~*Will to Change*~
'How do I always get into these situations?' Kanika whined to herself as she hid in the bushes.
It was supposed to be a simple errand. Run to the store real quick and get some more tape as well as drinks for the game. Kanika had insisted on going by herself. Not wanting to distract any of the players from the match. The coach didn't predict this game being too difficult. He was even considering letting the nonstarters get some time should Kaijo pull far enough ahead. Kanika wanted everyone to focus on the match. Now she was wishing she'd brought at least one guy with her.
"She's around here somewhere." A male voice growled. Kanika tried to make herself even smaller as she recalled what had led to this situation.
Kanika had taken off without asking the coach for a little extra money. Only realizing when she was close to the store that she had nothing. Old habits had risen within her and she'd ended up swindling a couple of guys out of their cash. What she hadn't expected was for them to track her halfway to the school where the game was supposed to take place. Thus, is how she ended up in a bush hiding for her life.
'I think they're gone.' Kanika let out the breath she'd been holding in once things grew quiet. Venturing out of her bush as she slowly tiptoed down the street.
"Hey there she is!" A male voice hollered. Scaring the girl as she picked up the pace. Turning the corner and slamming into something hard. Knocking her flat on her ass.
"Ow…" Kanika muttered. Holding her nose as she looked up. "I don't remember there being a wall here."
"Ha?" The poor raven haired girl's face turned beat red. Staring down at her with a bored expression was none other than Aomine Daiki.
"Huh? Is that a Kaijo warm up suit?" Momoi chimed. Peeking out from behind the tall boy. "Dai-chan did you knock her over?"
"She ran into me." Aomine defended as Momoi knelt down to try and help the poor petrified thing up.
"Found you." Snickers rang out as Kanika quickly scrambled around behind Momoi. Shaking like a leaf as Momoi looked from Kanika to the guys.
"Shame on you for picking on a defenseless girl." Momoi chastised as the guys pointed at Kanika.
"She stole all our money!" One accused as Kanika ducked her head.
"She swindled it from us during a card game!" The other one growled as Momoi giggled.
"Well then that's your fault for being easily tricked now isn't it?" She said sweetly as the two guys only got angrier.
"Why you!"
One threatened as he stepped towards Momoi. In a flash, Aomine cut him off. Grabbing the guy by his collar and raising him off the ground with ease. His buddy just looking on in fear as the one fought against Aomine's vice like grip. No words were said as Aomine gave him an icy glare. Dropping the guy hard as his buddy ran over. Picking him up with ease before taking off with their tails between their legs.
"Are you okay?" Momoi asked. Helping the girl up as Kanika nodded. Shifting her pale blue eyes from the pink haired girl to Aomine. "Don't mind him. He can be a bit scary but is otherwise harmless."
"Oi!" Aomine snapped at his friend.
"T-Thank you!" Kanika stuttered. Bowing quickly before rushing towards the gym. Knowing that the others were probably wondering where she was.
Kanika spared one last glance back. Doing her best to memorize the face of the boy who'd saved her. Another blush rose to her face as she ducked into the gym. Coming to a stop and leaning against the wall. Unable to calm her racing heart. The guy had an aura of danger around him. Kanika knew guys like him were nothing but trouble. She'd be willing to bet he went around picking fights just to stifle his boredom. The guy was more than likely a delinquent. So why couldn't she get him out of her head?
'No! I will not act like a girl from some manga! I will not crush on some guy just because he saved me!' Kanika shook her head. Doing her best to put the incident from her mind. She could worry about this latest turn of events later. She had a job to do now.
Kanika composed herself before entering the gym. A few of the guys' faces lighting up when they saw her. Kanika gave them a small wave as she made her way over. Going to work on taping up the ankle of the player that had been waiting for her to return from her errand. Once he was set he gave her a thumbs up before heading on to the court. Kanika was glad she was finally used to being around the guys. It made her job as manager/trainer easier to do now since she wasn't left a blushing mess in front of them anymore. The girl spared a look to where sounds of squabbling could be heard. Kise was whining and Mira was chewing him out as usual. Kanika couldn't help but wonder if she'd still be the scared little mouse she used to be if she hadn't met Mira. The loud girl pulling her out of her shell little by little. Kanika couldn't help but giggle at the irony of her situation. She had only joined Mira on the team to help her, never expecting Mira to do so much for her in return.
"For the last damn time I'm fine!" Mira growled. Shooting a glare at Kise who quickly ducked behind Hayawaka
"Captain help me out here!" Kise whined. Not wanting to receive another beating from the girl.
"Kise has a point for once West-chan. We can handle this game without you this time. Let your hand rest and heal." Nakamura tried to reason with the girl as she arched a brow at him.
