It was the day for the final games . The cheerdance compet.i.tion will be held in the afternoon .

Dan was playing among the team for the basketball champions.h.i.+p game . It was a close match and on the last 30 seconds of the game, they are trailing by 4 points .

Captain Long was with the ball inside the ring . He tried to take a basket, failed but was granted 2 free throws from a defensive foul from the team who is on penalty . He missed the first free throw but got the second in .

There was 13 seconds left on the clock when their team got the rebound from a missed basket .

Midori was praying hard on the bleachers, even clasping her hands . She had the urge to tightly close her eyes but she must not take her eyes off of the game .

In the last 4 seconds, his teammates managed to pa.s.s the ball to Dan who was standing at the perimeter .

However, the other team's captain tried to block his shot, with 2 seconds remaining .

Dan just threw the ball with no projectile planning or good technique, the ball went in .

But before he let go, the buzzer signaled the end of the game .

They lost the champions.h.i.+p game!

In the dugout, most players were looking down on their shoes or on the floor . Captain Long and the other seniors were exchanging looks and bitter smiles .

They were surprised to suddenly hear Dan take the initiative to speak .

"Well guys, that's it for high school basketball among us seniors! I am grateful that everyone welcomed me warmly in this team despite playing with you guys for only a few months . So, thank you very much to everyone! I enjoyed playing with you!" He made a deep bow .

"That's right! It was fun being with you guys! We will miss hara.s.sing the juniors and freshmen!" Captain Long guffawed .

Merry cheers were ringing in their dugout afterwards . The juniors were sending off the graduating seniors and the seniors were tapping the shoulders of the new captain nonstop .

After shower and changing, they dispersed to watch other games being played in the morning .

Midori was waiting for Dan outside the covered court .

She smiled brightly as he emerged from an exit door . When he finally stood next to her, she embraced him warmly .

"Hey, I'm okay . We're okay . " He was talking how the team was holding up .

"I know . " she almost whispered . "But I still want to say . . . " she moved from the embrace to look at him . "You will always be my MVP . " Then she flashed her sincere smile .

Meanwhile in the pool area . . .

Midori and Dan arrived hands together . Mei noticed them and waved for them to come to where she was seated .

"Why do you look so excited?" Midori was looking at her friend, amused .

Mei pouted . "It's because you only watch his game so you don't know anything about others . " Mei eyed Dan then looked at Midori accusingly .

Midori replaced some strands of her locks behind her ear and grinned guiltily .

Dan started to move the neckline of his s.h.i.+rt to fan himself . "It's too hot outside . I'll go to the vending machine to buy some drinks . You girls want any?"

"Apple-flavored tea for me!" Mei requested without hesitation .

"What about you?" Dan looked at Midori .

"Green tea latte . " Midori faintly smiled .

Dan went to the closest vending machine . He put bills into the machine for the purchase . Just when he was to press the corresponding b.u.t.ton for the drink, a fair delicate hand pressed on the b.u.t.ton for the iced americano .

He immediately turned to the culprit . He saw a pair of dark brown eyes looking at him intently .

"Sorry . I just need this right now . " The soft voice explained in an instant while claiming the drink which was just dispensed . "Oh, here's the money for the drink . " Dan was handed some coins in exchange . "Again, sorry to bother you . " The figure bowed . "I must go now . Thank you!"

Dan remained shocked speechless throughout the interaction which occurred within 2 minutes . He looked at his hand full of coins, then looked back at the retreating figure .

"Weird girl . " He mumbled, then proceeded on buying drinks .