Chapter Four:
Tangled Destinies
...
Everything happens for a reason. Nothing in this world is a product of a mere coincidence. When a person comes into your life, they either stubbornly stay or quickly go, but not without leaving a footprint. No matter how long or short the time you spent with them, they'd leave you with something. It may be a big and life-changing lesson or a little reminder the Gods from above wanted you to learn through those people.
And I was lucky, to have my Senpai-tachi and a lot of other people as my God-sent 'Teachers'.
...
Kirihara was slumped on the floor in front of his television, his back resting against the side of his bed that was covered with a blue sheet. It's been half an hour since the movie started, but his forest green orbs were not focused on the anime playing on the screen. He didn't even bother watch or pop a piece of his snack into his mouth. The boy just sat there with a faraway expression on his face, the remote placed carelessly on his lap. And because he was absorbed in his thoughts, Kirihara didn't hear the clicking of his doorknob nor did he notice his mom entering with a frown on her face.
"Akaya, you're wasting your time again with that."
Jumping in slight surprise, the seaweed head snapped his head to the direction of the voice with wide eyes. "Ah, 'Kaa-san!"
His mom continued to reprimand him, her green eyes (which he inherited) disapproving and her hands firmly on her waist, "You need to stop watching T.V. and read more."
Read? Fine. So the seaweed head raised the remote and turned on the 'subtitles' then shifted back his gaze to the screen with a glum look. He can read just fine, he doesn't need those trashy English books. Why the heck does he even have to learn that language? They're in Japan!
His mom looked indignant and huffed in annoyance. Her son is sweet and all, but when it comes to his study habits and hobbies, she can't help but be irritated. He should be reading a book, not spending away his time watching some cartoons. And his room, it's really a mess!
"If you don't want to study, then just go clean your room!"
The seaweed head made a petulant pout, obviously not in the mood to argue nor clean his room, "But this is MY room."
"And this is my house!"
"Then you go clean it."
His mom glared at him for a moment, but afterwards, sighed heavily and approached her son. Of course, she can feel it. She's his MOM, after all. The moment he came back from school with a strange glaze in his usually bright eyes, she knew something's not right. And the untouched bowl of snack is enough to prove that. The lad's usually talkative whenever he gets home, whining about this and that or boasting happily about what he did at the Tennis club, and it usually ends with the phrase, 'I'll beat those monsters someday!', but today, he's eerily silent. She eyed him carefully and sat on the soft bed behind the raven-haired boy.
"Okay, what's the matter, Akaya?", her voice became soft, knowing that shouting won't get her anywhere. She reached out and gently placed a hand on her son's head, her gaze one of genuine motherly concern. "Is there something wrong?"
Kirihara blinked and glanced at her, noticing the sudden change in her tone. And when his orbs finally caught sight of her face, he felt guilty. She was looking at him with that same expression she wears whenever she comes to his room and checks if he's already asleep (oftentimes, he's still awake and only pretends to be sleeping). Then she walks to him and gives him a kiss on his forehead. He didn't know what to call that look though, but it really made him feel good.
He talked back yet here she is, being patient with him. And the guilt in his chest worsened. The boy slowly shook his head and averted his green eyes. He did something wrong, something irreversible. Hell, he made a baby!
"Akaya..", his mom gave him a small smile and ruffled his black, curly hair. "Are you sure? You can tell me anything."
Nope, he can't. Again, he shook his head vigorously and gulped. His mom raised a brow as she saw his face. It's how he looks like whenever he does something bad. Like when she caught him stealing from the cookie jar when he was a kid. She wondered what happened to him, but she can feel that he's not prepared to tell her yet. Guess she'll have to wait. So the woman rose and moved to go out the door.
"Just tell me once you're up to it, okay? I'm not used to seeing you like that." She stepped out, but then halted, "But it doesn't excuse you from cleaning your room, Akaya", then she closed the door shut behind her.
The boy felt like crap. He felt guilty because he did something that will very much disappoint his parents. For sure, they'll be angry with him.
But.. he's a Kirihara. He shouldn't just sulk in a corner and pity himself. What's done is done, no sense to regret it over and over again. There must be something he can do! Right! Nodding approvingly to himself, he got up and reached for his phone.
If he's going to be a father, he should at least know who the mother is, ne? So the seaweed head heaved a deep, calming breath and started to dial a number: Yanagi's. After the third ring, his Senpai picked it up and spoke.
"Akaya, it's a good thing you called. My data didn't predict this though.. Anyway, I have something to tell-.."
"I NEED YOUR HELP, SENPAI!"
...
"Hello?", Shiraishi muttered inquisitively, quite intrigued by the voice on the other line. It was soft and meek, and he can tell that the one who answered is a girl.. Wait, a girl? He doesn't remember calling any girl today aside from his younger sister, Yukari. So, why is her number on the list of his 'dialed numbers'?
"H-Hai. Ano.."
Definitely a girl. Then how did-.. Oh right, Osamu-sensei borrowed his phone earlier. Didn't he call the coach of Seigaku? But as far as he knows, the coach is already.. old, no offense meant to her. So her voice shouldn't be this young. Who is this, then?
"..T-This is Ryuzaki Sumire's phone..", he heard her speak in that sweet tone of hers, "I'm her g-granddaughter. M-My Obaa-chan is not available at the.. m-moment."
Sou ka, so she's the granddaughter of the Dragon coach? Whoa, this is a surprise. The old coach is known for her wise coaching skills, scary demeanor and thunderous voice. To think that she has a granddaughter who seems to be her opposite.. Really, the younger Ryuzaki sounds nice and her voice is pleasing to the ears. Oh well, he should apologize for what Gabriel did.
He issued his pet a scolding look as he gave the girl a response, "Ah, gomen. Sorry for disturbing, I didn't mean to call-.. it's just, Gabriel accidentally redialed your grandmother's number, you see." Shaking his head, he broke into a fond smile. He can't really get angry with the adorable creature. Gabriel is just too damn irresistible.
"Eh? I-It's fine.." A pause. "G-Gabriel?"
