Just keep calm and do it. Seeing as his friend's special attack backfired, Misaki was a bit uncertain if he should proceed with his attack. After all, he needs to get as close as possible, exceedingly close even.

Surely, he could hit from a greater distance, but his throw is different, since he won't be shooting normally nor from upwards like Shinobu did. His attack will hit only from close range.

And knowing Usagi, it won't be easy.

Misaki shook head. He can't change his strategy now. Shinobu didn't succeed in his match, but that doesn't mean his loss is also guaranteed. He didn't have a monster attack like Mino –san or crazy aim control like Kamijou –san, but… he developed it all by himself.

Misaki sported a smirk. The outcome isn't set; he can win this! He did his warm – up with team mates. He double tapped with left foot, the sneaker squeaked on the polished gym floor.

Good.

" –saki?"

Aikawa waved in front of him. Crap, he zoned out, thinking. "I'm sorry, Aikawa –san. We can begin, anytime."

She glanced at her author, who was hearing the rules from the other referee, An with absent – minded look, dully staring at his feet and nodding. "Sure, care to hear the rules, Misaki?"

"No need to hear them for the third time, is there? Judging from Usagi's face, he's itching for the match to commence. Let's just get it started already!"

The sooner this is over, the sooner my nerves will settle down.

Aikawa grinned, collecting her fellow referee and they stood in their respective corners, while the contenders stood by for the launch.

The key to winning is keeping his eyes on his opponent, all the time. Reading body language has never been his strong suit… luckily, watching opponent isn't important in his strategy.

What's important is getting close. Real close. Fast. And strike. The rules didn't state they can't try out new things, combining. Getting close and personal is exactly what Usagi probably expects, but Misaki has a nice trick up his sleeve…

"Geeet reaadddyyyyy!" An's voice echoed in the gym, waking Misaki up just in time for his internal musing. He got ready, his eyes were on the balls.

Akihiko had his eyes fixed on Misaki for a brief moment.

What is Misaki up to? He's spacing out a lot…

He's definitely up to something, but he's not letting him win. He knows Misaki too well, perhaps a bit too well. As straight – forward as he is, he'll come right after him from a close range. That is precisely why he, Akihiko Usami worked on a counter – move the last few days of training.

Misaki will trap himself, while he's vulnerable. It will occur. First and last error Misaki will make is getting too close. If Takano taught them something, it was quick sharpshooter –like aim and strike.

Akihiko looked at the women, raising hands up. His feet were burning. He knew he's about to do a bit of running and dodging before Misaki makes his move.

Alright, let's get to it.

WHISTLE

Akihiko's height was to his advantage, he reached the balls sooner and he snatched the middle one, running back to create a bit of room for the initial first throws that will follow up.

By the time Misaki reached the balls, his opponent was gone, along with one ball. He stared at the two remaining balls, dumbfounded. He could have taken all three or at least two or take two and throw the third behind him. Why did he leave two behind? Then, Misaki reached unflattering conclusion.

A display of mockery.

Irked, he reached for the ball on the right, grasping it in his hands. For now, he'll go with this one. Risking going out with his move paid off for Onodera, but ended in a defeat for Shinobu.

Misaki couldn't risk it. So…

He sprinted, going close to the point where the boundaries began, but he made sure he didn't cross them. Getting disqualified over something like that would be idiotic. He risked a glance over the play field, where Usagi stood.

Distance is optimal, they can easily dodge the first two throws. That is why he went all the way to the boundaries; Misaki's not leaving anything to chance.

He also knew who'd probably get the third ball. Then, the match starts from that point…

WHISTLE

Misaki stopped moving. Usagi crossed his arms.

While he was planning his moves in mind, Akihiko smirked.

He's confident. Little does my cute Misaki know, I know him better than he thinks.

That smirk didn't go unseen and he lashed out at the author. "What's so damn funny?"

Akihiko held the ball firmly in his right hand. "Oh, nothing much, Misaki. Just had a premonition. But in all seriousness, I'm looking forward to our match. Aikawa, I think we're both ready to go."

She shared a glance with An, who curtly nodded, raising the whistle to her lips.

WHISTLE WHISTLE

That was the cue Misaki has been waiting for. The first step was taken, then the second.

Usagi still didn't move, he… waited.

Is he toying with me? Is their collective strategy toying with our minds?

Misaki shook head. Time for over - thinking is gone. The third step was taken and he stood in his tracks, still pretty far away from Usagi.

He knew he won't eliminate him from afar, so he just aimed and threw the ball. It had a high speed and rotation, but in midway it started tilting downward and it was losing air height rapidly.

Misaki bit in his lip. Damn it. He's too far away, maybe going all the way to the boundaries was a bad call.

Akihiko elegantly evaded, with left hand behind his back, donning that smug Misaki still (sometimes) hated.

The ball landed with a thud.

The author looked at Misaki. "Are you that afraid of me, Misaki? I don't bite, I promise." He said, jokingly. However, his lover wasn't in a jesting mood. "Stop talking and move already!"

Akihiko's hand was large, so he gripped the ball entirely. His long legs crossed a much more significant distance. He gazed at his opponent, who was on edge since the match officially began. And he had a reason to be worried, he is way more far off and unless he's too close, he can't hit him.

