Chapter Three

I lay still, encased in my sleeping bag. The soothing sound of quiet breathing filled the room. I was the last one to remain awake.

After the incident with Mamoru at the pool, thing's had gone okay. I decided that it would be best to act as if nothing had happened. It seemed that Mamoru had thought the same.

We, the girls and I, had also watched a few movies. Only one was from Kioko's selection. The others were horror movies that I had stashed in my room. It was interesting, to say the least, watching 'Silence of the Lambs' with Kuri. Since it was her first time, she continuously asked questions. Some of which were pretty random, but even so, they couldn't compete with our next activity.

Out of pure insanity and probably a little boredom, we had devised a new game. We would all write questions down on separate scraps of paper which we dumped into an empty chip bowl. When we couldn't think of anymore, we passed the bowl around. Each time a person would pull out a question and answer it in some way. Somehow I ended up with all the relationship questions. Call it a jinx. Thankfully, I also found a ways to avoid answering each one of them. As the rounds passed, the question got crazier and crazier. They went from "Annie, are you okay?" to "Do you think Elmo's hot?" and to "What would you do if you got stuck in a Honey Bucket?" The latter being mine, inspired by the numerous port-a-potties stationed around the junior high school while it went through some renovations.

The later it got, the less people there were playing until Kioko and I figured it was time to call it quits. That was when she had fallen asleep. I tried to so the same, but I just couldn't. Thoughts of an ebony-haired man pounded in my mind.

He was an elaborate jigsaw puzzle made of a million pieces. I despised those types of puzzles. They drove you crazy for hours on end. Despite his apologies and occasional sweetness, I still felt that his main goal was to taunt and annoy me. I can't really explain it. It just is.

A dim light danced along the wall as I heard a car pass on the street beyond the window. My blue eyes followed it to the wall clock. It read 5:03.

Less than seven hours until Shingo's big game. I couldn't wait, but I had to fall asleep soon. I couldn't afford to later. My little brother was counting on me.

Wishfully, I closed my eyes and rolled onto my side. I tucked my hands under my pillow, hoping to catch the next train to Dreamland.

- - -

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to day one of the 2003 annual All-Kansai Tournament. Today, we will be beginning the opening round. There will be double elimination until only six of the original forty-eight teams remain. Then there will be two. As you all know, only two teams will advance and bear the honor of representing Kansai in the All-Japan Tournament. Who will be the lucky two? Ganbatte to all the players. Let the games begin!"

"Arigatou gozaimasu, Chairman-san," a middle-ages man said as he traded places with the older man in the spotlight. "For our game we have Sakai and newcomer, Toya." One by one my brother's team came onto the field. Our section burst into cheers; the bleachers shook.

Shingo grinned, waving from his place at first base. His face was lit up with excitement. Like several of his teammate, it was his first time participating in the All-Kansai tournament. Still, they were doing pretty good in pre-tournament matches. It was the first time our area had ever had a team. Everyone was pumped.

The other team's batter then stepped up to the plate, and when the crowd was settled, the pitches made the opening throw.

- - -

"Out!" The first-base umpire yelled after Shingo caught the ball and the batter dashed across the plate. His hands formed the designated signal.

"Great catch, Shingo!" I shouted.

By the end of the fourth inning, the score was four to two with Toya in the lead. Not to mention that I was a very hungry girl. My stomach rumbled, reminding me of the lunch that I would have already eaten had it been any other day. I groaned. It was already two o'clock.

I stood up and was about to leave when a hand caught my wrist. I turned to look at Mamoru. "What?"

"Where are you going?"

"To get some food."

"I'll come with you," he said, rising.

"You don't have to," I replied and silently added, "Really, really don't have to."

"No, it's okay. I want to go. Besides, I'm getting kind of hungry myself." He patted his stomach. "Might as well fill her up now."

Having only slept three hours, I was in no mood to argue so we walked to the food vendor.

"Shingo's doing pretty good today," Mamoru observed.

"Yeah, he's a good player. Just hasn't had the chance to play in the Little League until now. He's really psyched."

"I'll bet."

"What about you?"

"Hmm?"

"Did you ever play in the Little league?"

Mamoru chuckled. "Just one season. One really bad season. We lost just about every game."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I'm sure not. 'Sides, I've found something else I really like doing."

"Acting?"

"Yeah."

We remained silent for the rest of the way, but it was a comfortable silence. The line at the stall was short. It wasn't long until we were being served.

"What'll it be, kids?" The cheery, plump man asked. Obviously he couldn't see through Mamoru's cover up which consisted of a simple pair of sunglasses and a cap. I breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe we wouldn't get mobbed today.

"I'll have a hot dog, please," I said.

"Sure, miss. What about you, sir?"

"I'll have the same, thanks."

"All right. Would you like anything else? Anything to drink?"

"A mountain dew," I replied, "if that's okay."

"Of course it is, miss."

"I'll have a coke," Mamoru added.

"Okie dokie." The balding man pushed a few button on his register. "That'll be (6.50) yen."

