~~~ Nobita Nobi ~~~

The sun was setting behind the skyscrapers, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. I walked along the busy sidewalk, dodging pedestrians, and cyclists, as I followed my classmate to her music school.

That day, the city center was alive with activity just like usual. Neon signs flashed on every building, advertising various shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues along the streets.

The sound of traffic, and horns filled the air, mixed with the chatter of people and the music from street performers in the park nearby. The smell of food from different cuisines wafted from the stalls and carts. It is quite tempting for me to stop and try some, but I don't think Shizuka-chan would like that so much.

Because I can sense that something is really going on inside her head. I tried sparking a few questions, but she seemed distracted and distant. She only gave me short and vague answers, and sometimes didn't reply at all.

As we strolled the street of Kawaguchi City in silence, Shizuka-chan actually made a stop. I was quite surprised about the sudden stop that she took in front of an Old Musical Instruments Auction House.

She seemed to be admiring an old unassuming white violin on display in the front window of that particular store.

"Shizuka-chan? What's the matter?" I asked her.

It was then that she got snapped back to whatever dream or imaginary land she was in a few seconds ago. "Oh, it's nothing... Nobita-san."

"You seemed to be fixated on that specific violin. Have something about that violin though?"

Shizuka looked down for a moment before gazing at the aforementioned violin again. "Let's say, I had a memory about that violin." She said, after she let out a sigh.

"What'd you remember about that violin?" I asked,

"Well, I once set my eyes on a violin that I saw when I attended a music festival together with my grandparents back when I was 7. It was a bright brown and shining violin, made by a private British owned company called 'Worchestire Strings'. This violin really brings me back." She said, smiling as she placed her hand on the glass window, admiring the aforementioned violin.

"Why haven't you bought it?" I asked,

"Well, if the price isn't so bad, then I would have bought it back then. But, it was too much for us to afford." She explained. "Maybe someday..."

I smiled at her positive thought and optimism.

After second thought though, there's actually a price tag saying that it costs about 200 thousand yen. Maybe I shouldn't have asked her that question because I look stupid at the end.

But anyways, 200 thousand yen?? That's ridiculous!

"I hope you can get your hands on it, Shizuka-chan. It seemed that the violin is the most expensive thing in display in this shop."

"Hope so..."

Just as we about to continue our journey, we heard the sound of a girl coming out from the shop.

"Two portion of Takoyaki and a coffee from the nearest vending machine, right?"

She said as she opened the door behind us.

We glanced to the source of the voice, it turned out to be none other than our friend, Non-chan. She was wearing a red apron over a bright pink coloured blouse. It seems like she tied her hair this time into a ponytail, which actually looks pretty good on her.

"Non-chan?" I asked.

"Nobita-kun, Shizuka-san... Heya!" She greeted us back after closing the door behind her. "What are you guys doing here?"

"We're just passing by, nothing else. We just took a stop in front of the shop because Shizuka-chan was interested in that violin." I replied.

"Oh, that violin?" She asked,

"Yeah, she had some memories about that violin that she wanted to relive."

"Alright then, if you want I could call the owner if you want."

"Ah no need, Nonko-san! Maybe someday I could get my hands on it." Shizuka-chan said.

"Oh... Alright then..."

"By the way, Non-chan. You work here?"

"No, not really... I was just helping my uncle run his music shop for today. His employee was on sick leave and I offered him a hand." Non-chan replied. "In exchange, he gave me a couple thousand yen in exchange, which was quite nice of him."

"Ah, I see... Well then,

"Anyways, sorry for the brief greeting and conversation... I had to get my uncle some food there." Non-chan said.

"Oh okay... We need to continue our journey anyways. Good luck with the job, Non-chan!" I replied.

As we both saw the figure of Non-chan disappearing behind a parked car to cross the road, I thought "What a small world..." before continuing our journey towards the Music School together with Shizuka-chan.

