Chapter 11

I was lost in thoughts at the time I was walking back home. I hope Uchi doesn't start to suspect anything. Though I am almost one hundred percent sure, that the reason he decided to go first wasn't because he can't stand me. On the other hand, even if he starts to have suspicions regarding me, he has too down to earth personality. Too believe something like a girl enrolled in boys school because of some unknown reason, is beyond the boundaries of his prudence. But he could make some allusions when discussing with the guys. Then, they will remember the case in the shower and have enough bases to suspect something. Things will, eventually get complicated, with or without Uchi's interference. With these I will not get anyway. I should stop cheat myself and go home.

However when I came home, another great surprise was waiting for me.

"Oh, you're back?" I heard my mom calling from the kitchen ,as I didn't manage to pass through the threshold of the house.

Next five minutes, she was telling me about her recent life full of events and about an auntie who has a nephew. The last part was the most important.

"And what?" I cut her emotional monologue.

"What do you mean and what? I told you I know an auntie who has a nephew exactly of your age and that I would be great if you meet."

"Have you become a matchmaker?" I asked her.

"Argh, why are you always like this?"

"We are eating these disgusting ramen for nearly two weeks because you decided to be a matchmaker?" It began to irritate me.

"Oh, c'mon…"

"What? So this is the reason I'm eating delayed ramen, because you are trying to find a buddy for this kid?" exclaimed dad, entering the kitchen.

"Hey don't call him like this. This is a good, well bred boy from a decent family." Mum protested.

Ohhh, here we go again. When my mother begins with this kind of talk, I feel like some kind of young lady from Jane Austin's story.

"Oh, that how it is? So have you already found out where are his parents working? What about their yearly income? I don't have anything against this meeting, but think about the poor boy. Have you already told them about our Yuki? When are the willing to take her?" He walked out the kitchen, laughing loudly with the cane of beer in his hand.

Because my father often had such moments of nonsense talks, I decided to stay calm.

"Oh, honey, he can't accept the fact that his daughter is an already grown-up lady and he can't be the only man in her life."

Mom's words grabbed my attention for a moment. But it was just for a moment.

"If all the men are like this oji-san, than I will never get married." I stated

"Don't talk nonsense! Mum's voice sounded with an unusual strength. "I would never get married, if it was anyone else but your father."

Again, I got stunned by what she was telling me.

"Anyway, I told in a indifferent voice, I am not going anywhere."

I stood up and headed to my room. When I remained alone, I started to think about the situation with Uchi again. I started to make presumption in my head, about how is he going to behave tomorrow. Besides Uchi, I was preoccupied by my mum's sudden matchmaking activity. Though she has a soft personality, her persistence sometimes strikes me.

"God see, I didn't want to go this far, but it seems there' s no other way for my safety." I thought to myself. Dad was pushing the poor sofa, when I came in the living room. He didn't notice me in the beginning.

"Tell me please, I began, How can you have such a huge belly but your legs to remain thin?"

"Cut off all this stupid crap. What for did you come? He said without taking his eyes from the book he was reading.

"We should bring mama back home." I said.

"Really?"

"Yes, I confirmed, haven't you noticed that since she started visiting this auntie, we can drag her back home?

"So what? He took his book off." The auntie is sick. Don't be so selfish."

"Oji-san, the auntie has get better two weeks ago. She has even returned home, but decided to go back the hospital, because she is treated there better. She is taking the place of other people, who are more sick then her. That what I call real selfishness." I started to boil over.

"Hey what do you want. Say it clearly." He asked irritated.

"I want my mother near me!"I said in a demanding voice.

"You, he pointed toward me, you don't need just need someone to cook for you and to clean after 't you tired of manipulating your mother?"

"I don', I tried to protest."

"Your mother has the right to live her own life." He made in a conclusion.

"And we are not a part of her life? I asked ironically.

"If she…

I was about to open my mouth and add something.

"Don't interrupt me, he said in a loud voice, with his finger pointing in the air. If your mum likes spending time with this old lady, then we should accept it. Or you simple don't want to meet this guy. Then go ahead and tell your mom directly. He is not going to fall for you, anyway, he took his book again, with such bad temper…"

"Hey, oji-san why are always making me angry?" I shouted irritated.

"Enough, he responded on the same note, I've spoken enough to you."

"As always, no use from this oji-san." I thought to myself.