As he gathered our order, Mamoru and I dug out or money.

"Oh my gosh," I muttered to myself. "I am so stupid."

"What's wrong?" Mamoru asked, sensing my distress.

"I only have (1) yen with me. I left my wallet in my bag which is still in the stands."

"Oh," Mamoru said, "Is that all?"

"What do you mean 'Is that all'?" I turned to the vendor. "If you'd just please wait for a minute, sir, I could go and get it real quick."

I hear Mamoru chuckled again. "Don't worry about it, Usagi-chan. I was planning on paying for everything anyway."

"You can't do that."

"I can, and I will," he said smugly, handing the man some money. He then picked up his hot dog and coke. Noting my lack of movement, he spoke teasingly. "You better get your food, Usagi-chan. Wouldn't want to put my money to waste, would we?"

I shook my head dumbly and did as he had said. Then I headed back to our seats.

"You didn't have to do that," I said one my senses finally came back.

Mamoru smiled. "I know."

"I'll pay you back later."

"Don't worry about it."

"Whatever you say, I still will. One way or another I will," I told him honestly.

"Well then," he said, "worry about it, but don't pay me back."

"But-"

"But nothing. Call it a gift."

"For what?"

"For nothing."

"Gee, that makes me fell a lot better."

"Well how about this," Mamoru offered. "You can pay me back by not paying me back."

"That makes no sense."

"I know," he said matter-of-factly. "Neither do you."

A brief silence elapsed before I spoke again.

"Mamoru-san?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks."

He grinned at his victory. "No problem."

- - -

"I've almost got it." I mumbled holding a hot day in my mouth and a drink in my hand. With my free hand, I tried to rummage through my bag for my wallet.

"Usagi-chan, I already told you that you don't need o pay me back," Mamoru said.

I tried to tell him that I did, but my jaw was already busy juggling the hot dog. There was no way I was going to stay indebted to him.

"Are you even listening to me?"

I grunted.

"Is that a yes or a now?"

I grunted again. 'Almost there,' I thought.

The all of a sudden there was a series of clattering sounds followed by a thud. I grabbed my lunch from between my teeth and sheepishly smiled at Mamoru.

"What just happened?" Mamoru questioned.

I laughed nervously. "You know the sound that metal makes when it hits another piece of metal?" He nodded. "And you know that sound that an object makes when it hits the ground?" He slowly nodded again, expecting more. "Well, see, there are metal buckles on my backpack and the bleachers are metal too."

"You dropped your backpack?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I'll go with you to get it."

"I have an idea," I told him. "How about I get the bag and you stay here."

Mamoru blinked. "What?"

"Stop following me." The issue had been bugging me for days Now, with my patience thing and my mind needing sleep, it was amplified. And guess whose fault it was that I couldn't sleep? "You follow me everywhere."

"Not true, I don't follow you to the bathroom," Mamoru defensively stated.

"Fine, you follow me just about everywhere," I said. Feeling exasperated. "Don't."

"But it'll be safer if I go with you."

"Whatever."

Not seeing a reason to further continue the conversation, I left. Apparently my words had meant nothing to him, because he followed.

I couldn't afford to start liking him. I'll admit my worst evils are my pride and stubbornness. Once I had taken an online test about the seven deadliest sins. Guess which one had ranked in my top three. You got it. Pride.

When I reached the bottom of the bleachers, I was greeted by poles and bars of steel. Carefully I stepped over a low beam. Then ducked under another. I felt like a burglar dodging security laser beams.

It took a while but I finally reached my backpack. Swinging it over my shoulder, I headed back towards Mamoru who had decided to wait at the edge of the bleachers. A roar erupted from overhead as I heard my brother's name. It was his turn to bat. Not wanting to miss his turn, I sped up my pace.

"Strike!" The umpire yelled.

"What's the count so far?" I asked Mamoru as I stood beside him.

"Tied two balls and two strikes."

"Ball!"

My heart raced. He was on full count. The next pitch would decide the everything in the inning. Unless of course, Shingo fouled it. But, that was the last thing on my mind.

Raising his leg, the Sakai pitcher threw the ball. My brother hit it and immediately made a break for first base. The ball, meanwhile, flew to the right outfield. It hit the ground, eliminating the possibility of a fly ball out. Figuring he had enough time, Shingo made a mad dash for second base. Just as he slid in so did the ball. Engrosses in making the critical catch, the baseman wasn't able to dodge the incoming player and the two tumbled into each other after the catch was made. Everyone's breath caught.

"Safe!" The umpire cried out.

The Toya section of the bleachers rumbled. I cheered along with them until I realized something was wrong. Shingo and the baseman still hadn't gotten up. Overcome with concern, I ran onto the field.

"Shingo?" I called, kneeling beside him.

"Oneechan?" He groggily lifted his head.

"Hai."

"It hurts, Oneechan. It hurts."

"What hurts?"

"My ankle."

"We'll get you some help. Don't worry about it, Otoutosan."

I glanced over at the other boy who was being examined by the doctor. He seemed to be all right.

