Chapter 14: First Down

After knowing what Yagami is, it was hard for Mamori to continue associating with him. However, as he was the student council president, it was unavoidable. They are in the same department as well so they meet every now and then in school events and competitions. She found it hard to breathe but her acting was perfect. She acted like she did not know anything at all, while behind the scenes, a certain blond haired devil is watching over her (which isn't actually new – he always does). Her team mates were also always close by to make sure she would be alright. She hated being a bother but they kept on insisting that they are more than happy to do so and enjoy her company.

Hiruma was surprisingly participating in school academic competitions as well. He was not the type who liked academic competitions since it bores him to death (it was often far too easy for his genius) so he even made specific arrangements with his teachers to never get him involved in all those stuff even though he was more than outstanding in all his subjects. They were all surprised when he was suddenly volunteering to participate in specific competitions.

Mamori knew it was because he despised the fact that she would be encountering Yagami in those competitions. Hiruma could have had him indirectly kicked out (thru his oh so powerful notebook) but Mamori was keen on giving a second chance. She wanted to know why Yagami was doing such things and she wanted him to pay for it in a proper way. Hiruma had complained that she was being naive but she did not back down. She did not like the idea of Yagami having more victims aside from her.

In fact, Mamori did not want Hiruma using his notebook too much especially since he rarely uses it now. But he still keeps it on his person all the time, saying "You can never be too careful. Ya-ha!"

Mamori had just finished her last class and was about to leave when Taka and Yamato appeared to pick her up. Hiruma would still be in class during her last period so it was the two that volunteered on picking her up and walk her to the American Football club house. They were being extremely cautious since who knows what might happen while no one is with her.

Thankfully, both Taka and Yamato were in the Education department and their last class coincides with Mamori's. Thus, it was them who were m ost often with Mamori if she was not with her classmates or Hiruma.

It was a surprise to everyone that Taka (despite being a loner) actually wanted to become a teacher. However, unlike Mamori who wanted to focus on young learners (especially kids), Taka was into teaching Literature in Higher Education. He said he only wanted to teach college students since they are easier for him to handle compared to kids. Yamato on the other hand was focused in Physical Education especially into sports.

"Taka-kun, here's the novel you were borrowing" Mamori handed the Receiver a two-inch thick novel.

"Arigato (Thank you) Anezaki-san, I'll take good care of it." Taka had insisted that everyone call him by his given name since being called Honjo always makes people think of his father and ask questions. He didn't like being bothered. Anezaki was one of the few people he liked talking to since they had a lot of books they both liked. Due to this, people seeing them had mistakenly thought there was something else between them. Taka sees Anezaki as an elder sister though since she reminds him of his sister. He sometimes misses his elder sister (who was a flight attendant) and having Anezaki around was like talking to her. Moreover, it would be bothersome to go after Anezaki anyway due to a certain gun-toting and noisy Quarterback. Likewise, Taka respects Hiruma. And in Taka's opinion, the Manager and Captain are simply made for each other. Who else could take being with such a borderline psycho other than their manager anyway?

"Whoa, you still have time to read those?" Yamato inquired as he peeked at the book's title. "We have lots of lesson plans to prepare you know."

"I read it in class," Taka replied. There are some general subjects which were boring to him. Taka sweat-dropped when he realized that he was still in the presence of their manager.

"Taka-kun you shouldn't read novels while class is ongoing," Mamori chided.

"Don't worry about him Anezaki-san. He had always been like that." Yamato laughed. He was actually happy that his friend is learning to open up to other people. He knew exactly how Taka dislikes talking to people unnecessarily but he seems to have opened up to Anezaki.

Yamato greeted girls as they passed by hallways. He noticed the looks they were giving Anezaki. She had become a famous icon in the university both in bad and good terms. There were a lot of rumours about her being a slut who jumps from one man to another. Rumours say that she had dated everyone in the team and made them her followers. The rumours just grew fiercer now that they pick her up every day. He looked at Anezaki and she did not seem to be bothered at all. She has no insecurities after all. If she has, she obviously does not dwell in it and it doesn't show. 'Hiruma, that lucky guy. I wish I could find a woman like Anezaki-san,' Yamato thought.

"Thanks for walking with me," Mamori thanked the two and was about to proceed to her locker to get her change of shirt and jogging pants when she saw Agon.