The last meeting of the Kendo team in Haku, left a very lively atmosphere among the students. The next competition would be in a week and that excited them a lot, especially the most competitive young people in the group and the new members, since this would be their first competition.
Most were prepared. They were strong, united, determined, an excellent team, to not say the best in the entire city.
However, many were concerned that the absence of the sub-captain would affect the results.
Before reporting all the details about the expected match, Hijikata had announced Saito's absence in the first days of competition due to travel reasons. The unexpected news was not very encouraging for many, Saito and Souji were the best on the team and not having the strength of one lowered the energies in the group a bit.
The competitions were increasingly demanding and the support and participation of the young Indigo were really necessary and important for everyone.
Saito could notice the anxiety in some of his companions. The news also took him by surprise; he knew that the competition was close, but not so close; he did not also imagine that his trip would present itself so fast. However, he felt calm; he trusted that his companions would do well until he returned.
Unfortunately the competition coincided with the arrival of his little brother home, his father had called him the night before to inform him, and although he had many wishes to compete together with his friends, his brother would always be more important than anything. He wanted to see him, be with him, and enjoy his joyous company.
For that reason the first thing he did when he got to school the next day was to go see the principals to ask for permission to be absent, the competition would have to wait.
He felt calm for that side; the team had good leaders, with Souji and Heisuke at the head he didn't anything have to worry. Even Kazama was a good element they could count on.
However, there was an issue related to Chizuru that made him quite uneasy, something that he had heard from people close to her and was worried to think it was true. He was not sure if the information was true, but the uncertainty did not leave him no matter how hard he tried.
Flashback
He was on his way to the training room for the meeting Harada had scheduled when he found Chizuru's friends near the entrance, Osen and Akari.
He was not surprised to, many girls liked to watch training, although it was not always allowed, but now they had a meeting, the girls did not have to be there.
He began to approach to ask them to come back to their classroom, and he could hear a little the conversation between the girls, they had not seen him yet, so the young women were not inhibited in their lively talk.
"You say she likes Oshiro-San?" Osen asked the brunette girl in surprise that kept a mischievous smile on her face. "How do you know?"
"It's obvious, just when he comes back, Chizuru -Chan tells us that she likes a guy, it's a lot of coincidence, don't you think?" Akari expressed happily. "It wouldn't be strange if she liked him. Oshiro- San is a very attractive and nice guy."
"Well ... It could be, they have a lot in common." Osen enunciated dubiously after a few seconds.
"That's what I'm saying, besides, I'm pretty sure he also likes Chizuru-Chan."
Hearing that was as if someone stabbed a dagger in his chest, he didn't want to believe that Chizuru liked Oshiro, although if he thought about it, the guy always had more chance than him. They had known each other for a long time and as her friends said, they were very similar.
Unlike him that was so different from her. How he could ever imagine that the girl could choose him.
"I think they would make a nice couple." The girl smiled.
Osen observed the enthusiasm of her friend, she did not want to comment much about the subject, Chizuru had not revealed the name of the guy she liked, and jumping to conclusions could cause a lot of problems.
"Akari-Chan, although some things may seem to fit here, I don't think we should…...
"Oi," Saito approached, cutting off the chestnut's girl sentence, he didn't want to hear anything else, each word breaking his heart into pieces. He watched carefully as the girls paled in the presence of him. "What are you doing here?"
"W…. We want to see Takeshi-Kun for a moment." Osen expressed with a little nervousness.
Saito didn't reply. It was none of their business the reason why they were looking for the young man. The girls looked more and more nervous as his cold gaze fell on them, but he couldn't stop thinking about the conversation they had a few moments ago.
"Ah, hello, Saito-San," Takeshi came out into the hall, jumping a little to seeing him. "I'll just talk to the girls for a second, I won't be long."
Saito nodded and entered the room; he was not really interested in their conversation, he had already heard enough.
Breathing heavily, he placed a hand on his heart; he felt it hurt every time he breathed, if what he heard was true, he was going to have to find a way to bear it, even if it hurt him. All that mattered to him was that Chizuru was happy even it wasn't with him.
End flashback
Since that moment, the anguish and confusion did not leave him for a single second, even if he did not show it. The love he felt for Chizuru was so great that he knew that he would not be able to forget her, next to her, he felt happy, complete, without worries, all he wanted was to be by her side, but there was nothing he could do if she wanted to another guy.
However, he was not completely sure, her friend Osen did not seem very convinced and that gave him a little hope, the only way to know the truth was to ask her directly, and that he would do.
He was not one of those who stood idly by when he wanted something, and that girl was what he wanted the most, he would not lose her without a fight.
"Wow! Just you have to leave during the competition week, we are not very lucky." Heisuke pulled him out of his thoughts. He watched him play with his phone while he remained leaning on lockers.
Saito finished putting away his belongings and closed his locker to pay attention to him. He knew Heisuke, he was not discouraged. His departure just surprised him, like everyone else.
