Greeting everyone! I know it been a long time since I updated. Forgive me. I have been busy with two jobs. I have been trying to write more lengthy chapters. I truly hope you enjoy this chapter. If you don't feel this chapter leave a comment to help me make a better story. Have a great day
Translation is at the bottom
Part one
Amaya stared out the hospital window. After, the news from the doctor visit. He told her she could have lost her arm if her wound was anymore deeper. He lectured her on being more careful and next time she might not be as luck. She smiled triumphantly at him. He promptly kicked her out of his office sending her back to her room. She thought she could hear him grumble about young people.
She smirked at the window. The last three days, she was out cold. Doctor said because all the blood she lost. Word was that her friends were visiting her. Also, her parents hadn't come to visit. She shrugged. She really wished she could be surprised, nevertheless they're always like this. Like when she in the hospital for two whole weeks when she had ammonia as a child. While she was living with her aunt and uncle who stayed by her side the whole time. Amaya was grateful for them, but it wasn't like seeing her parents. She hadn't seen them since she was two until her twelfth birthday. She doesn't hate them, however wish they cared more in the right places. Now came to the conclusion; they have mixed properties.
She scratched at the case on her arm. It poses to be there for a week before she could take it off. It's keep her from bothering her wound and keep the stitches in place. She sighed. She turned the TV on to see anything good on. After surfing the channels for five minutes. She settled on a children anime. It's pretty good. She was so engaged in the show. She failed to notice someone in the room with her. The person clear their throat. Surprised, she turned and see two girls who looked to be from her school. Both pretty brunette with tan skin, however they difference one sport a pixie cut and the other with a sharp bob. Pixie cut tried to hand her a box of chocolates. She didn't take it.
"Who are you guys?" She rose an eyebrow.
They looked at each other nervously.
"Obyaba-San, we are juniors members of the soccer club, and we have a favor to ask you..."
They both burst into tears as they got down on the floor bowing to her. Amaya looked at them confused. This the second time in her life an upperclassman bowed down to her. The first time was after she beat them to a pulp because they were bullying an elementary kid. She smirked at the memory.
"Please join the Soccer club for a month!"
"Um... there's no need for all that! My arm is in a case... it will be out in a week." She scratched at the case.
"That's fine! Our strongest player had surgery and will be out for a month!" One said with desperation in her eyes.
"You took Kurosaji to National last year! This game will decide if we go to the city finals! So please?!"
She scratched at her case again. She sighed.
"This case might make me clumsy. Are you guys sure?"
"YES!" They shouted
"Hey! Not so loud. Fine, I'll do it." She shushed with a smile.
They rushed her pulling her into a hug. She chuckled as they cried on her. They bowed to her one more time before leaving. Now the problem how was she going to play with a case on her arm. She really can't stop herself from falling or turn like she wanted to, nevertheless she's up for the challenge.
Ten minutes later, she could hear voices outside her door.
"I hope she's awake." A voice quivered.
Amaya could voice coming from the hallway. She got up and cracked the door little to peep out. It's Takeo, Sunakawa and Yamato standing outside of her door. Also, Kurosuke, Echiro, and Fuji who stood close-by. They have their backs to her.
"It's been two days already! What if..." Yamato trailed off.
"Don't speak like that, Yamato-San! I'm sure Obyaba is up and lively as usually." Fuji inquired.
"Death probably said she was too ugly to take!" Kurosuke snorted, "She's fine."
Which earn him a funny look from everyone. Echiro slapped him on the back of his head.
"Amaya's beautiful and anyone would love to take her," Yamato cried.
Takeo gently patted Yamato on the back while she cried. The frown on his face deepen. Sunakawa stayed quiet. Amaya closed the door tiptoe back to bed and wait for them. She lay as still as possible and closed her eyes. Also made sure her case was covered. The door slides open in violent manner with Kurosuke entering first. Yamato came in second. Her eyes were puffy and red, however she smiled at Amaya sadly. Once, they were all in the room. Amaya turned over to face them with a large grin welcoming them. Yamato ran to her side engulf her into a hug not giving her enough time to get up. Echiro and Fuji run over to her and circle them into a hug.
"Amaya! You're awake!" Yamato cried.
Takeo walked over pulling them into the air into a hug. Him crying along with Yamato. Echiro and Amaya laughed. Fuji whimpered. Unannounced to her, relief washed over Sunakawa. He walked over and touched her uncased hand. Kurosuke glared at him. He went toward him, but Takeo in the way. She didn't notice him since Takeo is squeezing the life out of them.
