"That's an absolutely ridiculous argument! I object you can't take that seriously." Chihiro said slamming her hands on the table and standing up quickly. Her face was flushed in anger and her cognac hues stay locked on Hiroki.
Hamamoto-Sensei; the first year History teacher in charge of the debate team watched the two teens carefully. As did Etsuko.
The blonde rolled her eyes at how unprofessional Chihiro was behaving at the moment. The shorter girl always allowed for Hiroki to get under her skin during practice debates.
There were 14 people in total involved in their small club. 7 on one team 7 on the other. In the club came the responsibility of competing against other schools, and Kaijo high was ranked in the top ten percentile.
"Remember to keep calm everyone," Hamamoto-Sensei said urging the students to not let their emotions get in the way. Something she's been teaching them since forever.
Etsuko was on Chihiro's team, she remained unmoved sitting back looking between the two other first years, and then looking down at her bitten nails.
Today's debate was: Is Obesity a disease?
The protocol for practice was to be on two separate teams as stated before, one is the team to list the reasons why it should be considered a disease, and the other team does the opposite.
Etsuko's team was to defend why Obesity is a disease, essentially being on the affirmative side, while Hiroki maintained the side of negative.
"No actually it's quite valid," Hiroki said. "Genetic, psychological and metabolic factors have all been blamed for obesity. And while these may help to explain why people eat so much, none of them are a cause." He said sitting still, hands crossed in front of him as he looked up at Chihiro.
His head was tilted back, and his lips were pursed. Etsuko noticed a smile was threatening to curve its way onto his face. It made Etsuko slightly amused.
They weren't close friends (Etsuko wouldn't label him anything more than an acquaintance in fact) but Hiroki was always kind to her. She actually thought highly of the boy.
"UHH! I can't with you!" Chihiro yelled her face turning red. The icing on top of the cake for Chihiro seemed to be how lazily he almost approached the situation. Etsuko noted that was the breaking point for her. Every time.
The three of them were the youngest but according to Hamamoto-Sensei, some of the best she has had in the club in the last three years.
And while Chihiro was analytical and cunning, she lacked patience when it came to Hiroki. He was the one factor that changed the girl from relaxed to enraged, she almost always lost her cool.
Etsuko knew why Hiroki was forced to be on the opposite side, and everyone else did too. Hamamoto-Sensei was preparing them in case of difficult opponents. It was easy to see what angle she was coming from.
Hiroki was the one person Chihiro had the most difficulty arguing with. The pressure put on her whenever Hiroki was up to post gave the perfect opportunity for both of them to learn something.
For Chihiro, it was how to overcome future opponents that could possibly get under her skin, and for Hiroki, it was to learn new ways how to fluster the opposing team.
"Obesity is a chronic and genetically programmed DISEASE. The environment in which we live certainly plays a role in the expression of the genes that lead to the accumulation of fat mass. Just like any other chronic disease, obesity can be treated, and even put into remission. But it cannot be cured. Especially not by just eating less," Etsuko spoke up breaking the tension in the room.
Hiroki looked at her his eyebrow furrowed, she could see the hesitation and fear in his expression. He thought he would lose if Etsuko took over. It was a look that she's seen in every opponent she's ever had.
Admittedly, Etsuko felt pride and she haughtily tilted her head.
Hiroki leaned back and subtly glanced at his team to see if anyone would want to take over. No one stepped up.
He huffed in agitation, Etsuko could see the thoughts flashing across his face.
"And on top of that," Etsuko continued moving forward and making direct contact with the other boy. He refused to outwardly show nervousness but sweat began to gather on his skin. She was internally impressed with how well he managed to maintain eye contact with her despite being unnerved by her glare.
"Obesity in childhood or adulthood fulfills the dictionary definition of a disease. According to the National Center for Health Statistics in America, a chronic diseases and I quote is: 'one lasting 3 months or more, cannot be prevented by vaccines or cured by medications, nor does it just disappear'."
"Bullshit, no way you memorized that by heart." Arakawa Kaito commented, he was a second year in Class 5. Etsuko watched him flip desperately through the notes he had.
"You can find the quote under the medical book titled 'The American Association for the Study of Obesity: How can we acquire help for those suffering?'. It has a plethora of statistically proven facts that support our argument. You can find the quote on page 340, these ideas are supported by doctors and researchers from all over the world." Etsuko said cutting her eyes over to their teacher as one of her teammates handed over the book in question.
