Chapter 5

- Oh man, I'm so hungry!

- That's what you always say after a good training, Matsun.

- Matsuoka-san, Yukimura-kun and Haruki-kun, should we go to the canteen after showering? Tachibana is also hungry!

- Sure, Hotaru. Let's meet up at the canteen in fifteen minutes, ok?

- Thank you, Matsuoka-san! Tachibana is off then!

The girl ran into direction of women's showers, while the three of them headed to the opposite side of the building and into the men's baths. They entered the showers and Matsuoka promised himself that as a well-deserved price they should all go to the onsen together one of these days. Speaking of which, the last time they went everything changed for their team. He recalled the day when Hotaru told them that she was a girl. He still couldn't believe that he and Yukki were so blind back then. Now it would have been impossible to mistake her for a boy but back then it was a bit different. Although Midori did figure it out pretty quickly... Thinking about the two of them reminded him of that other thing he still couldn't wrap his mind around. Why did Hotaru kissed Midori back then? What was that all about? He always meant to ask but never got quite the courage to go through with his plan. Nonetheless, seeing the astonishment on the doctor's face was worth the price. Matsun even heard him say 'I totally lost to her', was it really the truth? Leader of Toy Gun Gun had the feeling that ever since then Midori became even more interested in their third player and to be honest he didn't quite know what to think about it. He washed himself and decided to wait for the two other guys in front of the showers. A minute later Yukki emerged and the two of them were now smoking in silence.

- Why is Midori so fixated on Hotaru? Do you know, Yukki? - the black-haired guy didn't seem surprised by the question and instead watched him closely for a couple of minutes.

- Why do you care, Matsun?

- Huh? What do you mean? Of course, I care since it's our Hotaru we are talking about...

- Our Hotaru? You know Matsun, I've been thinking... Hotaru is not a kid any more, you do realize that, don't you?

- Sure, I know that, she will turn eighteen this year but what that has to do with anything?

- Well, she's become a cute girl. Isn't it possible that Midori is interested in her because she's his type? - Yukki replied in a deceptively calm voice but both of them understood that it was just to hide the concern – It's perfectly normal to assume that at some point she will find herself a boyfriend.

- But Midori? I've known him for years and I don't recall seeing him serious about any woman... - Matsuoka said doubtfully.

- Precisely – Yukimura replied letting his last word sink in.

Neither one of them said anything else until Haruki joined in and they went to the canteen.

Hotaru noticed her friends sitting at a table at the far end of the lunch area. She waved at them and took the tray with her portion of food. The weather was really nice so they were planning to go to the lake she discovered later on.

They were half-through with their food when the familiar voice interrupted them:

- Are these sits free?

Next to their table stood Midori, Fujimon, Haruka and Akabane-san. Yukimura's first instinct was to send them all to hell but of course, Hotaru being polite as always replied before anyone of them got the chance to react.

- Sure! Please have a sit, guys. Tachibana is happy to see you.

- You are a polite girl, Hotaru-chan. Which cannot be said about your colleagues – Midori said in a sweet voice taking the sit next to Hotaru. Yukki had a riposte ready but before he could say anything, Hotaru beat him to it again:

- Tachibana-kun's always been thinking that it would be great if we all could spend more time with each other... But for this to work out Midori-san would have to really need to work on his attitude wouldn't he? - she said smiling but there was something in the tone of her voice that almost made it sound like a threat. Everyone gathered at the table held their breaths waiting for what would happen next. The king looked at the young woman sitting next to him purposefully letting the pause drag a bit. His gaze was mindful but somehow undecipherable. She never averted her eyes accepting his challenge.

- You are right, Hotaru – he whispered with amusement leaning close to her – I was out of line. I'm sorry for my attitude guys – he said simply looking at her team-mates before he again turned his full attention to the girl beside him.

- Should we enjoy our meal together, Tachibana-kun? - wind started to become stronger and it played with her golden strands. Even though doctor was already leaning close to her, Hotaru came even closer to him so that they were only several inches apart.

