Chapter Nine
The bleachers rumbled and the crowd roared with cheers as Shingo's team- mate hit a double, allowing my little brother to dart to home plate. He had been allowed to play full-time for a couple weeks now, just in time to get ready for the All-Kansai Tournament semi-finals. The team was doing great. So far, no loses had tainted their season.
"Wow, that's a pretty good team your town's got there," Seiya commented never taking his eyes off the field.
"I agree," Mamoru added, "and to think they're just a rookie team."
"Rookie smookie." I stood up. "Let's go to the dugout."
The three of us carefully filed out of the bleachers and headed to the caged area where the players were situated. Even though it wasn't a hole of any king but rather a row of benches behind a chain-link fence, everyone still referred to it as "the dugout."
"Onee-chan!" my little brother yelled when he saw me approaching. He took off hi cap and waved it in the air. "Konnichi wa, Mamoru-sempai."
"Hey, champ. Nice game," Mamoru congratulated as he ruffled Shingo's light brown hair.
The little boy's eyes lit up like Venus in the night sky. "Arigatou." Then he faced Seiya. "Wow, more famous people."
Seiya chuckled. "Good swing."
"Kou Seiya said I made a good wing!" Shingo beamed. "To think, Kou Seiya is my sister's boyfriend. Way cool!"
I laughed and noticed my parents walking over. They returned my wave.
"Come on, son," My father said. "Time to head to the victory party."
"Hai, I sure am hungry!"
The two of them set off for the car, leaving my mother to have a few last words with me.
"We're going to be at the crown for a few hours," she explained. "If you need to reach us, you know how. Take care and don't stay out too late."
"I won't," I replied routinely.
"Take care of her, Mamoru-san. Although I know you will anyway."
"Okaasan," I whined through clenched teeth.
I must have made a face as well, because Mamoru laughed. "Of course, Ikuko- san."
"I should be going now. You know the boys. It was nice to meet you again, Seiya-san."
"You too, Tsukino-san."
After my mother's departure, I pulled a key-chain from my pocket. "To Shiro's?"
- - -
The second we got out of my car, I could hear the whispers and feel the steady stares. I tried to ignore them as I strode across the brick pathway on my way to the front door. I pushed the white button next to it. A muffled melody of bell chimes streamed through the air. Then the door swung open and I was met by Shiro's cheery face.
"Hey, guys, you're right on time. Come on in."
We stepped inside and followed Shiro through the foyer and into a large room. I could barely make out words from the chatting above the loud music, but when we came into the room I didn't seem to have that problem anymore. In fact, everything went dead silent as all the people in the room curiously turned to face us. They continued to silently gaze until a young girl came in carrying a bowl of potato chips.
"I've got the sour cream and chives chips. Feel free to-oh my god! Chiba Mamoru!" She screamed and dropped the plastic bowl. The chips scattered, forgotten on the floor. "Kou Seiya!" She dashed towards the two. "Can I have your autographs?"
Mamoru rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Sure, I guess."
The phrase appeared to hold a mass of power for it triggered a mad rush of almost every girl in the room. They bombarded Seiya and Mamoru with questions and items to sign.
I watched them all shove past me before deciding to go sit down with Kioko and Yuki. It would be a long time until I'd be able to talk to either Mamoru or Seiya again.
- - -
"Wow! Like oh my god! You are like so my hero!"
I winced as Shiro's cousin squealed at the top of her lungs. What was that now? Number twenty-three?
"You're welcome," Mamoru said. Though no one else had noticed, I saw that his face appeared tired and his posture was abnormally slouched for a man of his perfection.
I glanced over at Seiya. He, too, had lost his natural "oomph."
"Come on, girls," I said. "I think the guys need a little saving."
With Yuki and Kuri by my side, I weaved my way through the crows. Somehow I managed to end up next to Mamoru. He smiled when he saw me.
"Tired?" I asked.
"Very."
"You wanna leave? You can take a break."
