"Rikki! Rikki I got my test result back! Hey, where are you?!" Yusuke was shouting as he came running into the living room, practically clearing the stairs in one leap as he rushed up to me and quickly pushed his test right in front of my arms as I recoiled slightly, taking by surprise before seeing that he'd got a rather high mark, sixty eight percent.
"That's amazing Suke! I knew you could do it." I praised him with a sudden beam, putting down the knife I'd been using to chop up vegetables as my hands clapped together once. "Already you're really beginning to improve on your studies and it's only been a few weeks, you should feel extremely proud of yourself!"
"Well, it's kind of all thanks to you." He said, rubbing his head bashfully as he then pouted slightly. "And all the other guys in my class have been bugging me all week about getting them your number and wanting to know if you'll tutor them as well, it's a real pain." His classmates had been pestering him? Was it because I had gone to his class that day to pick up his work? I didn't mean to cause such a fuss, poor Yusuke. No wonder he'd been looking a little more tired recently. "Anyway, I told them to push off about it, I don't want to share you with them. They're all idiots." Yusuke choked after he realised what he'd said but I couldn't help but smile at his words. He was a really cute little brother.
"You're really sweet, Suke, but you're the one who's been working so hard and after all," picking up his paper I showed it to him whilst pointing to his correct answers, "I didn't do these calculations. You did them all by yourself, so make sure you give yourself the credit you deserve, you're doing really great. Soon we'll have your science and literature up to scratch as well." I promised and Yusuke grinned, nodding his head in agreement.
"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it."
"Aw, no fair! I want big sis to help me with my homework too!" Wataru suddenly voiced from behind and we both looked to see him pouting, looking up at us. "You shouldn't keep big sis all to yourself like this Yusuke, you're being selfish." He complained so I smiled down at him, crouching so that I was more his height.
"I can help you with your homework too, Wataru, but I just figured you were plenty smart already to be able to do it all by yourself. I know you're just as clever as all your other brothers, right?"
"Well yeah, but sometimes I like someone to go over my homework, just to check!" He reasoned so I promised that if he ever had trouble with work I'd always be happy to help him and he seemed satisfied with that. All my little brothers were just too cute, I sure was lucky. Looking at the time I realised that I had better finish up quickly if I was going to make it to Subaru's practice. I'd been to one before when I had agreed to, however this time he'd expressively asked me to come and I think it was because something important was happening. He had a game coming up soon, so perhaps this was the deciding practice to see whether or not he was in the line up.
I gave Yusuke a little more praise for doing such a great job and decided to pick up something whilst I was out as a reward. He had been working hard, so he deserved it. With everything prepped for dinner I tidied up before hurriedly changing my clothes, feeling a little sweaty and I wanted to look like I'd made an effort. I don't know why but I had this feeling that Subaru felt more comfortable when he had someone in his family watching him and I felt that just showing up in my oversized hoodie would just look minimalistic. Plus, it was a hot day.
Pulling on a pair of long shorts that almost reached my knees I also chose a fresh shirt with one of my favourite anime series on the front. This shirt was casual but it fit me a little better than most of my other ones, so I felt comfortable in it. My hair went up into its usual side bun and I also grabbed my bag, making sure I had my keys, wallet and phone before slipping into my sneakers. Before I left I made sure to grab the lunch I'd prepared for Subaru for after his practice just in case he was hungry.
When I arrived everyone was stretching and getting ready for their drills so I quietly went and claimed a seat, lifting my hand to wave at Subaru to let him know I was there, he waved back quickly before concentrating on his drills, his quick feet and rather agile hands manipulating the ball around his teammates as he started to shoot hoops. I was always impressed when I watched Subaru play, he put all his effort into doing well and he became so focused on his goal that very rarely did anyone stand a chance getting in his way. The squeaking sound of their shoes on the polished floors joined with the thumping of the ball as I became rather engrossed. Subaru had explained to me the rules several times but I was still trying to understand them all. Sport was never something I was very good at, but as the athletes all put their hearts into their training, I couldn't help but admire their determination. This really was a passion for them, but especially for Subaru.
