For almost an hour, Kamijou and Fukiyose just sat on the bench in the court while the former's right arm is swung around the shorter-but-not-short lady as they both stare at the starry night. But deep inside, the spiky haired boy was actually having conflicting battles in his heart. On one hand, he wanted to have this done right away and just confess to the Iron Wall Girl (or not really that much) as he was actually very happy that after a while, he finally manages to accept a real and genuine love confession. But on the other hand, it felt so wrong as well. She's Fukiyose and…and…okay, I get it now. I also felt the same thing towards her but there are other things to consider. One, he didn't know what Index would say about this and perhaps, it would actually be awkward for both her and Othinus (who seemed to not even realize what is happening now). Two, team Seirin High School basketball team. Okay, let's face it. Coach wouldn't stop bugging me about it and I'm pretty sure that while Kuroko and Kagami won't probably mind, the rest of the team, especially the seniors would tease me all day. Three, his parents and probably, Fukiyose's parents. I think mom wouldn't mind about our relationship but about her parents. He was shivering just imagining her mom—basically an older version of Fukiyose—and dad are a hundred times more sadistic than the Forehead Deluxe.
Fifth, Misaka Mikoto and his harem, which ironically, he is, even less aware, if anything. I don't know why but I had the feeling that Misaka would zap the senses out of me.
"Hey, what's wrong with you?" Fukiyose snapped him out of his thoughts, "You looked like you got bugged out by some kind of a divine wind."
Oh, Seiri trust me. Once they heard that we are in a relationship, it's gonna be more than just a kamikaze. By "we" he was referring to his four friends with colourful hairs, his team, and basically, everyone who knew him personally. Kamijou then smiles warmly and said, "Uh, is that so? Hmmm…I was just wondering how we can handle our incoming relationship. I mean, you're my first girlfriend and…"
"Actually, I don't know too," Fukiyose just blandly admitted it as the boy was simply aghast. So that was all Spur-in-the-Moment!?"
"But I felt like we'll get the hang of this," the girl added as she brushes her head into the arms of the spiky haired boy, "Just…stop complaining or else, I'll serve you with one of my special German Suplexes intended in totally knocking out a guy for weeks."
Kamijou shivered when he heard the threat from her voice.
Or was that even a threat?
He didn't know if he got totally hooked in basketball and burgers (courtesy of Kagami) but if anything, it looks like the girl besides him is already marking her own territory that is him. Is it, Fukiyose? Kamijou asked himself as he was right now yawning as a sign of fatigue from today's game against Nash Gold Jr.
"It looks like it's getting rather late," Fukiyose whispered as she stands up, "Let's go back together in the apartment complex."
On second thought, let me enjoy this rare moments of her rare other self. Kamijou said inwardly as he smiles and together, they walk back in the apartment complex. While walking, Fukiyose actually has one more thing in her mind as they were currently on the streets.
Now that I have confessed and he has reciprocated positively, should I…transfer…to…to his school as well?
To be clear, Fukiyose didn't hate the certain high school. In fact, she loves the school so much that she never hesitates to become the team mom on a class of misfits. Above all, she displays pride at becoming a member of the high school committee. She once thought that there is no other better school for her and her classmates especially with a teacher like Komoe.
Well…that was until she heard that Kamijou had transferred to the school called Seirin High School.
At first glance, it looks like those of fairly typical schools that are two or three years younger. But the moment Fukiyose has come to at least know more personally their basketball team, she had no choice but to admit that their way of life is more brutal than theirs yet more enjoyable than being around the likes of Tsuchimikado and Aogami.
The first time I met them, they were all very focused in their training like their lifeline depends on it.
Yet, this was the same team which had everyone thinking that it has that vibe of a sit-com. For example, Izuki's puns were hilariously outrageous for Hyuga that the latter ended up threatening to kill him if he doesn't shut his mouth. Even Mitobe not talking as well as Koganei being able to understand him is still a mystery to her. And I don't even get started with Kuroko's near invisibility and that Kagami's eating ability.
In some ways, it's very appealing to her.
Overall, she liked what she saw at the time. When she was there experiencing their childish actions and behavior, she felt comfortable and could not refrain from smiling.
Warmth.
That was how she described the atmosphere around Seirin, and it was one she suddenly felt a craving for once again.
I wonder what they're doing right now. Maybe practicing? Yet while she thought that, all she could imagine was them practically playing around on-court as the boy beside him isn't present there in Japan. He was, after all, a third important cog in the team like Kuroko and Kagami. After her school had lost to Seirin in the practice match, Fukiyose can't help but spent some of her free time observing Seirin in practice (although Kumokawa could say it was to get close to Kamijou). She noticed how Kiyoshi always reminds their younger big men to get into position and repeat what he demonstrates to them. She always sees how Hyuga always reprimands and then raises up their detached and tired rookies into getting their asses back into their drills. She was a very stern one herself (and that's pretty obvious) but even she didn't know if she can even match the fiery clutch captain's persona.
Yet although she witnessed the passion they put into their drills, she also took note of light atmosphere in the room. Almost as if they were practically playing around. They made entertainment out of the practices they held, as if they were fooling around in an arcade.
Compared to schools like Tokiwadai, who took Esper growth too seriously, Seirin's practice environment seemed less intense. Though Fukiyose did not doubt for a second the devotion and conviction Seirin had.
I guess it's just an effect from the friendly atmosphere….I like it…I want it…
"Touma! Where the hell did you two went?!"
Her thoughts were snapped out of her as she can hear Index's voice booming out of nowhere. Ah, this means we have reached the apartment complex. The two then saw the silver-haired nun and Himegami already waiting anxiously in the entrance of the whole unit as they were nearing the whole area.
"Seiri, Kamijou-kun, where have you been?" the Deep Blood said in both worry and curiosity as she didn't think that they would just ran off to some random place without informing them, "It's almost eleven and we have been frantically searching for the two of you somewhere."
"Ah…this baka just hurt his leg and I have to nurse him back to health for that long," Fukiyose immediately interjected as Kamijou somewhat heaved a sigh. I'm not prepared to tell them about her confession.