"I will only be absent two days from the competition; you will do well without me. I am sure."
"What cold you are, Hajime-kun, won't you miss us one bit?" Souji inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"Maybe," He said, knowing that he would really miss them.
"Surely, to me much more than to you," Heisuke smiled at the chestnut man with amusement, "I am much more likeable."
Souji snorted rolling his eyes at the younger one. "Tch, how annoying," He said with a grimace.
Saito couldn't help but smile. He was going to miss these moments, getting used to the guys was easy, their friendship was one of the things he was most grateful for having found in the city.
"Anyway, we should take advantage of the time left to practice before you return to Tokyo, Hajime- Kun; I really need an opponent to inspire me." The chestnut young joked as usual.
"What did you say, Okita-San? Chizuru asked with surprise as she appeared in the corridors. Are you going, Saito-San?"
Saito turned around to see Chizuru a few meters away, she looked surprised, then her face became sad, it hurt him. He had intended to tell her first about his trip, but then Hijikata- San announced it to the group, and he couldn't do it. He didn't like that her finding out that way.
"Ah, Hajime-Kun is leaving us, Chizuru-Chan," Souji joked, feigning sadness.
"It's not like that… I ….
"Hey! Guys, can you come over? The training is going to begin." Harada called out to them.
"Well, duty calls us, see you later, Chizuru-Chan," Souji winked at the girl, and turned in the direction of the training room, Heisuke smiled at her, waving his hand and then following the chestnut young.
Saito did not move, he wanted to stay and explain her, the reason for his trip, but now he did not have time. He had duties to fulfill, later he would find the time to talk to her.
"Can we talk later, Chizuru? Now I must go to training." He spoke in a low voice,
"Sure, I ... I'll go back to the classroom."
The young man nodded and watched her walk away. Really, it was frustrating, everything had been complicated. He could not do anything he had planned.
He traveled to Tokyo in two days, and he had no time for anything, his plans would have to wait.
He just hoped that Chizuru didn't get too mad at him, and lets him stay by her side for as long as it could before him leaving. Although now there was the fact that maybe the girl didn't want him the way he would like it.
Without wasting any more time he went to train, he was overwhelmed with feelings and the best way to relax was training.
Chizuru was distracted the rest of her class. The history class was in the library's projection room, it was one of her favorite subjects and even then she couldn't concentrate.
The news that Saito was leaving made her very sad, she didn't want him to leave. She knew there must be an important reason, but even so the fact of not seeing him every day and having him with her, saddened her, more now that she had realized her feelings for him.
"Wow, so good the class is over, I'm starving," Akari complained as they left the huge room.
"Let's go to the cafeteria, we will surely find something, you come Chizuru-Chan.?" Osen asked her.
"No, I will have breakfast with the guys; I will see them in the classroom."
"Well, then we'll see you later."
When her friends left, she walked to the last corridor and took from the history section the book with which she must write a report for the class, they had several options, but she had liked the title.
She was about to go to the reception to get it out of the library when Kazama appeared.
He was the person that she least wanted to see at that moment, she just wanted to be alone for a moment and think, or find Saito and talk to him; she really needed to do it.
"Are you leaving?" The young blond approached with his air of superiority.
"Ah, so if you allow me to pass." She walked a little towards her exit when Kazama stopped her, the girl frowned. Of course, he wanted something.
"Wait a minute, I wanted to see you."
"¿What for?"
"I like to see you," he smiled "doesn't it make you feel special? Many girls would like to be in your position; I am definitely the best match in this place."
Chizuru rolled her eyes; she couldn't believe this guy's arrogance. She really didn't have encouragement to deal with Kazama.
"Was it what you wanted to say?" She asked him dryly.
"I want to tell you many things, Chizuru, but for now I just want to make you an invitation."
"I'm not interested in any invitation."
"Listen to me first. Then you can decide. I'm sure you will like it."
Chizuru remained silent. She doubted that some of his invitations would please her, but knowing how insistent he was, he would not stop bothering her until she heard it, it was better to know what he wanted at once.
"My family will have a party this Friday," The young man blond began, "many important people will attend, I would like you to join me, we can have a nice time, as friends if you want."
"I don't want to, I wouldn't feel comfortable." She said right away.
"Are you not comfortable with me?" He tried to hide his disgust.
"You are too pretentious for my taste, and you keep talking bad about my friends. ¿Why would I be?"
"Because you won't find someone better, I'm sorry; Chizuru, but it can't hide the obvious."
"Fine, then keep thinking that, I'm not going to stop you,"
"If you were with me, you would think the same," He approached, taking her by the forearms, and drawing her closer to him. "Let me show you that I am the best man for you."
"What are you doing? Let me go." She said annoyed.
"You look much prettier when you are angry, you know?"
