Chapter 3: Don't Threaten Me with a Good Time
Miyuki's POV
I groaned as I toss and turn around the bed. Usually a certain idiot would come and wake me up but he never came. I looked up and saw the sunlight from outside reaching between the curtains. He probably did came here but I never noticed it? I sighed. I'm the team's captain, why should I let my kohai wake me up anyways? Just when I was about to leave my bed, the door slowly opened and I instinctively jump back to bed pretending to sleep. I could hear the soft footsteps steadily going near me. I braced myself for the idiot's loud voice serving as my alarm clock. Instead, I was greeted by a karate chop in the head. Even without looking at the person, I knew who it was.
"As the team captain, shouldn't you be a role model to our members? It's obvious you're pretending to sleep, Miyuki. Get your ass out already." Kuramochi pulled the bedsheets away from me and I stared at him as he's doing that laughter of his again. I blinked and rub my face with my hands. Ugh. I'm so not a morning person.
I fixed my hair and wore my glasses as I went down the bunk bed. I looked at the time. 6:55 am. What? It's already that late and he never came? Was he that upset for not pitching enough because I told him not to last night that he didn't bother to wake me? I unexpectedly asked Kuramochi about the whereabouts of the idiot.
"He's probably in the dinning hall by now. I passed by him not too long ago but he seemed to be distracted by something again and was in a hurry that he didn't bother to greet me," Kuramochi grinned, cracking his knuckles together as we got out of the room and headed to the dinning hall. "That idiot. Ignoring his upperclassman like that. I'll make sure he'll pay when I see him in the dinning hall."
"Haha. C'mon now. You're going to break the poor guy," I could already imagine Sawamura tapping out Kuramochi's signature wrestling move. "He's just hyping himself up since he's not allowed to pitch today. You know how forgetful he can be when he's too excited for something."
"Well, you're right about that. But I'll still kick his ass." He grinned.
"Add another one for me." I winked.
We entered the dinning hall. Some third years were watching the sports channel news on television while eating. We joined with them afterwards.
"It's been a while since you've overslept, Miyuki. If it weren't for Kuramochi, we would've splashed you some cold water to wake you up." Zono sounded so serious saying that as he was about to finish his 2nd bowl of rice.
"Ugh, I have to thank Kuramochi for his generous act of kindness I guess," I looked at Kuramochi who in return put his thumb up as if he's proud of that wonderful karate chop he did a while ago. "I was used to Sawamura waking me up that I forgot to set my alarm clock." I grumbled as I picked up a side dish from my plate. Anyways, why should I even care about Sawamura waking me up? I've always been independent but after becoming the captain, he frequently goes in and out of the room as if he thinks I'm ignoring my duties as the team captain. Am I that unreliable? But then again, I did some acts that might deemed irresponsible and annoying as a captain but only to him because his reactions are so entertaining.
As more people entered, the room began to pack with more noise and laughter. But for some reason even though there's a lot of people in here, it's not too noisy enough. I realized that Sawamura's not talking loudly or even shouting at me and demand to catch for him. I looked around and saw Furuya and the others from afar. Oh, he's probably with them eating breakfast still. Ignoring my thoughts, I focused on watching the news with the rest of the third years.
'And now for our special news in today's sports: the long awaited match between the Schweiden Adlers and the MSBY Black Jackals will start at 4pm! The arena is expected to be in full capacity and the players lineup look pretty solid I must say. The starters are the same like last year's match in Sendai City, which was the match the rookie fan-favorite, Hinata Shoyo, first debuted!'"S-schweiden? Is that german? And how do you even pronounce MSBY anyways? Is this a baseball match? I haven't heard about them." Kanemaru suddenly joined in watching with us. He's with Tojo, Furuya, and Kominato but Sawamura wasn't with them. Odd.
"It's volleyball," Shirasu answered suprisingly. "The Adlers and the Black Jackals are both from the Division 1 in the pro-volleyball league. Both are pretty high-tier teams so I guess people are looking forward to watch these two strong teams go head to head with one another. And MSBY is pronounced 'Musubi'."
