Author's note: Hello! I update quite fast, don't I? Well, that's because school is still yet to start so for now, please enjoy these updates! Reviews are also appreciated. Thank you~
Disclaimer: I do not own PoT.
Chapter 5:
It was rather a sunny morning when Mai got up from her bed, she stretched and rubbed her tired eyes as she went to slide the curtains out of the way. After crying her heart out the whole night, she somehow felt a bit better and that heavy burden on her chest vanished. The female reached for her currently buzzing cellphone; she opened it. The message was from Chiyo, telling her to go to school right now so she could watch the morning practice of the tennis club and if she don't come – she's going to ignore her for the rest of the week. Mai couldn't help but let out a defeated sigh as a sign that she concede – knowing that she can never refuse to her best friend anymore.
After dressing up and eating breakfast, she made her way to school and she was greeted by her said friend, who's currently waiting at the school gate. Chiyo hurried to her and clung onto her arm.
"I thought you wouldn't come!" Chiyo exclaimed with a wide grin plastered on her face.
"As if I could refuse you. I'm sorry about yesterday, I promise I'll always accompany you now." Mai smiled at her friend as they headed inside the school and went straight ahead to the tennis courts only to be greeted by the members. Both of the female sat at the bench near the courts and watched them play. Mai's eyes wandered around the courts as something caught her attention. It was Kenya playing against Shiraishi; the female smiled at the sight. They look like they are having fun. She thought as she watched the two play with grins plastered on their faces when suddenly Kenya looked at her.
Thump.
She felt her heart skip a beat and her head quickly shifted away to divert it from the speed star. Mai felt her cheeks heat up and she wanted to slap herself so bad for this is really embarrassing. He just caught her looking at him; it's not like she's spying him, she's just watching him and Shiraishi play. That's all. After a few moments, the two players approached then and she just felt herself twitch a bit but gathered all the courage she has to put up a smile. Surprisingly, she did. Her eyes caught the water bottle beside her and she quickly took it, stretching her arm to offer it to one of them. Her eyes widened slightly because it was Kenya who was in front of her. The speed star was about to take the water bottle when Chiyo offered him one too; obviously, he took the water bottle which Chiyo offered him.
Mai felt her eyebrow twitch and she quickly offered the water bottle to Shiraishi beside her. The captain of the Shitenhouji blinked for a bit before his lips turned to smile and accepted the water bottle. Mai then fought the urge to let out a relieve sigh because he accepted it, if he didn't – it would be really embarrassing. After sipping on his drink, Shiraishi smiled at Mai.
"Good morning, I'm glad you made it to our practice today." He said before seating beside her. Mai watched him as beads of sweat trickle down the captain's temple and neck; he's really sweating a lot. Noticing the stare that the female is giving her, Shiraishi quickly made her distance from Mai – scratching the back of his head. "Sorry, I'm sweating a lot." The female felt her blush crept up to her cheeks once more.
"N-No. I-It's okay! You actually smell good!" Mai exclaimed which made Shiraishi's jaw drop slightly. Realizing what she just stated, her cheeks heated up even more. How many times does she have to embarrass herself?
"R-Really? You think so?" Shiraishi said, looking down.
Cerulean orbs blinked a several times and Mai gained her courage once again, nodding. "Yes, you don't smell bad at all, don't worry. However, you should wipe it because you might get a cough or something." Mai said which made Shiraishi let out a light chuckle. She was about to pass a towel to Shiraishi when Kenya threw one on his face.
"Here, you stink so you should wipe it." Kenya said with a smug look on his face.
"Thanks for worrying, Kenya." He said with a smile before wiping his sweat with the towel.
Mai didn't dare to look at the couple beside her; they are just probably being lovey-dovey anyway. Instead, Mai just focused on talking to Shiraishi.
"Oh, after the afternoon practice, would you like to come eat Takoyaki with us?" Shiraishi asked. However, his eyes showed otherwise. It wasn't like he's asking but requesting her to come with them. Mai nodded happily. Why not? Instead of running away from Kenya and her feelings, she should just try to get used to it, at least.
The morning practice finally ended and they all went to their classrooms. Chiyo stopped in front of Mai's classroom together with Kenya and Shiraishi. Chiyo then gave Kenya's cheek a peck before winking at Mai.
"Take care of my boyfriend while I'm away, okay? You know, girls are really persistent these days." Chiyo giggled.
"Of course, leave it to me." Mai smiled then looked at Kenya, who's now rolling his eyes because of his girlfriend's request.
Chiyo nodded then left. Shiraishi and the others went inside the classroom then headed to their seats. Mai brought out a book when suddenly, a paper fell on the ground. "Huh?" Shiraishi picked up the said paper which isn't exactly just a paper. It was a picture. A picture of a little Mai with a boy who's probably at the same age as her. Mai's eyes widened and quickly snatched the picture from Shiraishi, her fingers trembling slightly. She was in a hurry this morning that she probably didn't notice that she had put it in her book.
"Sorry, I—" Shiraishi was cut-off when Mai sent her a sorrowful smile; which he wished that he didn't see.
"It's okay." Mai said as she looked down, her voice was barely above whisper.
