HEY!
You guys thought I'm dead? Well, hate to crash your dreams but I'm alive!
Anyways, I decided to continue this story because a lot of people encouraged me to so thank you guys for that. I've had my exams and they're exhausting :( Then I have to practice for an activity in school. And while I'm writing this, I'm having a staggering writer's block. One idea pops up, then the next day, I'm dry. It's really tiring...
So to all those haters, DON'T READ. If you don't like my story, better just ignore it.
Thanks to those guys who stuck along with me and those guests who reviewed that to continue my story.
And DHEZ13! Here is the story I owe you!
And this chapter does not focus on basketball~! I bet you're happy eh? Me too... I have no basketball inspiration yet even though Kuroko no Basuke season 2 has been released at October 5, 2013. I HAVEN'T WATCHED IT YET. I'M SO FRUSTRATED.
And this chapter is dedicated to Shuu and Iliiya a.k.a. Frau-chan n Yaa-chan, who passed away at Sept. 23, 2013. You will be missed by your friends, co-authors, readers, and the members of Mai-Hime fanfiction group. My condolences.
'thoughts'
"talk"
"flashback conversation or talking imagination"
song lines...
Hope you guys like this chappie~!
Chapter 11: Party!
"Sooo…"
"What are we gonna do now?"
The gang was sitting in the chairs outside a coffee shop near the school. It was an ordinary day of Saturday
for them after the game. The members of the Falcons already have aching backs, shoulders and legs. And now hanging out
with friends makes the pain go away… So cheesy.
"I just wanna sle-" Natsuki started.
"You always wanna sleep!" the others glared at her.
"We should do something fun~!" Mikoto grinned.
"Sleeping is fu-"
"NO!"
"But seriously, what are we gonna do?" Akira said.
A moment of silence…
Mai slammed her fist on the coffee table. "I know!"
"What!?" the others asked.
"Drum roll please…" Mai said, grinning. The Three Idiots slammed their hands on the table forcefully then Nao's drink spilled on the table.
"The fuck!? You spilled my coffee!" Nao glared at the two.
"Why blame me!? She said drum roll! Besides, your coffee doesn't taste good!" Chie retorted.
"Told you sleeping is more fun…" Natsuki groaned.
"Shut up the three of you. As I was saying, I already know what we should do!" Mai continued.
"What is it Mai-chan?" Mikoto asked.
"Karaoke!" Mai said with glimmering eyes.
"That sounds fun!" Akira said.
"It sure is, Akira-chan!" Mikoto agreed.
"We should invite the others. Oh gosh I miss partying!" Chie grinned.
"NO WAY!" the blue and red haired girls yelled.
"I would rather sleep my ass at the dorms!" Nao gritted her teeth in frustration.
"I would rather work my ass off playing basketball than singing!" Natsuki said, eyebrows twitching in annoyance.
"Are you sure you don't wanna join us?" Mai asked.
"Over our dead body!" the two said in unison.
"What are we doing here again?" lime eyes asked in confusion.
A different color of lights bathes the room as the music blares from the speaker in the room. The voice of the
awfully familiar busty female rang their ears as Mai continues to sing her heart out.
"Don't ask me. I don't even know…" emerald eyes flashed annoyance. The said eyes roamed around the room, looking
what the gang is doing.
Mikoto was eating a big bag of chips while cheering Mai with her mouth full. Beside her was Akira, who is getting pissed
since the bits of chips coming out of Mikoto's mouth were showering her shirt and face. Chie was on the phone laughing out loud
at something Natsuki didn't really care about. Probably, she is talking to Aoi.
"Can you come here now?" Chie asked grinning at Aoi's decision. Chie nodded and
replied, "Okay babe, I'll be waiting. Bye!" After hanging up, Chie lied down at the couch and turned to the gang. "Can Aoi come here?"
"Of course Chie-chan~!" Mikoto cheered while Mai nodded her head, still busy singing.
"The more, the merrier Chie-kun." Akira said.
"Okay! She's on the way already!" Chie nodded.
"Okay. Question number two. Why are they here?" Nao asked, pointed to their coach and their school doctor.
The orange-haired coach just shrugged at her and Youko just waved. Midori, as usual, answers the question.
"We need to be here so that you guys would not drink beer or any alcoholic drinks~!" she answered too cheerfully for Nao's liking.
"But isn't that a bottle of beer?" Chie pointed at the bottle in Midori's hand.
Midori raised her hand which was holding the bottle and took a swig of it. "I'm an adult already idiots. I can drink whatever I want." she said leaning beside Youko.
