Basketball at Dusk - Confrontation 3 (9/10)
The final part of this chapter made me cry a little... I had so much trouble picking what screenshots to use! botaasu are such a sweet senpai-kouhai pair.
Featured characters: Botan, Asuka, Himari, Renren
Location: Gym
Botan: 150 to 0.
After the 150th point, I haven't kept proper track of the score.
It might be good to wrap things up here. The sun seems to be setting down, too.
Asuka: No, n-not yet! Just a little more, I've almost got it!
Botan: You're just bluffing.
I think you've tried your best, Momochi-san. However, it's important to know when to give up, too.
If you push yourself any further, you're going to get hurt.
Asuka: I don't care about that!
I'm here to stop you from quitting, Komacchi-senpai, that's all there's to it!
There's nobody else to do it... Nobody but me!
That's why, if I give up here... I'll be a disgrace, to both myself and the rest of the club members!
Botan: I see. But the passage of time is cruel, you see?
The sun has set already. It'll become dark soon.
This'll be the last play of the match.
Asuka: I won't give up until the end...
I look up to you, Komacchi-senpai, so I don't want you to leave.
Until the very end, I'll fight with all I've got!
Botan: I see. Okay, then. Since this is the end, Momochi-san — my last shot will be a farewell gift, from me to you.
Asuka: A farewell gift? No, this is no farewell!
From here on, I still wanna play basketball with you, Komacchi-senpai!
Botan: Too bad.
I'll be throwing the shot from here.
Asuka: T-This is...
Botan: Yes. With its high trajectory... It's a three-point shot that nobody can reach.
Sorry. Even though you're playing seriously...
Momochi-san, you won't be able to lay a single finger on the ball.
Because this shot will go in.
Asuka: We don't know that it will! We won't know until the end!
I say the shot will not go in!
I'll get under the goal and pick up the rebound! And so, I'll win!
Botan: You're wasting effort.
Even if you keep chasing and chasing after me... There's a gap beyond belief that you won't be able to bridge.
That gap — it's what people call "talent".
Asuka: N— No way...
Botan: The shot went in.
Sorry, Momochi-san.
It seems I might be loved by God himself, just a little.
Asuka: ...I lost. Losing feels this frustrating, huh.
...I'll put the ball we used away.
Himari: Mochimochi, Komatsu Botan, hol' up just a seeec!
Botan: ...What is it?
Himari: Take a good look outside the gym!
The sun hasn't gone down yet!
Don't you see it? At the foot of the mountain, there's the sunset, shining radiantly!
It's not gone yeeeettt!
Renren: Momochi-san, you did it, le ♪ With your strong will to not give up, you managed to seize an upset victory, le ♪
Asuka: F-For real...!?
Botan: ...I see. So, it's my loss?
Congrats. Momocchi.
Are you alright, fallen down on the floor like that? Want me to lend you a hand?
Asuka: Yeah... Just a little is fine, so...
I want you to hug me, Komacchi-senpai... Just for a little while.
Botan: Mm. I got you. Is it fine like this?
Asuka: Ah... Yes. Looks like I've used up all my strength...
I'm still inexperienced, huh... But, I'm happy.
Maybe it's because I'm relaxed now... But I'm kinda, growing... sleepy...
Botan: ...She fell asleep.
Everyone, I'm sorry for making you keep us company.
But, for the first time in a while, I really had fun.
Himari: ...? Hey, could it be that you...?
You lost on purpo... mmghn!? H-Hey! Don't go covering my mouth as you please!
Botan: Hm? I don't know what you're talking about... ♪
There's just one thing to say... I lost to Momocchi's passion when I was meant to lose, that's all.
So, to show my respect towards Momochi-san, it might be nice to call her "Momocchi", just for now ♪
Himari: ...I agree. Have a good look at Mochimochi's happy, sleeping face.
What tried to steal it away — it was none other than your own foolishness.
Botan: Mhm.
Himari: Well then, Lackey-kun and Ryusenji Renren. You two head home first, got it?
If you stay here much longer, you'll make that nagging Disciplinary Committee president angry at you.
Renren: That's right, de~ It's not good to get in the way of a master and her disciple, de ♪
Botan: Mm. Leave the rest to me.
...What a cute sleeping face, hm?
If you show me such a smile, I won't be able to go through with quitting anything at all.
No, that's not it. I won't say I'll quit, not anymore.
Since it seems Momocchi still needs me here.
Geez. You're one troublesome junior, aren't you, Momocchi?
...Thank you.
◀ Chapter 8 • all • Epilogue ▶
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