Mamoru shook his head. "No, I don't want to ruin your night."
"Don't worry about it. We weren't doing anything anyway." I thought about our conversations. "Well, nothing we can't do at my place. So how about it?"
"Sure. Where's Seiya?"
"On the other side of the room. We should pick him up first."
We returned into the overly joyous mob of people. It was more difficult than before. We kept getting separated since there were now four of us and Mamoru was the one being hunted and chased.
After reunited for the third time, Kioko shouted out the words "backpack train."
Yuki gave her an odd look. "Kioko-chan, we're not in school. We don't even have backpacks."
"We can improvise," Kioko said with a shrug.
"How?"
"Shoulder train!"
I could have sworn I felt a sweatdrop slide down my temple. However, the more I thought about it, the more it made sense and pretty soon I found myself with my hands on Yuki's shoulder while Mamoru's lay on mine. We decided that Mamoru should be at the back since he was the tallest. That way neither of us would've had to reach that far up.
In any other circumstance I would have been deathly embarrassed of the way we looked. To an outsider, we may have appeared like we were getting ready to do the bunny hop, but similar to the crowded school halls, it was the only way to make it through while keeping the group intact.
A few paces prior to meeting up with Seiya, we bumped into Shiro. I explained everything to him. He understood with his whole and bid us a chummy farewell.
We hastily grabbed Seiya, then headed towards my car. The drive to my house wasn't long, a mere ten minutes.
"I'm surprised, Kioko-chan," I said as I glanced at her through the rear view mirror.
"About what?"
"You never joined the mob to get an autograph."
"She's right," Yuki piped in from her place beside the other girl. I thanked her for the support.
"Well of course I didn't join them," Kioko said matter-of-factly. "Why would I? I already have their autographs."
I heard Yuki groan in response at the same time that I pulled into my family's driveway. Casually I stepped out of the car. The other followed my lead.
"So what time are your parents coming home?" Mamoru asked as he cam over to my side of the car.
I leaned back against the door. "About nine or ten. Why?"
"I was just wondering," he replied shifting his cap.
We all fell silent for a while, simply gazing at our surroundings. Then Seiya broke the silence by announcing his departure.
"Already?" I asked. "But you just got here."
"I know, but I still have to call my brothers and our manager."
I pouted. "It's still early. You can call them later or use our phone. You can even use the cell."
"Usagi-chan."
The phrase 'carpe diem' ran through my mind and I spontaneously snatched Seiya's cap from atop his head.
"Hey, Usagi-chan," he said, "I can't leave without that."
I grinned cheekily. "I know."
He pulled back for a second, realization dawning on him. "Why you little-"
I dodged his futile attempts and we gradually started to migrate away from the car.
"Oh, too slow," I taunted when he missed me again.
Seiya seemed to be frustrated, but I could tell by the gleam in his eye that he was enjoying every second of it.
"Mamoru-san," he called out, "help me get my cap back."
"Why?"
"Because us guys have to stick together."
Mamoru began to contemplate the idea. I stifled a giggle, because while he had been thinking, Kioko had grabbed his hat as well.
"You go girl!"
Mamoru gave Seiya a stern look. "We have to get them back."
The younger man nodded in agreement. Then the two charged after their respective hats.
"Yuki-chan, catch!" I shouted, tossing Seiya's cap.
She took a few steps forward, easily completing the pass. Seiya ran after her.
I whirled around when Kioko called out my own name and instinctively caught the white projectile heading my way. Mamoru came soon after. He immediately reached out for his cap, but I pulled it behind my back. As I clutched it in my hand, I noticed a small piece of metal, a buckle. I had thought the two caps identical but apparently they weren't; Mamoru's cap was resizable while Seiya's was a simple one size fits all.
"So, are you going to be nice and give me my hat back?" Mamoru asked, stalking closer.
I backed up. "Think again, buster."
He attempted to grab the cap once again. However, I had anticipated the move and quickly evaded it.
