Good news~! I will be focusing on this story for the next two weeks, which means there's likely to be more updates than usual. And thanks for the reviews and interests on this story, it certainly gives me inspirations~! To thank you all, this chapter is slightly longer than usual, and I'll be replying to some reviews down here.
To Guest: You know, that's a good idea you're suggesting - Midorima winning the bet. I did think about it, but then again, Yume has a reliable ally on her side, doesn't she? I don't think she will lose that easy. There's someone Midorima turned to, so he can hope to defeat Akashi - also, the one Aomine relies on for passing grades. Okay, that's too much hints~
To chibi-no-baka: A strange talent or realistic ability, eh? Not sure about it being strange, perhaps more of realistic? I did say that Yume is keen on picking up emotions and people's personalities, didn't I? It has something to do with that, and that will be shown in, I'm not sure which chapter. Hha, but it definitely will.
To Jounouchi123: First of all, thanks a lot~! I'm thanking everyone here, too. So yeah, her past.. Since it's where part of the story will revolve, I don't think I can say it here. If it's any inklings, there's certainly a relation with her ability as described above. There's reason why Yume is sensitive to emotions more than average people.
Pairings : Undecided
Warnings : Teikō Middle School Days.
Disclaimer : I own only the OCs.
Chapter 12 - To gamble as the dice fall
Numerous pairs of eyes are directed to the two teenage girls who are still in a lovey-dovey scene. The sight somehow made the boys squirmed in slight discomfort.
"Hm? Isn't this a new face here?"
Momoi and Yume finally let go to turn at the voice. A male with a raven-jet hair is walking closer, next to him is a familiar redhead.
"Captain." Midorima inclined his head to show his respect.
Aomine grinned, his hand up in the air. "Yo, Cap'!"
Murasakibara only nods while he keeps on munching his treats on hands.
"Oh, senpai~!" Momoi addressed the ravenette differently, smiling amiably.
From the brief greetings her fellow first years have spoken, Yume can conclude that the unknown male before her is likely the Captain of the team, and a year or two years older than she is.
Oh, and she should introduce herself now. Yume bowed, intending to speak for herself when someone else already did.
Akashi chuckles. "Nijimura-san, this is Manai Yume. The Student Council's Treasurer."
Yume wisely refrained her brows from twitching. She could have said it herself, but she cherishes her life enough not to say.
"Ohh..! Then this is the girl who's working with Akashi and Midorima!" Nijimura noted with glee. "It's nice to finally meet you, Manai! I'm a Second year, Nijimura Shūzō." he lifts his palm.
Hearing this, Yume lifts her head and nods with a tiny smile. "It's nice to meet you, too, senpai."
Nijimura blinks, slightly bewildered. "You're a polite one, aren't you?" he noted offhandedly. Then he sighed as he rubbed his temple. "..It must be hard on you, Manai..."
Midorima twitched. Akashi smiled. Yume sweat dropped, her lips tightly sealed. In reality, working with two eccentrics are really hard, and as one with experiences, Nijimura knows it very well.
The Second year male then grins. "Are you good friends with my kōhais, Manai?" he asked in a curious tone.
The brunette shifts on her feet, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the question. Yume nods meekly. "Uh... Sat-chan and D-Daiki-kun..." she stammered Aomine's name, still not used to the sudden change.
This brought a smile to Nijimura's face. "Hoh.. Sat-chan and Daiki-kun, eh?" he echoed, amused.
The other three boys not mentioned seems to not mind Yume's confession. It is a fact that they don't really know each other well.
"First time watching the basketball practice?" Nijimura continued, giving Yume his full attention and the girl nodded.
Nijimura smiles. Then he sighed. "My kōhais are a little bit problematic.." he trailed off, then he smirked proudly. "..but they are quite a sight to see when they play basketball." The freshmen showed their pleasant expressions at their Captain's praise. "You won't be disappointed, Manai." he finished with a grin.
From the rumours surrounding the boys that made the team at their first tryout in Teikō's nationally powerful team, it seems Yume has to agree with Nijimura's statement - they must be a spectacle.
