Disclaimer: Hikaru no Go belongs to Hotta Yumi and Obata Takeshi. They are not mine by any stretch of imagination.
A/N: this is my first HnG fanfic. I've read the entire series, extras, character book and all. If there's anything incorrect it's probably because I haven't watched the anime.
A Hikaru no Go fanfiction:
Eavesdropping…kinda
The two of them are seated in the hallway, both taking deep breaths. Those who do not live within the Go world probably won't understand. The two inseis are yet entrapped by the gripping intensity of their game, the intensity in the eyes of their opponent.
Oka's hair covers his face as he rests, arms on knees and head bent. Shouji sits with his head against the wall behind him. Both of them with newfound respect and admiration towards their opponents. Both with renewed passion for Go. Both with fresh determination to become a Pro.
After Kosemura walked on to interview the games, the two of them talked since there was still plenty of time before the second round began. They talked…no, they argued about the games they've just played, unaware of the two people approaching.
"How was it?" asks Hikaru.
"What kind of question is that?" Akira replies with indifference.
"Your opponent is an insei you know, don't be that critical of him"
"Our game is next, you shouldn't be so relaxed if you don't want to be crushed."
"Why shouldn't I be? I'm going to win!" Hikaru childishly sticks out his tongue and Akira shakes his head. Some things just don't change.
"Oh, damn it. Do you have change for a note Akira? I didn't bring coins for a drink."
"Yes, I think I do, how much –"
The two rivals stop when they hear voices from around the corner… Very loud voices from around the corner and recognise them as the insei they just played.
"NO WAY! HE'S INCREDIBLE! I'M SURE HE'LL WIN!" shouts one voice which Hikaru recognises as Oka and Akira likewise recognises the other as Shouji.
"TOUYA-SAN IS THE BEST! HE'S SURE TO WIN!"
Akira's eyes widen as he hears his name, he is used to compliments and flattery from both fans and the press. But to be praised by someone who isn't saying it to your face, saying it when they don't know you're listening… there is a huge difference. It is genuine.
"SHINDO-SAN WON'T LOSE! YOU HAVEN'T PLAYED HIM SO YOU WOULDN'T KNOW!"
It is Hikaru's turn to blush. Although he has also received many praises they are usually from people he knows and is familiar with. Akira is the one who's always flattered by strangers, not him.
The two pros listen for a while longer, still deciding whether they should still get the drink they had wanted. It would mean interrupting the two insei conversation and probably embarrass all four of them.
"I'll definitely pass the Pro exam this year! And after that I'm gonna enter the Hokuto cup and represent Japan!" declared Shouji.
"You're only the 16th!" says Oka.
"But I'll become stronger! And I WILL pass! I WILL! Just you watch!"
"Yeah, you're right. I'm going to work harder too. I won't lose to you Mr. 16th place!"
Hikaru smiles as he recognises a part of himself in Shouji and turns to see Akira with a similar expression on his face.
They turn. Both silently agreeing that it isn't worth getting a drink. Both take a deep breath as they prepare for a battle on top of the Goban against their rival. They will try harder too, those two will be watching. Those two who will also likely become their rivals too someday.
The two of them sit at their designated table and prepare to take yet another step towards the hand of God.