Author's note: You have no idea how sorry I am right now. Seriously, I've never felt so guilty in my entire life. Making excuses isn't right, but just to let you know, I had some trouble time in my university. I believe everything goes well from now on. I hadn't stopped writing, though. I just prepare some texts, so I can make another chapters. It's not like I abandoned you or my stories.
As always, I leave you to Chiara and Akashi. I hope you missed a bit :) I'll try to see you as soon as possible, but before that let me know what you think. Lots of kisses!
I came to the practice completely disorientated. Sebastian immediately sensed that something had happened, because he took over the responsibility of warming up for me. I entered the locker's room with the idea of changing clothes, when suddenly someone patted lightly my head. Without saying a word, Paul nuzzled his cheek into my hair and left, smiling encouragingly. I felt better in no time - I just adore them, they understand me so well. I quickly tied my shoes and went to the court, throwing disturbing thoughts away. Akashi had no right to come to the field, in his own body nor in my mind.
"Since you've alredy done the warm up space the mannequins. We will try spins with dribbling. I'd like you to develop your fast reacting skills as soon as possible." I spoke to my players. We barely had anything to improve with my boys, so we centred upon speed, agility and prowess with the smallest use of energy. They had technical elements on the highest level. Besides, natural talent didn't require much effort. They were my own Generation of Miracles.
We've trained for two hours, when finally the coach decided to finish the practice. First years took care of equipment, when Sebastian and I left to a quiet corner. None of us said a word, we only kicked the ball to each other. My vice-captain knew exactly how to deal with me on my silent days. Knowing him, he'll probably come to my house with a big bucket of ice cream, which we will eat, totally forgetting about our diet. Then we will watch some horror, just to feel a bit better. I've been so thankful for him, because he's always there for me, keeping me propped up.
After the practice I took my things and got myself into a limo parked few meters away from the Rakuzan's school gate. I've been asking my father the whole time to let me go by public transport but unavailingly; I can do it only on special cases. Do I have to say that I'm trying to have them as many as possible? Marianna has seen my bad mood, but she didn't comment on it. I know when I want to talk. I'll just come to her, ask for white tea with jam and sob about craving to come back to Italy. Cause even with my perfect life nothing seemed right.
Gradually, I started to familiarize myself with my new role. Akashi turned out to be pretty awesome as a President; not that I ever had a reason to fault him. When I entered the office next day on my desk was a small, glass vase with white tulip in it. I raised my eyebrows surprised; yet, no one knew how and when this flower appeared. I immediately thought about the redhead. Yeah, it was totally his style. Making me feel guilty and then simply jumping out with flowers. He created this picture of a perfect gentleman, as I ended up as a always complaining malcontent. After all I let the flower stay. It was truly beautiful and lightened up a bit the atmosphere in the classroom. I caressed the petals with my fingertips, smiling shyly. He still remembered about my favorite type though. Just like this stranger from White Day in Teikou...
How shocked was I when Akashi didn't make a clean breast of this nice gesture. Right after the Council's meeting I approached him, with a pile of documents in hand, whispering quiet 'thank you'. He looked at me interested, waiting for further explanation. Somehow I stuttered some sentences, but he only chuckled.
"No, Chiara, it is not from me. Although, I am ashamed it was not me who came up with this perfect idea. Should I feel jealous?"
I departed from his table, snorting loudly. Still his words made me wonder. If the flower wasn't from him, then who left it? I left the office, feeling his burning sight.
Two days later I received a cut out from pamphlet poem that I enjoyed. Both paper and envelope were sprayed with male's perfumes. Stranger had to put it between my files, so the scent spread all over the room. Girld from different parts of the Council ran up to me squealing softly and whispering words on envy. There I was, smiling stupidly, not knowing how to answer them. It's been some time since someone made me that happy. The girls were still sitting around me, babbling about everything and nothing when Akashi showed up. He scanned us with his eyes, but when he noticed the letter in my hand, he quickly associated facts. He threw his briefcases on the desk with irritation and sat there, checking his own correspondence. I bit my lip satisfied. Whoever this admirer was, I owed him an enormous debt of gratitude. He got across redhead, something I couldn't do since the beginning of the school year.
