1.1 I will play for love

Shu XinYi read through the information Snow had delivered and was pitying the original good's fate. "His lover injured his arm for a scum.. poor boy. I want to bring him some justice to him while I am here. Hey Haruto-chan I will definitely avenge you." Those scum bastards made fun of his pure love, even declaring this innocent boy a manipulating villain on their own and leaving him to die. I will surely make them face a worst fate. "Snow, what do you think he regretted doing in his life, surely he regretted loving that scum??"

Snow was silent for a while and then spoke, "According to the original data the only thing he regretted was not moving on from Akihiko and focusing on himself. If he had been a little stronger mentally, he would have had a stable life and would be able to find his passion again. According to him that love and betrayal was just a phase of life, if only he handled it better he would be in a better place."

Shu XinYi was impressed by this guy's mature thought process. He then asked another question with a slightly irritated mood "umm Snow-chan why did you bring me in this world at a time where my precious hand is sprained.. you do understand I feel pain right (ಥ_ಥ)" Snow was aware of master's pain, he was mixing languages too, but Snow wasn't able to do anything and only replied "Master the world consciousness doesn't allow us to enter the world at anytime we want. For an external source to enter a world and replace an already existing code, there are only few openings. If I try to forcefully enter from anywhere, we would be spotted. Before you complain more the only second opening in this world is when Haruto has started taking drugs, so this is a more optimal opening and because in a few minutes the protagonist will come to check on you, I didn't activate the self-healing function"

Shu XinYi hummed in understanding Snow really was efficient with high-tech system handling the transactions in these situations seamlessly even though he was not sure about Snow's origin he trusted Snow. But every time he talks to Snow, he feels like he is being mocked for his intelligence. Shu XinYi found a mirror and looked at himself and smiled in content. Although his appearance changes every time he transfers worlds, but some things remain the same. His peach blossom eyes slightly upturned that when used correctly would make one intimidated or immediately charmed. A bead sized crimson beauty mark on his left earlobe, like a stud earring that has been ingrained on there. These two traits were the same throughout all worlds, especially the stud, it was like a totem that made him feel safe. Whenever he would feel uneasy, he would rub the mark and felt like everything was going to be fine.

He was wearing a dark blue sports jersey with the number 08 and was covered in sweat, his jet black bangs were messily being held by a headband, and he was holding an Ice pack in his right hand. At this time, the team medic and Akihiko Sanada came in with worried looks on their faces. Akihiko hugged him firmly like he was really worried about Haruto's injury, what a plausible performance Shu XinYi thought. "Haruto I am sorry even though I was the referee you got injured, my heart hurts. I have called the captain, and he is really angry at me" Akihiko said.

Shu XinYi caught the meaning in his words and had already thought of what he wanted to do from here on, so he acted like a boyfriend assuring him in a calm serene voice "It's okay Akihiko, It's not your fault. Let's treat my hand first, when the captain gets here, I will personally brief him on the situation." Shu XinYi understood Haruto's character, he was a calm slightly awkward boy who evaluated every situation before acting but also had very little emotional intelligence and Shu XinYi was able to imitate him as he was already used to imitating all kinds of people, although it was the first time playing someone pure like Haruto. I am also pure just like Haruto that's why I am able to play him so well, Shu XinYi thought. Snow rolled its imaginary eyes at Haruto, obviously it was because master's self learning and adaptability ability was already out of this world, But it kept quiet.

The doctor did some minor testing and transferred him to the clinic. When the coach arrived, the doctor concluded to the coach "The wrist was sprained. I have given the immediate treatment, but 3 ligaments are torn, and he wouldn't be able to move his right hand for 2 weeks. After if there is no other external trauma he will be able to use his hands properly in a months time" the coach listened patiently and his frown deepened. He understood the situation was an accident, but he was so angry that his little champion got an injury at this optimal time, in two days was the final day for the country team selection. For the players without a powerful backing this was a chance to get sponsored and this was also a way to participate in the international competitions and this year was the 1 in 5 years international championship.