It took us quite a while, but when we arrived there, the sun had already gone down in the western horizon. The city light has started to lit up the street with its warm yellow colours.

"We're here..." I said, as I took a really good look at the building.

It was nothing special really. In fact, it looks the same to all the buildings in this neighbourhood, just larger in size. It is three stories tall, purple coloured building which had a small but nice garden in the front. It is situated right next to a parking area which had many cars parked in it.

From where I stood, I could hear amongst the sounds of traffic, is the sounds of instruments that the attending childrens and teenage students happened to be playing outside as they wait for their tutor session. Someone seemed to strum their classic guitar to an Anime music up there on the third floor.

Seeing them did those activities with their friends seemed to be fun.

"Alright then, see you tomorrow... I guess." Shizuka-chan said, as she was about to enter the building.

I gazed back at her, and replied to her with a sincere smile. "See you tomorrow, Shizuka-chan, good luck on your class!"

I continued the journey back home which took me on a route along the Arakawa River. It wasn't really an uneventful walk though, because along the way, I thought that it was boring to just arrive back home and had nothing to do with to while away the time.

Sure, I could sleep... But the thing is that I'm not even sleepy.

What else could I do while I was awake?

Reading some manga? No way I would do that again. I had finished my collections and I had re-read all those stuff couple of times that I had memorized the plot, so it's no fun.

Doing something with Doraemon? Do what? Meddling around with a gadget again? He hasn't got something interesting for a while now and I expect today to just be another day of that.

What about I go to Suneo's residence and play some games with him?

That's actually a good idea!

With that in mind, I immediately took a detour from my original route and went straight up to Suneo's mansion.

Along the way, I thought about visiting Gian's shop to invite him. At this hour, he should have arrived home and helped his mom run the shop.

When I got there though...

"Excuse me, Mr. Gouda. Is Gian here?" I asked.

"Ah, he's not home yet. I believe he was still in school right now. He had a baseball stuff there... I don't know." The woman said while tidying up some stuff in the shop.

"Ah, he had extracurricular activities then." I said, half disappointed. "T-thank you, Mrs. Gouda."

As I continued the journey towards Suneo's mansion, a thought came up in my head. What if Suneo wasn't home as well? He might have some activities with his club, basketball club. Or perhaps he hung out with some of his friends from outside the gang.

As I got to Suneo's mansion, it soon became clear that Suneo wasn't home yet. I could see the glimpse of his unlit room, despite the engulfing darkness of the night.

Usually, you can tell whether he's home or not from the state of his room. If it was dark, then he's not home and vice versa.

Actually, I thought it was quite funny for someone like him with a rather short posture was able to competitively play in the school's basketball team. I mean, it is quite a surprising revelation that he decided to join basketball instead of baseball, something that he had enjoyed ever since we're elementary schoolers.

But oh well, I suppose he found his passion in that sport, so I won't blame him for that.

So, I guess... I'm on my own for tonight...

I returned home, bringing with me a rather disappointed face along the way. I knew this night everything is going to be boring.

As I entered my room, usual sight greeted me. Doraemon sitting on the tatami mat, reading a manga he seemingly had read millions of times while munching the never ending supply of dorayakis.

"Ah welcome back, Nobita-kun." Doraemon said. "You look so disappointed tonight, what's cracking?"

"I don't know what I'm going to do tonight. Everyone seemed to have their own activities and I don't," I said, a twinge of frustration in my voice.

Doraemon chuckled—a sound that grated on my nerves—and continued munching on his dorayaki, which was somehow still warm. "You're just being dumb, Nobita-kun. Shizuka-chan said that you hated doing anything because you prefer slacking and sleeping. But now, you feel like your life is boring because you have nothing to do."

