Inside the study, Nango carefully relayed to his father all the conditions Eri had mentioned before.
His father's eyes widened in disbelief.
"No tuition? Scholarships on top of that? And if you win the championship, they'll even send you to America to study?" He shook his head repeatedly. "That sounds almost too good to be true. Can a young girl really make decisions that big?"
"She's the chairman's daughter," Nango explained. "Ryokufu's basketball club was basically founded by her alone. They even built a dedicated gym just for it."
"Then let's tentatively believe it," his father sighed. "Rich people's affairs are beyond my understanding anyway. But you should confirm everything again—just in case something unexpected comes up."
"Mm. If I really decide to go, I'll ask her again."
"Do you want to go?"
His father looked straight at him, clearly hoping for an honest answer.
Nango avoided his gaze. "I'm… still thinking about it."
His father smiled, as if he had already guessed his concerns.
"Our family isn't rich, but sending you to study abroad in America wouldn't be impossible."
He continued calmly, "You refused private Tsukubu back then and chose public Shohoku instead. That saved a lot of money—and your mother's kept it all set aside."
"Whether you go to Ryokufu or stay at Shohoku," he said seriously, "the most important thing is whether it benefits your future. Don't let a relatively small amount of money sway such a big decision."
Seeing that Nango remained silent, his father lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled a smoke ring.
"Since you haven't made up your mind yet," he said, "go report to the Youth Team first. You can think things through properly there."
Nango nodded. He knew his father was right—this wasn't a decision to rush. It was something that would affect his entire future.
"Oh, right."
His father suddenly reached into his briefcase and pulled out a newspaper, handing it to Nango. "Sign this."
"…Why?"
His father chuckled. "Mr. Kobayashi—the guy who sits next to me at work—is your fan."
Nango laughed softly. "Then what should I write?"
After a moment of thought, his father said, "Just write: 'Wishing Mr. Kobayashi good health and all the best.'"
"Hello, is this about the Youth Team?"
Akagi went straight to the point as soon as he picked up the phone.
"Seems like you received it too, Captain," Nango said. "I don't know how many of us got selected, so I planned to call everyone one by one and see if we're going together."
"I see. How many people have you contacted already?"
"…You're the first."
"Alright. I'll contact the others," Akagi replied decisively. "Let's meet at school tomorrow at 10 a.m. No problem?"
"No problem. See you then."
Back then, contacting people wasn't as easy as it was later on. Phone calls were the only option, and they took time.
Fortunately, Akagi took over the task, allowing Nango to finally relax.
But there was still one more call he had to make—he already had plans for tomorrow.
Beep—
"The number you have dialed is currently busy…"
Click.
Nango put down the receiver and muttered, "That's strange… who is she talking to so late?"
"Kano, you absolutely must make him come to our school!"
Eri's voice crackled through the receiver. "Think about it—how many days did he even spend with you this summer? It's pitifully few! I can't stand it!"
"I—"
"And don't forget, you two are far apart," Eri continued relentlessly. "Can you really feel at ease? Every guy in our basketball club has received love letters! What about Nango at Shohoku? You have to keep a close eye on him!"
Kano's head throbbed. Holding the phone awkwardly, she said, "Eri, it's already late. Let's talk tomorrow. My grandma's asleep."
"…Alright," Eri reluctantly conceded. "But don't forget what I said!"
"I know… good night."
After hanging up, Kano let out a deep sigh. Being caught in the middle was exhausting.
And yet… Eri's words made her uneasy.
Should I really keep a close eye on Nango?
She shook her head lightly. Probably not necessary…
"Ding-a-ling—!"
The sudden ringing snapped her out of her thoughts. She hurriedly picked up the phone.
"Hello, this is—"
"Kano, it's me."
"Nango?" She froze. "Is something wrong? It's pretty late."
"I'm sorry," Nango said apologetically. "Our date tomorrow… might not go exactly as planned."
Kano frowned instantly. "Why?"
Hearing the displeasure in her voice, Nango felt guilty—it was understandable. They hadn't spent much time together to begin with.
"I received an invitation to the National Youth Team. I have to report to Nittaidai the day after tomorrow. Akagi and the others got invitations too, so we're meeting at school tomorrow at 10 a.m. to discuss plans."
He quickly added, "It shouldn't take long. We can go together afterward and still go on our date."
"…Alright," Kano said after a pause. "Then let's meet at the time we agreed on today, and go together."
"Mm. No problem."
The date wasn't canceled, and Kano's anger subsided—but only a little.
After all, someone was about to disappear into basketball again.
On impulse, she suddenly asked, "Nango… have you received any love letters at school?"
The moment the words left her mouth, she lightly slapped her own forehead.
Why did I ask that?!
Nango, completely oblivious, answered honestly, "Yeah."
Kano's heart clenched. "A lot?"
Nango thought for a moment. "Not as many as Rukawa Kaede. That guy has way too many fangirls. Some girls even asked me to deliver love letters to him."
"And every time I do," he added casually, "he says I'm annoying."
"…You are annoying!" Kano snapped. "Who told you to meddle in other people's business?!"
She's mad about this too?
Nango was completely baffled.
"They specifically asked me…"
That only made things worse.
In modern terms, Nango was a central air conditioner—nice to everyone, dangerously so.
"So what do you do with the love letters you receive?" Kano pressed.
Now even Nango sensed that something was wrong. He answered cautiously, "I… ignore them?"
"Then has anyone confessed to you in person?"
"…Yes."
"What?!"
Kano was furious. Other girls were really trying to steal her boyfriend!
At that moment, she made up her mind—she had to drag Nango to Ryokufu, no matter what.
Nango hurriedly added, "But I rejected them all!"
"What did you say?"
"I told them I already have a girlfriend," Nango replied earnestly.
"She's very beautiful! Very gentle! Very generous! We've been together for a long time! And—we're even considering marriage!"
Out of all the questions, he finally answered one perfectly.
Kano calmed down slightly… but not enough to forgive him just yet.
"Nango," she said seriously, "your environment is extremely dangerous. Do you want to come to Ryokufu?"
"Uh…" Nango hesitated. "Let's talk about it in person tomorrow. It's hard to explain over the phone, and it's getting late. Let's rest early."
After hanging up, Nango rubbed his face hard and sighed.
"…How am I supposed to get through tomorrow?"