As the two simply nodded after seeing the medicine kit of the Forehead Deluxe, the two then followed Index and Himegami inside. As they are all preparing to sleep, Kamijou whispered something to the girl, "You know, I'm sorry but I'm not even prepared to tell them about our relationship."
"Then we'll reveal it when it's official."
That's kinda vague. The boy said as he eventually enters his bedroom, just in time to see Othinus complaining about the loss of quality time for them. But as he lays on his bed, he then groans. Shit, it's more than a week before I get to finish my training here in America.
#
For the rest of the week, Kamijou had his intensive training with Alex Garcia at a nearby basketball gym together with his locally-based teammates. The blonde coach has drilled him with the same techniques and scientific basketball that he had taught to Kagami and Himuro when they are still living in Los Angeles. At first, the boy was having a hard time adjusting the Alex's training menu as it was as hellish as Coach Shirogane's practice regime. After having a warmup of a hundred laps in the seashore, he was ordered to report immediately to the school grounds where he was subjected to another round of scrimmages and torturous exercises. Nevertheless, the boy gladly accepted it as he knew it's the only way to learn high-level basketball. As they say, no pain, no gain.
Back in Japan, things were also getting heated. The Seirin regulars are by no means getting mercilessly slaughtered in their own training regimes which is mostly formulated by none other than Aida's father, whose notoriety when it comes to taking care of his lone daughter is quite known among the players. 'Shit, there must be an ulterior motive as to why he is doing this to us.' Hyuga once thought to himself as he watched his fellow seniors and their juniors drop one by one on the cold, hardwood floor after another round of laps that they had to do after finishing their drills.
The captain looked at Kagami, whose body looked like a zombie that dragged itself on the bench as he was looking for his water bottle to drink on. Not surprising. Everyone here looks dead. The clutch captain said to himself as he watches Kiyoshi lie on the floor as he was taking a breather, Izuki not even having the strength to even talk about his puns and Mitobe having to hold up himself so that he won't even fall over in his place. Now that I think of it, where's Kuroko? As if it answered his question, he spotted a mop of light blue hair that is currently made haggard with cold sweat. Squinting smaller his eyes, he then saw the motionless body of Kuroko lying down on the floor with his face lying flatly.
Yep, he's dead.
It didn't also help that yesterday, Misaka Mikoto had just shown her face again in their basketball gymnasium.
Seemingly having a lot on her plate lately (such as having to deal with her kouhai in Shirai as well as their dorm headmaster resident), Misaka must have thought to take out her pent-up frustrations on the 'idiot' that she had ever known for so long and off she went outside of her school one afternoon to take a cab outside of Academy City. It's a good thing that they were dismissed quite early and Shirai had some duties to do in Judgement. I can relax for now. While he was at the taxi, Misaka was thinking how she will make her day with the spiky haired boy. Should I treat him with food? Should I buy him basketball-related stuff? Should I…Should I…
Unfortunately for her, Seirin High School's basketball team were practicing without the boy that she sought out.
The moment Misaka simply pushed off the doors of the gymnasium, Kuroko's dog Nigou began to bark as if signalling the arrival of the Level Five Railgun. "Good afternoon. Where's that idiot?" Misaka wasted no breath asking for the spiky haired boy as everyone simply stopped for the moment to stare at her. The Tokiwadai ace swore she just saw Hyuga sigh with slight irritation as he seemed to be pretty much whispering some words to Kiyoshi, who simply kept a deadpan face. Asahina, despite feeling the air suddenly grew colder from the tension, also blankly looked at the electro princess before he swiftly turns his head towards Yagi. It was implied that they are already used to her incurring visits she does and that they felt no need to reply to her.
Now, Misaka was somewhat annoyed that she was only snubbed by these people but she kept her cool. It's not like I would gain something by using my powers here. Besides, I already got a warning and I can't attract more unwanted attention. She then sharpened her vision as she scans the whole area. Kuroko's cousin is there practicing like his life depends on it. His other friend who is a fellow idiot with red hair and tall body is also there grinning like some kind of a moron. His seniors are also here as well as their two touted rookies. Wait, something is wrong with this picture.
If they are all there, then where is Kamijou Touma?
Normally, he would have spotted the guy doing the following: talking casually with Kuroko and Kagami; practicing with the seniors or talking with their coach; teaching their rookies; practising his skills or; simply sitting down on the bench drinking his sports bottle. But today, he isn't simply found anywhere in the gym.
Or more likely, where the hell is he?!
Luckily for her, Kuroko and Kagami were just nearby on her spot and she heard them clearly, "Hey, how do you think Kamijou is doing in America? It'll be some five more days before he eventually returns home here in Japan." Kagami asked as he gives a cold drink to the tealnette, who seemed readily get it.
"I'm pretty sure he's doing just fine there, Kagami-kun." Kuroko replied with his usual deadpan expression. "All of us have faith in him and his abilities so I'm sure he'll go back here stronger than ever. In fact, I won't be surprised if his capabilities would go up above and beyond. And considering that we had to face Aomine-kun and the others after the Olympics concludes, I think that's good news for this team."
Misaka didn't pay attention to the skill of the spiky haired boy but rather…his training in America today? How come I didn't know that?!
"Will you repeat that again for me?!" She suddenly shouted rudely at Kuroko, who almost spitted his drink at shock.
"Hey, have some manners, you spoiled brat!" Kagami yelled at the Railgun, who merely got annoyed as she was suppressing her urge to use her Railgun.
"Kagami-kun, Misaka-san, calm down. There is no reason to fight." Kuroko intervened. "By the way, to answer your incoming question Misaka-san, Kamijou-kun is not here because he is in America right now to train under a basketball coach. Does that answer your question?"
Misaka stopped right there as Kuroko simply looked at her with a deadpan stare. How come I didn't know that? She had long accepted that the boy is now overly concerned when it comes to basketball, Index, Kuroko, or even Kagami. But at the very least, something as trivial as this one must be first known by her.
"By the way, why the hell are you finding Kamijou?" Kagami asked as he finishes his bottle of Gatorade, "It's not like you would die or something if you don't know where he is."
