Never Meant by American Football
"Dammit Futaba! How long are you going to ignore our rules?!"
It was a typical day for Futaba Otohiro and it isn't getting any better. He lost count of how many times he was sent to the staff room for one little broken rule; constantly reminded to uphold the schools good image instead of tarnishing it with his bleached hair. The boy merely shrugged it off but to no avail as the staff member continued his cavil backlash.
"It's hard to believe you're the younger brother of that honor student."
'This again...'
Of course he had to bring her up again. The beautiful, smart and beloved student council president; a perfect role model to everyone in school.
His older twin sister: Futaba Neiko.
*Tsk* "Whatever... I'm going back to class."
"Hey! I'm not done with you Futaba!"
The blonde slammed the door behind him, frustrated that he had to repeat this antagonistic loop all over again. If only he and everyone else saw her. He knew better than anyone that underneath the brilliance and magnificence of this so-called role model student lied a much more sickening personality. Every time: At home, in school and the public places be it the park or the mall she would always...
*RIIIING!*
'Huh? Class is over already?'
"Oto-kun!"
The boy instantly felt arms wrap around his neck and two soft orbs squish against his chest. Hampering his face was the blissful scent of shampoo and conditioner alongside smooth yet soft black hair. This was the normal routine regarding Otohiro and his overly affectionate sister. Her brocon tendencies bothered him and whenever he tried to stop her antics...
"Dammit Nee-chan! I told you to stop doing that!" Otohiro shouted in annoyance while pushing her away.
"Oh don't be like that Oto-kun~ I know how much you like my hugs~"
"No I do not!"
She can't take a hint. A blunt one at that.
No matter what he does he's always subjected to her "Loving Playtime". The elder Futaba sibling finds an opportunity to make amatory eye contact, discuss about their nonexistent romance, giving hugs from time to time and in bolder, more rare cases a kiss to the cheek. His sister is an affliction to his dignity and to his student status. Teachers belittle or contrast him for not being alike to Neiko, fellow schoolmates (specifically male schoolmates) see him as the truest of enemies because of his existence around everyone's big sister and to one particular person who saw them along with their usual antics...
"You really gotta stop with this pervy siscon stuff Futaba-kun."
Standing in front of the twins scheduled classroom was a disturbed girl with short pink hair. Ninomiya Maiko, a close friend to Neiko and the only witness to the consistent shenanigans these twins always make.
"Ninomiya! No! it's not like that!" The blonde vehemently tried to explain the situation. Even with him alleviating the situation it didn't stop her from sarcastically replying.
"Sure, sure... I believe you."
"I'm serious! You have to believe me!"
"Hmm. Yeah gotcha." She then gestured the two to come inside the classroom before going inside herself. "We'll continue this another time Futaba-kun. Class is starting."
Otohiro groaned in defeat, seeing as he couldn't affirm his abhorrence of Neiko's advances and reassure the pinkette that he isn't this incestuous debauchee who follows his sister like an obedient dog in heat. It's a creepy notion that both he and Maiko agree but because of his sister spewing these defaming stories about him being an obsessive sister lover while she gladly fell into her clingy brocon habits and make a misunderstanding that he couldn't pry away or defend himself it was hard to make her or anyone else for that matter to see the bigger picture behind all of this. The boy then felt the satiny touch of his sister's hand grasping his own.
"Mai-chan's right Oto-kun. We'll continue this after class okay~" She gave him a wink and in response he cringed while ripping his hand away from hers. Going to his assigned seat Otohiro dug his head down on the desk while wrapping his arms around it. Even though class has already started he was tired, tired of all this. Tired of this wretched loop of denigration and perversion, tired of having everyone going at his neck while also repelling his sister's unacceptable desires for him.
It's a dysphoric cycle on repeat.
He wanted it all to end.
'Why couldn't my life be normal?'
'I feel for him, having an older sibling like this...'