"I didn't expect you to be such a volleyball fan, Shirasu." Kuramochi was surprised, even us. He's the least person I expected to show any interest to different sports other than baseball.
"I'm not. I just heard these teams from the people in class. They were talking about it so loudly you can't help but listen." He shrugged. "Apparently in today's game they will choose two random people from the crowd to play in each team before the official match, but only the ones who got the special VIP tickets gets to play."
As Shirasu was talking, I kept on glancing the door and was tapping my foot impatiently while waiting for Sawamura to burst in from the door. He's usually one of the the first people to go in here but he's still not around. Kuramochi slapped me from behind, annoyed by my constant tapping on the foot. I stopped when he glared at me.
"Ah, I heard about these teams," Nabe said. "My sister got extra special VIP tickets and invited me to go with her but I declined because I don't want to get chosen since I'm not that familiar with the sport other than in gym class. Plus I rather do some research for our opponents in Osaka anyways."
"I feel kind of bad to those who'll get chosen though," I leaned forward to the television and curiously watched the reporters showing the lineups of each teams. "I mean just look at the players. They're tall as heck. Probably even taller than Tanba-san. Well, some of them I guess." I stared at these two players from each team. Both are the shortest among their teammates. Perhaps they're reserves.
"Oh, it's him, uh... Miya Atsumu!" Zono pointed a platinum-blonde haired guy who suddenly appeared on television. "This guy's pretty famous in the Kansai region. He's the setter for the Black Jackals and he's got a huge fan base from women in all ages. Damn these pretty boys."
"Eh? Zono why are you facing here when you're talking about this Miya person just now?" I said as I noticed he's glaring at me for some reason. "And what's a setter? Like do they do some settings or something during the game or what?" I asked. Other than baseball, I'm practically a noob to other sports but it wouldn't hurt to know a thing or two about volleyball.
Almost everyone shrugged not knowing what's a setter too. Ah. We're such baseball freaks in here.
"A setter is the one who gets to touch the ball the most and sets the ball to a hitter in every offensive play." Shirasu, again, explained. We all tilted our heads, still didn't get quite the idea of what a setter is.
Shirasu sighed, "The setter is responsible for calling plays almost like a catcher in baseball."
"OHHH!" We all responded and we all got it the moment he connected it to baseball terms. As expected of Shirasu!
The reporter then shifted its camera to two rather tall players for an interview.
'Welcome to our exclusive morning interview with the captains of today's awaited game: Hirugami Fukuro from the Schweiden Adlers and Meian Shugo from the MSBY Black Jackals! Thank you for your time today even though you will be busy after this. Hirugami-san and Meian-san, what are your expectations in today's friendly match with the lucky persons joining your respective teams?'The camera focused on these two players. The one called Hirugami-san spoke first.
'I'd say it's going to be fun and it's a good way to express our gratitude for the never ending support of our fans. Although it's a shame that only one could join in each team, I hope that everyone would still have a blast in today's game. As was told from our coaches, we let these two people practice with us in our respective gym so that they will get used to the game later and not to feel nervous at all. Since they're our special VIPs, they will have the privilege to join us throughout the day during practice until the game will start in the afternoon. Some of my members from the team are already there to meet with our chosen player and is probably even started practicing with them as we speak. I have high hopes for this person and although it's just a friendly match, we Adlers don't intend to lose.'The captains started to glare with one another for some reason and then it was the one called Meian-san's turn to speak.