'This is boring… I don't even sing…' Natsuki thought. She busied herself playing Guitar Hero
at the television beside the fridge. 'At least they have video games…' she added. She looked at the fridge and
only saw bottles of beer. She groaned, paused her game and stood up. "I'm buying a soda…" She then turned to Nao
and asked, "You want soda too?"
Nao nodded, "Sure."
"They buy one, dumbass!" Natsuki yelled before rushing to the door.
"Asshole!" Nao retorted at the door.
Natsuki went down the stairs to get to the ground floor of the karaoke pub. As she walks doen the stairs, her mind suddenly
drifted off to the crimson eyed goddess. Her angelic smile, her graceful moves, her honey-coated hair, her
perfectly-shaped red lips that even the slightest curve of it shows her cute
dimples, her smooth skin, her breas—
'Wait, what the hell!?' she thought. She shook of her thoughts after scolding herself and continued her trail down the stairs.
As she reached the small lobby of the pub, she went towards the vending machine and pulled out her
wallet. She got a bill and put it to the machine and pressed the number containing the Coca-Cola. The gears of the machine
rang her ears as the holder rotated and almost reached its end. But the machine stopped.
"What the fuck?" Natsuki hissed. She banged the machine with her fist, hoping it would make the machine work again.
"Goddammit!" she groaned. She then kicked the machine forcefully.
"Natsuki-kun?"
"Huh?" she turned to the sound and saw Aoi walking towards her. But what caught her attention is the person behind Aoi.
The Modern Aphrodite, Shizuru Fujino.
Shizuru was with her friends, meaning the Student Council, when Aoi saw them. Aoi asked where are they going and Reito answered.
"Senoh-san, we are celebrating the accomplishment of the Falcons and we are thinking to go to a restaurant."
Aoi laughed and said, "Isn't it kind of boring and out of place if you are going to a restaurant, celebrating
a win in basketball? Maybe you guys should come with me. Chie invited me to go to them and have a karaoke time. Wanna give it a go?"
"That's awesome! Bubuzuke here loves to sing!" Haruka said, pointing to the surprised brunette.
"A-Ara? Me? What?" she looked at everyone, obviously spacing out when the guys are talking.
"Really Fujino-san? Let's go then~!" Aoi cheered.
As they enter the building, Shizuru heard a very familiar voice that made her heart skip a beat even if the word is a foul one.
"Goddammit!"
"Natsuki-kun?" Aoi said.
"Huh?" the hoarse and gruff voice she knows too well sounded her ears.
Shizuru turned to the voice and saw a midnight blue hair that she wished to caress, tanned skin that shines when the light
reflects her, her perfectly-shaped jawline, her pale lips, her scarred nose, and her flexing muscles at her shoulders
when she let go of the vending machine. Then she turned to her eyes. Shizuru's breath hitched.
Crimson meets Emerald.
There, standing before Shizuru, was her childhood bestfriend?
No. That girl at the vending machine is not her bestfriend. The said girl smirked at her revealing her pearly white teeth.
Badump... Badump…
No, definitely not.
She is Natsuki Kuga… The Modern Ares, Natsuki Kuga.
'Ara, I think I've fallen in love with her all over again… But this is more extreme…' Shizuru thought.
"Hey Aoi, I didn't know you added some company on the way here…" Natsuki turned to Aoi.
"Well, Kanzaki-san said they are also going to celebrate the win of the team and they planned to go to a restaurant." Aoi answered.
"BORING. Good thing you agreed to come with Aoi." Natsuki grinned slightly and turned to Shizuru. The goddess slightly blushed but Natsuki didn't notice it.
"What are you doing here outside Kuga?" Haruka asked.
Natsuki shrugged. "Well, the fridge there was full of booze so I went here to buy a soda. But I have a problem… The vending
machine hates me." she said, glaring at the machine and pouting at them.
Shizuru was squealing in the inside. She had to control herself not to tackle the pouting friend and cuddle with her. But she won't let this chance away.
"Ara, kawaii~!" she squealed, petting Natsuki's head.
"B-Baka!" Natsuki said, blushing.
"Maybe Natsuki was being too harsh to vending machine-san." Shizuru added.
Natsuki scoffed at Shizuru. "No I'm not."
"I saw you kicking the machine~" Shizuru said.
"So? I just want my Coke…" the emerald eyed player pouted.
Shizuru firmly tapped the machine and it suddenly worked and Natsuki's Coke ejected. Natsuki got the soda and gaped at Shizuru.