What was I hoping? He just ruined my mood and made it worse than it originally was. I walked back to my room. While passing I saw mum leaning against the wall with a sad look in her eyes. Seems like she's heard everything. Oh surely, she did. When this man is making me angry, I can't control my emotions anymore. I've just passed by without uttering a word, pretending that nothing happened.

Next morning I waked up with a quite spoiled mood. What to say, the mood with which I went to bed was also not that great. As I supposed, Uchi tried to keep the distance. Not like he a was avoiding me directly(since we weren't that close), but during training he wasn't trying to kill me with the ball. His glances thrown at me, from time to time, were short, without anger in them. I wasn't sure (as I'm not sure now) should I worry about this, or let it go. By the way, Noda and Minami approached me this morning. They tried to speak in a friendly manner, as before. Although the awkward silence couldn't be avoided , I considered that three of us can be called good-pals, without any of them noticing oddity in my behavior.

How strange it wouldn't sound, the day in Shirokin Gakuen was passing calm and peaceful. NO problems, no conflicts, no fighting and no bullying. So unusual. Feels like everybody have been drained of their energy. I should have been happy in these kind of circumstances , but it made me suspicious instead. Calm before the storm. I would call today's day is Shirokin Gakuen like this.

Lately my suspicious justified. I have always known about my mother's amazing nature. Possessing a soft character, she is flexible like a willow. If she ahs put something to her mind she will not give up it so easily (truthfully, an amazing flexibility and persistence). Seems like about the idea of introducing me to that prick , was also serious.

"Yuki Kuroda!" She pronounced my name strongly.

I was passing the main hall of the school building, when I heard the voice calling my name. I turned to the place, the voice was coming.

"What a luck I have spotted you here, and didn't have to wander the whole school." Saying this she looked around.

I can't describe you the feeling I had when I saw my mother in my school. I can't call it an unexpected shock since I've presumed something like this could happen. But I won't hide that a kind of surprise still was there.

"You know Yuki-kun(oh, I've already become Yuki-kun), she continued in amazement, this school is huge. Your father wasn't wrong when decided to send you here."

"So wouldn't it better if I was a boy in reality?" I thought to myself. "Seems like they are already accommodated with this situation."

"So, why did you come, oka-san?"

"I, she began, about yesterday talk…"

"No!"I cut and turned to go back to class room.

"Yes, she exclaimed, I've already asked for permission from your principal."

"When did you?" I asked surprised. "You've just entered the school."

"It seems like your principal likes taking care of flowers more, then managing his main responsibilities." She answered, smiling mildly.

I looked at her for several seconds.

"Still, I'm not going anywhere." I concluded and turn my back to follow my direction.

"Why? she asked. Her voice sounded with a mixture of indignation and disappointment." Why are you and your father always like this?"

I turned myself toward her, listening carefully to what she was going to say.

"Why can't you( she meant, both, me and father) do the smallest things for me. I'm not asking for more." She made a pause." You don't observe anything beside yourself. Sometimes I ask myself, why people who are loved deeply, become self-centered and demand more love and attention."

I was shocked not only by her words, but also by the fact, that she was getting emotional in public, thing my mum have always detested. I had enough reasons to feel embarrassed.

"Mum, I said coolly, let's talk in other place. This is one is not common for having an emotional confession."

"Why, she continued on the same tone. Why should I always back off my emotions, because this is not the right moment or place. That's not fair."

In the next half hour, I was sitting in the car and waited to be driven to the old auntie.

"Should you really get so far? I asked her for the last time.

"Yes, she cut but her words sounded clearly. "

I didn't answer anything as I didn't say anything back then, in the school hall. I didn't want to talk about it anymore and I didn't want to think about it anymore. I wasn't in the mood to dig deeper in all this situation, more then less it wouldn't bring me to anything good. During the whole road we didn't said a word to each other. I made an attempt to braek the silence:

"It have been forever since you have driven the car."

"True, she answered. This is only the beginning, she said.

When we arrived to the hospital, mum's mood changed as through miracle.

"So now, I will introduce her to you." She said, heading to the central entrance of the hospital.

I rolled my eyes and followed her.

"Here we are, she exclaimed." Her face beamed with happiness when we reached the chamber." Oh, her nephew is already here, she exclaimed in amazement" Peaking through window blinds of the chamber."