'My expectations are the same as Hirugami-san's. I am also looking forward to what these two players will show us. I bet they're looking forward to it as well. I heard that these two chosen individuals are known to be a nasty player in the court so this is going to be an interesting friendly game. My team members were especially excited to practice with our chosen player so much so that Hinata, Bokuto, Sakusa, and Miya themselves volunteered to go. In fact, I'm also expecting a lot from our chosen player for the Black Jackals as I find him quite interesting. He's name is Sawa-'"AH!" Kuramochi suddenly yelled that we couldn't here what the interviewee was saying. "I almost forgot. Hey Haruichi! Did Sawamura happened to go here with you guys? I just want to talk something important to him for just a few seconds." Kuramochi started cracking his knuckles again and grin devilishly.
"No, Yo-san. Though I happened to see him ran all the way to the bathroom awhile ago so I thought he was just having bowel problems." Kominato said, a bit startled from Kuramochi's sudden yelling.
"Ah, if it's Sawamura-senpai I saw him running outside the dorm about 10 or more so minutes ago. He's probably at the fields training first. He had a weird look on his face though." Yui spoke up behind us. Hearing Yui said that, I sighed in relief. Geez, even though I told him to relax since it's his day off, he's still going all out in practicing baseball in the fields. Looking at the time, Nori reminded us that it's time to go and train and turned off the television. I should probably get ready as well.
"Knowing him, he's probably all fired up in doing batting and fielding practice to distract himself from pitching," I stood up and placed my plate at the counter. "Everyone who's done here, head to the fields now. We won't have time to train tomorrow since we will travel all the way to Osaka. We will go all out in training today so be ready!" Everyone shouted 'yes sir' and we went out. I walked faster than normal after learning that Sawamura's on the field grounds. I'm looking forward to see his face when I'm going to the bullpen with Nori and Furuya. I just know he's going to make a fuss over it. Fufufu.
We all started our usual warmups as soon as everyone was on the field. After our running laps, everyone was divided to do field and batting drills. The pitchers and the other catchers all headed to the bullpen. I glanced on the group who are doing batting drills, hoping to see a rather loud-mouth individual but I couldn't find him. Perhaps I need higher grade contact lenses? He must be with Kominato doing field drills. I was too busy leading the team during the runs I wasn't able to see him.
"Ready Miyuki-senpai?" Furuya called out, snapping me out from my thoughts. He stretched his right arm as he's getting ready to throw me some fast balls. I shook my head to refocus myself for now. I crouched down and held my position to brace for his throws. Well, better enjoy this other idiot's pitch for now. That guy's going be here any minute by now anyways.
"Ready."
-Meanwhile-
Sawamura's POV
"Mine!" I yelled as the ball was headed towards Atsu-san, who's ready to toss it to my direction anyways. I run towards the net as Kotaro-san and Osa-san are waiting to jump on the other side. I smirked as I prepared myself for Atsu-san's toss.
"Here ya go~" He magnificently tossed the ball to me and I hit it just on line at the back zone of the opponent's side, earning us a point.
"That's nasty, Eijun-kun!" Atsu-san and I high-fived. I attempted to do the same to Omi-omi-san but he just glared at me when I approached him. Instead, I just gave him an air high-five which he hesitantly accepted.
"That's because your tosses are so easy to hit, Atsu-san!" I smiled. He patted my head when I did. It's true though, even though it's been a long time since I've played volleyball Atsu-san managed to adjust his toss for me and I got to admit that hit just now feels good.
We're having a 3 vs 3 practice match. It's me, Atsu-san, and Omi-omi-san against Kotaro-san, Shoyo-san, and Osa-san. Honestly I still can't believe what they've told me an hour ago.
~AN HOUR AGO~
"What?" I let out a small laugh, Shoyo-san surprised me when he said we could play volleyball. I mean, I don't mind except I'm not stupid enough to play with these four volleyball monsters by myself.
"It is what it is. Let's play volleyball, Eijun!" He beamed his infamous smile at me and I couldn't bear to say no to that smile of his.
"B-but," I shook my head in a flustered way. Eyes in a wide and panic way, still thinking of what to say and finally I did. "I haven't played volleyball since my 2nd year of middle school. I'm all rusty. I'll end up losing the moment any of you will serve the ball to me."
