On the second day of group tutoring, Mayuzumi and Hotaru switched with Nebuya while the other group—Akashi and Reo, focused with Hayama.
Surprisingly, Hayama did better than yesterday. Reo wondered if Akashi had a secret technique in his way of study.
How could he do that?
He tried to see through him as they tutored the blonde. However, he was quickly sensed by Akashi, telling him to focus on what he was doing instead of minding how his method of teaching was like.
On the other hand, Mayuzumi and Hotaru were handling Nebuya easily, better than how they did with Hayama. They noticed that the well-built man could actually do it if he tried.
Time flew smoothly without any worries and before they knew, their lessons ended, exactly in time.
All felt satisfied on how the tutoring came to end, though the outcome would be on the hands of the two students.
This time they were all able to part ways at the same time. The two uncrowned generals—Hayama and Nebuya went together, taking the opposite direction from the rest.
"Do you think they will be fine? Hmmm, I'm still worried." Reo mused.
"There's no need for that Reo."
That was what he said…but…
Reo contemplated it a little bit.
It was Akashi assuring him, so if he could say that then… maybe.
Well, after all, it wasn't just the redhead's skills that Reo had faith on but also his instinct. Akashi seemed to actually tell the future. Strangely as it may sound, the guy was like a fortune teller whose accuracy fell at almost 90%.
"Anyway, I thank everyone for the well-done task." The captain said.
But Mayuzumi didn't think he deserved that. It was not like he tutored his two co-players because he wanted to. If not because of Akashi's voice and gazes that Mayuzumi couldn't seem to refuse, then he wouldn't be here, walking together with them as if he had always been part of their group.
Mayuzumi paused his pace as he called the attention of the people walking ahead of him. "I'll be going this way." He said, planning to stop by somewhere because it was still early and he really didn't like walking with these people. His glanced quite a little to the girl. However, unlike the usual where he would meet her eyes before he could even look, this time, it wasn't. It was like she purposely ducked her head down when she saw his head about to turn to her way. He wasn't that dense or dumb to not notice any weirdness on that act. But of course, Mayuzumi wouldn't point that aloud. He would just ignore it like always.
"Understood. Thanks for the hard work Mayuzumi-san." said by the redhead.
"Bye, see you Mayuzumi." Came from Reo.
Hotaru just nodded in his direction, still not looking at him.
And he wouldn't mind it, he must not.
.
.
.
.
.
On the awaited day, the Rakuzan High starters all took their examination. It went smoothly to almost all of them but a bit worrying for a two particular person namely Hayama and Nebuya.
It seemed more stressful than playing in front of spectators.
But of course, unlike the usual, they weren't relying solely on luck, this time, they actually did study hard. And that was why in the end, it turned all good. Their marks may be nothing compared to Akashi, still, it was better than failing.
The supposed examination nightmares passed by without worries.
It was just like what Akashi said. There was no need for worry.
.
.
.
Hayama grinned, proudly presenting his paper sheets in front of the other players.
"See, see! Look at this! Piece of pie!~ Yea!"
Reo grimaced. It was just a couple of days ago when he was like a scared puppy.
"I'm glad Koutarou. You must have no more reason to skip the practice."
Akashi?!
"I was expecting this already, you know, passing the exams." Nebuya mumbled to his self coolly.
That was another problem solved.
On to the next event, the first string players of Rakuzan Basketball High gathered around Akashi as he made one of his captain speeches.
Winning is everything. That was the only goal that the club ever had since its founding day.
"Do not disappoint me."
Somehow, the air turned to a more serious ambiance. But no worries, all of them were not thinking of anything besides winning. All were aware. Akashi didn't have to say it every time.
.
.
.
.
.
.
"How rare. Zaki didn't come today." Hayama commented all of a sudden while changing from his jersey to his uniform.
"Oh, now that you said it." Reo followed, straightening his back upon zipping his jersey bag.
"Maybe she was with Akashi?" Nebuya said while untying his shoes.
How would that happen? Akashi was right in front of him. Hayama frowned.
"Oopps, my mistake. Nevermind." Nebuya blankly corrected his self upon realization.
Could they blame him? Those two were like conjoined twins—always together. Though, that must be an exaggeration.
Reo could only frown with a sigh. After all, Hotaru's presence was enough to refresh his eyes from his self-declared insightful co-players, that was what he honestly thought about the girl.
