Chapter 9- He Shoots! He Scores!
If I owned any aspects of Persona... I just don't
Souji is in my spell-check and I am not risking the Yu, "you" problems that might happen. For those who are not typical students of Yasogami, I made up their ages and if you don't like the ages I decided… well you know my rule about it. I expect ethical respect from my readers, but if you don't want to be a respectful reader; I want you to hit the back button. I hope you enjoy the story because my readers and reviewers are one of the main reasons I write.
P.S.: All sorts of OOC stuff. Persona rules on suffixes #6 Punishment time!
P.P.S.: You are free to give suggestions on pairings or whatever…
P.P.P.S.: Souji is meant to be indecisive (there is a reason, and if you can't figure out why…)
Souji's thoughts
Late Morning- Junes: Two days later
The night after their hide-and-seek game, Souji spent his time both during his dinner prep, and dinner itself trying to apologize to Nanako. She, however, refused to see any reason for him to apologize. He let it go, at least in front of her, so the pair could eat in peace.
His guilt ran through the next day where he had a day alone, away from the Boredom Relief Club. He could not even spend time with his cousin because she went to a friend's house for the day. Souji spent the day reading, and realizing just how bored Nanako must be when she is left home alone almost every day.
Today, he was not alone for the reason that he was woken at seven a.m. and called out to Junes by an impatient Marie. Yet, the last person in the club to arrive and sit down at the covered wooden table was the girl with black and white striped socks and red and black striped gloves.
Souji sat next the far edge of the far side of the table, with only Yosuke on one side, and Chie sitting on the other side. Yukiko was next to Chie and Teddie was sitting next Yukiko. Marie was sitting across from Souji. The black-haired ex-idol had the red-haired ex-idol next to her, and Rise had Naoto and Kanji sitting next to her. It was sunny, humid, and in general… it was very hot. Souji was glad they had a covered table.
Marie had a sort of smug look on her face, seemingly uncaring that she was the last one to arrive. Souji wanted to ask her why she took so long, but someone else questioned her tardiness before he had the opportunity to.
The girl sitting next to Souji, Chie, interrupted the little greetings that were going on between Marie and Rise, "Marie-chan… do you mind telling us why you called us out here so early? Not all of us work here…" Chie looked over to Yosuke and Teddie after her last sentence.
Marie ignored the jibe and answered with a small smile, "I brought all of you together today for something special."
Kanji turned his head slightly and asked, "So, what are we doing toeday?"
"Oh… we're not doing anything today…," Marie smiled. Ignoring grumblings from the other members about being called out without a planned activity, Marie continued unabashed. "I invited you here to tell you about our next activity that is taking place tomorrow."
So ridiculous… What is she planning?
"So… fearless leader…," Yosuke said. "What are we doing tomorrow?"
Marie took a deep breath and pulled out a brochure from a blue bag she had brought with her today. She looked at everyone in turn and asked, "How many of you have played football?"
"Do you mean the sport with touchdowns and tackling people?" Teddie raised an eyebrow.
Marie shook her head, "No… that's American Football… I'm talking about Football, Futbol... you know… Soccer… Let's just call it soccer so no one gets confused."
Soccer? Why is she asking us about that?
"Why do you want to know if we've ever played soccer?" Souji questioned.
Marie slid the brochure out onto the middle of the table. Souji picked it up. It described of a football or soccer tournament taking place at a stop just before Okina City. The first round/match/fixtures started tomorrow around noon. The tournament was a single elimination winner-take-all ninety minute affair. There was a lot of things that seemed off to Souji about this. Souji slid the paper over to Chie and Yukiko so they could read it.
Does she want us to play? There are a few problems if she does…
Souji asked the question that was probably going to come up as soon as everyone finished reading the brochure, "Marie-chan, are you planning on having us play in the tournament?"
Marie nodded, "You bet… we're competing tomorrow… we have the first game…"
"There are a lot of flaws with that plan, Marie-chan," Souji said. "I don't know if this activity is the best idea."
Naoto looked over at Marie and said, "I know I am not the only one in this club who has never played this game. You expect us to play without any experience?"
Marie responded, "Sometimes you have to learn as you go..."
A few members rolled their eyes in response. Souji, however, pointed out a bigger problem, "There is another issue. What about the fact that matches require eleven players, and our club only has nine?"
Marie smirked at Souji, "You'll just have to find two more people for us, okay, Senpai?"
What? I have to find two more people to play for us?
The person sitting next to Marie protested, "Marie… that's not exactly fair for Senpai. He's supposed to find two people to play within a day?"
Marie turned her head ninety degrees to look at Rise, "I know he can do it… there has to be people who are willing to play with us."
Souji shook his head, "Though I'm glad you have such faith in me, Marie-chan… I don't think I know two people who are going to be able play with us."
Actually, I know two people. It's just I really don't want to go play soccer tomorrow.
Marie sent a piercing gaze straight at him, "I'm sure you'll find two people who would jump at the chance to play with Risette and Mariko…"
She's like a broken record… whatever… I just have to shut her up…
"Fine… I'll find two suckers… I mean ringers…," Souji corrected himself.
Marie smiled, "Looking forward to it…"
Yukiko frowned at Marie before giving a sympathetic look to Souji. She held the brochure that had been passed between the group while Souji and Marie had been bantering back and forth. She asked, "Are we meeting at the game site, or the bus stop at the Shopping District?"
Marie waited a second and then answered, "I think we should just meet at the actual field." She smiled. "Well, that's settled. We're all ready to go then…"
Souji interrupted her happy smiles with another thing that Marie had forgotten, "Don't forget to find or buy proper equipment." He looked at Marie as he added. "You know… you'll need proper shoes… shin guards as well." He raised his right hand slightly higher than his waist. "Oh, we might as well wear those ugly Yasogami High gym uniforms as our jerseys because we don't have any other way of matching…"
"I have to wear that ugly thing…," Chie muttered. "We don't have anything we could wear?"