"Yes, my beetle."
The girl on the other line didn't answer and the handsome lad blinked in confusion. But as he repeated his own words in his mind, he realized he sounded like some weirdo. A beetle calling someone? It must be hard to imagine but these things DO happen. It's not the first time Gabriel did something like this, so he's used to it. But to other people, it must be baffling.
Shiraishi opened his mouth, intending on revising what he said when soft giggles reached his hearing. It was child-like and there was a queer kind of innocence in it, that he suddenly felt like laughing at himself too instead of being offended.
"A-A beetle?", she sounded genuinely surprised and he can sense that she was smiling excitedly. There was a hint of interest and awe in her voice too. "How?"
Chuckling sheepishly, he beamed lovingly at his pet, "Gabriel got out of his house. I don't know how though, he has his ways. He always does this whenever he has the chance. And he accidentally called other people before too." He smiled as the endearing memory flashed in his mind.
"That's amazing.. G-Gabriel-chan is amazing!"
Gabriel-chan? This girl's cute.
"He is, isn't he?", he winked charmingly at the small creature on his palm. "He's one smart beetle. And adorable too." The lad can't help but feel proud, like a parent, whenever Gabriel is the subject of a conversation. The little cutie even defeated King of Satan, Atobe Keigo's beetle, in a competition. It was a glorious day. "He's won a few contests himself."
"S-Sugoi!", the soft voice chirped with unfeigned amazement. And it made Shiraishi glad, knowing that there are other people out there who can sincerely appreciate beetles too. And a girl. Oftentimes, the girls at his school would only talk to him about Gabriel to impress him, plastering fake expressions of astonishment. He hates it when they do that, practically throwing themselves at a guy. Others.. would look bored as soon as he talks about his pet. And the worst part is, the others would be weirded out or scared to touch Gabriel. This girl had no reason to impress him, she doesn't even know he's Shiraishi Kuranosuke. "I-I never had a pet beetle before and I've never seen one do something like that. Did.. you train him?"
And they continued to chat, forgetting the fact that they don't even know each other's names. Shiraishi, although it was unusual for him to talk to someone he doesn't even know over the phone, talked on and on, as his love for beetles got perked by the girl.
...
"A girl?", repeated Yanagi, just making sure if he was hearing him right. This sort of thing never happened before, and he hadn't noticed their Kouhai paying any attention to any particular girl, so why is he so interested to know about this girl he's asking him about? Kirihara utterly defied his data! He should ask the others about this.
"Yeah! Uh, she has.. umm, braids! They're really, really, really long! And her hair is kinda light reddish mixed with brown-.."
Yanagi raised a brow, his usually closed eyes threatening to open, "Auburn?"
"Right! And.. her eyes are so brown too! And big! And.. And.."
"And?", the older Rikkai regular prompted gently.
"Her uniform is not like ours! So she must be from another school! Do you know anyone who visited our school today? Ne? Ne, Yanagi-senpai?"
Auburn? An outsider? An image vividly came to the Master's mind and puzzlement crossed his features. How did the boy know about her? Yanagi had a bad feeling about this. Should he tell him the answer? Well, the boy came to him for help. As a Senpai, he shouldn't deprive him of something that seemed so important to him. Telling him a name couldn't possibly get him into trouble, could it?
There was a short silence as Kirihara eagerly waited for the answer. And finally..
"Yes. There were approximately nine outsiders today but one of them fits your descriptions. Seiichi told me about this girl who came to deliver a letter. She even saved Genichirou from humiliation. Long auburn braids, brown eyes and a different uniform.. I believe her name is Ryuzaki Sakuno. She's from Seigaku."
Ryuzaki Sakuno? Seigaku? Kirihara can't believe his luck, he knows who she is now, and he even found out about her school. He has a lead! He knew he could count on his Senpai!
"Akaya, by the way, there's something I have to say-.."
"Thanks, Senpai!", and Kirihara wrapped up their conversation, his mind already skyrocketing to the air with his brilliant idea. He's going to solve this on his own. Damn right, he will! He knew what his Senpai-tachi would tell him once they find out, he can just imagine it!
'Be a man and suck it up!', that would probably be Niou-senpai or Marui-senpai.
'Do what you think is best..', his Buchou, Yanagi-senpai and Jackal-senpai are the ones most likely to say that to him.
'Take responsibility for your actions!', Fukubuchou and Yagyuu-senpai would chew him up with their codes and such.
So he's going to do just that. He'll face the consequences like a man and take responsibility for what he did. He's not a coward. Yup, his Senpai-tachi will be surprised when they see how mature he is in facing this crisis.
Tomorrow morning, he will go to Seigaku and meet the mother of his baby!
...
Shiraishi replied with a big smile, his greyish brown orbs bright, "I taught him other tricks as well. He's a fast learner!"
"R-Really? It's really possible to teach them?"
"Of course!", there was amusement in the handsome lad's voice. "He can get past an obstacle course as long as there's protein jelly. And-.."
"Sakuno! Can you come over and help me for a second?", another loud voice interrupted him and the girl, who was apparently named Sakuno, answered in affirmative before talking to him again.
"E-Eto, I'm really sorry but Obaa-chan needs me. Ano.. it was nice talking to you! And-.."
"Sakuno!", the other voice called again in urgency.
"H-Hai, Obaa-chan!", the girl said. Obaa-chan? It's Ryuzaki-sensei? Figures. "Gabriel-chan is really amazing. Ah.. I gotta go now. Have a pleasant night!"
"Oh, you too..-", but the auburn head abruptly ended the call.
Shiraishi was a little disappointed. He was having quite an unexpectedly good chat with her about Gabriel. He didn't thought he'll talk to her about anything, just a simple apology and then he'd say goodbye. It was nice to talk with a potential beetle enthusiast, who didn't have an ulterior motive unlike other girls. But it was a little odd though that she didn't seem bothered by the fact that she was talking to a stranger. And she didn't even ask his name. Maybe it's because she got excited when he told her about Gabriel and it slipped her mind. Or maybe it's just in her nature.