Huh. Who knew we'd both choose close range attack…

With that mindset, his shot was dodged, Misaki jumped aside. The challenger's eyes focused on the ball that bounced off the walls, recoiling and landing not too far from his location.

This is it!

He ran as fast as he could, noting that Usagi got the remaining, untouched ball from the center. Now, they can move freely. His only chance. Better start running to pick up speed!

Misaki tightly held onto the ball, rushing forward and ready to jump, duck, evade or even do a back flip in needed, focusing on his legwork.

Akihiko saw it coming, this rush. But, Misaki missed a crucial moment. While he was evading and turned his back on him to get the ball that bounced, Akihiko moved the ball which Misaki threw earlier back to the center and to mask it from his sight, he stood before it, his legs close.

It was completely obscured from Misaki's vision. And when he sees it… it'll be too late.

The author braced himself for another throw, which will serve its purpose and that is convincing Misaki it's safe for him to come into the close range.

Misaki felt it, the adrenaline pumping in his veins. He was maybe 7 meters apart, not more when Usagi dished out a ball, aimed at his legs. He gritted teeth, cursing internally. He can't stop now! He'll lose the accumulated speed! No… he must dodge it! He jumped, hoping for the best as he shut his eyes; waiting for the impact with the ball…

He re –opened eyes and saw Usagi's bewildered surprised face. It missed him! Then, the phoenix will raise from its ashes after all! Only 3 meters away… Misaki bent his knees and as he was dashing, the momentum carried him even closer…. he was sliding towards Usagi, the ball dangled in his grip. He could already see his victory!

"Usagi –san, you've no chance! Try dodging my Sliding Phoenix!"

It was going after him, full – throttle.

Akihiko paled. It was too close to his liking! On pure instinct, he did a cartwheel, avoiding Misaki's special attack.

Misaki's eyed widened in realization after he witnessed how it missed. And he noticed another ball, which Usagi hid behind himself.

Only two meters….

Akihiko's lips curled up in a wicked smile.

You've fallen into my trap, Misaki!

In a flash, he bent down, picked up the ball and watched how Misaki tried to slow down and stand up, but he opted for rolling over.

Akihiko's grin got even wider. His opponent was downed and he let out a grunt of discomfort after he attempted to stand up after sliding and then rolling over immediately after; his muscles acted up.

Misaki couldn't get up, he was as much trapped by the circumstances than as by his poor decisions that added up to this unfortunate situation for the red team.

The author closed the little distance between them and he snorted, playfully bonking Misaki's head with the ball.

Aikawa outright laughed at the unexpected display and she couldn't stop laughing, so she made a hand gesture towards An to call the match.

WHISTLE WHISTLE

"That's not fair! Aikawa - san, An –san, he tricked me!" Misaki angrily and loudly exclaimed, pointing at his opponent, who won. Neither women paid him attention though; An was busy calming down Aikawa who giggled like she went crazy, tears forming in her eyes.

Akihiko snorted, throwing the ball on the floor, while he was doing his best not to giggle as he was pulling Misaki up on his feet. He ruffled Misaki's hair. "All is fair in war and love, remember?"

Misaki burned up, averting his gaze. "Stupid Usagi… "

Now the author earnestly chuckled, seeing that adorable pouting face. Then, his lover surprised him again. He held out his hand, still a bit red, but looking at him properly.

Akihiko squeezed his hand. "A win is a win… and… well played, Usagi –san."

"Likewise, Misaki. You almost got me with that last move. Luckily, my training observation paid off. But that's not important now, are you okay? Can you walk?"

He nodded and did small steps to prove it to him.

They were joined up with others who came down from the tribunes.

Red team wasn't looking too happy over another loss, but they could still turn it around.

And blue team was vivid. They secured a second win in a row, they're on a roll (from their perspective) and they are so much closer to winning the whole challenge.

Aikawa snapped out from her maniacal giggling and she wiped her eyes clean with the sleeves of her jersey. An let out a sigh.

The referees went to gather the two scattered balls (Akihiko threw them the third one by his feet) and re – arranged them in the middle. Then, they joined up with the teams.

"That was a really good match! But to see a cartwheel from Usami – sensei. Aaah. ~ It was fantastic!" A jab from An, who rolled her eyes brought the ref in blue back to reality.

She seized the men in front of her with a stare, then she smiled. "The score is 2:1 for the blue team! I sincerely hope that the red team can even it in the next match, sooo, that leads to the next big question. Who wants to go as next?"

…

…

A round of lasting silence before Yoshino let out a very frustrated groan. "I'm so done with the losing streak! I'll get the point for us! Leave it to me, guys!"

An blinked. Did that guy… "You're stepping forward, right?"

The reply came from Hatori. "I'll see to it that you'll lose, Chiaki."

An didn't know anyone besides Ritsu, so she just watched with interest. Aikawa got overly excited. "OKAY! NEXT UP ARE….WHAT ARE YOUR NAMES?"

"Chiaki Yoshino…."

"Yoshiyuki Hatori."

"Okay, then you two stay here. The rest… you know!"

Misaki and Akihiko shared a quick, but meaningful look that said it all. They're not done yet.

Teams went back to the tribunes, but this time the ones who already had their match whispered among themselves. The blue team and red team alike.

The fourth match will soon kick off.

TO BE CONTINUED_