His words stung like a slap to the face. I felt a surge of indignation, and my hands balled into fists at my sides. It was true, I had been avoiding activities, but hearing it thrown back at me so bluntly was infuriating. "Well, don't blame me for it," I snapped, my voice rising. "There's nothing that sparked my interest. It's all physical activities and sports clubs, which I don't have an adequate skill to do."

"Yeah, you can't do sports because you hated them. Everything would have been different if you open your mind about sports," Doraemon retorted, his tone dismissive.

I glared at him, feeling a mix of anger and helplessness. "Well then, how could I be interested in sports?" I challenged, my voice laced with bitterness.

Doraemon closed his book with a thud and smiled, finishing the half-eaten dorayaki with an exaggerated relish. He sat down upright and smirked at me, as if I had asked the world's most ridiculous question—which, in his eyes, I probably had.

"Want to try to achieve that interest?" he offered, his smirk widening into a taunting grin.

"Sure, why not."

He then reached his 4-Dimensional Pocket and took out a pair of bamboo copter. "Follow me, Nobita-san."

Without saying too much, I followed him to wherever he took me.

We set off into the darkness of early nighttime with our bamboo copter, flying high above the rooftops below our feet. The shimmering city lights painted a view below us, transforming the night's darkness into a beautiful tapestry of luminous splendour.

"Where are we going to go, Doraemon?"

"Just follow me, I have something that I want to show you."

We veered westward, crossing the Arakawa River, which at night transformed into a serpentine mirror reflecting the city's heartbeat with every flickering light along its banks, while bridges arched over it like the backs of sleeping giants.

I relished this view; it was as if the entire city had come alive, whispering night secrets in a language of light only the stars could understand.

I soon knew where Doraemon was taking me this entire time. It was a sport venue located across the river near the Kawaguchi Train Station. From the looks of it, there is currently a badminton tournament going on in that place. The parking lot was jam packed with cars alongside the queue of spectators that tried to enter the building through the entry door.

We landed on the venue's many entrances to try getting into the venue itself, which I'd have to admit is illegal move. We managed to sneak into the venue without being caught.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an electrifying evening in the city of Kawaguchi, where the air is thick with anticipation! As the stadium lights blaze against the night sky, we're about to witness a thrilling clash between two remarkable talents in the city to win the national champion's title!" The sport commentator said through the PA system. Which then followed by a roar from the crowds.

Amidst the roaring sounds from the crowd, we snuck up all the way to get ourselves closer to the court. The chants, the roar, the yells... sends shivers through my nervous system.

"On the near court, dressed in crimson, with a steely gaze and a record of lightning-fast reflexes, we have the formidable Tanaka Keiji. A master of precision and power, Tanaka has been rising through the ranks with his dynamic play and unyielding spirit."

"Facing him across the net, in the cool shade of blue, is the tactician, the silent assassin, Hiroto Yamaguchi. Known for his strategic gameplay and serene composure under pressure, Yamaguchi is a force to be reckoned with, a player who can turn the tides with a flick of his wrist."

That rather exaggerated introduction is followed by another round of roaring and chants meant to support the players. This is really electrifying, and I loved it. I could sense the immense tension that this match is going to be having, because it is a final.

"Who will dominate the court tonight? Stay tuned as we find out in this epic showdown between Tanaka and Yamaguchi! Let the match begin!"

It was then that the roars died down for a while as the two players get ready to serve. And when it did happen, the sound of shuttlecock being lurched towards the other player and back together with the immense anticipation of who's going to win the rally is the feeling that I felt when I sat on the front row seat of that court.

Every time the shuttlecock drops to the floor, the crowds chanted. The epic symphony of sounds really takes me towards the imagination world where I was the one to do the rally and every time I struck the shuttlecock, the crowd chanted my name in the air.

The feeling was electrifying, I really wanted to be in their shoes, competing and for once, achieve something that other people will truly recognize.

I had explored many worlds throughout the spacetime continuum. I went millions of years back and oversee the rescue of dinosaurs, help save kingdoms from the looming evil that threatened it and help save the world from the invasion of the robots. I've come to the rescue of a falling civilizations, from the mythical moon rabbits, and alien civilizations from the planet I've never heard of.