Grinning, I called out for Kioko to make another catch. Figuring it was time to try something new, I faked a throw over Mamoru's shoulder and followed it up with one that went under his arm. He full for it causing me to let out a bright laugh.
Kioko and I pitched the cap back and forth for a while, playing a game of piggy in the middle. Then, Mamoru somehow trapped me against a row of shrubs. He continuously reached out for the cap; so much that it began to overwhelm me.
I hastily made another underarm toss. I guess I released it a little late or a little early, I don't really know which, but either way it never made it to Kioko.
Instead it went up into the air and back over Mamoru's shoulder. I snatched it quickly from the air, but Mamoru didn't see me hide it behind my back. He hadn't even seen me catch it.
He made the cutest sight as he spun around in circles, searching for the desired object. His confused expression did the trick and I broke down in laughter.
My stomach started to ache. Gasping for breath, I held up the cap. Mamoru's eyes widened in surprise.
I smiled before throwing the cap back to Kioko. Then I headed off to help out Yuki who had just called for me.
- - -
"Mamoru-san, help me!" Seiya shouted as Yuki ran off with his hat.
The ebony-haired man groaned. "I've already gotten our caps back seven times and each time you've lost them. You're on your own, man. Wait a second. Who has mine?" He glanced at Kioko and me.
I casually shrugged while pretending to hide something.
"Usa-chan."
"Hai, Mamo-chan?" I asked sweetly.
"Do you have it?"
I shook my head.
"Are you sure?"
I nodded.
He ran around me to check anyway but found nothing.
"The other blonde has it," Seiya announced, capturing Mamoru's attention.
Both of the guys dashed after Yuki with Kioko and I on their heels.
"Help!" Yuki yelled, running around.
"Throw it back!" I shouted.
"I can't! I can't aim!"
"Just throw it hard. I'll run back and get it."
She complied, blindly tossing back the cap like a bride tossing her bouquet on her wedding day. It sailed over my head and landed before I was able to reach it. I raced over to it as fast as possible, barely picking it up ahead of Mamoru.
"Hand it over, Usa-chan," Mamoru ordered with mock sternness.
"Hand what over?" I innocently questioned, stuffing the cap into the front pocket of my light blue sweatshirt.
"You know what."
I took another step back and bumped into yet another bush. I never noticed how many of them were planted around until tonight. Mamoru continued to advance.
I tried to run past him however he caught me up in a hug. His hand reached into my pocked, attempting to regain the cap. I struggled to defend the object despite the warmth I felt from his arms being wrapped around me.
I mentally slapped myself on the head. What the hell was I thinking? I had Seiya, damn it.
Without realizing what was going on, I pulled the cap out of my pocket. Mamoru grabbed it instantly, placed it on his head, and them pulled his sweatshirt's hood over it for protection.
It was obvious to see that I had lost this battle so I took off in hopes of helping Yuki with Seiya's cap. Having lost Mamoru's, it was our last stronghold.
Yuki threw his cap to me the second I appeared. I almost missed it when I snapped out of my daze.
The first thing I noticed was the sly grin on Seiya's face, and then the next thing I knew was that he was tackling me. It wasn't an all out tackle, but it was reinforced by enough force to knock me off my feet. Seiya fell on top of me.
His head was right above mine, a few menial centimeters away. His eyes glazed over slightly. The longer I stared at the, the bigger they got until I finally realized he was moving closer; he was going to kiss me.
Instinctively I panicked though I tried not to show it on the outside. Just as he was about to make contact, I spoke his name somewhat nervously.
He was jolted from his trance. "Hai?"
"You're heavy."
"Oh," he exclaimed, rolling off me. He laughed sheepishly and offered me a hand.
I took it and as I sat up, I saw the girls' wide grins. Then I saw Mamoru standing beside them, stationary. His face was completely black and emotionless. I couldn't tell what he was thinking, but who am I to say.
I can't even tell what I'm feeling.