"That's because I'm worried that the idiot might get into another trouble or something." Misaka replied as she crosses her arms.
"I…I see…" Kagami replied as he then remembers something. For some reasons, this reminds me of Akashi and his overly-caring attitude. Another reason why the red head didn't say anything more is because he didn't want to challenge the Esper power of the Level 5. Goodness. I still have a lot of years to live in and I'm too young to die in this spot.
"Misaka-san, why don't you just sit down in the bleachers while you observe our team practice?" Kuroko offered an olive branch to Misaka, "Since you're here anyway, I'm pretty sure you would waste your time in finding Kamijou-kun who's not here at the moment and since you might be planning to study here in Seirin, I suggest you get to know people other than him or the two of us."
"H-Hey…how did you know that…" Misaka then covered her mouth in slight shock and anger towards herself for saying too much. Crap! Why did I let my tongue say something that should be a secret?! Controlling herself as her cheeks become rosy pink, she replied. "How come you were able to say something quite outrageous there?"
"It's pretty much obvious, Misaka-san." Kuroko deadpanned, "Besides, you've been visiting here by yourself frequently and the fact that I saw you one time in our school's registration office means you've been planning this all the time."
This Kuroko guy is smarter that I credit him for. The Tokiwadai ace sighed mentally as she stopped trying to prove the tealnette wrong. Perhaps, Kuroko should learn a few tricks from this guy as she was being too much obvious with the way she gropes at me. After a few more minutes, Kuroko then spoke again. "Do you want to come with us at Maji Burger later in the afternoon?"
"Hah?" Misaka stared at the tealnette. "Don't tell me…"
"Its fine, Misaka-san," Kuroko replied as he and Kagami stands up from the bench, "Besides, for someone who plans to study here in our school, it's best if we show them one of Seirin's best sports program." After muttering those words, he and the taller ace then went back to the court as Misaka simply watches them do so as she found herself sitting on the floor. To be honest, she wasn't really planning anything at all aside from finding Kamijou in Seirin and, as Kuroko said, to try to gain a proper entrance in Seirin High School but then, she was offered to watch them and even eat out with them. It would be a waste if I do not accept it. Misaka mused at the idea. Maybe I can take this opportunity to learn and know closely his friends here.
As she sits down like a nice toddler, she observes how Seirin conducts its training. "You're doing it wrong, Yagi!" Kiyoshi corrected the person in front of him as he teaches him how to use his body more effectively in the post. "Lower your hips more! Lower it!" He explains as he had the timid big man versing him backwards as the latter grabs the ball to try and push the third year Uncrowned King out of his comfort zone—to no avail. Meanwhile, Hyuga and Izuki are busy leading a group of rookie guys jogging around the court as they all pass basketballs to each other. It's probably to improve their agility and reaction-timing. Misaka thought as her gaze now focused on the second year duo of Kuroko and Kagami, who were busy passing to each other before Kagami scores a lane up dunk.
"Amazing…" Misaka gasped to herself as she watches Shirai's cousin display his flashy passes and the smarts of a real court general (though he is technically positionless) as he guides the ball towards Kagami's hands. After that, the two proceeded to do some shooting drills, with Kuroko going into his Phantom Shot, which had slightly improved like his Ignite Pass Kai considering that he can now shoot in the three point line.
"Heh! Kuroko, your shots still suck!" Kagami mocked him slightly.
"Shut up, Kagami-kun. At least, I don't miss my shots in the three-point line." Kuroko was slightly annoyed. "And Aomine-kun said that it's fine as long as it goes in?"
"You still believe at what that dumbass Ahomine says?"
"He's smart when it comes to basketball, Kagami-kun. I do hope you keep that in mind."
"Sh-Shut up! Why don't we have a contest?"
"It would be more fun if Kamijou-kun is here. He would have beaten you in shooting contest."
Kagami twitched at that, "I'm still the ace here, you know!"
As Kuroko and Kagami continued to bicker, Misaka watched and listened to them. That idiot might not look very impressive but I think Kuroko-senpai's right. She had already witnessed him battle Himuro in that street court on the very first day that she went to Seirin together with Shirai and their two other friends as well as the practice match between Kamijou's former school and his present school. She wasn't underestimating Kagami by any means but skill-wise, the spiky haired boy could have been slightly better than the red haired ace if he was a few inches taller. As for Kuroko, Misaka found out that it was pointless to compare him and Kamijou since the former's skill is a bit different, almost borderline illogical in the basketball world. In sharp contrast, Kamijou's skill is in the grey area between those who are orthodox and loyal to the basics and those who play streetball and other tricky forms of basketball. And since when did I became a basketball enthusiast to understand that?
Prrrrrt!
She was snapped out of her thoughts by the sound of the whistle being blown by Aida who was by Kagetora in his side. "Listen boys!" The brunette coach said as everyone stopped and gathered. "That's enough for today! See you all tomorrow!"
"Hai!" All the boys answered simultaneously before they all separated.
In a few minutes, Kuroko and Kagami are already changed and were in front of Misaka, who was quite surprised. "So I'm invited after all?"
"Well…kinda…" Kagami scratched his head while looking away. "If Kuroko says so, then I won't oppose it though…" He made a priceless reaction.
Before Misaka can say something, Kuroko cuts in and says, "Now that everyone is ready to go, we can now leave."
In a few minutes, the three people is now walking in the streets in peace.
Or rather, in awkward silence.
If it was that idiot, I won't have a hard time. Misaka thought as she observes the tense air surrounding her, Kuroko, and Kagami. It's not that's she didn't like to be around people whom she didn't know that personally but considering the gap in their ages as well as how opposite their manners is, the Railgun doubts she could be friends or at least in good terms with the two friends of his male close friend—that is, Kamijou.
"So, Kagami-kun," Finally, Kuroko decided to say something to break the ice, "Did you happen to hear the meeting of the senpais?"
"Oh…are you pertaining to that position change?" Kagami looked at him with a hint of seriousness.