"She's busy on her own club at the moment. Therefore, her, visiting is impossible for the meantime." Akashi informed while looking at his file board.
"Eh?!" Hayama hung his mouth, "Why?!"
"Hmm. So Zaki has a second club, as expected."
"What club?! She should be here."
"Ah stop it Hayama, of course she has her own passion to put focus on."
"But I miss her!"
Reo parted his curled forefinger from his chin, frowning at the loud blonde. "Is Zaki your mother? Geez you're like a child."
"Neh Neh Akashi, what kind of club is it?"
Akashi raised his head. For sure he knew that the girl had been associating herself with his teammates quite closely so he was a bit surprised to find out that she never told them that simple information.
"Music club, Koutaro."
The three—Hayama especially, fell silent.
"Well, that was unexpected." Reo mused.
Music? As in music as that music? Hayama frowned for a second. "Hehh... so Zaki can sing?"
"No, she plays the piano." And for a while, even Akashi had wondered if the girl could actually sing. He imagined it, but no…. it wouldn't fit. Her voice was too soft.
Reo pulled up his brows. Ohhhh….
"Really? …." Hayama beamed. "It…doesn't look like she can…" Ohhhh but wow…
"Ah, that makes sense." Nebuya chimed in, suddenly standing as he made some stretching from his neck.
"What is?"
"I saw her one time with an earphone, y'know." He said, while pointing his forefinger beside his right ear. "She lent me one side when I asked what she was listening. Dude, I thought it was some kind of a lullaby."
That was definitely the piece she had always been listening to. Akashi noted in his mind.
Hayama nodded.
"Didn't know Zaki has that kind of talent…"
She was always in this gymnasium, he forgot the fact that she was actually not an 'official member of this club. Even if she did belong to one, he thought it would be something related to sports, Reo pondered.
Anyhow, so much for that, Akashi took their attention back to focus on their plans for the upcoming inter-high. He declared some of the tactics he would like for the team to try especially testing how Mayuzumi's newly developed skills would connect to the uncrowned general's play-style.
Mayuzumi on the other hand was just listening, all quietly from the start until the meeting finished.
.
.
.
.
.
A week before the Inter-high, Coach Shirogane Eiji assigned the team to have a practice game with one of the school nearby.
It wasn't much. After all, Rakuzan was a well-known team in the field of high school's basketball.
Their opponent wasn't just another team, also known as the Takegano High Basketball Club. They were considered as the second best basketball club in the area.
With that, Rakuzan's coach believed it was enough to at least test the new line up. It was also agreed by Akashi as he wanted to see Mayuzumi's style in action.
After an approximately 30-minutes drive, they finally arrived.
Upon entering the gym, the Rakuzan regulars could already sense the glares and overwhelming passion of the opponent's club members to kick their assess off.
As the one visiting, they had to act well-mannered and just pay those not-so-respectful-way-of-welcoming at the court.
Hayama cocked his head and studied the opponent's line-up in his front. "They do look powerful but two fingers should probably be enough."
"Stop it Koutaro. Trash talking isn't nice." Reo muttered. "Just do it with action."
"Hah! I just finished one pile of burger. I'm so fired up for this!"
The players of Takegano High found their casual way of speaking as irritating. Yes, they might be the 'Rakuzan High' but everything changes before one can even tell. They were not the only ones improving their skills.
"Nah, Mizuki-san, our opponents are from…wait—, what school are they from again? Raku-what?" One uttered, purposely raising his voice.
Hayama snickered. He quickly covered his mouth with both hands in attempt to suppress his laugh from coming. Who would even believe that? They couldn't possibly be studying in Kyoto and not be aware of Rakuzan High's basketball club. That was just a pure bluff. They failed in that, everyone around knew it, even the audience. They couldn't just let their visitors won over them in terms of trash-talking. Another one—which deliberately named by Hayama as the 'student-player No.2' attempted to continue the flow of their 'supposed' rude remarks to embarrass the—according to them was the glorified players of Rakuzan High.
Student-player No. 2 flipped out his bangs gracefully, "Look, it seems like they're missing one player? Is this really the so called champions? They don't even know the standard number of required players in basketball." He ended it with a smirk.