"Well duh," Omi-omi-san said straightforwardly "that's why we'll let you practice first and teach you the basics again in a short amount of time."
"Eh? That's so inconvenient! Why bother to do that? I could just watch you guys play while I could be the ball boy." I suggested.
Everyone shouted a big "NO" to me.
"Actually Eijun-kun," Atsu-san said with a gleam in his eye. Behind him, I saw Shoyo-san opening up his phone. "You will play with us later in the match. I mean, not in the official match of course but still in a match. It's a friendly match that the organizers thought of as a way to get the crowd going and to share our gratitude for their support."
"Ah I see." I said, without thinking. And then little by little the information finally reached inside my brain. "IS THAT SO?" I yelled at the top of my lungs.
"Wh-why me? How? I'm literally the WORST person to play with the big guys! Aha! Is this a punishment for when I accidentally caught Kotaro-san and Keiji-san kissing when I joined the secret training in the gym 3 back when I was a kid?"
"Silly Junei, of course not!" Kotaro-san smiled innocently while the others were laughing from behind.
"Or wait. Is it that one time I lied to Omi-omi-san that putting mud on your hands helps to remove bacteria and makes the skin soft? Is this karma finally taking action?!"
"You WHAT?" Omi-omi-san suddenly clenched his fists and knitted his eyebrows.
"Wait Omi-kun!" Atsu-san stopped him before he could come to me. "Healthy mud, or wet soil, is rich with minerals and other nutrients. It has been used for cleansing and healing rituals for millennia. So what Eijun-kun told you wasn't a lie."
He calmed down when Atsu-san explained it to him. How does Atsu-san even know about that?
"I see. Then it's probably that time I joked about Shoyo-san having a lover when he was in Brazil to Tobio-san! Is this your act of revenge to me Shoyo-san?"
"So it was YOU who told that to Kageyama! The Adlers had a hard time convincing Kageyama not to go to Brazil when he heard something that's not even true." Shoyo-san's face turned beet red due to embarrassment.
"Shoyo-kun don't mind," Osa-san patted Shoyo-san's back, an attempt to calm him down. "Tsumu, could you explain more to Eijun-kun?" Atsu-san let out a small laugh before facing back to me.
"Actually, thanks to some anonymous sponsors," I could see Atsu-san slightly glanced at everyone "you got a special VIP ticket. Only the ones who got the special VIP tickets are chosen to play and you were chosen via the raffle draw." The way he smiled just now reminds of Miyuki's and whenever Miyuki smiles, nothing good happens based on my experience.
"You know your smile just now is suspicious Atsu-san," I shot him a suspicious look "tell me the real reason." I emphasized the word 'real'.
"Can't resist you when you're like that to me." he put his hands up, defeated.
"See? What did I tell you? Big softie towards Sawamura-kun." Omi-omi-san said plainly as the others, minus Osa-san, nodded furiously.
"Be quiet Omi-kun," he gave him a certain look which I couldn't describe. Atsu-san then cleared his throat.
"Anyways, it's true that you are one of the special VIPs and it's also true you are chosen. But it's just that we checked out the list of the special VIPs and realized that most of them are high school volleyball players too so we were thinking that since they're already playing volleyball, why not let someone who doesn't? And luckily we got you before the Adlers did."
"But isn't it unfair to those who actually wants to play with you guys and with experience to boot?" I looked down and imagined those who was actually looking forward to play with these people. I'm just lucky enough to know them, after all. I'm not even that good in volleyball to begin with.
"So you're saying that you don't want to play with us, Eijun?" Shoyo-san shot me a look with a mixture of seriousness and sadness. The others did the same.
"I didn't mean to offend you guys. It's just that," I clenched my grip on the ball he gave me a while ago. I forgot I was still holding it until now. "I didn't even know I'm a special VIP until you guys told me and there are people who probably used up all their savings to use their luck to play with you guys in center court and it's probably going to hurt them if they knew they couldn't stand a chance to a guy who actually knows their idols as if they're his own family."
