Epilogue

The afterparty was the absolute best kind of mess.

We had completely taken over the closest restaurant we could find, with ginormous plates of fried rice and sushi covering the tables.

I leaned back in my chair next to Maria. We watched as Felix juggled two girls' smartphones while they stared in awe, completely mesmerized.

“You know, I kind of feel bad about our game after watching theirs,” Maria said.

“If there is one person on this entire planet you should never feel bad for, it’s Felix.” Unlike the drama-filled game we played through, the men's team absolutely demolished their opponent without mercy.

I left at the start of the fourth quarter, it was bad, but from what I heard, the final score was like a hundred and thirty to forty-five.

So much for not leaving your name in the paper, Felix.

“Enough about the boring guys team, though, what I care about is celebrating with you!” Maria said.

“Y-yeah!” I blushed as Maria leaned her head on my shoulder. “Winning it with my… my girlfriend was something I never dreamed of.”

It still feels so weird to say. It’s like if I say it out loud, the dream is going to end. “I feel like this is all a dream, and I’m going to wake up any second now.

“Happy to break it to you, but this isn’t a dream.” Maria gently pushed my head on her shoulder. “Or is being my girlfriend that much of a nightmare you’re wishing for the wake-up.”

“Hey, it's my job to have the stupid thoughts!” I jokingly punched her shoulder. “Love you.”

“Love you too.”

“Maria!” I immediately jolted up as an unfamiliar voice called out from behind us.

“C-Coach Snyder!” Maria leaped up, blushing, and shook the man’s hand.

He was an older guy, clearly American, with white hair and a friendly looking face. His jacket had a giant Husky logo that I immediately recognized.

“How you been, kid?” He asked, giving her a pat on the shoulder. “I watched you play out there. Nice job with that last three-pointer.”

“Thank you, Coach Snyder!” Maria was still brushing, but clearly seeing her coach here had brought her back to reality.

“And who is this?” He turned my way.

“I’m Aiko.” I went to stick out my hand, froze, then committed. That’s not rude in America or anything, right? I glanced toward Maria, who shot me a nervous smile. I think I’m in the clear.

“Nice to meet you, kid,” he took my hand and firmly shook it. “Where are you from?”

“Aichi, it's kind of between Tokyo and Kyoto.”

“I see, I see. I just wanted to say that you played amazingly out there. Do you know much about college basketball?”

“Y-yeah, my brother plays for Dukes.”

“Well, that makes this conversation a whole heck of a lot easier. UKON prides itself as one of the best women's college basketball teams in the entirety of America, and I happen to have an extra scholarship open for a freshman point guard.”

“Coach, a-are you serious?” Maria asked, almost giddy with excitement.

“Dead serious. Aiko, how would you feel about traveling to the United States and playing for us? You have a lot of talent, and I think we can make it shine.”

“I–” I could barely get a word out from shock. The chance to stay with Maria, the chance to continue playing basketball overseas where Yuma was, it was a no-brainer. “Absolutely, I would love to, Mr. Snyder!”

He grinned. “That’s Coach Snyder to you now. I’ll catch you later to discuss the details and paperwork. For now, this is your day to celebrate, go have fun.”

“Yes, Coach!” I stammered out as he walked away.

The second he got out of earshot, I immediately turned toward Maria. “Did you know he was going to do that?”

“Of course not! I would have told you.” In that second, Maria swept me off my feet and into her arms. “But that means that you’re stuck with me for the next four years.”

“Stuck with my girlfriend, oh the horror,” I rolled my eyes. “There's not a single girl on the planet I would rather be playing with… I love you, Maria.”

“I love you too.”

And with those words, she leaned down, and our lips closed in a kiss.