Yosuke chuckled, "It's better than half of the other stuff you wear." He smirked. "Well, would you rather the school have you wear the typical girl's gym uniform? Those ones that make the guys…"
Chie reached around Souji and hit Yosuke on the head, "Idiot…"
"That hurt, Chie!" Yosuke rubbed his head. "I wasn't serious… anyways, if our school had those gym uniforms, Naoto-kun would never attend P.E… not to mention we wouldn't match." He ignored the slight blushes of Naoto and Kanji. "Anyways, I have something important to announce." Yosuke emphasized his usage of the first-person.
Oh… does he finally have his shit together about our trip?
"What is it?" Marie said. "Are you going to announce that you are a huge pervert?"
We already know that…
"No, Marie-chan…," Yosuke rolled his eyes. The fluffy-haired young man gathered himself, cleared his throat, and began, "I am announcing a future trip in a few weeks for our club." Before questions about the trip could be asked, he clarified. "This trip is the most important activity we will have during our vacation, and it will shape our high school experiences."
Get on with it already…
Yosuke continued with rising excitement, "The trip I speak of… is a day trip to Shichiri Beach for swimming, relaxing, and good old fun."
"The beach!?" Rise exclaimed. "Ooh… that sounds like fun!"
Yosuke looked at Teddie and whispered, "Yes! Rise-chan looks excited…"
Yukiko said, "I haven't been to the beach in a long time…"
"Wait a minute, Yosuke…," Chie focused her attention squarely on him. "You aren't organizing this just so you can stare at us in swimsuits, are you?"
Yosuke shook his head profusely, "Of course not! I just thought we could have some fun in a way that has no possibility for punishment." He shrugged. "Besides, it is always so hot out here during the summer."
You better believe he wants to see the girls in skimpy swimsuits…
Marie shut her eyes for a moment, and then looked around. Her eyes eventually locked in on Souji. She said, "I guess it wouldn't be so bad to have some fun in the sun."
Well… most of the people are interested, though I'm waiting for the next issue to appear.
"We have a problem," Chie cut in. "How would we get to Shichiri Beach? Does the bus even stop there?"
Yosuke grinned again, "I have a solution!" He explained. "I am planning on everyone traveling by motor scooters…"
And… waiting for the next problem…
"Scooters?" Chie raised an eyebrow. "You want to go by scooter?"
"Uhh…," Kanji held up his hand. "I know you have to be sixteen and all to get that license. I'm not exactly going to be sixteen by the time of your trip."
"Neither will Teddie," Yosuke said. "He's planning on cycling there. It might take him a few minutes longer, but he'll manage."
Just so he can see the girls in swimsuits…
"Looks like I'll be riding my bike," Kanji shrugged. He added idly, looking at no one in particular. "Not that I mind too much…"
I wonder… if he's talking about…
"Wait…," Marie said. "How do you have any money left? I thought I tricked you out of all of it."
She just blatantly admitted it…
Yosuke, apparently in too good of a mood to deal with the jibe, answered, "I'm taking out a loan for it. This is going to be something we're using more than once…"
Souji tuned out Yosuke's explanation to look at Naoto; she looked uncomfortable at the idea of going to the beach. It was obvious she did not want to be seen in a swimsuit. Souji now understood exactly why Kanji would be willing to ride his bike. The one person Kanji wanted to see in a swimsuit was Naoto. However, Souji had a feeling Naoto would be working on a case that day.
Yosuke looked over to Souji. He had finished talking to the others about his capability of getting a scooter. He proceeded to interrupt Souji's thoughts, "You'll be able to get a scooter, too, right?"
Isn't there a scooter sitting just outside our house? It might be Dojima's…
Souji nodded slowly, "There's a possibility… I have to check…"
Yukiko questioned, "Umm… Yosuke, our inn has a scooter I can borrow, but… how does one get I license?"
Yosuke's smile stayed wide, "It's really easy, Yukiko. There's no driving test. All you have to do is pass a written test and you are ready to go." Yosuke gave a general question. "So, it's all set up for everyone who can to get their licenses and head to the beach?"
There was slight uneasiness from some of the girls and maybe slight excitement from the boys. Before an exclamation of either excitement or anxiety could be given, a female voice called out from behind Yosuke, "Yosuke-kun… can we talk?"
Souji looked past Yosuke to see a slightly taller than average pretty young woman with light blond curly hair wearing a part-time Junes uniform. Her face looked a little tired, but Yosuke looked even more excited than when he was describing the beach trip as he turned around and left his seat to meet her.
Souji commented to the girl next to her, "Chie, who's that?"
"I keep forgetting you just transferred a couple of months ago," Chie said. "That's Saki Konishi. Her family owns a liquor store in the Shopping District, but she works part-time here. I think it's for steady work because helping at the store didn't mean she would be paid."
"I thought it was because she needed money for her six boyfriends," Marie chimed in. After Chie gave the dark-haired ex-idol a dark look, Marie-responded. "Sorry, I have no idea who Saki is…"
Souji shook his head, "Yosuke sure seems excited to see her. Does he have a crush on her or something?"
Chie answered, "Something like that…" She continued. "I am not sure if he ever asked her out, or anything like that. He tries harder around her." Chie rolled her eyes at the end.
She meant that Yosuke tries too hard.
Kanji stood up and said, "I guess I'm going with Rise, Teddie, and Naoto and get some sports gear for tomorrow. I'll see you then."
"See you tomorrow," Souji said. He watched Kanji head with the two girls and one perverted part-timer towards the elevator and the Sporting Goods section. Kanji stayed a step behind Naoto and Rise. Teddie walked right next to Rise, attempting to make small talk.
With five members of the club now gone from the meeting place, Souji prepared to leave himself. Luckily, he had borrowed cleats and shin guards when he was asked to test run the soccer club. He had just "forgotten" to give them back after he decided not to join because he found it boring. It was that and the other members besides the guy who asked him to join were annoying.
Before he could completely stand up and leave, Souji was stopped by Chie who tapped him on the arm. She said somewhat quietly, "Yukiko and I are going to Yomenaido to pick up the driver's guide for scooters. Do you want to go with us?"
