Title: Mitsukaru High
Author/Artist: snooperj & Bloodysamurai
Series/Pairing(s): TeniMyu; Mainly Takigawa Eiji x Kimeru & Shirota Yuu x Aiba Hiroki
Notes: An alternative universe type of fanfiction, my partner and I take you to how the two couples began during their days in Senior High, with Takigawa and Kimeru in their 2nd year, and Shirota and Aiba in their 1st. This fanfiction will run from that setting until Shirota and Aiba's graduation from Senior High two years later. Most of the information here are either altered, made-up or real altogether. Hints of other pairings shall also be introduced, therefore expect to be seeing other members of the TeniMyu cast to show up in this Mitsukaru Senior High setting. This is meant to serve as a prequel to our fanfiction 'Anything for You'.
Here is the 13th chapter entitled Sportsfest: The Basketball Tournament. This chapter details the first day of the Sportsfest with the basketball tournament. We watch as the sections fight against one another to see who comes out as champion of the sport; the favorites to win are Takigawa's class of 2-1 and Naoya's class of 2-2. Cheers are taken to a whole new level as displayed by Kimeru's support for his boyfriend, while Shirota and Aiba concentrate on staying in the tournament.
**ALSO! None of the authors of this roleplay/fanfic own TeniMyu or the actors, but are mere fangirls of the musical series and corresponding actors we write about. Everything that progresses in the story is the creation of our witty imaginations.
Early the next morning, Shirota woke up early and prepared breakfast for himself. He ate and jogged off to school for their early morning practice.
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Takigawa stirred, his eyes opening as he found himself looking at the ceiling. Confused for a moment, he looked around and saw Kimeru beside him. He smiled. 'I'm surprised you dragged me to the bed...' he said in satisfaction as he sat up.
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Aiba was heading to school; he wanted to see how Takuya would do in the soccer field that morning so he made sure to wake up early. After leaving his bag in the classroom he went straight to the field and spotted Takuya there. "Takuya!' he called out as he approached.
"Aiba-kun! What are you doing here at this time?" Takuya asked as he waved at Aiba.
"I wanted to see how you would do today…and moral support," Aiba explained.
"Sugee~"
Aiba took out his camera and adjusted it. "I'm here so I might as well get some work done," he said with a smile.
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Shirota had retrieved his gym bag from the classroom and changed in the locker rooms before heading out to the field and approached Wada, handing out a piece of paper to him. "This is for you, buchou," he informed.
Wada took the paper and examined it. "Aa… Konma Takuya-kun, huh?" he said, grinning. "This will be interesting.
Shirota nodded. "I was wondering if I could ask a favor, buchou."
Wada turned to Shirota. "What would that be, Shirota-kun?"
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Takigawa shook Kimeru gently. "Kime, it's morning," he whispered.
Kimeru opened his eyes and looked at Takigawa. "Morning already?" he asked.
Takigawa nodded. "Aa," he replied, bending over and kissing Kimeru on the cheek. "Thank you for last night," he said before he moved to get up from the bed.
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After Shirota had explained the situation, Wada nodded his approval. "That would be interesting! Go ahead with it, Shirota-kun!" he said brightly.
Shirota nodded. "Arigatou, buchou." He moved towards Takuya and grinned at the sight of Aiba. "Someone's decided to join us for practice," he teased over to Aiba before turning to Takuya. "Ne, I've just gotten an approval from Wada-buchou. You can join me on the soccer team for our class next week!"
Takuya blinked. "Really?! That's so cool!!" he exclaimed in excitement.
Aiba chuckled. "It does sound like it," he said in amusement.
Shirota looked around. "Practice doesn't start in half an hour until everybody gets here," he explained. "And usually we end up in partners for certain drills."
"Shirota!! You up for some shooting practice?" Kentarou called, waving over to him as Irei was slipping on his gloves.
Shirota turned to Kentarou and nodded. "Sure thing!" he answered, looking over to Takuya. "Care to join us?" he offered.
"I can do that?" Takuya asked. "This is great! Thanks Shirota-kun!!' he said before going off to join them.
Aiba chuckled. "And so…another joins them," he said before snapping a picture.
After making the introductions, Shirota offered Takuya to take the first shot on goal with Irei defending it.
Kentarou tipped a ball to roll in front of Takuya.
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"Think you're up to going to school today, Kime?" Takigawa inquired as he moved to arrange the things on his desk.
Kimeru yawned before nodding. "I feel much better now so yeah...I'll go to class," he said.
Takigawa closed his bag after slipping everything into it and turned to Kimeru, nodding. "Glad to hear it. Saa, let's get breakfast ready..." he said, stifling a yawn before he moved to the door.
"I'll help you," Kimeru said with a grin as he got up as well.
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Takuya's shot on goal was caught with ease by Irei. "That was close~" he said in slight annoyance before grinning. "I'll get it next time!" Takuya declared.
Kentarou smirked. "Watching him reminds me of somebody..." he pointed out.
Shirota turned to Kentarou, raising an eyebrow. "And who might that be?"
Kentarou shook his head before lining up to take his own shot on goal.
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"Energetic isn't he?" a familiar voice said as Aiba took a picture.
"Yagami-senpai?" he asked as he looked at the third year. "Let me guess. You came to watch Kentarou-kun since you don't have anything else to do?" he asked which caused Yagami to chuckle.
"You could say that."
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Kentarou managed to score before nodding to Shirota, who grinned. "Nice shot. As expected of the team's forward," Shirota complimented.
Kentarou moved to trade places with Shirota. "Stop it with the flattery and just kick the ball," he said.
"That was an awesome shot, Kanesaki-kun!" Takuya cried excitedly. "You can even curve the ball~"
Kentarou smiled. "Sankyu. But I'm not the only one who can do that, though," he pointed out before gesturing to Shirota.
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"Do you have what I asked for, Aiba-kun?" Yagami asked.
Aiba nodded before handing him an envelope. "50 pictures of stolen shots of Kentaro-kun in the field and around the school," he said.
Yagami smiled as he handed Aiba another envelope. "And here's your payment."
"It's a pleasure doing business with you, senpai."
"Likewise Aiba-kun…likewise."
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"Sugee~!" Takuya exclaimed as he watched Shirota's shot curve past Irei and into the net. "I've been trying to do that for a long time now!" he admitted, running up to Shirota. "How do you do it?!"
Shirota looked over to Kentarou who chuckled at this before grinning. "Just a lot a practice, Takuya-kun," he replied.
Zukki jogged up to the group, joining them. "Ohayou!"
"Ah, Zukki. You're finally here," Shirota said, nodding over to his classmate.
Zukki gestured a thumb in Aiba and Yagami's direction. "You and Kentarou have dedicated fans, Shirota-kun," he teased.
