And we are back. My holiday ended just a few days ago and already I am up to my neck in homework. Who knew that by missing one week of school, I would miss more than I ever imagined possible to be in one week. Sigh. Good news is, I've managed a new chapter! While in China, I wrote by hand some bits for the chapter so it's up much earlier than I would have thought. Actually, I should be catching up on school instead of writing fanfic, but, priorities right? Yeah, I'll just go study now...
Chapter twenty one
Those eyes of storm
"Hey, can I get some service!" the boy shouted as he plopped himself at the table.
The waitresses glanced at each other, none of them wanting to be the one to serve him. One brave soul finally gave in and approached the boy.
"Of course, what can I get you?" she asked brightly, forcing on a smile.
"You could join me for a drink. Why don't you sit down." The boy smirked.
"No thank you, but I can take your order." The waitress said.
The boy reached out and pulled the waitress down to sit beside him. He was far taller and stronger than her, and effortlessly held her still. The waitress looked at her fellow employees desperately. She fought her panic down as another waitress appeared from the kitchen, carrying two plates of food.
"Izumi san." She whimpered.
Asuka spotted her and understood the situation immediately. Passing the two dishes to another waitress, she swiftly walked up to the boy. He looked familiar, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
"Sir, please do not hassle the workers, or I'll have to ask you to leave." Asuka warned.
"Huh? What? Are you challenging me? It's not like she minds, right?" The boy taunted his captive.
She looked down, now on the verge of tears. The manager had noticed the commotion, and was about to help when Asuka held out her hand to signal to him that it was under control.
"Sir, why don't we go outside and talk. You're disrupting our customers." Asuka suggested.
The boy scoffed and pushed himself up. Asuka smiled at her co-worker who fled after muttering a quick thanks. Asuka gestured towards the door and followed the boy outside, stopping at the back, away from customers eyes.
"Don't come back if you intend on feeling up my co-workers." Asuka said seriously.
She didn't bother being polite. The boy laughed mockingly and whipped his chin with the palm of his hand and leaned over her.
"What are you gonna do huh?" The boy sneered.
He wrapped an arm around Asuka's waist and grabbed her wrist. Asuka maintained her blank expression and struggled against him. The boy was strong, and for a second, Asuka thought she wouldn't be able to break free. She managed to shove him away, and swung a fist, her knuckles connecting with his face. Indeed he was strong, but not as strong as Aomine. The boy crashed into the wall and glared, advancing on Asuka. Then he stopped. For a moment, neither breathed as they stared at each other in shock. A wave of recognition hit the two at the same time, and they shouted pointing at each other. In sync, they said each others names unbelievably.
"Haizaki!"
"Izumi!"
Asuka blinked. How had she not noticed before? The cocky boy had the exact same arrogant grey eyes as her old schoolmate. His face more chiseled than the one she'd once beaten up in a fit of anger. His hair was now dark grey, borderline black. Asuka wasn't sure if it was dyed or is the old colour of light grey had been bleached. Haizaki in turn, shook his head and took a step back. Now that he knew who the beautiful girl before him was, she'd lost her appeal. He saw it now, the silver hair streaked with subtle gold and intense eyes that, unlike his own grey, shone and could only be called silver. It was unmistakable that the girl was Izumi Asuka.
"I was told a girl good a basketball and art had arrived at Tōō. Should have known it was you. What the hell are you doing in Japan? I thought you'd gone for good to America." Haizaki growled.
"I see you haven't changed at all, still hitting on girls. I can't believe you'd try that on me though." Asuka taunted.
"How was I supposed to recognise you? It's been four years." Haizaki spat.
"Three actually. Anyway, speak for yourself. You look different." Asuka mused, glancing at his change in appearance. "I heard you stopped playing basketball."
Haizaki snorted. "Why is basketball always the only thing people think I do? Dragging me to see games and trying to make me play. It's like basketball is holding a grudge and haunting me."
"Why did you quit? You were good you know, even with your attitude. I know you like basketball too." Asuka said.
Haizaki refused to reply and walked away. Asuka raised an eyebrow. She'd expected him to retort, or at least insult her more. Certainly, he was still rude as ever, but his overwhelming arrogance had simmered down. Asuka sighed and smoothed out her waitress uniform. Something moved in the corner, dashing away as Asuka turned. She blinked in confusion and shrugged, returning to her job and ignoring Haizaki who was sulking in a corner, sipping at the drink a waiter had slammed in front of him. With a spring in her steps, Asuka took orders, finding the way Haizaki glared at her highly amusing. She was happy that she'd won second place at the art show, and the presence of an old enemy wouldn't sully her mood.
Whispers, stares, sniggers, all signs of something out of place. At first, Asuka dismissed the odd looks she got. Perhaps her hair was a mess from waking up late, or maybe there was something on her face. In the end however, there was no doubt that indeed, her suspicion was not misplaced. Minako was waiting at the classroom door when Asuka arrived, a serious look on her face. The two boy were behind her, Nashiwa with a worried expression and Watanabe looking lost. Looking up from her phone, Minako crossed her arms and marched Asuka inside.