Souji was a little surprised at the request. He replied, "Sure… Sounds good…"
Chie, Yukiko, and Souji left their seats and moved around the far side of the table. As he passed the near side, Souji felt a tap from Marie. Yukiko and Chie kept moving as he stopped to see what she wanted. The ex-idol looked slightly nervous compared to before. She had not been listening earlier, or she had not heard Chie's question. She said in a slight, somewhat anxious tone. "Are you going to Yomenaido? I thought we could go shopping for the driver's guide…"
Marie, what's up with you?
Souji was a little perplexed at Marie's action. She would never suggest something like this to him. If Marie wanted to go to Yomenaido with Souji, she would tell him to go to Yomenaido with her. Souji had no idea why there was a weird bipolar-like mood swing going on. He would dwell on it after he gave an explanation on why he could go with her.
"I'm sorry, Marie-chan. I already told Yukiko and Chie I would go with them," Souji apologized.
"Oh… okay," Marie lowered her head slightly before nodding in acceptance.
Too weird…
Souji decided he would worry about Marie's sudden change of behavior later, be it tonight, tomorrow, or some other day. Instead, he followed after Yukiko and Chie who had already made their way towards the exit. He caught up with them just as the pair reached the edge of the grill stations and started walking next to Chie who was now walking in the middle.
The three started walking from Junes towards close to the edge of the Southern Shopping District. They would have to pass through the Northern Shopping District first. As the three passed Konishi Liquors, Souji looked at Chie and Yukiko and said, "I'm sorry you got dragged into all of this."
"Oh no, it's not your fault," Chie shook her head. "The beach trip was Yosuke's idea and this sports event is typical Marie-chan…"
"Besides…," Yukiko smiled. "It sounds kind of fun to go to the beach…"
Souji muttered, "I'm the one who dragged you into this club…,"
Chie questioned, "Did you say something?"
Souji shook his head. The three continued to walk and pass Tatsuhime Shrine, Aiya's, and Tatsumi Textiles. When they crossed into the Southern Shopping District, Yukiko looked at Souji and Chie and asked, "Umm… do you want me to make snacks for you tomorrow?"
"You'd make snacks for us, Yukiko?" Chie said. "That'd be great… perfect after a tough match…"
If she's doing something more complicated than an omelet, I hope it turns out alright…
"I'd like that…," Souji said. "Thanks…"
Yukiko smiled, "Alright… I'll do my best." She sounded a little nervous as she finished her statement.
The two girls and one guy passed Rise's shop and Daidara's before they finally reached Yomenaido's. Souji moved his hand up the list of pamphlets and magazines that lined the right side of the stack. Near the top, right near eye level, was the one he was looking for. He grabbed not one, but three of them. He passed the other two out to Yukiko and Chie.
"Thanks…," Yukiko said.
Yukiko took the bus back to the Amagi Inn after purchasing their copies of the guide. She explained that she had some sort of soccer gear back at the inn and would not have to go shopping. After Souji told her to bring water so she could stay hydrated, she left on the bus, leaving Chie and Souji by themselves.
Standing at the bus stop after Yukiko's bus left, next to the Moel Gas Station, Chie turned to Souji and said, "So... umm… did you want to go training?"
She was kind of nervous sounding too… But, I promised that we would…
Souji gave two short nods, "Where do you want to go to train?"
Chie gave a large smile in his response. She said, "If we go to Samegawa Floodplains, there's that little area in front of the dock and rocky alcove. We can train there…"
Souji nodded and the two left the Shopping District to head towards the Floodplains. The prevailing heat was slightly shielded by the tree-lined area, and it was even hotter when someone left the straight road to go down to the riverbank.
The brunette in short jean shorts and green tank walked alongside Souji, and as they reached the turn-off to the Riverbank, she said. "I didn't know Yukiko started cooking… when did she start making food?"
"About around the time of the exams, I believe… a little before," Souji answered. "I can't really say for sure. She could have been learning a long time ago."
"I see…," Chie said. She was more forceful with her second statement. "What you mean to say is that she started cooking for you around the time of exams?"
Souji raised an eyebrow, "Cooking for me? She said that?"
"No…," Chie smiled. "But… you did."
Damn it, Chie…
"She wanted me to see if her food tasted alright…," Souji answered.
"And is it?" Chie questioned.
Souji took a deep breath before answering truthfully, "It's getting better."
Chie chuckled. The two walked down the steps to the bank of Samegawa River. Souji could hear the water flow briskly, but not quite rapidly as he took a position less than a meter away from his training partner. He began stretching alongside her; he pulled his right arm over the top his head with his left and vice versa. He continued by pulling his right leg back as close to his back as possible, and then his left. It always amused him how much farther she could stretch than he could.
After doing multitudes of other stretches, he started doing other combinations of exercises with Chie. When he made an error in form, Chie helped correct him as best as she could. After just twenty minutes of exercise, Souji felt the lactic acid creeping in. He saw no slowdown in Chie, however. He did not think Chie was a sports guru, but he knew one thing; it was that Chie was very much in shape.
After five more minutes of hard work, Chie called a halt to their exercises. Souji was kind of glad to stop and take a break. He wished he had known about the training so had could have brought a towel as the sweat had started to run down his face. Chie was not immune to having sweat run down her face either as she wiped it off with one of her wristbands.
Blah… to think it's going to be much worse tomorrow…
Souji looked over at Chie. He was going to tell her something about her being in better shape when he heard a male voice coming down the steps from the road above. "Hey, Chie!" the voice called out.
"Huh?" Chie looked over as a very average-looking young man with short black hair came down the stairs. "Takeshi…?"
The young man, apparently named Takeshi, looked from Chie to Souji and back to her. He noticed the sweat running down their waists, "What are you guys up to?"
What high school is this guy from?
Chie shrugged, "Training?"
Takeshi looked annoyed at Chie's statement. She finally responded, "Training again? What is this, the Defenders of Lunchtime? How about the Inaba Gang of Yasogami? What about the…?"
"There's no name, or anything this time, Takeshi," Chie looked slightly embarrassed. "We're just training…"
Takeshi shook her head; he did not seem convinced. He focused his attention to Souji and said, "When they were younger, she always had some sort of name for their little group… don't worry… eventually, you'll have one for high school, too."
