The Loner's Game

Chapter 3

"Tobe, here."

He looked at me bewildered, as if the idea of me—the class loner—approaching him in the early morning was absurd.

The confusion in his eyes died down as he noticed the plastic bag on my hand.

"Ah, Hikitani-kun, 'sup?"

My face stiffened as his casual remark drawn the attention of his clique to us.

My mouth thinned as I inhaled deeply, better settled this quickly.

I put the bag on his desk, ignoring the questioning looks from group, especially Miura who look at me with narrowed eyes.

The way she stared unnerved me, like I was some sort of guinea pig in laboratory.

Okay ignore her, the mission has been completed.

Let's retreat to the safe zone.

I could use my morning playlist full of idol songs.

Don't give me that look, sometimes I need to listen to cheerful song to push myself through this bitter world.

Well, that was my plan until Tobe called me.

"Whoa! Hikitani-kun! You don't have to wash the jersey; I can use the club laundry."

My shoulder dropped.

"Meh, it's okay. The least I can do is wash it."

Besides, it was not like it was washed by hands.

I've got a washing machine at home.

Truly, such an innovation.

I didn't know who invent washing machine, but I could assume they were a lazy ass who didn't want to spend their time scrubbing clothes manually.

Lazy ass rules the world!

We are the epitome of evolution!

Before Tobe could run his mouth again, I moved back silently trying to reach my safe haven.

Unfortunately, this time, I caught the riajuu king's eyes.

"Good morning, Hikitani-kun."

Grumbling, I nodded while sending a slight glare at him.

"Hikki, I didn't know you could play soccer!"

Yuigahama proclaimed cheerfully, she was full of energy in the morning, contrasting with me who could probably use some more time to sleep.

She did a little hop; I didn't know why.

Was that some sort of communication gesture? Did hopping really help convey something? Was she perhaps a rabbit in her previous life?

It was hard trying to understand how Yuigahama's mind work.

Though, if the hopping was to get attention, it did its job wonderfully as my eyes automatically notice the bouncy-bouncy motion of Yuigahama's Yuigahamas.

Damn!

That was dangerous!

Resist! Resist the temptation!

"So, Hayama. You are the captain, right?"

I asked him to distract myself.

"Eh?" He blinked bewilderedly, "I'm not, I was just filling in for captain that time."

This time it was me who got bewildered.

It was embarrassing of me to assume thing like that.

Fortunately, Tobe quipped quickly, "But, y'know, I heard that you'll be the next captain, Hayama-kun!"

"Ah," He rubbed the back of his head and chuckled lightly, "Well, the captain had talked to me about it, so yes, I guess?"

"Whoa, that was like, so cool, Hayato-kun."

Miura quickly snatched up the opportunity to talk to her crush.

If she were a striker she would be the perfect poacher.

A perfect number 9!

Hayama just laughed at her attempt, effectively shutting down her approach.

"I see, well since you are the future captain and coincidentally my classmate, might as well telling you now."

He raised his eyebrow, motioning me to continue.

I took a deep breath, calming my anxiety.

How ridiculous, I had played in a stadium packed with people yet I got nervous trying to talk to my classmate?

I really hated this flaw of mine.

"I'll be joining the soccer club."

"Ehhh!? But what about the service club, Hikki?! Are you abandoning us?!"

Yuigahama's sudden outburst calmed me.

The look on her face was like a kicked puppy, it was tear-jerking and sympathy-asking.

How did she even do that?

It almost triggered my big brother instinct, fortunately, she was not a little sister.

On a side note, I just realized that Yukinoshita is a little sister.

"No, Yuigahama, I didn't abandon the service club."

Eeehhhhh?

I was not a professional micro expression reader but even I could deduce her expression just as easy.

"In case you don't know, there's no rule that prohibit students from joining more than one club."

"Really?"

"Hikitani-kun is right, Yui. It's not stated in the rule book, so you could join more club if you want, but because it could be tiring, not many do that."

Yep, Soubu is the kind of school that put emphasize on extracurricular activity. Joining more than one club can indeed be bothersome since some club take a lot of afterschool time, such as the sport club. Not exactly recommended by the school, but if you have a lot of free time, you are more than free to try.

