Originally, Shizuka was to be introduced to the Sakamaki brothers before they left for school. But of course, you can only do so much to prepare. There is always that one factor that can't be controlled- traffic. So the introduction was postponed till after the school hours.
"Settle down, class. Today a new student will be joining us. Please introduce yourself, young lady."
"I'm S-Shizuka Ōkami.." She fidgeted with the hem of her tee, uncomfortable with the attention of all the students in the classroom.
"Can't hear you! Speak up!" Said a voice. There were some snickers from the students.
"Now now. Be nice, class. Miss Ōkami, you may take one of the seats in the back."
"But Sensei, that's where he sits." Someone argued. The students started murmuring amongst each other.
"Enough!" The class quieted down at sensei's raised voice. "I don't see him around. So be it. Take a seat, Miss Ōkami." And she did.
~~~~time hop~~~~
"Hey, new girl." Said a student. "Wanna join us? We can show you around the school." She gestured at the girls standing behind her.
"Sure. Thanks." Shizuka had no reason to decline the offer.
They introduced themselves to Shizuka while giving her a 'tour' of the high school. Shizuka asked questions every now and then, but mostly kept quiet, listening to the others talk.
"And this is Ryoutei Academy's indoor basketball cour-"
"WATCH OUT!" A basketball flew from the court, aimed straight at the girl.
It would've left a mark on her on face, if Shizuka had not caught it. The other girls surrounded her, making sure said girl was alright.
"Oi! Give it back!" A red haired male walked toward them.
"Apologize to her first." Shizuka said, shocking everyone.
"T-there is no need, Shizuka.."
"Eh? Are you defying Ore-sama?" He narrowed his eyes, stooping, so they were eye level.
"Come on, Ayato. Just get another ball." Someone said.
Ayato didn't hear him. All he heard was the blood rush in his ears. "Who do you think you are?" He asked the girl.
"Definitely not Ore-sama." She mocked.
"J-just give him the ball back, Shizuka. Class will start in the next 15 minutes." A girl tried to persuade her.
"Oh really?" Ayato straightened. "Plenty of time to have one game. What do you say, Shizuka? Then maybe I'll apologize to your friend."
"Fine." Everyone looked at the girl like she was crazy. She was going to challenge presumably the best basketball player in the school. What was she thinking?!
Minutes passed in seconds, and the scoreboard was still on zero. Neither of them managed to score a point. Ayato and Shizuka were too busy fighting for the ball. Dribbling. Blocking. Stealing.
A crowd of students had gathered to watch their match. They were impressed that the girl could even last this long.
Only five seconds remained. FIVE seconds to determine who wins the game. Shizuka dribbled the ball carefully with her left hand, securing it as if it were her first born. As she glanced at the shot clock, there were only three seconds left until the game ends and class starts.
It was in these three seconds that she felt as though luck was on her side because out of no reason, Ayato who was blocking her, tripped and fell bottom first on to the court's floor. She took the opening and leaped rapidly high shooting the ball in mid air. The bell rang as the ball sunk into the basket after making a rainbow ark.
"RAINBOW?! Where'd the frickin' rainbow come from?"
Shizuka had been in the midst of telling Yui how she met (and beat) Ayato. They were sitting on the couch in the living room while waiting for the limo.
"Quiet down. And who's telling the story here?"
"Definitely not Ore-sama." Ayato mimicked her voice.
"Very funny." Shizuka deadpanned.
"Haha." Yui laughed at the two. Their small arguments never cease to amuse her. "You two fight like a married couple."
"Tch. Ore-sama is too good to be her husband."
"Says the person who lost to a girl." Laito teased. Like Yui, he was amused by them, but he loved to feed the flames even more to see his triplet brother's reaction.
"That's it!" Something flashed in Ayato's hand. "I demand a rematch." He pointed his sword at Shizuka.
"Not today, Ayato." Shizuka sighed, rubbing her temple.
"Too late to back out Missy!" Ayato swung the blade.
Ayato had always challenged Shizuka whenever he got the chance. Either at basketball or swordplay. They were mostly surprise attacks, leaving her no choice to accept.
Normally, Shizuka would've had no trouble dodging. Ayato expected her to move. But this time, she was too slow to react. She watched as the blade came closer. And closer..
A hand appeared out of nowhere, pulling Shizuka out of the blade's path. She was pulled out of her seat and onto her feet. Shizuka lifted her head and quickly slid her gaze to the floor, aware of who saved her.
"What the hell Ayato! Can't you just shut your f***ing trap and let me sleep?!"
"Oh yeah, Subaru? Why don't you shut your foul mouth?!"
They solved the argument face to face. Literally. Their faces were millimeters apart.
"Says a guy who would hit a girl."
"She's more like a demon than a girl."
"Nfufu." Someone chuckled.
A pair of arms snaked around Shizuka's torso, hugging her from behind. "Oh really, Ayato? Maybe I should check to confirm Musume* is a girl." Laito joked, resting his chin on her shoulder. Shizuka shoved him away roughly.
Recently, Laito had discovered that she wore a chest bind. Although he never told his brothers about it, he kept teasing her, coming up with ridiculous reasons for her to take off her top.
"Hn. Look at Ningyou-chan's face, Teddy. So cute, right?" Kanato giggled.
Everyone (even Teddy) looked at Shizuka. She raised her book to cover face. But she failed. All of them could see that her cheeks had flushed bright pink from embarrassment.
"Enough of this nonsense." Reiji spoke up. "Tardiness is not tolerated. It is time to depart."
"What right do you have to order us around?" Kanato's mood turned from happy to mad in seconds.
"Like we'd listen to you, Tableware-otaku." Ayato retorted.
"Just get in the limo." Shu stood and walked out the front door. So cool.
"C'mon, Shizuka." Yui trailed after Shu, pulling Shizuka along, helping her escape the awkward situation. The rest followed soon after, leaving Ayato dumbstruck in the living room.
"Hey, Missy! Were not done yet!" He shouted.
No need to be dissapointed, Ayato, try again next time. Who knows? Maybe you'll finally beat her. Thirteen times the charm.
Musume- young woman
In Laito's sense, "girlie" or "bitch" come closer to capturing the meaning.