Nevertheless, it was an interesting conversation. And honestly, Shiraishi's quite curious about this Ryuzaki Sakuno girl. Nothing special, just sheer curiosity.
"Oi, Gabriel, what were you thinking.. calling a random number, ne?", he placed the beetle back unto the glass case, and it crawled into a pile of leaves as soon as its feet touched the bottom. "You could've gotten me into trouble. What if it was Ryuzaki-sensei who answered the phone? It would surely be embarrassing. I can't just tell her a beetle called her." But then his features brightened as he swept a hand through his wet light-brown hair, "Luckily, that soft-spoken girl was the one who got the call.. Sakuno. She's really interested in you."
Shiraishi wondered if he'll be able to talk to her again if ever he dials the coach's number. It would've been nice to have someone to talk to about his Gabriel and other stuff. She seemed like a good listener too, which is exactly what he needs after a long day from school, since he's always the one listening to his teammates argue, Koharu and Yuuji's declarations of love and/or breakups, Zaizen's tactless comments, Kintarou's loud exclamations, Kenya's endless bragging, and many more. He'll always be the one to manage them, comfort them or most recently, be their referee. It's a wonder how he puts up with all of them. It would've been really nice to be able to talk about these with someone.. And the good part is she doesn't know him. So she'll have no pretense whatsoever. He felt that she was sincere and honest, so befriending her won't be a bad idea.
...
Niou's steel blue eyes continued to stare unblinkingly at the screen of his phone, his legs lazily propped up on the black couch he's sitting on. It was odd, that he couldn't seem to tear his gaze away from it. He still couldn't think of a reason why, but he didn't really care. He just liked looking at it.
"Haru! Can you turn on the oven?", his mom shouted from her room. She probably wanted to re-heat the food since his dad's gonna arrive home any minute now.
The silver-haired lad sat up and answered back with a grin playing on his lips, "Puri. Mom, I've done everything I can but the oven simply does not find me sexually attractive!"
"HARU!"
"Alright, alright..", the lad rolled his eyes and glanced at the screen again, before reluctantly closing it and putting it on the table. He took a picture of Sakuno just before getting off the bus and since then indulged himself with it. But even without the actual picture (that he titled 'Kitten') in front of him, he can still see her clearly because the image of her wearing that large, white shirt, his scarf wrapped around her delicate neck and her auburn hair laid beautifully over her shoulders as she sleeps.. got imprinted on his mind, every detail precisely etched. The only problem now is that it got stuck there and he knew there'll be no way to get that image out of his head.
...
Sakuno prepared for bed early. She was feeling quite tired and her pillow was beckoning her enticingly. Laying her head on the soft object, her mind replayed everything that happened and a smile tugged on her pink lips. Hyotei, Rikkai and that accidental phone call. It's incredible how so many unexpected things occurred in just one day.
Her hand reached for the scarf on her bedside table and held it close to her. She didn't know why but it had a certain something that comforted her, a feeling of serenity. And as she closed her brown orbs to sleep, one more thought came to her mind: It was fun. But she missed Seigaku.
"Achoo!"
Oh, geez.
...
...
The morning breeze tossed Tezuka's brown fringes playfully as the lad strode his way to school. His spectacles shone as the rays of the rising sun hit it. Breathing deeply, he closed his eyes for a bit as he felt the warm sunshine gracing his face. The front of his black uniform jacket moved as he breathes, and from afar, he looked really peaceful.
"O-Ohayou gozaimasu, Tezuka-senpai."
And his brown eyes flashed open. How did he not notice..? Slowly, his gaze went to the auburn-haired girl walking a few steps away from him and when their eyes met, he curtly nodded to her before fixing his eyes in front of him again. It's not often that she goes to school early so he didn't thought he'll be able to walk with her today. The only times he'd walk with her was after school.
Walking home with her had been an unconscious habit. It all started at the first day of school this year. But on the first two months, she rarely noticed him because he'd always make it a point to walk a few feet behind her, so as not to make her feel uncomfortable. There are times she'd see him and of course, she'd courteously acknowledge the captain, as usual, with her hands fidgeting uneasily. But on the third month, she got used to walking the same pace as him and on the fourth month, it seemed like she didn't mind his stoic silence and even became comfortable with it. They'd walk together in quietude and tranquility, but there'd still be a polite distance between them. Good thing that the others didn't know about it or it'll just spread another senseless gossip.
It was not much, but the bespectacled lad was content with it, at least he'd still be able to be in her presence and see to her safety. It was fine with him, as long as he can still have a glimpse of her warm smile. It was a small bliss that he greatly appreciated, although he won't admit it nor show it openly.
But.. it all changed when she started meeting up with Fuji after practice. He'd see her waiting for the prodigy outside of the clubhouse and then they'd walk off to the brunette's residence. The two would stroll away.. and he could only do nothing but watch. It was hard, but his usual facade was enough to conceal it.
It's been a while since Tezuka and Sakuno last walked together, so seeing her again on the same road as him was quite a surprise. A pleasant surprise. Once again, his brown eyes turned to her discreetly. She's smiling softly to herself, her auburn braids dancing behind her cutely.. and it pleased him.
She hadn't changed a bit.
His gaze lingered on her longer than he intended to, but he tore it away before she can even notice. They continued to go on their way, neither trying to initiate a conversation because they didn't feel the need to do so. Green leaves fell from the trees and a flock of white birds soared across the blue sky, adding more to the beauty of the moment. They just enjoyed the comfortable silence and walked.. but it was all shattered when a sneeze came from the auburn head that made the taller figure whip his head to her.
...
Shitenhouji..
Shiraishi sauntered towards the clubhouse, and thinking that he must be the first one to arrive (as usual), fished the keys from his back pocket and made a move to unlock the door when he noticed that the door was slightly ajar. Strange, he knows that he locked it yesterday before leaving. Not only that, the lights inside are on too! The Shitenhouji Buchou is always the earliest to come to practice (he hates tardiness A LOT) and the last one to exit the door everyday. And he's the only one who has a spare key aside from their coach, so who got here before him?
