Hi guys!
I hope you are all doing well!
Most importantly: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I hope that this year will be everything you wish it to be!
First I want to thank Ichigo0-0Rose for the lovely review! Haha, because that's exactly what it is. It's the calm before the storm. Glad you liked it and can't wait to hear what you think about this one.
Next, I want to thank AlexisHard for the lovely review! I completely agree with you in regards that Akashi is debatable, but I view Akashi and the Emperor as two "different" persons. And where one might see her as a friend, the other doesn't. But as you said it's absolutely debatable how Akashi will act towards her once he changes and I am open to hear what you and everybody else has to say on that matter! Absolutely, as long as we know that there are better times ahead, the hard chapters will be easier to read. But still it hurts. Love reading everything you have to say and can't wait to hear more from you. Greetings!
Next, I want to thank Miyazono kaori for the lovely review! I am so glad you liked this! I found it the perfect time for him to say this, because honestly, who else would say it out of the GOM if not Akashi. Thanks for reading it! Means a lot to me.
Next, I want to thank Gryffindor1900 for the lovely review! Really love your username seeing as I am a potterhead myself… Anyway, I am so glad you're loving my story. I am scared to hear what you all have to say about how Emiyo is going to react to the changes. I'm anxious to see if I am able to meet all the expectations. I don't want to spoil too much. If you really want to know you can PM me, but there will be a certain event that influences her decision regarding which school she is going to join and which of the GOM, because let's be honest, she could follow all of them seeing the bond they now share.
Anyway, enjoy Chapter 37! The first one of many to come in the year 2022!
Chapter 37: Changes
The upcoming day I could hardly keep the smile off my face. And the same thing could be said about Aomine.
Midorima was highly unnerved by it but I found his reaction rather funny and teased him a bit. Sometimes he could be so serious and uptight. He needed someone who brought him out of his shell a bit and that was where I came in.
We were once again eating outside in the backyard, when Akashi said something that caught the attention of all of us.
"You're asking Haizaki to leave today?" Midorima said sounding surprised.
"I'm not asking." Akashi said calmly while every single pair of eyes was on him.
"I'm ordering him to leave."
I gulped.
The time has come.
I didn't know how I should feel about it though. It was true Haizaki had a bad side to him, but I couldn't forget the one time he stepped up and held Aomine back and therefore ensured that he wasn't disqualified. My relationship to Haizaki was complicated to say the least.
"Is it because of Kise?" Aomine asked leaning back against the tree trunk and looking at Akashi with interest.
The latter nodded.
"Hai." He said. "He cannot beat Kise. And in the near future he will replace him as a starter."
"But Kise-chin lost." Murasakibara said munching on some cookies I had baked especially for him.
"He wasn't ready yet." Akashi said repeating the same thing Aomine had said after the one-on-one.
Murasakibara shrugged not bothering to comment.
"Speaking of Kise." Akashi said when he saw the blonde surrounded once again by a crowd of girls.
"Don't tell him about Haizaki and his dismissal."
"Why?" Midorima asked immediately.
"Probably because he doesn't want Kises head to get too big." I said shrugging slightly.
They all turned to look at Akashi to see if I was right and I smirked smugly when he nodded.
"Emiyo." Akashi said giving me a look I couldn't exactly pinpoint. "Don't stay after practice when I do it."
"I know." I said not exactly meeting his eyes.
"She will be with me." Aomine said giving me a small smile. "We walk home every day after all. So Haizaki won't come near her."
I returned his smile and luckily for me the attention was focused on someone else.
"What's up Tetsu?" Aomine asked looking concerned for his best friend who had remained quiet until now. I could see that he was struggling to accept Akashis decision.
"Nothing." He said and I exchanged a look with Aomine.
I gently shook my head and Aomine nodded understanding my advice to simply let him be.
We heard loud shrieks and we all turned to look at Kise, who looked like he was struggling to keep his balance because some girls had a tight grip around him and appeared to be fighting over him.
I sighed slowly.
"Someone going to help me rescue him?" I asked looking around my group of friends.
None of them really looking eager to do so.
"You really want to put yourself in the middle of this crazy crowd?" Midorima asked hoping this wasn't what I intended to do.
I nodded.
"Hai." I said. "That's exactly what I'm planning."
"They will crush you, Emi-chin." Murasakibara said in his usual bored tone of voice.
I smiled at him.
"Not if you're coming with me." I said smiling innocently at him.
He remained silent for a while before he nodded and got up. I smiled and got up as well.
"What should I do, Emi-chin?" He asked looking at me.
"Just look intimidating." I said and I chuckled when I saw his attempt at looking intimidating. He looked cute rather than intimidating.
"Put your game-face on." I ordered him and when he did, I hummed in satisfaction.
"Much better." I said and we both walked over to the crowd.
At first Kises fans didn't notice our presence but when Murasakibara tapped some on their shoulders and they turned around and were met by the terrifying look on his face they immediately made way for us.