"Takeo, I don't think they can breathe." Sunakawa said with hint of worry in his voice.
"Yeah! Amaya will be fine since she made of hot air!" Kurosuke laughed.
Amaya nodded and Yamato giggled. He quickly released them. Echiro being dramatic acted like he's dying. Which only horrified Takeo.
"Ah! I'm so sorry! I sometimes don't realize my own strength!" He's on the floor bowing. Sunakawa shook his head. Fuji elbow Echiro in the stomach. He coughed.
"Takeo, it's fine. You didn't hurt us. Uncomfortable but it was fine," Yamato giggled.
"Man, you're fine! I was joking!" Echiro said hastily while dodging Fuji elbow attack.
Yamato patted him on the head. He looked up tears in his eyes. Amaya laughed.
"Takeo, it's going to take more than a hug to hurt me!" Amaya said proudly.
"Amaya! You got hurt recently. I think you should take it easy," Yamato directed her attention back to her. Amaya followed her glance.
"Oh! This is nothing! It's just a scratch!" She laughed
Yamato gave her a sad look.
"You seriously had everyone scared. Can you please be more careful in the future?" Yamato insisted
"She's right! Amaya, you should be more careful!" Fuji cried
Amaya about to tap her chin with her free hand, but she felt weight in it. She looked down suspected to see something in it, but nothing there.
'Was that my imagine?' she thought
She looked back up to see Sunakawa standing close to her. Surprised, that she never noticed him until now. She stared at him before she felt something in her side. She looked at the extended hand followed back to it source. Yamato had her cheeks puffed up. Amaya grinned down at her.
"Amaya, be serious!" Yamato whimpered
"It's fine," she said nonchalantly
"Yamato, Amaya is a magnet for injuries. You'll get use to it," Echiro inputted
Kurosuke and Fuji nodded in agreement. Yamato went to poke her again, but she stopped by Amaya grabbing her hand. She puffed up her cheeks again. Amaya laughed and sat down on the bed. Yamato sat down next to her while Sunakawa found a chair. Takeo stood near the bed. Others found a seat on the ground. They recap about what happened in the fire. Amaya pointed to the box of chocolates on the retractable table.
"Right before you guys came. Two upperclassmen girls asked me to join the soccer club for a month."
"Really?" Yamato surprised
"You have a case on your arm. How are you going to play?"
"Suna, she plays with her feet. Duh!" Kurosuke inputted
Sunakawa rolled his eyes. He looked at him.
"I meant how are she going to keep her balance."
"Well... I hadn't thought that far yet. It's fine! I'll master it in two days! On the bright side, it comes off in a week." She smiled aloof smile which earned her a sigh.
"Well, she's really good at Soccer. It might be difficult for in the beginning with the case nevertheless she'll figure it out. She alway does," Fuji admired
Sunakawa nodded
"Really? I would love to see you in action! The funny thing is Takeo had people from the Judo club asked him a similar thing yesterday," Yamato inquired
"Oh! Really?! That's funny."
"Yeah! I was supposed to start today but I wanted to see you before the long haul," Takeo said thoughtfully, "I won't be able to meet up with you guys much once I start."
"That's nice of you, Takeo."
He nodded.
"Oh! I want to go both of your games. When you found out the date come tell me, Amaya," Yamato exclaimed
"Of course! I would also like to go to Takeo also," Amaya inputted
"Hm! You bet! I'll tell you when I found out!"
Yamato giggled as he gave excited answer.
"Oh! Sunakawa's sister came to visit. She really nice. You would have liked to meet her," Yamato said warmly
Sunakawa stiffen before shifting uncomfortably in his chair.
"Yeah..."
"I bet she is nice," Amaya smiled
"Yeah, she's a real babe! I saw her from my class window," Kurosuke whistled, "I won't mind being your brother-in-law, Suna."
He gave him a wink which earned him a frown. Everyone laughed except Sunakawa. Yamato told her about when Takeo dived into a river to save a child.
"Takeo is so great!" Yamato exclaimed
"Mhm... mhm," Amaya nodded
Yamato giggled and went on by what Sunakawa told her. They talked for a while until a nurse came by telling them visiting hours were over.