He's kind of annoying…
Chie cut in before Souji could say anything. Souji was going to say there was no group, but Chie answered, "We do have a name. It's called the Boredom Relief Club…"
Silly Chie…
Takeshi rolled his eyes. "Boredom Relief Club…" He took a deep breath and said. "Listen, Chie… do you remember Yukiko-san? Do you know if she has a boyfriend?"
Chie took a step back at that statement. She exhaled and after a few seconds, she said, "Umm… Yukiko has a boyfriend." She looked at Souji with a slightly reddened face. "He's Yukiko's boyfriend…"
What the hell? This is new…
Takeshi raised an eyebrow for a moment; he looked surprised. After a second, however, he stepped forward and said, "So you say that this guy next to you is Yukiko-san's boyfriend?"
Chie nodded, "He is…"
Takeshi replied, "Well… the way you look at him, it looks more like you're dating him." Takeshi took advantage of the reddened face of Chie to continue before she could say something. He said. "Well, tell Yukiko hello when you see next…"
Chie gave the smallest of nods as Takeshi left the two behind. Chie's cheeks were still red as she turned away from Takeshi and back to you. She responded slowly, "I don't know… I told him about you and Yukiko because I was trying to protect Yukiko from him. He was just a friend of mine from when we were younger, an acquaintance of Yukiko's at best. I just… didn't expect him to say anything about the two of us at best…"
Tell me about it… I'm getting all sorts of weird speech and stuff today. Chie gives a line that Yukiko and I are dating and this random guy from Chie's past thinks that the two of us are going out. It's confusing...
Souji needed to clear up the problem, at least for now. He would think about all of the stuff that happened later. He just needed to clear things up temporarily. He said, "I understand, I think. You were just trying to make sure no one asked out Yukiko…"
Chie gave a short nod. The red on her face was receding. She said, "I used you because you two are good friends. It's not like anyone else will hear about it… even if Takeshi thinks about it, he won't ask Yukiko out because I mentioned it."
I wonder if he sees Yukiko, if he'll ask how the two of us are doing together…
She continued, "Though why he said something about the two of us…" Chie looked slightly embarrassed again.
"To disrupt your thinking…," Souji tried to ease her thoughts, at least for the moment. "He didn't want to seem like he had no chance."
Chie nodded again. Chie started to try and get the training going again, but the meeting with Takeshi had messed with her head so much so that he had to wish her well and goodbye until tomorrow. It was a confusing moment as Souji left the Floodplains and headed towards the Residential District. It was such because there were multiple statements that just did not really make sense.
He tried to make sense of everything that was said by everyone as he walked towards his uncle's home, but it was just too weird. Marie would never ask him to do anything but demand him to go to Yomenaido's with her, but instead she asked him if she wanted to go with her. Yukiko offered to make food for after the match for him, which was not that weird; it was not normal considering it was just for him and Chie, though. Then, during training, there was the whole thing with Takeshi and the mix of going out with Yukiko and Chie. He was not sure what to do, what to say, or what action was coming next. Souji believed that a wait-and-see attitude might be best.
Dojima was home when he arrived at the residence, and dinner was already at the table near the television. Nanako asked him what was wrong when his cousin noticed his unease, but he could not give a good answer. Instead, he ate in near-silence, only speaking when asking about Nanako's day and what she learned in school. He had two important tasks to complete besides finding the proper gear that he had left in his dresser for tomorrow.
He went upstairs after helping wash the dishes with his cousin. After leaving his driver's guide on the table in the middle of the room, he pulled his cell out of his pocket and dialed a number that he had obtained when he was coerced to try out a sports club near the beginning the first semester.
"Hello, Nagase Residence…," a young man with a deep voice answered.
"Daisuke… this is Souji," Souji responded.
"Souji… hey…," Daisuke replied. "How's it going? How's your summer going?"
"It's going pretty well," he told the truth… except about part of a few days. "I'm wondering if you could help me out with something."
"You need a favor?" Daisuke asked. "What's up?"
"I'm wondering if you and Kou are available tomorrow to play a game of soccer tomorrow…," Souji said straight out.
It took a second, but Daisuke finally responded, "You want me to play a game of soccer? Well, I might be available, but Kou might be busy."
Daisuke was a "maybe" at this point, but if he could Daisuke to talk to Kou. He said, "Tell Kou that Chie is on our team… It's a club activity and Chie is one of our members…"
"Do you think that would change his mind if he doesn't want to play?" Daisuke asked.
"I'm sure it would," Souji assured him.
"Well… one thing," Daisuke said. "I want you to take both of us out to Aiya's for playing…"
These two eat like mules…
Souji sighed as quietly as possible before answering, "Okay, we'll go out to Aiya's at some point…" He added. "If… you play."
"Alright…," Daisuke agreed. He changed the subject. "So… if Kou can't play, who would fill in?"
Crap… I didn't think about that. I just expected that those two are like peas in a pod and they'll always jump at a pod to play sports. Well… there's… no, she'll break a nail… no… she's melodramatic… no… she'll miss a tackle and just stand there feeling sorry for herself.
Souji finally answered, lying, "I'll figure it out."
"So, where do we meet?" Daisuke questioned over the phone.
"Last stop before Okina City, there are sports fields there…," Souji explained. "Our match is at noon."
"Gotcha…," Daisuke said. He again changed the subject. "Well, I'm a bit rusty from the end of the semester, but I'll see you tomorrow…"
"Not as rusty as me…," Souji said. "See you tomorrow…" He rushed and added right before the two hung up. "Wear the gym uniforms!"
Souji hit the red button on his cell. He hoped that Daisuke could convince Kou at this point; he had done what he could. Now, he could focus on his other task. He left his room and walked down the carpeted staircase to see Dojima now sitting at the larger breakfast table with a large white binder in front of him and what looked like an endless amount of newspaper articles. Souji made his way until he stood right in front of the side of the table, still two seats away from his uncle.
Here goes nothing…
"Umm… excuse me," Souji said, trying to interrupt his uncle who was deep in thought.
Dojima looked up with an annoyed look on his face. He had been staring at an article and did not seem amused to be interrupted, "What is it?"