"Ok, now then, let's talk." Minako said, plonking herself down at her desk.
"Yeah, I think so too. Izumi chan, I always thought you and Aomine kun were a thing. I mean, operation lovebird was a disaster, but after, you guys were close again and-" Watanabe babbled only to be stopped by Minako who held up a hand.
Minako sighed and passed Asuka her phone, Nashiwa doing the same. Following their example, Watanabe also pulled out his phone and hurriedly flipped through his messages to the same one as the other two phones. Asuka recognised the situation immediately, chain email. It wasn't all that uncommon or special. There were plenty that went around, none of which Asuka cared too much about. The only difference this time was the topic. Asuka bit her lip and read the message. 'The real Izumi Asuka'. There were several attachments, all of which displayed two very familiar figures. Her and Haizaki. It was at the cafe when she'd been dealing with him after he'd tormented her co-worker. His arm was around her waist and his other hand clasped around her wrist in his attempt to scare her. That was how it was, however, what the picture looked like was a kiss. The angle made it so that the two of them seemed to be kissing. She'd walked to school alone as she'd woken late and told Amine to go ahead. She hadn't seen Momoi in the morning in either so both hadn't told her.
"Do you know who sent this?" Asuka asked.
"No, but it's been circulating. Strange you haven't gotten it." Nashiwa said.
"More importantly, Izumi chan, who's that guy?" Watanabe demanded.
Both Nashiwa and Minako glared, but Asuka calmly put the phone down and smiled, taking in a deep breath, ready to explain. She told them about Haizaki and how they'd met by coincidence at her work. They'd both changed, didn't recognise each other and he'd tried to flirt. By the end, Watanabe was laughing loudly, Minako laughing twice as loud and Nashiwa breathing a sigh of relief.
"So what about the chain email? It's started some rumours." Minako warned.
"Don't worry, I'm fine, really. What worries me is-" Asuka was cut of as the door slammed open and a flash of blue appeared followed but pink.
"-Ahomine." Asuka finished.
"Who are you calling aho, Asubaka. What's this with him?" Aomine demanded.
"Asu-chan, I have to agree." Momoi piped up.
Minako grinned and raised her brows. Asuka fought back her own grin and motioned for her two friends forward. They obliged one worried, the other angry.
"It's all fine. Haizaki and I ran into each other at my work. He didn't recognise me, tried to make a move, I happily gave him a bruise." Asuka explained.
"Haizaki is here? Why?" Momoi asked.
"Don't know. Just hanging around on a weekend?" Asuka suggested.
The bell rang then, forcing Momoi and Aomine to leave, though the later wouldn't have cared about missing class either way. The class stood as their homeroom teacher entered in a fluster.
"Sorry I wasn't here earlier. Organising the opening day is harder than I thought." Matsuzawa apologised.
"Sensei, you should just give the job to someone else. We can't afford to have you be late, not our precious sensei!" Minako joked.
The class laughed as Matsuzawa tried to calm them down. He took the register and then let the class chat.
Minako stretched and yawned, complaining that something as insignificant as an open day was taking up so much energy.
"The archery club has added a practice before the day. We've been having three a week for two weeks now. We aren't even good." Minako moaned.
"The basketball club already has three practises." Nashiwa said.
Minako rolled her eyes and leaned back on her chair. She glanced sideways at Asuka who had began discussing basketball with Nashiwa. Though she was acting as she always did, it was hard for Minako to believe that she was fine with having the photo of her and Haizaki go around the school. That wasn't even the end of it. The rumour mill had already began to spin, and some nasty ones had been tossed out from the start. Minako wasn't sure why, but the open day had to play a part in the incident. Start of class was signalled by the bell and Minako was shaken out of her thoughts as the teacher entered. Deciding to investigate later, Minako took out her books and sighed heavily, Watanabe raising a brow at her from behind Nashiwa.
The day went smoothly, the chain email incident not affecting Asuka's normal routine. Though she could hear the occasional remark made about her, they were insignificant in the face of her workload. For AYAI, all assignments were on the go. Glass would be provided for free by the glass studio she was working at on Fridays and she'd already started the primary planning. For all reports, research had began. Painting was being done in class for Tōō and on it's way. For clay, Asuka had began sculpting the face, the task being to translate realism into a clay head. Everything was on course. If only Asuka didn't feel so tired from lack of sleep brought about from making sure things went well. The last lesson of the day, art was more relaxing now that Asuka knew what she was doing. She chatted with Saeki cheerfully while also making progress in her project. When Saeki invited her to hang out afterwards, Asuka regretfully declined. There was no rest for her. After school, it would be work at the art school.
By the end of the two art classes, Asuka was exhausted. Her luck was bad too, missing the bus by a minute. It had driven away just as she approached the stop. Tucking loose strands of hair behind her ear, Asuka forced herself up to the store. She might as well get some things that she needed as she waited for the next bus. Just before Asuka entered the grocery store, a group of three towering figures confronted her. Asuka glanced at each of the boys who all had several tattoos and looked only a year older than her and not like good news.
"May I help you?" Asuka asked.