Kenya finally noticed what was happening and he was about to ask what was wrong when he saw Mai's expression. Suddenly, he was surprised when Shiraishi grabbed the female's wrist and they dashed off the classroom – gaining attention from every students inside. His eyebrow elevated slightly as his eyes caught the picture on Mai's desk. He took and to his surprise, it was him and Mai when they were kids. His gaze softened slightly as he placed it back inside Mai's bag, The speed star got up from his seat and left the classroom also, which made everyone even more curious.
Mai just stared at Shiraishi's back as they both ran, not having a slightest idea where he is going to take her. Her vision then started to fade as she felt her eyes water, beads of tears starting to roll down her cheeks. Upon noticing this, Shiraishi's steps came to a halt and slowly – he pushed her back to a wall beside a locker, his eyes were gentle; filled with concern. Mai continued to cry for a while; Shiraishi probably knew she wouldn't be able to hold this in so he took her away from the crowded place so one would see this. The captain looked away as if he, himself, don't want to see this sight. Well, boys are weak against the girls' tears after all.
Slowly, he reached his hand against the back of her head – gently pushing it to place her forehead against his chest. He smelled the fragrance of her shampoo, his eyes falling close at the scent as let the trembling girl against him cry her heart out. Mai just let herself relax against Shiraishi, feeling herself slowly calming down because of his gentle hold on her. She then lifted her head up only to meet a pair of worried eyes.
"Are you okay now..?" He asked with a gentle, soothing voice.
Mai just nodded as smile started to form from her lips, her cheeks tinted red as tears remained from the side of her eyes. Her blush deepened when she felt Shiraishi's hand against her cheek – his thumb gently wiping her tears away.
"I'm sorry about that.." He said, wearing an apologetic smile.
Mai shook her head before she brought herself to speak. "It wasn't your fault. Thank you by the way.. for bringing me out here.." She whispered, not understanding why she's actually enjoying the closeness. Shiraishi was about to reply when Kenya spoke from afar. "Oi, Kura, what are you doing there? The class is about to start. Let's go." Kenya just stated and started walking away. Shiraishi looked at Mai and earned a nod from her. "Let's go." Mai said which made Shiraishi let go, sending her a smile as they made their way to their classroom.
When Mai sat down, she saw the picture already inside her bag; she glanced to her left, knowing that Kenya had probably saw it already. Kenya didn't spare her a glance and just continued reading the book. Mai then thought it's probably better this way, that they both know and just act as if nothing ever happened between them ever again.
When the afternoon practice ended, Shiraishi told his team the he and Mai can't join them to eat Takoyaki. This made the team slightly curious; earning a smirk from the idiot couple, a pout from Kintaro and some are just sending them curious stares. However, Shiraishi didn't tell them anything further and walked away with Mai.
Chiyo then looked at Kenya who has somewhat a.. displeased expression. Her eyes narrowed slightly and quickly clung onto his arm. "Sad that Kura can't join us?" She said, gaining a frown from Kenya. "As if. Let's go." He walked, letting the female clung onto his arm. Chiyo pouted. "Why are you in such a bad mood?" She asked, nuzzling into his arm. "I'm not. I just feel pretty tired today." He stated and tried to send the female a smile – which the female actually believed; then they headed straight to the Takoyaki stand.
"Shiraishi-san, where are we going?" Mai asked as she followed the male and the male just shrugged, making the girl frown slightly. The captain then turned around to face her.
"If you don't mind… would you tell me what was that picture about? And why you had that kind of reaction after seeing it?" He asked, his gaze sharper than before. Slightly taken aback in surprise, Mai then nodded as she went to the riverside and sat down on the grass. Shiraishi followed her and sat beside her, both staring at the orange sky.
"I once had a childhood friend.. we went to the same kindergarten, same elementary school. We were really close along with his cousin. However, we were a lot closer and yeah.. before we knew it – we fell in love with each other." Mai paused with a laugh. "But then, I found out that we had to move to Tokyo and before I could tell him; he confessed to me.. I didn't know what to do so I rejected him. It was painful for me too.. I know I was wrong and I could never turn back the time. Even if I don't get his feelings back for me.. I just want us to be friends again, that's all.." She looked down, sadness lingering through her eyes.
"I see.. and who exactly is this friend of yours?" Shiraishi asked, somehow he could already who that person was. Mai just shrugged and sent him an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, I can't tell you. It would be better this way." She said and Shiraishi just nodded in response.
"Do you.. still feel the same way about him?" He said, somehow hoping a different answer – he was smart enough to know what would her answer though. Especially when Mai tried to hide that faint blush on her cheeks and she just nodded.
"Do you want to forget those feelings..?" Shiraishi added.
Mai stared at him for a while before looking down. "I…I don't know." Shiraishi just nodded and stood up, smiling down at her – offering his hand. "Thanks for telling me and If you ever need me, I'll be here for you. Let's go, I'll walk you home." Mai's face brightened up slightly as she took his hand to get up. If ever she'll move on and fall in love again, she can't help but want Shiraishi to be the second person she'll fall in love with; If she ever will.
End of chapter 5.