"I can come back…," Souji started to take a step back. It was not that important. He could always try again tomorrow. He had time to get his license and ask for the scooter after all.
"No… I should take a break. I've been working on this since we finished our meal," Dojima answered. "How can I help?"
Souji stepped forward, a little surprised at Dojima's comment. He tried not to show it, however. He took a deep breath and said, "I'm thinking of getting my scooter license…"
"Your scooter license?" Dojima's face showed surprise. "Are you planning on going somewhere with friends?" He looked deeply at Souji's face and then continued. "You wouldn't be asking if you weren't…" He took a deep breath. "Driving a scooter can be dangerous, you know?"
Souji took his own deep breath before he tried to persuade his uncle, "I know it can be kind of dangerous, especially if you aren't careful. The best plan is not be reckless when you drive."
Dojima nodded, "That's right. You aren't too reckless…" He smirked at his second sentence, reminding Souji about his broken rule forays with Nanako.
"I'll have to be better about that…," Souji assured him.
Dojima nodded again. He said, "I know the real reason you're speaking with is that you are asking me about a scooter." Souji could only bite his lip and nod. Dojima told him. "Why don't you get your license first, and then we'll talk, okay?"
Souji exhaled his held breath, "I understand…" He quickly added. "Thanks…"
Dojima smiled, "Of course…" Dojima looked up slightly. "I won't talk about the times I rode my scooter a little recklessly myself, but that doesn't mean you should… too often…"
Souji smirked. The second task might be halfway completed as well. He just had to pass the exam, hope his uncle would give him the scooter in front of the house, and that Kou and Daisuke show up tomorrow. If it all worked out, then they just had to win the game. Winning the game was important because… he had a sinking feeling that a punishment would await the losers. A punishment would be bad because Souji told Marie that she could actually institute it for once as long as it was not one that would not be physically damaging. They had to win.
Souji had plenty to worry about as he went to bed and woke up the next morning. Luckily, he woke up early enough to eat a hearty breakfast made by Nanako. He found something like a water bottle and filled it with icy water. After helping with the dishes, he went back upstairs. He grabbed the bag that most closely resembled a duffle bag and dug out cleats and shin guards "borrowed" from the soccer club. He placed long socks, the cleats, and shin guards into the bag. He finally changed into his garish gym uniform.
This is going to look so ridiculous when I'm walking around town… and at the bus stop… and on the bus… and during registration… and during the game…
After he finished changing, Souji zipped up his bag, put the water bottle into and headed downstairs. Downstairs, by the breakfast table, was an expectant Nanako. She questioned, "Are you going somewhere?"
"We're going to a sports tournament…," Souji said. "Actually, the club is playing in it…"
Nanako gave a wide smile, "That sounds like a lot of fun… Good luck!"
"Thanks…," Souji said while returning the smile.
Nanako looked at the clock and then said, "You should go soon, or you might be late…"
"Alright… I'll see you in a little while!" Souji waved goodbye.
"Bye, Big Bro! Good luck!" Nanako returned the wave.
I probably should have asked her to come with to watch at the least. If either Kou or Daisuke don't show up… we could have used Nanako as… hell I don't know of a position we could hide her in.
Souji garnered a few weird looks from passer-bys as they walked out of the Residential District and into the cross-section that could lead him to the Shopping District. He readjusted the strap on his duffle bag before heading towards the bus stop. Souji ignored an intrigued look from the creepy gas station attendant who was at Moel across the street from the bus stop. The next bus was supposed to arrive in five minutes, so Souji had the time to drop his duffle on the ground and relax his shoulder.
I wonder if any of the others are already there. I guess I'll deal with everything about Marie, Chie, and Yukiko later… oh… and I need to read that stupid driving guide.
Souji continued to contemplate his thoughts, even if he believed he wanted to contemplate some of the ideas later. Before he knew it, the red bus that ran towards Okina City arrived. It was the one Souji was waiting for, even if he would be getting off before that stop. He stepped onto the first step and kept taking the steps until he made the left turn and walked back to the second-to-the-back row and sat to the left. Souji took the right seat. He wanted to be in the back, but two sets of older students were already sitting there. The two university students sitting right behind him was a well-built young man in athletic apparel, and the other was a girl who was fast asleep that looked like a cheerleader. That pair were not the only older students on the bus; there were university students littered among the bus… with duffle bags at that.
I think these students… are a team in this tourney.
Souji threw his duffle bag onto the seat to his left. He planned on being by himself until he reached his stop, but he was ready to move it just in case. The bus was ready to leave, but was stopped from leaving by an exclamation from outside the bus, "Excuse me! Please wait!"
Souji looked up from his relaxed position to see another person in the garish Yasogami High gym uniform. This person was a pretty first-year with dark red hair tied into two ponytails. She looked slightly flustered and a little out of breath like she had been running. At the sight of Souji in the back, she smiled and moved straight for his row. As he drew close to his row of seats, he grabbed his duffle and then put the duffle into the overhead cubby. He sat back down in the far seat, just in time for Rise Kujikawa to draw even with him.
She smiled in his direction as she took the seat next to him, "Hi… Senpai!"
"Rise-chan… how are you?" Souji responded.
"I'm doing pretty… well…," Rise said. Her breath was slightly labored. "I barely caught the bus!"
"You were close to missing it…," Souji agreed. "Did you pass anyone along the way?"
Just wondering if anyone else is going to come rushing onto the bus… because the driver had to slow his rhythm because of Rise's arrival.
Rise responded, "Marie is going on to have to catch the next bus. She told me she's still getting ready."
"Wonder why she's running late?" Souji said to no one in particular.
"Actually, I think she said she was doing research," Rise explained. "… and she was running late because she was studying all night."
Research… what kind of research?
"That's weird," Souji said. He was not exactly sure what exactly Marie was up to. He would just have to wait and see what exactly Marie was doing last night. The bus started to leave, so Souji decided to change the subject. "How did the shopping trip go yesterday?"
"Our shopping trip?" Rise said. "Oh… it was fun… except the fact that Kanji could not find his words with Naoto. There were way too many awkward silences between the two."
