When Kano muttered that becoming a celebrity sounded like "too much trouble," Nango didn't press further. After all, he knew nothing about the entertainment industry—neither in this lifetime nor his last—and Japan's was even more unfamiliar territory.
But then Kano added softly, "Still… if it's acting, I might be a little interested."
Nango studied her face. She looked conflicted, but her curiosity was real. If she had a dream—even a small one—he wanted to support it.
He smiled gently. "So you're thinking about acting? That should be easy enough to ask about. We can call and see what it involves."
"I'm a little scared…" Kano admitted timidly.
"It's fine," Nango said firmly. His gaze held hers with rare seriousness. "If you want to try, I'll be right there with you."
Relieved by his words, Kano exhaled and asked tentatively, "Then… should I give it a shot?"
"Whatever you decide," Nango said with a shrug. Then his brow furrowed. "But wait, how come I've never heard you say anything about wanting to be an actress before?"
Kano blinked. "Huh? Didn't I tell you? Back when I was studying in America—"
"Hold on." Nango raised his hand to stop her. "You studied in America too?"
"Eh?! I didn't mention that either?" Kano's eyes widened in surprise.
Nango slowly shook his head, giving her a look that clearly meant go on, explain yourself.
Kano rubbed her hair awkwardly, then suddenly puffed up her cheeks and snapped, "Hmph! You never asked me, so it's not my fault!"
She crossed her arms, pretending to be angry in hopes he'd drop the subject.
But Nango only smirked.
He leaned in, his teasing eyes locking onto hers. His hand brushed the side of her neck, and before she could react, his face closed the distance.
A sudden, fleeting kiss. Lips to lips.
Kano froze. Her thoughts scattered like sand in the wind. By the time their lips parted, her mind was still blank.
Nango's eyes glimmered with amusement as he whispered, "Still mad at me?"
Kano didn't answer. Her hands shot up to cover her face, and she bolted like a startled penguin.
"Oi, seriously? Why are you running?" Nango laughed, immediately chasing after her.
Meanwhile, in Ryonan, Uozumi Jun returned home during the lunch break. Despite it being the weekend, Coach Taoka had scheduled all-day training, leaving only enough time for players to eat and rest before returning.
"I'm home!" Uozumi called as he stepped inside.
His mother rushed to the entrance. "Jun! Hurry and change your shoes. We have guests today!"
"Guests?" Uozumi frowned. His father never closed the family sushi shop for anything. Who could be so important?
When he entered the living room, he saw his parents sitting with an elderly man in gold-rimmed glasses.
"Hello," Uozumi greeted, bowing.
The old man chuckled. "What a polite son you have," he said to Uozumi's father.
"Not at all. Jun, sit," his father urged.
The guest looked Uozumi up and down and smiled warmly. "You're really sturdy. Uozumi, isn't it? I am Kawasaki Ichirō, coach of Nittaidai's basketball club."
"Eh—?!" Uozumi shot to his feet in shock. He awkwardly reached out for a handshake, then hesitated, unsure of the proper etiquette.
Kawasaki laughed heartily, clasping his hand anyway. "No need to be so stiff."
As they sat, the coach continued, "Uozumi, I'll be direct. Nittaidai would like to invite you to join us. Your tuition will be fully waived."
The words hit Uozumi like thunder. He had never even considered university. With his family's financial struggles, he'd already resigned himself to taking over the sushi shop after graduation.
Now, the dream of higher education—and basketball beyond high school—was being handed to him.
His eyes instinctively darted to his father.
"Why are you looking at me?" his father barked. "Make your own decision!"
Coach Kawasaki slipped a business card into Uozumi's hands. "I'll take my leave for now. Once you've decided, please call me."
Before leaving, he added with a grin, "By the way, your sushi is excellent."
Uozumi escorted him to the intersection, nerves bubbling in his chest. Just before the coach entered a taxi, he blurted, "Coach Kawasaki… why me?"
The coach clapped his back and laughed. "Because you have potential. Remember that game-winning shot you made against Kainan? That fire—hold onto it."
The words struck deep. Uozumi clenched his fists, heart swelling with pride. Akagi… I haven't lost to you yet. Even Nittaidai's coach has recognized me!
Back home, his father took a drag from his cigarette. "Well? Have you decided?"
Uozumi hesitated. "…But the shop—"
"Bah! Don't worry about me," his father snapped. "It's just a few years. These old bones can handle it. Go. Become a university student. Play basketball. Study hard. Make us proud."
Tears stung Uozumi's eyes as he bowed deeply. "Yes!"
Later that evening, Nango pressed an ice pack against Kano's forehead.
She winced, her cheeks still flushed. After running off in a panic, she'd smacked straight into a utility pole, leaving a swelling bump.
"You…" Nango sighed. "Why'd you run off like that?"
Kano glared, covering her face again. "Is it wrong to be shy?!"
"Shy?" Nango raised a brow. "It was just a kiss. What's the big deal?"
Her voice grew small. "…That was my first kiss."
Nango blinked. Then quickly smiled. "That was mine too."
Well, in this lifetime, he added silently.
Kano peeked at him between her fingers. "Really? Then why did you seem so… skilled?"
Nango froze. His mind screamed. How am I supposed to answer that?!
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