I think the only reason I could get free not being in a club during my first year was because the recruitment period was over when I got back to school.

And the doctor's recommendation that said I should probably take it easy too.

I was hoping I could get free again in my second year, but Hiratsuka-sensei said otherwise.

Not that I'm complaining now.

"Oh, right. Tobe, can I ask you something?"

He grinned and finger gunning at me, "Sure thing, bro! What's it?"

Sigh.

After what happened at the cultural festival, Tobe was one of the student who made fun of me.

Heck, I'm pretty sure the name Hikitani spread out because of him.

But now that the mocking had died down, he acted like nothing had happened.

Well, I didn't hold a grudge against, since he was simple-minded enough, he probably bandwagon-jumping on mocking me.

Besides, I didn't particularly care for the opinion of someone like him, it mattered not on my life.

But still, it surprised me how people could act like nothing happened and just laughed it up.

Seriously.

"Can I get your jersey's number?"

Tobe blinked as he processed my request.

"My… jersey number?"

I nodded.

Suddenly, I realized that the other heard our conversation as I didn't exactly make it a secret.

Their attention reverted back to me again.

"Any particular reason, Hikitani-kun?"

Hayama asked abruptly.

"…it was my debut number on junior high."

He took my answer just like that.

Good thing, since I lied to him.

There was no way I'd told them that I asked for Tobe's shirt number because of my name.

You know, Hachiman, Hachi, eight, get it?

"I guess, it's okay. That means I can ask the coach for my favorite number, no one use it anyway, woohoo!"

Well, that was… easy.

I was thinking that he'd be a little defensive about it.

Then again, he probably got that number recently.

Usually, only the roster players got assigned a number. And as far as I know, he just gotten into the roster recently as a bench player, though apparently he started to get first team appearances as of late.

Now, that I've said my business and no one seemed to have something to talk to me, I retreated back to my desk and plopped down.

I sighed heavily as social interaction took a lot of energy from me.

Especially one in the morning.

Again, it seemed Lady Luck really wanted to make my day miserable as the school bell rang right after I pulled out my earphone.

Really?

I thought incredulously while putting my earphone back to my bag.

Looked like I'd not get my daily doses of idol cuteness.

Dang it.


The school had ended 15 minutes ago.

I should have gone to the clubroom already, but I felt like being my usual lazy-ass again.

Usually, Yuigama would nag me to accompany her to the clubroom. This time, I sent her alone saying something like I had a business I need to take care of.

And now, after debating for another five minutes, whether I should show up or not, I caught a sound of someone kicking a ball outside the classroom.

Oh, right.

While the coach said I could take my time deciding, he didn't say I couldn't observe the team practicing.

Besides, I had already decided to join anyway, might as well familiarizing myself with their training regime.

I'm curious too.

And so, I found myself slouching several meters away from the field.

I chose not to stand on the soccer club area and just observe from here as to not disturb their training.

Well, more like I didn't want to socialize with them so soon.

That was too much a bother for me, and there were chances they would swarm me with questions.

After that match, I had done my 'don't-bother-me' persona and quietly distanced myself from them, choosing to just sit alone and review the game.

A habit that I got after my first embarrassing defeat, it was a two margin lose against some school from Asakusa.

Not exactly a large margin, but that was the match where I couldn't do anything. The one where I realized my weaknesses.

Suddenly, I felt something hit my foot.

I looked down only to find a soccer ball rolling away slowly and stopped just a few centimeters from me.

It was a classic black and white ball, an Adidas Telstar, and it looked quite old. The ball was covered in dirt and there were several noticeable scratches from frequent uses on it.

But the ball was still quite decent.

It didn't have any noticeable bumps.

Suddenly, I had this urge to get the ball.

And so, I stretched out my foot and rolled the ball towards me.

The ball felt solid enough, the air pressure was not too low or too much, just right I guess.

Humming lightly, I put my left foot on the ball and dragged it towards my right foot as fast as possible.

The ball bounce as it hit the top of my shoes.

Balancing on my right foot, I gave a little tap when the ball fell down.