The air suddenly got awkward and I feel embarrassed. Distracting myself from the awkwardness, I bounced the ball back and forth.
"Junei," Kotaro-san was the first who spoke up. He was shaking furiously and I steel myself for what's to come. "You actually see us as your own family? C'mere you. You're too precious for this cruel world." He jumped in to hug me tightly.
"This is why I don't get why your teammates don't love you as much as we do, Eijun-kun." Osa-san wiped his eye as if he was crying.
"What the? Don't drag my teammates in this conversation!" I pushed back Kotaro-san but he's strong. Atsu-san managed to grabbed him away from me.
"Eijun. Instead of feeling bad to them, why not carry out their passion for volleyball when you play with us?" Shoyo-san twirled his finger. "Think of it as a representative for the special VIPs. If you feel pity to them because they didn't get chosen, then that's all more the reasons to play with all you got. Isn't that right Omi-san?"
"That's right. If you're going to stand there and keep on talking about how much you feel bad to them, then I'd actually feel sorrier for them. Nothing sucks than someone telling you, 'Hey I gave up my chance to play so that I won't feel bad for you guys'." Omi-omi-san scoffed.
Everyone nodded in agreement and I can't help but actually agree to what he said. It was then that I remember back when it was the Summer Tournament last year. The opponent's seniors were crying after we've defeated them but they told us to win for them in the finals. I gulped and scolded myself. How could be so stupid? I've been so naive that I've—-
"You're overthinking again. This is just a friendly match, not the end of the world" Shoyo-san snapped me back from reality. "We won't force you to play with us if you don't want to. We could just look for—"
"I didn't say that. I DO want to play with you guys."
He's right. I've been overthinking it. Besides, it doesn't matter if we lose or not because it doesn't count in their official game. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to play with Shoyo-san and the others again and I'm sure as heck we won't have another chance to meet like this. Like what Miyuki said, I should enjoy my day off. I laughed, even when I'm out of the training grounds I'm still thinking of him. Man, I can't wait go back and ask for him to catch for me again. I threw the ball back to Shoyo-san, smirking.
"Shall we go back to the basics first?" Shoyo-san suggested.
"I guess I should start warming up then."
~PRESENT TIME~
"See, what did I tell you Tsum-tsum? Junei's a natural!" Kotarou-san crossed his arms around the front of his chest, looking all proud despite losing a point.
"I thought ya'll just being spoiled to Eijun-kun but it's really the real deal," Atsu-san glanced at me. "Damn it the more I see you play with us, the more I feel frustrated you didn't continue volleyball in high school."
"Aw you guys," I suddenly feel flustered "I know you guys are just saying that to make me feel better."
"I'm serio-"
"No matter how much you tell that to him Atsu-san, he won't believe it. Trust me, we told him that a lot of times back when we were in high school and even Tob-uh, Kageyama practically wants to train Eijun himself. Washijo-sensei even tried to scout him after sensei heard about Eijun." Shoyo-san said from afar, picking the ball I've hit.
"I can't believe he actually threw that far from the opposite zone but still managed to hit it on the line and that power of his is pretty strong." Omi-omi-san sounded so amazed by my hit. Was it really that impressive? I just practically hit the ball out of instinct.
"Must be because he's a pitcher?" Osa-san said and everyone agreed.
Before the practice match started, they all let me know what to expect for later. Since I still remembered the positions and the basics of volleyball, we just covered up the remaining things such as digs and rebounds. It was rather easy when they've explained it to me so I excitedly told them we could go for a practice match right now. Osa-san joined with us too and it was fun seeing the twins on the opposing sides.
The practice was fun and I could see them in action. Atsu-san perfectly adjusted his toss for me in a short time, and I didn't want to disappoint any of them. For the sake of the others who didn't get chosen, I have to do my best. It was our turn to serve. Atsu-san moved 6 steps away from the court, a sign he's going to do a spike serve and I could tell it's going to be nasty. Despite just a practice game, these people don't know when to hold back to a rookie like me. No worries. I'm used to pressure anyways back in Seidou anyways. It's more fun that way.
