It was a chilly evening and the Shohoku Basketball Club members had just finished their training for the day. "Sweaty", "Tired" and "Hungry" are the three suitable adjectives to describe their condition. And here, I, -NySa`SaN^jInG waited by the entrance/exit door of the gym, for the team members to come out from their changing room.

The man I've been waiting for finally came. He was walking with Miyagi; Mitsui Hisashi.

"Mitsui!" I called.
"Umm?" He turned his head back, and smiled. "Do I know you?"
"Not really," I replied, shooting a smile at Miyagi, then turned to Mitsui, "I was just hoping you could spend some time with me tonight."
"Nani?!" he said, backening.
"No! No! Don't take it wrong! I mean is it possible for you to come with me to Danny's or somewhere for a bite, because I just want to interview you for our school paper."
"Oh." he said short.
Ayako-san went pus, and I saw Miyagi's face turning red. He said to Mitsui that he got to go and he wished Mitsui good night. He then went off after Ayako.
"So..?" I asked Mitsui again.
"Yeah, sure, I guess. Shall we go now?" he replied.
"Great! Let's!" I said to him.
We arrived at Danny's at about 730. We took a seat and ordered our food. Double cheese burgers, chips and cola, my treat. Our orders came almost instantly.
"So," he began, munching his burger. "What is it that you want to ask me?"
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I want to know how it has been going for you since you rejoined Shohoku Basketball Team.
Try not to remind me of my past. I don't know why but ever since I played basketball again, I feel much more alive. It feels like I'm being really me. The real me, the way I should be. I guess it's because of the basketball blood that's running within me that I feel closely attached to Basketball. We've played some games and we did well against Ryonan, Shoyo and Kainan. Those three teams were our best competitor. I'm actually surprised that Shohoku who was once a weak team can reach this high in status!
I see. How about the team members? Is your relationship with them okay?
Well, at first it was really hard to mix around since I.. *ehem**ehem* them(please, please, nothing about my past!), but then, by playing basketball, I find it much easier for me to communite with them. Not really socially. The words I say to the juniors at first were only 'Pthe ball'. It was different with Akagi, Kogure, Miyagi and Sakuragi. I can be much friendlier towards them. But now, the juniors respect me as their senior and we had occasional chats about basketball and other things.
I see. What do you think of them? Your team members.
*Sipping his cola* Well, Akagi, at first I don't really like the idea of him being the captain, but then I realised he's the best anyone could ask for. Then Kogure.. well, he's really nice. He has always treated me kindly since first year. About Miyagi, I feel really guilty towards him. I had injured him before .. and now, well, we do go along well. I've put the past behind me. We've put the past behind us. We never talked about our past and it made us better friends.
What about Sakuragi and Rukawa?
You mean the monkey and fox? I find them really annoying at times. There was never a day that they don't fight with each other. Even when our team is having an important game they can never cease to stop fighting. But I can't deny that I really like them. Without their skills, it might be impossible for Shohoku to achieve what they've achieved now. And besides, their fights can really light up the day.
Oh really?? This interview is really going to be an exciting one! Wait till the basketball members read this article!
*Horror* NO!NO! Don't write anything I've just told you!! It's supposed to be private!!
Then why did you tell me in the first place..?
Well, first reason is that, you treated me with these cheeseburger, chips and coke. Answering your questions somehow paid back what you gave me. Second reason, I don't think when I eat. So my secret thoughts of my team members just blurted out of my mouth. *slightly blushing*
I must admit Mitsui! You sure look cute when you blush!
*Blushes even more* So what are you going to do with this interview?
I don't know. If you don't want me to publish it, I won't. But I have to contribute something to the school paper or else my Editor would kill me!
I've got an idea. You can always interview Sakuragi Hanamichi! He'd do anything to be interviewed!
Really? I sure look forward into that!
*Saying to himself* Just make sure you bring some extra earplugs..
What is that you just said?
NoThInG!
*Looking at watch* Oh my God! It's 9 o'clock. I better go home now. Nice talking to you Mitsui.
Yeah, whatever.

We went out of Danny's and went our separate ways.

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Not a nice ending, is it? I was hoping to end it with some romantic stuff. hehehe