Slowly, he grabbed the knob and pushed it open, his greyish brown orbs alert. But when he stepped inside and searched for whoever is in there, he found no one. Okay, this is strange. What the heck's..-
"Are you sneaking up on me, Kura-rin~?"
A voice sounded behind the door, and it honestly made his skin crawl. So he quickly whirled around and was welcomed by the unholy sight of Koharu wearing nothing but a pink towel around him and his glasses. Dear God.
"W-What are you doing here? And.. why are you only in a towel..?", Shiraishi looked horrified, appalled and simply.. bewildered. He took a step back, just in case Koharu does something funny. Or violating. Or any of the two. And he strongly wished Hitoji wasn't around because JESUS CHRIST, THIS IS THEIR CLUBHOUSE! THAT WILL BE BRAINSCAR AT ITS FINEST!
"Well, I was in the middle of changing my uniform when I heard someone coming so of course, I had to cover myself!", Koharu indignantly replied with his usual girly voice. And he sounded like a girl with PMS. But then his lips curled into a sly smile and he added suggestively, with matching wiggly eyebrows, "Or would you like to see me naked, ne Kura-rin~?"
"Don't make me hurt you."
The Gay genius pouted exaggeratedly, "Okay, fine. You don't know what you're missing though~.."
Shiraishi just gave him a blank stare before sighing exasperatedly. Then he placed his Tennis bag on a chair, went to his locker and opened it, all the while shaking his head at the other boy's antics. Koharu chuckled and also went to his own locker.
"I'm just kidding. You know I'm faithfully devoted to Yuu-kun~"
"I thought you two broke up yesterday?"
"Nah, he can't live without me. So I can't possibly date you, no matter how much you want to, Kura-rin~.."
"Will you please stop that?"
"And..", Koharu suddenly dropped the towel (which made Shiraishi twitch), revealing that he was already wearing his shorts then he took his light-green and yellow jersey from the locker and wore it over his head. "I know you have someone else~", the other half of the Baka pair giggled, his glasses glinting evilly.
Turning his head to the boy, Shiraishi furrowed his brows and pointed to himself with his index finger, "I do?"
Koharu nodded sagely, then placed a hand on his chin and offered, "Would you like me to remind you?", and without waiting for his Buchou's assent, he started, "Yesterday night, 9:27 p.m., in your room, Kabu-chan escaped from his house and crawled over to your phone, redialing an unknown number in the process. And you came just in time with a towel on, fresh from the shower. Before you can even end the unintended call, someone answered it, a young girl named Ryuzaki Sakuno and soon after, the two of you chatted like old friends." He panted for breath for a second, then continued, "Ryuzaki Sakuno is the granddaughter of the Seigaku Boys' Tennis Club's coach, Ryuzaki Sumire. She is a student of Seigaku, thirteen years old, a member of the Girls' Tennis Club, its unofficial cheering squad and the Music club. A classmate of Echizen Ryoma and a fan of him as well. Her grades are average and her appearance is.. well, she's cute. Auburn hair, brown eyes, petite but also known for her poor sense of direction. When she was seven years old, there was a group of kids who would always make fun of her, but luckily there's this cute little boy who.."
While Koharu kept on reciting the facts he knew about the said girl, Shiraishi's eyes were slowly widening in shock and disbelief. Not because of the enormous amount of data the Gay genius has but because of the realization that suddenly dawned on him. How in the world did Koharu find out about the phone call, Gabriel's escapade and most of all, how did he know that HE WAS ONLY WEARING A DARN TOWEL AND THAT HE JUST HAD A DARN SHOWER WHEN THAT HAPPENED?
Oh damn. Not again.
His face turned into a deathly shade of white and he felt a shiver race down his spine, "W-Were you spying on me again? What the heck, did you put a hidden camera in my room or something, how did you know all that? Didn't I tell you not to do that again?! I was only in a towel.. A TOWEL!"
His teammates are good people. But sometimes, they just give him the creeps.
"Of course not! How dare you accuse me, Kura-rin?", Koharu said in retaliation, "I was just.. gathering some data..", when Shiraishi glared at him, he added, "No cameras, I swear."
"Then how did you know?", the Bible's voice was calmer this time.
"I have my ways, like Kabu-chan..~", the Gay genius tapped his temple, his glasses gleaming brightly. "But, we're not talking about that. We're talking about you having someone in your life."
Shiraishi released a weary sigh, "I don't even know her. And it was just an accidental phone call." He has a feeling that this is one of Koharu's dating schemes, and perhaps, the Gay genius deliberately came early to wait for him because he knows that Shiraishi will arrive early as well. Koharu already tried to set him up with a lot of girls before, but nothing worked. No, he won't fall for this.
"So? You liked talking to her, didn't you?", Koharu smirked knowingly and sat on a chair in front of the window, "It doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to court her, but it'll be really nice to have someone to talk to, right? After a long and tiring day from school.. It's great to chat with someone who won't scream their lungs out at you and hit on you just because you're popular and handsome. It's not everyday you'd find someone who'll talk to you the way she did, so honest and sincere, and not every girl likes Kabu-chan."
The Buchou just rubbed the back of his head and darted his gaze to his locker, but he was still listening.
"It's fun to have a phonepal, it's like having a talking diary. You can say whatever you want and you won't feel conscious. You won't be judged because the two of you don't know each other personally. And the best thing is, your diary can talk back." Koharu subtly studied his friend, trying to see if his persuasion powers are working.
"Look, I don't even have her number-.."
"No prob. Here!", the Gay genius sprang up and whipped something from his locker, then raised it for Shiraishi to see. It was a paper with a mobile number and the name 'Ryuzaki Sakuno' scribbled on it. He stepped towards the Bible and placed it in his pocket. "Give it a shot, okay?", then he moved away and briefly glanced at his wristwatch. "The others should be here in a couple of minutes."
