Summer Break

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Chapter Four: Clement Leader

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"What do you mean 'be our temporary captain'?" Kasamatsu asked, his tone demanding. He narrowed his eyes as he surveyed the group before him.

They all looked at one another before Katou sighed. "Truth is just before school went on break, we had a practice match. It was against a rival team; and their team's captain injured ours."

Kasamatsu stared, recalling something similar happening back where he lived. He scowled, but remained silent so the glasses-wearing teenager could continue.

"Now our captain is in the hospital, still recovering. We didn't want to do it without him but he told us to find a replacement captain in the meantime while he recovers." Katou took his glasses off, wiping a slight smudge off with his t-shirt. "So," The brown haired teen put his glasses back on, eyes locking onto Kasamatsu's. "Will you still join us?"

Kasamatsu sighed, lowering his gaze. "I already said I would. I won't go back on my word." He felt a twinge of guilt flood his veins but pushed the feeling away and instead looked among his apparent new 'teammates'.

"Yes!" Akira pumped his fist in the air, nearly hitting Katou in the process. Katou glared at him while he sheepishly smiled back.

Kasamatsu just watched with a raised brow before shaking his head. "You remind me of my team back home." He mumbled, smiling lightly at the thought of all his friends.

Akira blinked and grinned, "I get that a lot." The blond stated, rolling his short sleeves up until it reached his shoulders. "Anyway, wanna go a round?" He asked, smirking.

Kasamatsu stared at him before sharing his smirk. "I guess it couldn't hurt." Kasamatsu replied. Akira dribbled the ball but a second later it was kicked away by Koizumi. "Hey!" Akira pouted, straitening up as he poked at Koizumi's arm. "What's the big deal?"

Koizumi continued with his nonchalant stare before looking away from Akira, more specifically, at Kasamatsu. "Shouldn't we discuss other matters?"
"Like?" Akira pressed, motioning for Koizumi to further explain himself.

"Oh!" The rest of the group turned their heads to Kohaku. "Like-... Like maybe what size you are!"

Silence fell over them before Akira started laughing. "Kohaku, you dirty-"

"N- Not like that!" Kohaku burst out, waving his hands around wildly as red flushed across his cheeks, matching his hair color. Akira patted his back in apology, waiting for him to continue. "A- Anyway... What I mean was tell us your clothing sizes."

"Oh, I see!" Akira grinned.

"We need to get you a uniform." Katou nodded slowly, drifting off into thought. "Actually, I think I have one that may fit you... I'll bright it here tomorrow, for our first official day of training together as a team." The brown haired boy smiled. "But, don't worry; it'll just be for now until we order another one that'll have your name on it."

Kasamatsu nodded his reply and didn't say anything further. He remained silent, content with listening to the group talk about their uniforms.

"You'll like them!" Akira turned to him, pulling him into the loop.

Kasamatsu blinked and tilted his head. "What?" He asked because he hadn't heard him the first time.

"I said; you'll like them. The uniforms." Akira chuckled, clarifying what he had said. "Their purple and gold. Pretty majestic, if you ask me."

"You don't know what that means." Katou rolled his eyes. Akira shrugged, sticking his tongue out.

"I know it's awesome." He replied. "Anyway, 'dunno if you'll like the name, though..."

Kasamatsu narrowed his eyes as he listened to Akira trail off. "What do you mean?" He asked.

Akira hummed in response. "I guess just because it's a bit on the girly side."

"Captain's older sister picked it out for us!" Kohaku furthered Akira's explanation with a bright smile. "I like it." He replied. "It's different and more fun than just having your school's name sprawled across your chest."

"So, what is it?" All this talk about their neighborhood team name got Kasamatsu curious and slightly irritated that they hadn't mentioned it by now.

"Sand Cats." Katou answered, smiling.

"... Seriously?"

Akira nodded enthusiastically, "They're real. And oh-so-adorable. You should check them out when you get back home!" He said.

"I'll... be sure to do just that." Kasamatsu offered, nodding slowly. The name was rather interesting, but hey, who was he to complain?

Akira grinned in response as he casually propped his arm on Kohaku's shoulder, using the red head as a leaning tool. "So, 'Cap, what should we do now?"

Kasamatsu raised his eyebrow, "... What do you mean?" He asked.

"I mean, what do we- ngkh!" The blond was silenced by Katou lightly smacked him across the head. Akira pouted but remained quiet as Katou adjusted his glasses.

"You can go home now, if you want. Our first day will start tomorrow." He supplied. Kasamatsu nodded. "Just meet us here tomorrow, same time."

"Alright." Kasamatsu agreed. "I guess I'll see you all tomorrow then." He raised his hand in a goodbye wave and spun around, ready to head back home.

"See you later, Alligator! Sweet dreams!" Akira called, waving both his hands enthusiastically. "Be sure to eat your breakfast and stretch after your ba- OW!" Kasamatsu snorted in amusement, shaking his head.

He left the park and continued on his way home, thinking about the recent events. He's just been here for a couple days and he already had plans for the entire summer.

Kasamatsu smiled, thinking that he should see what his team is up to. 'They better be doing their training. Coach didn't get the key to the gym for us to use this summer for nothing.' He thought.

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Kasamatsu. Do you know how much I love you? *shot* Of course you don't. TuT;

Well, anyway, Sand Cats ARE real. Seriously. They are nearly the same size as house-cats but look more wild and adorable. Take Akira's advice and go look them up! :D

~WinterAssassin~