As expected, he did a strong spike serve. Shoyo-san effortlessly received it with ease and stood up right after as if it's a walk in the park. Osa-san tossed the ball right after and Kotaro-san was there ready to jump. I stared at Kotaro-san and waited. His position, his weight on his legs, his next move. He jumped up, Omi-omi-san and Atsu-san's going to block him. I saw Kotaro-san shifted his hand. He's going to do a cross-shot! I ran on the opposite side, and when he made contact of the ball, my body moved forward and dig the ball up in the air. It was a bit sloppy but I managed to put it up.
"Sorry, it's a bit low. It's up to you two!" I tumbled. Adrenaline rising on my body.
"Nice receive, Eijun-kun!" Despite a sloppy receive, Atsu-san bended his whole body and overhand toss the ball on the left. Omi-omi-san spiked the ball. Kotaro-san tried to receive but the spin of the ball overpowered him and it went out. We earned a point again. Atsu-san served again and it was a jump floater this time. Osa-san managed to received it high and steady, which earned a glare from his brother. And there it was. Shoyo-san running, and preparing to take flight. I got to be calm. I got to be calm. This is Shoyo-san we're talking about. Wait for when he makes contact. He took a huge step and there was a loud sound when he took a high jump. I was always amazed by his jumping abilities as a kid and I always knew it was amazing whenever I watch his games on television but seeing it here up close and personal, I almost couldn't move. Heh, almost. As if by a mysterious force overwhelming my body, I rushed my body forward the moment he hit the ball. It was fast but I managed to receive the ball but it jumped up to a place neither Omi-omi-san and Atsu-san could reach and we got an out.
"Shoyo-san you're like literally flying in the air!" I jumped up in excitement. "I feel like time stopped when you were in the air but I could still tell where you're going to hit but I wasn't fast enough. Damnit. And Kotaro-san! Your cross-shot was amazing when you suddenly shifted it in just a few seconds before you were about to get blocked."
I could hear my heart beating and the sweat overwhelming my body. The adrenaline of the play, the ball headed towards my direction, the movement of the ball and the position of the players on the court. I could see it all. I still got it I guess?
"So you could still see our movements despite how fast paced the game was huh? And you even move to where you think the ball will land." He arched an eyebrow while smiling. I could hear Atsu-san getting frustrated again and Omi-omi-san scolding him. Kotaro-san was thinking about something which was surprising even coming from me.
"Junei, come here for a bit" Kotaro-san gestured his hands forward and I went over the net. "Since you're left-handed and your shoulders are ridiculously flexible, there's something I'd like you to try." He then whispered something to me. As I listened, my mouth curved upwards.
"Do you think you can do it?" Kotaro-san giggled excitingly and I nodded. I mean, after he explained what I have to do, I can already visualize it and I think I could do it once I get to practice it a bit. The others were wondering what we're whispering about as they got closer to us. Kotaro-san and I stared at each other first and then to them and grin widely. We told them our plan afterwards.
"I can already imagine the look on the Adlers!" Atsu-san burst out laughing, excited with the plan.
"Bokuto-san you're such a sadist!" Shoyo-san playfully punched Kotaro-san.
"I know right? C'mon, I wanna see Junei try it!" He gently pushed me back on my side of the net and we practiced the move Kotaro-san told me. I was having a blast with them that we forgot the time. Just then, the gym door opened and I saw the rest of the MSBY Black Jackals team members slowly entering. I gaped my mouth open. T-t-they're huge! I knew Kotaro-san, Omi-omi-san, Atsu-san, and Osa-san are taller than the average person but seeing the rest of the team members made me feel like I'm an ant if I go near them.
"I'm in the territory of the giants!" I yelled loudly. "Am I living in the world of Att*ck on T**an?!"