I looked through the window too and noticed two shadows, meaning that two people were inside.

"Ok, wait here. I will go and buy auntie some juice." With these words mum went after juice.

I looked in the window of the chamber closer:

"Oh, his haircut is same as Sawada's." I said to myself." Everyone in Japan seem to have the same haircut" I smiled to myself.

When the guy turned his head toward the window because of some noise he heard near the door I was shocked for the thousand times for today. He also began to look closely through the blinds. Now I was sure that the guy was…

"Sawada Shin…I whispered in disbelief."

Ch:12

Mum was coming towards me with the juice in her hand.

"I couldn't find the fruit one so I took…"

I ignored her words and continued to walk.

" What happened? Where are you hurrying?"

"Mum I must go from this place as soon as possible! I said impatiently.

"Oh, here we go again. What's the matter? Have you already seen the guy and disliked him? Ahh, as always."

"Yes, this guy. This guy I saw… I am seeing him everyday. More then this, I'm sitting next to him." I wanted to explain everything quickly. No, I wanted to cut off the explanation.

"Oh, You already know each other?" Mum, seems to completely ignore what I've said, because her voice was getting more and more excited.

"Yes!" I cut coolly.

"Oh, that's great!" She exclaimed in the peek of delight.

I looked at her, guessing if she is going to understand the situation. She suddenly stopped and looked at me in perplexity.

"Mum, I began, have you told auntie, that I am a girl studying in all boys school?"

"No…" she stuttered.

"I see… That means she is waiting for a girl,I made an accent on this word, to introduce her tj her beloved nephew."
"Yes, and what the problem? Let's keep our secret and let meet up with the boy."

I was defeated definitely by her conclusion. Either she doesn't understand, either she doesn't want to understand.

Mum, I shouted, trying to restrain my emotions, Sawada Shin knows me as a boy."

When I realized what I've screamed two secons ago, I covered my mouth with both hands. The chamber was still close, so the possibility of him hearing this was rather high.

"Mum, I tried to pull myself together and speak calmly, tell auntie that I'm really sorry, that I wasn't able to come, because some of some sudden circumstances. Tell her that I was kidnapped by aliens or a horse kicked me when I was trying to feed him. Bue!"

I started to run fast, in order to get out of the hospital as soon as possible. Unfortunately, luck wasn't on my side and I bump in...Guess who?

"Kuroda, he asked (if it was someone else I would say that this person was surprised, but since it was Sawada…his voice was monotone as always) what are you doing here?"

"I, luckily I hadn't change the uniform, so I could continue with playing the role, I have a relative here." I answered."

"That how it is. He said in his usual indifferent voice, moving on his way.

I also wanted to ask him a question, so it won't look like a interrogation between the officer and the culprit. I don't know why, but beside him I always feel like I am on my wrong side. I was about to open my mouth when he exclaimed:

"Is your relative in a dangerous condition?"

"Mmmm, I was muttering. "Not really!"

"I see, he nodded. You were running so fast…"

He started to walk again.

"And you? I finnaly found the courage to ask. "What are you doing here?"

"Visiting my auntie." he answered honestly without hiding anything. "I have to go! Bue!"

That was so simple. And what was I thinking? That he is going to blush and sweat as a pig with a shy look in his eyes in addition. Stammering and mixing the words about how he is going to meet his dream girl. C'mon! Then why my heart is beating so fast when he is near. Oh, that's because were not close and he is a really difficult person to get along with. Even Uchi is more human?

Mum remained in the hospital to explain everything to auntie and I walked back home. Now, when I was crossing the streets alone, the argument I had with my mum in the morning got on my mind again. Why have she done all these things: forcing me to meet this auntie and her nephew, getting irritated when I opposite her mind. What was behind it? I recalled her words , told some time ago.

Flashback

"We've made a huge mistake." mum said in statement. We should have brought you to Japan earlier and raise you according to Japanese costumes and habits."

I stood still when I heard this. Mother was bringing up this topic quite often.

"But mum, what's the difference, whatever it's Japan or U.S.A. I would anyway be the way ia m because of you and dad." I was outraged.

End Flashback

When I returned home, first I did was changing my clothes to indoor clothing. Next I prepared myself a cup of tea and went to the balcony. I sighed.

"What the matter? Have the period of loud cats crying in the streets and young girls, who can't sleep at night already, begun?" Spring is not coming yet."

