"So you're Mayuzumi Chihiro?"
Coach Shirogane eyed the student from head to toe, searching any sign —if there was any— of what made Akashi Seijuro to recommend him in the first string.
Knowing the redhead genius, he knew it must be something special. There must be a hidden talent that this student in front of him possessed.
What could it be? He wondered.
Judging him, he looked just like a normal student. In fact he didn't seem to have any skills. He looked like a lifeless, bored student who would prefer to just go home instead of sweating out inside a court.
Regardless, he had so much trust at the captain of the club, so there should be nothing to worry about.
"So, you'll be joining the first string starting today. Do you have anything you'd like to say?"
Anything to say? First of all, did no one tell him not to judge someone so obviously? Especially when that person was just exactly right in his front? It was a good thing that Mayuzumi knew his manners or else he would be the one to tell that.
"There is none."
"Alright then." The coach rested the file board on the top of his table. It was given by Akashi which contained information about Mayuzumi such as his basic statistics. "You can now go at the Gymnasium 1. Good luck on your first day."
Am I an employee?
He nodded before offering a bow.
He slid open the faculty door. If he knew this would happen, he would not have quitted in the first place. It only became more troublesome especially the paper works.
He had to re-submit so much papers again, one to the coach, second to the student council, third at the guidance councilor— as a third year student it was only a must.
Maybe now that he (again) belonged to a club, they would stop bothering him to join some cramming school as a preparation for his college entrance exam.
He took his bag from the classroom and began heading to the gym.
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"Mayuzumi Chihiro-san."
His full name had been pronounced quite a lot of times lately, he thought.
A blinking eyes greeted him, while pronouncing his full name.
And what formality is this? More like, why is she even here? In the gymnasium?
Hotaru hopped side wards while cocking her head as she eyed the third year who just arrived in front of the gymnasium entrance.
Her hands were kept from behind as she welcomed him, again with a smile. It was quite awkward and annoying at the same time, the fact that that smile seemed to be hiding some message behind. Or was he just reading too much? He had been receiving that smile a lot of times already. It was kind of hard not to be suspicious. And seriously, why did it seem like she was there wherever he was?
"I heard it. You're now joining the first string. "
Ah, really... That smile of her never failed to send wrinkles in between of his brows. His left eye twitched in the process.
He blinked, slightly turning his head to look past her shoulder, directly aimed inside the gymnasium.
This was immediately noticed by her, "Ah, yes, please go on inside." She said pointing inwards which he did quickly.
As soon as he stepped inside, he could already feel the pressure, the intense training that everyone who belonged in this string had.
He raised his head just to meet the figure of the redhead who was like waiting for his arrival.
He was right, something was really off with this person. The way he carried his self around these students who were older than him, more experienced than him was as if no one could match his skills.
So much confidence as a freshman... just what would he expect?
According to his knowledge, this person was indeed skilled but he had not seen it just yet.
"Welcome back Mayuzumi-san. I am glad that you have accepted my offer."
Mayuzumi just looked at him, observing his expression. Glad he said?
Back then, he could already tell that he won't take 'No' as an answer when he was asked to return. So why was he acting as if he just made him a favor?
"If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to explain the scope of my offer in complete details."
Mayuzumi narrowed his eyes.
So he was really serious when he said he wanted him to be like the rumored phantom 6th man.
"Okay, go on." After all, it was the reason why he was here.
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"Hmm, Zaki, 'ya know him?" the short forward of the team suddenly asked the girl who he saw talked at the newly member of the club firsthand.
One match just finished and he was craving for some rest and since he found the girl all alone at the corner, in one of the benches meant for watchers, he decided to approach her and might as well chat for a bit.
Mibuchi Reo had never shown him interest to his blabbering unlike Hotaru who would just laugh or listen to his non-ending musings without problem.
"I heard he used to be in the third string." Though, in his surprise, it was another voice that answered. The tip of Hayama's Pocari water suddenly parted from his lips to acknowledge the person who joined. "Reo-Nee..."
Reo made his way to sit next to the girl. Hotaru smiled upon seeing him.
"I thought you would be with Akashi." Hayama assumed, wiggling the now empty water bottle in his hand.
The black haired player aired one palm towards the direction of Akashi and Mayuzumi. "That seems like a private conversation so..." He looked at the girl, noticing right away the careful and steady gaze that she was giving to the people who was also their main topic at the moment. "...I'd rather not interrupt."
Reo smiled, "Zaki-chan, Do you know something?"
As sharp as ever! Hayama thought. He had always known this secret ability of Reo. It was like he seemed to notice everything, although Akashi was better than him on that.
Still, he respected that skill of their three-pointer.
"Oh," Hotaru blinked. "I'm afraid I am not certain as well, though I have an idea."