Yet, I haven't done anything that other people with a decent common sense would recognize.

I suppose, it is never too late for me to start achieving something.

"Nobita-kun... How is it?" Doraemon asked, his voice almost drowned in the crowd. "This is what sports are like, it's not boring, it's not just a mere physical activity to keep you busy. If you went competitive, you could achieve something and put yourself amongst the famous name in the hall of fame."

I smiled, with a smile that Doraemon recognized. "Yeah, I agree with you, Doraemon..."

"So, you are interested now?"

"Not sure, but I think I do now." I replied.

As the game continued, I ended up getting quite invested in the match itself. Coming to the support of the guy named Tanaka or something like that (I actually forgot). He ended up winning the tournament by a close margin. I don't know how the point worked, but he wins by a single point on the third game with 30-29 if I remember correctly.

By the time we got home, it is getting quite late. We ended up missing dinner with my parents and we got scolded by mom. But the experiences I got in the venue is worth the pain.

The next day, it was Tuesday, which meant another day of school for me and all my friends. And it would mean that I had another messed up morning because I woke up late again.

Living up to what I've known since elementary school, I arrived at school late. Which of course, means that I got to stand in front of the classroom for one hour after the class starts.

As I stood there, I looked through the window that sits right in front of my classroom. The window itself overlooked the scenery of Arakawa River, it's massive banks and the city opposite of the river. It's a nice morning after all, the sun was shining brightly on the eastern horizon, completely unobstructed by the presence of clouds in the sky.

I looked down towards the school grounds, I could see the students from the class 1-C doing PE activities. Amongst all the activities that they do, one piqued my interest, which of course Badminton.

The boys from the class 1-C were all playing badminton in the court that my school had downstairs. One of them is the very well-known badminton champion, Kimura Ryouji.

From the rumours that I've heard, he's basically won every single elementary schooler only tournaments that he participated. Which made him a living legend regionally. With that reputation, of course the school was interested in making him play in a national tournament representing our school.

I felt the strong urge just to ask him where should I get started if I want to learn Badminton? But I kinda feel like he's just going to ghost me easily.

I turned around and rested myself in front of the window, as I pondered about getting started to satisfy my interest in badminton. As I did that though, I felt a nudge on top of my head. That nudge turns out to be a shuttlecock falling on my head.

"How did this get here?" I thought as I went to grab that shuttlecock.

"Nobi-kun?"

That voice was the voice of the aforementioned Kimura Ryouji which went upstairs to grab the shuttlecock that someone had launched in the direction of the window.

"Oh, Kimura-kun. I suppose you went looking for this?" I asked.

"That's true, did that thing hit you?" He asked back, as I handed him the shuttlecock that he was here for.

"Yeah, you're lucky that it went to struck me instead of the teachers. If it did, things would get ugly fast." I replied. "It's fine though, it didn't hurt at all."

"Alright then, sorry for that." He said. "I need to head downstairs, Nobi-kun... Thanks!"

"Yow." I replied.

As he was about to leave me alone, I thought about asking him a few questions about the sport. I think it was a good chance to ask him the question.

"Actually, Kimura-kun... Can I ask you a few questions?" I shouted a bit which made Kimura-kun stop on his track. He slowly turned his glance towards me, seemingly confused as to what I want to ask him about.

"Yeah?"

"I have some questions that I want to ask you about Badminton. You see, I got quite interested in it as of late, and I don't know where should I start, and what do I need to start doing the sport."

"Ah alright then. Let me fetch this shuttlecock towards my friend first, and we could talk about it."

Kimura-kun then threw that shuttlecock downstairs, letting his mates know that he had to talk to me in a bit. He returned towards where I had stood all this time.

