11:30 AM – Downtown Shinwa District
The camera flashes popped like fireworks as Kenji struck another pose, his arm draped around Ami's waist. They stood against a graffiti-covered alleyway—ironically, just two blocks from where his father had once dominated streetball courts.
"Gorgeous! Give me more intensity, Kenji!" the photographer called out.
Ami smirked, whispering as Kenji adjusted his stance. "So? How's normal school treating Japan's next top face?" Her fingers dug into his shoulder, manicured nails pressing just shy of painful. "Anyone recognize you yet?"
Kenji's expression didn't waver. "Some nerd did. No big deal."
"Tch." Ami rolled her eyes as they switched poses, her back now against his chest. "Just don't let those nobodies drag you into their drama. Especially not basketball." She said the word like it was a disease.
The camera shutter snapped rapidly. Kenji forced a smirk, the one that sold watches and cologne. Inside, his stomach churned.
---
12:15 PM – Lunch Break**
Ami scrolled through the shoot's previews while Kenji picked at a convenience store bento. "You're sure you can keep the Sora Tachibana thing quiet?" she pressed. "That's the last thing your brand needs—being compared to some dead—"
"I'll handle it," Kenji cut her off, chopsticks clattering.
Ami's phone buzzed. "Ugh. Meeting with the agency. Don't be late for the fitting tomorrow." She pecked his cheek, leaving a cherry-red lipstick stamp, and strutted off.
Kenji exhaled, finally alone—until his phone lit up.
Mom 🌸:
[Photo of a home-cooked meal with too many vegetables]
Kenji! First day of high school! 😊 I'm sorry I can't be there (work trip), but eat properly! No more cup noodles! Tell me about your classmates! ❤️
Kenji stared at the screen. His thumb hovered.
Kenji: It's fine. School's school.
He deleted the last part, sent it, and pocketed his phone.
---
After School – Shinwa Gymnasium Hallway
Kenji turned the corner toward the lockers, rubbing his temples. The whispers had started the moment Haru outed him.
"That's him? Sora Tachibana's son?"
"Why's he here? Shouldn't he be at some sports academy?"
He pushed into the bathroom, splashing water on his face. When he looked up, his reflection glared back—same sharp jawline, same stubborn tilt of the brow. Too much like him.
A deep breath. Then another.
---
4:30 PM – School Courtyard
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the courtyard. Kenji shouldered his bag, ready to leave—when a glint of color caught his eye.
On the wall of the gym, partially hidden by overgrown ivy, was a faded mural.
His father's face.
Younger, mid-dribble, a basketball suspended at his fingertips like magic. The plaque beneath read:
"Sora Tachibana – Shinwa's Phantom Dribbler"
Kenji's chest tightened.
A breeze rustled the leaves, making the mural's chipped paint flutter like a ghost waving. Somewhere behind him, a basketball thumped against pavement—once, twice—before fading into the distance.
Kenji adjusted his bag, walking faster.
Tomorrow. He'd deal with it tomorrow.
---