Edited 11.04.2021
Full Circle
The start of third year and summer break had been interesting.
She loved her team and everyone on it, but, by God, those boys had some weird-ass habits. Similar to last summer, Hana had rotated through her schedule to hang out with a different member of her team every day. Which, was all well and good, but these boys— they drove her insane.
By the end of summer vacation, Hana had learned a lot about each member.
She already knew Uoya's pesky habits, but sometime during the year, he'd developed an obsession with volleyball. Of all things, freaking volleyball. Don't get her wrong. Volleyball is all well and good if you like it, but Hana hated it with the burning passion of a thousand suns.
The worst part was that Uoya had finally improved his accuracy. Which, if it had been in basketball, Hana would have cheered— but, no. Freaking volleyball. The number of times she'd been pelted by the pesky ball was too high to count and she couldn't even hit him back. Out of all sports in the world, volleyball was her Achilles heel. Safe to say, Uoya took a whole lot of pleasure in that turn of events and Hana learned that volleyballs are very hard to pop.
There was one plus side. Teiko didn't have a boys' volleyball team.
On the other hand, Iseri was okay to hang out with. He was quiet, he was mindful, and he was kind of a smartass which is always a plus. But even the new captain had his quirks which came in the form of books. Hana liked books and Iseri liked books.
You'd think this was a match made in heaven. You'd think wrong.
The complications came in the form of genres. Hana liked romance novels and Iseri did not. Which, still not a huge deal. Except for the fact that Iseri was a lover of science fiction and Hana hated science fiction. Even worse was that Iseri's obsession with science fiction spread all the way to the television. So yeah, the problem was mostly her fault, but you'd have gotten annoyed too if all you ever heard about was some weird alien that could shoot lasers out of his butt.
She will always love Iseri, but Hana swore she would never go to a movie night at his house again. Never, never, never. So many aliens.
The final contender, Kitano, was the absolute worst.
Like on a scale of one to ten of obnoxious habits, Kitano rated at fifty. Fifty. Did you know Kitano liked cats? Hana sure as hell didn't. Do you know how many cats Kitano and his family have? Five. Five freaking cats. She'd gone to his house once before vowing to never step foot in there again.
Frankly, Hana was under the belief that an unhealthy relationship with demons is something you tell your friends.
To be fair, Kitano's family hadn't been too upset with her abrupt departure. Apparently threatening to throw someone's cat out the window isn't a very good first impression. But dammit, that demon had attacked her first.
The other two first years, Sugimura and Yanagawa were too afraid to hang out with her. She tried and, by tried, she meant begged. By the end of summer, both underclassmen had blocked her number.
The only other person Hana had seen over the break was Momoi. God bless Momoi and her wonderful assortment of nail polish. Despite her lack of steady communication with the first-string team, Momoi remained. The wonderful angel of God, as Hana liked to call her.
Maybe she should give her a nickname too, like Momoi-sama.
As it was now, Hana was with Momoi and the two girls were laying on Hana's bed with several candy wrappers spread around them. Hana laid on her stomach, watching as Momoi tossed her stuffed bear up in the air. Momoi's pink eyebrows were furrowed and Hana just knew she wouldn't like what the fellow manager was about to say.
"Ima-chan?" Momoi began curiously, "Why is this bear wearing Ki-chan's necklace?"
Called it. Hana debated on how to answer as she rolled the lollipop around with her tongue. She didn't want to start any unnecessary drama with the first-string team, but at the same time, she couldn't lie to Momoi. Finally, Hana shrugged, "He gave it back."
"What?" Momoi was so surprised the bear fell on top of her head. Ignoring Hana's chuckle, the pink-haired girl gaped, "When did he do that?"
"Before the break," Hana rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling, "It's alright, Bernard likes it."
"It's not a big deal? But it was a birthday present!"
"Yeah and now it's Bernard's birthday present. Gave it to him last week."
Momoi deadpanned, "Is Bernard the bear?"