The bleachers rumbled and the crowd roared with cheers as Shingo's team- mate hit a double, allowing my little brother to dart to home plate. He had been allowed to play full-time for a couple weeks now, just in time to get ready for the All-Kansai Tournament semi-finals. The team was doing great. So far, no loses had tainted their season.
"Wow, that's a pretty good team your town's got there," Seiya commented never taking his eyes off the field.
"I agree," Mamoru added, "and to think they're just a rookie team."
"Rookie smookie." I stood up. "Let's go to the dugout."
The three of us carefully filed out of the bleachers and headed to the caged area where the players were situated. Even though it wasn't a hole of any king but rather a row of benches behind a chain-link fence, everyone still referred to it as "the dugout."
"Onee-chan!" my little brother yelled when he saw me approaching. He took off hi cap and waved it in the air. "Konnichi wa, Mamoru-sempai."
"Hey, champ. Nice game," Mamoru congratulated as he ruffled Shingo's light brown hair.
The little boy's eyes lit up like Venus in the night sky. "Arigatou." Then he faced Seiya. "Wow, more famous people."
Seiya chuckled. "Good swing."
"Kou Seiya said I made a good wing!" Shingo beamed. "To think, Kou Seiya is my sister's boyfriend. Way cool!"
I laughed and noticed my parents walking over. They returned my wave.
"Come on, son," My father said. "Time to head to the victory party."
"Hai, I sure am hungry!"
The two of them set off for the car, leaving my mother to have a few last words with me.
"We're going to be at the crown for a few hours," she explained. "If you need to reach us, you know how. Take care and don't stay out too late."
"I won't," I replied routinely.
"Take care of her, Mamoru-san. Although I know you will anyway."
"Okaasan," I whined through clenched teeth.
I must have made a face as well, because Mamoru laughed. "Of course, Ikuko- san."
"I should be going now. You know the boys. It was nice to meet you again, Seiya-san."
"You too, Tsukino-san."
After my mother's departure, I pulled a key-chain from my pocket. "To Shiro's?"
- - -
The second we got out of my car, I could hear the whispers and feel the steady stares. I tried to ignore them as I strode across the brick pathway on my way to the front door. I pushed the white button next to it. A muffled melody of bell chimes streamed through the air. Then the door swung open and I was met by Shiro's cheery face.
"Hey, guys, you're right on time. Come on in."
We stepped inside and followed Shiro through the foyer and into a large room. I could barely make out words from the chatting above the loud music, but when we came into the room I didn't seem to have that problem anymore. In fact, everything went dead silent as all the people in the room curiously turned to face us. They continued to silently gaze until a young girl came in carrying a bowl of potato chips.
"I've got the sour cream and chives chips. Feel free to-oh my god! Chiba Mamoru!" She screamed and dropped the plastic bowl. The chips scattered, forgotten on the floor. "Kou Seiya!" She dashed towards the two. "Can I have your autographs?"
Mamoru rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Sure, I guess."
The phrase appeared to hold a mass of power for it triggered a mad rush of almost every girl in the room. They bombarded Seiya and Mamoru with questions and items to sign.
I watched them all shove past me before deciding to go sit down with Kioko and Yuki. It would be a long time until I'd be able to talk to either Mamoru or Seiya again.
- - -
"Wow! Like oh my god! You are like so my hero!"
I winced as Shiro's cousin squealed at the top of her lungs. What was that now? Number twenty-three?
"You're welcome," Mamoru said. Though no one else had noticed, I saw that his face appeared tired and his posture was abnormally slouched for a man of his perfection.
I glanced over at Seiya. He, too, had lost his natural "oomph."
"Come on, girls," I said. "I think the guys need a little saving."
With Yuki and Kuri by my side, I weaved my way through the crows. Somehow I managed to end up next to Mamoru. He smiled when he saw me.
"Tired?" I asked.
"Very."
"You wanna leave? You can take a break."