"That sounds like you talking to yourself quite a bit, Rise-chan…," Souji gave a small smile.
"Well, I talked to Naoto and Kanji a little…," Rise explained. "They just had trouble talking to each other. Kanji's too nervous to really talk to her, and Naoto has trouble starting a conversation with someone who can't answer any questions or statements."
Before Souji could answer the red-haired girl, the male student leaned forward and said, "Did you say, Rise-chan? Like Risette?"
Rise turned her head around to look at the young man, "Yeah? What do you need?" She did not sound as happy as she did moments before.
The university student started rummaging around while simultaneously talking, "I never thought I would get to meet Risette. This is so cool…" He eventually got onto his knees so he could look through his duffle while staying in his seat. Thirty seconds later, the student pulled out a pad of paper and pen and handed them out towards Rise. "Could you please sign this?" He looked at Souji, "If your… manager, or your… does he…allow?"
is it… what?
Rise looked at Souji. Souji shrugged; he had nothing to do with it. Rise looked back at the older guy and grabbed the pen and pad of paper. She quickly signed her faux name, Risette, on the pad before handing the two items back to the college student. The older student made sure his hand touched hers during the pass. Rise had a slightly annoyed look as he profusely thanked her for the signature. She turned back around to face the front of the bus. "I wish people wouldn't do that," Rise muttered.
"Sorry about that," Souji said softly.
"You have no reason to say sorry," Rise said back in a similarly quiet voice. "You did nothing for you to need to apologize."
The rest of the ride was quiet and calm until they reached the designated stop. Rise stood up and grabbed his duffle bag and handed it to him before taking down her own. As the two walked down the aisle and down the steps of the bus, Souji discovered he was right; the university students were walking in front and behind them with their duffels as well.
When Souji stepped down off the bus, he looked around the area he had been told to go to. There was a metal fence enclosing a couple of well-watered pitches with the goals set up and the lines freshly drawn. Surrounding the fence was a multitude of shady trees that stood well over Souji's height. The grass was definitely not as green outside of the pitch as it was on it.
It's going to be really hot once we start playing… it's so humid.
Souji was tapped on the shoulder while he looked around the fields for some of the other members. Souji barely turned his head to the left as Rise pointed to a tree far to the back and said, "I see most of the group over there…"
Souji responded ",Thanks…" He looked where she pointed and saw multiple people in what he thought was that nasty Yasogami High gym uniform.
Souji was shaded from the sun just enough that he was not completely blinded as he walked with Rise to the ones who had already arrived. The ex-idol waved in the general direction of the club members, and Souji finally got a better look at who had made it. To his relief, Kou and Daisuke were standing off to the side with Kou resting against one of the trees nearby. Kou was also attempting to make small-talk with the bowl-cut brunette Chie who was standing closeby. Next to Chie, with her arms held in front of her with left hand grasping her right wrist was Yukiko. In front of her was a couple sets of bento he assumed were for him and Chie. Off to the other side was Yosuke, Kanji, and Teddie, Teddie was busy adjusting his gym uniform to make it more comfortable. Behind them was a very uncomfortable-looking Naoto, even if she still looked like a guy in the gym uniform.
Maybe because it is she had to show her legs when putting on the shin guards? She probably put them on beforehand, though… She knows she can't keep her hat on, right?
"Hey, Rise-chan…," Yukiko responded to Rise's wave. "How are you today?"
Rise smiled as stopped near Yukiko and put down her bag, "Pretty well…" She was not talking about what had happened a few minutes ago. "You?"
"I'm having a good day, I guess…," Yukiko answered. "Did you come here with Souji?"
Rise nodded, "Uh huh…"
"It's just Marie-chan then…," Souji said idly. "The one who we are waiting for…"
Souji did not feel like idly waiting for Marie, so he readjusted the strap on his duffle and walked over to where Kou and Daisuke were. "I'm glad you two showed up… otherwise we wouldn't have eleven."
Daisuke replied, "Well, if your club president doesn't show up soon… Anyways, you gave me an offer I couldn't refuse." He winked. "Your selling point to Kou certainly worked."
"Glad to have you two along…," Souji said.
He did not attempt to say anything to Kou because he was busy trying to talk to Chie. He instead walked to an open spot by the tree, put down his duffle, and sat down. He began pulling off his shoes and socks so he could put on his shin guards, longer socks, and cleats. After sliding his shin guards into his longer socks, he tugged on his cleats and grabbed his shoelaces. Souji started to tie his cleats until a shadow that did not belong to a tree towered over him. Souji shook his head, inwardly, and said, "Marie-chan… you're late."
"Well, excuse me…," Marie responded with a snide remark. She sat down next to Souji, unshouldered her duffle and began pulling out her cleats and shin guards. "I have to change."
Souji looked over and saw that the black-haired ex-idol was not wearing her hat, exposing her short hair. She seemed annoyed that she was stuck in this gym uniform, too. However, that was one of many things that seemed to have annoyed her.
He decided he did not want to bother her right now. Instead, he stood up and joined Rise and Naoto who had started moving towards the registration for their first game. There was a single, crotchety old guy sitting at the registration desk. He took the lead and signed the group in for their first game.
"Okay… umm… Boredom Relief Club…," the man read back what Souji wrote. "You have the next match on Field 1."
"Field 1, okay…," Naoto confirmed.
"Your match is against Inaba United FC… it's some university…," the registration guy said.
We're facing a university team? We're screwed…
"We understand…," Souji nodded.
"You should head over and start warming up," the old man said.
"Will do…," Naoto said.
The three left the registration desk and motioned for the group to follow them. Souji planned on heading back to the tree, but luckily Chie grabbed his bag for him and brought it along with her. Souji thanked Chie when she dropped off his bag in front of him, and then much to Kou's excitement, stood next to him and Yosuke. Rise and Naoto stayed at his sides, but it was a random shuffle of club members after that.
The "supposed" leader of the club explained the logistics of the match; he told them that it was time to warm up and head over to Field 1. The group slowly made their way towards Field 1, but as they did… the others got a look at the other team.
"Dude… they're big," Yosuke muttered to no one in general.
