Chapter 11: Homework Troubles

The final whistle of the day echoed through the court, signalling the end of practice. Members of the Yumei High basketball team gradually came to a halt, panting, chests heaving as they caught their breaths.

"Good job, everyone!" Haruki said, wiping the sweat off his forehead with his arm. He was met with various grunts of acknowledgements as everyone began their cooldown.

"Hey, Haruki," Kazuki called out from where he was stretching his legs. "Are you staying a bit longer? If you do, don't forget to turn off the lights and close the gym."

"Yep," Haruki responded, nodding his head. "It happened one time."

Overhearing the conversation, Ayumi approached the group with a curious expression. "Isn't there homework due tomorrow for Math?" she asked, looking at Haruki.

Haruki frowned, "Yeah, there is. Why?"

A light blush coloured Ayumi's cheeks. "I... forgot about it," she admitted, scratching her head awkwardly. A couple of surprised gasps filled the air, followed by an eruption of laughter. It seemed so unlike Ayumi, the responsible team manager, to forget about something as important as homework.

"Even our manager forgets homework!" Ryota exclaimed, pointing at Ayumi as he laughed heartily.

"Ayumi, Ayumi," Hiroshi shook his head, trying to suppress a chuckle, "Look at you."

Ayumi just shrugged, rolling her eyes. "You guys done with the jokes?"

"Done with the jokes but not done with the homework," Hiroshi replied, grinning.

The laughter died down as Hiroshi clapped Ayumi on the shoulder. "Don't sweat it; we all forget sometimes. But it is kind of funny, considering you're usually the one reminding us about deadlines and stuff."

Kazuki said, "Yeah, and here we thought you had a perfect memory or something!" The boys chuckled, making Ayumi roll her eyes.

"Very funny, guys," Ayumi retorted, trying to look annoyed but failing to hide a small smile. "But don't forget who makes the training schedule."

"Oh, so the manager is threatening us now, huh?" Jun interjected, his voice full of mock horror. "Should we be scared?"

"Only if you don't want extra laps on tomorrow's practice," Ayumi shot back, the corners of her lips twitching. The players laughed again, their tiredness momentarily forgotten.

Haruki watched the exchange with a grin, his eyes glancing towards Hiroshi, an amused smirk playing on his face. His mind began to churn out a solution for the sudden problem.

"Hey, Hiroshi," Haruki called out. The dark-haired boy turned to look at him, one eyebrow raised in question. "You're good at Math, aren't you?"

Hiroshi blinked in surprise, probably not expecting the conversation to head that way. But he didn't deny it; he simply shrugged and replied, "I dabble."

Haruki looked back at Ayumi, who was trying to defend herself against the playful threats of the team. "Ayumi, how about we ask Hiroshi to help with the Math homework? Personally contrast to his looks, I think that he's good at math."

Ayumi's eyes widened in surprise before darting over to Hiroshi, who is currently wearing an indifferent expression. She pondered for a moment, weighing the idea in her head. Then, she sighed and shrugged. "I guess it's better than nothing."

After wrapping up at the gym, Haruki, Ayumi, and Hiroshi found themselves walking towards the same café they had hung out before. Haruki and Ayumi carried their math textbooks and a handful of other schoolwork. At the same time, Hiroshi had a small bag slung over his shoulder.

A waitress soon approached them, her notepad at the ready. "What can I get for you?"

Haruki and Ayumi simultaneously said, "One iced latte, please."

They glanced at each other and laughed, Ayumi shaking her head at the coincidence. Hiroshi, on the other hand, requested an iced Americano.

"For food," Ayumi started, scanning the menu quickly. "I'll take the clubhouse sandwich."

Hiroshi nodded, pointing at the menu, "Same for me."

As they settled down at a corner table, Hiroshi took the lead. "Alright, let's see what we've got here," he said, reaching for Ayumi's textbook.

Haruki watched with growing surprise as Hiroshi easily navigated through the complex equations and problems, explaining the logic behind each solution with an easy fluency that belied his usually reticent nature. It was as if a different side of Hiroshi had taken over - this Hiroshi was confident, articulate, and... brilliant.

"Wow, Hiroshi. You're really good at this," Haruki commented, his admiration evident in his voice. "Why didn't you tell us before?"

Hiroshi shrugged, a hint of colour rising to his cheeks. "You never asked. Plus, it's just math. Not a big deal."

Ayumi, who had been silently following Hiroshi's explanations, finally chimed in, "Not a big deal? Hiroshi, you just solved these problems like they were nothing!"

Even with the praise, Hiroshi remained nonchalant. He just scratched his head, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "Well, I guess I have a knack for numbers."

Amidst the bustling café ambience, Ayumi diligently worked on her math homework, and her concentration focused on the complex equations. Hiroshi, seated beside her, calmly explained concepts and helped her solve the problems. His assertiveness was softened by the patient smile he wore as he taught.

Haruki, who'd finished his own homework, was content to observe the impromptu study session between his teammates. His half-eaten chocolate cake and iced latte remained forgotten as he saw Ayumi's face light up when she finally understood a concept and Hiroshi's proud nod of affirmation.

The study session continued with more instances of Ayumi exclaiming in delight at having solved another tough problem, Hiroshi's patient guidance, and Haruki's quiet support and occasional inputs. Laughter filled the café air often as they joked about silly errors, while Hiroshi's 'aha' moment revelations left them amazed.

As they wrapped up their study session, they realized they had spent the entire afternoon in the café, their respective dishes and drinks long empty. They shared a knowing look, grinning at each other as they gathered their belongings. Their day, which started on the basketball court, ended on a different yet equally fulfilling note. It was another day of being a part of Yumei High's basketball team, another day of being friends, and another day in their story.