I had a hard time hiding my amusement when I saw how well it was working. As soon as we reached Kise I wordlessly took his arm and guided him away from the crowd with Murasakibara right behind us.
None of his fans dared approach us once we reached our group. I smiled widely. I knew why. The boys were looking far too intimidating for someone to approach us voluntarily.
Kise who looked slightly dishevelled immediately sat down.
"Thank you so much, Emicchi, Murasakibaracchi." He said looking between the both of us.
I was smiling at him while Murasakibara was once again eating his cookies.
"Did it for Emi-chin." Murasakibara said and Kise looked crestfallen hearing his words.
"So mean." He said whining and we all began to laugh.
Especially since Murasakibara looked totally unbothered by Kises demise.
We continued to eat lunch and Kise, who quickly recovered from Murasakibara total disinterest, was chatting animatedly.
I kept on looking at Kuroko who was still remaining silent. Once the school bell rang, we got up and walked back into the building. While we were all walking, I grabbed Kuroko by the arm and held him back slightly in order for us to walk at the end of our group.
"What's bothering you, Tetsu?" I said looking intensely at him.
"And there is no point denying that nothing is. I can see it written all over your face." I said when he was about to open his mouth.
He smiled slightly when he realised, I had caught him red handed.
"I don't think it's the right thing to do." He said quietly.
I nodded.
"I know it's not great. And quiet honestly I don't know what I should make of it either." I said and at this Kuroko looked surprised.
"Do you think Haizaki loves basketball?" Kuroko asked quietly.
I remained silent for a while thinking about his question.
"I think he does." I said.
"Then it's not right to deny him a position on the team." Kuroko said.
"Haizaki is proud. I don't think he will want to stay once Sei talks to him."
Kuroko remained silent.
"You can always try and hold him back." I said and Kurokos eyes widened. "Even though Sei is ordering him to quit the team it doesn't mean that he has to do it. It's always his choice."
"So, you're sure he is going to leave." Kuroko said quietly.
I nodded.
"I am." I said.
Kuroko looked once again bothered by Haizakis fate.
"But." I said and at this Kurokos eyes lit up filled with hope.
"I don't think he will quit basketball completely. He will find his way back to it eventually."
"You think so?" Kuroko asked and I nodded.
"You can't completely give up on something you love." I said smiling softly at him.
"I mean, could you?" I asked raising my eyebrow questioningly at him.
He immediately shook his head.
"See." I said. "So, try believing Haizaki won't either. It's what I do."
"Hai." Kuroko said. "But I will talk to him."
I nodded.
"Do that." I said squeezing his arm slightly before walking over to Midorima and Murasakibara who were both waiting for me.
I looked back and gave Kuroko a small smile before I entered my classroom hoping that I was right regarding Haizaki and that this wasn't going to be the end of his basketball journey.
xXx
The next day had come and practice was on its way when Akashi made the announcement that Haizaki had quit.
I took in the news without really showing any kind of emotions. For one, because I didn't know how I was actually feeling about his departure and the other reason was because I didn't want to question Akashi and his decision. Especially since I promised Nijimura I would support him.
And this is what I did.
Especially since today would be the day he would officially be announced as captain. He had told me on our way to the gym.
"So Haizaki quit the team, huh?" Aomine said who was standing next to Kuroko and Midorima.
I was standing near Midorima and Nijimura was standing a few feet away and was clearly listening to this entire conversation.
"Can't be helped, I guess." Aomine added.
I shrugged slightly looking at Kuroko who looked shocked by Aomines harsh words.
"Aren't you being a little cold?" Kuroko asked.
"You tried and failed to stop him, right?" Aomine asked looking questioningly at his best friend. "There is nothing we can do now."
I was just about to speak up when to my surprise Midorima did.
"Haizaki is proud." He said. "If one of us or the upperclassmen had gone, it would have been counterproductive."
"But…" Kuroko said but he was interrupted by Nijimura who looked like he had reached the end of his patience.
"Quit being so soft." He said sternly.
"You're teammates and rivals. Since when have you become strong enough to worry about others?"
Nijimura looked at Kuroko with furrowed brows before he said.
"If you've got time for that, run!"
Kuroko sighed and I knew that he was feeling sad. I stood next to him and squeezed his arm reassuringly.
"At least you tried." I said softly.
The next moment the assistant coach gathered the attention of all the members of the first string. We immediately walked over to where he was standing and I gave Nijimura a soft smile, which he returned with a nod.
"We have less than two months until national qualifiers. The coach is taking over command now."
At this, murmurs erupted all along the crowd.
It was true.
The assistant coach had taken care of the practice and accompanied us to most of the games the last couple of months.
Especially since Kuroko had joined. In fact, I doubted he ever met him.
"What?" Murasakibara exclaimed sounding surprised.
"Seriously?" Aomine said and I saw that Kuroko shot him an interested look.
"What's he like?" He asked.
"Oh right." Aomine said. "It's your first time."
"That's right." A deep voice spoke up and I smiled when I saw the surprised look on Aomines face.