"Bye!" Yamato and Takeo said
"Later, happy death didn't want your ugly butt! Oof! Hey, with the elbow!" Echiro laughed as Kurosuke tried to elbow him back.
Fuji sighed then shrugged.
Amaya laughed as her friends about to fight. Takeo pulled Kurosuke away from Echiro who was smiled sheepishly. They filed out of the room saying their goodbyes. She could hear those two bickering down the hallway.
Amaya flopped down on her bed. She rolled over to avoid laying on her case. A day from now she gets to be released and then she can start practice. The doctor isn't going to be happy when he found out. It's not like she cared. She smiled to herself. She rolled over again to turn on the TV. A different children anime came on. She let it play in the background as her mind drift.
THREE DAY LATER
"Out of the way!" A girl screamed pushed another girl out of the way as the ball came hurling at them. Even the goalie jumped out the way. The ball shoot through the post struck a tree. Sizzling sounds could be heard from the ball. Everyone stared at it in shocked except one who whistled and look around nervously. She got up from ground dusting herself off.
"Obyaba..." a tall fit woman called out as shook her head.
"Yeah, Kurosaji-Sensei?" Amaya rubbed the back of her neck as she jogged over to her. No one would believe her if she told someone that her coach looks a model. Momoko Kurosaji Long jet black hair pulled into twin braids with a athletic figure. She really could have went for a model or actress however she choice to teach kids sports.
"Golly girl! Are you trying to take heads off?! Save that for the game," Kurosaji-Sensei huffed, "I'm starting to believe that case is for show."
"Sorry, Kurosaji-Sensei," she nodded
"Get back on that field and not kill my players!" She yelled pointing at the open field.
"Yes Ma'am! I'll try!" She yelled as salute her. She smirked turning away from her.
"YOU HEAR THAT GIRLS! SHE'LL TRY TO BE NICE! WE DON'T PLAY NICE!" She shouted
They begin to chant we don't play nice as they got their game face on. There're twenty girls in total including Amaya. That kick she delivered was actually by accident since she lost her balance. She didn't put all of her power into it. The ball would have exploded on impact. She had gain better control of her balance when she turned but still not enough. The case stop her from catching herself from falling. So far, she fell on it twice today. Which is improvement since she fell five times on the first day. The field is not the size of a real soccer field which is a 1/4 of it. Which is placed behind the school and where the locker room is on the second floor toward the east wing.
"Obyaba! Don't toy with us!" Pixie cut who name is Ami smiled broadly, "I hope that's not all you got."
"You haven't SEEN anything yet!" She yelled
"Don't run over Umiko anymore. She's delicate," Ami whispered pointing discreetly at the petite girl across the field who return a fierce glare. A tiny girl with only stood at 4'8 seem out place with the much larger and muscular girls. She looked like one of those French dolls with doe brown hair and hazel eyes. She's a quarter German. Much to everyone surprised just two days ago, she demanded to join the soccer club. Sensei have been patient with Umiko and her. The other girls have been treating her delicately not wanting her to break anything. Their not sure what to do with the tiny girl.
"Obyaba, you're doing better than two days ago," A tall girl named Alice said pat her on her the shoulder as she passed her.
Amaya thanked her.
She could see the determination on her face. Those girls are getting ready to for that game. They want to win and Amaya want the same thing too. They got in formation once the new net was set up. It's red vs blue today and Amaya on the red side. Alice kicked the ball to Amaya.
"Corner her," Ami whispered to another girl who was on her side. She signaled another girl who nodded. They ran full force at her. Umiko saw the signal and charged at Amaya. The other girl came behind. A wicked smile appeared on Amaya face. She launched the ball in air. The ball seem to just float in the air. They slowed down watching the ball. Amaya charged at them.
"She's not stopping!" Umiko said not slowing down herself. She underestimated her power. Amaya knocked the smaller girl when she passed her earlier. Everyone ran to her aid. She brushed them all off. This didn't detour her. She took the challenge up. Tired of people telling her what she can and can't do because of her size. She will prove them all wrong. The last two days, she has been very clumsy since she never did sports in her entire life. The PE teachers always made her sit out because of her parents outrageous claims. Now that she's living with her aunt, she has more control over her life. Ami moved out the away but Umiko brace her self for impact since she didn't stop running.
"Umiko!"
She wasn't sure who shouted. Her eyes are closed waited for the impact yet it never came. She opened her eyes confused. Amaya wearing a devilish smile in the air and caught up with ball. She stood there shock watching her. The shock wear off on others. They ran after her shouting. Umiko rubbing her though she saw something.