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Yagami was looked through the pictures when one caught his attention. "He brings a bear to school?" he asked incredulously as he stared at the picture.
"It's just a keychain senpai…" Aiba said as he glanced at the picture.
"Even so."
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Shirota chuckled, nodding. "Only kami knows what they talk about while we're training, Kentarou-kun," he teased before Wada called their attention about the start of training.
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Yagami and Aiba decided to stay on the benches as they watched the practice.
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Takigawa and Kimeru were downstairs in the kitchen. The former decided to make some oats for today as he moved to the pantry to retrieve what he needed.
Kimeru looked around the kitchen and was immediately distracted by Pearl who decided to join them.
Takigawa chuckled. "I'll take care of our breakfast, Kime," he reassured him as he looked at Pearl. "Someone wants a playmate, it seems."
Kimeru smiled as he picked Pearl up. "Okay," he said as he left the kitchen with the dog, heading to the living room to play with the pets for a while.
Takigawa continued his task of preparing the oats for today's breakfast, while getting some juice ready as well.
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The first bell rang. The four were already in their respective classrooms and the teachers were already checking attendance.
Aiba looked over at Takuya before he faced Shirota. "How do you think did Takuya do?" he asked quietly.
Shirota leaned back in his chair. "I'm sure he could've done better," he admitted in a hushed voice. "We'll still have afternoon practice and the Sportsfest for Wada-buchou to come up with a final decision," he said.
Aiba nodded. "I did some research when I got home. Just so happens that he was also a member of the soccer team from his previous school," he said as he slipped a paper on Shirota's desk. "Check it out for yourself."
Shirota took the paper as a smile crept up to his face. "No wonder..." he muttered, handing the paper back to Aiba. "My junior high faced theirs last year at the quarter finals of the Nationals," he explained. "They were a particularly annoying team to deal with."
Aiba smiled. "I can imagine," he said as he placed the paper back in his bag. "Looks like things are just getting better around here."
Shirota chuckled. "Aa, they sure are."
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It wasn't long before the next week rolled in, and the school was gathered in the auditorium for the opening ceremonies of the week's Sportsfest. Moriyama, Takigawa and Shirota were on-stage giving the last minute instructions and guidelines, as well as the schedule of the matches for the next three days of competition among the different classes.
Aiba looked at the schedule and sighed. "At least it gives me a break from club work and academics," he said as he browsed through it. "A-re? Teachers against students?" he asked.
"Where?" Takuya inquired as he looked at the schedule as well.
"There," Aiba said as he pointed to that certain event on the last day.
"...and finally, we've decided to hold a little event for the teachers to have a game against the students in basketball by the end of the week!" Moriyama concluded. We hope that you can all come and support your teachers and fellow classmates!"
"I want in on that one..." Aiba said with a smirk. "Says here that even the principal will be playing."
"Then I'm in too," a voice said from behind the two.
"Kimeru-senpai?" Aiba said as he looked around.
Kimeru smiled evilly. "Now's the chance to get back at him and get away with nothing but a foul," the junior told them.
As soon as Moriyama had declared the start of the Sportsfest, everybody cheered and moved to the gym accordingly, the classes who were to play the first two games ahead of the pack: the classes of 2-4, 1-3, 3-1 and 2-2.
"Looks like we have to wait for our turn~" Takuya said as he pulled Aiba away from the crowd.
"And between Naoya-kun and Ryunosuke-kun, it seems Naoya's preferred to play for their class," Takigawa nodded, sitting himself with Shirota and the others.
Yanagi blinked. "Moriyama-senpai's playing..."
Shirota and Takigawa chuckled. "We figured as much," they said together.
Aiba took out his camera. "Even if it's not for the paper, it'd be fun capturing everyone's most embarrassing and best moments in photo paper," he said with a grin.
"You're going to make a profit out of that..." Zukki stated.
Shirota grinned, lounging an arm over Aiba's shoulders. "I want to split the profits!" he negotiated.
"No problem," Aiba said as he snapped a random picture.
Takuya chuckled. "We could auction the pictures off!" he cheered.
Shirota turned to Takuya. "That's true..." he said, stroking his chin in contemplation.
Aiba smiled. "And it will all become our budget for a trip on summer," he said evilly.
"Trip?" Takuya asked.
"I'll tell you another time."
The two games started simultaneously, with 2-4 squaring off against 1-3, and 2-2 against 3-1. Takigawa watched with earnest as the games were underway.
Aiba zoomed in as one of the players passed them, "It's amazing how games like these can double the fansclub of a person," he said as he snapped a picture of Moriyama. "And I think this picture is going straight to Yanagi's walled once it's printed," he added with a grin.
"We didn't really notice that he was much of an athletic person since he didn't join any clubs," Shirota pointed out as he watched the game.
"That's true...which just proved that some people may have hidden talents," Aiba said as he glanced at Yanagi. "Will someone please tell him that he's drooling?" he teased.
Shirota turned to Yanagi and slapped him up the head. "Oi, control yourself," he hissed.
Endo was entranced in watching the other game, watching Kaji's performance.
Takuya chuckled. "Sugee~ It's the time to openly gape at your crushes without looking like an idiot!!" he said with a grin.
Aiba fought down a laugh. "It would seem so."
Takigawa consulted the schedule of matches. "If I remember correctly, Ara-yan's class enlisted Kazuki-kun to play for basketball today..."
Shirota turned to Takigawa. "Who will 1-2 be playing against?"
Takigawa looked over to Shirota with a smile. "3-2."
"That's Wada-buchou's class..." Shirota said, frowning.
"Kazuki-kun will be playing?! Sugee!! Aiba-kun, take pictures of him please..." Takuya begged his friend.
Aiba nodded. "No problem, Takuya," Aiba replied.
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The first two games had finished, with 1-3 winning against 2-4 with a score of 24 to 15, while 2-2 won against 3-1 with a score of 32 to 29. The next two games between 3-2 and 1-2 and 2-3 and 3-4 were announced to begin in five minutes.
Shirota turned to Kimeru. "Ne, aren't you playing for your class, Kimeru-senpai?"
Kimeru nodded before standing up. "Aa, but I absolutely suck in basketball so don't expect too much of me," he said with a chuckle. "See you guys later," he said as he went down the bleachers to get ready.
"Liar..." Takigawa muttered.
Shirota turned to Takigawa. "What?"
"He can play decently. I'll give him credit for that," the second year said.
Aiba chuckled as he checked the memory of his camera. "I'll be taking a lot of pictures of Kimeru-senpai," he said. "I have a feeling that his will be the ones to be sold out first." He looked at Takigawa and grinned. "But of course I'll give you the best copies, Takigawa-senpai," he said.