"Why so sudden though, Nobi-kun? I've heard that you did pretty bad in PE and had literally no interest in it." He asked me back.

At first, I wondered where and how did he get all those information. It's not like it's false or anything, but I wonder where did it came from.

"It's a long story, but I basically felt like my life has gotten a bit boring from all those procrastination."

Kimura-kun chuckled as we both rested our hands on the open window, enjoying the morning breeze as we talk about the sport.

"Well, to start with badminton, you don't need much, Nobi-kun. Just a racket and a shuttlecock, and you're good to go. Of course, there's more to it if you want to play seriously—proper footwear, comfortable clothing, and a basic understanding of the rules. But the beauty of badminton is its simplicity at the core. It's a sport that's easy to pick up but challenging to master, which makes it even more exciting."

He paused for a moment, looking out at the schoolyard where a few leaves tumbled across the pavement, carried by the wind.

"And you know, it's not just about hitting the shuttle back and forth. It's about strategy, reflexes, and endurance. But we'll get to that later. For now, just focus on the feel of the racket in your hand, the shuttle's flight, and finding joy in the game."

"I see. It sounds manageable. But, um, would you be willing to help me out? Maybe show me the ropes?" I asked tentatively, unsure of how he'd respond. Knowing that he's the pro.

Kimura-kun turned to me, his expression earnest. "Of course, Nobi-kun. I'd be happy to. We can start with the basics today after school. How does that sound?"

"Sounds great," I replied, a smile creeping onto my face. The thought of learning something new, especially from the guy that everyone deemed to be unbeatable, filled me with a sense of anticipation I hadn't felt in a long time.

I paused for a second, as I watched Kimura's friends continuing their badminton match.

"I have to admit, I'm a bit surprised," I said, the words tumbling out with a mix of relief and newfound respect. "I always thought that those who was good in something... they tend to keep to themselves, you know? Like they'd see someone new, someone trying to learn, as just another face in the crowd—unworthy of their time."

Kimura-kun's expression softened, and he shook his head gently. "That's not always the case, Nobi-kun. Sure, some might think that way, but there are also those who find joy in sharing their passion, lifting others up to where they are. I believe that everyone starts somewhere, and if I can help someone discover the same love for badminton that I have, then that's a win in my book."

The school's corridors were a silent witness to our exchange, a stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle that was going on behind those classroom doors. It was only when the door behind me creaked open, and Sensei's voice cut through the quiet hallway, calling me back in.

The sudden call startled both of us. I glanced at Kimura-kun with an apologetic smile on my face. "Looks like our time's up," I said, a hint of disappointment in my voice.

Kimura-kun nodded, understandingly. "Don't worry, Nobi-kun. We'll pick this up later. See you after school!" he reassured me, his tone firm yet friendly.

With a final nod, he turned on his heel, making his way back to the sports field, while I stepped back into the classroom, the door closing behind me with a soft click. The brief interlude had ended, but the spark it ignited within me remained.

The school day was uneventful and played out just like usual. Nothing really interesting happened to me that day, other than a few hiccups here and there, which is pretty normal at least for me.

Before I could even realize it, today's school has concluded itself. The echoing sounds of the school bell rang all across the school. The student, excited about the fact that today's school had come to a conclusion, poured out from the classroom.

The sun began to dip in the western horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the schoolyard. The cool early autumn breeze blew softly all across the city, blowing leaves, tinged with the first signs of the oncoming fall season.

From the classroom, I could see students starting to make some preparations for their extracurrircular activities. The others were also busy doing what their activities was. Shizuka-chan, Suzy-chan and Non-chan were having a cheerleading training today in the field, While Suneo and Gian was having a baseball match with someone from the other middle school in the city.

"Kimura-kun should have waited for me in the badminton court." I thought, as I packed my stuff and left the classroom.

When I do arrive at the court, Kimura-kun was already there, waiting by the old cherry tree whose branches were now bare.