Ah, I remember my first keepie-uppie.

It was after I got bored hitting the cone.

My personal record was a little over a hundred if I'm not wrong, I lost count after that.

I raised my leg and balanced the ball on my knee? I didn't know the exact name for this area, but it was around my knee.

I'm terrible in biology, especially anatomy, but not so if the subject is reproduction.

Lol.

The ball flew over me as I kicked it harder, I leaned my torso forward, raised my leg behind and hit the ball with my heel.

Somehow, I miscalculated as the ball flew further than I anticipated, instinctively I lunged towards it, stretching my right leg to catch it before it dropped.

"Hey, there!"

The ball bounced thrice on the ground before stopping in front of me.

Someone suddenly popped out in front of my face, surprising me.

He had a little smile on his face as he approached me.

He was quite tall and big, not as big as Ooshiba, but still uncommon for a Japanese.

"You're the kid from before, right?"

His right arm was stretched out, inviting me for a handshake even though it wasn't a Japanese custom.

I stared at his hand, thinking for a quick second whether I should ignore it or take it.

A quick look at his older-looking face, I already made my choice.

No need to give one bad impression to the senpais.

His only reaction to my handshake was a raised brow, there was strong expression shown, just a mild curiousty.

"I was not there when we played Seiseki. A shame really, but I was sick, so yeah. Anyway, I'm Sugahara, a third year."

Never heard of him.

"Hikigaya Hachiman, a pleasure."

I introduced myself just to be polite.

He nodded and motioned me for the ball, so I just gave it to him.

Muttering a quick thanks to me, he kicked the ball to the field where one of his teammate was waiting.

He turned back to me and gave me a thumb up before running back to the team.

"I see, so you've met the captain?"

I glanced at my left and saw a young looking man giving me a warm smile.

He was dressed in a simple blue shirt and black trouser.

"Hello."

What's with people popping out of nowhere?

Wait, the captain?

"Indeed, he is the captain."

Did I think out loud, again?

"Yeah."

Well, he doesn't look like it.

"I know; he may not look like a captain, but he does have the quality of a captain. He's dependable, but could use a little more tact, and he's a little awkward too."

Well, as long as he can lead the team, it's alright, I guess.

"Have you thought about my offer?"

The offer, huh.

"Yea, I'll be joining you on this little adventure, Coach."

He beamed at my answer and grinned at me.

From his expression, it looked like he was excited at the prospect of having me in his team.

"Welcome to the team, Hikigaya-kun."

This time, I grasped the outstretched hand.

"Likewise."


"Okay, guys! Now, we have a new teammate joining us! Some of you probably know him as the one who butt in our match again Seiseki last week."

Several players laughed at something I didn't catch.

Was it an inside joke?

"Haha butt."

"Lol butt."

…damn it, I prayed that my sense of humor wouldn't go down so low as to laugh at the word "butt".

Coach laughed a little too, but I didn't know if that was from the joke or not.

If that was a joke to begin with.

"As a formality, why don't you introduce yourself, Hikigaya-kun?"

Right, right.

Introduction.

Why though? I was sure I was infamous now.

Oh well, coach's order.

"Some of you probably had heard of me, some even dub me as the most hated student in Soubu." I drawled the last past with as much as enthusiasm I could muster.

The coach looked at me in question, while several students flinched.

Oh, looked like my infamy didn't reach to the teacher side.

"For those who don't," I glanced at the first year, "I'm Hikigaya Hachiman from class 2-F."

Well, the first year probably had heard of me too, but unlike the second and third year, they didn't take part in shunning me.

Eh, that was not because they were kind or anything, more like they didn't know what to do with that information, besides I was their senpai too, they had to somewhat respect me, so they just ignored me.

"I do hope me being here would not be a problem for you guys, got that?"

I ended my introduction with a slight glare.

Coach took over again, clapping his hands in gusto.

"Okay, so now, I'd like to address our agenda for the next few months. Like usual, we'll try to participate in the National Championship."

The first year lit up in enthusiasm while some of the second and third year gloomed.