The person beside him—'student-player No.1' as per Hayama and was also the one who spoke first but failed, elbowed him and whispered, "Don't say 'champions'! You're contradicting what I said!"
Hayama smirked.
On cue,
"Is your hair that long? It started affecting your eyesight? You need to get a check-up." Mayuzumi mumbled, inching up his chin to look down at that same person.
Hayama abruptly gawked at the third year. "Whoa-!" Did he just….?! Mayuzumi could also talk like that?!
"My…my… you just pissed off our ever so quiet Senpai." Reo teased.
Mayuzumi looked at Reo sharply.
That remark was a bit uncalled off.
"Well then, I believe that is enough." Takegano High's basketball coach interjected. "Why don't we just begin this practice game?" They could really try but it was just all futile. Even their coach knew it. If only he didn't respect Rakuzan's coach, he wouldn't agree to this match. Coach Shirogane was a one scary guy. He remembered how much admiration he had towards him during their high school days.
.
The match began. Of course, if this had any benefit for Takegano High, it would definitely be the privilege to see how the regulars of the so-called champion team plays and that was it. At least they could gather some data on this match despite their lost.
Akashi didn't join the line-up. He remained outside the court as he watched everyone's movement while analyzing their plays.
It was such a waste, Takegano's coach thought, to not see the play style of the rumoured captain of generation of miracles. Although honestly, he seemed like a normal student because of that height. He didn't seem to offer anything special unlike the players at the court. He thought that way until the redhead blinked his eyes towards him as if he sensed him watching. He pulled back his head as he averted.
What was that? He thought. Like he was just struck by a sudden fear and intimidation, looking away quickly became his choice.
.
.
.
.
When the match came to conclusion, as expected of many, it ended with Rakuzan's victory.
It was a bitter end for the opponent's school, indeed.
"As what I would expect on your team, Senpai." Takegano High's coach said.
"Your team is great as well. Rakuzan is just an exceptional team."
He couldn't tell if that was supposed to make him happy or not. He was still the same, he thought.
"Next time, we will win this."
"I would wait then."
The group headed back. No particular attachment happened aftrwards. For them, it was just like a normal practice, it was actually lighter than their own practice match especially with Akashi's training menu. They went back to school and never talked about the match again.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Two days had passed since that game. Suddenly, one member of the club, Orizaba, a freshman that was lucky enough to get in the first string, barged inside the locker room. The regulars were all inside and preparing to go home. Just few seconds and they were all ready to go one by one.
"S-Senpaiiiiiii!" a loud thud was heard as the door slammed to the wall due to the force that the freshman had put in.
"You won't believe this!" he exclaimed, hugging one box around his arms.
"What is it?" Hayama was the one who entertained the freshman. After all, he really was good at talking to people.
"Some students from Takegano High delivered this." He informed before putting the box on top of one bench.
Hayama inspected the outside of the brown carton.
"What the heck is this?"
"I think they are love letters."
"Love le-Eh?!"
The freshman nodded. "I think so? Anyway I have to go Senpai. I was already on my way when they requested me to hand this."
"Wait but what about—" And the door clicked, "—this…?"
Hayama blinked blankly, mouth hanging in confusion and at the same time, nervously staring at the box. This couldn't be all meant for him, right? They were way too much! Well, he might be really cool during that practice match but still this was way too many! And he wasn't really good on entertaining confessions and such. What if most of these letters' contents were requests for him to meet them? His heart couldn't take too many love proclamation all at once. He heaved in and out a heavy breath as he began to open the box.
His green eyes opened widely upon landing on one yellow envelope that had 'To: Hayama-kun' written on it.
There it is!
The first ever love letter he received since entering high school. Ahh, he wanted to cry. His hands were shaking as he picked it up.
Dear Hayama-kun,
I'm sorry that I asked for your name to one of my senpais. Actually, I admire your play style and so I'm wondering if you could teach me how you do it.
Sincerely yours,
Konita Izaki
PS: I'm the one who guarded you during your game with us.
"….."
"….."
"How cold, you didn't have to crumple the paper. You never know how much feelings the writer had to put as she wrote that." Reo noted as he scanned the other letters inside.
She?!
But Hayama didn't falter. He crumpled the paper as hard as he could. He pressed it as flat as he could….until it disappeared from his sight—oh how he wished it would disappear, then he would know that the moment didn't actually happen, that he was just dreaming, but the fact that he could still feel the hard surface of the paper made him aware that reality was cruel as this and so, he threw the ball of paper in farthest corner of their locker room, hoping that the rat would eat it and save his dignity.