The head coach was standing next to Kuroko, placing an arm on his shoulder.
"I'd better introduce myself then." He said addressing Kuroko who looked baffled. A sight which was rarely seen.
"I'm Shirogane Kozo, head coach." He said smiling. "Nice to meet you, Kuroko-kun."
"How do you know my name?" Kuroko asked still looking taken aback.
"Why shouldn't I?" He asked.
"I know all my players' names." He added while walking to the front and standing next to the assistant coach.
"He came to practice all the time." Akashi said quietly having walked up to Kuroko.
"Really?" Kuroko asked.
Akashi nodded.
"He likes to see his players in their natural state, so he often watches from the second floor without saying anything."
"He seems nicer than I expected." Kuroko said smiling slightly.
The reaction of the boys was immediate. They all turned to look at Kuroko in utter disbelieve at what they just had heard.
"You're wrong." Aomine said looking like they were all doomed.
I chuckled remembering the gruelling practices the coach was conducting.
"You know you will be tortured as well." Akashi said quietly so only I could hear him.
"What do you mean?" I asked looking at him questioningly.
"You're a player now." Akashi said calmly. "Which means you have to attend practice as one and not as our second manager."
I gulped realising that he was right.
"Wait." I said chuckling slightly. "I haven't told you my decision yet.
"I know." Akashi said calmly but smirking seeing the surprised look on my face. "But I know you already made up your mind."
"And you think you know what my answer is?"
Akashi nodded.
"Hai." He said. "You're joining us on court."
"I am." I said smiling slightly and he nodded looking pleased with my decision.
"Great." He said and I nodded.
We both turned to face the front where the head coach spoke up once more.
"Practice has been fairly easy until now." He said while looking around his player in front of him. "Your real practice starts now. It will be much harder, but don't worry. You're young enough that it won't kill you."
The smile he wore on his face did not match the words he just spoke. I gulped while Akashi next to me smirked.
"He's a total hard-ass." Aomine said to Kuroko, appearing to sweat a little at the prospect of the upcoming practices. Then the head coach spoke up once more.
"I have an announcement to make." He said loudly and I looked at Akashi who was calmly standing next to me.
He looked ready at what was about to some. I squeezed his arm slightly in reassurance and I saw him nod and smiling before the head coach said.
"Akashi."
"Hai, sir."
I released my hand from his arm and Akashi walked to the front. He stood next to the coach and my friends cast me a quick look in order to ask me what was going on.
I simply beckoned them with a small nod to turn their attention back to the front.
"Starting today, Akashi Seijuro will replace Nijimura as captain."
Once these words were spoken, murmurs could be heard all along the group of players.
I turned to look at Nijimura and saw that he was looking at the front determined to ignore the murmurs all around him.
"Seriously?" Aomine asked looking surprised.
"The third-years might not like it, but it's so the team can win. You must accept it. Nijimura, you've done a great job until now."
"Thank you." Nijimura said while bowing politely to the head coach.
I patted his back and shot him a smile before I looked once more in front of me.
"You are dismissed for today." The coach announced. "Tomorrow the real work begins."
Some of the students were still too shocked to move but slowly, one after the other scattered away making their way to the changing rooms.
Nijimura began to walk away and I made a second's decision about following him. I jogged after him and as soon as I reached him, I said.
"You alright?"
Nijimura shot me a look I couldn't exactly pinpoint when he sighed and said.
"Hai, I am. It's what I needed to do."
I gave him a gentle smile.
"You were a great captain." I said looking at him.
He returned my smile.
"Thank you." He said before looking at me. "Just don't forget your promise."
"I won't." I said and at this he walked away.
xXx
Once the boys had changed, they all decided to accompany me home.
Mostly because I promised Murasakibara some dinner and the others quickly invited themselves.
Kise looked the most eager of all.
He had never been to my place before and was a bit surprised to find out that it was one of our usual hang-out spots.
But I knew there was another reason as well. They wanted to question me about Akashi and his promotion as captain.
We were walking along the streets of Tokyo just when the sun was beginning to set.
It was our usual group minus Akashi, who had decided to remain behind in order to bring some things in order for the team and minus Momoi who was staying to help him.
I had insisted on staying behind as well but Akashi had gently reminded me that I wouldn't be a manager anymore from now on.
"That was a surprise." Murasakibara said while munching on some of his favourite flavoured chips.
"I agree." Aomine said. "I knew he was amazing, but I can't believe he's captain already."
"But he's still only a second-year." Kuroko said sounding amazed as well. "Can he handle it?"
"He can." I said deciding to finally speak up.
All their attention turned to me.
"I believe Akashi can do it. Besides he won't be alone. I promised Nijimura-senpai I would support him no matter what."
"Why am I not surprised you knew about it." Aomine said chuckling slightly and running his hand through his hair.
I shrugged smiling slightly.
"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you." I said. "But I was sworn to secrecy."
They all nodded seemingly not mad that I didn't tell them which relieved me.