The coach knew that the school wouldn't sponsor Haruto, even if he was a little devil when he holds the ball, because the players sponsored have to be approved by the academy board members. The coach understood a little bit of politics and knew that the academy or other board members wouldn't interfere with Ishida's father's decision since he could see Ishida's animosity with Haruto. He wasn't suprised when the boy wasn't selected in the 4 sponsorship slots that the acdemy had and already out of the 12 for the team 8 had been selected for the country team. So he wanted the boy to get selected by one of the other 3 other sponsors from country A. But now he's got himself injured and wouldn't be able to use his dominant right hand.

The coach wanted to comfort the boy and maybe even comfort himself, but before he could do, so he heard Haruto's calm voice making a declaration "Coach, I know that my injury was not an accident" The coach widened his eyes and Akihiko, who was sitting beside the bed, was instantly covered in cold sweat. "w- what, what are talking about, how can this be Haruto?" Akihiko asked, trying to hide his nervousness. "The injury was planned, and it was planned to make me stop from participating in the team selection match. They didn't want to make too big of a fuss but still wanted to stop me from participating,

so they only sprained my dominant hand." Shu XinYi said to everyone present. All three people in the room had different reactions the medic was nonchalant, Akihiko's forehead had started sweating, and the coach was furious "I will investigate this matter whoever he is I will make sure they don't step a foot on the court again"

Shu XinYi anticipated these reactions and was pleased then continued "Coach, trying to find the exact culprit will not help in any way, in this situation it will be only delaying and distracting us, besides I have already decided to participate in the championship, coach in the selection I can give my best performance, and then I will have enough time to rest before the actual competition starts." The coach was somewhat displeased from the boy and said in a tone as if a father advising son "Boy you are only 18 this year you should take care of your body, or you will face consequences later, I understand the young blood, but I can't allow you to be stupid. You are right-hand dominant and your position requires of you to keep your whole body active, so don't be so confident."

Shu XinYi looked at Akihiko who was confused and nervous looking at him with anticipation Haruto slightly patted Akihiko's face with his uninjured hands "To be honest coach, I don't have the confidence, but I want to be capable enough to stand together on the competition stage with Akihiko, I started playing basketball with him and I want to accompany him through his journey, I know that this passion or love is not what will make me magically succeed, but I still want to give it a try"

Shu XinYi took a dramatic pause and all eyes were on him waiting for him to continue, he smirked in his heart and continued "I am glad to play even a substitute if it's on the same team as him, So I don't want to give up halfway when I am so close. So coach let me play I know myself and I know when to stop, but my left hand is still there, and it is only the selection stage, so I just have to prove that I am capable. Coach even if you disagree I will play for love"

The coach was naturally aware of the two love birds and knew how close they were, they even joined the academy together. Listening to the boy, he was first annoyed then displeased, then finally sighed indicating he gave up trying to stop him. Seeing the pure drive in the boy's eyes couldn't refute, and was maybe even proud. It's true, what's the problem with trying, moreover this is not the first time an injured player plays in the field, besides these are just selection trials.

Akihiko on the other hand was pained his heart was squeezed, He felt guilty and ashamed, So much that his cheeks turned red. He really wanted to slap himself. But he could just sit there in a daze and reassure himself that it's fine, at least he doesn't know the truth. He will make sure he never knows the truth. When Haruto said that he couldn't care less about being a substitute and that he just liked playing for fun, he thought that Haruto wasn't serious about his future or their partnership in the game. But now that he knew Haruto was just happy being able to stay with him, he really felt loved.

At this thought Akihiko shook his head and reminded himself of Ishida who held him and assured him that his dreams would come true and that he would walk with him in all his highs and lows to achieve his dream, that was the love he was looking for. Not like Haruto who came running back telling him he loves him, trying to use him again to use their game partnership to get selected in the team. Now that Haruto's hands are injured, Haruto obviously needed him. He thought fine Haruto played me before now I will play him, He came up with a plan.