"An angel?" She whispered
A girl run up to Umiko pat her on the shoulder.
"You alright, Umi?"
She nodded still in shock.
"Let's go!" The girl pulled on her. She followed behind her chasing after Amaya. She shook the shock off and place it was determined.
The rain started to pour. In the distance they could hear other girls crying about rain.
"Girls! Do you want to stop?" Sensei smirked knowing full well the answer. She earn herself few glares and shake of heads. They picked up their speed. A few girls slipped but others helped them up.
Practice went on for three more hours until Sensei told them to hit the showers. They're all covered in sweat and mud.
Locker room
"Umiko!"
Umiko turned toward the voice. Amaya who jogged over to her. She stiffed. Amaya was half dressed do to her difficulties with her case.
"Hey Amaya," she greeted slowly as she changed her into her school uniform. She was the last person out of the shower. Other girls already left.
"Great practice out there and I'm sorry again for knocking you down earlier," she apologized
"It's fine," she grumbled. She wasn't in the mood to talk. She was sore all over and being knocked down didn't help. Unconsciously, she rubbed her bruised arm.
"Ah! Does it hurt?" Amaya reached out to touch her with a nervous hand. She doesn't want the poor girl to end up in a case.
"IT'S FINE!" Umiko shouted. This startled her. Her pale skin flushed as she slammed her locker close before bolting out of the room.
"How embarrassing!" She yelled to herself as she ran down the hall toward the stairs. She sick and tired of everyone treating her like a baby. Its as if air could literally break her. It always has been her dream to be on a sport team. She wanted to them to go all out on her, however they're holding back. She let out a frustrated breath. Her felt her foot twisted underneath hurled her down the stairs. Everything seem to slow down. She closed her eyes brace herself for impact. She knows her leg will be broken after this. Her sports career is over! She cried as she waited for the ground.
'Boing!'
"Boing?" She breathed as she felt something soft instead of the cold hard ground. She opened her eyes. Amaya who had her eyes closed trying to catch her breath. She let out a hiss. Umiko blinked.
"Obyaba-San?"
She opened her eyes with a weak smile.
"You're alright?" She asked curiously.
She nodded and confused. How did she get here so fast?
Amaya wrapped her uncased arm around Umiko. Umiko flushed pink. Amaya pushed herself up from the ground with her feet and brought Umiko with her as she stood. She stood her up and rubbed the back of her head. She hissed again.
"Did you hurt yourself?" Umiko asked with hint of worry in her voice. She reached out to touch her. She pushed her hand away.
"It's fine. I just bumped my head. Don't worry!" Amaya gave a cheesy smile. She handed her bag back to her and picked hers up.
Umiko frowned and turned to huffed before descending the stairs. Amaya followed quietly behind. Every step they took Umiko could feel herself warming. Amaya have been popular with the girls since day one. She stood up to Ice-queen Yurimuri Sensei. The woman thought she was elementary school kid when she first met her. It was humiliating! Everyone seemed always talk about Amaya even after the whispers died down after the encounter. Now especially what happened at the restaurant. There back at hundred! She's like a celebrity now. They just wouldn't shut up about how cool or how brave she is. It been making her sick with annoyance. She sped up her steps.
"Hey, Umiko."
Umiko stopped dead in her track with Amaya almost bumped into her. She spins on her heel to face her.
"That Umiko-Senpai to you!"
"Whoa! Sorry, it just... Look sorry again for knocking you over," Amaya adverted her eyes and rubbed the back of her neck, "it's just you're so small and I didn't see you there earlier and -"
"SHUT UP!" She yelled
They fell into a heavy silence.
"I'm NOT some child that need to coddle. I'm not as weak as everyone wish to believe I am. I ESPECIALLY don't need your damn apology. Me being knocked over is normal in sports!" She edged closer to her, "You know what you can do with that apology... YOU CAN SHOVE IT UP WHERE THE SUN DON'T SHINE!" She wack her with her bag striking her case. Amaya withheld in her whimper. She grabbed her bag held on with strong grip. Umiko pulled hard but she weren't budging.
"Let go!"
"No! Not until you hear me out!" Amaya yelled
"I don't care!"
"I'll let go if you hear me out." She said quieter
She glared up at her. She looked torn between kicking her in the knee and run; or actually be a decent person and hear her out.