The light-brown haired lad just blinked in confusion, then he lowered his head and saw the other end of the paper peeking through his pocket. It's quite amazing how Koharu can do that. But then again, although he's all play and jokes, Shiraishi has to remember that Koharu is a Data master, a worse stalker than Inui Sadaharu and Mizuki Hajime combined.
Should he.. try it? He hadn't had a phonepal before and.. well, he's not familiar with the way having a phonepal works. It could be fun.. So, should he?
"Oh, right.. How did you get in here, by the way?", the Buchou asked just before the other boy could exit the clubhouse.
"I told you already. I have my ways~..", and Koharu winked flirtatiously at him before leaving to meet Hitoji who just arrived.
Shiraishi noted that he should check every single corner in his room for any hidden camera, recorder or transmitter. Koharu wouldn't go as far as wire-tapping, would he? God, he can never be too sure.
...
"What was that about?", asked Hitoji, his eyes suspicious, as soon as Koharu got to him, his hands on his back. Uh-oh, he knows that gesture. Koharu's up to something. Again.
His lover just smiled gleefully and glanced at the door of the clubhouse, where Shiraishi was still standing with a thoughtful look on his handsome features, "I just.. gave Kura-rin a little push."
"Is this what you were talking about last night over the phone? The phonecall he had? So you really are going to set him up with that girl?", the blue-haired regular slightly frowned as he fingered his hair away from his face, "I've already lost count of the number of times you failed. Don't you learn? He's just not into that sort of stuff right now. You gotta stop playing cupid, Koharu."
"But it's perfect! Don't you see, Yuu-kun? It's destiny! Kabu-chan made a way for them to meet! Kura-rin enjoyed talking to her, and that rarely happens! Sooo romantic! To think that they met over an accidental call because of a beetle? Kawaii~!", the Gay genius sighed dreamily as he adjusted his glasses, then he looked up into the sky dramatically.
"Kabu-chan didn't know what he was doing..-"
"Exactly my point!"
"And you're dragging Yukari-chan into this. What if Shiraishi finds out that you're making his own sister spy on him? Or if he discovers that spy bug you made her put inside Kabu-chan's house?"
"That's a part of my plan!", Koharu argued, stubbornly crossing his arms, "Even if he does find out, he will never get angry with her! This is really perfect, I'm telling you. I know Kura-rin. He doesn't like girls who hit on him, he wants to be the one doing the chasing, the courting and all. Old-fashioned, I must say. But in a place like this where the majority of the female population are his fangirls who would go after him like dogs with rabies, it's hard to find Ms. Right. That Ryuzaki girl doesn't know him so I bet she's genuine, she's a great candidate! He can at least give it a try, na? She likes Gabriel, so it's a plus! It's about time he finds himself a girlfriend. He'd been so busy with taming us, this is the least we can do."
The headband-wearing lad spoke flatly, "This is going to fail."
"No, it won't!"
"It will."
"Do you really wanna break up with me?"
"So do you need my help in this plan of yours?"
Koharu giggled triumphantly. "I knew you'd come to your senses."
Shaking his head in defeat, Hitoji just moved to casually drape an arm over Koharu's shoulder. But his ears then caught something and he sighed. "But there's still a little problem with your plan."
"What~?"
And all of a sudden, a redhead ran right in the middle of the Baka pair, separating them comically and into the clubhouse, yelling, "SHIRAISHIIIIIIII! KENYA CONFIRMED WHAT YOU SAID! HIS COUSIN REALLY IS A SUPERHEROOOO! HE WEARS HIS BRIEFS OUTSIDE HIS CLOTHES LIKE SUPERMAN!"
Being a dataman, the Gay genius knew who Onigiri-hime really is, but he didn't give it much importance since he was too immersed in finding a girl for the Buchou. Now that he just realized the situation, Koharu's glasses lost its glint (although the word BRIEFS piqued his attention and he wondered what the freshman is talking about). "Oh right."
"Does Shirashi know that the Ryuzaki girl and Onigiri-hime are one and the same?"
"..He saw Onigiri-hime personally but he didn't know her true name.."
"What will you do then?"
"..."
"Oi?"
"Kin-chan can't possibly have a crush on her, can he?", Koharu hopefully gazed at Hitoji, "I mean.. he's still too childish and all. Tennis and food are his only priorities. Him having a crush on a girl will alter the foundations of logic."
Hitoji just shrugged, unsure of what to say. But honestly, there was a voice inside of him saying that there's a big chance that Koharu is wrong (it rarely happens though). And.. seeing how lively and happy the boy is, he didn't want to see Kintarou's heart be crushed this early in his life. Especially, not in the hands of his captain, Shiraishi.
...
Something strange occurred to Sakuno today. And her brain is still trying to comprehend what really happened. She knew the Seigaku captain was kind, it's obvious in the way he cares for his teammates. But what she didn't expect is for his kindness to extend to her.
The first time she realized that the both of them walks the same road to and from school, it was awkward. She didn't know what to do and how to act. Fortunately, the older lad didn't seem to notice her because he'd walk behind her with a good distance between them. He won't even look up and for that, the auburn head was thankful. She just feels so nervous whenever the stoic Buchou is around.
But after a few days, she decided that she can't continue on pretending that he's not there. So one day, she went to him and gave him a polite greeting. And when it was over, she came to the realization that it isn't as hard as she thought. Tezuka-senpai won't bite, there's nothing to feel worried about. And because she didn't want the Buchou to think that she's ignoring him or being disrespectful, on the days that followed, she tried to walk beside him. Not really 'beside' because of course, she has to maintain the distance. He's not a talker, absolutely not. So it was uncomfortable at first but then she eventually got used to it, even to the point where she found it nice. Sakuno soon got accustomed to his silence.
She began to like strolling with him, because first, he's quiet and walking with a quiet person makes her appreciate their surroundings.. the birds, sky, trees, flowers and all. Walking in peaceful silence gives her time to think of anything and just inhale the fresh air given by the trees around them. Also, Sakuno liked the sense of safety and calmness he radiates. It's like nothing bad will happen as long as he's around.