"I know that will be hard for us, but we still have to try! The target is to defeat the first obstacle, Bousou High, which is the favorite to represent Chiba. But first, we need to make sure we have the strength to back us up."

I see.

While some of them were gloomy, there were still a bunch of player with high spirits.

Looked like the situation was not as dire as I imagined.

We can still win.

"With Hikigaya-kun joining us here, I now have enough players to actually build the team. I still need time to plan this whole thing out, but I'm positive we can do this. We all know that Soubu hasn't won anything in the past decade, all the previous coach didn't care about winning. At all.

They were either chosen on a whim, or chosen to fill their teaching hour quotas. But me? I want to win too. This is my third year as Soubu's coach. The first two year ended in failure. But I've gotten myself valuable experiences. Last year, we managed to go all the way into top 8. And now, it is time to for us to push even further."

"We have nothing to lose!"

"Whoooo!"

They cheered alongside the coach.

"And so, let's practice!"

Coach raised his hand high, followed by everyone else.

They were talking animatedly, the indifference in their face replaced with excitement.

I watched as the team jog back to the field, some with unnecessary jumping while the other just laughed.

The morale was good.

"Well, Hikigaya-kun. Since you're new and don't have the jersey yet, you can go home for today. You can train with us the day after tomorrow, or if you feel like it, tomorrow afterschool. Just use your sport uniform for now. And about your jersey, it'll be ready at the very least next week, any particular number you want?"

"Ah, about that…."

So, I told him about my request to Tobe.

"I see, in that case, I'll talk to him about this, for now he'll use the number 8 until he got his new jersey, is that okay?"

Yeah, no problemo, Coach.

Since it was me who bothered him.

Besides, he was here first.

"Then, I'll see you next practice."

Coach turned his back on me and walked away while waving his hand at me.

"Oh, and feel free to observe us for now."


The team had started practice.

They were doing separate training.

A group of players were doing simple passing.

The first years ran back and forth across the field.

Some were dribbling between practice cones.

Hayama's group were practicing shooting, the star himself stood several meters away from the goal with his hands on his hip. He stared at the goal intensely, probably trying to pick where he'd shoot.

On the other side, a small group of goalkeeper looked at him in anticipation, they whispered to each other, probably guessing where Hayama would shoot.

Standing in front of the goal, was the goalie for the match against Seiseki last week.

He narrowed his eyes in concetration, focusing on Hayama, observing every slight movement of Soubu's star player.

His body tensed slightly when Hayama started to run.

Whoa!

Even from where I stood now, I could see how powerful his kick was.

It flew in a straight line like a bullet past the goalkeeper as he jumped too late.

"Arrgh!"

The goalie roared as he slapped the ground in front of him in frustration.

"Damn it! Again!"

"Okay! Everyone line up! We'll take turn shooting the ball!" Hayama shouted at the group behind him.

"Ooosu!"

After listening to Coach's motivation, everyone was fired up.

I didn't if it was already scheduled by the coach, but it seemed today they were doing individual training.

If it were me, usually I'd start my practice by running the outer field several laps.

Then, practicing my long pass like usual.

Because I lacked most of the fundamental skills, I focused more time on my running, cutting, pacing, and positioning.

Everything that I could do to help me be a better player.

And whenever the team was doing a practice match, I'd stand behind the goalpost and watched the game from there.

Observing how the players ran and predicted where they'd run.

As a deep-lying playmaker, having a good vision is important.

You can't just pass the ball forward, you need to know your surrounding and choose the better option that can potentially be your team's counter attack chance.

Of course, a DLP was not perfect.

We may be defensive players, but we are not defenders. So putting all the coin on us to defend is overwhelming for us. Rather than "defend", it's our job to win the ball back before the opponent can shoot it or dribble it into our penalty box.

Now, that reminded me of something.

I needed a partner in defending.

If we were to play two defensive midfielders, someone who could defend and hold the ball would be preferred.

Perhaps, a holding midfielder would suffice.

Heck, if the player were good enough, I could even join in attacking and played the role of regista more frequently.

Oh yeah, apparently, regista is a more offensive DLP, or so I read on the internet.