"Hai. I think that after the Olympics, captain and coach decided to have a change in our positions and leadership." The tealnette confirmed as he looks away. "Which means that this coming September, we would have a new captain right by then. The third years would still play but because of their incoming tests for college, I don't think they'll be able to concentrate much in our practices which is why coach must have decided to appoint the new captain and vice-captain already. Actually, they already have someone in their mind."
"Woah. Seriously?" Kagami asked in surprise.
"But I don't know who it is. It looks like they want to surprise us." Kuroko replied as he thought something else. To be honest, I don't see anyone in our batch that could be a shoo-in as captain. I'm nowhere near as good as Aomine-kun and the rest and Kagami-kun, as much as he was the powerhouse of the team, needed someone to guide him correctly as he is too stupid to think for himself. Kamijou-kun could be one but considering that he bemoans his so-called misfortune, I don't think he'll accept such position easily. Furihata-kun and the other three are simply too soft for the captainship. Now this is getting me all the more curious.
"Then why don't they just say it aloud and just tell to everyone that the idiot would be the captain?" Suddenly, Misaka felt like he was being left out of the conversation and so, she decided to remind the two of her actual presence.
"Sorry, Misaka-san but that's not how it works on our team." Kuroko answered as they are now nearing the Maji Burger building. "Whatever their decision is, they would still talk it over and over until the final decision is made. And what made you say it's Kamijou-kun who's going to be the captain? Are you some kind of a seer?"
"W-Well…" Now, Misaka realized she talk way too irresponsibly, "It's just that he had the skill and the strength…"
"I see." Kuroko nodded as he didn't let Misaka finish her statement, "Well, I won't be betting based on that assumption but I still would respect our seniors' decision. Right, Kagami-kun?"
"Wha—ah, yes Kuroko. Any good captain is an okay from me." Kagami spaced out a little, "Though it would be better if I would be—"
"I respect you as the ace Kagami-kun but I can't find anything good to say about you becoming the captain." Kuroko bluntly said.
"Oi!"
#
After staying a week and four days in the land called America, Kamijou, Fukiyose, Himegami, and Index (as well as Othinus, who was again stuffed in the male's pocket) can finally bade a good bye from this place. "Man, I wanted to go home already!" The spiky haired boy said as he was packing up his things into his luggage. "I just miss my own real bed!"
"That goes for all of us." Fukiyose replied as she was already finished in packing her belongings. "By the way, Aisa, are you feeling alright?"
"Uhm…yes. I'm perfectly fine." Himegami replied timidly as she was also waiting for the spiky haired boy to pack his belongings.
But inwardly, she wasn't really fine. In fact, you can tell she was burning with both curiosity and slight jealousy inside her heart.
Ever since the night when Nash Gold Jr. and Kamijou Touma had faced off in that one-on-one match, Himegami was feeling that something was off. And that was the night that Seiri had to tend to Kamijou-kun's cramp injury. Did something happened between the two of them? Now that she began to think of it, she noticed that the Forehead Deluxe and the Seirin ace have been interacting with one another much intimately. If she didn't know that much, she would have guessed it's just a normal friendship between the two of them much like how she and Fukiyose are being so close to each other. But no, this is entirely different.
Since when did Seiri began to massage him so smoothly and efficiently?
Since when did they begin to exchange water bottles without any shame? I can't imagine Kamijou-kun nor Seiri do that!
Since when did she become so secretive even if she tries so hard not to keep it?
Since when did Kamijou-kun became so comfortable with her advances!? He's usually getting flustered with all of it!
Okay, I'm getting paranoid about it! I need to calm down!
She then hears that Kamijou has just finished fixing his belongings and that they are ready to go now. As they were now walking down on the apartment complex, she can't help but think again about the events about last night inside the bedroom of the spiky haired boy. Did they do something again last night? Did they finally became a thing? She thought of it all over again as they had all their things and luggage brought into the van before they hop in for the ride into the Los Angeles International Airport.
As they finally were sitting comfortably in their seats, she began to let her mind float away from reality as she currently revisits what happened last night.
"Hey, Touma?! What happened to you again?" An agitated Index was currently shouting at his partner as Kamijou returned home to their apartment complex while seemingly limping his way. It was his last day of heavy basketball training and from the looks of it, he seemed to have a rough time again as he didn't even eat lunch all day long and he only consumed amounts of energy bars and sports drinks all day.
"Ah…I was too engrossed in our game that I even forgot to eat," The boy sheepishly said as he then removes his basketball socks carefully and set them aside. Suddenly, he winced in pain as he holds onto his right leg immediately.
"Did you get your leg injured again, Kamijou-kun?" Himegami, who just came out from their sleeping quarters, said as she watches the boy stretching his right leg.
"Not injured in a sense that it's a sprain." Kamijou replied as he makes a DIY massage on his calf. "Most probably just some fatigue that extended all the way into my legs. I'll be sure to be able to recover in time. Ouch!" He winced some more as he then stretches his legs more. Just then, Fukiyose who is holding a white cloth and a basin filled with warm water suddenly appeared from the kitchen as she joins the group.
"I suspect you overworked yourself." The (not so) Iron Wall Girl sighed so disappointingly as she knelt down to his leg. "Just don't move. I'll do something to relieve you of pain." She then soaks the cloth with warm water in the basin and began to apply warm press on the legs of the boy as she gently massages it. After a few minutes, she suddenly spoke.
"I need to speak to you later, Touma. It's very important." Fukiyose quickly said before separating herself from the group and going back to the kitchen. Kamijou raised his eyes at what she said while Himegami was a bit curious as to what she wanted to say. After that, they all gathered in the kitchen to eat their dinner.
After eating dinner, Himegami immediately went back to their room as she knew it would be their last night here in Los Angeles so she decided to pack up her belongings now while it's early yet. She can hear Sphynx suddenly being fed by the spiky haired boy while Index was busy helping Fukiyose clean the plates.
Finally, everyone was prepared to sleep to their beds and Himegami was about to lie in her soft mattress. She was a bit exhausted for the day after enjoying much of their last day in Los Angeles going outside of their apartment complex and enjoying the view on the beach. Suddenly, the door opened and for the moment, she thought it was her best friend who just finished taking a shower. But to her surprise, it was Index.