"Nobi-kun, you did come, huh?" He called me, as he took the racket that sits right beside him.

"Yeah of course, can't wait to get started." I replied.

"Alright then, here's a racket that I took from the storage room." He said, as he handed the battle scarred racket and shuttlecock that he borrowed from the school's PE storage room. "You do what I said, alright?"

"Alright, let's do this."

I positioned myself on the other side of the court, while Kimura-kun stood right beside me with another borrowed racket and shuttlecock in his hand. "Alright, Nobi-kun, serving is fundamental. You want to hold the shuttle by the feathers and..." he began to demonstrate the motion on the correct way to start the game. "Just like this, flick your wrist and—"

As he did what he did, I nodded, and tried to mimic his every move. I tossed that shuttlecock into the air, and swung the racket with all the grace of a newborn giraffe. Instead of the feather ball getting struck by the racket, it plummeted directly to the ground below me.

"Ah, let's try that again," Kimura-kun encouraged as I retrieved the shuttlecock near my feet. "Remember, it's all in the wrist, not the arm."

Take two, this time, I managed to screw it up and instead of launching the shuttlecock towards the opposite side of the court, I launched the racket instead, almost hitting a passing student.

"S-sorry!" I called out. The student was understandably annoyed, but he accepted my apology, so I think that's probably enough.

I glanced towards Kimura-kun which is pretty disappointed and confused. I know that judging from his face that clearly shows the face of confusion. He tried to hide it anyway, shrugging it off.

"Okay, how did that happen?"

"Don't ask me, I don't know myself how that happened!" I exclaimed.

"Whew... It's harder than I thought." He sighed. He then shook his head and said. "Okay then, let's try again. Focus on what you're doing. We should probably act the movement slowly so you could get the hang of it."

The next attempt, the shuttlecock almost arched the way I liked, but it falls too short because I didn't put enough force to swing my arm. Kimura-kun was pretty happy with what the attempt turned out to be.

"Wow, you almost had it. That's good, Nobi-kun!" He said. "Now, try putting more force into your swing."

I nodded to his commands and prepared myself for the next attempt. However, this one didn't go too well because I apparently hit the shuttlecock in such a way that it went to the right, landing near the foot one of the cheerleaders that came out from the school.

What I didn't notice was, the aforementioned cheerleader was actually Shizuka-chan, who has just left the school building. I was too focused on fuming on that failed attempt, that I haven't even noticed where the ball had landed.

By the time I realized it, Shizuka-chan was already near the badminton court with the rogue shuttlecock in her hand.

"Nobita-san?"

When I heard that voice, I shot up as if a rush of renewed vigour flowed through my veins. I didn't expect Shizuka-chan to be here (I know I should be but, hey that's me).

"S-Shizuka-chan! What's cracking?" I replied, trying to be cool.

She was in her cheerleading uniform, looking at me with a rather amazed and perplexing look on her face. "I-I didn't expect you to be here, playing Badminton with Kimura-kun..."

"Ah! I'm just trying something new, that's all."

She then glanced at the battle scared racket in my hand, which had a few of its nylon strings cut off from the prolonged use and abuse by the students of this school.

"Never thought I'd see the day after all these years..." She started, with a rather soft voice. "... Seeing you holding a badminton racket and actually... Enjoying it." She finished with a big grin on her face, which I admittedly enjoyed seeing.

At that point, I didn't realize that I got sidetracked because of the arrival of my long-time crush. Kimura-kun cleared his throat in front of us, which opened the world that had closed a few moments ago.

"Minamoto-san, sorry to disturb you. But can you give him a little room?" Kimura-kun said, "He almost had it, I don't want him to lose focus and put all these efforts down into the drain."

Shizuka-chan smiled and nodded to Kimura-kun's request, "Ah, sorry. I will give him a little room then."

Shizuka-chan stepped back as I attempted to put my focus back on track. I stood there in the middle of badminton court, ready for the 5th attempt. I set my vision straight and gathered all the information on how I should do the serve properly.