"Mhmmm," Hana cracked the lollipop between her teeth, "It's a nice name."
Her room was saturated in silence as Momoi struggled to find words. Finally, the other manager sighed, "Ima-chan, that's a really bad habit."
Huh? Hana blinked, "What?"
"You're using humor to deflect the situation," Momoi's voice was assured, "Do you ever register your feelings?"
"Ouch," Hana gave the other girl a pout, "Shoot me in the heart, why don't you?"
"That's what I'm talking about!"
Sighing, Hana rolled over so she could look Momoi in the eye. Hana frowned thoughtfully as she perched her chin on her hands. I mean, I guess I'm deflecting. Maybe. Transferring her frown to Momoi's face, she began, "Why are you so damn observant? Hell, I don't know, Momoi. What else can I do with it? We were all friends one day and it's like I wake up the next day and it's all over."
"Have you tried talking to them?" Momoi's voice was understanding and Hana realized the other girl was probably going through the same situation.
"Sorta," Hana flopped her hand back and forth, "I mean I texted Kuroko the other day and we talked for about half an hour. Haven't had much luck with the others."
"It's the same with me," Momoi admitted, "Aomine-kun comes over sometimes, but that's about it."
"Eugh," moaning, Hana rolled back onto her back, "I wish I could just punch them."
"Punch them?" Momoi parroted before leaning over to get more candy and Hana pouted as she grabbed the last lollipop.
"That's what my team does," Hana nodded. Don't knock it if it works!
"…I'll remember that."
"Do it," Hana encouraged, "Make sure to film it too."
Momoi's face shifted into a bland look and she raised a pink eyebrow, "We'll see, Ima-chan."
The candy binge continued for another hour before both girls had to call it quits. There was only so much sugar one could eat before it started to come back up. Thankfully, neither girl experienced the side effects that night. Although, Hana did wake up with a very suspicious stomach ache the next day.
Other than the carnage of sugar, Momoi and Hana had discussed something else.
The two made a halfhearted vow of trying to save their friendship with the rest of the miracles. Realistically, both girls knew it was futile, but they weren't ready to give up yet. Well, Momoi wasn't. Hana didn't have any false hopes, but if it made her pink-haired friend happy, she'd try it.
Even if it hurt.
xXx
Let the fact be clear that Hana did try.
She tried pretty damn hard in her opinion. During the basketball games Hana attended for first string, she did her best to talk to everyone. This included Akashi, who still scared her shitless, and the temperamental Aomine. Honestly, she didn't know how Momoi did it. The other manager had to be a reincarnated monk or something.
It was during a game in August that Hana had enough. She tried man, but damn she was tired.
For all his faults, Kise was still pretty easy to get along with as long as Hana ignored his fake smiles. Kuroko was also easy, but he'd always been simple. Midorima and Murasakibara would warm up to her with bribery; lucky items and snacks respectively. Even Akashi was tolerable as long as he didn't smile and make Hana practically piss herself.
But, Aomine, oh god Aomine.
This "the only one who can beat me, is me," spiel was getting old freaking quick.
The altercation happened during a game between Teiko and another, smaller middle school. Per their new playing style, the miracles were crushing their opponents. Almost literally in Murasakibara's sense. It was identical to their new standard.
After finishing her round with reporters, Hana came back to her customary seat beside Momoi. The pink-haired girl offered her a smile before turning her focus back onto the game. Hana followed her gaze and watched as Aomine got another foul, something which he'd been doing a lot of lately. Idiot.
A sharp whistle from their coach had the team pausing before Aomine was sent back to the sidelines. The tan boy's feet stomped the whole way there and Hana had to refrain from rolling her eyes. Stupid testosterone. Beside her, Momoi grimaced a bit before covering it up with a smile, "Hey, Aomine-kun."
"Satsuki," Aomine acknowledged before dropping down beside Momoi, "What's this team's name?"