That's why Sakuno woke up early today. She knew that she won't be able to walk home with Tezuka today, so she opted to walk to school with him instead. That way, she'd still be able to have a stroll with the respected lad. Because honestly, she missed walking with the brown-haired Buchou. It was odd to miss something like that, but she guessed it must be because she just got too used to him.
Sakuno pressed the soft fabric of the handkerchief between her dainty fingers. Tezuka held it out to her after she sneezed awhile ago. She was so red-faced and embarrassed! And she just had to forget to bring her handkerchief. But then a folded light-blue handkerchief came to her vision and when she raised her head, Tezuka was in front of her. There was no scrutiny in his brown eyes, but just plain concern and.. an odd warmth. But even though it was something she rarely sees, she didn't feel uncomfortable. It actually made her feel better as something akin to familiarity tugged at her. It's as if she'd seen it somewhere.
She then realized the Buchou is not as cold and unfeeling as everyone thought.
Once again, the girl lifted it to her face and took a whiff of its scent. It was so fragrant and it strangely smelled like cherry blossoms. Sakuno have always liked cherry blossoms.
...
Seigaku..
Fuji's lips curled into a serene smile when he saw Sakuno's petite form from a distance, walking to the gates of Seigaku. His brunette strands swayed gracefully as he raised his arm to give her a wave. He was actually waiting for her to arrive, so he opted to wait outside the school. But when his cerulean blue orbs spotted someone walking beside the auburn head, he stopped midway and stared.
Seeing Sakuno and Tezuka together made him feel odd.
"Sakuno-chan! Where were you yesterday, nya? I brought Daigoro-kun yesterday for you! Didn't you want to see him?", and the Seigaku tennis acrobat, who just came as well, bounced his way to the two and glomped the auburn head from behind. Fuji's smile momentarily fell, but he quickly plastered it back.
Seems like he doesn't like seeing Sakuno and Kikumaru together too.
The girl let out a surprised squeak and her chocolate brown eyes amplified in surprise. "Ah, K-Kikumaru-senpai! Ano.. gomenasai!", came her timid and startled reply. He noticed, if there's one thing Kikumaru and Sakuno have in common, it's their child-like personalities.
Kikumaru leaned away a bit, a cheeky grin forming on his lips, "Nya, don't mind! I brought him again today! But you'll have to make it up to me, ne?", then he glomped her again, tighter this time. And because of that, he missed the pointed look Tezuka sent him. Since Echizen left, Sakuno took his place and became the redhead's life-sized huggable bear.
Fuji certainly didn't like what he was seeing. Is it the National Glomping Day today or something? If it is, then he should have his turn to hug her too. And his smile widened a bit.
"M-Make it up to you? H-How?", Sakuno's doe brown orbs blinked in confusion, which only made the redhead want to squeeze her more. She's so much like his teddybears at home!
"Let's go to that newly-opened shop near the street tennis courts, nya!", Kikumaru started, and the brunette Tensai knew it's time for him to get his 'Tutor/Student' back. "The one we saw last week! They have a variety of stuffed toys and teddybears there! Oishi said he was busy so can you go there with me after school?", the half of the Golden pair rested his chin on her shoulder and sent her a 'kicked' puppy dog look, which is a lot more powerful than just a 'normal' puppy dog look. And Sakuno knew she can never refuse her Senpai with him looking like..-
"I'm sorry, Eiji. But I'm afraid Sakuno and I have a date later after school. Don't we, Sakuno?", Fuji interrupted, his smile as charming as ever and his voice smooth as he purposefully glided towards them. Tezuka subtly darted his brown eyes to him, of course, Fuji's casual use of Sakuno's name didn't escape his notice. While Kikumaru looked like someone just announced that Christmas got cancelled because someone killed Santa.
Sakuno's blood rushed to her face and she stammered in shock, "D-D-Date?!", which made Fuji chuckle warmly. He likes it when she blushes, especially if HE is the reason why her face reddens.
"Yes. Saa.. Have you forgotten? We have a date in my house."
House? Then Sakuno realized what he was talking about, "Date..- Oh." Of course, she should've already gotten used to the Tensai's teasing and strange kind of humor. Silly her, why would the Tensai even go to a 'real date' with her? "R-Right", she sent Kikumaru (who was still glued to her back) an apologetic gaze, "Eto.. F-Fuji-senpai and I have a baking and piano lesson today."
It's been a month since they made a deal. Sakuno will teach Fuji how to bake while Fuji will help her improve her piano-playing skills. The Tensai wanted to learn for his brother, so he asked the girl for help. They made progress, and now Sakuno can play a whole piece without getting confused while the brunette can bake raspberry pies.. with wasabi cream.
"So you can't come with me?", another 'kicked' puppy dog look that made Sakuno want to coo words of comfort. "Oi, Fujiko-chan, let me borrow her for a while, nya! No one wants to go with me, even Momo said that he can't come. Why are you all being so mean, nya?"
Fuji didn't know if he should feel pity, amusement or irritation. Tezuka, on the other hand, knew where this is going.
"D-Demo, I can go with you some other time, Kikumaru-senpai." Sakuno nodded her head in assurance. How come a boy can give a more effective puppy dog look than her? Life isn't fair.
"You promise, nya?"
"H-Hai!"
"Then it's a date!"
Fuji's blue eyes flashed open while Tezuka felt the vein on his forehead twitch.
"E-Eh?!"
"Just kidding, just kidding! I can never do that to Ochibi, he's the one meant for you, nya! I'm just your self-appointed body guard who will keep you safe from those unworthy boys until Ochibi comes back!", Kikumaru winked as he detached himself from her.
"Young love! Oh, the beauty of young love!", Momo sauntered to them with a goofy smile, his hands steadying his bicycle. "Ohayou, Tezuka-buchou, Fuji-senpai and Eiji-senpai. You too, Sakuno-chan!", and that's when the others realized that the number of students arriving are increasing.
"We should go." Tezuka started to stride away and the rest followed. Behind him, he can vaguely hear Kikumaru and Momo's oaths to never let any boy come close to her, Sakuno's incoherent stammering and Fuji's less-than-amused chuckles.