"I understand, senpai." Yume smiled as she nodded. She will see for herself exactly how amazing these problematic (and troublesome) boys are on court. Even when she doesn't know basketball beyond shooting basket to the hoop.
Nijimura returned the smile, before his expression changed to one of authority. "Gather up! We are playing a game!" he cried loudly, befitting a Captain. It's no wonder the members looked up to him and scrambled to his feet the moment he called.
The guy might not looked scary or even brimming with charisma like Akashi, but he definitely possesses some qualities of a leader. Then again, it's to be expected from the person chosen as Teikō's Basketball Club's Captain. Yume recalled that the budgets allotted to the club are properly used and rightfully proportioned that there's almost nothing to nitpick.
This Basketball Club must be in good hands. Whether it's the Captain, Vice Captain, Coaches, Treasures, Managers, all. '...Wait a minute... Isn't Akashi-kun the Vice Captain?' she paused in realisation. The redhead really is capable, eh?
"Let's sit at the bench, Yuu-chan! We can't get in their way." Momoi spoke as she pulled Yume outside the court. Although, before they managed to get too far, someone took hold of Yume's free arm, surprising her.
"Midorin? What's the matter?" Momoi asked in bewilderment instead of Yume who was just blinking in confusion.
Midorima himself is flustered at his bold action and quickly let go as he adjusted his glasses with his other hand. "..I had something to ask of you, Manai." he finally spoke, awkwardly to note.
Having known the taciturn boy for a while now, Momoi took the clue almost immediately. "Ah, then I'll go first. Be quick, Yuu-chan~!" she sing-sang with a playful wink at Yume, who is oblivious as she left the two alone.
Sometimes, or maybe most of the time, Yume can't understand what goes through her bestfriend's head. "Can I help you with anything, Midorima-kun?" she asked politely despite the awkward situation they were in.
With how the greenhead cautiously glanced left and right, Yume thought that it must be something very important. So imagine her reaction when the boy spoke of his superstitious interest.
"The truth is, my Oha Asa lucky item for the day is a Lollipop. With Murasakibara around the gym, I can't be calm having it visible." He adjusted his glasses. Midorima actually looked anxious. "His appetite for sweets is simple uncontrollable. Thus I have no other choice but to hide it in my bag."
Needless to say, Yume fails to see the purpose of this conversation. She can't think what the boy could possibly want from her. From the convenience store's meeting though, Yume has known of the giant's monstrous intake and the boy's before her is widely known for his eccentricity.
Midorima's glasses seemed to reflect the light in the gym as it gleamed, giving off a know-it-all effect. "However, by doing so, the item's effectiveness might have dropped by quite a bit. And I can't have that." He stated with all seriousness. "Which is why, Manai. I want you to find the Lollipop, and keep it safe with you and also within 5 metres my radius. That's my request."
This is ridiculous. As if she can say that, although she very much wants to. By now, Yume can't help but think that her fortunate meeting with Momoi eventually brings along couples of troublesome boys she never wants to be associated with.
"..I understand, Midorima-kun." Yume forced a smile as she replied. If she really had to, she might as well get it done and finished with it soon. "Where is your bag placed?" she asked again, trying hard to sound as sincere as possible.
As one would expect, Midorima seems to be satisfied with Yume's answer. He looks more relaxed than he was before as he adjusted his glasses once more. "I put it below the bench Momoi is sitting on." Since he can't hold it, Midorima decided to put it where it's close, which is why it was there instead of in the locker room.
A peek towards Momoi's direction confirmed Midorima's claim. Good thing his request doesn't seem to be too troublesome. "I owe you one, Manai." Midorima spoke as his fingers rested on his glasses, blocking Yume's entrance to his gleaming emerald orbs.
Yume smiles for real this time, mostly from amusement. "It's okay, Midorima-kun." she inclined her head curtly before she made her exit. "I'll be going now." The boy nodded as he watched her turned her back on him before walking off his path.
When Yume returned to the bench and crouched down for the bag under, Momoi quickly followed her friend's sudden action. "What, what? What is it? What did Midorin say?" she asked continuously, obviously interested. Momoi watched as Yume rummaged through the bag, and pulled out a... Lollipop?