"Waaaaah! I don't want to sleep here!" The nun suddenly complained as she goes inside with her usual sleeping pajamas as well as Sphynx, whom she carries inside the room.
"Then don't sleep here." Himegami bluntly stated, "And what are you even doing here, Index-san? This is our room."
"But, Fukiyose kicked me out of our own room!" The silver haired nun blurted out as she props herself into the busty girl's real bed.
"Come again?"
"Touma's leg is hurting again and I don't know what to do!" Index explained as she lies in new bed for their last night and she plays with the Calico kitten, "Fortunately, Fukiyose knows what to do so she's the one who treats Touma's leg. But since it looks like it won't heal overnight, she offered to look after him for the whole night instead of letting myself get worn out. In exchange, we switched rooms." She's suddenly beaming widely.
"Index-san, aren't you actually being worried?" Himegami cannot help but suddenly feel her stomach churn very painfully.
"Why should I be worried?" For someone who gets angry whenever Touma is with another girl, Index seemed pretty unaware of what is actually happening as she goes off to snore and sleep soundly. Himegami only looked at the nun with a stoic expression before she slept herself
"Seiri. Seiri." Himegami suddenly called out to a sleeping Fukiyose. The latter responded by waking up from her slumber and quickly shot her a look laced with worry and concern. "So, what is it you wanted to talk to me about, Aisa?" The Forehead Delux inquired as she noticed that something seems to be weighing on her best friend's mind, as, from experience, she was usually not one to refrain from questioning or speaking her mind despite her timidness and silent persona. At the moment, she seemed unnaturally silent for her own good and withdrawn, yet he made no push for a reason or explanation.
After a pause, in which it seemed she was gathering her courage to face some herculean task, Himegami spoke up: "Seiri…did something happened between you and Kamijou-kun?" She was careful not to be loud as the spiky haired boy is just in front sleeping beside Eddy, who is driving the car. Alex was already in the airport so she's not with them at the moment. Index was asleep as well on the back.
Suddenly feeling a realization as her eyes widens with every second passing, the busty girl seemed to be hesitant to reply at first. So did I hit the bulls eye, Seiri? Did something really happen between the two of you? Himegami narrowed her eyes she waits for her friend's reply. Finally, Fukiyose replies, "To tell you honestly, me and Touma has started to be in a relationship." The Iron Wall Girl decided to come up clean, knowing that it is pointless to deny something that is inevitable. After all, why would she even keep things from her own best friend?
"I…I…I see…" Himegami stuttered the moment she finally hear what she was dreading for the long time. I see now. You have won. Simple as that. Life really is very unfair to me. But what can I do? If it does makes Kamijou-kun happy, then I should be happy for him as well. "So who confessed to whom? I'm surprised Kamijou-kun finally ended up with the Seiri route after opening up a lot of flags."
Pausing to frame her response appropriately, Fukiyose stated: "The truth is, I'm the first one to confess at him. It happened the very same day he foolishly accepted that one-on-one game against that Nash Gold guy. That night, I finally gathered up the courage to tell it to him how much I felt about him. We finally understood each other since then."
Himegami still seemed tense as if whatever is bothering her still has a grip on her mind. Instinctively, Fukiyose put her initial question back to her: "Why did you suddenly asked something like that?"
There was a pause of a few seconds before Himegami turned to face Fukiyose, her eyes seemed clouded and unfocused. Finally, she spoke, seemingly hesitant, "Seiri…good luck then. The truth is…I…I kind of want to tell to Kamijou-kun about my feelings too…" She paused after her statement, but the Forehead Deluxe refrained from saying anything at that moment as she finally remembers and realizes why the Deep Blood user began to open up such things.
Eventually, Himegami went on: "It's a fact that I and Kamijou-kun don't interact much outside of class, but then, I was in some strange circumstances where I found myself in precarious situations and Kamijou-kun always comes on time to bail me out." She was referring to the incident with Aureolus Izzard and the Stab Sword chase with Oriana Thomson. "In fact, I was very grateful for what he did in those times. But then…I was too shy to even ask him out for a date as a sign of token."
It was at that moment Fukiyose chose to speak up: "I'm sorry to hear those, Aisa. Maybe I should…"
"No, Seiri. Kamijou-kun seemed pretty happy about it." Himegami replied, a hint of bitterness creeping into her voice. Fukiyose felt an uneasy feeling in her gut, as if in some inexplicable way, she was also feeling the pain and regret presently clawing away at her best friend's mind and heart.
After probably half a minute, Himegami spoke again, turning her face away from Touma, yet speaking clearly enough for him to hear: "Just promise me that you'll take care Kamijou-kun for me. He pretty much suffered a lot already when we were all just freshmen in Academy City."
After a further pause, Fukiyose turned to face Himegami once more, before resuming: "I promise you. I won't let him suffer anymore." She smiles genuinely.
Himegami paused to look directly at Fukiyose at that moment in her brown eyes. Her facial expression and posture was for the most part neutral, but her eyes were staring almost piercingly at her, almost as if he were seeing through her skin, flesh and even bones, right into her soul. It was at that point that Himegami spoke again, her voice soft but clear as day, "Seirin High School is a pretty much good school, neh Seiri? Their basketball team. You wouldn't think that they are taking their practice seriously but they would surprise you with their passion and to put it bluntly, brusque for the sport. It was also the same team that Kamijou-kun ultimately met his fated trio in Kuroko-san and Kagami-san. They're all good friends despite the taller guy looking like an idiot. I wonder…what if one of these days, we all transfer to Seirin High? It might be better for my well-being than being stuck in a place where one's potential to become an Esper might not even have a one per cent chance of happening."
Fukiyose gasped as she was quite surprised at what Himegami said. I just thought almost the same things
"Thanks for supporting our relationship, Aisa." stated Seiri. "Getting straight to the point, I actually toyed around the idea of wanting to transfer schools especially since I myself realized that I must have hit a wall after that so-called Parameter List was leaked out. For the first time on my life, I was contemplating whether studying in Academy City was even worth it at all."