Momoi was about to answer, but Hana beat her to it, "You're playing and you don't even know their name?"
Aomine barely gave her a glance, "They suck. It's not like it matters."
"Then why'd you ask?" Hana's face twisted into a smirk at outwitting Aomine. She didn't see Momoi bring a hand to her face and sigh.
Aomine smiled, a cruel dark twist of his lips, "So, if we play them again I'll know not to show up."
Her smirk bending into a scowl, Hana leaned across Momoi and glared, "You're that lazy?"
Adopting her smirk as his own, Aomine spoke, "You should get where I'm coming from."
"What—" Hana didn't like his tone and the hairs on her arm stood on end, "What are you talking about?"
His shoulder shrugged ineloquently, "I'm sure your team knows the feeling of being weak."
No, he did not just say that. Hana gawked at him, feeling the blood boil under her skin, "Shut your goddamn mouth, Aomine."
"Bah," The ace player leaned back, his face shadowed as he fought back whatever cruel retort he'd prepared, "I forgot how annoying you were."
Pushing her body forward even more, Hana nearly climbed into Momoi's lap to snap at him, "And I forgot how much of an ass you were!"
"Ima-chan," Momoi's hand came to rest on her shoulder. Green eyes turned to look at the other manager and Hana faltered at Momoi's pleading gaze, "Please?"
Leaning back into her spot, a soft sigh escaped Hana's mouth, "I've tried, Momoi—" The words were meant for Momoi's ears only, but unbeknownst to Hana, Aomine had stiffened at the defeated tone of her voice. Oblivious, she continued, "God, I can't handle this."
"Just until Nationals?" Momoi practically begged and Hana couldn't find it in herself to say no, "Please?"
If Hana gave up now, she'd be leaving Momoi to fend for herself in a team that was slowly breaking apart. Hana wouldn't allow her friend to suffer alone.
"Just until Nationals," Hana agreed after a pause. The arm Momoi looped over her shoulder was enough to solidify her decision. For the time being, Hana forgot about Aomine and the rest of the miracles and just sank into the support Momoi offered her.
For now, it was enough.
In his own world, Aomine clenched and unclenched his fists. His navy eyes narrowed on the ground as he listened to the two girls' conversation before they leisurely traveled back onto the court. Just until Nationals, his mind repeated in a sneer. Watching Akashi take down another player, Aomine scowled.
She can do what she wants. Why the hell would I care?
xXxXx
Having a baker for a dad was a lot of work. He used all the flour, all the milk, all the sugar, and the kitchen was always a mess. Which is why Hana was trudging down the street sweating her ass off in the summer heat. August was a bitch and Hana couldn't wait for winter. Cold, just like my soul.
Walking into the grocery store was like reaching heaven. So, cold. For a second, Hana just looked around the store. It was almost empty except for a few older couples and one group of teenagers. Wiping a bead of sweat off her forehead, Hana wandered toward the dairy section.
Her hand was just reaching for the closest bottle of milk when she felt a person behind her. Thinking it was a mugger, Hana grabbed the milk tightly and prepared to launch it at his face. Her teeth were bared as she turned around, but as green eyes registered the person, her body froze. It can't be.
"Is that my little flower?" Hana froze. No way.
The milk in her hand felt ten times heavier and she only just resisted dropping it to the floor. Two pale arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her into a sweater-clad chest. The chest let out a contented hum and she felt a head of fluffy black hair nuzzle into her cheek.
"I almost couldn't believe it," the voice spoke, "Of all the places to run into my little protégé."
"…Torio?" Her voice cracked in disbelief.
"Oh, you dropped the senpai? What happened to your respect?" His voice was honey laid over silk and Hana couldn't stop the embarrassed flush that came with his chastisement. She knew he was only kidding, but couldn't contain the urge to fidget guiltily anyway.
"But that's not a bad thing," Torio spoke to ease her discomfort, "We've grown out of that student-teacher relationship anyway."