Maiko saw the distraught form of Otohiro having his head planted against the wooden board and instantly felt sympathy for the poor guy. Like him, she too a younger sibling who has a shameless and embarrassing elder twin that likes to bother her or defy her every wishes. Not to say that her brother has a sister complex, as far as she knows, the difference between them is that he has this abnormal interest on wearing female clothing specifically hers. When he gets the chance he would steal her clothes and have the audacity to not even wash them once he was done using them.
She loved her brother dearly but the pros and cons are leaning a little more towards the latter than the former. It's his indelible tomfoolery that is to blame. She can at least see the reason as to why Otohiro died his hair from what Neiko told her. Underneath the fabricated stories she kept telling to the pink haired girl she pinpointed the purpose behind this one delinquent act:
Futaba Otohiro is not Futaba Neiko, that much was obvious.
Still the question remains: What's the context behind all of this? Why did he resort to becoming the school's lone rebel? Obviously he doesn't like this type of polarizing attention yet he couldn't bring himself to become a model student like his sister. Maiko's thoughts were interrupted by the passing of quiz papers. She grabbed the small stack and saw a little addition taped on one of the papers.
"Futaba-kun. Quiz." The girl whispered to the rising boy who lazily grabbed the last piece. Maiko immediately read the note stuck between the papers.
And what she read was disgusting.
"Get out of this school delinquent!"
"You don't belong here!"
"Go join the Yakuza, rebel bastard!"
"Neiko Onee-sama isn't yours to have, creep!"
Without any of the ones responsible for this small compilation of slurs directed towards the blonde seeing that she was one holding the sliver of paper the pinkette crumbled it before storing it away and directed her anger to the quiz in front of her. This school has a reputation of producing and recruiting ideal students to which they constitute the boon of civilization. What she saw here wasn't that. It was petty bullying from elitist snobs who don't like the younger Futaba sibling because he's "stealing" the attention of the most desirable girl in the school. The fact that this school prides itself of having perfect and yet she sees bullying and slander coming from said students...
No wonder Otohiro is having a rough time here.
'This is going too far.'
*RIIIING!*
School day's finally over and for Ninomiya Maiko she is not going to be relaxing for today.
A combination of after school activities and a chat with the student council president made her stay behind for a bit. Even after subjecting herself to help assist her friend who in between of their usual conversations managed to include her brother stories the pinkette received another task. This one unfortunately came in a phone call.
From her older brother...
"Mai-chann~" A high pitched, can be easily mistaken for a girl's voice joyfully yelled.
"Mmrgh-" 'Play it cool Maiko.' "What is it Anii..."
"Mom said we ran out of milk!"
"Okay? Go get some then."
"Whaa~ No way! I'm already back home!"
The girl's face faulted when she heard that.
'Are you kidding me?'
"You get it Mai-chan~!"
"Huh?! Hey! Hold on-"
"Oh boy! There's my favorite show! I'll see you later Mai-chan!"
"Wait a minute! Anii? ANII!"
He hung up on her.
'Dammit...!'
Guess she had no choice then.
It's a good thing that she has her wallet with her. The household rarely have a shortage situation and today was one of those days. Doesn't mean she likes doing these one in a hundred runs. She could've been in her room giving her feet the much needed rest but now they have to stay up for a little bit longer. All of this walking when she's obviously tired of it to just get a carton of milk.
'Come to think of it. Wasn't there a new market in town?' Maiko recalled a few posters planted all over the place. Something about a new organic grocery store opening up with the quality of the food being the focal point of the establishment. Her sights then lead to one of those posters in front of a store but something was different about this particular piece of advertisement.
Whole N' Organic
Grand Opening
Business Hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
'Well, what do you know.'
Fortune smiles on her as she enters the brand new shop. It exuberated a home by the countryside atmosphere with its bright lights and colorful products. They weren't kidding when the company said that their goods are top notch. Even at a distance without trying one of the fruits or vegetables she could tell that these were high quality.
'Now, where's the milk?'
The store wasn't immense enough to make her wander around just to find the dairy isle so it was easy for her to just grab the carton, pay for it and be on her way. By the time she did Maiko saw a group of women heading towards the other side of the store where another larger group stood in front of a makeshift kitchen. Traversing through to the front she asked one of the onlookers next to her.