Hamamoto-Sensei took the evidence presented to her looking quite pleased with how prepared Etsuko came for the situation. "Of course it's an American book written originally in English but I've found a translated copy as you can see."
"All doctors quoted in the novel are verified and all are from different countries, some even here in Japan." She said looking away from their sensei to stare down Arakawa and Hiroki.
"So Arakawa-sempai, Hiroki-san?," Etsuko rested her chin in her hand feeling confident that she sealed the argument. "You were saying?"
Up until this point, Hiroki's team had been relying on him to frustrate and confuse her side to a point of submission. The whole time Etsuko kept to herself waiting for the perfect moment to strike them down.
Chihiro finally sat back down in her spot next to Etsuko's left and she could feel the smugness oozing off the other girl in waves.
Hiroki opened his mouth before letting out a sigh his shoulders slumped and rubbed at his sweaty face. "We concede."
His side all groaned others sigh in relief; happy to rid the tension, one boy even collapsed allowing his forehead to hit the papers laid out on the desks in front of them.
Hamamoto-Sensei seemed happy, she looked at Etsuko and gave the girl a proud smile.
"You're a monster." Hiroki joked smiling at her. His fear and worry turned into something happy, and he seemed to genuinely have enjoyed the entire experience of the debate, despite how quickly the tides were turned when Etsuko stepped in.
"Seriously Honda-san," He said to her again when they were all leaving the room. He had that smile on his face and he animatedly chatted with her. Small awkward pauses did happen here and there due to the lack of communication skills Etsuko held, but the conversation was somewhat pleasant.
She knew she made the other students wary, even Chihiro sometimes fell into a stump when hanging around her self-proclaimed best friend... It was surprising yet oddly nice to see Hiroki's effort.
"You're amazing, I hope Hamamoto-Sensei puts you up on the panel when we start competitions next week. It'd be crazy not to have you up there with how well you handle everything."
Chihiro rolled her eyes at Hiroki as the three walked down the empty hall together. The rest of their club mates having dispersed along the way.
"She's a novice, Hamamoto-Sensei would have to remove a varsity contender if Etsuko were to go up on the panel." She said her voice tight with annoyance. While her team might have won, essentially she still in a way lost against the boy herself. She was bitter and Etsuko could tell.
Hiroki grinned showing a row of straight white teeth and turned to face them. He was walking in front of both girls, back facing the direction of where they going. He continued to travel this way and Etsuko wanted to warn him of how idiotic it was to do something like that, but she merely raised a brow at his actions.
"So, who cares. Honda-san outranks our sempai and it's obvious. We're good right now, top ten percentile isn't easy to get into. But we can be better if they allowed her to compete."
The compliment felt satisfying to hear, and even though she was happy Etsuko turned her attention away from her bickering team-mates and kissed her teeth.
'We can only wait and see how life will play out. Can't we now?'
Aomine was tall and tan with messy dark blue hair. His eyes were sharp and powerful yet he began to sweat if Etsuko held eye contact with him for too long, it reminded her of Hiroki.
Kise seemed to fidget more than just his excitable bouncing and jittering. It was almost as if he was uncomfortable, which was odd considering how highly he spoke of all his friends.
She felt lost in translation as the three sat together sharing a slightly strained conversation. Her observational skills were failing her at the moment because she couldn't see why Kise was acting so strange.
"Oi, Honda is your name right?" Aomine's gravely voice broke through the bubble she lost herself in trying to deduce the current situation.
"Honda Etsuko, yes." This is her second time repeating her name, she rose an eyebrow at him trying for Kise's sake at least to not come off as too condescending.
Aomine sat across from her on the train. He took up a majority of the space in the seat he occupied. Legs stretched out almost touching the seat where Kise sat to her right, he also slouched his shoulders slightly, and his knees parted. He stared over at Kise with an impish shine in his gaze, lazy smirk planted on his face.
She'll give him kudos, he was oddly comfortable around her, though her stare and blank expression still had an impact on him, it was obvious he held himself well. Etsuko decided she liked him.
"You don't look like the type to be strong enough to haul Kise of all people out of the water. Kise was making you out be some kind of superhero, but you're actually kind of small." His comment was blunt and simple enough accompanied with the way he scratched leisurely at his ear, she could tell that his bold attitude also carried crudeness along with it.
"Aominecchi!" Kise hissed his eyes darting back an forth between her and him.