"How the hell did you do that!?" Natsuki said.
"Ara, I don't know…" Shizuru said sheepishly.
"Wow, you're simply amazing!" Natsuki grinned at her.
Shizuru blushed at the compliment. "Ara, ookini Na-chan…"
"No problem. You guys should get some too since Midori snatches all the beers in the fridge…" Natsuki said, turning to the chatting company.
"Midori-sensei is here?" Yukino asked.
"Yeah… She's with Youko-sensei…" Natsuki replied.
"Let's get going then!" Aoi cheered. The others nodded and got their own drinks and went to their room.
"What's taking the mutt so long?" Nao turned to Chie.
"Maybe the vending machine is broken and she's kicking its ass…" she said, shrugging. She took a bag of chips and
opened it. She grabbed a handful of chips and shoved it to her mouth.
"You sing so good Mai-chan~!" Mikoto grinned, snuggling Mai's breasts.
"Thanks Mikoto-chan!" Mai blushed.
"Okay, my turn!" Akira said after drinking soda. She went to the stage, grabbed the microphone and the remote
and punched the numbers of the song.
"Yay! Go Akira-chan~!" Mai and Mikoto cheered.
"Let me join Akira!" Chie said, joining Akira.
Akira agreed and they sang together with Mikoto and Mai cheering on them. Nao played the Guitar Hero Natsuki paused. Midori
and Youko are drinking and making out like they are the only ones in the room, not like the others really care.
"We're here! We brought some company!" Natsuki said, opening the door.
"Hi babe! Oh my god, you're an amazing singer~!" Aoi gushed.
"This is for you babe~!" Chie winked at Aoi who blushed and took a seat to the couch.
"Hi guys!" Mai waved at the newly added companions.
"Aniue~!" Mikoto tackled her brother in a bear hug.
"Mikoto-chan, nice seeing you again." Reito smiled.
"Hey that's my game!"
"Well, it's not yours anymore!"
Natsuki tackled Nao, trying to get the guitar console. Nao is kicking Natsuki's stomach to prevent
the blunette from getting the console. This mini war continued while Haruka, Yukino and Shizuru situated
themselves at the empty couch closer to the karaoke monitor, watching them in amusement. Shizuru reached for
the songbook while the two are talking about the neatness of the room, clearly unexpected for them because the Three Idiots
should be making a mess at this time. Midori and Youko were nowhere to be found, probably making out again.
"Hah! I win!" Nao grinned, raising the console in the air.
"Tsk, be thankful I'm not in the mood wrestling with you…" Natsuki grumbled.
A mischievous glint appeared in Shizuru's crimson eyes. She raised and waved the songbook in front
of her face. "Ara, I think Kawaii-chan should sing for us ne?"
All eyes went to Natsuki with curious, mischievous, disbelief glints. This made Natsuki conscious and blush a
deep red. She glared at Shizuru who seemed unaffected by the famous Kuga Death Glare.
"What? Natsuki? Singing?" Chie and Nao looked each other then laughed their asses off.
"Urusai!" Natsuki glared at the two.
"Wait, Natsuki can sing?" Mai asked. Shizuru nodded.
"Ara, of course~! She sings for me every time I wish to hear her."
"But Natsuki told us she can't sing…" Akira added.
"You did?" Shizuru turned to Natsuki. Natsuki said nothing and looked away.
"Come on Na-chan, sing for us~!" Shizuru said. Natsuki shook her head.
"Come on Natsuki-san, you really should not keep your talent…" Reito added.
"You should have GUTS in singing as much as in basketball!" Haruka growled.
"Please… Na-chan…" Shizuru pleaded.
Natsuki turned to Shizuru to see the puppy eyes she always use on her. Her heartbeat skipped a beat
and she lost her breath. Shizuru may be playful at this time but she couldn't take away the beauty in it. It's like
if you order a Shizuru, there's beauty, intelligence, playfulness, down-to-earthiness in the package. You just can't get enough.
'M-Must… R-Resist… T-Those… P-Puppy… E-Eyes!' Natsuki thought.
She sighed deeply. "Fine."
"Yay~! Na-chan's going to sing~!" Shizuru beamed. The crowd followed the cheer.
"Yeah Yeah…" Natsuki grumbled.
She picked up the microphone and the songbook when a song played through the speakers. She looked at the brunette who is wearing a smirk directed at her.
"Ara, I already picked up a song for you Na-chan~!"
Natsuki just glared at her and looked at the monitor's screen. She read the title that was written in bold
letters. Count On Me by Bruno Mars.