The next letter turned out to be an invitation for a meeting. Beautifully calligraphed, with pointed date and place. For the first time I felt ready to go. I repeatedly ignored those things in junior high school, fully aware of the result. In front of my eyes appeared full of complexes boy who cannot speak properly or arrogant preppy. Why did I attracted such hopeless examples? I looked at the book in my hands. Some historical novel, from Francesca's bookshelf. This woman loved romances too much, but she had a reason for that. Watching the cover I automatically imagined my own prince charming on his snow white horse, riding to me in a full armor. He fell at my feet, exhausted with war, but smiling widely. I shook off my childish thoughts and once again checked the date of meeting. I still had two hours to prepare myself mentally.
I fixed my skirt one last time and went to the rooftop. Quite popular place for confessions. How mamy times had I took care of sobbing girls or too carried away boys? This sight made my heart skip a beat. I didn't want any love suiciders. Love is a fatal feeling; it stupefies you, but gives you uncomparable gladfulness. When I finally opened the door I felt a strong blow of the wind. There was no one in my vision, but instinctively I felt somebody's presence. I turned my head only to see pleasantly looking brunet. I came closer as soon as the hesitation disappeared. He departed from the barrier and look at me warmly.
"I apologize for the place choice, but it's one of those where you can talk in peace. You're even more beautiful up close, President."
I laughed lightly upon hearing those words. He had deep voice, not really suiting his look. If I had closed my eyes and heard him first, I'd definitely imagine him as some bulky rugby player.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but no longer a Prez. Nice to meet you,...?" I stretched my arm, waiting for an answer. The guy squeezed it quickly.
"I'm Makoto. The same to you, Chiara. After two years of following you with my eyes I finally have a chance." this time he allowed himself to giggle. We started talking about nothing special, exchanging some information about school life. He seemed to be polite, cause he never cut in on me. He listened absorbed to everything, even if I started wandering off the topic. Suddenly, he moved closer, breaking the distance between us. He did it pretty naturally and only when he leaned to me I felt we were in different position. His hand wrapped around my waist. I stiffed under his touch. Why did it feel out of the place?
"I wouldn't like to disturb this fascinating conversation, but I also don't want to waste your whole evening. At least for today. I've finally manned up, Chiara, cause it's my last year in Rakuzan. It's my last chance to get to know you and maybe make you like me? I believe we'd make a good couple. Vice-president and her boyfriend, sound good, right?"
He immediately lost all the pros he got with the talking. Was it all he cared about? Popularity? Wouldn't it be easier to hook up with a cheerleader? I'm not suitable for a public girlfriend. I slided his hand of my waistline and made two steps back. He looked at me annoyed, as if I destroyed his subtle plan.
"You flatter me, Makoto. I admit, your small gestures fixed my mood incredibly. But I'm sorry, I can't reciprocate your feelings. In spite of appearances, I have a different opinion on that than you. What is more: I'm not looking for someone to espouse myself with. I'm not ready to get involved. That is why I strongly advice you to find another wonderwall. I'm not what you think I am."
His jaw just dropped. I guess no one had ever rejected him before. I will have to precisely scan through third years paper and do a research with my boys. Maybe they will help me find some spicy news? Our eyes were throwing lightnings, until Makoto shook off and stretched out his arms.
"So you think I'm not enough?! What, do I lack much to that Akashi?!" I knitted my eyebrows, surprised with his meaningless argument. What our new President had to do with it?
"I don't understand your anger, Makoto. Just like I don't see the reason for this digression. Why would you want to involve Akashi?" Only hearing his surname made my hands shiver, I hid them in my blazer's pockets. Slightly offending gesture toward my speaker, but I couldn't care less. This conversation had no right to end properly. I left him alone on the rooftop and came back to the office, where my bag waited for me. Averagely satisfied with the meeting I opened the door, just to see the object of misunderstanding with Makoto. Akashi was sitting by his desk, dealing with the papers. The tower of documents prepared to analyze hadn't decreased since the day before. For a second I pitied him. Beginnings are always hard, cause you have to switch. But in a moment I remembered Makoto's creepy slanders. I sighed with resignation and reached for my things. Was supposed to be fine, turned out as always.
"Abortive date?" Akashi asked, putting another paper into the shelf.
"I don't think it should interest you. I wouldn't even call it a date; rather one more try to get famous for no reason. I politely rejected and came here." I answered, shocked with my explanation. He wasn't my father, then why did I feel guilty going to the rooftop?
"You are right, it should not attract my fascination, not a bit. But still, it was a thought that has been on my mind for the whole day. Mind explaining it to me?"
"Well, maybe you have some problems with your head." I growled and left, slamming the door.