"I don't need your flattery. I told you to let me go." She frowned more when the man blonde smiled. Was he making fun of her?
"The more you resist, the more I like you, Chizuru. I will make you fall in love with me, I'm sure."
"That will not happen, now less than ever."
"What do you mean?" He frowned.
"It's my business, you don't care."
"You interest me, so….
"Wow! It seems that we are interrupting the moment, Ahomi-Chan."
Chizuru angrily separated from Kazama when he loosened his grip on her, looked over her shoulder at Shinarui and Ahomi, definitely all those people made her uncomfortable. She didn't know what they were imagining, but they were completely wrong.
"I think so," The young girl smiled, looking at her carefully.
"What do you want?" Kazama asked, annoyed, he was not happy with the interruption.
"Sorry to bother you," Shinarui exhaled wearily. "But Hijikata-San wants to see you; he needs to see the study plans for this month, including the proposals for school activities."
"Why didn't you give them to him, instead of coming to interrupt my conversation?"
"Because you have them, he is waiting for you in the meeting room with Amagiri."
"All this is a bummer" The blonde young snorted angrily. He looked in the direction of the chestnut girl, but did not say anything, with the same confident, he left followed by Shiranui leaving Chizuru relieved. Kazama was really irritating.
"It seems that you and Kazama-San are becoming very good friends, right?" Ahomi asked with insinuation.
"Kazama-San doesn't have anything to do with me," Chizuru started walking; she didn't want to have any kind of conversation with that girl.
"I think you make a nice couple, you should give him a chance, he is handsome, popular, and have a very good social position."
Chizuru stopped, turning around to see her, the little cynical smile on hers lips didn't like her at all.
"If you like Kazama-San so much, you can have him, I'm not interested in him."
"I don't think so," Ahomi smiled again. "I like another guy, actually, I think you could help me a little, Chizuru-Chan."
"What are you talking about?" She asked doubting if she really wanted to hear her answer.
"The guy I like is Saito-San."
"¿Saito-San?" Chizuru felt very jealousy at that moment. Of all the guys there were in school, the girl just had to look at the man she wanted, Ahomi was very capricious. Saito was surely one more on her list of conquests.
At first, she thought that Ahomi was interested in Okita-San, but seeing how she always wanted to attract Saito's attention, she began to doubt it. Now she had it clear.
"Ah, I have tried to get closer to him, but he is very distant. How did you do it? You don't seem to have many things in common."
Chizuru looked at her seriously. In her opinion, not having many similarities with Saito should be inconvenient to be close. It was a Silly, when they were together none of that mattered.
"I didn't do anything; he just let me be next to him."
"Yes, I suppose that helped you a little, that Saito-San is friends with Okita-San and Heisuke-Kun, they have always protected you."
Chizuru frowned. Annoyed her that Ahomi thought that Saito had only accepted her because he was friends with Okita and Heisuke, they had liked each other from the beginning , and he loved her for herself, she knew it, he had shown her many times.
"You don't know Saito-San, but I guess that thinking that makes you feel better knowing that I'm close to him, because he decided so."
"Then, help me get to know him, tell me a little about him, what he likes to do, where he likes to go, I really want to get closer to him."
Chizuru took a deep breath. She had many mixed feelings, jealousy, fear, confusion, anger; she wasn't sure what to do. Saito had every right to find someone, but evidently he had not wanted to have any kind of closeness with Ahomi, and she would not be the one who opened the way to this girl to be close of the man she loved.
She might be a nice person, but she wasn't a fool, she wouldn't give him up so easily to any girl.
"I'm sorry, but whatever you want to know about him, you will have to ask him directly, I am not going to intervene."
"You're being a bit selfish Chizuru-Chan; the girls should help each other."
"Maybe, but I already told you, that you approach him, it's his decision. But, that should not worry you, right?"
The girl kept bragging that she could conquer the guy she wanted. Chizuru always doubted it, not all guys were carried away with a pretty face, for many, feelings were more important than appearance. Saito was one of those.
Ahomi frowned. She thought that convincing Chizuru to help her would be easier, apparently she was wrong.
"I'm not worried. I guess I'll have to try a little harder." She smugly expressed. She was annoyed that Chizuru doubted her abilities to get close to Saito and make him fall in love with her. "I heard he is going on a trip, I should go say goodbye properly." She expressed confidently.
"Do it if you want, everyone has the right to do it."
Chizuru walked away from her without wanting to hear nothing more of the black-haired woman, she was not interested. Her conversations with Kazama and Ahomi left her in a state of anxiety and anger that she did not like to be. She already had enough things to think about, having to endure them, was too much for her.
Immediately, she went to the reception and gave her ID to authorize the book. Then, she got out to the courtyard and went up to the roof to wait for the guys and have breakfast together.
She sat at the table and began to flick through the book absent-mindedly. She only thought of Saito, how much she was going to miss him when he left.