"Hey what's going on?"
"Some cute boy is taking part in a cooking challenge. If the judges think his food delicious then he wins a grand prize of 55,000 yen!" She said enthusiastically.
'...That's a lot of money.'
Curiously, Maiko made her way forward to see who specifically was participating. By the time she got there it was clear who was cooking. A blonde haired boy wearing the male version of her school's uniform with an apron fastened securely around his body. His fluid movements are complimented by his laser focus intensity on the food. The attention he's giving to the dish, from the cutting to mixing of ingredients while also prepping it for the judges was like that of celebrity chefs on magazines. Once he was done the girl managed to get a better look of the participant and she gasped on who this boy is.
"Futaba-kun?!"
"Ah! Futaba-san! This looks delicious!" The announcer proclaimed at the boy's steaming hot dish. She had never seen a beautiful plate of food like his before. The audience were also amazed at his skill in the kitchen and the result of it. It was like looking at their future husband cooking for them with a smile on his face. Soon they vocally showed their wonderment.
"Wow! It does look delicious!"
"It smells good too!"
"He must be a pro at cooking if he made that."
Otohiro blinked at the positive commentary he's receiving. Admiration like this was unexpected to the lone boy and this led him to blush extensively all over his cheeks.
'I don't believe it... I've never been praised like this before...'
"Alright everybody! It's time to meet the judges!"
"Wait... What?"
Coming out of the store's kitchen were a trio of beautiful women with jaw-dropping figures in surprisingly modest clothing. They seemed enthusiastic when the curry hit their noses with it's enchanting scent. With a spoonful of curry and a side of rice they all took the pleasure of eating it; as soon as they did a wave of flavor struck them unexpectedly.
"Wow! This is so good!
"It's super tasty!"
"I can eat this all day!"
While the all female audience looked on with glares of jealousy and pouts seeing as they can't try the alluring food in front of them Otohiro on the other hand froze in place. Their faces and voices plaster the cities all over Japan so it was a big shock for the blonde to know who these girls are.
'They're Gravure Idols!'
"Hey! Are you really the one who made this yummy food?" One of the girls asked Otohiro.
"H-Huh? Er... Yeah l did."
"Amazing! You really know how to cook!"
"This is like something out of a restaurant."
"You can really taste everything here!"
'It's just curry with rice.' His face turned a brighter shade of crimson by the ongoing stream of compliments. It's as if he couldn't get anymore embarrassed than this.
Unfortunately for him it can.
He felt his arm being intertwined by a pair of arms before a pillowy sensation enveloped his whole limb. The boy looked to the side and saw the girl giving him a half-lidded look.
"By the way~ What's your name~?"
"U-Uhh Futaba Otohiro..."
Another pair of arms and soft feeling enveloped his second arm.
"Fufu~ He's blushing, so cute~"
The last girl wrapped her arms around his neck giving him a full view of her beautiful face and cleavage.
"Ne, Otohiro-kun~ You wouldn't mind if you make us dinner tonight? We'll make it worth your while~" She giggled lightly, both at the idea and his adorable, scarlet stricken face.
"A-Ano..."
Steam poured out of his ears at her suggestion. He couldn't take this anymore. In the midst of all the seductive looks and glares of envy he saw one particular girl in the audience. He felt a pit on his stomach when he recognized her short, pink hair and wearing the female version of his school's uniform.
'Ninomiya?! What is she doing here?! Oh no, if she's here then Nee-chan...' The boy wiggled himself out of the trio's grasp.
"Sorry but I can't! Someone's waiting for me!" He made a dash towards Maiko taking her hand while running away from the crowd. Her eyes widened when she was dragged away; she didn't get the chance to react with what's going on. The audience and judges looked on as the two disappeared from sight. The three idols joined the rest of the girls in pouting with envy at the pinkette holding Otohiro's hand.
"She's so lucky." One of them spoke up to which everyone agreed.