Natsuki rolled her eyes and just sang the song. 'Better get this over…' she thought.
Flashback…
"Ara, Na-chan…"
"Huh? What?"
"Play for me, please?" A young brunette with crimson eyes pleaded to her companion.
The young Natsuki just sighed and sat behind the sleek black piano. "Fine, what song do you want me to play?"
"Can you do the Moonlight Sonata? Please?" Shizuru answered.
"What? I've played that millions of times to you…" the blunette grumbled under her breath.
"Please~" Shizuru said.
"Fine…" Natsuki said. She lifted her hands on the keys of the piano and started to work her magic.
End of Flashback…
Natsuki was in the middle of the song and Shizuru noticed the familiar gleam in the Modern Ares' eyes. The passion
she always had when she's playing any instrument, when she's singing, even when playing basketball. Shizuru always known
that she was just helping Natsuki to express her talents by requesting musical pieces for her to play.
Flashback…
"Why does Na-chan have shine in her eyes when she plays?" Shizuru asked.
"Huh? I do?" Natsuki asked. She just finished playing Suite for Strings on her violin when the brunette asked her that question.
"Ara, hai. It seems that she forgets the place in front of her and just plays so beautifully…" Shizuru explained, doing a thinking pose.
Natsuki just stared at her violin at hand then at her piano. She shrugged.
"I don't know… My mom loves music so I guess I inherited it from her." Natsuki said, remembering her mother playing her favourite instrument. The viola.
"I guess I just love music as much as I love my mom… I feel like, every problems are gone when I hear music. When I hear music, I can feel my mom… She's always right beside me…" she added.
"Then can you please play me some more?" Shizuru asked.
"Okay… What do you want?" Natsuki said, positioning the violin on her clavicle.
"Ara, I want… Canon in D!" Shizuru beamed.
"Fine…" Natsuki said, looking at Shizuru's giddy eyes before playing.
End of Flashback…
After Natsuki ended, the others were in awe and Chie broke the silence.
"Whoo! Natsuki that was amazing!" she grinned.
"Yeah, Chie's right! Where did you learn to sing like that?" Mai asked.
"My mom loves to sing…" Natsuki said.
Shizuru saw the loneliness in the blunette's eyes as she talks about her mother so she decided to change the topic.
"Ara, if you like Na-chan singing, then she should sing with me!" she said.
"No. Way. Shizuru." Natsuki glared at her.
"Okay~! I already selected a song~!" Shizuru chimed. She dragged Natsuki to the mini-stage and shoved, I mean gave
the microphone to Natsuki.
Natsuki immediately recognized the song because its Shizuru's favourite genre. She hid her smile as she read
the lyrics and took a breath. The shine in her eyes back where was before and sang the song.
I finally asked you to dance
On the last slow song
And beneath the moon that was really a disco ball
I can still feel my head on your shoulder
Hoping that song would never be over
Shizuru noticed the shining emerald eyes of the blunette and she smiled to herself while I haven't seen you in ages
singing. 'Mission Accomplished!' she thought. She made Natsuki be the one like she was before. The cheerful, energetic,
always smiling, blushing Natsuki Kuga. Her knight in shining armor. Her Kawaii-chan. Her best friend.
Sometimes I find myself
Wondering where you are
For me you'll always be eighteen
And beautiful and dancing away with my heart
Natsuki saw Shizuru's cheery face while she's singing. She sighed happily at this. 'Mission Accomplished!' she thought. She made I brushed your curls back so I could see your eyes I haven't seen you in ages
Shizuru deeply happy. Her mask gone and truly happy. She liked it like that. Shizuru not caring about anything. Not worrying about Student Council, not worrying about being the Kaichou, not Shizuru the perfect girl. But Shizuru the carefree girl.
And the way you moved me was like you were in my mind
I can still feel you lean into kiss me
I can't help but wonder if you ever miss me
Sometimes I find myself
Wondering where you are
For me you'll always be eighteen
And beautiful and dancing away with my heart
The gang cheered them off with grins on their faces. Chie and Nao got so wild and did a wolf whistle. Mai smacked their heads in irritation because they've been yelling at her ears. Mikoto wore a cowboy hat and opened a bag of chips. Akira closed her eyes and feels the song. Oh you headed out to college
At the end of that summer when we lost touch
I guess I didn't realize even at that moment we lost so much
"Ne, Natsuki-san and Shizuru-san have great harmonization don't they?" Reito said with gleaming golden eyes. Yukino and I haven't seen you in ages Na na na na (3x) Away with My Heart Na na na na (3x)
Haruka nodded in agreement.