"What's that, Yuu-chan? Whose is it?" She asked again, her gaze transfixed on the red and white swirls of sweet. A light bulb flashed just then. "Is this Midorin's lucky item?" she blinked as she looked at Yume in the eyes for confirmation.
Is it that obvious, or is Momoi just good with guesses? Perhaps a little of both. "Mm." Yume smiled meekly as she nodded. "Midorima-kun asked me to hold it and keep it within 5 metres his radius." she informed honestly.
Of course it isn't anything romantic, coming from the Tsundere. Momoi sighed in disappointment. "Well, I guess with Mukkun around he can't carelessly put it on the bench." she nodded with agreement. There's nothing else the giant loves more than sweets.
"Ahaha.." Yume laughed dryly. It seems nothing good will really come out from interacting with these colourful bunches.
At the very least, she has the sense to hold on her promise and obediently gripped the sweet treat so it's visible and still within acceptable range from the greenhead shooter no matter how ridiculous it all seems to her.
To his credits, Midorima performs exceptionally well. Even Yume could understand that the continuous shots he made from the three-point line are precious and clearly worths more from regular shots. And like Nijimura and the rumours said, Akashi, Aomine, and Murasakibara are also amazing in their own right.
Even on court, Akashi looks as calculating and calm as he is behind the desk. What's different is the little sparkles on his ruby orbs that tells Yume how he definitely enjoys the sports. She can't help but feel relieved somehow. Why? Because the seemingly unapproachable boy has something he enjoys doing.
Like Momoi's favourite catchphrase for her childhood friend, Aomine really is a basket-baka. The way he grins, filled with joys as he made his way to the opposite hoop and shot the ball in. He looks the happiest out there, and his soul is practically brimming with excitements. It makes Yume happy, like the first time she saw him on the day of the tryout.
As for the giant... He is just formidable. One thing that had Yume doubted his ethnicity is definitely that overwhelming height that towers over even his seniors. Murasakibara doesn't look excited with his half-lidded eyes and unenthusiastic expression. His movements are sluggish when compared to the other players. Although, Yume doubts if someone like him would actually stand on court like he did if he doesn't even enjoy it a tiny bit.
Let's not forget the Captain, Nijimura. Like the other four freshmen, he too, shines on the court as he is also a spectacle to behold. His nimble movements and and the way he led his team to victory with quite a huge gap... One thing Yume can say, is that he absolutely deserves his position.
Today's Momoi indubitably impresses. The usual ditzy and bubbly bestfriend she knows that charges like a bull and pulls like a horse looks like a different person on the side of the court. Her peach orbs are stern as she observed the game and jolted down what she deems important. Yume probably never respects the girl more than she did today.
Basketball is never her interest, and probably never will. But with today's game, maybe Yume will learn a thing or two about the sport with Momoi's notes, if only to appreciate her efforts. Besides, there's no loss in knowing more about what's under the sun, right?
"Uwaahh! One more day of practice has ended~!" Momoi stretched her hands up in the air, enjoying her freedom. She quickly turned to the brunette who is walking next to her. "So, what's your thoughts, Yuu-chan? Like it?" she asked with obvious excitement.
The basketball practice has just ended, and the two girls were only steps away from the gym. Players are also leaking out as they head home while few of them stay behind with extra duties and responsibilities.
"It's quite amazing, Sat-chan. I don't understand much, but I can tell it's a good game." Yume offered a sincere smile at her bestfriend. She never thought she would enjoy watching the game as much as she did, even with the weird additional request to take care of.
"Manai." Speaking of the devil. Yume turned at the familiar sound to see a green tuft walking closer with his bag on his shoulder. He extended his hand to Yume. "My lucky item." he spoke curtly.
Having expected this from the awkward greenhead, Yume quickly rummages her pockets for the treat. Nothing. 'Uh. Oh..' she cursed inwardly. 'It's not here.' she face faulted.