"I agree with Emiyo." Midorima said and I looked at him smiling when he continued.
"There's nothing to worry about. Akashi comes from a prominent family.
"Seriously?" Kise exclaimed and I couldn't help but to roll my eyes.
Kise could be a bit overdramatic sometimes and I knew Akashi wouldn't like this type of reaction.
"Hai." I said. "But this doesn't define him as a person."
"Nevertheless." Midorima said. "His family has him take advanced education courses so he can succeed them one day."
I clenched my fist.
And he has to be perfect in all of them.
"He will put the team together." Midorima said. "Even better than Nijimura-captain did."
"Midorimacchi." Kise said looking interested at my green haired friend. "You seem pretty well-bred yourself."
"Not like Akashi." Midorima said closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.
He was clearly getting irritated by something. I found out what it was when Midorima spoke up once more.
"Anyway, Murasakibara, stop eating while you walk."
"No way." Murasakibara said narrowing his eyes slightly.
At this Midorima seemed to get even more pissed. They both started to glare at one another and I decided to step in. I stood in between both of them and then forced both of them to look at me while tugging on their sleeves.
"Guys stop." I said sternly. "No need to get in a row because of this."
"But Emi-chin." Murasakibara said in a tone that suggested he had done nothing wrong.
"Emiyo." Midorima said sternly.
"No." I said firmly. "I don't want to hear any of it. You're both friends and classmates. There is no need to get into an argument because of every little thing."
I looked between both of them and I waited for any sort of reaction. When they finally nodded, even though a bit reluctant, I smiled satisfied.
"Good." I said. "Not let's continue walking. I'm hungry."
I took both of them by the arm and forced then to walk alongside me, leaving the other three behind.
"Hey." Kise said whispering to Aomine when he saw the three of us in front.
"Do they not get along?"
"It's not that bad." Aomine said smiling when he saw that I was forcing my two friends to take part in a conversation.
"Midorima is pretty uptight, and Murasakibara is relaxed. Their personalities tend to clash with one another."
Then Aomine chuckled.
"But not when Em is around." He said. "She is the only person who can keep the peace between the two of them."
"I see." Kise said. "Emicchi is amazing."
"She is." Aomine said smiling softly.
Back to myself and my two friends.
"You know." I said still having a tight grip on both of their arms. "You play really well together lately."
Hearing this none of them bothered to comment so I continued to talk.
"Just put your differences aside and admit you work well together." I said sighing. "It won't kill you. Besides it's only natural you do, seeing as your positions best compliment one another."
They still decided to remain silent so I continued to chat until we finally arrived at my apartment.
How boys could be so stubborn I would never understand.
I immediately walked into my kitchen and set up everything while Murasakibara joined me. The others made themselves comfortable like it was the most natural thing to do.
Kise on the other hand looked beyond excited. He was walking around my apartment eager to check everything out.
You could hear him laugh when he discovered the content of different photos, I had hung up all around my living room.
Most of them contained me and my friends and the countless memories we all shared.
Once dinner was ready, we seated ourselves at the table and began to eat. Kise looked blissful eating it. I chuckled remembering it was the first time he was eating something I had made. He didn't even have the opportunity to eat some of my desserts.
Well, this had to be changed.
Once we were all full, we seated ourselves around my living room. Midorima and Kuroko decided to get started on some homework, while Aomine and Kise decided to play a card game.
Murasakibara was simply content eating snacks he had salvaged from his snack cabinet. I looked at all of them and smiled happily.
"Guys." I said decided now might be the right time. "I have to tell you something."
"What is it, Emicchi?" Kise asked excitedly.
"Well." I said. "I'm joining you on court." I said slowly and their reaction was immediate.
Aomine was beaming already knowing about it. Kuroko smiled as well. Midorima looked satisfied as did Murasakibara. Only Kise looked confused.
"How?" He asked not understanding what I meant.
"As a player of course, baka." Midorima said rolling his eyes.
"So mean." Kise said whining loudly.
I snorted trying to hide my amusement.
"It was about time you did, Emiyo." Midorima said smiling at me and I returned his smile.
"So, are you good, Emicchi?" Kise asked having recovered from his initial whining fit.
I chuckled.
"I guess so." I said. "I doubt Sei would make me a player otherwise."
"Did you all play with her?" Kise asked looking around the group.
They all nodded.
"Then it's only right you play against me." Kise said and a challenging glint was entering his eyes.
"I will eventually." I said. "But not tonight."
Kise looked disappointed but quickly recovered when he said sounding excited.
"Tomorrow then."
I chuckled and exchanged a quick look with Aomine who seemed amused as well. I nodded and Kise was bouncing excitedly on his seat.
"Do you intend on playing a one-on-one or will somebody else be joining us?" I asked as innocently as possible.
My friends all exchanged a knowing glance and Kise who had no idea about my style of basketball fell right into the trap.
"I've had enough one-on-ones. How about we each chose someone for our team."
"Sounds good to me." I said having a hard time hiding my amusement.