Sometimes I find myself
Wondering where you are
For me you'll always be eighteen
And beautiful and dancing away with my heart
The crowd went wild at the end of the song. They looked at each other and Natsuki grinned. This is so infectious in Shizuru's part
so she smiled back at the blunette.
"That's so great guys! How do you do that?" Mai said.
Natsuki looks at Shizuru first then shrugged her shoulders. "We just know each other so well…" she said in an interrogative
tone, cocking her head to the side.
Natsuki went straight outside and went down the stairs. The consecutive singing left her lungs burning and she need air.
She walks at the sidewalk aimlessly, kicking every stone she sees. She saw a kid with his mother and father, holding hands, walking
past her. Tears threatening to well up in her eyes but she blinks those tears away.
'No… I have to be strong… That's what I promised her…' she thought.
She came to an abrupt halt when she saw a children's playground. She walked slowly towards the swing then taking
a seat. She stared at the sandbox intently, remembering the first time she saw Shizuru. The little girl was weeping, getting
bullied. Natsuki doesn't like that. She hates seeing a girl cry. She felt like every girl needs respect, that's what her mother told her.
Her mother…
'Not again…' she internally whined. Midnight hair dancing with the wind, pale but smooth skin that matches hers, purple
eyes shining brightly when she looks at her, those are the ones she love about her mother. Her mother's passion is also
her passion. Her mother's passion is music, specifically playing viola and singing. She always sings a lullaby to Natsuki every
night she sleeps. Kami-sama, she misses her so much.
She sat on the swing and gazed at the sandbox. She loves playing there. Ever since she met Shizuru from that
bullying kid, they've become bestfriends instantly and always played there at the sandbox. She slightly move her legs to make
the swing move back and forth slowly.
"Ara, I thought I might see Natsuki here…"
She turned to the voice. "Huh? Shizuru? Why are you here? I thought you were inside."
"Well, they're getting louder as the night comes… It's pretty annoying to my ears…" Shizuru replied.
"You remember when you were crying here?" Natsuki asked.
"Well, this looks a lot like the playground we used to play but the answer is yes. I do remember. You saved me that time, I was so thankful to you." Shizuru answered.
"You are such a cry baby that time…" Natsuki chuckled.
Shizuru slapped her arm playfully. "Ara, Natsuki ikezu." she pouted.
"Heh… You still say ikezu when I tease you. Yet I almost suffered from blood loss when you tease me." Natsuki said.
Shizuru giggles heartily. Natsuki loved that sound.
"Ara, you didn't tell them that you sing? Why is that? Is it about Saeko-obaa?" Shizuru said.
"Not entirely. I miss her. A lot. I even got over her death. It's just that when I do her favourite things, It makes
me sad, remembering her death. I thought, "Better not do it before I regret it and breaks my heart. I'm done with
the crying. Don't wanna do it again…"" Natsuki explained briefly and sighed.
"Ara, it's not bad to do the things you and Saeko-obaa used to do, it brings back the memories isn't it but not negative
at all. It makes you happy, I can see it." the brunette smiles meekly.
"You're right…" Natsuki nodded. "When I'm singing, I remember my mom. All the precious things we did, and suddenly, I feel lighter. Like, a big weight is finally off my shoulders." she added.
Then they sat in a comfortable silence. Shizuru remembers their times with Natsuki. Natsuki with her at their playground.
Flashback…
"Ara, wait for me Na-chan!"
"You're so slow Shi-chan! Hurry up!"
A young Natsuki was running to Shizuru's house, the said brunette was following her, panting.
"Slow down! You know I'm not as fast as you!" Shizuru breathed.
Natsuki didn't listen as she sped up, slowly leaving the almost breathless Shizuru behind. A few minutes later, Natsuki felt that her bestfriend was not following her anymore.
"Shi-chan? Shi-chan?" Natsuki glanced around frantically. 'Oh crap!' she thought and scampered back to Shizuru.
As she went back where she came from, she didn't see the brunette she was looking for. Then realization hit her. She hurried to the place where she knew her friend would be.
"Shi-chan!" she yelled as she saw the chestnut-haired girl sitting in the swing. Her back was facing towards her and her head is bowed down. She approached the girl slowly.
"Shi-chan?" she tapped the girl's shoulder.
"N-Na-chan…" Shizuru faced her with puffy cheeks and teary eyes.