Takigawa nodded to Aiba. "I'll appreciate the gesture," he said plainly.
Shirota looked over to the other court. "Ara-yan's class against Wada-buchou's class... I wonder who'll win?" he thought.
"Araki's quite fast and accurate with his shots," Endo offered.
"Then it might be an evenly matched game," Aiba said as he brought his camera up and turned to face Shirota. "Yuu, smile," he said before taking a picture of Shirota.
Shirota posed, grinning as Aiba took the shot before he looked over to the courts. "Ah, the two games are starting."
"For one thing, the varsity players playing for their classes would get immediate attention," Shirota pointed out, gesturing to Takigawa and Endo. "Like these two."
"For others, just spotting them on the court would get them to cheer," Yanagi said, pointing to Kimeru. "Like Kimeru-senpai."
Aiba nodded and took some pictures. "Kimeru-senpai looks good in shorts…" he said slyly.
"You don't have to say it out loud..." Shirota said, looking over to Aiba, chuckling.
Takigawa silently agreed as he moved his attention to Kimeru's game as it started.
As the game went on, Aiba couldn't help but notice that the cheers were getting louder as each quarter passed.
"Sugee~ That was a nice move!!" Takuya said as he pointed at the players.
Yanagi and Endo had excused themselves from the group to get ready for their game that was scheduled to be next. Takigawa watched them leave before he turned to Shirota. "Aren't you going with them?" he inquired.
Shirota smiled. "Aa, I guess I should, shouldn't I?" he said cheekily before turning to Aiba. "Are you joining us?"
"Hai~ Here Takuya, have fun with it," Aiba said as he handed his friend the camera.
"I'll take a lot of pictures of Shirota-kun!!" Takuya promised as the group left.
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It didn't take long before the two games ended. 2-3 had managed to defeat 3-4 with a score of 30 to 21, while 1-2 took the win against 3-2 with a close score of 26 to 25.
"Let's continue with the next two games! Court A, we have class 1-1 against class 2-5! On Court B, we have class 1-5 against class 3-3! Players, you have 10 minutes to warm up on the court before we begin!" a teacher announced as the players for the four classes stepped onto the respective courts.
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Takigawa leaned forward in anticipation. "This will be an interesting game to watch..." he said with a smile. "And quite a line-up for Shirotan's class..." he pointed out.
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"I'm getting nervous…" Aiba said as he looked at his classmates.
Shirota patted Aiba on the shoulder. "Don't be," he reassured him.
Endo smirked. "Show some confidence in your skills, Aiba," he said, dribbling a ball as he took a shot at the basket.
Aiba looked at the net before nodding, deciding to try to boost his confidence with a few practice shots.
"You're pretty good, Aiba," Zukki complimented.
Aiba smiled. "Thanks Zukki...now I think we actually have a chance," he said.
Shirota moved to the side to discuss a few things with Endo concerning the defense.
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Kimeru had headed back to the bleachers and grinned as he sat down beside Takigawa. "I'm back~" he said.
Takigawa turned to Kimeru, nodding. "Good game. Congratulations," he said with a warm smile.
Kimeru grinned. "Thanks~ So whose playing?" he asked.
"The game you'd like to watch is the one between Shirotan and Aiba's class against 2-5," Takigawa offered, pointing to them on the court.
"Against 2-5, huh? Well...I hope they win!" Kimeru said.
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"Aibacchi," Shirota called, jogging up to him. "We'll be starting soon. Let's discuss the strategy with Yuuyan," he said, gesturing to the bench as he turned to Zukki. "You too, Zukki." As Zukki moved off, Shirota turned to Aiba. "And the only reason I didn't call you by your first name is because it would've made Zukki look over too," he added with a grin.
Aiba chuckled. "I know," he said before patting Shirota on the head before heading to the others.
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It wasn't long before the game had begun. Endo, Yanagi, Shirota, Aiba and Zukki were playing first for their class. The game proceeded with much excitement, with excellent shots, steals and passes executed equally across the two courts. Takuya was eagerly taking pictures, while Takigawa and Kimeru watched in interest, cheering them along.
Takuya checked the pictures as the game reached half time. "Sugee~ I managed to catch some aerial shots." he said as he browsed through the gallery.
"They've taken a comfortable lead," Takigawa noted. Class 1-1 was leading by at least 10 points coming into half-time.
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Endo looked around. "Alright, two more quarters. Since the duration isn't like a regular game, we'll have to keep moving around so can find an opening to score," he instructed.
"They're good in faking fouls..." Aiba noted with a frown. "Not to mention that they do some of it intentionally...."
"If we play as we've been doing we should be fine," Shirota offered.
Aiba nodded. "That's true, but we have to be careful. We don't want to be fouled out in the last two quarters..." he said.
"We won't be," Endo stated boldly. "Alright..." he turned to the bench and called in a few of their other classmates. "The two of you will be substituting for Yanagi and Zukki," he finished before they had to get back onto the court.
"Let's end this with a bang, then, Yuuyan," Shirota said with a smirk.
"Aa, let's," Endo replied.
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Kimeru smirked as he looked at the players. "Looks like some of them are getting in the mood for an all out victory…" he observed.
Takuya nodded. "Come on guys!! You can do it!!" he cheered.
The games restarted not long after. More cheering ensued and more plays were made from both teams. It didn't take long before the buzzer for both games sounded, ending them. 1-1 managed to beat 2-5 with an overwhelming score of 36 to 23, while 3-3 won against 1-5 with a score of 27 to 18.
"The next two games will be between class 2-1 and class 1-4, and class 1-3 and class 2-2. Please get yourselves ready!" the teacher announced.
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Takigawa got to his feet, patting Kimeru on the head. "I'll see you later, then," he said before heading off to the courts.
Kimeru nodded before glancing up to his friends on the top most area of the bleacher.
Nagayan gave Kimeru the thumbs up signal before the vocalist stood up and headed to them.
"Here you go. Chibified with the little unnoticeable heart in the corner," Furukawa said as he handed Kimeru a huge flag.
"I never asked for a heart!" Kimeru hissed.
Furukawa smiled. "Oh you did. You were just too drunk to remember," he said.
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Shirota and the others headed to the bleachers not long after they were finished with their first game. "So now it's Eiji-senpai's turn to play..." Shirota said, taking a seat on the bleachers. "This will be exciting."
"Takigawa-senpai and Gomoto-senpai from class 2-2... Why do I have a feeling they'll be the ones leading their teams to the finals today?" Endo inquired to himself.
Takuya handed the camera back to Aiba once they got back. "I got some great shots!" Takuya said with a smile.