"… Right," she croaked, still in overwhelmed shock. Torio's arms stayed wrapped around her but tightened at her response. She felt him release a huff against her shoulder and his breathe warmed her skin unnervingly. He's changed—
"I'm just messing with you, Flower," his arms twisted her around quickly and he righted her before she fell. Hana's green eyes blinked up at Torio's black ones in bewilderment. When'd he get his eyebrow pierced?!
Torio noticed her stare and smiled softly, "You like it? I got it before I entered high school."
"You look older?" She offered, unsure. In fact, everything about him looked more mature. She was used to seeing him in his old outfit of athletic shorts and a headband to keep his hair out of his face. But now he'd upgraded his wardrobe to some expensive-looking sweater with black slacks. Torio's red headband was still present, but his hair had grown out and swayed against his shoulders.
Torio's smile grew at her assessment and looked her over just as intensely, "You look older too. I see you let your bangs grow out."
"They kept getting in my eyes…" she trailed off, "What are you doing here?"
"Such enthusiasm," his lower lip jutted out, "But I'm here to get milk, just like you." He gestured to the now-forgotten jug in her hand.
"No, why are you really here?" Hana pressed.
It was just like Torio to ignore her question, but she wanted answers. No, she needed answers. The boy hadn't contacted her since graduation and now he was suddenly here, adding to the rest of her screwed-up life.
"Come on, little flower. Can't you just be happy I'm here?" Hana shot him a look and he smirked in reply. "Fine, fine. Calm your beating heart. My team is competing in Nationals this year and I thought I'd drop by."
Hana stared at him and combed over his expression. She couldn't tell if he was lying or not. Knowing him, he was and this was some sort of twisted test. But— It could be the exact opposite. Maybe he was telling the truth and trying to see if she still trusted him. She settled on a neutral answer, "Okay."
Apparently, that was good enough. Torio's smirk grew and he rested a hand on her shoulder, "I'm glad you remember our lessons. Anyway, I really am here for nationals, but I might have tweaked my story a bit. But you knew that, didn't you?"
"I figured as much," she answered with a cautious undertone. This was all just so sudden. Her whole game had been thrown off.
"Yes. So, I stopped by your house and your father answered. He gave me a right scolding, but I deserved it for leaving my little flower alone for so long," Torio squeezed her shoulder, "Anyway, he told me you went to the grocery store and I decided to track you down. It was just my luck that I came to this one first."
"Well, it's great to see you again," Hana offered, but looked over toward the cereal aisle before continuing, "I missed you."
"How sweet, although I missed you too," her older friend spoke, "I seriously did. No one at school compares to you. They don't call me out on my lies or anything."
She hiked a brow in disbelief, "That's because every word you speak is a lie."
"Not true," he squeezed her shoulder good-naturedly. Torio paused, "Or maybe they are. But in truth, I miss our lessons."
Hana grimaced, "I don't. Those were terrible. You're a sadist, man."
Torio let out a gentle chuckle and laid his chin on her head, "But you loved every minute of it."
"… Really?" Hana glared up at him, "Have you turned into a pervert?"
"Only for you, little flower. Only for you," he rubbed his chin against her head affectionately.
"I call bullshit," she deadpanned as she ducked under his arm.
Torio let out another soft laugh before strolling after her. He trailed his eyes along her back, raising an eyebrow at her outfit. It seemed she still held onto her horrible fashion taste. Honestly, that shirt looked years old, and those pants. What was she thinking?
"You've had those pants since first year," he pointed out. Hana shot him a look over her shoulder and shrugged. "There's a hole. Your panties are showing."
He relished in Hana's squawk of embarrassment and how her hands covered her behind automatically, "They are not! You shit!"
"Just like old times," he sighed out in pleasure, "Can you believe I actually miss hearing you curse me daily?"
"What did I call you earlier? A sadist? Do you see why now?"
"Ah," Torio chuckled as he walked beside her, "You've finally gathered a wider vocabulary."