"S-Shi-chan? Daijobou ka?!" Natsuki asked with panic in her voice. Shizuru shook her head.
"A-Ara, I scraped my knee… And its Na-chan's fault!" she pouted and buried her face in her hands and sobbed.
Natsuki took her hands away and wiped the tears streaming down her face. She ruffled her hair and frowned slightly.
"Gomen ne, Sh-chan…" she said quietly. She took out a handkerchief and wiped Shizuru's face. She turned her back against Shizuru and crouched down.
"Ara, N-Na-chan? Nani?" Shizuru asked, stunned.
"I'll make it up to you. Hop on~!" Natsuki grinned. Shizuru nodded hesitantly and got on Natsuki's back.
"Yosh!" Natsuki gripped at Shizuru's thighs and sped up to Shizuru's house. As they got there, Natsuki quickly put her down and rushed to the kitchen and got a first-aid kit. She went back to Shizuru and took a band aid and opened it. She knelt in front of the girl and placed the patch properly on her knee.
"There! You okay?" Natsuki asked, cocking her head to the side.
"Hai… Ookini Na-chan." Shizuru nodded.
"Forgive me?"
"Ara, of course~! You're my bestfriend~!" Shizuru beamed.
Natsuki nodded and grinned. "Let's go then! Let's get some ice cream!"
End of Flashback…
"Shizuru?"
Shizuru snapped out of her daze and looked at Natsuki in confusion.
"Ara, kannin na Natsuki. What were you saying?" she asked.
"Do you wanna go to the convenience store? I wanna buy some chips…" Natsuki repeated.
"Sure~!" Shizuru smiled.
Natsuki lend out her hand and waited for Shizuru to take it. When she did, the blue haired player pulled Shizuru
out from her seat and stood up. They slowly made their way to the convenience store. On their way, they saw a few guys
winking and checking them out. Shizuru resisted rolling her eyes at them and Natsuki just grumbled something inaudible and clenched her fists.
As they got in the store, Natsuki went to the stall full of chips and sodas. Shizuru went to grab a yogurt and ice cream
for them. She went past a blue stall and suddenly halts. She beamed and grabbed a blue tube-like container and waited for
Natsuki at the cashier. Natsuki went to join Shizuru and saw the blue container in the brunette's hands. Her eyes widened for a
second and looked at Shizuru amusedly. She pointed at the container.
"Seriously? You bought a mayo?" Natsuki asked, grinning.
"Ara, hai. But just this once Na-chan." Shizuru replied with a motherly tone, wiggling her index finger at the blunette.
"Hai hai… Mom…" Natsuki teased earning a playful slap from the brunette.
"Natsuki, Ikezu~!" she pouted. Natsuki laughed and shrugged it off.
They paid for their food and went out the store. Shizuru shivered as the cold air hit her skin. Natsuki noticed
this and asked, "Cold, Shi-chan?"
Shizuru nodded slightly. "Hai but not much…" she smiled at Natsuki.
The blunette grinned and walked briskly, passing her. She looked ahead and to the slightly stunned brunette. A grin sculpted
her face as she started to jog ahead Shizuru.
"Better run to get back then. Hurry up slowpoke!" Natsuki said then started running.
"Ara, so clever and immature… Yet I love it. How can she get to me like this?" she asked herself, shaking her
head and started running to follow the laughing blunette.
As they entered the building, they were both slightly panting. Well, Natsuki was slightly panting and Shizuru was
hungry for air. Natsuki chuckled at the sight of the gasping brunette. She went to the elevator and pressed a button. She laughed
loudly when Shizuru rushed to her to get inside. Shizuru, pissed and breathless, slapped Natsuki lightly.
"Ikezu! Bully! You didn't even let me rest…" Shizuru pouted.
"That wasn't even a marathon and you're panting like a mortal getting chased by Hades! And it was in
her nightmares!" the blunette grinned as she continued to tease the pouting brunette.
As they went inside the karaoke room, they were met by Chie taking a picture of them. Aoi giggles behind her hand as
Natsuki chase Chie around the room. Shizuru settles the plastic bag of what they bought on the table and sits on the couch. Natsuki
halted when Chie threw her phone to Nao who caught it easily. Natsuki then turned her heel and chased Nao who quickly
dashed. Mikoto was eating a bag of chips, watching the scene. Mai shook her head in amusement. Reito was on the stage singing
a One Direction song and Haruka grumbles something in her breath that made Yukino laugh.
"Ne, mutt! Why is Shizuru all sweaty here? You worked her up didn't you?" Nao teased.