Aiba nodded gratefully and browsed through the pictures. "Wow...you did," he said.
Shirota took a moment to squeeze himself beside Aiba to see the screen on the camera. "Lemme see," he said.
"Here..." Aiba said as he lifted the camera a bit for Shirota to see. "Most shots are you."
"EH!?!?!?!" Shirota exclaimed, blinking at the screen as Aiba browsed through the gallery.
"Heh... Nice shots there," Endo complimented, who was viewing it over Shirota's shoulder.
"You caught some excellent photos, Takuya-kun," Yanagi complimented.
Takuya grinned. "Of course! If I didn't then Aiba-kun would have strangled me by now," he said.
'You bet I would,' Aiba answered in his mind.
Shirota looked over to Aiba, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh look, the games are about to begin!" Endo called, moving their attention to the courts.
Aiba turned his attention to the court. "It's Takigawa-senpai's game, right?" he asked.
Shirota nodded. "It'll be an interesting game considering the vice-captain of the varsity team will be playing..." he paused and looked around. "A-re? Where's Kimeru-senpai?" he inquired.
Aiba looked around. "Up there with the band," he pointed out. "A-re? Is that Takigawa-senpai's face chibified?!"
Shirota looked over to where Aiba said before blinking. "EHH?!" he exclaimed in surprise. "You're right... It is..." he stated.
"This has got to be one of the highlights of the Sportsfest," Aiba said as he readied is camera.
"Kimeru-senpai cheering for Eiji-senpai with that flag or the game?" Shirota inquired.
"Both, I think," Aiba said. "Oh look they're calling out the starting five now. Let's see what happens," he said as he looked at the courts.
There was a loud cheering for both games, especially for the two varsity players playing from each game; Takigawa Eiji from 2-1 and Gomoto Naoya from 2-2. Screams tried overpowering each other for the two as the rest of the teams for the two games were announced.
Shirota chuckled. "Eiji-senpai really has a lot of fans..." he noted before looking over to Kimeru. "But I think I'll have to hand it to Kimeru-senpai for showing the most support with that flag.
Kimeru grinned as he held up the flag. "GO EIJI!!" he cheered, Nagayan backing him up with a beat from the drum set nearby.
Both games had started with the cheers not showing any signs of dying down anytime soon.
"It's as if we're already watching the finals..." Shirota stated loudly over to Endo as the crowd cheered wildly as Takigawa had made a successful shot.
"Yeah, they really expect 2-1 to go up against 2-2 in the finals this year. Even our captain from 3-3 says so!" Endo stated back in reply.
"Aren't we facing them next?"
Endo nodded.
"We're facing one of THEM?!" Aiba asked in shock.
Shirota turned to Aiba. "We'll be facing 3-3 first, which is where the basketball captain is. If we beat them and Eiji-senpai's class beats their next two opponents, then we'll be facing 2-1 in the semi-finals," he explained.
Aiba blinked. "The captain?!" he asked incredulously.
Takuya chuckled. "It'll be fun to watch!!"
"Don't have to get so surprised," Shirota reassured him with a chuckle. "Let's just take things one game at a time."
"Aa, the captain isn't as intimidating as Takigawa-senpai or Naoya-senpai when it comes to games, believe me," Endo added.
"My first ever chance playing basketball in a Sportsfest..." Aiba said with a sigh. "Well...It'll be a fun challenge."
"That's the spirit! Now let's cheer for Eiji-senpai!" Shirota said as they returned their attention to the game.
Aiba nodded before looking at the game. "Go Takigawa-senpai!!" he cheered.
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Kimeru was now just cheering at the top of the bleachers.
"Someone's going to have no voice tomorrow..." Daisuke muttered over to Furukawa who just chuckled.
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Both games continued with the energetic cheering until they ended. 2-2 had won against 1-3 with a score of 37 to 26, while 2-1 claimed an overwhelming victory against 1-4 with a score of 40 to 22.
"The next two games shall now begin. Section 2-3 versus section 1-2 and section 1-1 against 3-3. Please make your way to the courts for a 10-minute warm-up," the teacher announced.
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"It's our turn again," Yanagi pointed out.
"Let's give it our best shot, then," Zukki said.
"Ikuzo, Aibacchi," Shirota said cheerfully.
Aiba stood up. "Aa. Here's the camera again, Takuya," he said as he handed Takuya the camera.
Takuya grinned at them. "I'll take pictures of everyone this time," he said.
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Moriyama smirked. "Shirota-kun's class will be playing 3-3 where the captain of the basketball team is... This will be interesting..." the president thought out loud.
"Kimeru's class will be playing against Ara-yan's class, too," Takigawa added as he joined his senpai.
"That's true. I wonder who'll advance to the next round, though…" Moriyama said, stroking his chin in thought.
Kimeru spotted Takigawa and headed straight to him after handing the flag to Nagayan.
Takigawa looked over to find Kimeru approaching them. "Don't you have a game to prepare for?" he inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"I wanted to ask you on your opinion on the flag before I do," Kimeru answered before pointing at Nagayan who was waving at them.
"Flag?" Takigawa turned to Nagayan who was holding it before blinking. His cheeks heated up before clearing his throat, nodding. "It's... It's nice..." he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
Kimeru grinned. "Glad to know~" he said before joining the rest of his classmates to prepare.
Furukawa went over to Takigawa and sat beside him. "So...how are you doing?" he asked.
Takigawa turned to Furukawa, blinking. "Doing with what?" he inquired sheepishly.
"With....that guy over there," Furukawa said as he gestured to Kimeru somewhere among his classmates.
Takigawa followed Furukawa's hand before chuckling. "Oh. We're doing just fine," he answered.
Furukawa chuckled. "That's good to know..." he said with a smile. "You'll stick with him whatever happens, right?" he asked.
Takigawa nodded. "Until one of us decides to let go for one reason or another... I'll stay with him," he replied.
Furukawa patted him on the shoulder. "Believe me...when you two let go, you'll be able to find each other again," he said.
Takigawa smiled. "Aa, I'd like to believe in that as well..." he said fondly.
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Shirota, Aiba, Endo, Yanagi, Zukki and the rest of their class played an interesting game with 3-3 on one court, while Kimeru and his classmates squared off against Ara-yan's class of 1-2. Amidst the cheers and all the scoring, the two games ended with 1-2 winning against 2-3 with a score of 35 to 32, and 1-1 winning against 3-3 with a score of 31 to 28.
"We shall have the game between section 2-1 and section 3-5 before we break for lunch!" the teacher announced.
Furukawa smiled. "Well, that's your cue Takigawa," he said.
Takigawa smirked as he got to his feet. "Remember, I signed you up to play baseball for the class on Wednesday," he said slyly to his classmate before heading to the courts.
