I'm getting my roughest workout, ever. Kamijou –sensei is harsh, but he teaches us, step by step. I believe that we may have the upper hand. The Devil himself is teaching us how to become proficient. Our focus is on aiming – and precision. We'll have dodging lessons tomorrow.

Our first session yesterday was about individual strategies. The rules are set in our favor. Usagi –san can't win this one. He always, always makes fun of me and doesn't take me seriously. Maybe this will open his eyes.

I'm a man, dammit!

Misaki thought as he was having a breather, watching Onodera who caught Kamijou –sensei's bomb and sent back to the sender similar flying bomb, which he didn't have how or where to evade and it hit the Devil in the upper leg.

The ball bounced off. Wow. Onodera is so quickly adapting. He even caught Kamijou – sensei's ball like it was nothing! So far, no one has succeeded in doing that. And we've been at it for... Misaki checked his phone. It's been five hours already?!

I've got to try more, I can't let Usagi –san take my point! Everyone is counting on me! With that, I put down the phone and rejoined others, asking for another round of dodge ball.

XxX

Takano thinks I'm a fool if he thinks I'm intimidated. In office, it's different. He's my boss there and I can't defy him so openly. But at the upcoming match, I have space to make him reflect on all the times his pencil almost poked out my eye, or when a ruler with its pointy end hit my head, more times I care to count.

This will be my revenge! For disregarding my wishes in private and for looking down on me at work.

Determined to show Takano he's not the same from ten years ago, Ritsu's eyes followed the ball. He caught it and maybe he put too much strength into the throw, because Kamijou didn't evade.

Ball hit his upper leg and he said I'm making progress fast and that in day, I can maybe assist him in coaching others. A sly smile spread on his face, accepting.

Takano will wish he never mistreated him like that after their reunion. The chalice of patience overflowed. The reward was a side dish of his revenge for all the unjust handling he suffered from Takano until now.

XxX

It could have been worse. Most of my team mates are younger than me, more flexible. We can make it, if we put our all into the game. I won't stand for some half – assed attempt. Nowaki better not come expecting I'll go easy on him. It's a game with a bet. A bet I aim to win.

Cost it whatever it will, we will win. So far, I've made analysis of my team mates. My students, Takahashi and Takatsuki are each very different. Takahashi tries to maximize the steps and hit from as close as possible. Due to his height, it's a bit problematic, but he'll make it. His strategy isn't unique at all – it's common and overused. He may have played that way in middle or hight school. Either way, Bakahiko won't expect it. If all goes as it should and Takahashi cashes in in Bakahiko's surprise, he'll win his match.

Takatsuki wasn't really my student – yet, but he'll take my courses next year. So far, he's been jumping to the side – almost sidestepping, with the ball in one hand. Using one hand to support the ball, not two. Interesting. Also, the light feet of his and aiming wasn't half bad. He may be either in volleyball or basketball team. Or maybe he's natural. I don't believe he'll have problems facing an older opponent, who can't be so quick as Takatsuki.

The editors, Onodera and Kisa were different as day and night. I saw the burning desire to prove something in them, but Onodera's flame was more scorching. He proved me right when he caught one of my nastiest throws – reserved for sleeping students only and returned it so fast, it happened in split second. He even hit me. I was pleasantly surprised and asked him to help me as of tomorrow. His only flaw is that he doesn't have a strategy in mind. He said his boss is hard to predict, but he'll figure it out once the match actual match starts. I hoped for the best.

Kisa was trying. He maybe the second oldest after me, but his agility is something otherworldly. It should be criminal to look so young and be so good at sports. He used a volleyball technique used by liberos to catch the ball, but he had yet to hit someone. He must have been a libero in high school. He had ideal body structure for it, plus he has the proper technique. Kisa's strategy rested on stopping the ball and altogether using volleyball techniques. Apparently, he never told his lover he's been a libero, nor anyone from his colleagues, since Onodera wasn't expecting him intercepting the ball so easily. We can use it to our advantage.

Lastly, there was the manga author, Yoshino. He's clearly uncomfortable, doing this. He was trying to disable Takahashi, who caught him by surprise and snatched the ball from him before he could strike. But, he's adamant to prove something. Heck, we're all proving a point. We're not to be taken lightly. Yoshino's wishy –washy attitude must change if he wants to win his match and gain a point for us. I stopped the training and instucted others to take five, while I went to frustrated manga author and gave him some tips. Really useful tips. He seemed to brighten up, watching me as I demonstrated how to properly receive a ball and throwing it with no bars hold.

XxX

Having some tricks up my sleeve, it's not so bad. Yukina doesn't know of my high school career as libero. Rittie's look when I stopped the ball was priceless – as was Kamijou's, our trainer's. But, by being a libero, I never actually hit the ball with intention of hitting it across the net to gain points, so I had no experience with spiking – I mean throwing. Spiking and throwing shouldn't be confused as the same, Shouta. I told myself, time and time again. I couldn't get a ball to get fast enough when I aimed it at someone with intention of hitting them. Rittie evaded, Chiharu – I mean Chiaki evaded. His technique was also lacking – as was mine.