"I forgot how much of a prick you are," Hana grumbled, dodging his attempt to pull her into his side.
"But don't forget," his words came out smoothly, "I taught you everything you know and that includes any possible relation to a prick."
"I hate you," she deadpanned, "Go back home."
"But I just got here," Torio appeared behind her and wrapped his arms around her neck. He laid his cheek on her head before humming out, "I'm not leaving anytime soon."
"What about that team of yours?" Hana enquired, trying to hide her anxiety from peering eyes. God, how could she have forgotten how overwhelming this boy was?
"I'll be here until nationals are over."
"Really?" She whispered. Oh shit.
"Mhm," He watched her face pale curiously, "You don't look too happy about that?"
"Uhm, you see—"
"Oh, I know that look," Torio pointed out as they walked to the cashier, "That's the 'I have something to hide' look."
"Well, I made a couple friends…" Hana ventured warily. Might as well get the truth out there. If he finds out before I tell him, he'll be pissed.
Torio let out an amused hum, "That's different. I'm guessing I'm not going to be happy about these new friends?"
They walked into the check-out line and Hana watched the cashier eye Torio curiously. He caught on to it too and offered the girl a gentle smile, causing the cashier's face to erupt into a pretty, pink blush. Hana barely resisted rolling her eyes. Still a flirt.
"No, you aren't going to be happy." She admitted bluntly, laying her milk out onto the conveyor belt. She pointedly looked away from Torio's intense gaze. In front of them, the cashier continued watching them curiously.
"I can only think of a few people that I wouldn't want you to be friends with," Torio's voice was startlingly intense. He continued after a minute, "I'm praying they aren't who I think they are, but knowing you…"
Digging in her pocket for her change, Hana shot him a sharp glare, "Knowing me? What's that supposed to mean?"
"Flower, you know what I mean," his serious voice faded away and he replaced it with a gentle tone, "You've always latched onto someone stronger than you. I shouldn't be surprised."
Hana felt like she'd been punched in the gut. That hurt.
Even the cashier was giving Torio a shocked look. He smiled at her pleasantly, but included a hint of threat, making her look away. Hana couldn't look at either person's gaze and automatically tossed a wad of bills at the cashier as she spoke the total. The girl's thank you, was lost in the wind as Hana hurried from the store. A little bit behind, Torio walked after her steadily, neither slowing down nor rushing up to catch her.
"Hana," Torio spoke out evenly, "I'm not mad. But I'm not happy, you knew this would happen when you told me."
Hana spun around furiously, "I haven't seen you or heard from you in over a year, Torio! You can't waltz in out of the blue and say shit like that! You don't have the right anymore!"
"Hana," his voice was still calm and collected, "I will always look out for you. Even if it means protecting you from your stupid decisions."
"Ugh!" Hana shrieked, "That's what I'm talking about! My 'stupid decisions' are my own! I made them and I don't regret them! I know—"
"You know what, Hana?" Torio's face was blank, his black eyes burning, "So they are who I think they are… You really think they're your friends?"
Hana was about to snap out a reply, but her voice caught in her throat. Last year, she wouldn't have hesitated, but now everything was a mess. Her mouth dried and she looked to the floor in contemplation. They're still my friends, no matter what they're going through. Right?
"Good," Torio broke her out of her thoughts, "You're actually thinking about it. I guess you haven't become a mindless puppy."
Hana was so startled by his blunt observation, she let out a choked laugh. She removed her gaze from the floor and looked at her old friend, "You're a dick. God, you are such a freaking dick!" She snorted, "Why am I even laughing?"
"I think you're having what most people refer to as a 'mental breakdown'", Torio shrugged lightly, "But I'm not a licensed psychologist."
Her laughter slowly died down and Hana let out a sigh. Her shoulders slumped with an unexpected wave of exhaustion, "I know you hate them. I understand why too. But they aren't that bad."