I could tackle of course, but It'd be more appreciated if I didn't have to do that dirty job and instead focused on finding route for passing.

The idea of joining attacking had been on my mind since I graduated middle school.

I knew I was lazy, but the level in high school soccer were different compared to middle school. So, whether I liked it or not, I had to be ready if the situation called.

Ugh, that meant I had to run more.

Well, that was something you'd expect if you played as a midfielder, I guess.

"Hey, you!"

Someone shouted at me, from the tone of it, he was angry.

I turned my body to address the one interrupted my monologue.

He was a boy around my age, a second year probably, he was pointing at me with an ugly scowl on his face.

Eh, even without the scowl, he would probably still be ugly.

"What?" I asked lamely.

"Even though Hayama vouched for you, I won't acknowledge you."

Oh God, not this type of shit.

I had to deal with something like this before, but I had Kimishita with me back then.

His glare alone ended that situation in "peaceful" manner.

"Deal with it."

Man, I wish I had that pixelated glasses with me to irk him more.

I could imagine steam coming from his ears and nostrils.

"You made Minami cried!

"Who?"

My genuine question seemed to hit something as his face turned a new shade of red.

I was seriously spooked at how his face morphed into a chain of expression in rapid succession.

Suddenly, he lunged at me and grasped my collar, pulling me closer to his face.

"You!"

I'm not actually afraid, but the raised hand caught my concern.

Honestly getting decked in the face will hurt a lot, and I don't want that.

I need to defuse the situation! Somehow!

"Whoa there, you'll make a scene here, you know?"

I tried to channel my diplomatic skill that I got from my years of being a loner.

In this sad world, loner was a prime target for bullying, so you need to be able to talk your way out of trouble.

Unless you have a mastery of martial arts under your belt like that misunderstood delinquent girl.

"Guh."

My reasoning seemed to get his attention as his grip on me relenting a bit.

"Feel free to punch me, but I'm sure coach will have something to say to you."

I could feel the corner of my mouth rose slightly.

"Hey, are you even in the roster?"

Oh, who am I kidding?

I'm getting irritated too.

I was not one to provoke people, but his act just now annoyed me.

I don't give a damn to your feeling or whatever.

But this is soccer, either you up your game or go home crying.

On a sunny side, I could just take it easy like always, playing the passive loner role that I adore so much.

But now, something inside me ticked.

I had practiced for years, and I wouldn't give away my chance just because someone like him didn't like me.

Even this loner had to stand his ground.

"!"

Whoa.

I almost fell down as I didn't expect him to shove me back.

But, I got my bearing back courtesy of years of core training.

"Fine." He spat the word out.

Then, he walked away after giving me one last glare.

Good, let's hope that will be the last time I see him.


Apparently not.

I didn't know how, but I found myself standing in the middle of the field surrounded by everyone, even the coach.

Though, coach looked like he enjoyed it. Maybe he thought that he could see me in action, again?

In front of me were five balls all line up horizontally.

And the dude from before—let's just call him "the dude"—stood with his chest raised high, he looked at me with a confident smirk on his face.

"I challenge you to a crossbar!"

No need to spell it to me, I can see that with my own eyes, dumbass.

Is this how the protagonist of that monster taming game feel whenever they get challenged by a random passerby?

Sigh….

I'm starting to sound like Kimishita.

"Fine fine…" I drawled, defeated.

I caught sight of Hayama mouthing sorry from the crowd.

Hey, prince, can't you control your peers better?

"You start first, then."

I stepped back and let the dude take the spotlight.

The entire team's focus was on him, and that seemed to make him waver slightly, though he tried to keep the confident smirk on display.

The first ball was a miss.

And so were the second and third.

Fortunately, the fourth hit the woodwork.

He got 1/5.

Good for him, I guess.

"It's your turn, now, Hikitani-kun."

Hayama offered me the first ball.

I just gave him a nod and accepted the ball, twirling it in my hands to get the feel.

I knew something like that would not actually help, but that was just a habit.

Several pro players have something like that too, right?

I put it on the ground, a little to my right.

Without thinking much about it, I rushed to the ball and kicked it with the inside.

The ball curved into the net.