"Hai hai~" Furukawa said with a smile. "I'll tell Daisuke-kun to blame you if ever I get any injuries because of it then," he added slyly.
Takigawa rolled his eyes at this and joined his other classmates on the court to warm-up.
Furukawa stood up and went back to the top of the bleachers to rejoin the Band Club and their cheering.
----------
Shirota and the rest of his classmates took their place at the bleachers for the last game before the break.
"We really will be expecting a showdown between Naoya-senpai and Takigawa-senpai for the Finals. I can feel it," Endo stated.
Shirota nodded. "I can more or less figure that out as well," he said in agreement.
Aiba sighed. "I just want to make the most out of every game," he said with a shrug.
Shirota laughed as he turned to Takuya. "So were you able to take any good shots, Takuya?" he inquired.
Takuya nodded and handed them the camera. "I took other interesting pictures too," he said with a grin.
"And what do you mean by 'interesting pictures', exactly?" Shirota inquired, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
"As my sister calls it: 'Bishie Moments'," Takuya said slyly.
Shirota furrowed his brows. "And what do you mean by that, exactly?" he asked hesitantly.
Takuya grinned. "Moments that make the fangirls...or in this case...fanboys pleased," he explained.
Shirota frowned as he looked over the pictures with Aiba.
"Takuya……these pictures..." Aiba started.
Takuya grinned. "I told you they were good...so do I get profits?" he asked innocently.
Aiba smirked. "Aa."
Shirota chuckled as he took the camera when Takigawa's game was about to begin. "Give me that. I want to take a few pictures," he said cheerfully.
"Go ahead," Aiba said as he brought out a video camera from nowhere.
The game began as Shirota eagerly started taking picture of not only the players - though most of which were of Takigawa-, but also of the crowd. He managed to take a picture of Kimeru who had returned to waving the flag around and grinned.
Aiba grinned as he zoomed in on the players on the court. He was going to earn a lot from this video alone. Kimeru had asked him to take a lot of pictures and some videos, for reasons that the junior didn't tell him. He shrugged as he continued filming the game.
It didn't take long before Takigawa's game had ended with 2-1 winning against 3-5 with a score of 38 to 21.
Shirota reviewed his pictures when everybody was eager for the lunch break before they continued the semi-finals in the afternoon.
"How did the pictures come out?" Aiba asked as he ended the recording.
Shirota turned to Aiba with a satisfied grin. "Have a look for yourself and tell me," he said, handing out the camera to him.
Aiba took the camera and browsed through the pictures that Shirota took. "Good shots," he complimented before grinning.
Takuya looked over Aiba's shoulder to look at the pictures, "Can I see?" he asked. Aiba nodded before handing him the picture.
----------
Takigawa returned to the ground, wiping a towel to his face. "Shall we head off to lunch?" he offered.
At this point, Shirota went over and glomped Takigawa. "Nice game, Eiji-senpai!" he cheered.
Takigawa looked at Shirota as soon as he got his balance, raising an eyebrow. "Honestly, Shirotan..." he stated, trailing off as he shook his head.
Kimeru went over the group and latched on to Takigawa's arm. "I wanna head to the cafeteria~" he said.
Shirota let go of Takigawa before moving over to Aiba.
Takigawa nodded. "Alright. Lead the way, then," he said, chuckling.
Kimeru smirked at the people around them who immediately moved to the sides and made way for them.
Aiba blinked when he noticed this. "What the…"
Takigawa managed to grab hold of Shirota's wrist. "Hang on tight," he warned lightly.
Shirota blinked but grasped Aiba's hand with his other hand. "Why?" he inquired.
Kimeru smirked before dashing to the cafeteria, dragging the other three in the process.
"KIMERU-SENPAI!!!" Aiba yelled but Kimeru took no notice.
"I TOLD YOU TO HANG ON TIGHT!!" Takigawa called quite comfortably.
Shirota paled. "DON'T TELL ME YOU'RE USED TO BEING DRAGGED AROUND?!" he declared.
Takigawa merely grinned but didn't answer the question.
Nagayan, who was walking along the path to the cafeteria, heard a familiar sound from behind and stepped aside just in time as Kimeru and the other three passed.
Once they had reached their destination, Shirota caught his breath, glaring over to Takigawa. "A warning would've been nice..."
"I did," Takigawa reasoned. "I told you to hang on tight."
Shirota frowned. "That didn't explain anything about being dragged off suddenly!"
Aiba sighed. "Having been with Kimeru-senpai for a while, I sort of expected this..." he admitted as Kimeru wondered off to check out the food available.
Shirota turned to Aiba, distraught. "And you didn't tell me this sooner, why?"
"I never thought that you would have to experience it," Aiba admitted with a sheepish smile.
Shirota gestured to Takigawa. "The boyfriend's close friend," he said in a hushed whisper to Aiba.
Aiba chuckled. "Oh yeah," he said in amusement.
Kimeru returned to them, holding a tray of food. "What are you standing there for? The line is going to get longer," he said.
Takigawa moved over to the line quite quickly, followed immediately by Shirota and Aiba.
Aiba sighed as he looked at the line and frowned inwardly when he saw that it was very long already. "I hate lines," he muttered.
Takigawa looked at the line for a minute and chuckled. "Wait, I have packed lunch," he said, stepping out of the line, pulling Shirota with him. "I'm assuming you have as well?"
Shirota nodded.
Aiba frowned. "I don't have pack--"
"Here share mine," Kimeru offered suddenly.
Aiba blinked at him. "Are you sure, senpai?" he asked.
Kimeru nodded.
"Shirotan and I will be getting ours. See you on the roof?" Takigawa offered.
Kimeru nodded. "We'll meet you there. Let's go, Aika!" Kimeru teased as he walked off.
"IT'S AIBA!!" the younger yelled as he followed the junior.
Shirota chuckled before following Takigawa off back to the courts to retrieve their said lunches.
----------
Kimeru kicked the door open and grinned in approval when he saw that no one was there.
Aiba blinked. "Aren't your friends always here?" he asked.
"Not this time. I heard they went off to annoy Daisuke about something," Kimeru answered.
----------
Takigawa reached the nearly-deserted covered courts and moved to the locker rooms.
"Eiji-senpai, how are things coming along with Kimeru-senpai lately?" Shirota inquired.
Takigawa chuckled. "Let's just say that Kimeru's going to get a surprise tonight when we get home," he said.
Shirota blinked but said nothing as he retrieved his lunch from his bag.
----------
Aiba and Kimeru sat down at a place near the fence.
"So how are you doing, Aiba?" Kimeru asked randomly
Aiba shrugged. "Fine, I guess..."