She was worried that Ahomi or any other girl could get his attention. That would break her heart, she needed him too much.
Even without knowing it, the guy had managed to make her fall in love with him, now she was very afraid of losing him.
She did not think it was the best time to tell him what she felt. Saito had many things to take care, and it would not be fair to add one more concern to him. If she dared to confess her feelings and the guy did not feel the same for her, she would make him feel very bad, perhaps forced because she knew that he loved her and cared for her, she did not want that.
It was also not easy for her to tell him that she falls in love with him, when she was around him, she would get quite nervous. But at some point she would, she would not be able to suppress her love for him for long.
Wanting to take so many thoughts away, she got up from the table and approached to the grate, feeling the fresh air on her face. She looked at the book again; she was too distracted to focus.
"You don't look much focused." The voice of the owner of her thoughts brought her out of her reverie, that deep and grave voice that made her sigh. The girl stared at him as he approached. He carefully took the book from her hands to read the cover.
"History of Ikeda is an interesting book." He looked at her with his beautiful blue eyes making her heart stop.
"Ah, it's for a job, but I don't really want to read right now." She tried not to sound nervous.
"That seems." The young man returned the book to her. Chizuru took it hugging it against her chest.
The girl gave him a sweet smile when she looked at him again.
"Have the training finished?" She asked quickly wanting to fill the silence that had formed between them.
"At the moment, although I'm afraid it will be a bit more demanding these days, as the competition is close."
"I see…." She held her hands to the book, her anxiety about what he could say about, had her very nervous. "Where are the guys?"
"I left them in the coffee shop; they will come in a moment. I went ahead a bit so we can talk."
Chizuru nodded. She really wanted to hear him, to know the reason that made him walk away from her. The silence that followed after seemed eternal, Saito seemed to think carefully about his words.
"Chizuru I … ..
"Are you really going to leave?" She interrupted his prayer, her voice showing the anxiety she was feeling.
"Yes, just for a few days. Haru will be on vacation and I want to go see him." He clarified.
She understood his reasons, being away from his brother must be difficult for him.
"You miss him a lot, right?"
"Mm, he's little, even though I'm here now, I won't stop worrying about him."
"You do well. He needs you; surely, he will very be happy to see you." She said it sincerely; she was glad that Saito was going to visit his brother, even if she was dying of longing for not seeing him.
"Forgive me, Chizuru," he said, surprising her by his apology. "I wanted to tell you first about this, but Hijikata-San informed the team and I couldn't do it."
"You don't have to apologize, everything is fine. I hope you enjoy the time with your brother."
"Sure I will. He is quite naughty, he has so much energy that I will have to gather strength to keep up."
Chizuru smiled, he liked that, he didn't want to see her sad about his departure. He would definitely carry that smile etched on his mind.
"All little boys are," She lowered her pretty face and took a gentle breath. "I hope to please him when I meet him."
"Why wouldn't you?" He asked confused.
"Is that …. You just want to go see him because you miss him, and I'm here, being a bit selfish because when you leave I'm going to miss you a lot."
Saito smiled softly, drawing closer and caressing her hair lovingly, her locks were soft against his rough fingers.
"I'm going to miss you too, Chizuru, too much, as for Haru, he's a very noble boy, I'm sure he's going to love you from the moment he meets you, especially knowing that you care about me."
Chizuru nodded. She trusted Saito's words; surely, his brother was as sweet as him.
"When are you leaving?"
"This Saturday, very early,"
"It's very fast."
"It also took me by surprise. My father let me know last night ... there wasn't much I could say."
"I understand. and...How long are you going to be in Tokyo? "
"Approximately a week."
A week seemed like a long time, but she wouldn't be sad, because she knew he would be fine with his family.
"Well… .. We'll be waiting for you here, so don't worry about anything and have a lot of fun."
Saito nodded. "I entrust Souji and Heisuke to you, make sure they don't get into too much trouble, also Hijikata-San, Koundo-San and the others."
His face showed something of tenderness, rare in him. Chizuru wanted to learn to read his features, when he was happy, sad, angry, although it was going to be very difficult, the guy almost never showed what he felt.
But she wanted to please him, make him feel good, and what better way to do that than to be there for him, share his joys and sadness, and comfort him whenever he needed it.
"I'll take care of them, I promise."
"I would like to have more time to do many things, when I return I hope I can do them."
Chizuru didn't reply. She took him by surprise when she hugged him suddenly, both arms around his neck, on tiptoe to reach him, he did not understand why that still surprised him. Chizuru did not hide what she felt.
He hugged her back. He needed to have her like this, in his arms, breathing her scent. It was going to be very difficult for him to let her go, if she really was in love with Oshiro.
"I'm really going to miss you, Saito-San." She whispered into his neck.
"No more than me," he spoke softly. "I'll be in contact, I promise," he said, inhaling the sweet fragrance of her hair.
"You already promised, you can't take it back."