"Get back here spider!" Natsuki bellowed, face crimson red.
Shizuru blushed at the thought but she quickly shook it off. "Ara, Na-chan. Stop that and just eat." she said, handing the blue tube container.
Natsuki skidded to a halt and went to snatch the container and the bag of chips in Shizuru's hand. She settled beside her and opened the tube. "Fine…" she grumbled.
"Mayo? Seriously Natsuki?" Mai asked in astonishment.
"What? I love mayo. Problem?" Natsuki said. Mai just looked in inquisition.
Shizuru shrugs and answers the unspoken question, "She loves mayo ever since I met her. I can't stop her. I can limit
her but not stop. Even her mom can't stop her."
"What's wrong with mayo?" Natsuki whines. Shizuru just patted her head.
As the night end, they went to their car and went back to school. Even if it's already sun down, there are still people
wandering around the campus. Shizuru was surrounded by her fangirls, Reito is with, obviously Yuichii. Haruka and Yukino
motioned to Shizuru that they are taking their leave.
"Natsuki? You coming?" Mai asked, taking Natsuki away from her thoughts.
"Huh? No. You go first. I'll catch up…" Natsuki said, shooing them.
The gang said nothing and went to their dorms. Once they're gone, Natsuki approached Shizuru. Those students
who saw her swooned, some are frowning.
"Oohh… It's Kuga-san."
"Isn't she the number 7 in Falcons?"
"Oh my gosh~! So hot~!"
"I learned that she and Fujino-sama are childhood friends."
Natsuki ignored them and walked towards Shizuru. Some of her fangirls greeted her but she glared at them, making them swoon tenfold.
"Oi, Shizuru…" she started.
"Ara, what is it Natsuki?" the brunette asked.
"We should go back." Natsuki said, scratching her cheek.
"Ara, is Natsuki that eager to have me all by herself?" Shizuru teased.
"B-Baka! I-It's not like t-that!" Natsuki blushed crimson. Those who are watching squealed at Natsuki's reaction.
"Kami-sama! So cute~!"
'Ara, maybe I shouldn't tease Na-chan in public. I didn't know that many girls find Natsuki cute. But who am I
to oppose? Na-chan is Kawaii-chan after all. If I don't know how to control my emotions, I would be the first one to
squeal.' Shizuru thought.
"Mataku*… Let's just go okay?" Natsuki said and went ahead.
Shizuru excused herself and followed Natsuki. She poked Natsuki and the blunette turned to her in question.
"What?" she asked.
"Would Natsuki mind if she accompanies me to my dorm?" Shizuru replied.
"I'm doing it already am I? And even if you didn't ask, I would still do that. I don't want Kaichou-sama get kidnapped
by her delirious fangirls…" Natsuki scoffed.
"Ara, Natsuki cares for me~! Kawaii~!" Shizuru squealed.
"Urusai! Baka!" Natsuki grumbled loudly. She quickly walked past Shizuru who just laughed at her action.
They went to the track field and the gymnasium and to the cafeteria. Suddenly, a question popped in the brunette's mind.
"Ara, Natsuki, why do you like basketball?" she asked.
Natsuki scoffed and shrugged. "I don't like basketball…"
"Ara?"
"I love it…" the blunette chuckled.
"Why?" Shizuru asked.
"Why? I never thought of that… I just love it. The feel of the ball, the squeak of the shoe on the court, the swish of
the net, the sound of the bounce echoing the court, I love it all. Maybe that's because it came from my dad, just the same
as my mom. If my mom's passion is music, my dad's passion is basketball." She explained. When Shizuru didn't react
or answer, she continued.
"I still remember the first time I saw my dad play… He was in high school and he plays as a power forward
as a starter player. When I saw him getting past his opponents, shooting, I was stunned. But the most beautiful part that
I like when he was playing is when he always plays with a smile. Even if he fell, he missed a shot, let a guy broke
past him, heck, even if he already has fouls, he always smiles. After that, I told myself that I want to play like him. I want to play
with a smile. That's why I love basketball before I started to play basketball…" she smiled at the memories. A nostalgic smile graced her lips.
"But when mom died, he stopped. I can no longer hear the ball bouncing, his shoes squeaking, the net
swishing, and his melodic laugh. Whenever I see him, he is always sad, frowning, mourning. He is always at
work, busying himself to forget the sadness. But even if he forgets it, all what is left is nothing… An empty hole in his
heart. I've had enough of it. I told him that I will be a basketball player. I want to be like him. I will follow his footsteps as a
player and as a great person." Natsuki sighed.