----------
"And you're not going to tell me about it?" Shirota coaxed as he followed Takigawa up to the roof.
Takigawa shook his head. "I don't think I need to," he replied.
----------
"So you really didn't plan on holding back?" Kimeru asked in surprise.
Aiba shook his head. "I had my credit card at the ready," he said slyly.
Takigawa opened the door to the roof and looked around.
"There they are," Shirota pointed out.
"About time," Kimeru said with a grin.
"So what have you two been talking about while we weren't around?" Shirota inquired cheekily as he approached them and sat down beside Aiba.
"Nothi--"
"About how Aiba was ready with his entire back account during the auction," Kimeru cut in with a grin.
Shirota blinked, looking over to Aiba with a questionable look. "Eh?"
Aiba shook his head. "It's nothing…" he said with a glare at Kimeru who grinned at him as a reply.
Takigawa sat himself down and opened up his packed lunch. "Well, let's forget about that for now, shall we? We'll need to head back for the second half of the basketball tournament soon."
Aiba nodded as he started to eat whatever Kimeru had handed him, which happened to be an assortment of sushi.
"Since when does the canteen sell this?" Aiba asked in confusion.
Kimeru shrugged. "They always do during school events," the junior answered.
Takigawa feasted on one of his usual dishes, while Shirota was downing a simple bento box meal he prepared himself.
----------
After finishing more than half of what he bought, Kimeru looked at the group. "I want to see you in a cooking show," he said randomly as he looked at Takigawa.
Takigawa shook his head. "I'd be a mess..." he muttered.
"No you won't," Kimeru argued.
Aiba sighed. "And how do you suppose will he have his own cooking show?" he asked.
Kimeru grinned. "I'll be a famous J-Pop artist remember? I'm sure I could pull a few strings."
Shirota chuckled. "I bet it's the bundle of nerves he'll be sporting," the youth said.
Takigawa shrugged. "Maybe it is."
Kimeru chuckled. "Why would you be? You'll just be facing a camera and not actual people," he said with a grin. "That would mean that I would just have to surprise you, ne?" he teased.
Aiba rolled his eyes. "People would rather be prepared for things like that, senpai," he told the junior.
Shirota chuckled. "But Eiji-senpai is a master chef already~" he chimed in. "I'm sure he can make whatever needs to be made without problems."
Kimeru grinned. "Then there's no problem in that anymore now, is there?" he said.
Aiba tilted his head to the side in confusion. "Why are you so intent on getting him to be in a cooking show anyway?" the younger asked.
Kimeru chuckled. "I wanna see how he looks under spotlight."
"There could be other ways for you to see that, though..." Shirota offered.
"Like what? Casting him in a musical like the school play?" Kimeru teased. "Hey...that's a good idea..."
"I doubt I'd be picked for any of those kinds of things..." Takigawa reasoned with a slight frown.
"Will you cheer up, Eiji-kun?" Shirota teased as he took another bite out of his lunch.
Aiba tilted his head to the side in contemplation. "I think you would do well in another musical seeing that you did well during the play, Takigawa-senpai."
"Just finish eating. We still have a competition to get back to," Takigawa prompted them as he returned his attention to his lunch.
Aiba blinked before returning his attention to his lunch.
Kimeru chuckled. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that."
----------
When the four were finished with their lunch, they made their way back to the gym where the semi-finals were going to begin promptly.
A teacher approached the microphone. "Welcome back to today's basketball tournament. We shall continue with the semi-final games. Will the teams of sections 2-2 and 1-2 proceed to Court A, and the teams of sections 1-1 and 2-1 to Court B!"
"Looks like we'll finally be facing each other now," Shirota stated as he, Aiba and Takigawa headed out to the designated court.
Takigawa nodded. "Not that it'll make any difference to how we'll be playing. Don't-"
"Hold back, I know, I know," Shirota interjected, clapping the older boy on the back. "May the best team win~"
Takigawa smirked. "Aa."
----------
Kimeru, in the meantime, was with the band once more, waving that flag of his.
----------
Aiba blinked as he walked towards the others with Shirota. He looked at their opponents and inwardly groaned. 'I just hope to get out of this without injuries....' he thought.
Takigawa noticed Aiba's passing glance before approaching him. "No need to worry about them, Aiba-kun," he reassured him. "Tuti and the others aren't the type to get too physical than they need to."
"Aibacchi! Time to strategize!" Shirota called, already forming the circle with Endo, Zukki and Yanagi.
Aiba nodded at Takigawa before heading off towards his team. "Sorry about that," he muttered as he joined the group.
"Don't worry about it. Now, of course, we'll need to worry about Takigawa-senpai in particular for this game..." Endo began. "But with concerns to the height disadvantage if I match up with him, I think either Shirotan or Aiba-kun marks him."
Yanagi nodded. "At least that'll give us time to adjust our defense and use Yuuyan's ability to steal the ball," he added.
Aiba immediately looked at Shirota. "I suggest that Yuu does it since he has played with Takigawa-senpai before."
Shirota nodded. "Alright..."
Endo smiled. "Okay, then. On to more pressing matters..."
Aiba listened to the strategy of the group, groaning inwardly as he heard the whistle of the referee, signaling the start of the game.
Shirota and Takigawa took their positions at the center circle.
"I figured you'd be the one who'll be marking me," Takigawa teased.
Shirota grinned. "Well, it pays to have played with you a few times in the past, doesn't it?" he replied.
The referee brought the ball forward.
"Let's see if those days in the park will prove useful for you, Shirotan," Takigawa challenged, getting ready to jump.
"They will be... I'll see to that..." Shirota replied; his eyes on the ball as the game began.
Aiba sighed inwardly as he looked the two. "This is going to be interesting..." he muttered.
Both Takigawa and Shirota jumped for the ball, with Takigawa's slight height advantage earning his team possession. He tapped it backwards for Endo to quickly intercept the ball.
Aiba moved into position, following the strategy that was laid out by Yanagi before the game.
As soon as Endo had stolen the ball, everybody moved into position. Endo dribbled the ball towards their court as he evaded his defense and passed the ball to Aiba.
As soon as Aiba caught the ball, there was already someone blocking his way. 'They're fast...' he thought with a frown as he looked around the court. Spotting who he was looking for, he faked a shot and passed the ball to Shirota.
"Nice pass!" Shirota called with a grin as he took the ball and found Takigawa already in defense. He dribbled the ball for a moment. 'Now, if I'm reading this correctly...' Shirota thought to himself before he eluded Takigawa with a fake side-step before continuing towards the goal area, spotting Yanagi and passed the ball over with a bounce pass.
Yanagi took the ball and made a quick shot as the ball went in, earning their team the first two points of the game.