Another normal day at Seigaku.
"SAKUNOOOO!", a shrill voice boomed and made everyone turn. "QUICK! TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY IN HYOTE-..", Tomoka froze as she realized that they were all staring at her and that she almost said it aloud. Oh no, she's dead.
"T-Tomo-chan!", Sakuno stuttered out, her complexion suddenly pale. She hastily gazed at the boys and bowed deeply, "Ano.. I-I'm going!", then she scampered away and pulled her friend by the wrist.
There was only one word that registered in Tezuka, Fuji, Momo and Kikumaru's minds: Hyotei. What was she doing in Hyotei?
...
Rikkai..
Seven regulars stepped out of the clubhouse, all of them already wearing their yellow and black Tennis uniforms, prepared for today's training. But obviously, there's someone missing.
"Where's Akaya?", asked the blue-haired Captain who was scanning the whole of the grounds with his ocean blue eyes. It was significantly more quiet. And although he'd like that, he knows something insane is bound to happen sooner or later. There's no such thing as peace and quiet in Rikkaidai.
The others told them that they have no idea either. But then, Yanagi, who was looking pensive since he arrived, spoke in inquiry, "Does Akaya..", everyone turned to look at him and he continued, "..have someone he likes? Is there something you know..", and he found it hard to utter the next words, "..that I don't know?"
His teammates would've snorted. Yanagi not knowing? That's unthinkable. Unfathomable. And the Bratling liking someone aside from Tennis and arcade? Utterly impossible. But then, something echoed in Sanada's mind and he snapped his head to Yanagi.
'We made a baby..'
Oh, Kami.
"Renji.."
"What is it, Genichirou?"
"..He said he made a baby."
Everyone fell silent, even Yukimura. But all of a sudden, manic laughter erupted and Marui bursted out, "How can he make a baby when he doesn't even know how to?!", and he placed a hand on Jackal's shoulder to steady himself. The Brazilian and the Trickster were finding it hard to control their laughter too. Yagyuu just pushed his glasses up but he, like them, found the notion ridiculous as well.
"But I thought you told him about it yesterday?", the Datamaster's eyes were once again revealed. This is NOT in his DATA and he's really getting frustrated.
"Well, we tried to. But he suddenly ran away like a sissy. We didn't even get to the actual process!He just..", Niou shook his head to stop himself from cackling, "..screamed!"
Yukimura looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "What exactly did you say to him?"
"That a boy and a girl starts it off by getting intimate, or foreplay.. like hugging. After that, he just got crazy."
Something's not right, the Buchou thought. Why would Kirihara react like that? Then he remembered something.
'Kirihara-senpai?! You saw him making-out?!'
And when he approached those first years and asked them, they said they were not sure and that one of them just saw Kirihara HUGGING a girl under a tree. A girl who didn't seem to be a student of Rikkaidai. But if he can remember correctly, Marui said that he found the boy under a tree yesterday and that he just overslept.
That's when everything clicked into place in Yukimura's mind.
"He didn't make a baby..", he murmured with a thoughtful expression, "He just THOUGHT he made a baby.." His conclusion got the others to shut their mouths and he added, "By hugging."
"Whoa, wait, he thought he made a baby by what?", Niou scoffed, "How stupid can he get?"
The capped Fukubuchou pinched the bridge of his nose, irked by the stupidity of the situation. The glucose-lover appeared like he was going to burst laughing again while his doubles partner sent him a look of warning. The Gentleman just sighed in slight exasperation. Why can't his teammates be like normal human beings? Why do they have to be so difficult? He is thoroughly puzzled.
"I am thoroughly puzzled..", Yagyuu said.
Comprehension lit Yanagi's face, "Oh, that must be the reason of his unexpected inquiry last night." When the Child of God gave him a look that says he wants further elaboration, he said, "He called me last night and asked me about a girl. That girl is possibly the one he thought he impregnated."
Niou sniggered as he flicked his rat-tail, "And who is this unfortunate girl he made a baby with?"
"Ryuzaki Sakuno of Seigaku."
And the snickers instantly died down. Sanada, Niou and Yagyuu simultaneously looked at him with various expressions and levels of surprise and disbelief. What the hell did he just say..?
Before they can even speak to ask for confirmation, Yanagi added, "And if it really is her, there's an 87.095% probability that he's on his way now to Seigaku. And if we don't go after him, Ryuzaki-sensei will definitely beat him to a pulp."
...
Usually, Kirihara would fall asleep while riding a bus. But today, he can get himself to even take a nap. That's how nervous he is. He'd been mentally practicing what he'll say once he sees her, calming himself and chanting that he can do it.
He didn't know being a father will be this nerve-wracking. So the boy decided, that she will be the only one he will make a baby with. Hmm.. So, does that mean he'll have to marry her? Damn it, he's confused.
...
Hyotei..
Gakuto eyed the silver-haired lad intently as he sat on a bench. He can't help but notice that the said boy had been pacing around anxiously, thinking to himself. After a few seconds, Ootori would look up with a face that seems to say 'Eureka!', but he'd quickly change his expression, like what he thought was a flop, then he's back to pacing again. It's like watching a Tennis match with the boy as the ball.
Finally, the red-haired senior can hold it no longer and he turned to Shishido who was sitting beside him (he would've talked to Oshitari who was standing not far from them but the bespectacled boy is currently having a conversation on the phone with his cousin). "What's with him?", then he gestured towards Ootori's general direction. "It's like he's nervous or something. If I didn't know any better, I'd assume he has a girlfriend."
"A girlfriend? Are you joking?", Shishido adjusted his newly-bought cap, "He can't even talk about love without going all red in the face. Try asking him about it and he'll get fidgety. He's impossible."
Gakuto opened his mouth to respond but then Atobe came to them with a grave aura. So the redhead knitted his brows and spoke, "Oi, Atobe, what's the problem this time?", while Shishido emitted a sound of annoyance. Why did Gakuto even had to ask?