"I did not intend to do it." He smiled a little. "You can call to me whenever you want, whenever you need me."
"I will," She said hugging him tighter.
Saito held her a little longer and then pulled her away from him, gently placing her loose lock behind her ear. She blushed furiously when he lowered his face and kissed her cheek. It was a so sweet kiss that it made her shudder.
It was the first time he kissed her, her heart was beating like crazy and she felt much more nervous.
She wanted him to kiss her again and not precisely on the cheek, that thought of her made her blush even more.
Saito smiled. He adored the cute pink hue of her cheeks. She and Haru were the only people with which he allowed show weakness to.
"I'd love if you did,"
When they heard the guys approaching, they parted way. Chizuru smiled shyly and hurried to set the table. Now she felt calmer, she knew that Saito would not be long, then, she could talk to him and tells him everything he made her feel.
"Wow, today there were no desserts in the coffee shop, I'll have to complain to the director." Souji lamented as he put the food on the table.
"Don't worry Okita-San; I made some cookies for after lunch." Chizuru spoke.
"Great, I definitely need my dessert." He smiled. "You know something, Chizuru-Chan?" Souji surrounded her by her shoulders in a friendly manner. "I have an excellent idea, since Hajime-Kun leaves us, you can make all the rice cookies just for me, I don't think he wants them now." He joked, glancing at the stoic young man.
Saito rolled his eyes taking a seat in his place without giving importance to the jokes of his friend. Did not bother him that the girl shared the same desserts, because the ones she made for him were special, and with that he would stay.
"Hey! What about me?" Heisuke complained as he sat down at the table. "I also want."
"Well ... I'll share you some, only if you treat me well." Souji smiled.
Heisuke grimaced of displeasure as he began to eat his breakfast.
"You know I like to cook for everyone, so if you really want them, I'll make them, also for Saito-San."
Saito looked at the young chestnut with a bit of amusement. Obviously he wanted to tease him, but he wouldn't be able to. Chizuru would never leave him behind with anything.
"Good" Souji and the girl also sat down. "But if he takes too long, I'll take them all." He pouted feigning disappointment.
Chizuru smiled softly, Okita always managed to make her smile. She knew that like everyone else, he would miss Saito too; they were best friends after all.
"I was thinking that I also should keep your Kendo stick too. What do you think, Hajime-kun?" Souji continued teasing.
"I'm only going to Tokyo for a few days; I'm not going to move out."
"It's just a precaution, so if at any point you decided to stay, you would remember that I had your gun, you would get mad, and come back."
"Of course, that is something you would do, Souji, but you already heard Hajime-Kun. He is coming back." Heisuke snapped.
"That's right," Saito agreed with the younger guy. "Don't touch my things." He pointed to the young chestnut that was not hiding his amusement.
Chizuru felt happy. She loved these guys, each one differently, but she was sure that she would do anything for them.
Kazama frowned, watching Chizuru pass by when the break ended with those guys that he so detest much.
Until now, he had always obtained what he wanted; the women died to be with him, so, why with Chizuru were different? Why she didn't like him? ¿For being superior to all of them? That was something she could not claim from him.
From the first day he saw her arrive at school, he decided that she would be for him.
But he had not been able to get close due to the meddling of Souji and Heisuke, now with Saito's presence it was much worse, the way Chizuru looked at him, did not like him, as if the guy was special.
Saito was too annoying to him. He was not the typical poor young that abounded in the school, he could tell that he came from a good family and that put them in the same condition, only that he had an advantage, he was very close to her.
It wasn't fair. She should look only at him. He had to take advantage now that the guy would leave Kioto to make her forget him.
He had to talk to Ahomi. He has a slight suspicion that the girl was interested in Saito, he didn't understand why, and it didn't give a shit, he only cared about her keeping him away from Chizuru, so that he could win her over.
The girls he had been with before were only a game for him, with Chizuru he wanted a serious relationship, to show her to everyone as his girlfriend, he had to find a way to get rid of the obstacles, he would start with Saito. Then he would see how to get rid of the others.
"Then, let me see if I understood. You say you come for Chizuru-Chan" Souji looked at the young black-haired man while he crossed his arms. The guy really had the courage to go there, he gave him that. Maybe Chizuru liked him, but to him didn't, if there was something that screwed him, it was arrogant people.
"¿What for?"
"Not interested you, Souji." Oshiro replied coldly.
"Chizuru-Chan asked you to come?" Heisuke, who had just arrived, asked curiously.
"You ask many questions, my relationship with Chizuru -Chan is my business." The young black-haired man was not in the mood to deal with these guys, he did not owe them any explanation about the reason for looking for Chizuru. "Just let her know I'm here."
"Wow! You are so annoying; of course you were going to enroll in Nitai." The chestnutyoung spoke, observing his black uniform carefully. "It is a requirement to enter, right?"