"Alright, Yuu!" Aiba said with a grin as he moved up to him before getting into position once more. 'I knew it was a good idea to make them go against one another.'
Shirota nodded to Aiba before he took a defensive stance as Takigawa and his team started their attack.
Takigawa moved forward and took his position near Shirota; a smile on his face. 'Looks like there shouldn't be any room for underestimating anybody on this team...' he noted, looking over his shoulder for a moment. The ball was with Toru.
Aiba frowned inwardly. 'The only advantage they have is that they're taller than most of us,' he thought.
Takigawa raised his hand, seemingly signaling Toru to pass him the ball. The ball, however, was directed to Tuti, who took the ball and slowly dribbled it. Zukki was defending him.
Tuti faked a shot before passing it inside to one of their other teammates who cut past Yanagi and managed to catch the pass and quickly make a successful jump shot.
----------
Kimeru smirked as he watched from the bleachers. "Alright section one!!" he cheered.
Daisuke rolled his eyes. "A few months ago that wasn't what you would have said," he muttered darkly.
----------
Shirota patted Yanagi on the way back. "Don't mind it, Yanagi-kun. We'll get that back!" he said with ease.
Yanagi was dribbling the ball forward with a firm nod. "Aa."
Endo nodded. "You know what to do, Yanagi," he instructed before moving forward.
The next play was Endo's concoction. The ball, which started with Yanagi, was passed smoothly Zukki's way. Zukki managed to hold the ball long enough despite Tuti's defense and passed it to Endo, who inched away from Toru's defense and stepped back behind the 3-point line and took a shot. The ball whizzed into the basket.
Aiba looked at the score, before glancing at his team mates. "All this seriousness over a Sportsfest game?" he mumbled to himself.
Shirota grinned as he passed Aiba. "Don't misunderstand, Aibacchi. We just enjoy a serious game like this and can't help but give our best. It'd be disrespectful to let our guards down otherwise against Eiji-senpai's team," he explained.
Aiba blinked. "You heard me?"
Shirota simply nodded. "Now, let's get in defense, Aibacchi!"
Aiba chuckled and got into position. "Strange guy..." he said in amusement.
----------
The game continued with most of the points coming from Takigawa, Toru, Shirota, Endo and Aiba. The game continued until the final whistle blew, ending it with a score of 44-30 in 2-1's favor.
Takigawa approached Endo, outstretching his hand. "Nice game."
Endo took the hand and shook it, nodding to the upperclassman. "Arigatou, Takigawa-senpai."
----------
Aiba was panting when the game ended. "I must be really out of shape..." he groaned.
"Maybe I should get you to start exercising with me sometime," Shirota said, slightly out of breath as he gently patted Aiba on the shoulder.
"Maybe....or I think I should take up dance..." Aiba mused.
"Whichever you're more comfortable with, Hiroki," Shirota reassured him.
"Dancing," Aiba said with finality. "Who knows...maybe I can become a dancer~" he mused.
Shirota blushed slightly, his mind imagining it already before he shook his head.
"And we can form a dance troupe and call it BRIGHTS!!" Takuya said, suddenly appearing behind Aiba who blinked at him.
"BRIGHTS?" he asked.
"It sounds cool, doesn't it?" Takuya answered with a smile.
"I guess it does...." Aiba said in agreement.
"Yosha~ then I should introduce you to a friend of mine, Atsushi Koga!"
"Um....why?"
"Because he wants to form a dance troupe too!!"
----------
"Takigawa-senpai!" Kaji called, jogging up to his vice-captain.
"What is it?"
Kaji stopped to catch his breath before he spoke. "Naoya-senpai and his class won against Ara-yan's class."
"And the score?" Shirota prodded, moving up to Takigawa.
Kaji turned to Shirota. "42 to 33," he replied.
Shirota turned to his friend. "You're going to have a tough time in the finals, Eiji-senpai." He patted him on the shoulder. "Good luck!"
It was immediately afterwards did Takuya semi-glomp Shirotan, earning a glare from Aiba. "Shirotan~" Takuya said. "Wanna join the dance troupe we're forming?" he asked.
Shirota faltered forward but balanced himself. "Eh? I don't think I'd make much of a dancer..." he admitted.
----------
"The finals of our Basketball tournament between sections 2-1 and 2-2 will begin in a half-hour to give the teams a chance to get their stamina back."
"Good luck, Takigawa-senpai~" Aiba said with a nod.
Takigawa looked around. "Would you know where Kimeru is?" he asked.
Aiba looked at the bleachers. "He was just there a minute ago..." he said.
"That's strange..." Takigawa said, frowning.
"Maybe he just went to the cafeteria again..." Aiba suggested.
"Well, wherever he went, he should be back soon to catch the final game," Shirota pointed out.
It was at this moment did Araki walk up to the group. "Takigawa-senpai," he greeted, bowing.
"Something wrong?" Takigawa inquired, turning to his kouhai.
Araki shook his head. "I was wondering if you... wanted to know the strategy Gomoto-senpai and his class uses..."
"That would be quite helpful, Araki-kun, but why bother to tell me about it?" Takigawa inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"I probably want you to win... I guess..." Araki replied.
----------
Takuya pulled Aiba away for a while. "Aiba-kun! I'm really looking forward to form that dance troupe."
Aiba grinned. "I just want to see Shirota acquire another nosebleed."
----------
After Araki gave a brief explanation of the strategy Gomoto's team used, Takigawa nodded his appreciation before the freshman took his leave after a respectful bow to his senior.
"So have you thought up of a strategy to fight Gomoto-senpai with, Eiji-senpai?" Shirota inquired teasingly.
Takigawa smirked. "I have, actually. But I'll explain that to my teammates a little later."
Aiba looked at himself and sighed. "I'm going to take a shower!" he said before moving towards the main building so he could get the change of clothes that he brought along that day that he left in the room.
Shirota turned when he heard this statement from Aiba. "Be back in time for the game!" he called out.
"Hai hai!!" Aiba called out as he headed out of the court.
Takigawa noticed Aiba's exit before he turned to Shirota. "So how are things going with him so far?" he asked.
Shirota's cheeks heated up. "You want to know the answer to that question here?" he inquired in return.
Takigawa chuckled. "I wouldn't have bothered asking otherwise, Shirotan," he teased.
----------
Aiba reached the shower rooms and eagerly took a quick shower.
"Wow....you DO have the body of a dancer!" Takuya suddenly said.
Aiba didn't realize that he was there and jumped in surprise, accidentally letting go of the soap he was holding and stepped on it which caused him to slip and fall.
"Aiba-kun!" Takuya exclaimed as he immediately went towards the boy.
The other boy winced as he gingerly moved his wrist. "I think...I just got a sprain..." he said.