Etsuko wanted to laugh. "You don't look like the type to be frightened by bees, yet I've heard from Kise that your screams can hit some interestingly high pitches."
Aomine sputtered the lazy look in his eye gone as he looked up to glare harshly between both her and Kise eventually settling for narrowing his gaze and staring her down. She sat back, posture straight and her hands placed gently on her lap. A satisfied curl to her lips lingering the longer they held eye contact.
"E-Etsuko!" Kise said shakily with a nervous laugh as he scooted back from Aomine just in case he decided to get upset with Kise for speaking his secret.
"You have a mouth on you, huh?" Aomine said.
Etsuko let her amused expression drop as she responded to him, "Yes most people do. Congrats for noticing." The sarcasm couldn't have come any heavier.
"Do always have something to say? It's annoying." Aomine growled a scowl crawling it's way to his features, his brow twitched.
"Is that a question or a statement." She said looking down at her chipped nails in disinterest. Etsuko could see from the corner of her eye how her nonchalance spiked an irritated expression on the boy's face, his face began to turn pink.
She looked up and he flinched at her icy glare. "Interesting." Etsuko hummed.
"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT SUPPOS—" An older gentlemen sitting farther away from them 'shushed' the loud Aomine.
The blue haired boy managed to look sheepish while still glaring.
Now that's talent.
"Tsk," Aomine settled after a moment looking over and scowling at Etsuko. " What are you guys doing anyways? You said you were busy today and that's why you can't hang out." He spoke directing what he said to Kise.
Etsuko found this new information interesting and she turned to Kise who sat stiff in his seat, a pink blush rising to his cheeks.
"I-uh," As he looked at her his face blew up in color. He averted his gaze shortly after and stared over toward Aomine. "Etsukocchi asked me to accompany her."
"Ha?," Aomine drawled. "I can see that dumbass. But, where?"
"The shopping mall. I have something important to pick up." Etsuko said filling in the sputtering that Kise couldn't make up for. Aomine's scowled deepened but he seemed satisfied enough with the vague answer.
She looked between both boys, and because she felt no genuine animosity toward Aomine she decided to invite him along. Feeling as though Kise wouldn't mind, after all, it was his friend.
"You can come along if you'd like. I won't take long, and afterward, Kise wanted to go to Maji Burger."
Kise looked surprised and worried at the same time. Etsuko was slightly concerned that he was going to faint. Aomine looked contemplative for a moment, he was eyeing both Kise and Etsuko with a certain look in his eye.
"You're not terrible," He muttered after a minute and gave a smirk. "I'll take you up on that offer."
The trip to the mall was as promised. Quick. Soon the three of them were on the way to Maji Burger. They found a booth because surprisingly the establishment was not overly crowded this afternoon, and after placing their orders they sat down.
The conversation was ongoing. The longer Aomine was around the more normal relaxed Kise was. It was nice seeing him smile so brightly every time Etsuko and Aomine interacted, she noted how he seemed extremely pleased.
"Ah~ Etsukocchi," Kise started he was sitting on the same side as her, Aomine sat across from them. He slid closer toward her pressing his arm against her side. She became used to this, personal space was practically nonexistent when being friends with the boy. What was even stranger was how quickly she warmed up to it.
She even took longer to warm up to her own brother. Etsuko couldn't figure out why she felt so comfortable around Kise.
"Right Honda Saburo is your first cousin!?" Kise asked.
Aomine stared at them with critical eyes, like he didn't believe a word Kise had to say. They must have brought up the topic when she zoned out.
"Yeah," she said disinterestedly looking down at her fries to pick at them. "His uncle is my mother's brother. People mistake him as my brother because we share the last name while my brother doesn't."
But you know that. She thought as she brought a fry up to her mouth.
"No way! You're serious?" Aomine said sounding excited, a certain shine in his eyes. Etsuko hummed to herself before pulling out her phone from where she tucked it under her thigh.
She had plenty of pictures of Saburo and her with Saburo but for his sake and because it seems like these boys worship him for basketball, she decided to find a decent one.
Etsuko chose a picture of her Katsuki, and Saburo took around her first month in Japan. It was the end of September, and Kasu was helping Saburo fix up his motorcycle. After it was finished Saburo had taken his bikers helmet and placed it over Etsuko's head against her will. Saburo had his right arm wrapped around her and his left hand clutching at her shirt sleeve to keep her in place. Katsuki was kneeling before them holding up a double thumbs up. Both her brother and cousin were smiling like loons, while Etsuko looked startled yet angry at the same time.