"Missed!"

I ignored the dude in favor for kicking again.

"Missed!"

"Missed!"

"Missed!"

"Missed!"

Hmm….

Got it.

"You okay, Hikitani-kun?"

Hayama approached with a troubled smile.

Honestly, I don't really mind it, like seriously, don't give me that look.

It makes me sick.

"Don't read on it too much, just give me the next set."

I almost swatted the ball from his hand as his stare started to get me uncomfortable.

But I managed to held back.

"Here."

"Thanks."

I focused my gaze on the goal post.

Thinking back on all the things I noticed from the misses I made.

"Hold on! What are you doing! You've lost the challenge!"

One glance from my dead fish eyes and he stopped his complaint.

"What are you saying?"

"Huh?"

I stood there smirking, "You're the challenger, so, it's my right to set the rules. We'll play three set of five balls, that was the first set, and so this is the second set."

"Well, I guess he's not exactly wrong." Coach added with an amused grin on his face.

The others were murmuring and exchanging awkward glances.

Well, I meant, this situation was not the coach's decision.

For all we know, under that amused smile, he could be reeking in anger.

There were coaches that took it hard when their players did whatever they wanted without their consent.

"Uhh… Could someone explain to me again why they did this?"

Someone in the crowd asked, unknowingly worsen the situation with his question.

"That second year didn't like the new recruit, so he challenged him. Something like, if you lose you quit."

Someone in the crowd answered in a bored voice.

Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say as the coach's smile fell.

His joyful face turned rigid with an unreadable expression.

He furrowed his eyebrows, eyes almost squinting shut.

I could still see how the coach's eyes darted back and forth between me and the dude before putting his gaze on the dude again.

He muttered something that I couldn't hear from this distance.

But, that action just now made the dude nervous.

Looked like he realized that his careless action might affect his high school career.

And so, with almost everyone's attention on him, the dude could do nothing except for accepting my terms.

His whole body was shaking slightly.

Whether it was in embarrassment or in anger I didn't care.

Sigh….

I just introduced myself to the team several minutes ago and already gotten myself an enemy.

Oh, right.

Better end this stupid challenge.


In the end, he got himself four hits from three sets.

Me?

Well, I've go—

"How?"

Hmm?

The dude glared at me with animosity.

Damn, how many times had he glared at me today?

Perhaps, Yukinoshita's talent of getting enemy had rubbed on me.

That girl had a lot of enemy just from her looks alone.

Not counting her cold personality and her sharp tongue that could literally stabbed you and leave you in a mess.

"You have to be more detailed."

"How did you manage to hit almost all of them…?"

How?

I just shrugged at him.

"Easy."

It's true that I have an impeccable long distance accuracy, but still, I need to adjust my aim if I want to hit the goal post.

When sending passes, you don't need precise aim, just send the ball to a general area where your teammate was running.

And voila, a chance!

But, if your target was to hit the goal's frame, that would be different.

Therefore, I used the first set to tune my senses.

I needed to gauge the distance, estimate the necessary strength, and visualize the correct trajectory.

Because I was wearing my outdoor shoes, the impact was of course different than if you wore a soccer shoes.

It was quite difficult to kick accurately with this kind of shoes, but I managed to make it works.

And all it took was five balls!

Well, I still missed three balls, but it was 7 to 4 for my victory.

The look on his face was priceless after he listened to my explanation.

"If that's all, I'll be taking my leave then."

I didn't bother looking back at him and just walked away as if nothing happened.

The other guys parted away, making a path for me to go through.

I felt like a superstar as I walked past them.

Sugahara gave me a nod, Hayama just smiled at me like usual, and Tobe chuckled lightly while rubbing the back of his head.

Though, there were still some people that gave me wary looks.

It seemed, I still need to prove my worth.

How troublesome.

Ugh, I could use a Max coffee to forget all this nonsense.

Thinking about coffee made me realized that I was kind of thirsty.

Now, that I thought about it, I had not drunk my daily doses of Yukinoshita's tea.

Hold on…

I kinda forgot to tell Yukinoshita that I ditch the club.

Uh-oh.

-tbc-