AN: yeah, i dont own captain tsubasa

Chapter 4: It Never Stopped

"And it's not just him!" Ishizaki added excitedly. "Wakabayashi and Misaki are going to be here as well."

By that point, Sanae didn't hear anything anymore.

He was coming back. He was coming back. He was undeniably, for sure coming back.

That phrase continually repeated throughout her head. She didn't know how many times she imagined hearing those words and how she's going to react to that news. For years, she's been imagining what she would say, what she would do, and all of them would possibly end with her welcoming back with a smile, clearly showing that she moved on from this puppy love.

But, it was too soon.

She didn't know what to do, didn't know what to say, didn't know how to act, and she still hadn't moved on, hadn't let go.

"-nego, Anego? Are you alright?"

"Huh?" she snapped out of her thoughts. She saw them all looking at her worriedly, and she tried to smile just to ease them.

"I'm fine," she waved their concern off. "That is really great news! Do you guys know when they're coming back? We should throw them a party to welcome them back," she suggested.

"According to the letter, they were all going to meet up in Brazil and ride a plane together from there. They said they should be arriving around the beginning of Golden Week," Taki told her. "A party does sound great!"

The boys then started to exchange ideas of what they should do for the party, and slowly Sanae's smile grew into a frown.

She has to think of a way she could get away from this. Sure, it would be nice to see Wakabayashi-kun and Misaki-kun, but she's not ready to meet him. She didn't think she'll ever be.

Call her a coward, and maybe she is, but she's not going to force herself in a situation that she knew will only break her heart again.

"Hey, we should tell Mrs. Oozora about this!" Ishizaki exclaimed excitedly. "We're by their house anyway. I'm sure she'll want to join on this."

Sounds of agreement came from all of them, and soon they decided to all head to the Oozora household to bring the news.

"You wanna come with us, Anego?" Kisugi asked. "I'm sure Oozora-san would love to see you. Not to mention, Daichi adores you. He'll be excited to see you."

Sanae gave a defeated smile. She would love to see the Oozora's, but she's just too tired right now and only wanted to go home.

"You guys go ahead," she told them. "Ayame and I still need to help my mom with the shop. You know how busy it gets at this time."

They all whined their complaints about how unfair she's being, but she didn't mind it. The faster she could get away, the better.

She could feel Ayame's stare directed at her, and she thanked whoever was out there that her cousin didn't say anything.

"Fine," Ishizaki relented. "But don't blame us when Daichi latches on to you once he sees you again."

Sanae chuckled, "I won't. And I'm not going to complain. Daichi's my favorite out of all of you guys."

They all whined again, but it didn't last long since they all separated at the intersection. Ayame and she going to the right while they continued straight to the Oozora household. The two of them started to walk silently, until Ayame broke the silence.

"You're not going to that party, are you?" she stated. It wasn't even a question anymore.

"No," she answered solemnly. "I don't think I am."

"You know you're being a coward," Ayame continued.

"I know," she said.

"You're being an idiot."

"I know."

The shop got nearer every second. They could see their customers who chose to eat outside.

"You're being unfair towards them."

"I know."

They reached the side door and Sanae had her hand on the door knob.

"You're being selfish, Sanae," Ayame told her.

"I know

Ayame's face softened. "You still love him don't you?"

She gave a sad smile to her best friend. "I never stopped."

She opened the door and proceeded to go in.

The shop did prove to be busy, her mom demanding them to change into the shop's uniform post haste. It seemed like people were unusually hungry and full of money that day. Though, they did see their regulars, a lot of new ones also there.

Sanae didn't mind though. It distracted her from thinking about those news. She didn't need to think about that when she's working. It would be horrible for their shop if she did something wrong.

Sometimes, she could feel herself starting to think about him again, but she always snapped herself out of it. She worked so hard to stop that happening ever again, so why did such simple news bring it back?

She was glad that she managed to last the whole day without ever tripping.

The shop finally closed for the day, and she decided to take a bath for the night. A good soak sounded good right now.

The warm water felt amazing to her tired body and she couldn't help but sigh in contentment. This is the perfect way to end a tiring day.

She found herself thinking about him again, but this time nothing could distract her from it. She wondered how's been. Did he change that much? Or was he still the same person that she fell in love with?

There was many questions running through her head, and she knew she was excited that he was coming back, no matter how many times she tried to deny it.

But she was scared, knowing that she could never have a chance against soccer. She knew that it was unfair to make him pick between her and his dream. She's practically robbing him of it, if she did.

Besides, she didn't even know how he feels about her. She wouldn't ruin whatever friendship they have just because her heart didn't know who fall in love with.

She lowered her face on the water and closed her eyes.

Sometimes, she wished her heart would just let go.

End Chapter

AN: I figured I might as well post all the short chapters. Remember when I told you guys you would b annoyed with Sanae? Well, here you go, and this might go on for a few chapters. Sanae, as stated in the summary, is still very much in love with Tsubasa. I think the teenage angst kinda followed her as she grew up so she thinks she has no chance of ever dating Tsubasa. She could have just chosen to pick up soccer again to prove to herself that her life doesn't need to resolve around Tsubasa, and tried to bury all her past feelings for him. It didn't seem to work out, so yeah more pathetic Sanae coming soon.

Thanks for reading again and drop a review if you want (very much appreciated. i saw that i have non-US readers and im quite alright if you drop a comment in your native tongue. that is if you want, you dont have too). Thanks again, and cya next chapter!