really made it from the other basket."

"This is only the start. It doesn't mean anything if you make the shot once. Basketball's a high-scoring game. You've gotta make the shot multiple times. If you don't, you're nothing more than a prop," I grumbled as I made another shot.

2 in a row.

"Really are embodying Baro. I'm surprised you didn't ask to voice him yourself."

"As if... I'm no actor, nor do I want to be. My strength now is writing."

3 in a row.

"But it used to be basketball."

4 in a row.

"Yes, but then I was shoved and fell wrong."

5 in a row.

"But you didn't give up. You adapted to gain a new power."

6 in a row.

"Yes, but sadly, the pros deemed it counterproductive to the sport. Guys shooting hoops from the home basket doesn't generate crowds or views compared to the traditional scuffles on the court."

7 in a row.

"Hmm? But don't you have to constantly make shots while everyone's standing still?"

8 in a row.

"A free throw? Those are usually for fouls only. That means unless I'm the player that's affected by the foul, I can't take the shot."

9 in a row.

"So it's not like American football where you can have someone come on to kick the ball through the posts?"

10 in a row.

"No, though if I could, I'd probably be able to make my free throws 99 to 100% of the time.

11 in a row.

"Wow, just like you're doing now. Show me."

12 in a row.

"What? The 12 shots in a row not good enough?"

"I wanna see things up close."

"Fine."

Taking the ball, I took a few steps back until I was behind the free-throw line. Then jostling the ball in my hand, I made an underhand toss.

13- Er, maybe I'll start the count fresh since this is a standard free throw.

I repeated the technique 5 more times before Chika finally spoke up. "You're throwing differently from before. Why?"

"You noticed? With the long shots, I've found overhead works better, but close shots? Underhand, perceptions be damned."

"Hmm?"

"Ah, not familiar with it?"

"No, I think you mentioned it somewhere in your book. "Granny-shot"... 'You use it you're a loser, a loser that wins because it fucking works.' You really can't help giving Baro all the good quotes."

"Well, that makes him the easiest to write," I chuckled as I resumed taking shots.

"He's more likable than some of the main leads. Why not have him be the star?"

"Who's more marketable? A cute girl or an old scruffy guy? Besides, my story isn't about me wanting to self-insert. I want to focus on the girls playing basketball and facing all the challenges that come with it."

"Heh? So Baro really is a "self-insert"."

Did I let that slip?

"Y- Yes, in a sense. Baro was modeled after my struggles."

"So you really did play basketball and were good at it before getting injured."

""Good"? More like just fine. I had some talent, but at best, maybe I'd be a last-round draft pick."

"No need to devalue yourself. I could never do what you're doing right now."

"Wanna try?" I asked as I tossed the ball her way."

Unfortunately, the toss was too sudden, or perhaps the ball too wet as Chika let out a yelp as she touched the ball and dropped it as a result.

"Come on, if you wanna make claims like I'm devaluing myself, you gotta put more weight behind them. Miss 5 shots in a row while trying your best, then you can say stuff like that."

"I'd have to miss on purpose," Chika pouted as she picked up the ball.

"Prove it."

Chika got in position and made an overhead toss. Miss.

Another. Another miss.

"I'll try throwing like you did," Chika pouted as she made her third attempt underhanded.

Bounced off the back rim.

"That was better, I'll try it again."

Over the backboard.

"Well, you are trying," I chuckled as I retrieved the ball for her.

"Unfair. You're goading me to fail."

"Then would you like some kind of reward if you make this last shot?"

"Hmm, let me call you by name... when we're alone like this."

"Eh, sure."

I said that so casually, but to the powers that be, that was me asking for Chika to win the bet. And sure enough, on her 5th attempt, she made the shot.

"I made it! So, what's your name?"

"... Zane... Zane Doe..."

I had snapped back to reality.

"Zane-kun it is then," Chika smiled as she wrapped her arm around mine.

"Heh- Huh!?"