Basketball Break: A New Friend (Author - rhea ann)

Kiyo Shoshiro decided to go out alone today. It would be more fun to go alone for sometime. It was a fine and warm morning. Kiyo went downtown to buy some things especially books. Kiyo likes reading books and comics. It was her way of cheering herself. But of course basketball is the top of her list. Kiyo was on her jumper shorts. It’s far more comfortable to wear those than her dresses. She walked towards the bookstore and buy books as many as she can hold them. The books that she bought towered above her head. She walks slowly towards the cash register but then someone bumped into her making the books fly all over the place.

“Oh no!” Kiyo said, she fell into her knees picking up the books.

“I’m sorry. I’m kinda not in myself today,” the girl said apologetically. She helped Kiyo picked up the books. Kiyo looked at her. She’s very attractive. If she was not mistaken, the girl was about her age with a long brown hair and brown eyes.

“It’s all right!” Kiyo said at the girl. She stand up, carrying half of her books and the other half was with the girl.

“No! It’s not. I’ll help you out.” The girl replied.

“Well thank you!” Kiyo said with a smile. After paying up all the books, the girl introduced her self to Kiyo.

“By the way, my name is Yoko.”

Thunderstruck, Kiyo stared at Yoko unbelievably. This was the girl Sakuragi fell in love with. This was the girl that basted Sakuragi. This was the girl who fell in love with a basketball player. She was the reason of Sakuragi’s hatred to basketball during their junior high school life. Kiyo wanted to meet her long time ago and their she was in front of her, helping her to carry her books.

“May I know your name?” Yoko asked, making Kiyo to come back to reality.

“Oh! Kiyo. It’s Kiyo. Nice meeting you.” Kiyo answered extending her hand for a handshake.

“Likewise. Hey, can I buy you a drink? I want to pay for what I have done.” Yoko invited Kiyo.

“Oh! No. I-I…”

“Please? Besides I’m starving. And I needed company.”

“Well if you insist!” Kiyo finally gave in. They went out of the bookstore. They left the books at the store and headed for the nearest restaurant. They sat down at a table for two.

“I never saw you here before.” Yoko said starting the conversation.

“I’m new here, actually. About two weeks.” Kiyo replied.

“Really! Welcome to the neighborhood. Where’d you came from?” Yoko asked sipping her softdrink.

“US. I lived with my uncle ever since my parents died.” Kiyo answered softly.

“Oh! Sorry to hear that!”

“It’s alright. I was happy being with him. It’s like having an older brother.” Kiyo said with her sweet smile.

“Good for you! Are you on your own?”

“Yah! But I have friends and a cousin to accompany me. I live alone at my father’s house. But that’s not a big problem for me.”

“I see!” There was silence between Kiyo and Yoko for a while. Kiyo scooped at her salad when she noticed Yoko. Her eyes filled with loneliness and bitterness. Kiyo can’t help it but asked.

“Are you alright?”

Yoko looked at her then smiled. “I’m fine.”

“You seemed to be disturbed.” Kiyo went on.

“I’m alright. It’s just that…”

“What is it?” Kiyo asked again. Yoko’s lips began to tremble. It seems that she wanted to tell something but afraid to let other people know. She has a problem and she needs helped but she doesn’t know whom to turn to. But then suddenly…

“Oh! I’m sorry. You might think I’m pushing you to tell me something. It might be personal. Never mind. Just forget I asked.” Kiyo apologize frantically. But Yoko stopped her.

“No. Really, I appreciate the concern. You’re the very first person that noticed that I have a problem. Besides, I needed someone to talk to.” Yoko said.

“Is that so…?” Kiyo said staring at Yoko.

“I’m from Takezono High School, Second year. And I had a boyfriend his name is Oda. He’s a basketball player and the team’s ace player. His greatest dream is to make the school to become No.1 in Japan, but then Kainan beat them. But I was happy because at least he tried his best though they lost the match. I owe this one to Sakuragi.” Kiyo, upon hearing her cousin’s name started to cough. She was drinking her softdrink while listening to Yoko. Yoko stared at her.

“Don’t mind me. Go on. By the way, Who is Sakuragi?” Kiyo said pretending he does not know Sakuragi.

“He was a friend of mine. We entered the same school during Middle School. He is a Shohoku player and I tell you he doesn’t like basketball during Midschool. Until now, I wonder how come he became a player.” Yoko answered. Kiyo smiled secretly.

“Anyway, Sakuragi made Oda fight hard during their match with Kainan. Oda’s foot was injured that’s why he can’t concentrate. But Sakuragi was there, uplifting Oda’s confidence and spirit. After the match I was worried. Oda’s foot might get worst and I don’t want him to get hurt. All his dreams of making at the top was ruined.” Yoko paused for a while as though feeling every word she said.

“But then he told me, that having me beside him always is the greatest victory he ever had.” Yoko looked at Kiyo sincerely and then a single tear rolled down at her cheeks. Yoko wiped it immediately. “It was the sweetest words Oda told me. And I will never forget those words, in my whole life. But…”

Yoko felt unease. Her hands rolled up into a fist and she was trembling uncontrollably.

“I can’t helped but feel guilty sometimes. The reason why Oda can’t reach his dreams is I. Oda don’t want me to get hurt. I know that. And I love him so much that I’m afraid to let him go. I may be the cause of his failure. It’s my entire fault. I’m the one to be blame. Everytime I see him I feel the guilt grow inside me. I can’t take it any longer.”

“What have you decided?” Kiyo asked. Upon hearing the story, she can read Yoko’s mind now. She can foresee the outcome. And she doesn’t like it.

“I haven’t done anything yet. But I already set my mind, I’ll break up with him.” Yoko said, now, calmly.