Reo glanced at him, shockingly, he couldn't paint out what kind of looks that the blonde had.
Of all people, he was the one who seemed so excited opening the box, but now, he seemed to be wanting to set the box on fire.
"Who needs love letter?! I don't need it!" Hayama cried out.
"Oh, there's also one for Nebuya." Reo spoke, turning the envelope at its back to look at the note written. It was a simple white envelope. However, their Center who was busy organizing stuffs inside his own locker just glanced briefly.
"Read the content Nebuya, here." Reo said.
"Noooo! Save yourself from disappointments Ei-chan!" Hayama growled. That was not a confession! That was definitely just like the content of his supposed confession letter. Don't be fooled! Don't let yourself be carried away!
"Thanks," Effortlessly, the well-built student opened it, tearing the end of the envelope as if he couldn't careless if the letter inside would be teared up as well.
Nebuya opened it and read the content loudly.
"Dear Nebuya-senpai,
I've seen you play against our school's basketball team last week.
I am so amaze of your skills."
See…See…
It's the same!
We're so fool to even think that they are love letters!
"You're so cool. Is it okay if I meet you one of these days?
Love,
Sakamoto Ana, Class 2C, Takegano High"
Eh?
"Whaaaaat?!" Hayama hurriedly approached Nebuya to check the letter in his hands.
He wanted to make sure if Nebuya read it correctly and that his ears weren't deceiving him?
"Ei-chan! You didn't make that yourself, did—…you….?"
His eyes were horrified with what he saw. It widened as wide as he could, trailing his sight from the letter all the way to his co-player's unchanging face. Nebuya Eikichi just looked at him nonchalantly.
"How did that…happen?"
"What shits are you blabbering?"
Hayama turned to his back and clenched his fist as hard as he could in front of his face.
This is beyond shocking.
It wasn't acceptable, he thought.
No matter how he looked at it, he should be cooler than the Nebuya Eikichi. That guy only knew how to showcase his muscles that were way too creepy rather than cool, he thought.
"I appreciate but I don't have time for this." Nebuya mumbled upon tossing the letter back inside the box. Then, he went back to what he was doing a while ago.
"Heh, I also have some here." Reo smiled to his self as he read the letters quietly. There were three of them.
Hayama abruptly turned his attention to Reo. "What did they say, Reo-nee?!"
"Ha? Why should I tell you? These are the feelings written by those girls for me."
"G-girls?!" Life isn't fair, indeed.
"Anyway, the remaining are all for Sei-chan." Reo said, turning his head to their captain who was again reading the notes in his file board which definitely contained his analyzation of today's practice plus some menus that he wanted to add for them. He wasn't particularly listening to the noise created by the member of his team.
How did Akashi get that many?!
He didn't even play in the game?!
Hayama furrowed his brows as he looked at the remaining letters inside the box. Some had a heart shape sticker as a lock, while others were really cute. He could tell they were all made carefully and full of love.
Gosh dammit! This popular freshman! He could stand outside doing nothing and effortlessly get someone to develop a crush on him.
"Alright, I'll put this here Sei-chan so you can check later." Reo said as he placed the box inside Akashi's locker.
Akashi just nodded.
Hayama frowned. Like a kid throwing a tantrum, he stormed to sit his self in one of the bench in the middle of the locker room. This was when he noticed one person who seemed to have not received anything at all.
"Oh… wait, I guess Mayuzumi is the only one who didn't receive any." He mused without any malice or mockery intended. The sophomore blonde just uttered it as a fact.
You don't have to say it like that as if it's a loss for me. Mayuzumi commented in his mind quickly, despite not showing any reaction.
The quiet third year was just resting in his position at one of the bench around their room. One piece of towel was hanging on top of his head.
Somehow, the realization made the blonde at ease, thinking how life might not be that cruel after all. Despite the play that Mayuzumi did—that only his teammates could 'actually' appreciate, still, he didn't receive anything.
Perhaps, it was because of that, basically…. Mayuzumi was not just the popular type. He was like the complete opposite of Akashi. Well, not like Hayama was one to talk.
Regardless, the small-forward smiled, the brightness he had before came back to his face. The club's sunshine was revived.