About an hour later a break was called before they would organise a game so Subaru came jogging towards me, sweaty and breathless but he looked happy. I went down to greet him, leaving my seat as he grabbed a towel and some water, standing on the other side of the court as I leaned against the edge. "You look great out there Subaru, how are you feeling?" I asked him as he quickly recovered his breath.
"It's good but not great, I need to work on my defence otherwise the ball will keep on getting snatched. I've got a long way to go." Subaru was quick to pick up on his faults and I could see that he was intending to do even better than ever before so I reached out and placed my hand on his head, smiling at him affectionately as he looked up at me quickly, eyes widening slightly. As I brushed through his shortly cropped hair.
"You'll do great, I'm cheering you on Subaru." I told him sincerely before pulling my hand back. "That guy who keeps on taking the ball off you? He favours the right more than his left when he's coming to take the ball so you can almost always guarantee which direction he'll come from. With that probability in mind, there's also a higher chance of evasion if you can anticipate him coming and make one of those fancy turns of yours to your left and circle around him. I don't know if you actually have a name for that manoeuvre or anything, I'm still learning, but it's just something I noticed." I told him, nodding towards the guy I was talking about but Subaru already knew who I meant, a fair haired guy.
"Thanks, I never noticed that. Usually he's too fast for me, he's one of the quickest of us here." I was informed so I thought quietly to myself, touching my chin.
"Well, he may be fast but your reflexes are pretty good. I mean, you were fast enough to pull me out of the way of that cyclist, remember? I think you maybe think too much when you're playing Subaru, there is such a thing as trying too hard you know." Reaching into my bag I pulled out a snack bar and held it out to him. "Here, it's good for restoring energy and low in calorie, just what you need." His face flickered with appreciation as he took it, putting down his water as he flicked his towel over his shoulder.
"Thanks Rikona, you're the best." He said and I warmed at his words.
"Hey Subaru! Who're you talking to? When are you going to introduce us?" A couple of Subaru's teammates came sauntering over, noticing that Subaru and I had been in close conversation and wanted to join in. They were all pretty rowdy and I instantly pulled backwards a little, uncertain of these newcomers. "Weren't you here that other time a week ago? I think I remember seeing you watching us play."
"Cut it out Kaoru, she's not one of your usual girls that you can just pick up. This is my step sister, Rikona." Subaru said, brushing off his friend's sweaty arm from around his neck as the other guy instantly perked up in interest.
"So she's not your girlfriend then? Sweet!" This one turned his charcoal gaze onto me with an intense gleam as he tried to lean closer. "You're pretty hot, want to go and do something fun after practice? There's a place downtown where we can go for drinks and stuff." I didn't like the suggestive tone in his voice and I flinched, my throat seizing up however Subaru thumped the guy on his head, making him yelp in pain.
"She's not going to go out with an idiot like you, Hiroji!" His voice rose slightly and I was surprised but his sudden flare of protectiveness, though deeply moved. I'm glad to see that we're really beginning to formulate a proper relationship, but he didn't have to be so aggressive about all this, it wasn't really that bad.
"No fair you jerk! You can't decide things for her you know, let her answer on her own! Maybe she does want to go out with me?" Hiroji argued and Subaru stopped, a little lost for words before looking away quickly, a little flushed as Hiroji and Kaoru turned back to me.
"So yeah, how about it babe? You want to come out with both of us or just me?" Kaoru offered though Hiroji protested that he asked first. They started to argue whilst Subaru just stood there and people began to look over, frowning in confusion. If I didn't do something now then their coach might get angry and ask me to leave, or even tell all three of them to sit out so slowly, I spoke up.
"Um…" They stopped and looked at me, blinking slightly as I flushed deeply with embarrassing, covering my hammering heart with a fisted hand as I found the willpower to speak, bowing as I did so. "Thank you very much for your kind offers, but I'm not really very good with strangers. I'm sorry, but I can't go out with either of you because I also have to go home and look after my little brothers." I told them truthfully, feeling that honesty was the best policy, however when I lifted my head they were both staring at me with wide gazes before all at once, they both gushed.