"You got a five second!" she huffed
"That's all I need!"
"Five."
"Look, I can be careless at time and sometimes down right clumsy."
"Four."
"Especially with people with are smaller than me. I'm going to over look them by accident."
"Two and half."
"All I'm trying to say is you're a great player and someone who can be really strong when put in the right place." She stopped pulling and looked at her.
"... really?"
"Yeah, really! You're invisible out there on the field! I didn't see you until the last second! On the other hand, I stick out like a sore thumb..." she went on and on. She pumped her hand excitedly in the air. Umiko forgot she should run now after Amaya let go. She casted her eyes down.
"You're making mockery of me?" Tears beaded at her eyes.
"No, I think you are great, Senpai!" She smiled gently
It started as a whimper then into a sobbing. Amaya patted her on the shoulder. She pushed her hand away. The picture of her parents flashed in her mind.
*"Umi-Chan, sports are for ruff and unruly people not for delicate children like yourself"*
*"Yes, Yes! Listen to your mother, sweet Umiko."*
Her parents snatched her away from the girl she was playing with. The memory still burn bright in her mind as she remembered crying for hours after. They locked her away in her room to study that night. They never allowed her to do normal things like other kids. It's always study and they would mock her when she got the answer wrong.
Her tears blinded her. The memory of her parents set hot rage in her. She's sad that they're left her behind for a world tour and won't be back until her college years, but the emotional and mental abuse.
"No! You're lying!" Her voice cracked
"Why would I? You're great, Senpai!" She smiled gleefully, "I think your incredible person! Glad to have you as a teammate."
Umiko felt her heart skip a beat. She looked up at her trying to make sense of everything. No one ever want her in their present other than her aunt.
"I'm a nuisance?"
"No!"
"I'm an annoying?"
"No."
It did it again. She quickly wiped away her tears before turning her back to her. Amaya reaches out a shaky hand to her.
"Is it something I said?" She asked trying to hide the panic in her voice.
"You're a strange one, Obyaba-Chan, she started walking out of the building, I forgive you."
"Huh...?" Amaya lifted a confused brow. She watched her until she disappeared into the car that's parked in front of the gate. She stood there for moments before she felt someone lightly push her. Stumbled, she stopped herself from falling. She turned around to see Kurosaji-Sensei. Kurosaji-Sensei jab her thumb toward the gate. Amaya nodded. She smiled warmly at her and waved.
Amaya headed toward home deep in thought zoning out.
'I really don't get her...' She pondered. Her head bobbed side to side as she tries to figure out the pint size girl. Puzzle by the girl floppy personality.
'Girls are weird,' her thoughts concluded
Once she reach the train station, there was no one there. She was tired from practice and her body aches a bit. She lean to the side to crack her back. Once comfortable, she let her mind wonder. Also letting her eyes closed. Thinking back to everything. She still doesn't understand why Sunakawa was so close to her the day of the fire. He hovered over her so close... like... like they kissed or something. She blushed at the thought. It's not like she like him or anything. She just tolerates him. Well, she does considered him almost a friend since he always with Takeo. On the fact of, she don't want her first kiss to be with the likes of him. She want it to be with someone she love. Her mind begin to drift farther.
*"Tsuntsu, kada ku barci a gaban kofar gefe. Za ku damu da sanyi."
A slim mocha colored woman hovered over her with a soft expression. Amaya smiled weakly up at her as she let out a rough cough. She laid on the floor. She looked down at her hands. Her hands were small, child-like. Her body felt heavy like the time when she was eight. A cool breeze brush up against her. She kindly welcomed it. Her skin flushed from the heat. Her fever warmed her uncomfortably. A Minka home with a spacious garden. She could smell the succulent fruit from a distance. She sneezed.
*"Inna..." she whimpered*
"Babu wani abu kadan," Adisa smiled gently at her. She kneed down in front of her scooping her up into her arms. The warm vanilla hits her nose. She burdened her face into her shirt. A tall olive tone man hovered nearby sung a soft tone along with aunt Adisa. They weaved a blanket over her tucked security in her arms.
*"uccellino assonnato," Basilio sung softly.
She went limped in her arms in the act of her lifting her. Their song soothe her.
"Muna ƙaunarku."
"ti vogliamo bene."
They whispered as they laid her down.
She felt warmth from the cover wrapped around her. She pulled at it.
"..."