"Ahh, I would really want to return their feelings, however, I must not." Reo mused emotionally, his tune almost like what he used whenever he was reciting poems.
Hayama blinked curiously, peeking from Reo's shoulder as he asked. "Why is that?"
Reo clamped his palms around his cheeks, "Why… you asked?" He murmured, "It's because I already have someone I like."
"Ohhh..." Guess Reo was a man in his youth after all, Hayama thought. "…and actually that person is in our team." Reo revealed, smiling so brightly to his self in front of his locker.
Hayama quickly pulled his head aback and suddenly found his self taking few steps backwards.
Nebuya abruptly slammed the door of his locker in surprised. The fu—
Mayuzumi only lifted his head just a little to eye the person who just revealed something so extraordinary and out of the blue information.
And of course, Akashi, well, was just cool as always and the only one who seemed not affected with their Shooter's revelation.
"Eeeh…!" Finally, Hayama squawked, kind of a late reaction.
The terror of Reo-Nee!
Reo smiled innocently at them, as if oblivious of his own comment. "What's wrong?"
"That thing you just said was the wrong, Reo-Nee!" Hayama said picking up his jaw that seemingly hit the ground in shock.
"My… why? Is it wrong to like someone?"
Well… "T-that's-"
"Oh, does Koutaro have someone he likes?"
Eh—?!
!
#$%!
That was indeed the multi-million question to almost all high-school boys. And to be honest, he had never given that a thought, ever since he began his high-school journey.
It was one thing to be popular and be admired by lots of girls but to actually reverse the situation—with him the one liking someone…was another thing.
Hayama pouted shyly. He probably could point out some cute girls from his class but really, it never crossed his mind if he actually liked somebody.
The long silence, though, gave a wrong impression to some. "You do?" Nebuya followed blankly. "Heh, what a lover-boy."
"Dammit! I don't!"
"Hmmmkay…"
"I don't!"
"You don't have to repeat it, we get it." Reo said.
"Well yeah…" Nebuya sat on the bench and began tying his outdoor shoes, "Who has time for that anyway. We're too busy here already." He said so casually which somehow amazed at the blonde. "Ahm, except Reo… I guess."
Hayama blinked. That's right. That was how he should have put it inside his mind. Instead of rejecting the thought of love life itself, he just had to face the reality that they were too busy for that. As expected, Ei-chan is so matured!
Suddenly, the room was interrupted by an audible sigh from Mayuzumi as he went in front of his locker.
What are these people, acting as if they are elementary kids, he thought.
Upon sensing the air that Mayuzumi had created upon passing behind Reo, somehow, the sophomore became curious. "What about Mayuzumi-san? Maybe he has a girlfriend. He's the oldest one here after all." Reo wondered, while watching Mayuzumi fixed his things inside the locker.
Does he now? Hayama pondered. "I see… Mayuzumi seems like so." the blonde assumed, one hand on his hips while also looking at their quiet senpai. "Is she from this school?"
Mayuzumi blinked, without looking at them, he replied. "Kindly exclude me on your discussion."
Playing safe, huh… "So you really have one?!" T-This Mayuzumi!
"That doesn't concern you."
Hayama didn't like the cheeky attitude. "What did you say?!"
"Exactly as what you heard…"
Hayama frowned. He was really a one unsociable guy! Not cool. Not at all! He crossed his arms, "Ha-! Are you scared to say a name? Bet you are!" Hayama sneered. Yeah hopeless basketball players addicted to the sport and this sport only, only their salon pass would like them. There was no way such guy would be in a relationship, much more have a person he likes, being that cold and snob, Hayama thought again.
Meanwhile, Reo noticed that only Hayama Koutaro could make the quiet man speak a lot. And clearly, it wasn't every day that he got to hear him talk about his thoughts.
"Well, Mayuzumi-san is probably an expert on that field." Anyhow, he wanted peace on this discussion, so balancing the ideas might help, Reo thought. "Confession and the like, that's probably easy for him."
Unfortunately, it just sent frowns to Mayuzumi. He had never once confessed to anyone before. And he wouldn't bother in the future. He had been saying and believing it for so long. It was just a waste of time. People wouldn't really like someone unless they are special. In his case, to have someone notice him in general was already hard, to associate romance in that would even be harder, more like impossible. He wouldn't bother hoping for something that was just beyond his reality.