They caught her off guard that day. She remembered demanding that Ken delete the photo, both boys had gotten her shirt covered in oil.
Etsuko felt herself begin to smile at the memory and after a second she flipped the phone around and showed Aomine.
"That's my dumbass cousin, and that one is my dumbass brother." She said pointing out who was who for Aomine. He snatched the phone from her hand, and she blinked but otherwise was not fazed.
"Aominecchi! Don't just snatch things out of peoples hands! Besides, let me look I wanna see the picture too!" Kise yelped leaning over their booth table trying to grab at the blue-haired boy.
"No fucking way! That's really him!" Aomine said keeping Kise at bay by placing a hand on his face. It was highly amusing to watch the childish struggle. She felt as if she was watching Saburo and Katsuki.
"You guys must idolize him a lot." She said as she started to pick at her food again.
"Oi Kise stop it!," Aomine screeched at Kise struggled more, eventually he handed the phone over to the blonde just to settle the stupidity.
"Have you ever seen him play?" Aomine said surprising her with the suddenness of the conversation change.
"Basketball? Yeah but not during his career in high school or middle school. I was living somewhere else at that time but he and Katsuki would play with each other for fun back in September when it was still warm."
He doesn't talk much about basketball though. It's weird especially since Katsuki said he used to be a 'Basketball Baka'.
"I have to meet him!," Aomine said determination shining in his eyes as a grin pull at his lips. "You think he'll play me one on one?"
Etsuko frowned, not because she was upset but because she doesn't know.
"Didn't you go to the same school as him?" She asked taking a sip of her drink.
"Yeah, but he was a third year. By the time I got onto the team, the third years were retired. He would stop in sometimes but we never got to talk. Kise and I would watch his high school games. He's a legend!"
Etsuko let out a sigh and took Aomine's words into consideration. She can't imagine her dorky cousin in the light these two boys paint him.
Sure. She's watched him play basketball and she could say he's okay but she hasn't seen him go all out.
Katsuki couldn't play ball for shit so Saburo was always winning, it was an easy game played for fun. She's never seen him in action. If what Aomine is saying is true, then what happened to him between now and his last year in high school?
He treated basketball so differently now, and he never talked about those days. Ever. Etsuko wondered why.
After spending another two hours with the boys discussing random things (though Aomine kept trying to steer the conversation back to her cousin) Etsuko received a text from her grandfather.
They were slowly making their way to the train station when she got the message.
I'm heading to the doctors with your grandmother. She had another episode and rearranged the cupboard again. I don't know if your brother is home. I also don't know where Saburo is. Satomi said she'd pick you up from Kise's. I don't know the address so you should text her.
Etsuko frowned. Feeling unnerved by the whole situation. She was upset her grandmother was doing poorly again, yet it was weird because lately, it seemed like she was improving.
She also felt uncomfortable around Satomi. She's mentioned before she liked the girl enough but something was stopping them from clicking.
I have no choice, do I?
Glancing at the time she noticed Katsuki most likely had gotten called into work for something, and Saburo he might have been with Ken. She didn't want to interrupt their private time so she searched through her contacts for Satomi's name.
She stared at the number with narrowed eyes before making her decision. Etsuko would ask to be picked up at the last stop her and Kise needed to get off at. She felt it was common curtsy to not give out Kise's new address to just anyone he would probably feel uncomfortable, and his parents would too.
Her brother and cousin were another story but Satomi . . . . that was a stretch. Though Etsuko might be biased because she's distant from the girl, it was set in stone that this is what she needed to do.
Hey Tomi. You can pick me up at the train station near our neighborhood.
She wasn't surprised when a reply came instantly.
But, I already told your grandfather I'd be picking you up from your friend's house! It's no hassle really, plus I don't want to cut your time with him short. You seem to really be close with him ;)
Etsuko felt herself scowl at the message. What's that supposed to mean? Just stop being stubborn already . . .
It's fine we spent all day together and he was at the house earlier too. Picking me up at the train station is fine.
Oh, Suko! I insist. I'm sure you'd like to spend a few more minutes together. Besides, you said his home isn't too far from yours and you know I don't live far from you either! Just text me his address and I'll be there.