"And old…," Teddie continued Yosuke's probable thoughts.
"There's sixteen, no seventeen of them…," Teddie said.
"They're in university…," Souji confirmed.
"Great…," Chie muttered.
The guy with short dark hair and was actually a basketball player shook his head and called out, "If the game is starting soon, let's just warm up and not worry about everything else…"
"Right on, bro…," Daisuke agreed.
Souji had to agree with his ringers and watched the two pair off and start stretching and use one of the extra balls lying around to practice fundamentals. Chie and Yukiko paired off, Marie and Rise did the same. Yosuke and Teddie went stretching together, and so did Kanji and Naoto even if the last pair were slightly uncomfortable about it. There was only one person left, and he had no one to pair off. There was nothing he could do it about it, so he started doing some of the stretches that he normally did with Chie when they trained. He hoped they would loosen him up enough.
After a few minutes, he was going to call everyone over when he noticed that Rise and Marie had actually been "kidnapped" in a way. The five members of the team in their white kits had "taken" the two over to the center circle and they were signing autographs and shaking hands.
Oh… they're going to be pissed…
Souji walked back to the center circle, motioning to anyone who was paying attention to follow. He believed no one was following him because no one saw him. Souji moved to the red-haired first-year and the black-haired ex-idol who was surrounded by five university students. Souji rolled his eyes as he made contact with them. When he drew even, he said idly, "Marie-chan… isn't it time for our final meeting?"
Souji could not really see Marie's face, but he heard Marie, "I guess it is…" She waved the guys off. "Bye…"
Rise sounded just as cold, "Goodbye…"
Rise and Marie turned around with peeved looks on their faces. He turned around to go back with them. He heard the voice of one of the students as he started back, "You know… those two seem a lot different than when they were still working…"
"Maybe they're just having a rough day?" another student said.
The first guy hypothesized, "Maybe it's because they know we're going to beat them…"
Good thing I don't think she heard you…
Marie had already brought the rest of the group back together by the time he joined back with them. Souji slotted between Daisuke and Yosuke this time around. After he arrived, Marie started speaking. "Now that everyone is here, I'll discuss our plans. I spent all of last night using my slow internet researching strategies. I know that our opponents are probably stronger, and we know they are bigger and faster. Therefore, it's pointless to do something like park the bus. Ties mean nothing. Therefore, we must attack."
"You're kidding, right?" Kanji questioned.
"I'm not…," Marie looked very serious. She continued. "We are playing a 4-3-3 with a false 9 formation."
Just how much did she research? I don't think anyone else knows what that… does she?
Marie started again before anyone else could field questions about everything, "I'll play goalie, so don't worry… Daisuke-senpai, since you're part of the actual club, you're going to be the false 9."
"Umm… the false 9?" Daisuke looked slightly confused.
"You're attacking, but not really. You play more like the fourth midfielder on the right," Marie told him. She said. "Souji-senpai… you're the Center Forward, you'll be receiving passes from the Center Mid, which is Naoto."
"I guess I'm counting on you?" Souji shrugged.
"I'll… try?" Naoto looked just as confused.
Marie pointed at Rise and Yosuke, "You two are playing the wide Midfield positions. You'll be dealing with giving the forwards their crosses."
She looked at Kou, "You have the Left Forward position… watch and help with poaching any deflected shots…"
"I'll try…," Kou replied.
Marie took a deep breath and looked at Kanji, "You have the most important defensive spot. You're playing Left Back…"
"Uhh… why?" Kanji asked.
"You're tall… and you're not too slow," Marie explained. "You're also to help me with any crossers during corners and free kicks."
"Oh… okay," Kanji still looked confused.
Marie then turned to Chie, "Your position is Right Back…"
"Umm… gotcha…," Chie looked just as confused.
"We need speed… even if you are kind of short," Marie explained. She sighed as she looked at the two remaining members, Teddie and Yukiko. "You two can decide which side of the Center Back you want. Just don't let the Forwards inside the box…"
Teddie and Yukiko shrugged. Yukiko said to the blond, "You can decide, Teddie…"
"How about… I'll take right…," Teddie decided.
Marie nodded, "Okay… now that's it all set, we get ready to beat them." Before the group could disperse for what knew would most likely be a defeat, Marie said. "Now, I would just like to add, really quickly… that, if… for some reason, we happen to lose this game… I want you to know that there will be a punishment involved, for at least one person… maybe more."
Oh crap… and I involved them…
Kou and Daisuke were standing nearby and Daisuke whispered, "You didn't mention anything about punishments…"
"Don't worry, 99% of the time, she doesn't carry them out," Souji whispered. "If she does, they're usually quirky and sexual in nature."
"You owe us two meals now, Souji…," Daisuke muttered before heading to the positions Marie assigned for them.
Crap… Don't tell me she actually thinks we're going to win… Someone is going to be punished and whoever does is going to blame me.
He walked to a spot just outside the center circle because the other team would kick-off. The other Center Forward and Center Attacking Forward… they looked so much stronger and faster. He had no idea what Marie was thinking. Either Marie was delusional, or she was really pissed at the other team right now.
The head ref had come forth, it would be less than a minute now. The opposing CF focused his attention on Souji. When Souji returned his gaze, the university student said, "Hey… you… what's it like? You know… being with Mariko or is it Risette?"
"Excuse me?" Souji raised an eyebrow.
The CAM said, "He means… you're dating one of them, right? And since both stopped working as idols that means you can… you know…"
Oh, now I know what they're getting at.
Souji rolled his eyes. "Marie-chan doesn't really like me, and Rise-chan is just my friend…"
"Ouch, friendzoned… not once, but twice…," the CF said. He smiled, "Keep at it… I bet they'll be worth it."
The CAM turned to the CF, "Two idols… at once? He's got quite the lucky haul if he works at it…"
These guys are annoying.