Mira turned and chunked the ball at the goal. Hitting the backboard just right and sinking the ball. She turned back to the two who just stared at her dumbfounded. Unsure of how they should argue with her now. Kanika watched as Kise reached out and grabbed her wrist. Holding up her hand to show blood spots on the bandages. Trying to argue his point once again as Mira quickly clonked him over the head. It wasn't long before Hayawaka stepped in. Picking Mira up and manually moving her off the court. For some reason he was the only one asides from Kanika who could talk any sense into the girl.
"Finally forced you to relax huh?" Kanika giggled as she took Mira's hand. Already having prepared the bandages beforehand.
"It's not like my hand even hurts." Mira pouted. Facing away as Kanika cleaned out her hand.
"Amazing. I didn't know anyone but Dai-chan could shoot like that." Momoi called out from the observation deck above. Surprising the two girls as Kanika froze. Recognizing the girl.
"Momocchi. What are you doing here?" Kise called out. A smile breaking across his face as he jogged over to his friends. Holding the ball he'd been using on his hip.
"We came to watch." Momoi smiled. Looking to Aomine who was keeping his eyes on Mira.
"Oi, girl. Was that shot pure luck?" Aomine called out. Keeping those cool navy eyes on the crimson haired girl. A small bit of curiosity in them since he'd watched Mira throw the ball and make a basket earlier during her spat with Kise.
"Did it look like it?" Mira smarted off. Narrowing her eyes in annoyance as Aomine clearly didn't believe her. "It's already happening Kise. I told you so."
"Y-You're just imaging things." Kise tried to laugh off as Momoi looked to Kanika for an explanation since the other two were in another bickering match.
"Mira wants to play today to prove a point to the other teams that are questioning her abilities. Like h-him." Kanika motioned to Aomine briefly. Avoiding eye contact with the boy as she swallowed hard before continuing. "She recently hurt her knuckles and now Kise-senpai is against letting her play. It's the current debate with the captain and coach as to whether she'll be allowed to play today."
"You don't need to play." Kise said firmly. For once trying to put his foot down with the girl as Mira stood up. Holding his gaze easily as she looked up at him.
"Either I play or I find another wall." Mira spoke calmly. "I'm still antsy from the other night. I need to work out this pent up energy one way or another. Take your pick."
Kise gritted his teeth. Hating how Mira could manipulate him. Reluctantly he turned his back and went to talk to the coach. Mira couldn't help the sly smirk that slid on to her lips. Watching as Kise managed to convince the coach in to letting her in the game. Kise held up two fingers. Meaning that Mira would get two quarters to play. The red head would take what she could get. The buzzer sounded off as the starters for each team headed out on to the floor.
Kanika braced herself for what was to come. The whispers, the stares, the jeers, and everything else that was directed at Kaijo. All because they had a girl starting. The starters ignored it. Too busy trying to keep Mira from wanting to slug Kise who was being over protective yet again. But those on the bench couldn't help but want to duck their heads. Hating all the negativity they were getting right off the back even before the game had started. Kanika did her best to keep her head high. Knowing that Mira would shut everyone up once they saw her play.
"I guess this was to be expected." Momoi muttered. Pushing off the railing and standing straight up as Kanika glanced back at them. Ready to defend her friend's honor should they bad mouth her.
"This should be interesting." Aomine grinned. Moving to take a seat as Momoi questioned her friend.
_._._
Kanika couldn't help but feel a bit smug as she cleaned up the bench. Looking around the gym to see eyes still wide at Mira's performance. Even though she'd only played half the game, the girl did not disappoint. Easily blowing by her opponents and showing why she was a Kaijo starter. Mira didn't even have to resort to using her left hand. Sticking to shooting purely with the right. Working with her teammates to effectively shut down the nay sayers. All while wearing that smirk on her face. Still beaming from where she'd sat on the bench for the second half. Kanika giggled as she opened up the treats she'd prepared beforehand for the team.
"This looks better than what you make Satsuki." Aomine drawled, pressing up against Kanika and reaching over her shoulder to grab a lemon slice soaked in honey.
"Aah!" Kanika screamed. Snapping the lid shut as she darted away from the boy.
"Dai-chan! You can't just take something like that. You scared the poor girl." Momoi chastised. Walking over to the still nervous Kanika who was starting to turn red.
"Kanika are you okay?!" Mira called out. Rushing out of the locker room and to her side.
The shy girl merely pointed to Aomine who was just finishing off the lemon slice. The red head spared one look at Aomine before turning to Kanika and rubbing the girl's head in an effort to calm her down. Leaving the other two curious as to what exactly was going on.
"She doesn't handle guys very well. Poor thing just got used to being around the team. He must've surprised her. Been awhile since I last saw her mouse mode." Mira grinned. Feeling Kanika glare at her as she remained hidden behind her friend.
"I apologize for my friend. He's always lacked in manners." Momoi smiled kindly as Kanika. Ignoring the daggers that Aomine was shooting at her with his eyes.