How did it happen? How did the center of their discussion turn on him? What would benefit them if he liked someone or not? More importantly, did he even like someone? He wondered.
Mayuzumi shut his locker door as he went to sit on the bench once again. He took off his sports shoes to replace it with his outgoing pairs. While tying the lace, he was thinking of what he should do next. He decided he would just go straight home.
"I guess it's either—one doesn't want anyone to hear their answer or doesn't want to hear his own answer, that someone refuses to answer. That's it." Reo figured.
"What? I don't understand, Reo-Nee."
For Reo, it was like a remark that was delivered in the air, aiming it to no one in particular, just another passing words meant to analyze people. The reason why nobody, truly, liked to showcase the person they feel dearly because it contained consequences either for the better or worst.
Regardless, Reo was contradicting his previous statement. Honestly, despite the good points he said about the older male, he actually didn't think that Mayuzumi had someone he liked. Similar to Hayama, Reo didn't think that Mayuzumi was interested to that.
"I dare you then Mayuzumi-san yo! If ya really aren't chickening, you'll tell us who is it that you like and in exchange, i'll take back what I said before! That's a man-to-man agreement!" Hayama proclaimed, before tossing a fake bangs and pretending that something just sparkled beside his eye.
What the heck? Reo couldn't help but grimaced. This person really refused to let it go. Was he that offended with Mayuzumi's remark?
As the only third year in the room, his patience was being tested. He didn't like the feeling as if he was caught as prey by these people younger than him. He was the Senpai, knowing that, he should be offered some respect by them.
Mayuzumi couldn't even come up with what expression to use. The ridiculous pride showing on the blonde's face was too draining to look at.
They could think of him as someone in a relationship or someone in an unrequited love. Much more, they could even believe he was not into any form of relationship. But what he couldn't let them assume was the idea of him being scared to admit such simple thing.
And so he did it, starting with the basic, "I have though, someone I like." he said as he finished tying his shoes. Now, are you guys satisfied?
Hayama's eyes glowed like stars, "Ohhh, s-so casual!" What an adult!
What an easy-going guy. Reo thought, noting how Hayama quickly changed mood.
The phantom player straightened his back and wiped the small sweat that came off in the surface of his forehead. That's fine. Be contented and stop asking for more.
"So who is she?" Nebuya asked, wasn't that actual question?
Though, he didn't seem to care at all. He was just listening and he thought it was just supposed to be asked in this situation.
After all, it was just one of their short boy-talk— something like the girl's so called 'girly-talk'.
To come up with a name was now the problem. But really, who was she? He intended it to end as that because even he, didn't know or if there was even one in the first place.
Then, Mayuzumi didn't know how could Hayama Koutaro suddenly appeared in his front while crouching in just a split of second, but that was his current view at the moment.
Really, this guy even though he was tall, was actually very flexible. He seemed like a puppy waiting for his treats. Can't they just let the last question die in silence?
As if a glint of light suddenly reflected at that tooth of Hayama, he spoke. "Ah!~ I know who!" Hayama blurted out, shifting his body to sit beside Mayuzumi. He encircled his arm around his Senpai's shoulder as if they had been the best buddy for years. But Mayuzumi grimaced quickly upon the contact. "Hehe… I remember, ~ during the trip, I remembered it clearly! You were totally intoZaki.~" Hayama whispered behind his ear, though it was way too loud to be considered as one.
Mayuzumi's one eye twitched for a second.
"Right… Right… Am I right?" Hayama poked with his elbow.
Mayuzumi blinked, bringing the best casual poker face that he could despite the little shock that Hayama's word gave.
He breathed out slowly to ease his mind.
Are you happy that way? He thought referring to the blonde who was acting too familiar.
He brushed off the arm that was around his neck before eyeing the small-forward of the team. Mayuzumi knew he had a pride to protect, so he opened his mouth all casually and coolly, "Yes, you're right."
"Ahaha~, you don't need to deny—" Eh? Wait, he wasn't denying it. Hayama froze, blinking tensely at Mayuzumi. He didn't expect that he would admit it so flawlessly and as normal as that. He was just teasing him, he thought.
"Oh…" Reo hummed, suddenly finding his revelation interesting that he even paused from what he was doing.
Nebuya nodded. "I see…Zaki, huh?"