Mamoru shook his head. "No, I don't want to ruin your night."
"Don't worry about it. We weren't doing anything anyway." I thought about our conversations. "Well, nothing we can't do at my place. So how about it?"
"Sure. Where's Seiya?"
"On the other side of the room. We should pick him up first."
We returned into the overly joyous mob of people. It was more difficult than before. We kept getting separated since there were now four of us and Mamoru was the one being hunted and chased.
After reunited for the third time, Kioko shouted out the words "backpack train."
Yuki gave her an odd look. "Kioko-chan, we're not in school. We don't even have backpacks."
"We can improvise," Kioko said with a shrug.
"How?"
"Shoulder train!"
I could have sworn I felt a sweatdrop slide down my temple. However, the more I thought about it, the more it made sense and pretty soon I found myself with my hands on Yuki's shoulder while Mamoru's lay on mine. We decided that Mamoru should be at the back since he was the tallest. That way neither of us would've had to reach that far up.
In any other circumstance I would have been deathly embarrassed of the way we looked. To an outsider, we may have appeared like we were getting ready to do the bunny hop, but similar to the crowded school halls, it was the only way to make it through while keeping the group intact.
A few paces prior to meeting up with Seiya, we bumped into Shiro. I explained everything to him. He understood with his whole and bid us a chummy farewell.
We hastily grabbed Seiya, then headed towards my car. The drive to my house wasn't long, a mere ten minutes.
"I'm surprised, Kioko-chan," I said as I glanced at her through the rear view mirror.
"About what?"
"You never joined the mob to get an autograph."
"She's right," Yuki piped in from her place beside the other girl. I thanked her for the support.
"Well of course I didn't join them," Kioko said matter-of-factly. "Why would I? I already have their autographs."
I heard Yuki groan in response at the same time that I pulled into my family's driveway. Casually I stepped out of the car. The other followed my lead.
"So what time are your parents coming home?" Mamoru asked as he cam over to my side of the car.
I leaned back against the door. "About nine or ten. Why?"
"I was just wondering," he replied shifting his cap.
We all fell silent for a while, simply gazing at our surroundings. Then Seiya broke the silence by announcing his departure.
"Already?" I asked. "But you just got here."
"I know, but I still have to call my brothers and our manager."
I pouted. "It's still early. You can call them later or use our phone. You can even use the cell."
"Usagi-chan."
The phrase 'carpe diem' ran through my mind and I spontaneously snatched Seiya's cap from atop his head.
"Hey, Usagi-chan," he said, "I can't leave without that."
I grinned cheekily. "I know."
He pulled back for a second, realization dawning on him. "Why you little-"
I dodged his futile attempts and we gradually started to migrate away from the car.
"Oh, too slow," I taunted when he missed me again.
Seiya seemed to be frustrated, but I could tell by the gleam in his eye that he was enjoying every second of it.
"Mamoru-san," he called out, "help me get my cap back."
"Why?"
"Because us guys have to stick together."
Mamoru began to contemplate the idea. I stifled a giggle, because while he had been thinking, Kioko had grabbed his hat as well.
"You go girl!"
Mamoru gave Seiya a stern look. "We have to get them back."
The younger man nodded in agreement. Then the two charged after their respective hats.
"Yuki-chan, catch!" I shouted, tossing Seiya's cap.
She took a few steps forward, easily completing the pass. Seiya ran after her.
I whirled around when Kioko called out my own name and instinctively caught the white projectile heading my way. Mamoru came soon after. He immediately reached out for his cap, but I pulled it behind my back. As I clutched it in my hand, I noticed a small piece of metal, a buckle. I had thought the two caps identical but apparently they weren't; Mamoru's cap was resizable while Seiya's was a simple one size fits all.
"So, are you going to be nice and give me my hat back?" Mamoru asked, stalking closer.
I backed up. "Think again, buster."
He attempted to grab the cap once again. However, I had anticipated the move and quickly evaded it.