The two students found themselves in the spice section of Whole N' Organic slightly tired from their run. Otohiro took slow and deep breaths while on the other hand Maiko took more gulps of air then him. It took a few seconds for the boy to gather his thoughts before the pinkette spoke.
"Futaba-kun..."
"Yeah?"
"Your hand." The girl pointed out with a slight blush dusting her cheeks. He looked down to see that he is still firmly grasping her hand. His blush didn't fade even when he released his grip and after escaping the affectionate trio.
"Ah! Sorry!"
Both had thoughts regarding their short time holding each other.
'Strong...'
'Soft...'
Though they'll never say it out loud especially when they're this close.
"Seriously, what's the big idea Futaba-kun?!"
"I'm sorry! Again! I wanted to know if Neiko was here with you."
"Huh? No, she's not." That was... odd. Why would he questioned the presence of his sister in a rather perturbed way. It was different then what she usually sees with those two with the older sister being too clingy for anyone's taste and the brother exasperated because of this. Said boy sighed in relief when he heard his sister is not around.
"That's good."
"What do you mean by that?"
His lips formed a grim line before responding. "She doesn't like it when I'm around other girls. Even when I'm talking to you would tick her off."
"W-What?!"
"You heard me."
"But that's ridiculous."
"I can say the same thing too but you don't know her like I do. A clingy, spoiled, little brother-loving brat. That's what she really is and most of the school buy her perfect girl act."
That piece of information shocked her but he didn't stop there. He continued to release these frustrations knowing that he needed to get this off his chest one way or another.
"You ever wonder why I'm the Black Sheep of the school and the Futaba household? Neiko. You wonder why I'm a Loner. Neiko. It's always her. Even when I'm busting my ass off to at least have decent grades people still try to contrast me. Even when I tried to be friendly: the guys get jealous because my sister keeps doting on me and the girls..." His frown deepened when he went into that subject. "Not only do some of them look down on me because of the sheer difference between me and Neiko but said person hated the fact that I'm making friends who're female. The fear I've seen from them was because of my sister and they didn't like the fact that they were a burden to me from all the arguments that me and Neiko have whenever I'm hanging around them. Friendships cut short all because of her."
He then sat down against the rough, brick wall tired from just talking about the bane of his existence. Otohiro thought it was funny that talking about his sister made him more tired than running in general. His finger held a strain of died hair.
"Turning my hair blonde wasn't just to change my style a bit but it's my last shot to make my sister leave me alone, hoping that she'll disapprove my delinquency. But that backfired and she supported it not knowing that this had consequences. Classmates and School Staff are against me." The boy wrapped his arms around his head and knees. "I never wanted this. A normal life is all I wanted and no-one is giving me that dammit."
Maiko was silent. Her bangs hid her eyes as she processed all of what the younger Futaba sibling said about his sister and the chaos around them. It was a lot to take in and the fact he's there right in front of her just saying that meant that he had no outlet nor a way to ease the emotions he felt towards Neiko. She then looked back at the comments she made about him though lighthearted it effected him greatly without her realizing it until now. Unexpectedly Otohiro felt his head being hugged and his face up close to a girl's collarbone. He looked up to see Maiko kneeling down with a massive blush on her face before saying two words that hit his heart fully.
"I'm sorry..."
Never in all of his life he'd those words coming out of her mouth. An apology because of all the incest jokes she made and the sarcastic attitude she had against him. Not only that but he was being hugged by someone other than his sister. This made the hug warmer, comfortable and more meaningful as he too hugged back.
"Thank you Ninomiya."
This was solace to him.
The girl didn't respond as she had her face planted into his hair and familiar words began popping up when he had his arms locked around her torso.
'Strong.'
She wasn't the only one. The boy's cheek brushed against Maiko's skin from her open collar shirt. One word came into mind.
'Soft.'
Though they'll never say it out loud especially when they're this close.
A few minutes passed before they separated but not without their faces hot to the touch and colored crimson. The blonde checked the time on his phone seeing that it's an hour before the sun goes down. Soon as he did a scowl formed on his face.
"What's wrong Futaba-kun?" Maiko questioned to which he showed her the disturbing issue.
