"You want me to be your girlfriend?!" you exclaimed in sheer shock, he wasn't serious was he? His expression certainly said otherwise, the smirk plastered over his lips wasn't really making your nerves settle down either. "You...you're just joking! I bet you don't even really have it recorded!" you contended, still wanting to dip yourself in the belief that this wasn't actually happening.
The smirk was wiped clean from his mouth, pursing his lips together, and nimbly tapping away on his phone to bring up the video as proof; the look on your face was priceless as you watched the recording of your bellowing rant. "I'm serious," he started, eyes reflecting that grave mannerism of tone. You grimaced, lunging forward to snatch the phone from his hands, but his agility held the upper hand and he was able to hoist it higher up out of your reach in time. "What choice do you have? You can either agree, or not."
You chewed on your bottom lip, arms falling to your sides as they gave up chasing after that heightened phone of his. If you wanted to continue seeing Ibuki the way things are, you'd have to abide by being his girlfriend, otherwise...you can say goodbye to that basketball player. "I'll do it!" you shouted, determination now flaring in your your words. Matatagi's own face had a mixture of surprise, he didn't expect you to agree to be honest, and exultant. "But..." you added, causing Matatagi's features to fall into curiosity. "I don't want anyone else to find out about it!"
"So you want to keep it a secret between us?" the corner of his lips twisted into a bashful grin, every trace of deviousness draining from him as he pocketed his phone. "Alright, I won't complain. From today on, you're my girlfriend," and there was an inkling of accomplishment lurking in his declaration. You nodded your head in agreement, color springing to the edges of your cheeks.
This wasn't how you pictured getting a boyfriend—if you could really call him that—he completely blackmailed you. And, you're still convinced this is just some joke, or he's so desperate for a girlfriend and you just happened to be the perfect victim. Inwardly sighing, you knew it would be worth it in the end, because you'd do anything to remain at Ibuki's side. That was your concrete resolve, and there was no room for inveigh now.
There was a break of silence, both you just awkwardly staring at each other. It seemed as if Matatagi was expecting, urging you on with his staring to say something. "Why me? Is this just some game to you?" you inquired, having said the first thing the came to you.
'Of course it isn't a game, don't be stupid.' ran through his head, having used most of his willpower to force himself not to voice that seething opinion. Matatagi cheered his expression up instantly, "Don't you have work to do? It seems like the featherheaded 'blonde' isn't around, so I better get going." A sigh of relief left as he mentioned he'd be leaving. "I'd love to stay and keep you company until you finish but even I have stuff to do."
You nodded your head again, "See you later, then?" it came out as more of a question, at this point you didn't care when you'd see him again; you still were shaky on his intentions, he had entirely avoided your previous question, for whatever reason he had.
"Yeah! See you," he accepted that proposal. You figured he'd flee the room right there, and he only did so after lightly gripping your forearms, and pressing his lips to yours but they left as quickly as they came. You didn't get a good glimpse of his face as he kept it down, and you were transfixed on your spot from the sudden gesture. Matatagi's reddened face was something he didn't want you to see; he also didn't want to exhibit any form of weakness in front of his new ~girlfriend~, and that's when he suddenly fled the room, door sliding shut sharply behind him.
"Why does this have to happen to meeee?!"
He just kissed you, and left!
That enormous stack of work had been neatly piled on top of Ms. Akiyama's desk, done to perfection; your definition anyway. The task was more arduous, and tedious then you might've hoped, not to mention you took longer than expected since Matatagi hadn't been strained from your mind in the least, no matter how hard you tried to focus.
But at least now you could go back to the gym and do what you do best, and forget all about that occurrence...try to at least. Trotting through the halls speedily, you came closer to the gym and could hear the usual pounding of basketballs. That frown etched on your lips vanished the instant you pried open the large doors and was greeted with the team practicing vigorously, namely Ibuki; of course the other members were a bit dour as customary, but that wasn't anything new.
You made your way to the bench, seeing your clipboard laying there, practically untouched by anyone. You picked it up, and glanced over at Ms. Akiyama running harsh drills on a few stray team members, thank god she wasn't near you. Before you could take a seat on the wooden bench, a certain player who always caught your eye popped up at your side.
"Hey, what took you so long? Ms. Akiyama came back a while ago," Ibuki posed the question up without articulating his feelings properly. He was indirectly voicing his concern, and for lack of a better word; worry.
You sweatdropped, being reminded again of Matatagi, the empowering event rushing back; but you burned out those thoughts, and partly lied, "I had some paperwork to do, it look longer than expected, that's all."
He gave you a firm nod, believing your heeding words. "Alright. Will you watch my shoot?" he then requested, a curious stare at you, and though he probably already knows the answer he can't help but ask it to make sure. You might have some catching up to do, or other manager requirements to attend to, he never really paid much attention to what you did here exactly.
"Of course, Ibuki-kun! Make sure you get it in!" you hollered, causing a smug smirk to tower his features. Oh, he would make it in alright.
Him, and his ball both went back onto the court to exhibit his almighty shoot for you to watch. The second he positioned himself to shoot that cocky smirk had uncurled on his lips, and his brows furrowed in concentration. The basketball rolled upwards out of his hand, smacking against the backboard harshly before falling into the basket.
"Nice one, Ibuki-kun!" you boasted, a fresh smirk popping on his lips as he heard you. You found your heart picking up it's pace, only for a brief moment, as he gave you a thumbs up; and you wondered if by agreeing to Matatagi's contract, you were betraying your feelings for Ibuki...even if it is for the sake of protecting them, letting them live on, because they're one of the single things that made everything worthwhile.
Besides, with it being a secret there wasn't much you two could indulge in without everyone knowing. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad! Think positive, think positive.
"[Last Name]. Earth to [Last Name]!" HUH? "Practice is over." SINCE WHEN? "It ended a couple of minutes ago, you've been in a daze. Coach Akiyama wants you to clean up."
His hardened expression masked his discreet amusement. You were frantically looking around, and he could read every single one of your looks and know what you meant. Let's just say this isn't the first time your thoughts had gotten the better of you. "Ah, really? Thanks for telling me! I'll do it right away," you laughed sheepishly, the feeling of embarrassment crawling within you.
You then advised him to go home, seeing as how you had a bit to do, and that he worked hard today and should go on. Ibuki nodded, and did as you instructed, trotting over to the locker rooms to change and such.
"Time to get to work!" Again.
a/n; Thank you to everyone who reviewed, and favorited!
inazuma eleven go (galaxy) ©level-5