Souji sighed. He kept his mouth shut while his two opponents kept talking. He was glad when the game started and they passed the ball back to the opposing LCM and then to the LM. Their LM went straight past Rise and quick passes back to the LCM, LB, and back to the LM allowed the LM to keep even with Chie and then pass her as well. A quick yell from Marie forced Teddie to stay with their CAM instead of helping go at the man with the ball. Meanwhile, the ST was drifting, forcing Yukiko to try and keep up; she was unable to. The cross occurred from the LM as even Daisuke ran back from his near forward position to futilely try and stop the cross. The cross went through and only from a mishit by the CF did it go over the bar. Marie had no chance at stopping it. Less than five minutes had passed.
Marie took a goal kick which Souji had trouble handling with his head, but it luckily landed at Kou's feet. Kou was immediately challenged by both the RB and the RM. The basketball club member was barely to pass it over to Naoto who was challenged by one of the opponents' CBs. She tried to pass it forward to Souji who was trying to make a diagonal run, but it was slid out from underneath her by the other CB. Only a couple more minutes had passed.
Souji wanted to curse as the attack ran at Kanji this time, and the opposing RM ran right through their defense. The resulting header that came from the cross hit Teddie in the back. The opposing team took a shot from the deflection of the deflection of the header. That shot hit the post, and it resulted in a volley for the opposing that rolled harmlessly to Chie. She promptly kicked it fifteen yards; ten yards of it was out of bounds.
We suck… so bad.
Souji drifted back for the throw-in and noticed that the throw was actually a throw that was heading backwards slightly. He ran as hard as he could towards the throw, praying that the opposing team member was not planning on volleying the ball. As it neared the ground, he slid, knocking the ball towards Daisuke. Daisuke dribbled the ball forwards as Souji sprung to his feet. Souji sprinted ahead, feeling the LCM marking him. He ran as fast as he could, leaving the midfielder behind him. Souji raised his hand, announcing his presence, allowing Daisuke to pass to him. Daisuke passed to him, but even as Souji was going to attempt the second part of a give-and-go; he saw him being marked far too closely by the opposing right back. There was nothing he could do but try and sprint past everyone. He ran to a point where the two center defenders started charging him; it was just near the box. He knew he would need to outmaneuver them before he reached the box. It was impossible to do so, so instead he launched a shot as hard as he could that was deflected easily by the goalie's hands and then picked up by the goalie.
That was the closest to the goal that the team would get that half as again and again the university team would make their way at the goal, and only silly mistakes and extremely lucky breaks stopped them from scoring. It should have been some ridiculous number for them and a blank check for the Boredom Relief Club. Actually, the club did get something.
"Why haven't you scored!?" Marie focused her anger at Souji. "You need to connect your passes to the midfield and the other forwards if you are not open! I know you have to be aggressive, but don't be stupid aggressive!"
Of course it's my fault.
Souji received the opening pass at the start of the second half from Kou and the silver-haired young man passed it back to Naoto. Naoto passed it to Daisuke; he was immediately under pressure and gave a weak pass to Souji. The weak pass meant that the center backs from the university team were able to pressure him before the ball even reached him. It was why they able to steal the ball right after it got there. The RCB passed it to the RM and the midfielder drove right past to Kanji. Kanji chased after him, and even though the tall first-year was able to partially block the cross with his incredibly long right leg, it still reached the opposing forward who was able to drive it into the top left corner past Rise, Teddie, and Marie.
Marie was not happy when she pulled the ball out of the goal. She yelled, "Get me some defense out here! Don't give up the ball so easy!"
Again and again, the ball was given away and over and over the defenders were beaten. Marie was under constant pressure and only having Daisuke and Kou going back stopped a few more goals from entering the net. The other midfielders soon joined them in the back. However, putting the front of the formation back in the defense meant that there was no attack. With five minutes left, the club had not put the ball back over the center circle since the first minute of the second half. Souji was now the only attacking force, but he could not do anything by himself. The minutes fell away… 5…4…3…, but no attacks could be made. The Boredom Relief Club was going to lose.
"Damn it!" Marie yelled as she took a goal kick from a mishit by the opposing team. "Get the ball in the net!"
Souji managed to get the ball from the goal kick without too much pressure. He controlled it and tried to turn, and felt the pressure from the CAM on his back. As he tried to maneuver around him, the LCM came by and took the ball away. Souji just could not handle the pressure. The time ticked away from the group.
Damn it…
Similar words were emitted from the group with varying severity involved. The simple truth was that they were just not as good, and Souji felt that they the other team was going easy on them. After feeling sorry for himself for a second, he joined the other members of the club who had gathered together after their outbursts.
Souji took the spot next to Marie. He could see disappointment permeating through the group; even though that most of them expected to lose, they had not wanted to. Marie started, "I'm disappointed that we lost; I'm sure you all are. We have to feel that we should have won. I won't punish you guys since you gave it you all. We'll do something like this again sometime, but next time… we'll win."
Oh god… another one of these events? At least, she won't punish us this time.
After the speech, the groups started saying their goodbyes, including Kou and Daisuke telling him that they will be waiting on those meals. After Souji said goodbyes to Naoto, Rise, Kanji, and the two part-timers of Junes, he heard the call of Chie, "Souji!"
Souji readjusted his duffle that he had by the sidelines. He responded, "Yeah?"
"When you're done saying bye to Marie-chan, we're going to try Yukiko's snacks…," Chie explained.
"I'll be right over!" Souji responded.
Souji began to walk his way over to the tree where he had first changed. Before he got five steps towards the tree, he heard another voice, "Souji-senpai… I want to tell you something."
"Oh…?" Souji stopped for a moment and turned around to face Marie. She still looked disappointed and annoyed at the results. When Souji turned around, though, her face softened slightly.
"Yeah… I have something to tell you," Marie said again.
"What is it?" Souji raised an eyebrow.
Marie took a breath, "I want you to know that I'm actually fielding a punishment. I guess I lied about yesterday."
Of course…
Chie and Yukiko walked back towards him at this point, wondering why he had not yet arrived.
"Is something wrong, Souji?" Chie asked.
Marie smiled as she continued, "Your punishment is… that you have to go on a date with me in Okina City at a time of my choosing…"
Next Chapter: Chapter 10- Scooter Renovations
Are things moving along now? I believe they are. I just condensed a sad footy match into what… a thousand words? I should have tried harder, but I had to make the BRC seem pathetic.