Kise was still excitedly looking around when he noticed the looks on everybody's faces.
"What's wrong?" He asked slowly.
"You will lose, Kise-chin." Murasakibara said simply.
Kise looked shocked.
"You can't all think that." Kise said looking shocked.
They all nodded.
"But we do." Midorima said smiling smugly.
"So mean." Kise said and we all burst into laughter.
xXx
The next day had come and for the first time I packed my training gear. It would be my official first day as a player. To say I was nervous was an understatement. I knew my friends had no problems with me joining them but I didn't know how the others would react.
I was a girl in a boys' team after all.
When I walked to Teiko my thoughts were all regarding the upcoming announcement later this afternoon.
Suddenly an arm was swung around my shoulder and I got so startled by it that it made my entire body shake.
"Emicchi." Kise said loudly. "It's me."
I looked at Kise in utter disbelieve while trying to calm my heartbeat down.
"You frightened me." I said trying not to sound too accusingly.
"I'm sorry, Emicchi." Kise said giving me a small smile. I could see from the look on his face that he was really sorry.
"It's alright." I said. "I just get startled very easily."
"Really?" Kise asked and I nodded.
"Hai." I said.
"I will remember from now on." Kise said. "But Emicchi. I called your name about ten times before I reached you. Didn't you hear?"
I shook my head.
"My mind was elsewhere, I'm sorry." I said.
"Is it because of you-know-what?" He said the last part quietly and mysteriously and this made me laugh.
"It is." I said still chuckling from Kises antics.
"Everything will be fine." He said nodding convinced.
"You think so?" I asked.
"Hai." He said. "Absolutely."
"But Kise." I said. "You don't even know how I play."
He shrugged.
"I will find out." He said winking at me. "Don't forget our little game."
"Have you decided yet who you want for your team?" I asked chuckling.
Kise nodded.
"But I'm not going to tell you." He said.
"I will find out then." I said and he nodded.
The day was spent in the usual fashion. The lessons consisted of Midorima and me taking notes and Midorima answering almost every question the teacher was asking while Murasakibara was quietly eating his snacks hiding behind my back.
To my surprise Midorima and Murasakibara had decided to talk nicely to one other, even if it sounded a bit forced.
I knew Midorima had to hold his disapproving comments back when he saw Murasakibara eating instead of paying attention, but I mean he did it every lesson so I was glad Midorima left it uncommented.
Lunch was spent outside and I tried my best to appear as normal as possible. I knew it didn't exactly work because I saw them give me worried looks from time to time. But fortunately, they left it uncommented.
When the last lesson of the day ended, I was surprised to find Murasakibara already standing next to my desk. Midorima was joining him moments later.
"You ready, Emi-chin?" Murasakibara asked quietly and for once his usual bored tone of voice was gone.
Instead, it was replaced by some concern. I nodded.
"As I will ever be." I said and to my surprise Midorima took my school bag while Murasakibara took hold of my gym bag.
"Guys." I said slowly. "What are you doing?"
"We know how nervous you are." Midorima began. "So, we want to help. In any way possible."
"Thank you. I really appreciate it." I said and they both nodded.
We began to walk and I couldn't help but to smile at the sweet gesture of my two friends. But without my bags I had nothing to hold on to. So, I started to fidget nervously with my bracelet.
But moments later my hand was taken and I looked around in surprise to find Aomine by my side.
"Calm down, Em." He said. "We're here. You're not alone."
"This might be the first time I agree with Aomine." Midorima said giving me a stern look. "We all believe in you. So, it's time you do as well."
Hearing his words, I couldn't help but smile. They were reassuring and exactly what I needed.
When we reached the changing room, Aomine let go of my hand and kissed my temple.
"See you in a bit." He said and I nodded.
Midorima and Murasakibara gave me back my bags and when I entered the changing room it was all too clear what it meant.
It was totally empty and I realised now more than ever that I would be the only girl among all the boys. But another feeling was rising more clearly than ever within me.
Determination.
I was determined to prove to everybody that I deserved to be here. No matter what I had to overcome. I put my training gear on and was just about to tie my shoes when I heard a knock on the door.
"Yes?" I asked turning my attention to the door. It opened and to my surprise Murasakibara came walking in.
"Atsushi." I said smiling at him. "I'm almost ready."
He nodded but walked over to me nevertheless.
"Emi-chin give me your scrunchie." He said pointing at the green velvet one I had around my wrist. It was the one Midorima had given me months ago during Sports Day.
I wordlessly handed him the scrunchie and observed him curiously when he took a step closer and began putting all my hair into a high ponytail. He tied the scrunchie around it in order to secure it and I smiled softly at him.
"Thank you." I said and he nodded patting my shoulder.
"You will crush them, Emi-chin."
I chuckled at this.
"I hope so." I said and Murasakibara nodded convinced he was speaking the truth.
We left the changing room side by side and when I entered the gym all actions were momentarily stopping.