- Sure, Midori-san! Tachibana thinks it will be awesome! - she grinned at him.

It was at that time everyone around them realized that unbeknownst to the rest of them, these two managed to change their sour relationship into one build on mutual respect. And Matsuoka recalled another thing someone said to him in the past... That Hotaru and Midori were somehow similar to one another. Watching her stood up to the king not fearing of reprimanding him in front of everybody and then seeing him agreeing with her judgement made Matsuoka realize that this unlikely pair was a great match for one another. Reluctantly he had to accept that with Midori being so interested in their young team-mate there was no chance that they would have any peace of mind.

After this short stand-off everyone returned to their food and later on started chatting lazily. Although at first it seemed odd, in the end both teams decided to go for the afternoon walk together. Hotaru was leading the way, Akabane-san walking right next to her and all guys behind them.

- Is something of the matter, Akabane-san? - Hotaru asked the woman next to her.

- Hmm?

- You seem to be really quiet today so Tachibana was wondering if everything is alright. Some troubles at work perhaps? - Ichi looked at the blond girl and sighed. It was strange but perhaps she was missing the so-called girly-talk. She knew that the guys could hear them but despite this she still decided to speak up.

- I have a friend whom I was attending the nurse school with and we used to be quite close. Even though we had been working at different hospitals, we managed to meet up for a coffee every so often. Or go for shopping and so on.

- Sounds like a fun – Hotaru smiled reassuringly.

- Hm – Ichi nodded – But recently it seems that I'm unable to get in touch with her. She's always busy with taking care of her son and the last time we managed to meet up, her husband interrupted us after an hour or so...

- Oh, are they newly-weds? Couples tend to be really close shortly after getting married.

- She married him four years ago but that's not the point. I just have a bad feeling about him – they arrived at the lake and now everyone gathered next to the girls but they were simply listening to their conversation trying to guess where it was going.

- A bad feeling? What do you mean exactly, Akabane-san? – Hotaru asked quietly tilting her head to one side and watching Ichi carefully.

- I don't know how to put it into words exactly but my friend used to be cheerful person. She would smile a lot and had tons of energy... You remind me of her a bit Tachibana-kun.

- Really? That's so nice of you to say, Akabane-san – a gentle smile followed by a gesture to continue with the story.

- The last time I saw her she seemed stressed out and although it was hot outside she was wearing long-sleeves. And when her husband found us, for a second she looked as if she was ready to run... I don't know I may be exaggerating but... No I don't know.

Nobody said a word mulling over what Ichi-san had told them. It came to all of them as a surprise that the first one to break the silence was the youngest of them all:

- So you are thinking that he's abusing his wife, aren't you, Akabane-san?

- No, um... Well, I don't have any proof and I'm probably being unfair since she's my only girlfriend so I'm just being jealous...

- Tachibana thinks that you are amazing to say things like this aloud, Akabane-san – the dark-haired woman blushed when she heard these words.

- No, I'm just...

- It takes a lot of strength to be able to admit that you are jealous over someone else – another compassionate smile – But Tachibana knows for a fact that it's really difficult to understand other people's relationships without hearing the full story. Even then, it tends to be complicated. And accusing someone of abuse is not a light matter.

- Yes, you are right... As I said I'm probably exaggerating so I will just leave it at that.

- I don't think you do – Hotaru turned to face all of them and there was something formidable about her standing with her hair loose bathed in the afternoon sun.

- It's your guts telling you this and you are a champion here, Akabane-san. You should trust your own instincts by now. And Tachibana didn't mean to say that you should let it slide. If something terrible is happening to your dear friend you should do whatever you can to help her. Tachibana is just saying that you should be cautious because there's a child involved here.

- You seem to be very knowledgable on the subject, Hotaru-chan – Fujimon put into words what everybody was thinking.

- Oh, that's right! Tachibana never told you guys. My mum is a police officer and she used to work in the domestic violence division when Tachibana was younger. That's where Tachibana gets her knowledge from but it's not like Tachibana is an expert. I can ask mum if she still knows someone whom you could consult with Akabane-san.