She kissed her teeth feeling quite irritated. Why was Satomi pushing this so hard? The girl tried so much to be on her good side it made it almost impossible to speak at length with her. She was a pushier version of Chihiro and that says a lot. It was getting hard staying respectful.
No really. The station is fine, please.
But, I really don't want to ruin your fun! You've been so upset lately. I'll just pick you up from the house. So where does Kise-san live?
Satomi. I want to be picked up from the station, I would appreciate it if you don't argue with me. See you in an hour.
The replies up until this point had been coming in rapid-fire fast.
5 minutes. 10. 15. 20 minutes passed, with Etsuko checking every few seconds to see if she's gotten a response.
Okay.
The single word was simple yet it brought a bad feeling to her stomach. She now felt extremely guilty, she might have been a bit harsh. But, Satomi was pushing the issue a bit too hard.
Etsuko fiddled with her phone wanting to write out an apology but figures she'd verbally say it when she was with the girl.
"Are you alright Etsuko?" A hand placed itself on her shoulder startling her.
She looked up to see Kise looking concerned and Aomine staring at her curiously. She composed herself and answered.
"I just got into a misunderstanding with Katsuki's girlfriend. That's all." She still had a lingering scowl on her face as she glanced at her cell phone.
The conversation drifted off from there and sooner than later it was time for Aomine to get off at his stop. Etsuko and him exchanged contact information after he spent half the ride trying to harp her to say yes. She eventually caved figuring that he doesn't annoy her too much so getting to know him more wouldn't be terrible.
He left them with a grin and whispered something in Kise's ear leaving the blonde flushed red and stuttering. He gave her the same smile and she felt the corner of her mouth lift as well.
"See you around Honda."
Once he was gone she received a message from him badgering her to set up a meeting between him and Saburo. She scoffed trying to hide her laughter and showed the message to Kise as he leaned over to see what caused her to react.
"Aominecchi is never boring," Kise said with a happy smile, the red in his cheeks dying down now that the other boy was gone.
It clicked in her head. "Hey, what did he say to you before he left?" She was curious, especially after Kise's reaction.
The older boy flushed again. "N-nothing!," He yelped causing Etsuko to raise a brow. "Just some s-stupid stuff."
" . . .Right." She can always ask Aomine but she didn't really care all too much.
They arrived at their stop faster than anticipated, though they were talking the whole time so it gave them something to do.
She stepped off the platform with Kise diligently trailing behind her. She has already informed the boy that she was getting picked up, so he called his mom because they didn't want him walking back alone.
So many small things have changed now. All because of some sick bastard. Etsuko frowned at the thought, remembering when it felt safe to be out alone.
"Ah!," Kise said pointing over to a small silver buggy. "Is that her, she's staring over this way."
Indeed it was Satomi staring at them with a surprisingly blank look decorating her delicate features. When Etsuko lifted a hand to wave was finally when Satomi's trance broke and a sweet smile formed on her face.
Etsuko looked up to Kise and he was still looking over to Tomi. His features were pinched, and he looked awkward.
"Are you alright?" Etsuko asked placing a hand on his bicep, Kise flinched and Etsuko recoiled as if burned. Panic flooded in his golden eyes and he flapped his arms sheepishly.
"Sorry, I just," He glanced at Satomi. " I was thinking. That's all."
Etsuko nodded her head in understanding. She didn't know what was wrong but she could respect he didn't want to talk about it.
Kise pulled her into a lingering hug. His arms wrapped around her and for a brief moment, she felt herself relax completely. She never realized how much she enjoyed hugs before she started letting people give them to her.
He pulled back and stared down at her. "I'll text you." He whispered so quietly she would have thought she imagined him speaking if she hadn't seen his lips move.
They lingered some more before Etsuko pulled away and offered a smile. She walked toward Satomi and sat in the passenger seat.
Kise was walking over to a familiar vehicle as well. Maybe it was his mother or father? As long as he was safe she'd feel okay.
The car was silent, and suddenly a wave of guilt ran over her when she remembered the argument with Satomi before.
"I'm sorry if I was harsh," Etsuko said as she looked over to the older girl. She was staring at the car Kise got into but, when Etsuko spoke up she snapped her attention away.
"Oh, no don't apologize! I wasn't upset I didn't even take it as you being harsh. I just figured you must have been really tired if you wanted me to pick you up so quick."
Etsuko smiled when the girl shot a cute grin showing off her braces. Her large brown doe eyes sparkled with happiness.
"Let's get you home, shall we?"