"What is he talking about." Omi-omi-san just stared at me.
"You're reading too much manga Eijun," Shoyo-san chuckled as he pulled me towards the rest of his team members. "I'm sure you met some of them but I'd like to introduce you to the rest of the team as our chosen player for later. Besides, you get to hang out with everyone today so it's best to get to know a thing or two about them for just a bit, wouldn't you say?" I nodded nervously.
Little by little he introduced me to the rest of the team and they were actually pretty fun people to be with and some looked more innocent than they look. Makes me remember the time I got scared of Asahi-san when I was as kid because he looks scary but he's actually a soft guy. I'm sure he and Isashiki-senpai would get along pretty well.
"Hey Sawamura! Remember me?" One of them waved his hand as he approached me. He has a sturdy build but his face was calm and relaxed.
"Cap!" I greeted him. Meian Shugo. He's the team captain and one of the middle blockers in the team. We shared some banters with each other.
"How was practice with Sawamura going, Shoyo?" He asked as he allowed me to use his arm as a swing.
Shoyo-san gave him an approved gesture and grin widely. "He did better than expected, Meian-san! The Adlers won't know what hit them."
"Excellent," Meian-san smiled menacingly "That idiot Hirugami. I'll make sure his team will lose so long as Sawamura is with us."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that Meian-san." Their libero, Inunaki-san or Wan-san as I'd like to call him, said as he was doing his warmups. The rest of the teams were warming up too. "I heard the guy the Adlers got is a well-known volleyball player in high school. He's one of the top setters in the nation and actually participated in the All-Youth Training Camp."
"Ugh. Don't remind me. I actually saw the guy a while ago with Hoshiumi and Kageyama. Like Sawamura, the guy knows someone from the monster generation and it's none other than Hoshiumi since they're both from the same prefecture." Meian-san slumped a bit but soon afterwords went to the center of the court. Kourai and Tobio-san with this mysterious stranger huh? I wonder who that person is since Kourai and I knew each other when I was a kid too. The only ones I could think of are... oh no. Is it him?
"Hey Shoyo-san, do you know who's the guy the Adlers get to play with?" I tugged his shirt before he joined up with the rest of the team for practice.
"Nope. Kageyama wouldn't tell me." He sounded disappointed for some reason.
"Ah, I see." I released him. He must've sense something that he asked me what's wrong. "Nothing is wrong! Now go. I'll watch you guys while you guys train."
"Well okay then. Oh and by the way, remember when we told you that since you're one of the special VIPs you get to join with us for the rest of the day?"
"Uhm yeah?"
"Well, just because you're the lucky fellow that get to play with us, you're not the only one who got the special VIP ticket." He winked and as if on cue, a group of people started going in the gym. There were some people cheering. I looked back and realized these people are the other special VIPs and I get to join with them throughout the day as well. Shoyo-san went with the rest of the members and I saw Osa-san being surrounded by some girls asking for his autograph.
"I'm the better twin," Osa-san said "I'm just one of the sponsors for today's game. You girls don't need a mere onigiri business-owner's autograph." But the girls didn't listen. He caught me staring at him and asked for my help. Remembering that he made fun of me and made me eat natto in a cat-shaped onigiri earlier, I ignored him and head the other way to the bleachers where the other special VIPs were sitting to watch Shoyo-san and the team in their practice. I could feel Osa-san glaring at me from behind but I just minded my own business. Heh. That's what you get for making me your guinea pig.
"I heard it from Kageyama-san but I couldn't believe it until I see it with my own eyes." A voice came from behind me as I was about to sit down. I flinched when I heard the voice. It was deep, empty, and full of held contempt. I slowly turned my back to face him.
"It's you." I gulped. I had a feeling it was him ever since Meian-san mentioned it a while ago but I didn't want to jinx myself. What are the odds that we actually get to meet here of all places?
"Hello there Eijun," he glared at me and I glared back. "Glad to see you again, you traitor."