Lines on the Gym Floor

The first thing I noticed was not the hoop, but the tape line running across the gym floor. My head was already facing downward as I walked up to the place that I had left quite a long way back. I was practically shaking, something that I usually don't experience as I steel myself to face my "colleagues" and their possible reaction to the return of the prodigal son.

"Oh, senpai. Welcome back!"

I looked up to see Asuka waving at me, and I lifted my head and replied with an eerie grin. I looked around and noticed that there wasn't much of an audience at this time, possibly because it was a bit earlier than usual.

"So, how does it feel to be back? Does it make you excited? Want to jump in and have a practice match with me?"

"I'd rather finish my share of tasks and get back to my usual life," I replied honestly for a change.

"Ok... Someone's waiting?"

"Mmmh"

Her face suddenly went grim at my simple reply, but she continued anyway. Holding my hand she continued...

"Gotcha. Then let's start with this."

She raised her hand and yelled with a high pitch sound, grabbing the attention of the whole gym.

"Hey guys, meet Natsuki-senpai. She had been a part of the club a long time back, but had to leave... for some unforeseen conditions. She will be helping out with the festival and possibly as a bench warmer as well! Please take care of her and make use of her to improve your skills. She's pretty good."

That was frightening, but to my relief the gym was filled with curious first years only. Some came to say hello, and seeing their enthusiasm in practice relaxed me a bit.

"Can you help me increase my three-pointer accuracy?" one curious junior asked for my help.

"Sure, take a good posture and give a bit more time. Patience is key."

To me they appeared as hollow words, but maybe it helped her out as I noticed that she was just a bit impatient. Maybe I have god-given eagle eyes!

I gave a lot of lessons to the first years, and I was quite shocked by my own skills. They were kind of rusty, but not as much as I had expected. Maybe...

As I recalled the good days, my mind wandered elsewhere.

"I'll be waiting"

I quickly finished my coaching lessons and returned to Asuka.

"Any further demands, my princess?" I jested with a simple, butler bow.

"Oh, can you also help with fixing the tapes on the floor. Just so we are ready for the actual game"

"Okkk." I grabbed the tape and continued toward the end of the court to start my work.

I took a look at my watch to see the time. I still had time. I wanted to hurry back, but I knew that she would wait even if I was late.

Not that I had any plan to make her wait.