Mayuzumi intended it to end with that. To see their faces like that was exactly what he wanted, especially Hayama. Their faces were amusing. Did they think he would swallow his words?
However, this false revelation might carry a different problem in the future. Mayuzumi wondered what must be done. He stood up and slid one bag around his shoulder. As natural as how he proclaimed it was the same as when he made the follow up remark. "Of course, I'm just kidding. Why would you believe that?" And just like that, he also walked out of the room like nothing happened.
Reo was the first one to react after Mayuzumi left.
"Heh… He is so clever, that Mayuzumi-san." He commented with a smirk in the end.
Hayama was still in shock. The feeling as if he was defeated over some petty things. Had he always been like that? That Mayuzumi? Hayama had always believed that guy was quiet and nerdy.
Nebuya stood up as well and abruptly slid his bag to his shoulder. "Are you guys staying? I wanna go now. I have to stop by somewhere."
"Oh, Okay, see you." Reo said before tapping Hayama's shoulder. "Koutaro, how long are you going to sit there? Let's go."
Hayama nodded. "Uh…O-Okay."
Reo sighed and turned to his right, "Sei-chan, what about you?"
The redhead lifted his gaze to him. "Yes, please go ahead. I still have something I need to finish."
"Okay, don't overdo it then, Bye."
When they left, Akashi had his sight trailing off from the direction where his teammates disappeared.
He smirked and thought of how interesting Mayuzumi Chihiro really was.
.
.
.
.
.
.
It was the day before the Inter-high. Not just in basketball but the same goes to the other field of sports. Everyone cherished the last time where they could practice with their all as a preparation for tomorrow's play.
However, it didn't favour the members of the club whose practice were dependent to the outside field.
It was one of those days where the news had made a wrong weather forecast. They said it would be another sunny day, yet the students of Rakuzan High were welcomed by a loud noise caused by the sudden rain early in the morning. The intensity was changing from time to time but never gone. Like a drizzle for an hour only to be surprised by a heavy pouring next.
Maybe there was a typhoon passing by? Or could it be just a part of global warming? It still should be summer right now.
Anyhow, it was a one awful day for most of all. Some came at school completely wet while the others were really fortunate enough for having a kind of mother who, without fail, would always remind them to bring their umbrella no matter what the forecast would be.
Was rainy day a season?
It was not.
It was just a kind of weather.
Rainy weather, to be specific.
A bad weather? Was there someone who didn't view rain as such?
Probably none…
It was moments like this that Mayuzumi had to find another place as an alternative for the rooftop. What kind of place would ever be able to give him the same tranquillity that the rooftop had?
Library was the closest one he could think of. Just for this day, he thought.
It will do before he engaged his self with the endless training that Akashi would surely give them.
He needed a peaceful time while he could.
As he quietly strode at the hallway with his mind already aiming for the library, his foot suddenly stopped midway, in front of a certain door.
He didn't know how the room inside that door looked like. And not like he was interested anyway. But for some reason he was there standing. His hands that were kept in his pockets remained in the inside, even though he was looking at the doorknob.
He imagined what the sight would reveal to him if he ever opened that door.
From his current spot, if he walked more steps and turn right on the right wing of the hallway, he would reach the library. And library was his target place so why he was in front of this room, he wondered. Above his head, there was a signboard attached to the wall.
Music Club
They said he had a very low presence. He would agree to that. People wouldn't notice him unless he made himself be. That was the truth. He had tested that way too many times.
Mayuzumi thought, if he ever went inside this room, would the members be able to notice him?
He blinked.
Why would he even want to come inside? It was ridiculous to think that he was getting this kind of thoughts.
Mayuzumi sighed, and decided to just continue his pace. But by the time he did his first step, it was then that he heard the door of the said club room opening. For some reason, his feet paused as he turned to look behind.
"Eh. It was really hard. I've been studying it for hours!"
"Seriously? Don't give up. You can do it."
Two girls came out, but she wasn't among them.
Really…
Who was it that he wanted to see coming out in that room?
Mayuzumi frowned to his self and resumed from walking.
It had been days or maybe more than few weeks since he last saw her.
Mayuzumi went inside the library and positioned his self at the corner, somewhere far from the other students.