"It's Beat..", the Diva replied with a theatrical, heavy sigh, "The doctor said that he has once again fallen into depression and Ore-sama is worried. Ore-sama should've just brought him here again."
"And I am glad you didn't!", the capped Dash specialist crowed.
Atobe narrowed his grey eyes at him. "No one cares about your needs, Shishido. Ore-sama is more concerned with what he can do to alleviate Beat's agony." The other lad hotly glared at him but he just ignored it and folded his arms. Now, what can he do? "Kabaji, any suggestions?"
"Usu?", the Gentle giant tried.
"He's gone mental..", Gakuto mouthed and Shishido nodded in agreement. They both jumped to their feet and decided that running laps is more worthy of their time than hearing about the arrogant boy's dog crisis. Oshitari, who overheard what they were talking about, decided to leave as well.
"That's brilliant, Kabaji!", the Hyotei Buchou praised his friend, "Absolutely brilliant. Beat was happy yesterday.. and it's because of that girl! She can help Beat!"
"Usu."
"Splendid idea." Atobe made a grandiose motion towards Kabaji, "She made a promise, didn't she? So she shall fulfill it." He paused for effect, then smirked haughtily, "Prepare, Kabaji. We will pay Seigaku a visit."
While Ootori, who was still pacing back and forth, kept uttering about "Ribbon.." and "How can I give it back..?"
...
Shitenhouji..
"Your captain's obsessing over a dog?", Kenya inserted a hand into his pocket as he sniggered, "What a looney."
"Look who's talking. Your captain's in love with beetles. He's no better."
"Oi, he never tells us to be awed by his prowess!", the Speedstar retorted fiercely.
"Yes. He just openly exclaims about ECSTACY. I'm surprised no one has accused him yet of being a drug-dealer." The bluenette sounded so cool and collected, it grated on his nerves.
"I hate you."
"You do? But I heard you missed me."
"W-What? Where did you hear that kind of false rumor?"
"For your information, we do have our own Dataman. His name's Taki Haginosuke, not that popular but his sources are reliable." Then Kenya heard a chuckle from the other line, that he suddenly felt the urge to smack the Hyotei Tensai with a newspaper. "You must be so miserable without me."
"Oh, yeah." Kenya sarcastically muttered, "I feel so miserable without you, it's almost like having you here."
"Very funny. How long did you come up with that? Must've took you all night. But I actually feel the same. When I'm lonely, I just think of you. Then I'm content to be alone again."
"I'd rather throw a puppy to a wood chipper than talk to you anymore." Yuushi chuckled again and Kenya fumed, "Good riddance!", and he ended the call. That effin' bastard!
"Dorks..", Zaizen commented with a smirk. "You guys miss each other but everytime you talk, you bicker like girls. And most of the time, he outsmarts you. You fail in life, Senpai."
Kenya's patience (and sanity) snapped.
"YOU BRAT!"
"KENYA, OOOOOOOI! DON'T! HE'S JUST A KID!"
"I'M GOING TO KILL HIM!"
...
Seigaku..
Sakuno sneezed again as she made her way to her locker. It's been an hour now since the morning practice ended. The school bell rang, marking the end of the first period and she'll be late for the next one if she doesn't get her book fast. Hurriedly, she unlocked it and made a move to reach for her Japanese history book when something caught her eye. Her hand, instead of grabbing the book, took the envelope that seemed out of place there. It's not hers, so someone must've slipped it through the small gap on her locker.
Wondering who could've left it there for her, she opened it and peered inside. And boy, was she surprised to see a couple of small tablets for flu and a little note saying: 'Get well.'
Her chocolate brown orbs swiftly roamed around, searching for someone.. anyone.. who could've given it to her but there was no one there aside from her.
...
Tezuka returned to his seat just in time for second period. It's a good thing that the school nurse quickly gave him what he asked for. He can finally focus his attention on the lesson now that his worries are gone.
...
Kirihara took a very, very deep breath. This is it. It's now or never. So he stepped forward and into the gates of Seishun Gakuen to find the mother of his baby. Unbeknownst to him, hell will break loose on this fated day.
…
TBC
...
Sneak peek for a future chapter:
Yukimura's blue gaze became intense as he got closer to her, his finely-chiseled lips twisted into a mystic smile. Sakuno instinctively stepped back, uncertainty showing in her chocolate brown orbs. She didn't know why, but she suddenly felt cold fear slither into her. How can someone who looked so immaculate and beautifully handsome instill that kind of heart-stopping fear?
The auburn-haired girl felt the wall behind her and she knew she has no way to escape. Seeing her predicament, the Rikkai captain chuckled. Then he tilted his head innocently and spoke in his usual pleasant tone, "You were not supposed to know about that, Ryuzaki-san." His ethereal smile widened, "And because of that..", his voice sounded almost like a whisper, "I'll have to silence you."
...
A/N: Thank you for bearing with me and for the continuous support for this unworthy story. Haha. What's the verdict for this chapter? Is it okay? Please do leave a review, guys! It's like my energy pills. The more reviews, the more I get inspired. And if you have suggestions or requests, feel free to tell me.
Short, huh? I'm sorry, but it's kinda the prologue for the next chain of events. And I'm sorta busy, school's being a hassle and the exams are draining me. There will be different stories for different boys. Sort of. I bet you guys now have a hint of who Tezuka is in Sakuno's life. If you don't, read it again. I'm sure someone mentioned it. Yes, someone did. And about Yukimura.. Teehee. What do you guys think?
Here's the current poll:
Yukimura Seiichi- 16%
Fuji Syuusuke- 14%
Tezuka Kunimitsu- 13%
Sanada Genichirou- 9%
Shiraishi Kuranosuke- 9%
Kirihara Akaya- 7%
Niou Masaharu- 7%
Atobe Keigo- 6%
Oshitari Yuushi- 4%
Marui Bunta- 4%
Kikumaru Eiji- 3%
Shishido Ryou- 3%
Tooyama Kintarou- 1%
Don't forget to vote! RnR!