Nee-chan
Missed Calls - 115
Unread Messages - 307
'...What the hell?'
Maiko's face merely froze at this particular form of absurdity. She heard a few stories about clingy girlfriends/boyfriends but this stumped her.
'This is way too creepy.'
"Mind giving me a while Ninomiya?"
"Pfft- A while Futaba-kun?"
He merely showed the increasing number of missed calls and unread messages. She nodded as he left the aisle after which the girl massaged her temples at this... this... She can't even describe it.
"My head hurts."
"Ninomiya-san?"
Hearing her name Maiko turned to the judges along with the entire audience standing in front of her.
"Uhh... yes that's me."
"Hmmm..." One of the judges studied her, a sole hand stroking her chin. "SHE'S SUPER LUCKY!"
"Wh-What?!" That startled her.
"Not only does she have the shining example of a model body but she's cute and beautiful at the same time!" The girl pointed at her with a fire in her eyes. "And that is effective when you were hugging that handsome boyfriend of yours!"
"W-What?! Boyfriend?! W-Wait a minute! You were watching us?!"
"During the hug? Yup!" The other judge pointed out before dropping down to her knees dramatically with a clenched fist. "It was the epitome of a romantic scene! Something straight out of a movie!"
"Hold on! What are you say-" The audience then voiced out their dissatisfaction, completely cutting off Maiko's chance to respond.
"This world's too cruel! I want to have a boyfriend like yours!"
"Someone who is a hunk and can cook? You're cheating Ninomiya-san!"
"It's unfair to the rest of us that you have someone like him!"
As the crowd continues on Maiko thought about the comments they were making.
'They do have a point, he is pretty cute and handsome, he definitely knows how to cook- What am I saying?!' The girl shook her head, trying to remove the thoughts and blush as one of the judges came up to her with envelope in hand.
"Let's forget about them for a sec. It was unanimous. We all enjoyed Otohiro-kun's dish and he deserved the cash prize. We're just upset that he is already taken." She then poked her with the envelope before winking. "You got yourself a nice catch Ninomiya-san."
"Wait a minute! Futaba-kun isn't-"
"What's with that racket." Said boy came into the aisle visibly exhausted from his talk with Neiko.
"Ahh nothing Futaba-kun we were just talking with your girlfriend here."
"G-Girlfriend?!"
The judge nodded before giving him the envelope. "Not only that but I'm here to give you the grand prize of 55,000 yen. Congrats."
"Uhh thanks. But wait a second. Ninomiya isn't-" He was cut off when the said girl grabbed his hand and dragged him away from the girls. "Hey! What're-"
"Forget it Futaba-kun! They're not going to listen!"
They disappeared from sight and as soon as they did the judge addresses the girls reassuring them about the duo that left.
"Ladies! He's single!"
"""""WHAT!"""""
"I'm surprised any of you didn't notice. If they were really together then they wouldn't have to resort calling each other their surnames. The hug, sure it's a possibility but I'm not too convinced on how real their relationship is. So cross your fingers girls..."
They did.
"And hope that he isn't taken."
"Ninomiya?"
"Yeah?"
"Your hand." The girl looked down to see her hand firmly grasping his after they left the store clearly embarrassed from the people there. An identical situation but the position is switched.
"Sorry."
She released his hand before looking down on the floor, rubbing her elbow not knowing the fact that the girl unconsciously grabbed his hand. Otohiro tried to calm his blush while ripping the envelope open to see the check and saw another piece of paper inside. It had numbers.
Phone numbers.
He felt a glare hitting the back of his head. The boy saw Maiko, her blush dissipating but she had a minor frown.
"You're such a playboy Futaba-kun." Said the pinkette. The boy turned his head away while hiding the check and phone numbers in his backpack.
"What? You want to be apart of this?"
"Like hell!" Maiko punched the blonde at the dumb question. However they laughed. There's no negativity here. The two proceeded to joke around while walking to which unknown to the Futaba boy they were heading to the girl's house.
"Well this is it. Thanks again Ninomiya. It means a lot that we get to hang out like this." He said while scratching his head.
