14. Chess (Yukimura/Yanagi)
"How's the team doing?" Yukimura moved his bishop in a diagonal line across the black-and-white squares.
"Doesn't Genichirou keep you updated on that?" Yanagi studied the board, resting his chin on his hand.
"I feel like he doesn't tell me everything," Yukimura said. "Like he doesn't want me to worry, or something ridiculous like that."
"He worries about upsetting your health." Yanagi pushed his rook forward.
"My health would be better if I wasn't always wondering what was happening back at school," Yukimura said lightly, doing a decent job of keeping the bitterness out of his voice. Yanagi noticed it anyway, but didn't say anything.
"They're working hard," Yanagi said, leaning back and crossing his arms. "They want to make you proud."
Yukimura arched an eyebrow. "But?"
Yanagi sighed. "But they're distracted. Because they're worried. Genichirou's stressed and more prone to violent tendencies, Akaya can't concentrate half the time. Niou and Yagyuu keep to themselves even more so than before." He paused. "I think Marui and Jackal have actually improved."
Yukimura was silent for a moment as he moved his knight. "And you?"
"Me?" Yanagi shrugged. "I watch everyone else."
"You're my eyes," Yukimura said, smiling a bit.
Yanagi made a soft sound and slid his queen forward. "I'm more than that."
"Indeed." Yukimura moved his own queen. "Checkmate."
"You're the only person who ever beats me," Yanagi said, frowning down at the board.
Yukimura smiled. "Tell Sanada I said to run twenty laps."
"I'll tell him, but whether or not he'll listen is the question."
"He'd better. Or else I'll start keeping a running tally for when I get back."
Yanagi stood, reaching for his bag. "That might get him moving."
Yukimura sighed and leaned back against his pillows. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"You sound so certain I'll be here."
Yukimura arched an eyebrow. "Like I said, I'll see you tomorrow."
Yanagi smirked. "Right. Tomorrow."
FIN