In his front was the tall window that revealed the unpleasant color of the sky. Though they actually resembled the color of his hair and eyes, he still found it unpleasant. Yes. That color was rarely liked by people. It was dull, too sad, and too lonely to look at. It was like in need of another blend to produce a rather brighter—happier shade.
What about black? Well, it didn't need any help from any color. It was already enough as it was, the impression of something strong, something that could stand alone. It looked mighty and firm. At least, black didn't seem to lack of something.
Gray, however, was always like this, people would always assume that it needed something more and before they knew it, it wasn't gray anymore.
The rain, it gave the same ambiance as the color gray.
It was a refreshing sight to look at. He wondered, how this kind of weather became hated?
His back was leaning against the back of the chair. He had one book that was kept open, lying flatly on top of his chest.
Indeed the library was a perfect alternative for rooftop. It was quiet. It was peaceful. The scenery he had was fine. Maybe a change of sight for a while was nice. He even had a chair here and if ever he wanted to take a nap he could be at ease that he wouldn't wake up with sunburn.
Yet, it wasn't enough.
Somehow, it was missing something.
.
.
.
.
.
.
"The rain is so annoying! Isn't it planning to stop?"
"At least it's not that heavy anymore. Just be thankful Koutaro."
"But Reo-Nee, I don't have an umbrella, are you gonna share yours with me?"
"Ha? Of course not. Forget it."
"S-so cold! What if I catch cold? How are we gonna win tomorrow?!"
"We can manage that Koutaro, don't worry."
"You muscle gorilla!"
"Uh? Thanks!"
"That's not a compliment!"
"Well, this is indeed bad."
"You also think so Akashi? What should we do? It's already getting late. We still have a game tomorrow."
But it was beyond Akashi's control. The five regulars stood at the outside patio of the gymnasium while watching the rain as it fell on the ground. It had been like this since morning and it wasn't showing any sign of stopping.
Since it was not forecasted, they weren't able to bring an umbrella except Mibuchi Reo who, of course, always carry one in his bag. And Akashi didn't have to worry on that, after all.
"Akashi-san..." A voice mingled at the sound of the rain.
She tiptoed her way to them, avoiding the seemingly like artificial lakes that formed from the uneven pavements which were filled by the rain water.
Hotaru dropped her umbrella as soon as she reached the gymnasium.
"Z-Zaki!" Hayama beamed, leaning a little bit forward to the girl.
Hotaru smiled, tucking some wet strands of hair behind her ears. "Hello. It's been a while Hayama-san."
The girl had also four piece of extra umbrella in her arms. She placed her own piece against the wall as she handed one at Hayama. "Here…I have a feeling you guys wouldn't have an umbrella."
Hayama's green eyes twinkled at the girl. "Zakiiiiii!~"
"Mah, Koutaro could you lower that voice? Geez." Reo sighed before flashing out a small smile, "How thoughtful of you Zaki-chan, but I already have my own."
"Oh.." Hotaru bowed, "As what I would expect from Reo-Nee." She said and went to Nebuya.
"Thanks Zaki. I'll treat you one time."
Hotaru smiled. That would definitely be bad since she don't think she could ever follow the guy's appetite. Anyhow, she just nodded.
And then the last one but not the very least, the one and only third year student among the group. It was their first time meeting ever since the tutoring event.
His eyes slowly turned to her as she approached.
There, those eyes.
Last time he saw them looking back at him was during the moment at the forest, with the fireflies. Did she even remember?
Again, there was something about those black orbs, like something was pulling him closer, wanting to tangle him and keep him from watching.
"Here…" Hotaru said as she offered one umbrella to him. Mayuzumi took it without looking away. Sooner, the girl awkwardly averted from him. Next thing he saw, she was standing beside the redhead captain.
"But it's amazing, how come you have so many umbrellas?" Hayama asked.
"I actually bought them for instances like this. I have more stocks left in my locker." She explained and smiled.
"That's a big help then, Zaki." Nebuya said while opening his umbrella.
Hayama followed. "Then thanks again Zaki. I'll be going now."
"Me too."
"Bye Zaki-chan and Sei-chan."
Mayuzumi went ahead as well. He could see the two talking and he wondered what they were even talking about. The girl was smiling, then gone, and on again. Her fingers kept on twiddling from her behind as she spoke beside Akashi. Then he blinked and focused his attention on the road.
He had to stop doing this, he thought.