Yume bravely raised her gaze to meet Midorima's questioning eyes. "...I'm sorry, Midorima-kun. I must have dropped it in the gym somewhere.." she confessed, her expression scrunched in guilt. "I-I'll look for it!" she quickly spoke, before turning and running back to the gym's entrance. "Please wait for a while, Sat-chan, Midorima-kun!" she cried.
As he watched the girl's disappearing back, Midorima awkwardly slid his stretched hand down to his side. He can't even blame the girl after his request, but it doesn't stop him from frowning with distaste.
"Don't worry, Midorin. Yuu-chan will definitely find it! It's not like she walked here and there." Momoi reassured with a smile. She knows how Yume sat at the bench all through-out the game. Even if she dropped the item, it would be near the bench.
Midorima adjusted his glasses as if to hide his emotions. "I hope so." he replied briefly. He slightly recalled having watch Pisces's section on Oha Asa this morning. Fact is, Pisces comes second after Virgo, which is why he entrusted his lucky item to Yume.
It means a good day for Pisces. But then there's the reading for the day. "Second is Pisces! Congratulations! You will have a good day with your friends today! You might even learn more and gain a new interest! However, note that your compatibility with Sagittarius is very poor today.. Confrontation may be unavoidable.. Anyway, today's lucky item for Pisces is—"
'is...' Midorima trailed off in his thoughts. He can't seem to recall the most important point of it all! He would normally only listened to the Cancer's section, so he didn't really pay attention to other sections. Moreover, today he was slightly in a rush due to his little sister's prank of robbing him of his alarm clock.
Meanwhile, Yume ran into gym and immediately searched the area around the bench she and Momoi sat on. She frantically swept her eyes through the wooden floor, but she frowned when she found nothing like she is looking for. Where could have she dropped it?
"Looking for this, Manai-san?"
That earns Yume's immediate attention, although she instantaneously regrets when she did. Well, maybe not. Since he got what she is looking for there in his hand.
"I believe this is Midorima's lucky item and that he entrusted this to you during our practice." Akashi continued smoothly as Yume nodded. She slowly got up from her crouching position to face him. "Here, he must be asking for it." he smiled amusedly as he handed her the treat.
As the Vice Captain, Akashi stayed behind with Nijimura and some others to have further discussions on basketball-related stuffs. Yume nods. "Thank you, Akashi-kun.." she smiled, readying to leave. "Then, I'm leaving first.." she turned to leave.
Only to be stopped by a sharp cold tone that pierces the still air. It feels as if time has stopped.
"This won't be the last time you came into the gym."
His unexpected statement prompted Yume to turn at him reluctantly, a befuddled expression on her face, even a slight fear present in her limegreen eyes.
"You will join the team."
Shivers crawl up her spines as she shuddered at the dark tone Akashi carried, much like the day of the Student Council Election Presentation. Yume can feel her brain stopped working as she is strangely rooted to the ground, unable to move.
In a split second, Yume manages to spot a flicker of gold in Akashi's left eye before it disappeared in an instant that she almost missed it. As weird as it may, she fails to process that information due to her sudden brain freeze.
Yume feels dread somehow, her stomach twisted and turned. It's as if her guts feeling is telling her something about to come - something she won't like to see, from the male before her.
"I will see you tomorrow, Manai-san." Akashi smiled charmingly, returning to his gentlemanly demeanour. Leaving Yume in her stupor with her eyes wide, and hands clutching to the sweet treat like it's her lifeline.
Certainly, she is surprised beyond belief, and Yume can't be sure if she wants to know what actually happened. It's even worse that she can't escape the male now that she is in the same Student Council as he is.
Her blood runs cold at the thought.
All through out the next day, Yume tried her very best to avoid the colourful boys other then in the mandatory Student Council meeting.
However, like always, her plan failed her before it even starts. Correction: since middle school started.
"Hmm? If it isn't Aomine, Momoi and Manai-san. Are you all eating here, too?" Akashi questioned, full with pleasantries as he smiled.
There, in the place where Yume usually had her lunch with Aomine and Momoi, is Akashi, Midorima and even Murasakibara. A coincidence or not, the fact that they are all there does not change.
Yume no longer had the will to ask or even complain at her repetitive uncomfortable situation involving these boys. She is just too tired with it all, and it seems Momoi and Aomine are just as accepting as she is.