Heisuke laughed aloud, Souji really had no remedy, Oshiro knew it and even so he did not stop confronting him.
"Don't come here wanting to give orders," Souji continued. "Chizuru-Chan doesn't need you to lead her by the hand, so why don't you turn around and go back to Nitai."
"That is not up to you, Souji…. besides, Chizuru- Chan…..
"What is happening?" Chizuru approached with her friends. She was surprised to find Oshiro at the door of her school, that would not bring anything good. She could visualize of her periphery that they were arguing.
"Nothing, I was just telling this guy that he doesn't have to be here."
"Don't be like that, Okita-San." She said softly, taking a place next to him. Souji denied in disagreement, but he remained silent.
"What are you doing here, Oshiro-San?" The chestnut girl was worried about the young black-haired presence there. The guys weren't friends, now that Oshiro belonged to the Nitai school, things were worse.
"I came to invite you to have a drink, and talk a little."
Chizuru thought about it for a few seconds. She had others plans in mind, but just with the idea to get out Oshiro of there, and the guy not to argue again with Okita and Heisuke, she would accept.
Besides, her friends were going to be training all day. It didn't make sense for her to stay.
"Sure, it would be nice." She said quickly seeing as Souji and Heisuke were going to protest.
"Definitely, you are too kind, Chizuru-Chan." Souji protested under his breath, narrowing his eyebrows in disgust before the smiling face of the black-haired young.
"You will be trained and I was leaving anyway." She clarified.
The guys didn't seem to agree with her decision, but there was nothing they could do.
"Can my friends come?" She asked Oshiro, pointing at Osen and Akari.
"Ah, don't worry for us, Chizuru-Chan; we have to go somewhere else, right, Osen-Chan?" Akari was the first to speak giving her friend a complicity smile while the chestnut girl gently denied.
"Yes, Chizuru-Chan, we will see you later." Osen said not very convinced of her words.
Chizuru was confused, where did they have to go? Just a few minutes ago they were planning to go for a walk around the square.
"Okay…. Then, I'll see you later,"
She didn't feel very comfortable when Oshiro grabbed her forearm, took her away from her friends.
She had no desire to go anywhere, but she also did not want to be rude to the guy. Since he arrived, they had not spent much time together, and sometimes she felt bad for that reason, she wanted to treat him like everyone else. Everything would be easier if all her friends would get along.
Saito felt a jealousy rise inside him as he saw Chizuru leave with Oshiro. It was a very annoying feeling, there was also the damn feeling of anguish that oppressed his chest and did not let him breathe freely.
He had wanted to reach her to say goodbye properly. They had had a little goodbye before, but there were other people around, and he wanted to talk to her.
To tell her that he wanted to see her later, at some point. Although he did not know what time the training would end, and he still had things to prepare before the trip, but he would take out some time to be with her, but to see her go with the guy turned off his illusions.
He was beginning to think that what the Chizuru friends said was true, and she was interested in the young black-haired man.
He thought that maybe he should give her some time, before telling her how he felt. The last thing he wanted was to pressure her and overwhelm her by imposing his feelings on her.
Even by resuming training, he could not dispel the confusion that plagued him. He took a deep breath, trying to drown his feelings, he had never let emotions dominate him and this would not be the exception, he had to control any emotion that threatened to destroy his tranquility, or he would end up very hurt.
Chizuru was very distracted most of the conversation with Oshiro. She felt bad about him, but she couldn't help it, she just wanted to be with Saito, with nobody else. Although now he couldn't pay attention to her, he was too busy with training and his next trip.
"You don't like the ice cream, Chizuru-Chan?" Oshiro asked, pulling her out of her thoughts.
Chizuru looked at her dessert. It was melting fast, she had barely tasted it, but she didn't have much of an appetite.
"It's not necessary. It's just that I've had something to eat before, and I'm not very hungry."
"Are you sure? You can order what you want."
"I'm sure, thank you." She affirmed.
Oshiro smiled, placing one of his hands over hers. Chizuru tensed, she smiled weakly sliding her hand under the pretext of taking more of her ice cream.
That didn't feel right, if the guy noticed, he didn't say anything about it, he just stared at her.
"I thought you weren't going to come with Me." He said suddenly, his voice detonated some annoyance.
"Why?"
"You know ... Souji and Heisuke's opinions seem to be very important to you."
"Of course, I care their opinions." She said seriously, "They are my friends, they just want to take care of me, but you are also my friend, I am not going to treat you differently."
"Did you tell them? If it were up to them, they wouldn't let you get near me."
"The guys can't decide for me, and they know it, but I'm going to ask you a favor, don't come back to pick me up at school." Her voice sounded determined.
"I don't mind meeting with them."
"What I want, is to avoid unnecessary problems, it is very annoying."
"Good," he said, not very happy with her decision. "I'll call you next time."
Chizuru nodded, turning her attention back to the dessert. She really did enjoy her talks with Oshiro, even though she was not in the mood now.