"So cute! You're really adorable, you know that? If you ever change your mind just give me a call!" I blinked, a little startled before I giggled, feeling a little more comfortable now that they had calmed down however this seemed to make them squeal all the more. They're actually real softies and they were fun to chat to, telling me all about how they met Subaru and their interest in sports until coach called them all back. Subaru had been so distracted that he hadn't even had time to eat the energy bar, so he regretfully handed it back to me.
"Sorry about those guys, they're not so bad once they're used to them." He apologised but I shook my head.
"It's alright, I just didn't want you to get in trouble with coach, that's all. Do your best Subaru, I'll be right here!" Wanting to inspire him I clenched my fists determinedly, giving him the most encouraging smile I could stretch across my face and Subaru relaxed, nodding his head.
"Sure thing. You're the greatest, Rikona." He said again and I waved him off, watching as he was assigned aside before he took his place. The game was pretty intense and I watched it closely, leaning over the barrier as everyone gave it their all. Subaru was really awesome, going all out even when he didn't have possession of the ball. He was quick and calculating, probably trying to let his reflexes take over and it really started to show. When he got the ball and started to dribble it up the court I almost yelled out in warning, seeing the fair haired guy coming at him again from the right however this time, Subaru made a fast turn and circled around him, leaving him to stumble in confusion before he reared up, lifting off the ground and tucked the ball into the opposition's hoop. I gasped in awe. "Go Subaru!" I cheered without thinking, jumping up with my fists in the air out of excitement.
I don't think he heard me as he didn't look over but I was okay with that, I didn't want to distract him however as the game continued, I became more and more engrossed. I could see why people got so into their sports now, when you're supporting a particular side you couldn't help but celebrate their successes with them and hold your breath when they faced potential defeat. When the game ended I was gripping onto the barrier with so much intensity that I hadn't realised that my knuckles were pure white. That was so thrilling! More to the point, Subaru's team had won and they were all celebrating together, bumping fists and leaping up in the air as the other team groaned. I felt bad for them but they were also really good, it was a close score after all.
Coach yelled for everyone to calm down and I held my breath, listening as he called up the line up for their next big match. Surely Subaru had improved enough to be on the team, right? When Subaru's name was called out, I saw him straighten up with a grin, thanking coach before he glanced my way where our eyes met. I gave him a thumbs up and he nodded, looking back to coach to listen to him finish his pep talk before sending everyone off.
"Hey Rikona! Remember to give me a call if you ever want to go out for a drink!" Hiroji yelled as he left, waving at me so I returned the gesture, smiling also as Kaoru grinned.
"If Subaru ever pisses you off let us know and we'll set him straight for you, no questions asked!" I laughed a little at that as Subaru came over, looking a little tired and he sat down for a rest, head resting back against the barrier as I pulled out the snacks I'd packed and placed them on his lap, leaning over a little precariously to reach.
"Here, I got the recipes from a sports magazine so I tried a few out. I hope you like them, they're supposed to be really high in protein and calcium, and they'll help you feel a little better." I told him and he looked up at me with a smile.
"Thanks, you sure know how to treat a guy." He said before indulging himself. Either he was too hungry to care what they tasted like or they were pretty good because he ate the entire lot, making me giggle as he then drained the rest of his water. "So what do you want to do? Is there anything you need to do before we head back?"
"Well actually, I was going to stop and pick up something for Yusuke. He passed his maths test with a really good score so I was going to get him a treat of some kind for doing such a great job. We can get you something as well if you want? I think you deserve it after working so hard out there." Subaru contemplated the suggestion before giving a shrug, not really minding about treating himself.
"You being here was reward enough. Let me just hit the showers then I'll be right with you." He said, standing back up and quickly grabbed all his stuff to go to locker rooms so I waited outside for him in the warm sun, thinking about how it was such a nice day. It was definitely getting towards summer, I wonder if we'll do anything over the break as a family? I've never been on a family holiday before, in fact I've never even been abroad. It would be nice to travel someday. "Ready?" I looked around when I heard Subaru and I nodded my head, picking up my back and resting it over my shoulder. "By the way, you look really nice. Is that a series you like or something?" He asked, gesturing to my shirt and I nodded my head.