The first boy whistled, running his gaze over her with a predatory look in his eyes. From his confident smirk and the way the other two stood flanked him, Asuka assumed he was the leader.
"You that girl Haizaki tried to get? Damn, you're fine. Much better than that midget nerd girl who follows him around." the boy leered.
"His side chick with the big rack wasn't bad but this one's definitely even better. How bout you join us for a drink?" the second boy offered suggestively.
Asuka frowned and looked around. All the passersby were edging away, avoiding the conflict. The three boys smirked, mistaking her surveying as fear. Asuka never knew Haizaki would sink so low as to get his friends to deal with her. Even if his honour allowed it, his pride shouldn't.
"Are you Haizaki's friend? Well sorry, but I'm busy." Asuka said coldly.
"Just come play for a bit." the third boy coaxed.
Asuka steadied herself, knowing that the conversation wouldn't end with words alone. Sure enough, the groups leader reached out to snake an arm around her waist. Asuka grabbed his wrist and shoved his hand away.
"Don't touch me." Asuka warned.
"Ooh a feisty one." The third boy snickered.
Asuka took a step back. She was tired and didn't have the patience to deal with them. The leader tried to touch her again and Asuka grabbed his arms, twisting them behind his back.
"Bastard!" The second boy snarled.
He and his friend charged forward, but Asuka swang the first boy around into them. Glancing around, Asuka cursed at her bad luck. The few people on the street had gone. There was no one to help, no on such a small street. Asuka elbowed the second boy in the stomach and knocked him out swiftly, making sure not to do any permanent damage. She took out the third boy just a quickly and faced the final one. He lunged, his fist brushing her shoulder. Asuka side stepped and fixed a threatening glare on him. The boy stepped back, paralysed by her eyes. They had darkened and flashed menacingly. His body froze and he was trapped in a sea in the dead of night with lightning flashing. Her eyes held him in place. The boy gritted his teeth and wrenched his gaze away.
"You little bitch." he spat advancing with bloodlust in his eyes.
Asuka gasped, stumbling back just as a streak of silver passed her. Warm blood dripped down the cut on her check. There was no time to spare on the cut as the knife in the boy's hand came down again. Asuka lost her balance and desperately put her arm up, shuffling backwards. The blade cut through her sleeve and to her arm. Blood spread across the fabric, red against the cream colour of the shirt.
"Stop this." Asuka pleaded.
The boy didn't even hear her. She swore, quickly backing away. There was no point fighting a mad man with a knife. Instead, she pushed herself up and ran. Strands of hair fell into her eyes but Asuka didn't stop. Her heart pounded as she sprinted, her tired legs moving with adrenaline. Someone grabbed her and she collapsed to her knees. Instinct kicking in, Asuka dug her heel into the captor foot and attempted to use her elbow to hit them in the gut.
"The hell Izumi, calm down!" an all too familiar voice shouted.
Asuka looked up in anger at Haizaki's shocked face. The storm in her eyes grew even as her body shook from shock. The anger of lightning striking over violent sea waves consumed Haizaki. He had seen her eyes like this before. Twice. Once when he'd defeated Kise, and a second time when she had an argument with Aomine about leaving. It was a look he would never forget and had no wish to see again. Hissing with distaste, Haizaki tore a strip from his shirt and grabbed Asuka's arm. She struggled but didn't seem to have her usual strength, allowing Haizaki to bandage the cut.
"Stop being so difficult." Haizaki commanded.
"Don't you tell me to do anything." Asuka said coldly.
She drew back and pushed Haizaki back with her remaining energy. A voice yelled her name and a wild look entered her eyes. One of panic. Asuka scanned the surroundings and spotted a familiar face. Watanabe. She stumbled forward and ran. Haizaki didn't follow, the last she saw was him walking to his friend, the one who stabbed her. Staggering in the last steps as she reached Watanabe, Asuka felt her knees buckle. Something was wrong, it was more that fatigue and a knife gash. Watanabe dropped her grocery bags in surprise and knelt beside Asuka.
"Izumi chan, what happened?" he asked in shock.
Asuka stuttered, her body shaking uncontrollably. Everything was a blur, and suddenly, Asuka felt her body tense up, freezing. Watanabe saw Haizaki and glared in furry.
"Did that man do this to you?" he asked, "Hang one, I'll call an ambulance."
Asuka shook her head. The closest hospital was the one she regularly visited. If they went there, Momoi would know about her condition and her father.
"Izumi san you're injured. You need medical attention!" Watanabe exclaimed.
"No, not the hospital. It's a shallow cut." Asuka shivered and clutched her chest.
Something definitely wasn't right. Her sickness was acting up. Lying on the public bench, Asuka felt the world spin and her head screamed at her. She began hyperventilating for air, but it was as though she couldn't breath. Watanabe's voice filled the air, and after a moment, another joined, becoming incoherent. There was noise, pain, cold. Then there was silence, blurred shadows. Then nothing.
You'll notice Haizaki has been getting lost of screen time. At first I thought it would be cool to have an old enemy appear briefly, but when rewatching the last episode he appears in when he nearly throws his basketball shoes away, I decided he would be fun to write. Till next time! Please review and tell me your thoughts!