I turned my head. It was dad. I recognized him by his voice.

"Why aren't you at work?" I asked coldly.(though it was more for showing off. In reality I was happy that he came)

"I escaped from work!" He said, taking a sit near me."You?"

"Escaped from mum." I responded in kind.

"Drinking tea?" He made a sign with his head at the cup in my hands.

I nodded.

"Maybe we should take something stronger?" He suggested while standing up.

"Want to get drunk?"

"Not only! But without this the conversation won't be this heartfelt."

"Mum won't like it." I awared him, loudly, when he was already heading to kitchen.

"Well., he came back with rho cans of beer, mum has already give up on ,many things and principals thing she doesn't approve. For example, he made a pause, marrying me was one of them."

I look at him in surprise. It was the first time, when my someone of my parents was speaking to me about their marriage. And I would never thought that dad will be the one to start this topic.

"You have never spoken to me about how you and mum met, neither have you talked about marriage."

"You have never ask in the first place."

"I always thought that this was kind of personal information, you'd like to keep for yourselves." I defended myself.

"How you decide on which information in private and which not?"

"Want to argue stupid ji-san? I asked menacingly, watching him attentively.

"No." He answered, without taking his eyes off me too.

It was the first time since a long period, when we have spoken like this. Actually, I used to be friendly with my father when I was small. However, when I turned thirteen the whole earth has changed outside down. We became two people living in different worlds and centuries. I started to feel that I can't be close to my father anymore. The constant teasing from his side, and my anguish made the distance between us grew bigger. I felt that if something happens, dad will not take my side. Seems like the whole words was going off under my feet, I was left without support. Now, when we were speaking like this I couldn't find any reasons which brought us to the present state. Gratefully I wasn't that sentimental to bring up this topic.

We talked for about two hours until mum hasn't return. As about mum, she didn't mention a word about auntie or today's situation. Well, neither I did.

Since everything went like this, the next day I could go to school safely, without any surprises expecting me near the gates of the school. As I said this week was the week of intensive trainings, in order to get prepared to the competition with Kurokin Gakuen. To be honest, I hardly believe that we will be able get prepared in only one week, even with such intensive trainings. Anyway, whatever the outcome will be, we are still on the advantaged side. We avoid doing math, literature and so one. We are quite lucky. By the way, I've found the solution to avoid the situations I had in the shower. I will just give the permission to the coach to go from trainings, half of hour earlier. It seems like everything is again under my control, so I walked satisfied to the playground where everyone were supposed to train. Tomy great astonishment I didn't see anyone on the playground. Neither the coach was there.

I decided to check the classroom:

"I bet they all have run away. Of course, to skip such opportunity when the coach isn't on the playground." I murmured to myself.

I had to take back my words as soon as I heard the noise coming from the class 3D.

"Oh, Jungle sounds." I whispered.

When I opened the door, everybody turned toward it to see who is coming. When I saw their disappointed reaction, I concluded that they were waiting for someone, and this someone wasn't I.

"Hey, I started, what are you doing here?"

"Yuki-chan!" Noda shouted happily, cutely (for me just stupidly) jumping toward me and lifted me up.

"Kuroda, he was shaking me like I was a little kitten or a teddy bear. "Tell me, why isn't she coming?"

"Isn't coming who?" I asked interested.

"Fujiyama-sensei." Minami answered.

"All the lessons are canceled because of the you forgotten." I said.

"Yes but she was ill until this week, so she might not be informed." Noda said.

"I doubt it." I answered honestly, still clasped in his arms.

"Oh, Yuki-kun don't say such cruel things." I am so in love, he cried and hugged me tighter, lowering his head on my chest, which made me a little bit uncomfortable."

In this moment, the doorknob turned and Uchi entered with the guitar behind his back. His eyes stopped at me and Noda. He looked at me then at Noda and then at the position we were in. Then he started over again. The awkward silence hanged over the class again.

"I have to go to the toilet." He said and closed the door behind.

"Look what you've done. You embarrassed Uchi!" A guy cried.

"Oh, really?" Noda wondered putting me back on the floor.

"Stop promoting gay-love in this class, you assholes!" Someone shouted irritated." Same goes to you, Minami, the guy pointed at Minami, you're desperate tries to drag Kuroda in the shower were a little bit...(Oh why should he remember about this, I rolled my eyes)

Minami smirked.