"Your reaction from earlier seems to disagree with that statement," he stated bluntly, but Hana caught the tail end of an amused smirk.
"No, it's not that. We're just— a little tense right now. That's all," Hana glared at him, "Stop looking so pleased with that."
"Ah, I did warn you," He reprimanded, seemingly forgoing his earlier annoyance, "They're no good."
"Asshole."
"Calling it like it is," Torio made his way up to her side and slid an arm around her shoulder, "I'm not mad at you. I just think you're naïve."
"Thanks," Hana spat out drily. Instead of heading toward the bus route like she expected, he turned them right, "Where are you leading me?"
"Your father said I could eat dinner with you all tonight—"
"No."
"And that's why I asked your father first."
One advantage came from having an older friend. Er, sort of friend. Hana wasn't quite sure what label Torio would fall under now. Anyway, back to the advantage. Since Torio was in his second year of high school, that meant he could drive. Which meant air conditioning.
Hana was basically pressed against the dashboard and she begged the coolness to sink into her bones. It felt so good.
"You haven't changed much," Torio commented before glancing back to the road, "Although, you're much more talkative."
"You used to bitch at me all the time about being shy," Hana scowled at him as she pressed her cheek against the air vent, "Don't start changing your mind now."
"I'm not quite complaining. It's just strange."
"I've heard," Hana retorted as she lifted her head. A glance at the outside scenery had her quirking a brow, "How did you know I still lived here?"
"I checked before I came," was Torio's response. As she turned to respond, his hands gripped tight against the wheel before forcing the car into a turn and Hana flailed. Too fast!
"You drive like a maniac!"
"I resent that, flower."
The drive continued in the same manner. Torio was an awful driver and Hana could say that with the utmost certainty. When they finally reached her house, he parked the car before stepping out. Reaching a hand for the door, Hana tried to open it only to frown as it stayed locked. A moment later, Torio appeared and opened the door for her with a smile.
"You're treating me like one of your girlfriends," Hana deadpanned, "Stop."
"You are a woman, aren't you?" She couldn't see Torio's face as he walked ahead, but his voice radiated amusement at her expense. Rolling her eyes, Hana let out a huff and slammed the car door behind her. Her companion was much further ahead of her and Hana had a belated revelation.
"Wait!" Her voice called just as Torio opened the door, "I got a dog—"
Hana expected to hear Nūdoru running down the steps and jumping on Torio. She expected to hear a shout of alarm, maybe. What she hadn't expected was for Nūdoru to stop at the door and begin to growl. Hurrying forward, Hana came up behind a startled Torio and stared at Nūdoru in astonishment. He never growls at people.
"I'm sorry," her voice began to babble, "He never does this— I don't know what got into him!"
Pushing his hair out of his face, Torio just laughed before kneeling in front of the dog. His hand came forward to rub Nūdoru's nose, "It's fine, flower. He just surprised me."
Instead of letting Torio pet him, Nūdoru jerked his head away before jogging out the door toward Hana. He came to sit at her feet and Hana transferred her wide eyes down to his fuzzy black head. What the hell? As he watched the scene, Torio rose back to his feet before giving Hana a guilty look.
"It seems he doesn't like me," Torio's voice cut across smoothly, "I apologize for angering him."
Absentmindedly, Hana began to pat Nūdoru's head before responding, "It's okay. Let's just head inside and figure out what we're doing tonight."
Torio stepped out of the way with a smile, "Lead the way, flower."
When she passed, Nūdoru followed her steps with a gruff growl at the older teen.
xXx
The walk to the stadium was awkward, to say the least.
Hana knew Torio wasn't impressed with her befriending the first-string team, but he had kept his mouth closed until Hana explained her duties. That had prompted a response out of the older teen and the two had begun to argue with one another until Hana had finally decided to leave. Of course, Torio followed her.
"Well," Hana began, "We're here."
Torio hummed as he came to stand beside her, "We are."
"Are— are you coming in?"