Grinning, I called out for Kioko to make another catch. Figuring it was time to try something new, I faked a throw over Mamoru's shoulder and followed it up with one that went under his arm. He full for it causing me to let out a bright laugh.
Kioko and I pitched the cap back and forth for a while, playing a game of piggy in the middle. Then, Mamoru somehow trapped me against a row of shrubs. He continuously reached out for the cap; so much that it began to overwhelm me.
I hastily made another underarm toss. I guess I released it a little late or a little early, I don't really know which, but either way it never made it to Kioko.
Instead it went up into the air and back over Mamoru's shoulder. I snatched it quickly from the air, but Mamoru didn't see me hide it behind my back. He hadn't even seen me catch it.
He made the cutest sight as he spun around in circles, searching for the desired object. His confused expression did the trick and I broke down in laughter.
My stomach started to ache. Gasping for breath, I held up the cap. Mamoru's eyes widened in surprise.
I smiled before throwing the cap back to Kioko. Then I headed off to help out Yuki who had just called for me.
- - -
"Mamoru-san, help me!" Seiya shouted as Yuki ran off with his hat.
The ebony-haired man groaned. "I've already gotten our caps back seven times and each time you've lost them. You're on your own, man. Wait a second. Who has mine?" He glanced at Kioko and me.
I casually shrugged while pretending to hide something.
"Usa-chan."
"Hai, Mamo-chan?" I asked sweetly.
"Do you have it?"
I shook my head.
"Are you sure?"
I nodded.
He ran around me to check anyway but found nothing.
"The other blonde has it," Seiya announced, capturing Mamoru's attention.
Both of the guys dashed after Yuki with Kioko and I on their heels.
"Help!" Yuki yelled, running around.
"Throw it back!" I shouted.
"I can't! I can't aim!"
"Just throw it hard. I'll run back and get it."
She complied, blindly tossing back the cap like a bride tossing her bouquet on her wedding day. It sailed over my head and landed before I was able to reach it. I raced over to it as fast as possible, barely picking it up ahead of Mamoru.
"Hand it over, Usa-chan," Mamoru ordered with mock sternness.
"Hand what over?" I innocently questioned, stuffing the cap into the front pocket of my light blue sweatshirt.
"You know what."
I took another step back and bumped into yet another bush. I never noticed how many of them were planted around until tonight. Mamoru continued to advance.
I tried to run past him however he caught me up in a hug. His hand reached into my pocked, attempting to regain the cap. I struggled to defend the object despite the warmth I felt from his arms being wrapped around me.
I mentally slapped myself on the head. What the hell was I thinking? I had Seiya, damn it.
Without realizing what was going on, I pulled the cap out of my pocket. Mamoru grabbed it instantly, placed it on his head, and them pulled his sweatshirt's hood over it for protection.
It was obvious to see that I had lost this battle so I took off in hopes of helping Yuki with Seiya's cap. Having lost Mamoru's, it was our last stronghold.
Yuki threw his cap to me the second I appeared. I almost missed it when I snapped out of my daze.
The first thing I noticed was the sly grin on Seiya's face, and then the next thing I knew was that he was tackling me. It wasn't an all out tackle, but it was reinforced by enough force to knock me off my feet. Seiya fell on top of me.
His head was right above mine, a few menial centimeters away. His eyes glazed over slightly. The longer I stared at the, the bigger they got until I finally realized he was moving closer; he was going to kiss me.
Instinctively I panicked though I tried not to show it on the outside. Just as he was about to make contact, I spoke his name somewhat nervously.
He was jolted from his trance. "Hai?"
"You're heavy."
"Oh," he exclaimed, rolling off me. He laughed sheepishly and offered me a hand.
I took it and as I sat up, I saw the girls' wide grins. Then I saw Mamoru standing beside them, stationary. His face was completely black and emotionless. I couldn't tell what he was thinking, but who am I to say.
I can't even tell what I'm feeling.