There were a few nigh-deafening moments of silence after that revelation, after which Himegami replied, "But certainly, you didn't regret is at all. You won't meet Kamijou-kun and me if you didn't go and study in Academy City."
"On second thought, maybe it was worth it." Fukiyose took back her words. "By the way, I ask that you keep our relationship to yourself for the moment. He might not be able to receive the backlash yet and I don't like seeing him being bugged by his own team." Well, Kuroko and Kagami won't mind…right?
"So did you kissed each other in the lips?" Himegami asked curiously.
For the moment, Fukiyose felt flustered as she realized how the two of them shared a warm and genuine kiss that night and just remembering it makes her feel lightheaded and very soft on her own legs. Nevertheless, she nodded with a low. "Yes. That was our very first kisses." Though technically, it might be hers only if a certain Mental Out's kiss on the forehead is counted.
"Very well, Seiri. Congratulations on the two of you becoming a couple, whether it is official or not." Himegami felt compelled and honoured at the same time to be the first one to know the real deal between the two. "Though I was just thinking, how would he handle it when your two families as well as Seirin's team and Komoe-sensei would get a word of it?" She can imagine the pinkette homeroom teacher suddenly crying in tears of joy that her two students have become mature couples and that they would end up building their own families, an idea shared by Seirin's coach and seniors.
"I don't know. But we'll look forward to it." Fukiyose replied as she lets out a happy facial reaction that completely opposite of the usual façade she usually displays to not let anyone know how soft she can be deep inside.
Himegami nods before suddenly saying something. "Seiri…may I request something? Can I sit beside Kamijou-kun when we finally board the plane?"
The girl with large bosom seemed to give her the consent.
A few hours later, the three Japanese teens plus their English nun companion were finally off to Narita International Airport as the plane launches off the tarmac of California. Before they left, Alex gave them huge packs of imported chocolates and shampoo, saying that she'll never forget them and that they should come back again in the near future. Kamijou seemed pretty impatient to go back to the Land of the Rising Sun as he simply nods while yawning and then he had Index carry the chocolates for him, saying that she'll end up eating all of them anyway and that they are no more space in their luggage so she might as well carry all of them and eat it right away. The nun didn't even complain as she happily munches them off in plane.
Now, they are all seated comfortably in the business-class seats as Fukiyose and Index are seated together while the spiky haired boy and Himegami are seated together in front of them. The boy raised his eyebrows at this and quickly glanced at Fukiyose, asking for some sort of an explanation but the latter simply motioned him to shut up and just deal with it for now. Sighing, he then decided seat comfortably for now as he knew it would be another eleven-hour travel time before they reach their native land. But first things first, I'll have to report back to practice in Seirin. I just wonder how the national team is doing while I'm away.
"Kamijou-kun?"
"Ah yes, Himegami. What's that?" Kamijou decided to not beat around the bush and quickly asked her. It's not that he hated her presence around but he was just curious as to why it was now Himegami who was seating besides him when his unofficial girlfriend is present.
"I heard that you and Seiri has entered into a relationship." The Deep Blood user said tonelessly.
"Ah, so Seiri told you." Kamijou replied, not certain where this conversation is going, "Well, we're not really official yet since our families had to know this yet but you might as well count it as the girlfriend-boyfriend thing." He sighed, thinking if his bad luck is turning into some kind of an omen. "Though I'm still in the midst of preparing myself for that responsibility since I'm a very unlucky person and I don't want her to be involved in something that can kill me anytime and at any given moment."
"I see." The Gemstone approved their relationship and then said. "Take care of my best friend, then. Help her build a family and have lots of children…"
"Oi, oi! What's with the messed-up expectations from me?!" Kamijou simply was taken aback by what Himegami is saying, "I wasn't even thinking of those things yet because who knows what my luck is in store for me!" And if ever that's bound to happen, I don't want to jinx it!
"Kamijou-kun." Himegami simply ignored Kamijou's last sentence and then earnestly said something. "Can-can you call me by my given name as well? I want to call you Touma as well since we're friends."
"Oh…" The boy wasn't expecting this at all. "Th-then I don't find anything wrong with your request. So I should call you Aisa-kun, then."
"Aisa." Himegami stubbornly insisted.
"Ok, Aisa. You win." Kamijou said, not wanting to go and argue with someone endlessly as he just wanted to really go home and that would mean enduring another eleven-hour trip.
#
At eleven hours, the flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Tokyo, Japan was just so long. Way too long. Everyone was at their limit as Kamijou can feel his legs beginning to stiffen and seemingly get sore from ironically not even moving at all. By the time the airplane had finally landed in Narita International Airport, they were all grouchy, jetlagged, and utterly wanting to just stretch their legs. But on the other hand, they all felt like they have reached the paradise as they were finally back into the place and scene that they are more familiar to. Himegami felt like she can praise God with all the Gospel songs that she knew as she would be able to sleep again in her own bedroom in the dorms. Kamijou is busy helping Fukiyose get all her personal things as they stood up. In just one week, the trip and training in California had helped the two (and to some extent, Himegami) finally come to terms with their misunderstandings and their past selves and right now, they are going back to Japan not only as friends and former classmates but as lovers already—a strange love, that is.
By the time they got out of the plane, Fukiyose can feel the cold winds of the nights of TOkyo breezing past her as she hugs herself to keep herself warm. She then looked at a giant clock in a tower and it read, "1:00 AM, Japan Time."
"For some reason, I'm feeling some déjà vu here." The spiky haired boy commented as he and Index were now finding some cab to ride them at home. "So it's early in the morning of here, technically," Kamijou whispered to himself as he was able to stretch his legs after seating in the plane for eleven hours doing nothing but to wait. As the group of four (or five if Othinus, who's stuffed in Kamijou's pocket at the moment, is included) finally retrieves their belongings after they were scanned in the airport's x-ray scanners, the spiky haired boy and his partner (and now sister-figure) in Index are now ready to go home and so are the two girls.
"Tomorrow is Thursday, which means next week would be start of the summer vacation." Fukiyose tiredly said as she's already sleepy. "We would be fine in catching up with our school works but what about you?"