"Yeah, I like quite a lot of nerdy things, I have a wardrobe full of shirts like this." I admitted, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. "Though Hikaru keeps on promising that he'll take me shopping soon and will have me wearing all kinds of different things. I don't mind being girly, but I feel more comfortable in clothes like these, you know? Feels more natural."
"Well in any case, I think it suits you." Subaru told me honestly and I noticed how relaxed he was around me, he wasn't even blushing that much anymore. "If you feel comfortable dressing your own way then don't let Hikaru push you around. He just likes to use people like mannequins or dolls sometimes."
"I don't mind. In fact Miwa said that she also wants to go shopping with me. Actually, I'm really looking forward to that, I'd like to get to know your mother better." Lifting my head I smiled up at Subaru as I reached up and touched my heart shaped necklace which I hadn't taken off since the wedding. "Can you tell me things about her?"
"Alright, I can do that." He agreed then began to talk about his memories with his mother as we walked into town, me listening intently as he listed off her favourite things such as food and places whilst also mentioning that she hated spiders and things like that. I was glad to hear so much about my new stepmom and Subaru even asked a few questions about my dad. I forgot sometimes, we now have the same parents. It was a little weird but in a good way. We took a train back to town before going to a convenience store where I picked up Yusuke's favourite pudding, spending a little extra to make sure it was a really nice treat whilst Subaru stayed with me.
We walked home together, making light conversation occasionally but we were comfortable enough in each other's company without needing to talk. It was nearing dinner time when we got back and I was instantly pounced upon by Wataru who hugged me tightly. "Welcome home big sis! You were gone such a long time, where were you?"
"I was at Subaru's practice, he was really awesome to watch. I also picked up a treat for Yusuke to congratulate him on passing his test."
"Say what?" Yusuke called out from the balcony above and I looked up, seeing him rush down with large, puppy dog eyes. "You got me something? Really?" He looked so hopeful that I couldn't help but giggle, drawing out the pudding that I knew he liked and instantly his eyes seemed to seemingly sparkly. "No way, how'd you know I liked this one! It's even my favourite flavour."
"I've seen you eat these faster than anything, I guessed that it was something you liked. Good job for doing so well, Suke, I'm really proud of you." I ruffled his hair affectionately, giving him a grin before I then went to help Ukyo prepare dinner, Yusuke already diving into his pudding. Maybe I should have given it to him after dinner, though knowing Yusuke he'd still be hungry even if he had a full meal right now. He sure could eat.
"So we were all thinking, since we haven't actually properly celebrated you joining the family yet that we would all go on holiday during the summer break." Ukyo said to me and I lifted my head, looking at him quickly and he blinked. "Is something wrong?"
"No, it's just that earlier today I was wondering what our plans would be for summer break. It's almost like we were thinking on the same wavelength." I chuckled to myself before continuing to stir the rice.
"Yes, it does a little doesn't it?" He agreed softly before continuing. "Your father mentioned that you liked the beach, so we thought that going for a holiday at a resort would be a good idea. Masaomi knows of a good location where we can get some pretty decent waves for surfing too, if you're interested?" Instantly I was interested, I have so many memories of my dad and I going to beach where he'd teach me to surf, it was actually something I was pretty good at despite my usual unsteady balance, it felt good when the water carried me and I was eager to get back on the waves.
"That would be amazing! I really do love the beach and surfing is a hobby of mine! Can we really go? Can we?" I burst with excitement and Ukyo recoiled slightly, not expecting such an outward reaction from me considering I was usually so quiet and soft spoken. "Will we all go? I'd really like that if we did, I've never had a family vacation with so many people before, it was always just me and my dad so this would be really special." After Ukyo recovered he patted my shoulder, giving a nod of his head as he smiled.
"Then it's decided, I'll let Masaomi know and we'll make all the arrangements. I'm looking forward to it, Rikona." I was too, I really was. It's been a long while since being on holiday, and this time I'll have everyone there with me to share the memories. I feel like all my prayers were being answered, I'm so grateful. I can't even stop smiling at all!