"Alright, you can continue anytime, Nobi-kun!" Kimura-kun said.

I took my position, and-

"Ganbare ganbare, Nobita-san!!"

My heart almost skipped a beat when I heard that. Shizuka-chan was... Cheering for me?

I tried my best to get my focus back on track but the way she moved, the way she played with those pom-poms, and the way she cheered for me with a voice full of vigour and support acted like an additional shot of adrenaline that went into my body.

My focus was even more intense than before, as I held the battle-scarred racket as if my life depended on it. It was then that I took another shot at it.

I dropped the shuttlecock, and I swung my arms when I felt like the shuttlecock has fallen enough. The racket's nylon strings that had been ruined by years of use and abuses suddenly felt like it was brand new as it struck that shuttlecock perfectly. The shuttlecock flew across the court, arched above the net and landed precisely at where Kimura-kun wanted it to land.

Kimura-kun bursted out of joy, "You did it!" He exclaimed as he celebrated the moment. I smiled seeing that I've completed a milestone in the quest of finding and learning a new hobby.

I glanced at Shizuka-chan, which also seen history in her eyes. "You really did it, Nobita-san!" She exclaimed.

"Thanks!" I said, smiling to her, "Thanks to Kimura-kun for helping me..."

"You're welcome, Nobi-kun." Kimura-kun said.

As the evening progressed and the sun drew closer towards the western horizon, I repeated what I've already did in that first successful serve. To be fair, I couldn't hit the serve every time, but I felt like the more I did it, the more consistent the result was.

It's not easy at all to do, but I came to realize that in this kind of sport, I can't just do it once and be able to do anything. That's why I was bad at playing baseball and immediately got destroyed on every round imaginable. It's not because I was bad and incapable of doing it, but I was just lazy to learn how to do it better.

I guess, now that I realized my shortcomings, it's time for me to overcome my weaknesses and improve as a human being. Of course, some sports and physical exercises isn't what you would 'learn'. But some, rather demand adequate stamina to do.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the badminton court, Kimura bid his farewells and headed off to his family event. As I saw him off, I could feel a sense of accomplishment washed over me. I was grateful for all the guidance and support I had received during their training session.

As I wiped the sweat from my brow, I heard Shizuka-chan's voice behind me. She was leaning against the half closed iron gate with her arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Looks like you've finally broken a sweat," she said in a sarcastic tone. I was surprised to see her still there since I thought she had gone home before me.

But there she stood, bathed in the warm golden glow of the setting sun. Her school uniform, a crisp white and navy blue, contrasted against the deepening shadows. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment as I noticed she had changed out her bright and eye-catching cheerleading outfit. It seemed to have been replaced by a more understated but still alluring look, which understandable decision on her part, to be fair.

I chuckled and replied to Shizuka's sarcastic remark with a grain of salt, "I had to make it look believable, didn't I? Can't have Kimura-kun thinking I'm not putting in any effort."

"Well, you do look as if you've put enough effort into the training session." Shizuka-chan replied.

"Well, isn't that the point? Again, can't have Kimura-kun thinking I'm a natural at this," I replied with a grin.

Shizuka-chan rolled her eyes playfully, her blue locks catching the last rays of the sun. "Oh, please. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We both know you're far from being a pro."

We both shared a laugh before Shizuka-chan's expression turned more serious. "You know, Nobita-san, you're actually not too bad at this. Maybe you should consider taking up badminton more seriously. Who knows, maybe one day you could compete somewhere else."

I playfully nudged her with my elbow. "Compete somewhere else? Like the Olympics or something?"

She rolled her eyes again but couldn't hide the smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Oh please, Nobita. Let's start with the local tournaments first before we even got into the National ones."

I chuckled a little, as I glanced up to see the stars in the sky that greeted me as the sky darkened. "Maybe I'll consider it, someday...."