"Heh..." the two hummed in unison as they joined her from looking at the scenery few meters away from their position. It was Akashi and Mayuzumi, talking about something that by the looks they had in their faces, it must be about a very complicated topic.
The three watchers were curious, yes, but they'd rather not blend with it.
Suddenly, a glint of wariness crossed her face when she saw Akashi —all of a sudden— used the expression he would often portray when he was amused on a high level which caused by an unpredictable events. It was also the main sign of the other Akashi, something she had noted as time went by.
She gulped, worried eyes formed.
That expression that everyone seemed to notice every time but no one dared to point out. Honestly, it was like a making of another person.
"What's wrong?" It was Mibuchi who noticed the uneasiness of her face.
She snapped, relaxing her brows as she parted her mouth. "Eh—?"
Hayama blinked twice, now sitting beside her as well. "Heh... that's unusual. Zaki is spacing out."
Spacing...out...?
"Ara, that's not true Hayama-san." She said.
"Oh, they are done." Mibuchi stole the attention of the two.
Both quickly looked at the direction of their captain and the new member. They watched what would happen next only to see Mayuzumi taking a ball, dribbling it before aiming a basket.
Nothing unusual. It seemed like a natural practice and truth to be told, their impression of him was in disarray because they knew they should expect something extraordinary knowing that it was the first string of Rakuzan High, and it was Akashi who recommended him, yet everything seemed normal.
The audience of the gray-haired third student couldn't help but frown.
I can't believe these sophomores. Mayuzumi thought displeasingly. It was one thing to be curious but those faces were different, it was so uncalled for. They were having some thoughts against him while watching. He was not some show to be judged.
He dribbled, letting the ball past in between his slightly bent legs, his eyes glanced shortly towards the direction of his three audience —one girl and the two regulars of this team— before reverting them back at the basket. Then, he aimed for a three point shot which fortunately for him, went in smoothly.
He wasn't that bad in basketball though, but not as good as them in any way.
Right, he could sense how they were waiting him to express some kind of an exhibition or maybe something supernaturally-awesome skills in basketball just like them.
Unfortunately for them, he wasn't like that.
Sorry to disappoint you people.
Anyway, that girl was also there, he thought.
What was her role? Could she be the manager?
That was the only thing he could think of, for now.
But...whatever, it wasn't like he really cared though.
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"I will really never ever get Akashi's mindset.~" Hayama pondered, out of nowhere, while watching their new member on the court.
"That's cold Kotarou-kun, try to get along with Sei-chan, will you?" The shooter teased, laughing a bit in the end, as if he was an older sibling to the two younger brother.
Hayama Kotarou pulled out his lips, it doesn't make any sense, he thought. What was special with that third year? He couldn't get it.
"Hayama-kun, Reo-nee is right."
His eyes sluggishly travelled on the girl who was in his right side. "You too, Zaki...—Wait, Eh?!"
"Oh my, Zaki-chan, what did you just refer me as?" Reo beamed, palms were on both of his cheeks in delight.
"Reo-nee?" Hotaru repeated blankly in which Reo savored by nodding on and on.
"Gyaa!" Hayama grimaced. "Zaki are you sure about that?!"
She blinked twice, "Well," her forefinger touching her chin wondering why the blond was reacting that way upon using the same nickname that he did. "I'm just copying you and since Reo-nee doesn't seem to mind..." She cocked her head on to the direction of the blond. "Should I not, after all?"
Hayama shook his head slowly, "No..." Not that he think it was a bad thing but he knew clearly the extent of the motherly-figure of his co-member. It could get out of hand at times especially when he remembered how he would often tell him what and what not to do with his appearance, with his way of eating, his practices saying how it would be bad for his health or body to do blablabla and stuffs. The bottom line was, once you acknowledge him then you were on it forever. And really, he could even be worse than a real mother! Hayama thought in his horror.
"Kotaru-kun, please refrain from telling her false accusations about me." Mibuchi muttered with a smile.
Just like that!Ah! The terror of Reo-nee.
Referring him as that was like accepting to be under his care. Though he was the one who gave that name to him, it was supposedly be a joke but he unexpectedly bought it and what else, he even liked it. "As if!" Hayama exclaimed.
The girl chuckled, "I guess I'll take that then."
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The next day, there was an unexpected amount of visitors that came flooding to his favorite spot.
They were all new faces to be seen at the rooftop, although they arrived at different times.
First was Hayama who was asking if he had seen Nebuya around in which he denied even though he was aware of his presence at the roof of the entrance of this rooftop.
Then it was only just few minutes when Mibuchi arrived. He acknowledged the new visitor properly but what did he get in return? He only gave him negative comments about the rooftop like how the scenery around wasn't as good as what he would expect and that the sun was too bright it would only burn his skin. How ungrateful. It wasn't like the rooftop wanted him to be here. He assumed that would be what this place would say only if it could talk. Although he ignored his remark, he suddenly noticed that the shooter was also carrying a book with him. A slight curiosity caught him. Did he also like to read? In the end, he asked him.