"Kuroko got me covered in that." The boy simply said as he was confident he can make up for lost time. "There's no way I would fail since I at least know that is a minimum requirement to be able to play."
"Good to know that you're good-for-nothing brain was able to remember that." Fukiyose teased him as they both went on their own way as they were able to find a bus towards Academy City. Kamijou meanwhile just stood there stupidly. Eh? Is that how you treat your boyfriend, Fukiyose-sama?
Nevertheless, the next day, Kamijou woke up from his bed like the usual routine before he went to Los Angeles. "It's like nothing has even changed. Not even my luck." The boy yawned as he stretches his arms from his bed. Seeing that Index and Othinus is still asleep, he checks the time and sees that it's just 5 am. That's three hours before class starts. Standing up from his bed, he then grabbed his ball and quickly went down, still in his pajamas. As he passes by the kitchen, he then saw his father reading his newspaper and his mother cooking their breakfast. "Good morning, Touma." Touya greeted as he quickly puts down the newspaper upon seeing his son standing in the kitchen. "It seems like you're up and early. How's Los Angeles? I wasn't able to ask you last night because you're a bit tired from the travel."
"It was just fine, dad." Kamijou replied nonchalantly as he was about to exit the door. "It was basically all-training-and-no-rest. But it's fine. I'm used to it by now." He then went outside of the house and seeing that Kuroko might still be asleep as the latter wasn't even outside of their house, the spiky haired boy then hurried to their nearest street court and once he got there, he began to play against his imaginary defenders. Applying what he learned back in America, Kamijou quickly backed against the basket and made a quick below-the-legs dribble before turning around and making a shot. After a few more minutes, he was sweating so he decided to sit for a while and rest. As he was sitting, he then thought of something. Now that I have to catch up to my classes, I think it would be best if I can go to school earlier so I can borrow some notes from Hayashi. He then got up and went back to his house. An hour later, he already left his house, carrying his sports duffel bag and his Kobe sneakers.
Once he reached school by himself, he immediately went straight to his classroom and to his surprise, he saw Hayashi simply sitting there. It looks like she's an early bird as well. Walking up to the red-head lady, he took her by surprise, "Hey, Hayashi. Good morning." He smiled as he was hoping to borrow some notes.
"Oh…Kamijou-kun! You're back!" The vice-captain of the Seirin cheering squad exclaimed happily, "I heard you were having your training in America. How did it go? How did you fare against those American guys?"
"It was fine, I guess." The spiky haired boy said as he scratches his head, quite anticipating this welcoming greeting from his classmate. "It was not much different from here except for their heights. By the way, can I borrow your notes? I wanted to make up for the time that is lost when I was gone so I really need to copy some of our topics right now."
"Sure, Kamijou-kun." Hayashi smiled as she takes out her notebooks from her bag and handed them down to the boy, "Just make sure to return them before classes starts." Kamijou nodded and quickly sat down immediately to copy every note that he can. He was very lucky that he still had thirty minutes to jot down notes. And it would take me longer than an hour to actually finish this all! Guess I'll just have to copy from Kuroko's notes then. He then used up all of his thirty minutes to finish his notes in Science and half of his notes in his Social Studies before their homeroom teacher then went inside of the room and promptly announced the start of classes. The boy then returned the notes to his classmate and in doing so with haste, he tripped upon a bento box lying on the floor and it definitely hurt his nose so much.
#
After his day at classes, Kamijou immediately went to the wash room to immediately chage into his practice clothes. So nothing has really changed. Just my luck. During the classes, the spiky haired boy got smacked in the head by their Mathematics teacher for sleeping due to fatigue and jetlag from the travel back to Japan. He was then forced to stand up until their teacher finished her discussion. Hayashi can only smile at him with sympathy. At another time, one of his classmates accidentally spilled his water jug on his while he is doing his essay. While the guy sincerely apologized and he didn't really mean it, Kamijou can only groan in misery as the essay was close to being finished. In the end, he was forced to rewrite it all.
Well, I just hope I'll be able to change all of that when I return to Seirin's gym, even if it's improbable. The boy said on his mind as he was finished tying up his shoe laces and he headed outside of the washroom and straight to the basketball gymnasium on the other side of the school campus.
He wasn't even close to the gym yet when he can hear the squeaking of the shoes and the sounds of the ball being dribbled. At least, I was able to return to normal. Just leave it to my team to revert things back to what they are. When he finally reached the gym doors, he firmly pushes off the sliding door and from there, he can finally see Kuroko, Kagami, and their other teammates as well as coach Aida being engrossed in their training.
I was right. It's still the same. Kamijou thought as he then decided to announce his presence. "Good afternoon, senpais! I'm back."
Everyone suddenly stopped practicing the moment they heard his voice. At that time, it was what Kamijou had expected of Seirin. Kuroko and Kagami were busy exchanging insulting banters with one another, Hyuga was in tip-top shape with the way he makes his shots, Izuki annoying the hell out of everyone with his puns, Mitobe and Koganei busy communicating despite the latter one doing most of the talking (since hook shooter haven't even said anything yet nor does he plan to) and the abnormally normal trio of Furihata, Fukuda, and Kawahara currently talking with one another.
Still, even if the team was noisy, the moment Kamijou had opened his mouth, the Seirin basketball team stopped their activities and simultaneously averted their gazed to Kamijou. The light-shadow duo stopped their playful banter. Izuki shut his mouth as it seemed his successor has finally returned home. Hyuga and Kiyoshi stopped chatting. Nigou the puppy, thought, continued playing with the leather basketball.
"Kamijou! You're back!" Kagami said ecstatically as he ran to greet his fellow second year. Soon, all the second years in the team all went out their way to greet him.
"Kamijou-kun, welcome back." Kuroko said softly with a small smile.
"There he is!" Furihata exclaimed, "How's the training in America? We were actually worried about you."
"It's good to see you again, Kamijou." Fukuda said.
"Boss! It's nice to see you again!"
Kamijou stopped in his tracks the moment he heard that last familiar voice.