Shu XinYi saw Akihiko's resolved eyes and smiling face like he was actually happy with Haruto's decision and heard him speak "My love I will be playing with you in the selection trials, so don't worry ok, I will make sure you are selected." Shu XinYi blushed hearing this and hung his head and said in a little voice "T-thank y ou." The coach had enough of their dog food servings and allowed the boy to rest for the day, "Tomorrow you can work with your teammates and practice for a while, don't go overboard just familiarize yourself with new hand movements, I will inform the academy and other sponsors of your condition."Saying this, the coach motioned for Akihiko to follow him out.

Before they reached the door Shu XinYi said "Coach can you give me the recordings of my recent plays, I want to see and overcome my shortcomings, Since I cannot practice right now." The coach looked back and agreed to his request, telling him to rest after a while. Later, someone really did send the recordings. The purpose of watching these recordings was not only to identify Haruto's shortcomings but also for Shu XinYi to become familiar with Haruto's play style, even though he was good at imitating he still needed some original data to imitate.

Haruto really was a little devil on the feild, he hoped all around the court with the ball and had a playful personality when he was in court. He had a many ways to mislead the opponents like randomly pausing outside the 3 point line and jumping and scoring a 3 pointer, but even without playful attempts he had control over the ball. Shu XinYi was impressed by Haruto's play style, he was excited to have some practice plays tomorrow.

He was tired and hungry, so he went to the canteen to eat some food. On the way he found many of his friends from his team and the academy, all of whom were concerned about him. He replied to them one by one and assured them that he was fine. Shu XinYi was impressed at Haruto's popularity, but it was not surprising since anyone who is with the prodigy like the protagonist would be inevitably famous. Shu XinYi gave Ishida 2 points for having a good eye.

He returned to his dormitory and took a shower, he carefully avoided the plaster on his hands which was still swollen a bit and changed into his pajamas. Laying down in a comfortable position, he went to sleep. He made sure to sleep in a position where his hand is well rested. The next morning, he woke up early at the training time. After he freshened up, he changed into his tracksuit and went down to the traing feild.

Some of the players had already started their specific training routines according to their sports, with their coach watching over them. The basketball team coach saw Haruto come down at the regular training time, he wanted to refute the boy but decided not to seeing the boy full of vigor. The coach showed Haruto his new training routine, which was relatively simple and easy on his hand injury.

Shu XinYi was training diligently when he saw Akihiko and Ishida come to the training feild from God knows where. Haruto would not question their friendship because he didn't want to be a nagging jealous boyfriend, and so Shu XinYi didn't ask anything when Akihiko approached him. But this kind of behavior was what exactly triggered Akihiko's narcissim, he wanted Haruto to be serious and not so laid back, does he even care where I am or how I am doing. Seeing his indifferent eyes, Akihiko decided to go with the plan he discussed, without any guilt.

Their so-called plan, Shu XinYi had already anticipated and sure enough it happened. In court, Akihiko paired up with Haruto, and he practiced some simple throws and dribble movement with his left hand. He kept his right hand on his back, not using it at all in case the injury worsens. Seeing Haruto not able to angle throws correctly when throwing and his reduced agility he was satisfied and said "Haruto your movement is limited you can't jump high enough, and even your throws are angled incorrectly, so you should only focus on dribbling and passing"

He continued to scheme, "Don't worry i will play with you that day. I will clear the way for you so you can shoot close range 2 pointers easily, just keep your movements steady, and I will help you score okay." Sure enough, Shu XinYi thought while nodding his head in understanding. Akihiko wanted him to rely on him for passing the selection trials but in the selection trials Akihiko won't be playing out of some random excuse, his narcissistic self would believe that Haruto won't be able to pass the trials without his help.

This was true, indeed Akihiko had already discussed with Ishida that he would not be playing with him. Ishida just had to make sure that in the trials, Akihiko is unable to play. This was why even though Akihiko accompanied Haruto in training with him all day and rarely allowing him to practice with other players, Ishida didn't interject he was even happy that his tamed dog took the initiative to harm his previous owner on his own accord. What a good dog I trained, Ishida thought.