"Poetry." That was what he replied to him regarding the book he was carrying with him. Reo even gave a kiss at the front cover which made him grimace.
He might like his LN but not to the point where he would kiss it. The taller player also told him how he wanted to recite a poem to the right person in the future. What romanticism was that? No person would be fond of poem recital nowadays. Mayuzumi answered in his mind.
It was all normal until he point out about his strength saying how he should be doing more trainings instead of sitting around in the rooftop as if he was referring his reading time as fooling around. However, he was free to talk. He could say anything but it won't change his mind. An opinion of someone didn't really matter to him.
And then the last one, Akashi Seijuro.
He was kind of expecting that already.
He asked how he was liking his new play style.
So far so good, that was his answer.
He was coping with the training menus that the red head was giving to him. It could be tough at times but it was all good.
The conversation he had with his captain informed him that the sudden visit of the uncrowned generals was all part of his plan. Akashi wanted to see how he would interact with them. But Mayuzumi clearly remembered what the redhead told him the last time. He wanted him to watch people more often, something that was necessary to fulfill the duty of being a sixth man.
That was not needed, the third year student thought. It wasn't like he was neglecting on that part, in fact he had been doing it since before. The only difference now was that he had to do it regularly.
As the redhead looked down on him due to the fact that Mayuzumi was sitting on the floor of the rooftop while on the other hand, the captain was standing firmly in his front. It was just like the scene when they first met.
Mayuzumi could feel it so far. Right, as of now, he was able to meet the expectation of his captain but it didn't mean he already earned his trust. Like Akashi still had some lingering chances that the new sixth man might screw up. And if he really did, Mayuzumi knew what would happen to him by then. He would be tossed out of the team as if he wasn't even needed in the first place. Though he didn't yet fully known his captain, he could somehow assume that fate.
In any case, this upcoming summer would be his debut in an official match. Surely, that would be exciting yet the third year couldn't help but also add that the coming match might as well be considered as a drag.
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It was shortly after one practice match.
Mayuzumi was too thirsty to wait for the arrival of that one member who was tasked to buy their water supplies.
As impatient as he had for this moment, he decided to go all the way at the drinking fountain that was located at the back of the gymnasium. It could be considered as quite far but he thought he might use the place to release the stress that the match had caused him. So much energy was consumed. After all, he had to interact with lots of people which he found as energy-consuming. On that place where he was heading, he could have the nature to accompany him.
One white towel was kept on top of his head as he made his way. The sudden breeze of air sent chills to his sweaty back.
He pulled up the faucet lift as he aimed his mouth at the flushing water before scooping some using his palms, washing his face as well.
Afterwards, he straightened his body as he gazed up at the sky, squinting in the process.
It was already late afternoon yet the sun was still shining so bright, something that Mayuzumi noticed every summer when the day seemed longer than nights. And he never liked it in fact. Summer was only meant for active people which were opposite of him.
He breathed in a long air before letting it out in the surface, calming his nerves in the process. There was a bench in front of the water fountain and upon seeing it, he decided to stay for a while to take some rest. At least here, in this place, he could relax without worries. He wouldn't have to mind the eyes of his new club members that were always looking him with full of doubts, like he had to explain them his purpose in the team.
He dried the sweat and the water he had showered on his face while approaching the wooden and unoccupied bench.
Honestly, the hard surfaced of the bench didn't feel that good against his back but since he was only planning to stay for a meantime, it would do.
The surrounding was quiet despite the fact that the ground in his front was actually spectacular, he wondered why no one liked to stay or spend time at this place. Why the student of this school seemed to want the crowded and noisy place instead of a place like this one?
Mayuzumi studied the place. It was all green everywhere he looked. The sensation and ambiance that the nature was giving made it a good prospect for his reading time. Maybe if the rooftop became uncomfortable he would consider this place as a replacement.
His eyes wandered more, checking the surroundings for any further gems that the place might have been hiding until he caught another figure of a certain student. In the midst of the grassland situated few meters from him, there was a girl.
Her back was leaning against the trunk of one maple tree while sitting on the ground. Maybe this people-watching task that Akashi instructed him to do was now taking its toll on him. He was able to notice the presence of someone despite the bushes scattered around his sight. Even the small swaying of her hair caused by the wind was easily detected by his eyes. Indeed, he had gotten better on this 'watching and observing people' ability ever since he re-joined the club.
He had no intention of calling her or letting her know that he was here. For some reason, he also wondered why she was always around the place where he was at. Was she some kind of a spy? But Mayuzumi had already given up on knowing her purpose for the fact that she didn't seem to be wanting any harm towards him. However, he was just kind of curious, well, only for a bit.