Turning his head around, he was practically stunned to see a former and familiar acquaintance now standing here in Seirin High School and basically wearing the same playing shorts as his. "Ha-Hamazura?! What are you doing here?!" He stuttered upon seeing Hamazura Shiage now wearing Seirin shorts and a pair of…Adidas Mad Bounce? "Wait…don't tell me that…"
"I'm here to play basketball as well." Hamazura sheepishly explains as he revealed that he was holding a basketball. "I hope you teach me some few things, boss."
Kamijou then glanced at Hyuga, as if wanting to hear some explanation but Izuki simply smiled at him, as if saying 'He'll be fine here with us.' Getting the message, Kamijou then said blandly, "Well, welcome to the club, Hamazura. Wait…so that means you also did that oath?" Isn't that redundant and pointless then, considering that he has a girlfriend?
"Ah…coach made me do that oath you're talking about." The blonde shuddered at the experience.
"Well, no more chit-chat, boys!" Aida suddenly came up to them. "You all don't want to get in trouble with my dad, right? Now, get back to your drills!"
"Hai!" Everyone said as Kamijou removes his jersey jacket, exposing his black sleeveless shirt that exposes his collarbone. But due to this, Kagami was suddenly taken aback by what he saw when the spiky haired boy raised up his jersey jacket. Kuroko must have also been surprised by what he saw as his baby blue eyes widens.
That's a hickey…and it wasn't there the last time he was here, was it? Kagami thought as he stared at Kamijou. And it's freakin' huge. Shit.
"Anou…Kamijou-kun…" Kuroko suddenly voiced out.
"Hmm?" The Imagine Breaker wielder answered.
"Is that a hickey right there? It's quite big." He asked as he pointed towards the spot in the collar bone of the spiky haired boy.
When he said this, everyone looked around so fast, they could've gotten whiplash. They were simply aghast to hear something outrageous. The moment Kamijou looked down and saw it, he then turned to Kuroko and Kagami while reddening as if he remembered something, forgetting that others were there. Crap! We must have been overwhelmed that it turned out like this that last night in Los Angeles. At least, it wasn't premarital…
"Next time, don't put it where people can see." Kuroko reminded nonchalantly. "Who knows, they might mistake you for something else."
"Sorry, I got caught up in the mood and I didn't think that it would've been visible…" Kamijou said in a careless way before he cut himself off, realizing he had said too much. But it was too late.
Silence.
Kagami looked like he was about to faint as he was as pale as a ghost. Aida looked shocked out of her wits as she covers her mouth in shock. Hyuga and Izuki drag their hands over their faces and sighed. Kiyoshi seemed to be giving him an innocent smile. Mitobe is signalling something with his hand while Koganei's eyes seemed to be rolling.
Such misfortune. Kamijou sweat dropped as suddenly, their brunette coach brought out as slapping fan while his captain was entering his clutch mode personality.
"Kamijou…you bastard…" The Seirin captain and shooting guard said, finally heating up as his glasses glints.
"Kamijou-kun…konoyaro…" Aida started with a wide smile but there was a visible vein pop on her head.
The coach and the captain then attacked the spiky haired boy, who took this as a cue to run around the gymnasium. Aida Riko kept hitting Kamijou and shouting all manner threats that may happen in training. Hyuga was the same. Only that his threats were much worse.
"How dare you make some kind of scandal in America with Fukiyose-san!" Aida shouted as he slaps Kamijou. The raven kept running as his spiky hair began to get flat due to the beatings from the fan.
"Senpai!" Kamijou wailed out. "I'm sorry! But we didn't mean it!"
"And the two of you were giving each other hickies!? I'll kill you!" Hyuuga roared. "Have you no shame?! Instead of training, why were you love-making with each other?!"
"I'm sorry Captain! We didn't have sex but I couldn't help myself!" Kamijou shouted gibberish in his defense. That made it worse.
"What was that?!" Hyuga snarled angrily.
"Come back here, konoyaro!" Aida shouted, "I'll make sure you'll suffer ten times today in training. Hyuga-kun, Teppei, please skin him alive right now."
"Ugh…sure…" The two boys said. They then moved off to their kouhai but before they can even to something, they heard a clap.
"It's getting late already. We should finish all your drills by today and tomorrow." The sudden arrival of Kagetora stopped them as he spoke, changing the subject quickly. "Oh, and Porcupine Kid is here, huh." He takes a look at Kamijou, who finally stops running as he fixes his hair, "Well, that's better. We'll be able to run our strategy."
Quickly, everyone immediately stopped what they're doing and proceeded to go back to the court but not before Hyuga announced something. "Kids these days. They don't know how to wait for the right time." And dammit, I sounded like Kiyoshi there. "Well, everyone, gather around me!" All of the players then did as they are told and quickly, they formed a circle. "Now that we're all complete, there is only one thing to do!" The captain said as they all huddle. "Seirin, fight!"
"Hai!" All the players replied. As they all disintegrate, Hamazura suddenly said to Kamijou, who is clutching his head. "Boss, that's extremely hardcore!"
"I don't know what to say." Kamijou muttered as they are now starting their practice.
"Kamijou-kun, everyone is waiting for you this coming Saturday." Kuroko added as he takes a ball. "Next week is summer vacation which means it won't be long before we'll all go up against other teams this coming August."
"Yeah, I know. It would be the Olympics." The spiky haired boy said, as he takes the ball and quickly made a penetrating drive.
#
Meanwhile, in a classroom of a certain high school, Fukiyose simply smiled as he can feel the hickey in her collarbone press in slight pain in her uniform. She looked at it admiringly at the washroom before she entered the class. Sometimes, there is really beauty in pain, Touma.
"Hey, Fukiyose, it looks like you are in a good mood." Tsuchimikado suddenly smirked as he looks upon her.
"Just concentrate on listening to Komoe-sensei, Tsuchimikado. You'll need it more." The girl with the large forehead gruffly said for the moment. Despite that, the blonde backstabber can't help but notice that she looked a bit different today. Did she and Kami-yan ended up sealing the deal? Hmmm…I think I needed to pay someone a visit.
As the hour drags on, Fukiyose can't help but think of something else. That's probably the happiest moment in my life. She thought, self-satisfied as she went back to her paperwork.