"Yes," Torio began to walk ahead and Hana was left to hurry after him. When she reached his side again, he responded, "I'd like to see how you handle everything. Your duties are a lot like mine."
"…Really?" Hana moved out of the way of a wayward teenager, "How so?"
"I help my team in the same way," he answered as the two walked through the doorway. The noise grew in volume and Hana couldn't respond over the noise. A few times, Torio walked ahead and Hana had gotten separated only for the older teen to come back to retrieve her. After losing her one too many times, he finally grabbed onto her hand to keep her in place.
The crowd thinned out as they got closer to the stadium and Torio led her to the court. The sensation of eyes on her had Hana pausing, but she refused to look and see who was staring at her. Turning back to Torio, Hana gave him a shark-like grin, "Well, I got to go now. You'll be in the stands?"
"You seem much too excited about this," Torio echoed her amusement before glancing over his shoulder at the stairwell to the stands, "Yes, I'll be up there. Is your number still the same?"
"I've kind of learned to like scaring the reporters shitless," Hana shrugged, "It's fun, and yeah, still the same."
"Then I'll see you soon," Torio squeezed her hand before he released it. Watching as her old friend merged back into the crowd, Hana let a lost smile cover her face. He was so much older— it was like a completely different person.
Turning back around, Hana made her way over to the miracles. The feeling of eyes on her still hadn't left and now she knew why. Almost everyone on the team was watching her with a quizzical expression and a few of the guys were frowning, mainly Kise, Aomine, and Murasakibara. Ignoring her team, Momoi skipped toward Hana with a smile.
"Ima-chan!" Momoi cooed, "You didn't tell me you got a boyfriend!"
"Ew," Hana deadpanned as she gave Momoi a hug. The two girls latched arms together as they walked toward the rest of the first string. Momoi tugged her over to the bleacher and Hana sat down with a huff, "That's Torio. I've known him since my first year here."
This time, Kuroko was the one to reply, "Torio?"
"Yeah," Hana nodded once as she dug through her stuff, "I told you about him once, remember?"
"I do," Kuroko's voice had a strange edge to it Hana couldn't place, "I wouldn't expect him to join you here."
"Me neither," Hana shrugged as she pulled off her backpack, "I'm about to head out and torture the reporters. Good luck out there, guys."
Poking Momoi in the head, Hana smiled at the other girls resulting squawk. Because of Torio's surprise visit, Hana was in an ecstatic mood and not even the assholes around her could bother it. Well, Kuroko wasn't an asshole. Sort of. She hadn't quite forgiven him for abandoning their hug tradition.
Of course, she spoke too soon.
"Hana,"Akashi's voice continued even though Hana didn't turn around, "I would like to speak to you after this game."
Shit, shit, shit. Quadruple shit. Hana forced her voice to sound neutral when she replied, "Alright."
The whole game was spent in a constant state of anticipation. Her mind couldn't ignore Akashi's parting words and Hana was struggling to find out their meaning. What had she done? Had she finally pissed them off too much? Was she no longer useful? What the hell did he want?
Because of her fear, Hana's performance with the reporters was severely lacking. She couldn't force herself to enjoy tormenting them, but she couldn't stop talking to them either since they came to find hernow. She was so damned worried she hadn't even looked at the game.
Making her way toward a blonde reporter, Hana released a deep sigh and urged her hands to stop shaking. Calm down. Do not let him get to you. Calm. The. Hell. Down.
"Hello," by the time she reached the woman, Hana's voice was the perfect picture of calmness, "Do you need any questions answered?"
The lady's reply helped Hana drown out the rest of her racing thoughts and she sunk into the robotic feeling. No matter what Akashi said, she had a job to do and it needed to be done. As Hana's eyes zeroed in on the woman's red lipstick, her mouth continued to work without conscious thought.
The rest of the interviews passed in the same way.