All turned to look at me and I could see the shocked faces on the other first-string members faces while my friends smiled invitingly. Murasakibara placed his hand on my back and shoved me gently in order for me to continue walking. I knew why he was doing it. I had to show everybody that I belonged there. My first stop however was the head coach who was standing next to Akashi.
"Ah Masako-san." He said nodding. "I see you finally made your decision."
"You knew about it, coach?" I asked surprised. He nodded smiling gently at me.
"Your captain had had a word with me a few weeks back. He wanted to make sure you were allowed to join and that you had my approval. I was happy to hear about it."
"So, you think I deserve a position as a first-string player, coach?"
He nodded once again.
"I do." He said.
I decided not to ask how he knew if he made the right decision. He chuckled when he seemingly read what I was thinking from the look on my face.
"Masako-san." He said. "I have my eyes everywhere."
I smiled awkwardly.
"Just know you have my full support." He said. "But I expect you to work just as hard as everybody else."
I nodded.
"Hai." I said bowing slightly.
"Good." He said. "Then go stretch before we start warm up. It will be a long practice."
I nodded and did as I was ordered. When I reached my friends, they were all already stretching their bodies.
"Ready?" Aomine asked and I nodded.
I decided not to say anything else and instead focus on today's practice and giving it everything I've got. I could still feel some eyes on me and when I looked to see to whom it belonged, I wasn't surprised when I found some of the third years giving me nasty glares.
I gulped.
It didn't come as a surprise for me but I didn't feel great. The head coach gathered our attention and when we walked closer to him, he spoke up.
"We will start with a 5 km run." He said. "Akashi-kun will lead the way."
I shook my arms ready to go.
Aomine positioned himself next to me and he gave me a small smile before Akashi led the way out of the gym.
It was brutal.
The pace at which they were going was fast but managed to keep up. Some part of me was simply too stubborn to fall behind. But not everybody managed to do so. Kuroko was one of them. He did his best but he had to improve his stamina. Mine was not bad coming from years of swimming.
When we reached the gym, I was panting slightly and sweat was trickling from my face. But I was still standing upright whereas some of the members were sprawled on the floor.
"Welcome back." The coach said smiling slightly seeing the state of some of his members.
"Now that your body is warm, we will continue with some drills." He ordered.
I wordlessly walked over to the storage room and grabbed a basketball, while passing some to my friends. I let my fingers feel the rough surface of the ball while the scent of rubber hit my nose. I took a deep breath and when I began to dribble, I felt better.
"Know what you're doing?" One of the third year asked while giving me a sceptical look. I nodded standing tall and meeting his eyes full on.
"Hai." I said. "I do. Even though you don't believe it."
He raised an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn't expected me to call him out.
"Well, it's not your place to be."
"And where is my place in your opinion?" I asked trying to remain calm.
"On the sidelines handing us water and looking pretty."
I snorted.
"Wow." I said. "Rich coming from someone who usually is standing on the sidelines with me."
"What did you just say?" He asked narrowing his eyes.
"You heard me." I said still not looking away from him.
"You feel so secure because your friends are here to protect you. But what happens if they are not around?" He asked in a dangerously low tone.
"Then I would still beat you in basketball."
"As if." He said and then to my surprise he walked away.
I was boiling inside but I tried to appear calm. But not that I managed to do so.
"What happened?" Akashi asked calmly while we were standing in line to do a lay-up.
"As expected not everybody is happy with me being a player now."
"What did they say?" He asked narrowing his eyes slightly.
"That I should hand out water bottles and look pretty."
Hearing this Akashi closed his eyes.
"Well then we have to do something about it." He said and instead of waiting for his turn on the basket he walked away and went to talk to the coach.
I observed both of them and when I saw the coach nod, I wondered what Akashi had planned. I found out once we had accomplished the drills.
"Gather around." The coach said loudly and when we did, he said. "I understand some of you question why Masako-san was made a player. Well," He began and then he looked sternly around the group. "Let me show you why."
"Masako-san." He said loudly.
"Hai, coach." I said.
"I heard you were challenged from Kise-kun to a game."
I nodded while I exchanged a look with Kise who was grinning.
"Then I suggest we all watch and then hopefully you will know once and for all why she made the team."
I gulped.
A lot was hanging from this game.
"Kise-kun." The coach said. "You may choose someone for your team."
Kises smile widened.
"Murasakibaracchi." He said and my eyes widened. I had expected him to choose Aomine.
Murasakibara groaned loudly.
"I don't want to." He said but when he saw the look on coach's face, he quickly shut up and nodded.
"Masako-san." The coach said.
"Daiki." I said smiling when I saw the excited look on his face.
"No wonder she chose him." I heard someone murmur. "She needs someone good, but I doubt they will be better than the other two."
I rolled my eyes.
Some people just didn't know when it was best to simply let it be.
To everyone's surprise I first walked over to Murasakibara. I placed my hand on his arm and he turned to look at me.
"Promise me not to hold back, Atsushi." I said quietly.
"I don't like to lose Emi-chin." He said. "Even if I have to play with Kise-chin."