"It's okay." Mira shrugged. Confusing Momoi as Mira pointed at the tall boy. "Aomine Daiki right? I knew who you were the minute I saw you. My cousin's description of you is spot on. Tall, dark, has a pissed off look on his face, walks around thinking he's hot shit. Favorite line is 'The only one who can beat me is me.' Right?" Mira snickered as Aomine stepped up.
"And just who is your cousin?" He growled.
"Kagami Taiga." The red head giggled. Knowing that she was going to hear it from Kagami later. But not before he heard it from his rival first. Sure enough, Aomine pulled out his phone and began furiously txting someone, even though the others had a pretty good guess of who it was.
"Oh, there you two are." Kise called out. Joining the group as Mira nudged Kanika towards the team. Motioning to the lemons in her hands as the girl got the idea.
Kanika spared a glance over her shoulder. Watching as the other four bantered playfully. Mira teased Aomine about something, Kise tried to break it up, which resulted in the two of them turning on the poor boy, and causing the two to look at each other before laughing. Naturally the talk turned to the game which Aomine began to quiz Mira about some of her shots. Allowing them to find common ground in the fact that they were both street ballers. Kanika envied her friend. Wishing she could be more like the girl. To have more confidence in herself. To be able to just talk carefree with others around her. Especially with boys. Hating how she just clammed up at the sight of an unfamiliar male, turning almost as crimson as Mira's hair.
"You looked like you were having fun." Kanika smiled as Mira walked over to join her friend.
"Not every day I meet a street baller. I told him we have to have a match once my hand is healed. Till then I'll settle for the next time him and my cousin go at it. It'll be good for laughs." Mira snickered. Already picturing the two hot heads going at it. "Huh? Kanika what's wrong?"
The raven haired girl shook her head. Doing her best to keep a smile on her face. Mira didn't know why she tried to fool her. She reached out and latched on to Kanika's wrist. Making sure to have a firm hold as she drug her friend away from the others. Not stopping for anything as they headed outside. Once she felt they were far enough away, Mira released the hold she'd had on Kanika and turned. Cornering the girl as her eyes narrowed in irritation.
"Talk." Mira commanded in English. Meaning that she wasn't playing around.
"Nothing's wrong. Really." Kanika replied back in English. Doing her best to placate her friend.
"Liar." Mira hissed.
She kicked the wall beside Kanika. Using the old school yard bully routine in order to get the truth from her friend. Kanika remained silent though, averting her gaze from Mira so that she couldn't see the truth in her eyes. But Mira had that one skill that allowed her to adapt to any situation around her. Even off the court. She was able to read the air. Her anger slowly dying down as Mira leaned over. Catching Kanika's eyes before she could close them. It was a look she'd seen many times over.
"So that's why you're being silent. It's that again huh?" Mira asked as she clonked Kanika over the head.
"Ow! What was that for?" The busty girl whined. Tears in her eyes as she looked at Mira. A kind smile on her face.
"Hating yourself and wishing that you were someone else isn't going to help you. You have to make the conscious decision to change and improve. As far as I can tell, you're already heading in the right direction." Mira grinned. Ignoring the annoyed look Kanika was giving her.
"Easy for you to say." She moped. Rubbing the sore spot as Mira turned and leaned against the spot beside Kanika.
"It is because I had to go through the same thing. I'm not like Kise. I wasn't blessed with all kinds of natural talent. I had to make the decision to get stronger and improve myself. There were plenty of times I wanted to quit or give up. But then I'd remember who I used to be and that pushed me forward. I swore to myself that I wouldn't go back to that person. Change isn't easy. But the results are worth it in the end." Mira said. Glancing over to her friend who could just stare. "Besides, if you start slacking you have me to whip you back into shape!"
"Thanks…" Kanika muttered sarcastically. The two sharing a look before they busted out laughing.
Kanika knew that Mira was right. She had to want to change. She couldn't just allow herself to feel enviable about someone just because they could do something she couldn't. Especially when it was within her power to do the same thing. Kanika slapped her cheeks. Reaffirming herself before looking towards Mira. Receiving an encouraging nod from the girl as they turned to head back in the gym with the others. Slamming into something fleshy and firm in the process as she looked up to see who it was.
"Aah!" Kanika squeaked. Ducking behind Mira once again as the red head and Aomine both watched the girl in her attempt to hide.
"Aomine! What did you do this time?" Momoi chastised as Mira shook her head.
"Baby steps Kanika. Baby steps." She called out to her friend softly. Feeling Kanika nodded into her back as an amused smile crossed Mira's lips.
Hey guys sorry for taking so long. I had to take a small hiatus due to some health issues. It's taken a bit but I'm finally somewhat back to normal and should hopefully be able to get back to my usual schedule.
Anyways this was a Kanika chapter. I wanted to give you all a small peak into how she thinks and feels. Especially when it comes to having someone like Mira as a friend when the two are polar opposites. I gotta say she's a fun character to write. I normally don't like the quiet mousy types but she is growing on me. I am grateful to my friend CoolCat for lending her to me for this story.