I should have practiced shooting in high school, now I have to learn it under a week. Although, with instructions from someone like the professor, Kamijou, I might make it. No, I must make it. I'll prove to Yukina that I've changed. I'm serious, he's not just a fling to me. After the match is done, regardless of outcome, I'll tell him. Though, I'm hoping for a win, of course. Everyone is counting on me, I shan't back down. I'll learn proper throws and win my point. With that, my gaze followed after Kamijou, who went to instruct Chiaki. I'll ask Rittie to help me.

XxX

That old man, I hope he's preparing properly. Would hate to earn an easy win. If he's not training properly, it'll show during the match. I won't go easy on him, 'cuz he's older. He should set and example for me. Miyagi, you're on. I won't let you off the hook. The sex in public, in library nonetheless was the last straw. What if someone saw or heard us?!

Shitty old man. I scoffed, mimicking the moves I've seen on TV by famous basketball players. You can adapt whatever moves you want to dodge ball and ours is a very special match. Vengeance is a dish best served cold, Miyagi. Enjoy the special serving, with all my love.

He smirked, finally hitting Misaki who stepped way too close after I caught his ball. I scored, hitting his shin. Misaki let out a sigh, but then he flashed a smile at me, high – fiving. I reciprocated the smile, feeling my own resurfacing.

Kamijou – sensei told us to take five, so I sat down by Misaki and watched the Devil go and give encouragement and instructions to the manga author, Yoshino. He's in the match with us, he should want to win. I'm sure the Devil will make him an instrument of war before the match. Our tactics are very aggressive. Our team motto is: The best defense is offence, after all.

XXxxXXxxXX

"Say, do we stand a chance? One of our team mates won't even attend training sessions, other one isn't even trying to return fire, then we have two walking targets and us two. If we don't make a strategy, proper one, we're done. One month without Misaki – I'll die." Usami said to Takano who laughed.

They were having a break – in which Yukina and Nowaki persuaded time and time again the professor to give it a try, that their reward is worth the trouble. But he wouldn't have it. He got mad and left. Before Takano and Usami went over, he was out. "I won't bother coming here anymore! I don't give a crap about the match! Shinobu wants to break up with me, the kid can do whatever the hell he wants!" He threw the spare keys to us.

"But, we need the gym! We need a place to train!"

The door didn't slam. Miyagi returned back, sighing. "I'm losing my temper over a childish game. Sheesh, I'm too old for this... Okay, I'll try, but only because you insist."

Yukina and Nowaki nodded, sitting down with him and handing him a bottle of water.

Usami – sensei was right, Takano thought. They'll have to come up with a strategy and all members should be present for that. That means having Hatori on board.

He unlocked his phone screen and fast dialed the second editor of Emerald Monthly. He picked up, rather annoyed. "What the fuck do you want now? Should I sleep in office just to make up for your missed work, Kisa's and Onodera's? What the hell do you expect of me, Takano?" Hatori was irked and probably sleep deprived.

"I want you, no, I need you to drop the work and come here, with your training gear. We're not leaving until you come. We need to train and figure out a solid strategy."

On the other line, Hatori snorted. "Really, Takano? What is more important, our work or silly game?"

"And what is more important, your relationship or the work? This isn't about the bet, Hatori. They want us to dish out our best, because they care. This isn't about the reward anymore. It's about relationship. Evidently, we all did something wrong to them and they want some sort of sanction – this match is the sanction. It's also a punishment for mistreating them. I admit I wasn't the best lover to Onodera lately. I admit my faults, this is why I accepted the challenge and I'm going to give it all. Whether we lose or win, I'll have a talk with Onodera. What about you, Hatori?"

An exasperated sigh followed, then some scribbling. "... I'm coming now. The traffic may delay me, though."

"Just come, this night will be looong." Hatori chuckled on the other side and hung up.

Usami eyed the chief editor. He certainly has his way with words. Still, when did he do something bad to Misaki? Their spats were always short – lived, followed by extensive sex. Maybe Misaki disliked the rough sex they have been having lately. Takano has a point. Once the match is over, he'll ask Misaki what is wrong.

If he had it hard, the doctor must have it super extra hard with Hiroki. He should worry about his relationship first, right?

Nowaki registered Usami –san's gaze and slightly smiled, despite his inner conflicted feelings. All heard the phone call. Their team mates are finally coming to senses. But the second part of the conversation was very important. Having a serious, face to face talk with Hiro –san. About what displeases him and how he should correct the faults. He never intentionally hurt Hiro –san. Their packed schedules allow them to see each other very little. Maybe that's the main reason Hiro –san is displeased.

At any rate, Nowaki has found a determination in himself now. He'll see the match through – win or lose, he'll talk calmly with Hiro –san about everything.

Being the youngest among the mature men was taking a toll on Yukina. He always tried to be more mature for Kisa –san, figuring he liked mature men more. That's when Kisa –san changed, blind to his advances, until he succumbed to more... advanced methods, which he now regretted ever engaging in.

Kisa –san didn't like him being that way, so he stopped... and Yukina assumed everything went back to normal, but then the challenge happened.

This is his punishment for the past misbehavior, he knew it. So, as a man, he's taking the punishment with dignity. He'll fight back. If the team loses or wins, it doesn't matter; his relationship with Kisa –san which he has to repair matters. Once the match is over, talking with him about it should clear all the past misdoings from both sides. Relationship can only work if they talk together about couple problems.

They waited for Hatori for good a half hour before he showed up and it was already past 9 p.m., but neither of them cared, continuing with the rigorous training, this time much more seriously.

TO BE CONTINUED_