"Hey." Kise exclaimed loudly and I had a hard time hiding my amusement.
"May the best win then." I said and I walked over to where my boyfriend was waiting for me. He was grinning from ear to ear and I couldn't help but to match his grin.
"They won't know what's going to hit them." He said quietly so only I could hear him.
"What will our strategy be?" I asked and at this Aomine smirked.
"Speed and teamwork."
I smiled hearing his words.
"You know Atsushi is fast. So is Kise."
"I know." He said. "But they don't have the teamwork."
"Hai." I said and he squeezed my hand.
"Let's just have fun, alright?" He said looking into my eyes and I nodded.
"Let's do this." I said and Aomine walked towards the center line where Murasakibara was waiting for him.
I positioned myself waiting for the game to start.
I looked at the sidelines where I saw the encouraging nods from Midorima, Akashi, Kuroko and Momoi.
The coach walked on court, holding a basketball in hand and my attention immediately snapped to the two people in front of me. Kises usual carefree stance was gone. He looked ready and determined.
Well, so was I.
"May the better team win." The coach said before he shot the ball into the air.
Murasakibara and Aomine both jumped up at the same time and for the first time it looked like it was going to be a close call.
But in the end Murasakibara got it.
He was about to pass to Kise who had already his hands out anticipating the ball. But I saw the route the ball was going to take and I didn't even hesitate when I ran forward and snatched the ball just when it was flying in between Murasakibara and Kise.
Kises eyes widened in surprise while Murasakibara eyes narrowed.
"Emi-chin." He said sounding frustrated but I was already running towards the basket.
Murasakibara was hot on my heels.
Moments later he was standing in front of me, his arms wide and the look on his face meant business. I immediately stopped and began to dribble the ball from one hand to the other.
I could see Murasakibara following the ball with his eyes and so I came up with a plan.
Instead of trying to pass him I sent the basketball flying towards someone standing behind me. I didn't even have to look to know where he was standing. I somehow knew it. When I sent the ball flying behind me, Murasakibaras line of sight followed the ball and I managed to slip past him.
Aomine had no problems slipping past Kise. But he was blocked by Murasakibara and that was someone who wasn't that easily passed. Aomine smirked and passed the ball to me. I smiled and began to dribble when Kise stood in front of me. I took a step towards him, my silver eyes locked on his silver ones and when I dribbled again, he fell on his behind.
I smiled smugly when I passed him and got into shooting position. But Murasakibara having believed that I could pass Kise was once again before me.
I quickly passed the ball to Aomine and he scored.
I smiled innocently at Murasakibara who looked now more determined than ever. I walked over to Kise who was still sitting on the ground and I held a hand out for him to take.
"Come on." I said. "We only just started."
Kise looked at my hand and to my relieve he took it.
"Emicchi what was that?" He asked.
"Oh that." I said. "Sei taught me. He calls it ankle break."
"Wow." Kise said excitedly.
"Kise." I said quietly. "You better concentrate or Atsushi will be mad at you."
Kise looked at Murasakibara who was giving him a hard look.
He gulped.
"Hai." He said before immediately walking over to my purple haired friend.
I walked in back to my side of the court but not before casting Akashi a quick look. He nodded looking pleased with my performance.
I grinned.
"I take Kise." I said. "And you take Atsushi."
"Works for me." Aomine said and we both turned around just in time to see both of them running towards us.
Murasakibara was dribbling the ball.
Without any hesitation Aomine met him full on. I ran over to Kise but I kept my distance. Kise seemed surprised by it, but my motif was made clear when the one-on-one the other two had, came closer to the two of us. Aomine stretched his arm out and Murasakibara managed to pass the ball to his other hand. But this time his hand was further out than usual and with the momentum of the ball he had no chance of retreating it when I stretched my arm out and managed to tip it out of his hand.
I immediately began to run with Aomine by my side. We passed the ball in a continuous flow to one another.
We didn't even have to look at where the other was. We were so in sync that it looked more than a dance than basketball. Kise was doing his best to keep up. Murasakibara was more used to our play so he caused the bigger obstacle.
Aomine jumped up ready to score when Murasakibara jumped up at the same time. He would probably have been able to score but instead of forcing his way through he passed the ball to me.
I was standing a bit further outside of the three-point line and Kise came running up to me. His eyes widened when he saw me going into shooting position. He immediately jumped up and so did I. But instead, of jumping upwards I jumped back. Kise almost managed to touch the ball but it went flying in the basket perfectly.
"Wow." Kise said looking at me stunned. "That was Midorimacchis three pointer."
I nodded.
"Who do you think taught me how to shoot?"
Hearing my words Kise turned around to look at Midorima who had his arms crossed in front of him and was wearing a proud smirk on his face.
I jogged away leaving Kise behind.
Murasakibara looked like he had enough, but the look on coach's faces made him continue. It was once again their turn and this time they managed to pass us. Mostly because Murasakibara forced his way through.