"Usagi?" A voice jolted me from my thoughts. "Maybe I can help," Mamoru offered. "I'm not a pro, but I am in med school. Maybe while we're waiting, I can take a look."

Nodding, I shifted over making room for him to sit. I continued to prop up my brother as Mamoru carefully removed the younger boy's shoe and sock. Then he gently pressed his fingers around my brother's ankle.

"Does that hurt?" Mamoru questioned.

I saw Shingo gulp. "A little."

Mamoru raised his eyes to mine. "I think he just sprained his ankle. I can't feel any broken bones. Either way, it's not too serious. We'll just see what the real doctor comes up with." He turned to my brother and ruffled his hair. "You're gonna be fine, champ. Good job." Standing, he spoke to me again." I'll go get some ice."

He stood up and was about to stride away when I called his name. Immediately he looked back.

"Thank you. again," I said sincerely.

- - -

"Level seven cleared," appeared on the screen as my score scrolled higher.

I used the free time to take a sip from my strawberry smoothie. Motoki makes the best. Setting the styrofoam cup back on the empty stool, I resumed the game. My fingers rapidly tapped the buttons causing Sailor V to kick, punch, and flip the enemies. At the same time, my left hand clutched the joystick.

I gritted my teeth. I had never gotten past the level eight boss.

'Just a little bit further to go,' I thought, 'Come on. Please.'

All action in the video game ceased. Then the two dreaded little words crawled their way into the center. The blood red font laughed at me. "Game Over." My lips fell into a grim frown.

"Can I play?"

I jumped slightly into the air, then spun around. Mamoru stood behind me.

"Sure," I said, sliding off the tall stool.

Steady hands on my shoulders stilled my movement. "Wait. Please, stay."

I gazed at him curiously. "Stay?"

"If you don't mind. I'd like to play a game with you," Mamoru said. "Who knows, maybe we can finally finish it."

Pushing myself back onto the stool, I shrugged. "Sure, why not."

Mamoru removed my drink from the other stool and placed it on a flat surface of the gaming machine. He then sat down, pushing random button to get the feel of things.

"Ready?" I asked. Seeing him nod, I inserted a few coins into the designated slots. I smiled. "My turn to pay."

- - -

"Hang in there, Usagi-chan," Mamoru said. "Just keep killing the little guys I've almost got the main boss done."

I concentrated on the smaller youma who kept reviving. Just as I was about to finish him off for the millionth time, he collapsed on his own. The boss was defeated; The game was finished.

"Wohoo!"

"Nice job," the dark-haired man congratulated. "We make a pretty good team."

"Yeah, we do."

"We finished just in time too. I'm hungry."

I sucked the last drops of my smoothie through the straw, creating a gurgling sound. "Hmm. Now that you mention it, I am too."

"Tell you what. Why don't you go ahead and grab us a table at the parlor. I'll meet you there after I drop by a vending machine."

"Can't wait for an order?"

Mamoru laughed. "Not today. Gotta start eating now."

"Well then, sounds like a plan," I agreed laughing.

I headed for the café area of Crown and sat at the usual window booth. Propping an arm on the table, I rested my head on it and waited.

A few minutes later, Mamoru appeared in my view. He was carrying a bag of potato chips. I expected him to come right over, but he waved and motioned towards a small boy who was struggling with a crane machine. I nodded. Winking, Mamoru went to help the young child.

Maybe Kioko was right. Maybe Mamoru wasn't all that bad. I'll admit he has his good points and he seems to get along great with everyone else. Was it just me?

Oh, well. There isn't any harm in just being friends. I mean it doesn't let the girls prove anything against me. So he's sweet and I'll be nice to him. Doesn't mean I think he's hot.

I saw a wide smile break out on the face of the little boy that Mamoru was helping. He then reached into the machine's basket with his chubby little hand and pulled out a monkey plush toy. It was adorable. The boy then turned around to give Mamoru a thank-you hug before running off to find his mother.

When Mamoru finally came to join me, a grin was plastered to his face. He held out the bag of chips. I took one and popped it into my mouth.

"Have fun?" I asked.

"Yup," he said cheerfully. "You know, Usagi-chan. I was thinking. We really got off on the wrong foot. I know it due in no small part to me and I'm really sorry. You know I'm going to be around for a few more days or even weeks. Who knows? Anyway, I was just wondering if we could start over, a brand new slate."

I nodded. "I was just thinking the same thing. I'm sorry too. I wasn't being fair about everything-the following, the sleepover. the hair."

His grin broadened.

"Have you heard about the carnival?" I asked. "They're holding it down by the bay."

"Yeah, I overheard some kids at the baseball game talking about it."

"I was thinking of going with a few friends from school next weekend. You wanna come?"

Mamoru looked at me curiously. "You sure you want mind being followed?"

"Hey, I never said anything about giving you permission to follow me. It feels like I'm being stalked," I said sternly, but then softly added, "Walk with me, not behind me."

His dark-blue eyes smiled. "Sure, I'd love to come."