"Hmm... I learned it from TV. Anyway, let's get back to our previous topic. You studied in America? And you want to be an actress? Why didn't you tell me before?"
Unable to answer her question directly, Nango quickly shifted the subject, pressing her on the things she had let slip earlier.
He hasn't forgotten yet?
Kano realized she couldn't avoid it this time. After hesitating for a moment, she said slowly, "Actually, it's nothing much. Oh, right—did I also forget to tell you that I was born in London?"
Nango pursed his lips and shook his head.
"Oh, I really did forget!" Kano stuck out her tongue mischievously. "Later, when I was three, I came back to live with my grandma. In my first year of junior high, my dad's job transferred, so our family moved to New York. Then I came back to Japan for high school... and finally met you, you big bad guy."
"That's it?" Nango raised an eyebrow skeptically.
Kano blinked innocently. "That's it. What else could there be?"
"You're forgetting the most important part," Nango reminded her with a smirk. "Why you wanted to be an actress."
"Oh! That's right!"
"Pfft..."
Nango couldn't help laughing. Only now did he fully realize how much of an airhead his girlfriend could be. He reached out and playfully pinched her cheek.
Kano rubbed her face with a pout, then said earnestly, "Back in New York, I once got to participate in a Broadway musical. A whole group of people singing, dancing, and acting together on stage—it was incredible. Everyone was so kind to me, too. Ever since then, I've wanted to experience that feeling again."
"I see..." Nango nodded. "Well, let's make a call and ask."
"Then you have to come with me!" Kano emphasized immediately.
"Of course."
If Kano went alone, Nango would never feel at ease. No matter what, he intended to be by her side.
"Okay, then it's a deal!"
A wave of relief washed over Kano. That was what it meant to be with Nango—so long as he was there, she didn't need to be afraid of anything.
Nango suddenly snapped his fingers. "Oh, right. Didn't we say we were going to set up a practice match with your school's basketball team? I already talked to Akagi. Can you check with Eri to see if it can be arranged for next weekend? Any later might clash with final exams."
"I'll call Eri tonight and let you know what she says."
"Perfect."
"Oh, but wait! We've been talking about me this whole time. What about you?" Kano asked suddenly.
Nango thought for a moment before answering calmly, "There's not much to say. Born in Japan, raised in Japan, never studied abroad. My dream is to play in the NBA—you already know that. The only thing you might not know is that I can speak Chinese. And I'm pretty good at it."
Kano's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I don't believe you. Say something!"
With a playful but serious tone, Nango leaned forward and spoke in Chinese: "Kano, you are so cute."
Kano blinked, her big watery eyes filled with curiosity. "What does that mean?"
"It means you're adorable."
"Really?" She tilted her head, half-skeptical, half-expecting. She didn't understand Chinese, but Nango's expression was so sincere it was hard not to believe him.
"Of course. When have I ever lied to you?" Nango replied with mock solemnity.
"Alright then." Kano broke into a smile, as cheerful as a kitten being pampered.
"Hikoichi, you must learn well from Sendoh, understood?" Aida Yayoi reminded her younger brother before leaving.
"Sis..." Hikoichi muttered helplessly. Some things you can't learn even if you try...
Sendoh, standing beside him, gave a strained smile. He secretly agreed. During the interview, Yayoi had directed nearly all the questions at him. It was the most he had ever talked in one sitting, and though he was polite, it had been exhausting.
"Sendoh, Uozumi, Coach Taoka—thank you for your cooperation today. We won't bother you further. Goodbye!" Aida Yayoi and Nakamura waved as they left.
After walking some distance, Nakamura asked quickly, "Miss Aida, when will we be covering Shohoku? The deadline is next week, and the editor-in-chief is already pressing us."
"I know, I'll organize today's material first. We'll go Monday." Yayoi's mood instantly dropped at the reminder. She muttered darkly, "That bald old man... always rushing!"
Nakamura pretended not to hear her grumbling.
Back in Ryonan's gym, once the guests were gone, Uozumi called out hesitantly, "Coach..."
Seeing his captain's unusual expression, Coach Taoka pulled him aside and asked, "What's the matter, Uozumi?"
Uozumi lowered his voice. "At noon today, Coach Kawasaki from Nittaidai came to my house. He invited me to join their basketball program."
He hadn't wanted to boast—he simply wanted to share his joy with his mentor.
"Is that so? Isn't that wonderful!"
Coach Taoka's stern face instantly broke into a wide grin. He patted Uozumi hard on the back, laughing. "You must work even harder now! Don't let this invitation make you complacent."
Uozumi nodded vigorously. "Yes! Also, my father wanted to invite you to our house for dinner, to thank you for everything."
Coach Taoka shook his head. "Oh no, there's no need for that. This is your achievement, not mine."
But in truth, he was deeply proud. Nittaidai wasn't just any university—it was the undisputed giant of college basketball. Countless national players had come from there. For Uozumi to be personally invited meant his potential had been truly recognized.
"Coach, please come," Uozumi pressed, almost pleading. "Let us properly thank you."
"No, no, there's no need. Really."
Their back-and-forth drew the attention of the Ryonan players, who began whispering among themselves.
"What's going on with Coach?"
"Captain Uozumi invited him to dinner, but Coach refused."
"Dinner? Thank him for what?"
"I don't know..."
Curiosity rippled through the team, but no one dared interrupt.
That evening, Nango held Kano's small hand as they walked side by side.
The whole day had been filled with laughter, food, and secrets shared. More importantly, they had come to understand each other a little more deeply.
When they finally reached Kano's doorstep, they stood silently for a moment, gazing into each other's eyes.
Nango smiled, slipped his left arm around her waist, his right hand gently supporting her neck, and leaned down to kiss her.
This time, Kano didn't run or turn away. Everything flowed naturally, as if it had always been meant to happen.
"Good night," they whispered to each other softly.
-------------
Support me at patréon com/DaoOfPeeking