- Really? Thank you, Tachibana-kun.

- No need to thank me, it's not a problem. Tachibana will also ask Azusa-sensei as she may know someone as well.

- Azusa-sensei? – Midori-san repeated curiously – Is she perhaps the Azusa-sensei who is a well-known psychiatrist?

- Midori-san knows Azusa-sensei?

- Well, I know of her. She was a professor at my university back when I was a student there. How do you know her, Hotaru-chan?

- Tachibana volunteers at the centre sensei is running. I'm helping kids with homework and teaching them gymnastics.

- What?! Really? That's awesome, Tachibana-kun – Fujimon exclaimed – I didn't know you were good at gymnastics!

- Me neither – Matsuoka-san interrupted coming closer – You never said anything, Hotaru!

- Well, it's not that interesting really... Plus Tachibana stopped training seriously back in the middle-school so is no good at this point.

- Are you kidding me, Tachibana-kun? I could already see ero-manga potential here... Young girl training alone in the evening when a handsome coach comes to scout her... She's wearing shorts and...

- Yukimura-san, don't you dare make Tachibana part of your weird fantasies – Hotaru said slowly.

- What do you mean, Tachibana-kun? You are already part of most of my fantasies. I even made you a heroine of my next manga...

- Yukimura-san! Tachibana swears she's going to hit you!

The two of them kept fighting albeit jokingly. Midori was observing Hotaru from where he was sitting under one of the trees. Her training gymnastics in the past would definitely made sense after what he had seen in the club the other day. The doctor couldn't forget weight of her body on his laps and the feeling of her soft skin below his fingers. 'Such a dangerous kid you are, Hotaru' he thought to himself smiling tenderly.

When they returned from the walk both teams were caught up in the commotion. With all the events of the week, Hotaru totally forgot about the lottery that was supposed to happen today. By the look of things, other players gathered already and were impatiently waiting for Kamenashi-san to draw the lots and announce the results. Midori wasn't particularly interested and it seemed to be true for the rest of them as well with one grand exception. Hotaru was chatting lively with some other players. She then ran back to where all of them were standing.

- Tachibana regrets not submitting my name – she sighed dejectedly.

- Why would you be regretting that? There's no point to this contest other than pleasing Kamenashi-san's weird tastes...

- Why would you say that Haruki-kun? Of course, Tachibana would regret not taking part! It's a great chance to learn something from different players and to socialize...

- I meant to ask but Hotaru you don't really get that TGC is not for socializing, do you? These people are our enemies not friends – Haruki said in a matter-of-factly way.

- Of course, Tachibana understands that! But Tachibana also understands that the word 'enemy' is a really strong one... Other players are our opponents not enemies and I believe it would be awesome to be able to befriend them all.

Their conversation was interrupted by Kamenashi-san starting to read the list with names of pairs that were created. Matsuoka thought to himself that it was really like Hotaru to say what she just said. And yet, at some level she wasn't wrong because year after year they got back from TGC with new friends. The magnet that was drawing all those people in was certainly Hotaru's smile and kind heart. Matsun got so caught up in his thoughts that he nearly missed the names of the last pair that was announced:

- As a senpai from the team Hoshishiro Midori Nagamasa and as his kouhai from the Toy Gun Gun Tachibana Hotaru.

Matsuoka turned rapidly to Midori but what he saw surprised him even more than the words he just heard. The doctor was taken aback same as he was. Then they both looked at Hotaru who seemed startled by the turn of events.

- But I didn't submit my name - she whispered bewildered and looked at both captains for confirmation – Why am I on the list?

As it turned out later that day this question was to become one of the biggest puzzles they ever encountered.

- Well, it's not that bad is it? - Fujimon said hesitantly.

- What do you mean is not that bad? - Yukki growled at him – Your psychotic leader got paired up with our sweet Hotaru and you dare say it's not that bad?!

- No, I mean... Hotaru-chan and Midori-san have a good relationship, shouldn't you all be happy that with this they will get the chance to deepen their bond?