There was buzzing in her ears.
"Mi..."
Adisa shook her. She swatted the hand away. Why is she bothering me?
"Miss!"
Basilio yelled in her ear. She jolted awake with her head collide with something. She let out a curse and rubbed her forehead. Whatever she hit, it was hard. She looked around as she took notice she's back at the train station. A man whimpered before her as he held his nose. He glared up at her. She branded a weak smile.
The man leaped to his feet. He balled his fist up at his side in the process of blood dripped onto his light blue shirt. The badge glimmer in the light. She gulped thickly.
"You have blood on your shirt..." she said nervously
"Young lady! You're coming with me!" He yelled as he pinched his nose. He grabbed her cased arm just as he pulled her to her feet. She was dragged by him and dropped her school bag. She bite her lip from the pain. He had a vice grip on her arm. If her aunt was here right now, she might attack the man. That woman was hot-blooded when it came to her. She smiled at the thought. She shook her head. 'This is not the time for this...' Her mother on the other hand would make a big deal out it.
"I'm sorry, Gurasshī- San!" She blurted out
He stopped in his tracks. She laughed nervously. A Snow White reference is not a great at this time. She thought grimly. His nose gushed in the process of whipping around to face her. Barely missing her as the blood landed on the floor.
"Gurasshī? I'll show you grouchy!" He yelled," You high schoolers always think your better than everyone else, but I gotta you!"
A female officer appeared racing over to them. He tries to stop the bleeding by pinching his nose. She looked between them worried.
"Officer Tan, what happened?" She asked as she place her hand towel to his face.
"She's what happened!" He barked.
He yanked on her arm. She hissed.
"I think you should let her go. You're holding on her wounded arm," she inquired," I think someone else would be better." She whispered the part hastily.
She tried to pull them apart, yet he wasn't budging.
"She's head-butted me!"
"I understand that. Miss, was it accident?" She asked
"It was -"
"She punched me and then she laughed at me!" He interrupted, "that insubordination of last year could be found out by the higher up. You're not going to believe this delinquent over me, are you Hara-San?" His glaze was burning holes into them. Hara-San took a step back and shook her head.
"And for you delinquent," he licked his lips," I bet you would do anything for a jail free card."
Amaya looked flabbergast between them. She silently pleaded with Hara-San. She avoids eyes contact with her. He begin to drag her again, however this time she started pulling away from him.
'If my arm wasn't hurt...' she thought as she could feel her stitches opening. She choked back her tears enduring the pain. She shoved him hard before sprinting down the corridor.
It's like that time Kurosuke was being chased by angry school rivals in middle school. It just so happened she was just passing-by at the time. She beat every single of them up after she was far enough from the police peering eyes; nevertheless they were chased by a cop for a few blocks until he got tired. That day, she had energy and wasn't injured.
She remembered seeing a "beware predator" sign outside the school, yet she didn't think implied to cops. In a split second, she turned to look back. They're hot on her tail. She slammed directly into something. About ready to push off the warm ground...'wait the ground is warm?' When an arm wrapped around her waist.
"Obyaba, calm down. It's going to be okay," a soothing voice whispered
Sunakawa gave a small smile as he brought them to their feet. She tries to catch her breath as she watched other officers ran toward them. She clenched her eyes closed waiting for the impact. It never came. An angry yell could be heard from behind her. She turned the voice. Gurasshī-San and Hara-San were being arrested.
"What's going on?" She asked confused
"He's being arrested," he answered
She rolled her eyes as she pulled away from him. For a second there, she thought she saw flash of sadness across his face. She rubbed her eyes to investigate again. She rolled her eyes again once notice the normal bored look on his face.
"I can see that myself, Sherlock. What I mean is -"
"Thank you young man! We would have never caught them without your help!" A plum-like man shook hands with Sunakawa. Amaya looked between them.
"Um... what's going on?"
"Oh! Young lady, we're glad you are okay. We had been trying to catch Officer Tan in the act for years. He have been harassing young girl and women for years for special favors. Tonight we finally caught him the act. All this because this young man tipped us off! We're sorry, you had to be dangerous situation," he said sincerely in the act of patting her on the head.
He walked away back to the other officers that were congratulating each other. She turned back toward him.
"You...helped me? After all those mean things I said to you?" She said
He rubbed the back of his neck," of course, I would. You're my friend."
"What if I say I don't think the same way?" She lifted intrigue brow.