"Yeah, no problem. I mean we're technically friends at this point right?"
"Right. I'll see you tomorrow Ninomiya. Good night."
"Good night Futaba-kun."
Waving each other farewell Maiko went inside her house to see surprisingly her mother sitting down on the living room.
"I'm home."
"Welcome back Mai-chan. It took you a while to get a carton of milk hasn't it?"
Said girl opened her eyes in shock right after a tinge of pink formed on her cheeks. "Umm... Well..."
"You don't need to explain it hun." Her mother's smile turned into a teasing grin. "After all it's great to see that you have a certain someone to keep you company while on the streets.
"H-Huh?! What do you mean by that?!"
"I mean you and that cute, blonde boyfriend of yours Mai-chan~"
Not again. "Wait a minute! He's-"
"Oh it takes me back when I was your age! Hanging around this late, walking back home together. It's all too similar a scene when me and your father started dating."
"Mom!"
"I can just imagine your children in the near future!" She sighed before imagining the perfect of her grandchildren. "So cute! They look just like you and your hubby!"
Maiko had enough. She tried to explain but to no avail.
To hell with just "Explaining."
"HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND!"
She finally got it out.
"Oto-kun! What took you so long!"
"I was busy."
"That doesn't mean you can ignore my calls and messages!"
"Says you. I don't have to respond you know."
*sniff* "That's horrible to say Oto-kun. You'll make Nee-chan cry.
"Whatever. I'm going to bed so leave me alone."
"What about dinner Oto-kun! I'm hungry!"
"There's leftovers in the fridge."
The boy made his way upstairs to the bathroom, locking it so that his sister won't have any bright ideas. Loosening his tie and removing his shirt he carefully caressed the black and blue spots marred on his body. Opening one of the cabinet drawers he pulled out a few packs and left it on the side. After washing himself he grabbed the cold to the touch items before going to room to rest with the addition of putting the ice packs on where the bruises are. Groaning by the stinging touch Otohiro tried his best to ignore it while also falling asleep at the same time.
"Damn."
Tomorrow.
"Good morning Futaba-kun."
"Morning Ninomiya."
The two met again before the first hour of school started. They started to talk and make jokes once the introductions were done. A positive atmosphere was seen between the duo. The time they reached their classrooms the teacher so they resumed conversations not knowing that they were seen by other students who were mildly amazed to see the outcast and stone cold girl talking to each other like they were the best of friends. They agreed, disagreed, laughed and sometimes pout. All and all it was a normal sight to see.
"Well, what do we have here~?" A female voice straining itself from being furious.
It was Neiko and though she was smiling she is one unhappy girl.
"Ne, Oto-kun? Exactly what is going on here?" The boy in question merely responded in a nervous manner.
"Uhh... We're just talking Nee-chan... Nothing more."
"Really? Nothing more?"
"Really Neiko! We're just talking!" Maiko spoke up in his defense.
"Mai-chan! I told you I won't let you date him!"
"Date him?! I told you we were just talking!"
"I should've seen this coming! Since you're super cute it must've made Oto-kun fall for you!"
"Are you even listening to me?! Cut it out with your stupid delusions!"
Between the two arguing Otohiro took the word "Date" into deep consideration. He looked to the Ninomiya girl and it made him point out the positives about her besides the casual talking. She's cute, pretty with a killer body to boot.
"I wouldn't mind dating her." He said out loud.
"I'm sorry, what was that? I can't quite hear you~?"
The boy clasped his mouth as he burned in embarrassment along with the girl he was mentioning.
"Nothing..." He murmured but the damage was dealt. An angrier than before sister and her flustered friend. Underneath it all however he was true to his word.
He wouldn't mind being her boyfriend.
"Otohiro-kun you dummy..." Maiko also murmured out loud before shaking her head on how she said his name. 'Otohiro-kun?! What am I saying?!'
In between the two steam pouring, red faced individuals the older Futaba sister was stuck between being sad and angry at the two being friendly (or in her case infatuated) with one another.
She didn't like that.
Not one bit.