- Stop spouting out such nonsense! What bond are you talking about? Your leader is a sadistic bastard who uses underhanded strategies! How could anyone be happy about this outcome?!

- Cut it out, Yukki.

- What do you mean, Matsun? You ought to be more pissed off at this situation. And Kamenashi even refused our plea to take out their names...

- Getting angry won't change anything at this point and weren't you the one who told us that we shouldn't act like jealous boyfriends? What changed?

- Oi boys, no need to get so worked up over such a small thing – Midori interrupted them entering the main room they were all sitting at.

After the results were made public the doctor and the girl went to discuss this with Kamenashi but he had refused them. At first, Midori wasn't happy about the whole thing mainly because he didn't appreciate being forced into troublesome things like this one. Yet, just two sentences whispered timidly by his young companion and his attitude changed by one hundred and eighty degrees: 'Tachibana is glad to hear that it is you, Midori-san. Let's have fun together'.

- I promise to take a good care of your precious little comrade – he said winking at them.

- Is that so? And do you really think you are able to protect that precious life, Nagamasa? - an unpleasant voice made all of them jump a little. In the door, leaning against the door frame, stood no one else but the infamous captain of Agartha team.

- So it was you who put our names there, Shingen-san. Really, I thought that you would be more mature about settling our score.

- Mature you say? - the older man came closer so that he was now looming over Midori – I wonder if you guys are mature enough and capable of protecting such a fragile soul. It wouldn't be good if your puppy was to be crushed due to your incompetence...

- You... - Matsuoka felt his blood boil but he was caught off-guard when he heard the king's reply:

- If you dare lay a finger on the girl I will annihilate you – he said slowly making sure every word was heard loud and clear. Yukki couldn't believe his own ears at first but one glance at Midori's face and he understood that the doctor was dead-serious about this. Before any of them got a chance to say anything more they were stopped by a familiar hoarse voice that came in from behind Agartha's captain.

- If you have some business with me, Shingen-san, please say so. There's no need to involve other people.

- Oh, someone seems to be a feisty puppy – the man said turning his attention to the teenager behind him. Hotaru stood there, unusually calm, in a tank-top and shorts, with a towel put around her arms and hair loose. The water was dripping from her wet strands and onto the floor. Shingen-san grabbed her cheek to see her face better and probably to scare her a bit but Hotaru didn't even flinch – Such a brave pup but do you know who I am?

- Yes, I do – Hotaru closed her eyes and when she opened them again a fierce steady fire was burning inside – You are a bully who's enjoying hunting down your pray, Shingen-san. But you should be careful or you will bite off more than you can chew – she said coming closer to him. Midori was again amazed by her courage, really, this kid was unbelievable, challenging Agartha's leader who was not only wild and ferocious man on the battlefield but almost two meters tall human being. 'Daring such a beast when you yourself are sweet and tiny creature... How endearing, Hotaru'.

- Anyway, if you have something more to say to me then I will play with you anytime but if that's all then make sure to keep your nonsense restricted to the battlefield. Tachibana doesn't appreciate when someone threatens her friends.

She passed by Shingen-san, grabbing Midori's hand on the go. She then reached for Matsun's and smiled sweetly to both of them.

- Let's go, Yukimura-san, Fujimon-san. Akabane-san and Haruki-kun are waiting for us at the quarters.

She didn't let go of their hands until they put up some distance between themselves and their opponent.

- You really are something else, Hotaru-chan – Midori snickered.

- Tachibana wants to make one thing clear before we meet up with the rest – the four of them were now looking at her curious as to what she wanted to tell them.

- Tachibana can pretty much tell that there's been some bad blood between you and Shingen-san – she paused to look at everyone – But Tachibana is not a kid any more and so doesn't need to be protected. What Tachibana needs is having comrades she can count on and not knights in shining armours.

- But Hotaru...

- Great that you understand – the dangerous gleam in her eyes told them that there wasn't any point in debating her – And now let's just call it a day.