Forty minutes later, the crowd had mostly cleared out. Hana was still talking to a reporter and trying to make the conversation last as long as possible. Anything to avoid the inevitable. Unfortunately, the guy had to leave and Hana was left to suffer her fate. As she turned around, the sensation of walking to the guillotine crept upon her. Which makes sense, because that's basically what it is.
When she came over, Akashi was waiting for her, his lithe body seated on the bleachers. Heterochromatic eyes stared up at her, "Hello, Hana."
"Akashi-san," Hana echoed the greeting, "Uhm— What'd you need to talk to me about?"
"Your duties with this team," The captain plucked an imaginary piece of lint off his shorts, "Since we have grown in strength, there is no need to be worried about the journalism community. There is nothing they can say that will harm us."
Swallowing, Hana tried to respond, "Does that mean I'm done? The deal is over?"
"No," The answer was quick. Looking up, Akashi smiled at her and Hana had to fight her flinch, "You do have other talents."
Her back went straight, "Like what?"
"Your information regarding possible opponents," the redhead articulated his statement with two raised brows, "That is if you are willing to share?"
That wasn't a question, her mind supplied unhelpfully. Technically, Hana could still deny him. They were in a crowded place after all. He couldn't murder her with this many witnesses. On the other hand, her mind flashed back to the promise she made to Momoi.
Just until Nationals… I said I'd try to remain their friend. The final kicker came from herself and was likely influenced by Torio's pestering. He was wrong. They were her friends. You trusted him before, why not now?
Hana could feel her body protesting her decision, but she mentally held firm. Determined, green eyes came up to meet his red and orange before Hana answered, "Okay."
His smile was a dangerous thing, "Wonderful."
Handing over her binder to Akashi felt like selling her soul. Every part of her was protesting and she could hear Torio berating her already. But she did it, it was over and done. Hopefully, this new Akashi still had enough of the old one in him to not break her trust.
Hopefully.
xXxXx
One person could only hear something so many times before they went insane. As it was, Hana was about at her limit.
"I told you were naïve," Torio's voice echoed from behind her and Hana sped up her pace. She did not have the patience to deal with this. Instead of stopping, Torio continued, "I didn't know you were quite this naïve."
"I'm not naïve!" Her voice cracked as she yelled back, "I trust Akashi-san!" Sorta.
"If you say so," Torio hummed in return. With a growl, Hana flicked him the bird. His self-righteousness was pissing her off. She'd had enough of that with Akashi to last a lifetime, thank you very much. Torio ignored her rude gesture and began to speak in contemplation, "Though, it's weird how similar our jobs are. I gather information for my team too."
Hana could have cried at the offered change of conversation. She was so tired of hearing Torio bitch about how stupid she was. Sneaking a quick peek back, Hana latched onto the new subject, "Are you still on the basketball team?"
"Not quite," Unbeknownst to Hana, Torio's face had darkened slightly, "I'm no longer a player. I simply help them with information and their reputation."
"Huh, that sucks. Hey!" She spun around as the realization came, "You never even told me what high school you go to!"
Everything was quiet for a moment except for the cars speeding down the street beside them. By the time it took Torio to reply, Hana was frowning at him in confusion. It's not that personal of a question? The silky tone of his voice broke her thoughts off, "My mistake. Although, I doubt you've heard of us."
"You're acting like it's some big secret," Hana deadpanned, "It's not that big of a deal."
He watched her closely as he finally answered, "Kirisaki Daichi."
"Huh," Hana stopped walking and blinked. Beside her, Torio also come to a standstill and turned to look at her with a contemplative expression. His black eyes were unreadable in the dim streetlight, watching as Hana tossed the name over in her head, trying to recognize it. She voiced her findings, "Never heard of their team."
"Told you," Torio rested his hands behind his head as an easy smile bloomed, "Let's hurry. I'm hungry and your father always made the best food."
"Whatever," nudging him with her shoulder, Hana laughed at his exasperated expression, "You used to be so patient? The hell happened to you?"
"It's most likely your fault."
"Asshole."
