The Game (Part 1)

The lights were bright on the eve of the game. The participants were ready, and the preparations were complete. Taking a brief respite from all the work, I could notice the crowd was going hysteric even before the game started, but rightfully so as there was lot at stake. Shockingly, the students had bet on the game and asked the teachers to allow them for a meal buffet if they win, but on the off chance that they lose we would be supplied with a load of extra homework. I didn't need another reason to support the club, but more the merrier I suppose.

The game started and the club took an early clincher with Asuka as the playmaker. Nice.

"Here senpai, you should stay hydrated!". Ringo came up to me and offered me a chilled can of soda with a bright smile.

"Thanks." I tried to offer a smile back but failed in tracks due to my muddled up thoughts.

"Did you have a fight with Asuka? She feels too distant from you."

"Uh... Something of that sort. Was the always complaining about me leaving the club?" I wanted to know what she actually felt, but I didn't have the heart to face her right now.

"Yeah, she was quite depressed when you suddenly decided to leave the club." She turned towards the court. The teachers' team wasn't that well oiled and coordinated, but their sound reasoning and drive really showed the difference in maturity within the teams. Especially, the English teacher who was a ex-professional in her college days. She jumped and threw the ball in a robotic manner, which even the hoop couldn't refuse as it twirled around and went dead in center. Yikes.

The student's team was a disadvantage, so they took a quick break. I could see the team appear towards us, and we readied the refreshers in a hurry.

"Good work out there!" My voice ran hollow in the silence that followed, as the team was obviously quite disheartened by their performance till now. I know I can't just hide behind my cowardliness and do things half-heartedly.

"Okay, listen up! Enough of the moping. Time for a strategy meeting." I could feel their questioning eyes on me, but they were much better than before.

"Obviously you guys would have noticed the difference the English teacher is making. But just marking her is not enough. Look closely and find the ways she is coordinating the team. You will definitely find a way to interpret her plans."

"Easier said than done." Asuka retorted quite heavily.

"Oh don't worry, I have identified one core piece in her formation. The Gym teacher. Most of their plays have went through him in one way or another. And to counter that, we need someone strong enough to counter him."

I turn towards Ringo as I pointed to the court with my thumb.

"You're up, Ringo."