"Have you read my notes, Yuu-chan?" Momoi questioned with visible interest, her eyes sparkling. Her kira-kira attack seems to be effective on Yume every time.
The brunette nods as she smiles. Momoi's notes are neatly arranged and thus easy to understand. With Yume being an avid reader, she finished it in one night. Although, she can't confidently say she understands it completely, she needs to see it in actual practice so she can connect what's written and how it is in reality.
"It's very neat and detailed, Sat-chan. Easy to understand." Yume praised sincerely, prompting the pinkette to smile in glee.
As expected of Momoi's irrefutable and wide-scaled datas, her notes lacks no tiny detail, and even beginners could easily understand the usually difficult basketball phrases with perfect definition etched near the word.
And to this amazing Momoi Satsuki, Yume actually has a question she wants to ask, or to he exact, someone she wants to know about - Miyazawa Ayumi's identity. However, a glance through her surrounding, and her tongue is tied.
No matter how curious or interested she is, Yume doesn't think she should ask her question in the presence of these many people to avoid misunderstanding. Even worse, Akashi is here.
'Maybe later..' Yume sighed inwardly. The colourful bunches certainly ruined her plan.
"Oh, right!" Momoi suddenly spoke, earning everyone's attention. "I heard that baka Dai-chan challenged Midorin, and somehow dragged Yuu-chan into the bet?" she asked dubiously, all the while giving the tanned male a displeased look.
This earned Yume's immediate frantic hand-waves with a troubled expression. While Aomine grinned excitedly as he pumped his fist in the air. They spoke at the same time.
"I didn't agree to it!" Yume cried frustratedly. She looks exasperated.
"Ou!" Aomine cheered in contrast to Yume's denial. Having heard Yume's faint disagreement, he frowned at the girl. "Just do it, Yume. You have a chance while I don't!" he grumbled.
"Aren't we friends?" he spoke his ultimatum, while the girl grimaced.
Momoi doesn't seem pleased with the last sentence as she whacked the male in the head. "Friends don't work that way!" she chided harshly as the male winced, rubbing his sore head.
Aomine is about to protest, asking what the hell her deal is, when another voice cut in, a sharp, commanding one, silencing the rest but munching sounds.
"It doesn't sound bad." Akashi spoke smoothly, smiling as he did. "It'll serve as a good motivation for both Midorima and Manai-san to strive for higher scores." he added softly.
The greenhead tapped his glasses upwards with a frown. "Hmph. I will do my best regardless of the bet." he stated with confidence. "I certainly won't lose to Manai."
While Yume is not an ambitious, aggressive person, she still doesn't feel happy hearing the last sentence from the librarian. It makes her feel underestimated somehow, and she doesn't like it.
Even so, it can be said that Yume has a patience of a saint, and she won't jump on the gun just like that. She is still reluctant on her decision.
"It's best for students to be competitive with each other to achieve higher stages in academics." Akashi spoke with an authoritative smile, a smile Yume knows all-too-well. "I can assure you won't lost a thing by participating, Manai-san."
The redhead is famous for his lethal persuasive skill, or negatively known as his way to get people to do what he wants no matter how. Certainly, being the President of Teikō Student Council in his First year is no small feat - he deserves it.
"On the other hand, if you do, you have something to be gained." He added. Akashi can see the girl is starting to waver, and his success is near. His lips quirked upwards.
The truth in Akashi's words is undeniable and known to Yume. The deal is between Midorima and Aomine, whether she wins or loses, they will the one on the short-ends. There's no loss in it for her.
Yume sighed. Akashi just has to he so good with his words. "..Okay.." she finally agreed, albeit reluctantly. As much as she wants to say 'no', there's just no getting around Akashi.
Her submission earned Yume; Akashi's trademark smirk, Midorima's confident "I won't lose, Manai.", Aomine's joyful cheer, Momoi's sympathetic "Good luck.", and Murasakibara's indifferent "Ganbatte ne~".
A colourful responses from a colourful people.
Author's note:
So yeah, how is it?
Read and Reviews~