I got hold of the ball and ran forward. Kise once again stood before me. His entire attitude had changed. He wasn't going to let me pass that easily this time. I saw that Kise was making sure of Aomines position.
So, I knew he thought I was going to pass. But I had never had the intention of passing. I dribbled the ball from one hand to the other and then I took a step forward, seemingly wanting to pass him on his left side before I spun around and passed him on the right.
I accelerated as much as I possibly could and once Kise had caught up I passed the ball behind me and into the waiting hands of Aomine. Kise abruptly stopped on the spot and was just positioning his body in a way that allowed him to run towards Aomine. But as soon as he took his first step, the basketball was once again in my hand.
I smirked.
Kise had no chance.
I got into shooting position and just released the ball when Murasakibara appeared, ready to block. Murasakibara managed to hit the ball away and I gave him a small smile.
"I'm not letting you through Emi-chin." He said narrowing his eyes slightly.
I chuckled.
"I knew you wouldn't." I said smirking when the ball Murasakibara had blocked was once again in Aomines hands. Murasakibaras momentarily distraction allowed me to slip past him.
"Emi-chin." I heard him groan in frustration when he saw me behind him again. Aomine passed me the ball and it was once again a one-on-one with Murasakibara.
This time I decided to fight.
After all I knew Murasakibara better than anyone. I was turning and dribbling and every time Murasakibara was there blocking my way.
It didn't bother me. On the contrary, it would have been strange if it wouldn't have been this way.
But I also counted on someone who didn't know Murasakibara that well.
Kise.
And just like I had expected, I soon felt the presence of Kise behind me. From the corner of my eyes, I saw him stretch his arm out. A triumphant smirk already on his face.
Well, he was too late.
I managed to redirect the ball from one hand into the other, while pushing it with my fingertips into the waiting hands of Aomine. He smirked when he received my pass and both my friends groaned.
They had fallen into my trap.
Murasakibara was the first to react. He quickly left my side and went after Aomine. But it was already too late.
Aomine had scored.
I turned around and smiled innocently at Kise.
"That was mean, Emicchi." He said whining slightly.
"Mean or brilliant?" I asked teasingly.
Kise chuckled.
"Didn't know your such a strategist."
I shrugged.
"I can't blame you. You didn't know anything about my style of basketball."
"I know now." He said.
"You know parts of it, Kise." I said slowly. "But you still think I'm only able to play with Daiki like this."
"You're not?"
"No." I said shaking my head and giving him a small smile when I saw the baffled look on his face.
"I'm able to play like this with every single one of them."
Kise looked speechless.
"That's why they said I would lose." Kise said.
I nodded.
"I play much longer than you. And I was taught by the best."
"Wait." Kise said slowly realising what I had said. "You were taught by all of them?"
I nodded.
"Don't you see their style in mine?"
Kise looked like he was thinking about my question before his eyes widened in realisation.
"You're incredible, Emicchi." He said looking awestruck.
I chuckled.
"Thank you, Kise." I said.
The coach blew his whistle and ordered us to gather around. Aomine swung his arm around my shoulder while grinning widely.
"I could get used to this." He said so only I could hear him. I gave him a soft smile before the coach spoke up once more.
"Now you see why she made the first-string and I highly doubt that any of you is questioning her position. None of you would have stood a chance. Except for the regulars maybe." He said sternly but a hint of pride was shining through his words.
My friends all smile at me widely and I couldn't help put to feel my heart swell up in pride.
"You are dismissed." He said and I could still feel some eyes on me but I was distracted when my friends joined me. Murasakibara looked like he was pouting slightly.
"That was a good game." Akashi said approvingly.
"Thank you, Sei." I said.
"Muk-kun." Momoi said patting his arm. "You did well."
Murasakibara narrowed his eyes at her.
"I lost." He said and I had a hard time hiding my amusement.
"But it was a good game." Kise said chirpily.
"Kise-chin." Murasakibara said and Kise expecting to hear something nice coming from his mouth turned around expectingly.
"Shut up or I will crush you."
"So mean." Kise said looking crestfallen.
"He's a sore loser that's all." Aomine said grinning teasingly and I rolled my eyes.
Just the right thing to say.
"Why don't we go change." I said immediately sensing the bad mood Murasakibara was emitting from every pore of his body.
"Good idea." Kuroko said and he was brave enough to lead a fuming Murasakibara out of the gym.
Kise was following them like an overexcited little puppy. He didn't look sad at all. On the contrary. He somehow looked excited.
"Did you have to wind him up even more?" I asked giving Aomine an reproachful look but not managing to quiet hide my amused smile.
He shrugged grinning innocently.
"Couldn't help myself." He said. I rolled my eyes at him.
"Oh Daiki." I said. "He will be in a right mood thanks to you."
"But I can wind him up as much as I want. I know you and your desserts will work wonders on him."
At this I gave him an even more reproachful look.
He laughed and kissed my temple.
"Let's get you home." He said and I couldn't help but to smile at my boyfriends' antics.