"What? But I don't feel like a homosexual every time I hug Kuroda. Just a pure man embrace." Noda started to make excuses.

"It doesn't look this way from our point of view. And you… the guy looked at me, stop squeezing and jumping like a faggot who's going to be raped. That, look disgusting and suspicious."

"Wha? I was getting angry." Look we're having some homophobes here."

"Hey you, I've heard this…" He started to say, but was interrupted by Kuma, who has entered the classroom.

"Who knows what wrong with Uchi?"Kuma asked agitated.

"Oh this is a natural reflex at Noda and Kuroda's "manly" embrace." The guy answered sarcastically.

"Anyway, where is the coach? He is constantly scolding us for being late and look what he is doing?"

"No Fujiyama-sensei , no-trainings." Noda continued his hysteria.

"Shhh, someone's coming!" Minami exclaimed.

Everyone stood quite. Confident steps were heard from the outside. Everybody had their breaths hold when the person was about to enter.

"Ohaio mina-san!" It was Yankumi in a good mood as always.

"Yankumi, you on our heads!"

"What are you talking about?" Yankumi asked.

"Nevermind, where is the coach?"

"Oh, this is the reason I came here today. The coach called today in the morning and said that he will not be able to come today. Something important has occurred suddenly. Today I am going to recruit you."

No one put further question and went to change themselves in training suit.

"Kuroda-kun, Yankumi addressed to me, you're always coming to trainings already dressed."

"Yeah, I stuttered, you know it helps me spare my time."

"Oh that how it is, very good strategy." Yankumi encouraged me.

Everyone counted that if Yankumi will be instead of the coach, she won't be so strict and severe. But little did we know. After an hour of training with Yankumi, everyone were praying for coach quick come back. Yankumi didn't give us time to take a breath.

"Yankumi is crazy! Treating us like this, are we in Sparta?" Minami complained sitting down on the ground.

"At least she didn't told you that you kick as a girl." Noda said.

"Hey, you shouldn't get angry at the people who tell you the truth. You suck at sport." Kuma contested.

"That why I ask, what I am doing here?"
"Like you don't know Yankumi, with all her noble ideals, she is ready to expose us to ridicule for the sake of "Minna –san, gambattane" Said Minami in an imitated voice.

"I envy Shin." Kuma stated.

"By the way, why is he always coming late?" Someone from the guys asked.

"I've already explained you once. It's all because of his aunt. She is ill.(Oh yes she is) I am more concerned about Uchi."

I started to listen carefully to what Kuma is going to tell

"Anyway, it would be better if they came back quickly. They are quite skilled players. It's already enough that we have Noda."

"Ryusai."Said Noda irritated.

I wanted to find out about Shin's aunt more.

"What's wrong with Shin's aunt?" I asked casually.

"I don't know exactly, but seems like she is very ill, despite of her health appearance, inside her body she is destroyed. Seems like she isn't left much to live."

"That why, he is visiting her, almost everyday. Yesterday she wanted to introduce him to her ex- student's daughter."Minami added.

I looked at them stunned. My mother is Sawada's aunt ex-student. Unbelievable!

"But this girl, Kuma continued didn't show up." I lifted my eyes and looked at Kuma."

"She had probably thought that she is given in marriage. What a idiot."

"I hate these kind of girls. He wasn't happy with this idea either, but she was ready to do it for the sake of his aunt."

"It's her last wish." Someone stated.

"Please pardon me." I stood up.

"What's up Kuroda?" KUma asked.

"Well, I've just remembered that I have an important appointment.

"Yuki-kun you too? Please don't go! Noda is going to fail everything." The guys cried."

"You assholes! "Noda yelled.

"Sorry, I must go! With all this I ran toward the school building.

"Oh Kuroda-kun where are you hurrying? Yankumi caught me on the way.

"Excuse me. No time to explain." I ran away toward the shower room.

I didn't listen to what Yankumi was saying after me.

I was showering myself and didn't heard how someone turned down the door knob and entered inside. I walked out from the shower, with the towel around my body and so Yankumi in front of me. We stayed like this for about a minute. After this Yankumi took off her glasses and wiped them, then put the again. She repeated this procedure several times.

"Yuki-kun, are you a girl?" She asked unsurely.

"Yes, I said abruptly, but please don't tell anyone. I beg you."