From his spot, he could see the right side of her body clearly. She seemed to be in deep thoughts or that was how she looked like from his eyes. He noticed as well a long cord, white in color, which seemed to be connected in a small rectangle device that on her right hand. He believed it was that thing that was popular nowadays, an IPOD.
What could it be that she was listening?
Her eyes were closed; the back of her head was against the petite trunk of the yellow tree, as she used the leaves of the same tree as a shield from the sun.
He was really doing his task too eagerly. Why was he even watching her? It wasn't his business anyway and neither would he get anything from doing it.
The third year six man blinked and averted his eyes from her, convincing his self that there was no purpose on watching her. But only a few seconds had just passed, he would find his self again looking at her.
No one could see him anyway. Maybe, it wouldn't hurt. Anyway, he was only curious. That was all.
The time flowed constantly. He remained on his position as he watched her, all silently. His awareness only came back when she finally made a movement.
Mayuzumi tucked his head a little bit, hiding his eyes behind the strands of his bangs just in case she would look at his direction. Somehow, if she happened to notice him, he wouldn't want her to get an idea that he was watching. Though he doubted that from happening, he knew very well that his presence wasn't that strong. For all he knew, this whole situation could end without her ever knowing that he was here. And he was fine with that. That was only the usual.
She cocked her head and stared closely at the device in her hand. He saw her pressing it a lot of times before she placed it on her lap to gaze around.
And upon that gesture, he quickly looked away just before her eyes fell to his direction.
He looked at his side as if pretending that it was what he had been doing from the beginning. That his head had been on this direction from the start. Because of this, he wasn't aware anymore as to what she was up to, or if she even noticed.
He stayed on that position.
It was a good thing that there were lots of trees around, as they were the ones creating the cool breeze that was refreshing to the surface of his forehead. Because of this, he could still at least be glad that he came here.
So what would he do after this? He suddenly thought. Maybe he would just go home straight and read some new LNs, he thought.
"Mayuzumi Chihiro-san?"
Ah... so she did notice him.
He would like to commend that if he could. Not everyone was capable of seeing him after all. Akashi and this girl were the first ones, he thought.
Nonchalantly, he moved his eyes at his right where the voice was coming from. He knew who owned the voice. He didn't have to wonder. And that was why he wasn't surprised.
When their eyes met, she quickly offered a smile. A kind of comforting smile as if the moment was just right for her, that she was also expecting to see him, or that she was actually waiting for him as well. That was the message that her smile seemed to be saying. And that was something he couldn't get.
Her black eyes flickering over his.
"...Anything you need?" Mayuzumi asked, keeping it casual as possible.
A short air left out her mouth upon hearing his voice. Somehow, she wasn't really expecting a conversation to happen. After all, she knew that the guy in her front didn't particularly like to speak.
She straightened her back before blinking towards the available space of the bench. The same one that Mayuzumi was using. Next thing she did was to sit beside him. This was definitely the closest she ever had with him, so far. She leaned forward slightly to meet his gaze once again. "...Quite like a change of place for us, you think?" she chuckled softly at the end.
Mayuzumi knitted his brows.
Us...
She blinked, suddenly pointing her forefinger up. "I mean the Rooftop..." she paused, searching some hint from his face if he was following what she was meaning to say. The black haired girl parted her mouth upon seeing his frowning expression.
Her words lingered in his mind.
A change of place...
Us...
Rooftoop...
Did she mean that they were using this place as a substitute for the rooftop? Both of them? Together?
Her actions were one thing, but those words, he couldn't seem to get what they meant. Why she was talking like they were one, like they knew each other, as if there was that thing they called as 'bond' between them when everything that was happening to them was just a coincidence. Just like this moment. It wasn't something they planned or agreed about.
"Sorry, what I said must be confusing." One palm was covering her mouth as she spoke. "I mean, it's quiet here... just like at the rooftop." She smiled before turning an eye to him. "Is that why you're here?"
Mayuzumi just quietly accepted her gazes before averting from them. "Say..." he began, "...Why are you speaking as if we know each other?"
The girl blinked, somewhat embarrassed. It made her speechless, that all she could do was to part her mouth. He wasn't wrong on that comment, she thought. It was her fault for being overly friendly towards him. The girl forced out a smile, trying to erase in her mind the fact that it actually offended her a bit even though he had a point there.
He glanced briefly before deciding to stand up. At the very least, he felt bad for what he said but he won't take it back since he only said what he was thinking. In fact, it was also what he had been thinking since the beginning. Maybe it was about to time to ask her that. Maybe it would get her back to her senses.
He walked forward and left the girl behind without saying anything.
Because he didn't have to.
Because he wasn't supposed to, at all. As heartless as it might sound.
Quick Note:
That really happened, the uncrowned generals really did went at the rooftop. It's from KNB Sidesotry? not sure anymore, it's been a long time since ive read that T_T.. also, Reo is really into poetry.