"Are you going to the Kendo competition?" suddenly, he asked making her raise her face.
"I always go to support my school, also to my friends."
"It is likely that I will participate in the competition, I hope you support me too." Chizuru looked at him in surprise. "I signed up for the Kendo club, that will give me extra points and help me raise my grades." He clarified.
"I see," The young girl expressed in a low voice. It was as if fate wanted the guys to face each other more and more. "So, are you friends with Kenji and the other annoying guys?" She asked curiously.
"I know what it looks like, Chizuru. I know their rivalry with your friends, but it has nothing to do with me, I just like them."
She was not very pleased to know that. The guys' relationship would be much worse than it already was, yet she also had no right to tell Oshiro which friends to choose.
"It's your choice, I'm not going to tell you who hang out with, I just hope you don't get influenced, and become like them."
"How?"
"If you're his friend, you should know by now. Anyway, that's your business."
"I see you have a different opinion of them, but I am not going to change for anyone, Chizuru-Chan, so don't worry."
"I hope so, now I must go, I have homework to do." She got up from her seat, the guy did the same.
"Don't go, stay a little longer. I was thinking that we could go somewhere else, take a walk, like before."
"Another day, today I have things to do."
"Okay," He didn't press her. "Do you want me to accompany you?"
"It's not necessary, I'll take the bus."
The black-haired man seemed to want to say something, but then he dismissed it by giving her a smile.
Chizuru was taking her backpack when Kenji and Dai arrived. It seemed almost unbelievable to her that Oshiro just would make a friend of them. But that was his problem; she didn't want to be around those guys not a second.
"Hi, Oshiro-kun." Kenji saluted.
"Hi," the young man greeted amiably.
"I see you have good company, we are glad to see you again, Chizuru-Chan." Kenji commented as he sat down at the table. Dai didn't say anything. He just smiled imitating his leader.
"Sure you do." The young girl said dryly, "See you later, Oshiro-San." She politely said goodbye to him and left.
"Bye," he replied, watching her walk away, and leaves the establishment.
The black-haired man took a deep breath and sat next to the guys, he had wished that Chizuru would stay a little longer.
"Apparently Chizuru-Chan still doesn't like us, it's a shame. I like that girl." Dai snapped, settling into his chair.
"Do you like Chizuru, Chan?" Oshiro frowned at the brunetteyoung.
"Sure, what guy wouldn't like her? She is beautiful."
"Listen, Dai-Kun," Oshiro leaned forward, crossing his arms on the table. "If you want us to run the party in peace, forget about her, you can't have her."
"¿Why not?"
"Because I won't let you,"
"I see you like her too, but we all have the right to make our fight."
"I warn you, I will not allow ...
"It's enough." Kenji intervened. "It seems that you are forgetting a very important detail, that girl has many protectors. They will cause a lot of problems."
"Chizuru -Chan is also my friend, she likes me, just like them." The black-haired young pointed.
"Interesting that you turn out to be friends with that girl, that relates you to the Haku captains. I wonder who she would choose, if she had to." Kenji smiled.
Oshiro frowned. He had asked himself the same question many times, and he was not sure if he would like to know the answer.
"Anyway, already we will have time to worry about the girls, now the most important thing is to win the competition."
"I'm not sure if I can participate, I'm out of practice." Oshiro confessed. He had practiced Kendo before, but he wasn't the best, it wasn't his favorite activity. He wasn't sure how well could that turn out for his team.
"Then, let's go to train, the others are waiting for us." Without wasting time they left for their practice place. They couldn't let their guard down if they wanted to win the competition.
Saito breathed out softly as the cool breeze swayed through the park's trees, making him feel cold through his coat. After a call from Tsubasa, quite late, to accompany him for something to drink, he didn't think it much, he just got dressed and went out, he had had a very busy and stressful day, and he needed to relax.
At first, he thought about ruling it out. He was quite tired, he spent most of the afternoon in the practice, the next day it would be the same, but after meditating it a little, he decided to go. He did not want to stay locked up thinking about Chizuru and other worries.
So going out to breathe fresh air, seemed a good idea, the break would help him a lot.
So, after leaving the teahouse, they ended up here, walking in the cold as the light from the lamps illuminated his tired face. He missed his bed too much, fortunately his apartment was close, and he could quickly return to the warmth of his home whenever he wanted.
"It was a good idea to go out for a drink. I worked too hard this week." Tsubasa breathed in relaxed, "I guess you've been busy too, haven't you?" he asked glancing at the stoic young man.
"A little," Saito replied in a low voice.
"And you still made time to finish the practice. You didn't have to, I could have finished it."
"I had finished it a few days ago, so, it doesn't matter."
"Wow, you are efficient, but you should relax a bit and have fun."
"I should," He whispered under his breath, his hands inside his coat to warm them. He didn't like to let work gather, if he had time to do it, he did, it was better this way.
