Alex Garcia was slouched back on the bleachers, long legs stretched out, a drink sweating in her hand as she half-watched the court below. Beside her, Kagami leaned forward, elbows on his knees, eyes sharp even during warm-ups.

“Man, it’s been a while since we just… watched,” Alex said casually, gaze drifting across the players on the floor. “Regional schools aren’t bad though. Sometimes you find gems.”

Her eyes narrowed—not in focus, but in instinct.

Down on the court, a tall guard from a lesser-known regional team jogged into position. His name flashed briefly on the screen: Hayama Renji. Clean footwork. Calm posture. No wasted movement.

Kagami glanced at her. “What?”

“That guy.” She tilted her chin toward Hayama. “See him? He’s got a decent aura. Not flashy, but it’s solid. Wide, steady. The kind that keeps growing if you nurture it right.”

She smiled, impressed. “He’d definitely make a college team back home.”

Kagami followed her gaze, then snorted. “You’re judging just from looking again.”

“Hey, my eyes don’t lie,” Alex shot back lightly. “You’d be surprised how far that kid could go.”

Kagami opened his mouth to reply—then stopped.

Because the crowd suddenly erupted. A deafening roar rolled through the arena like thunder, shaking the bleachers as green banners waved wildly. Chants layered over chants, rhythmic and sharp.

“SHU-TO-KU! SHU-TO-KU!” Kagami stood up instantly. “Ah—there they are.”

From the tunnel, Shutoku High stepped onto the court.

Midorima Shintaro walked first, posture rigid, green uniform immaculate, glasses catching the overhead lights. His presence alone made the air feel tighter, heavier—like the court had narrowed around him.

And beside him— Alex froze. Not figuratively. She actually flinched. Her breath caught as her eyes locked onto you.

Your name—{{user}}—appeared briefly on the screen, but she barely registered it. What she did register was the sensation crawling up her spine, sharp and cold.

“…No way,” she whispered.