"That's fine. Last long you're okay. That's good enough for me," he smiled gently. She stared at him shock. Her friends never really worried about her or less than Kurosuke who often got her mixed into his mess. He's actually not a bad guy.
She swallowed thickly before speaking.
"I... I... I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For saying you're just like all those Bishounen boys." She nibbled at her bottom lip. She looked everywhere but him. He chuckled softly.
"It's fine. If I worried about what everyone thinks of me; I wouldn't get anywhere in life."
"I understand," she agreed
"Come on, the train is here." He pointed toward the train.
"Oh... okay," she nodded, "wait my bag!"
He held it up for her to see. They rode in silence. She now understood why Takeo have been friends with him. She was already coming around to him. Now that everything is clear between them. She hoped she can look forward to seeing him more often as a friend.
She noticed awhile back that Sunakawa lip was bleeding. She pointed out to him after she gave him her hand towel. He thanked her before going back into thought. She never really see him in street clothes. He seemed to have a decent taste in fashion even when he's not trying hard. Her clothes are mainly consisted of dark colors because it's hard to see the dirt on them. Her mother try seeking in bright colors every once in a while. She doesn't care as long as there not frilly clothes. In the end, bishounen boys normally have best clothes.
"Bishounen..." she hissed under her breath
"What?"
"Oh...! Nothing! Don't mind me," she laughed nervously
"Alright," he went back to looking out of the window. They stayed that until they got to their stop. It was peaceful between them. They walked in silence in the direction of her house. She suddenly turned around startled Sunakawa with him almost knocking her over.
"You really don't have to follow me all the home. I'm a big girl. So I'll be fine," she rose her arm to show him her muscles with a cheeky smile.
"Yeah... No, it's dangerous especially after all that running around today. I bet you're exhausted. You're still injured and someone could overpower you easily," he said worriedly
She shook her head," No, I'm powerful! I haven't met anyone who could take me on. So stop being worrywart."
She begins to walk again and he followed. When she stopped, he would stop. This went on for a while.
"Stop following me!" She yelled
"I will when we get to your house." He responded
She started running with him hot on her tail. After a good ten minutes run, she collapsed from exhaustion. He jogged up to her still breathing evenly.
"Don't say anything," she breathed
Her head was spinning. He squat down in front of her. She climbed onto his back shamelessly. She can't believe she is being carried by him twice.
"I'm not some damsel in distressed," she murmured
He didn't say anything but gave a low chuckle. They stayed quiet taking in their surroundings. Dogs were barking as they pasted. Even one cat brushed against up Sunakawa leg as they past. The quietness lullabied Amaya to sleep. They arrived at her house after some time. He woke her up to unlock the door. He brought her to couch before he left. She curled up on the couch and slept.
—
Her father made her go to doctor the next day which he saw the blood on the couch. The doctor had to replace the case and have it on for another week since her wound opened up. She was exhausted from blood loss. The doctor lectured her about being careful and it might leave a scar if it don't heal properly. She nodded solemnly. After that, she made it through without anymore incident. For the rest of the month, Sunakawa showed up at the train station every day. She quickly accepted it even after she had her case removed. They never said much to each other, but they're comfortable in their silence. He would even walk her to her house even with her protest.
"Suna, my game is at three o'clock on Saturday at the rival school, Saint Mary," she said as they walked side by side.
The moon was full and its high in the sky peered down on them. They have been munching on Yamato's cookies. Practice was let out later than usual.
They have been texting each other to let Sunakawa know how long to wait. She was surprised when he texted her first totally forgot she gave him her number. Usually the texts consist of one-sided argument. She doesn't want him to wait for her. When she trying avoid him, he always seems to find her.
She cracked her knuckles happy that her arm is free.
"Okay, Takeo match is Sunday at six o'clock," he answered her unasked question. She turned to him lifted a confused brow.
"Are you some mind-reader?" She asked searching his face.
"Pfft! No, you're just like an opened book," he hided his month behind his hand.
She stuck her tongue out.
"Yeah, yeah! Three o'clock sharp."
She waved at him before she entered the house. She smiled to herself. Tomorrow is going to be a good day.
—
1) bird, don't sleep in front of the side door. You'll worsen your cold. In Hausa
2)aunt in Hausa
3) sleepy little bird in Italian
4) we love you in Hausa and Italian
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Hey you made it to the bottom congrats! I truly hope you enjoyed yourself