Tsubasa grinned gently. They walked in silence for a second until the old man spoke again.
"How are you going with your trip? ¿ is everything ready?"
"Ah, I just need to put a few things in order."
"Good, so, you can enjoy the trip, have a little distraction."
"Surely, Haru will provide me with many moments of distraction."
"Sure, Haru, I like that boy, he's very nice."
"I know. He also likes you, no wonder me, you like to pamper everyone."
"It's my weakness, I can't help it," Tsubasa smirked.
Saito glanced at him, remaining silent. Tsubasa was a good person, that's why he was appreciated by everyone, even the youngest. He also esteemed him, he was an honest and sincere, someone in whom could be trusted. Even though, he still thought he was too soft on the undisciplined.
A few minutes passed in pleasant silence. Saito appreciated it, he was not very talkative, and to be honest, at that time he was not in the mood to do so.
But of course he couldn't expect Tsubasa to stay still for long.
"And…. Tell me something, Saito," Tsubasa paused observing the young man's features. His face did not show any emotion, but the question was written in his eyes.
"Won't you tell Yukimura-San that you like her before you go?"
Saito stopped in his tracks, rolling his eyes towards Tsubasa. He shouldn't be surprised by the audacity of the man, he was very insightful. After the last conversation they had, he must have imagined that he knew how he felt about Chizuru.
Although, the fact that he knew, made him feel exposed. He was not one to talk about feelings, much less with Tsubasa. He considered him a friend, but even so, he felt uncomfortable.
He narrowed his eyes at the man looking for any indication of whether he was just inquiring or if he was talking serious.
"Don't look at me like that, boy, you may know how to hide your emotions very well, but I know when a guy is interested in a girl. You like Yukimura, don't you? "
Saito exhaled heavily dropping his gaze, his eyes staring at anything but him. Fuck, he couldn't believe it.
His lack of response confirmed Tsubasa's theory. The young man was in love with that girl.
"Wow, that you are nosy," He whispered after a few seconds.
"You've said it before," Tsubasa smiled. "I am much older than you, Saito, therefore, I have more experience, and although it is hard to believe, you made it very easy."
"What thing?" Saito looked at him curiously. What was he referring to?
"Finding out how you feel about her, let's say you become soft around her. "He continued when he got the young man's full attention. "Have you noticed it?"
Saito didn't answer. Was that true? Yes, he always tries not to be so hard with her, but he didn't think that anyone else would notice it, but Tsubasa was very observant, in this case, he hated it.
"How can you know? You've hardly seen us together."
"With what I have seen it was enough to know it, besides, the way you talk about her, you look at her, and you care about her, it is of a guy completely in love. I'm sure she likes you too."
"I know," he exhaled the air, he was holding as he resumed his steps; there was no point in denying it now. "The point is, I'm not sure, in what way, she likes me."
"Ask her, she will tell you what you want to know."
"I don't know if now would be the best time to do it."
"Why?"
Saito stopped again, determined to open up to the man. Maybe talking to Tsubasa would help him get rid of that unpleasant feeling in his chest. Maybe he could even give him some good advice.
"Recently, one of her old friends arrived to the town. He was her neighbor. You know, the typical nice and funny guy, the one that any girl would like. Chizuru cares about him, I'm sure. I also heard her friends say that she liked him…. I really don't know what to think."
"Don't think, Saito, just be honest with her, or you're just going to accept what others say, and you're going to give up."
"Tch," Saito snorted, "I have never thought of giving up, I have never done it and I definitely will not do it with Chizuru, I just don't want that she feels obliged, much less impose anything on her. I also don't want to tell her something so important and then leave a day later; I don't want it to be like that."
"I understand. It would be a bit difficult."
"I will talk to her when I return, whatever her answer is, I will accept."
"Do it, I really think you are the best guy for her."
"I hope she thinks the same," He said quietly.
Again silence settled between them. Saito felt good to be able to talk to someone about it, it definitely made him feel better. That was until the man opened his mouth again to ruin everything.
"I imagine that all your fans will be disappointed to know that you have already chosen a girl, also ...
"Oi, Tsubasa-San," he cut him off. "I really appreciate the advice, but this conversation is awkward enough already, so don't complicate it," His tone of voice colder than he intended.
"What?" He laughed out loud. "I'm just saying there could be some broken hearts, don't you think?"
Saito rolled his eyes, walking and ignoring the man. He could hear him laughing behind his back. He knew how he hated the subject, it was very annoying.
Talking with Tsubasa helped him unburden himself, but he was not going to put up with his usual talk of admirers in that he was not interested.
Tsubasa smiled again following the young man, he really hoped that Saito would get what he was looking for, he was sure that only that girl could make him happy.
Hi, I'm here presenting a new chapter, I hope you enjoy. A special greeting to Guest and Railgun, thank you for the support.