They realized that after Natsuki finished her story, they're right in front of Shizuru's dorm room. Shizuru turned to
|her and hugged her. Natsuki was slightly stunned but returned the gesture. The brunette let go and held her at arm's length.
"Thank you for sharing this to me Natsuki… I mean it." Shizuru said.
"Of course. You're my bestfriend." Natsuki smiled. They greeted each other their 'good night's and Shizuru reached
for the door knob when Natsuki's hand caught her wrist in a halt.
"Ara, what is it Natsuki?"she asked.
"A-Arigato. For listening. I mean it." Natsuki said.
"Of course, Na-chan. You're my bestfriend." Shizuru answered, repeating what Natsuki said.
"Y-You are the only person I've told about this…" the blunette whispered.
"Ara… Arigato for that… I am honoured." Shizuru smiled sweetly. "Good night and goodbye Natsuki." she added.
Natsuki blushed pink and looked away, huffing in response. She said a gruff and low goodbye to Shizuru and left. She felt a surge
of happiness in her chest as she walked her way to her dorms. She felt like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders. She went back
to the gymnasium and went inside.
Shallow lights filled the gym as she went to the equipment room. She approached one of the carts and picked
up a ball. The blunette went out and dribbled the ball, the sound echoing the deserted gym. She aimed for the ring and took
a shot. The ball went swiftly in the net and landed in a loud bounce. The ball rolled towards her and she picked it up again. She got
into position and closed her eyes. When she opened her eyes, she saw a man in front of her. Emerald eyes flashing with
joy and humor, wearing a white and black jersey with red outlines, blonde hair that shines brightly.
"Come on kiddo! Don't be a slob! Come at me!"
She smiled and dribbled the ball and drove past him but he got past her and got into defense. She came
into a sudden halt and ran towards him. But before she could collide at him, she jumped over him and did a
dunk. A slam sounded the gym and she landed with a thud.
"Very well Natsu-chan… You've gotten better~! Always do your best, ne?"
"Thanks… Dad." she grinned his wolfish grin. He returned the grin and disappeared.
She let out a sigh of relief and left the gym with a smile on her face.
"Someday… I'll make you proud… I'll surpass you." The blunette whispered.
"Do your own basketball~!"
Natsuki chuckled, "Sure… I will…"
She jogged her way to her dorms with a new resolve. Thanks to the brunette goddess who made her remember what her father told her.
"Show them your basketball!"
Midori left early during the party and left with Youko to do something that isn't appropriate for kids. Clothes are
scattered, a broken vase on the desk, lights are dim in the bedroom. Soft moans and giggles were heard but it was disturbed
by a sound that is very irritating to someone who is in a heated session.
RIING! RIING!
"Goddammit Midori! Shut that thing off!"
"Wait, it may be important…"
"Oh, fuck off…" Youko swat Midori's hands away from her sex and curled up on the right side of the
bed. Midori sighed and picked up the phone on the bedside desk.
"Suguira." Midori snapped at the caller.
"Coach? Am I disturbing your sleep?"
"No Riku." She answered. 'But you're disturbing something else…' she thought.
"Anyways, I have information about our next opponent." Riku said.
"Sure, what is it?" the coach inquired.
Youko tried to listen to the conversation but it wasn't within her earshot. Midori widened her eyes in shock.
"W-What!? That team!? Why so sudden!?" Midori bellowed.
"I know coach… I haven't recover from the shock…" Riku agreed.
"Falcon meeting. Tomorrow." Midori said then hung up.
"What was that?" Youko asked.
"About our opponent in the next match…" the coach sighed.
"What about it?" Youko added. Midori let out another sigh and set her mouth in a thin line.
"We might get crushed by them…"
Hooray~!
Another chappie accomplished~!
*Mataku- "geez" / "good grief"/ "oh man..."
It's clearly obvious that I love Mythology. Especially Greek, Roman, and Norse...
I got the Modern (God Name) in the book called Frankenstein or Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley. This portrays that this character is literally the modern Prometheus. But in my story, its just Shizuru's / Natsuki's interpretation or description.
SO WHO WILL BE THE NEXT TEAM? ZIPANG IS NOW OUT OF THE QUESTION SINCE IT'S DONE. I WANT YOU GUYS TO GIVE ME SUGGESTIONS~!
REVIEW, FOLLOW AND FAVORITE IS ACCEPTED~!
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, JUST PM ME~!
ARIGATO!
Godspeed!
- Kazuki-kun11