"How?"
"I used my hands to break my fall, baka..." Aiba said with a frown.
----------
"Everything's... I mean... Everything's alright, I guess..." Shirota muttered in slight embarrassment.
Takigawa smirked. "Nothing you should be afraid to tell me about, Shirotan..." the Student Council Vice-President reassured his childhood friend. "After all, we haven't been friends for this long for nothing, you know."
Shirota nodded slowly. "I know..."
----------
The nurse looked at Aiba's wrist and Takuya watched. "Can he still play?" he asked.
"Not any more for today, I'm afraid," The nurse said and Aiba sighed.
----------
Once Shirota had explained all he could manage to Takigawa, the teacher had made an announcement. "We will be beginning the final game of the tournament between section 2-1 and 2-2 in 10 minutes. Please get ready."
"That's my cue," Takigawa said, rising to his feet. "We can talk about this again over the phone if you like, Shirotan."
Shirota nodded. "Good luck, Eiji-senpai."
Takigawa headed to the courts to warm-up with his classmates.
----------
Takuya walked with Aiba and arrived back in the court in time for the announcement.
Shirota looked around before spotting Aiba, waving them over.
Takuya and Aiba approached Shirota. "Sugee~ the game's going to start~" Takuya cheered.
Shirota took a moment to look at Aiba, frowning. "Did something happen earlier?" he inquired, a hint of worry evident in his voice.
"Er..." Aiba started. "Well you see it's like this--"
"IT WAS ALL MY FAULT!! I'M SO SORRY SHIROTA-KUN!!" Takuya shouted latching on to the front of Shirota's shirt.
Shirota turned from Aiba to Takuya, blinking. "Wait, wait, wait. What are you talking about?"
Aiba chuckled at the sight. "Well...you see it's like this...I was taking a shower and Takuya came in so suddenly causing me to let go of the soap in surprise and step on it," he explained. "And the fall also gave me a sprain," he said as he help up his right hand. "All an accident."
"Then what is Takuya apologizing for?" Adachi asked as he went over, hearing the scenario.
"I SAW AIBA TAKING A SHOWER!!! I'M SO SORRY SHIROTA-KUN!! I DIDN'T MEAN TO!!" Takuya wailed which caused Aiba's face to turn scarlet. The outburst also caused a few people to look at the small group's general direction.
Shirota looked around before slapping a hand over Takuya's mouth to silence him, a hint of a blush evident on his cheeks. "Alright, alright, I get it. You're sorry," he said hastily, bowing in apology to the people for the outburst.
----------
Takigawa shook his head in amusement as he heard this. 'Shirotan must be so envious now...' he thought happily to himself.
----------
"T-that isn't something you should openly broadcast, Takuya..." Aiba muttered. Adachi stood there stunned as he stared at Takuya.
Kimeru, who did go to the canteen, arrived at the gym and joined them. "What's so new about that? I saw that too, one time back when we were roommates."
Aiba glared at the vocalist. "Kimeru-senpai..." he warned.
Kimeru shrugged. "Why? Want me to broadcast it too?" he slyly said.
As if Shirota's blush couldn't intensify enough, the Student Council Secretary turned to Kimeru, glaring over to him. "Do that and I'll make sure to spill some secrets between you and Eiji-senpai," he warned.
Kimeru grinned. "Really now~" he challenged.
Aiba groaned inwardly.
Gomoto groaned before turning to the group. "Oi! The game's about to start here! Keep it down!" he barked.
Takigawa smirked as he got into position, shaking his head.
Kimeru smirked as he dragged the group towards a spot at the bleachers where they could have a good view of the game.
----------
When things had settled down enough, the final game began the two junior classes to the cheers of the rest of the school. The cheers were, once again, centered on two people: Takigawa Eiji of section 1 and Gomoto Naoya of section 2.
Kimeru was holding that flag of his again while Aiba watched and cheered with the others.
The intense game continued with 3-pointers, finely executed plays and screens before the final whistle blew. With a final score of 47 to 41, Takigawa and class 2-1 was crowned the champions of the basketball tournament. A round of applause broke out among the gymnasium.
"All right Eiji!" Kimeru cheered as he pumped his fist into the air, accidentally knocking Daisuke unconscious.
"Careful, Kimeru," Furukawa lightly warned, kneeling down to attend to the fallen Daisuke.
Kimeru looked and saw what happened. "Uh...oops?"
----------
Shirota was cheering enthusiastically. "Great job, Eiji-senpai!!"
While the rest of the band attended to Daisuke, Shirota ran up to Takigawa, along with Aiba, Takuya, Endo, Yanagi, Araki and Kaji. "Congratulations!" he greeted.
Takigawa nodded as he finished wiping the sweat off his face and strayed from the rest of his class. "Thanks for all the support," he replied with a grateful smile.
Out of the blue, Kimeru hopped on Takigawa's back. "You won~" he cheered happily.
Aiba blinked. "This is something you don't see every day," he said as he took his camera and snapped a picture.
Shirota grinned at the sight. 'Kawaii na...' he thought.
Takigawa stumbled forward before finding his balance, looking over his shoulder to Kimeru. "I'm glad you came back in time for the game," he teased.
"Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss it for anything~" Kimeru said with a grin, still attached to Takigawa's back.
"Even for free food at an eat-all-you-can restaurant?" Aiba asked.
Kimeru chuckled. "Even if it was my last chance to eat in a restaurant, baka."
Takigawa smiled at the response.
Shirota checked the time. "Then let's go out to eat an early dinner to celebrate your victory!" he recommended.
"At an eat-all-you-can restaurant!!" Aiba and Kimeru cheered.
Aiba immediately clamped a hand over his mouth upon realization of what he had just said.
Kimeru grinned. "I knew you had it in you~" he teased.
"Can we come?" Takuya and Adachi asked.
"I don't see why not," Takigawa admitted. "It'll be my treat."
Shirota's eyes lit up. "HONTOU?!?!?!?!" he asked in astonishment.
Takigawa chuckled. "Of course."
Kimeru smiled widely and latched on even more to Takigawa while Aiba didn't even bother to hold back his smirk.
Takigawa tapped Kimeru on the arm. "Could I go and take a shower first?" he inquired.
"Only if I can join you," Kimeru answered slyly.
A tint of red came across Takigawa's cheeks at the suggestion. "I don't see how I can decline..."
"Clear out the shower rooms~" Nagayan shouted for the whole court to hear.
Shirota grinned. "We'll meet you at the school gates then, Eiji-senpai~" Shirota called before pulling Aiba away.
"I am never....going to look at the shower rooms....the same way....EVER again..." Aiba muttered, allowing himself to be led by Shirota.
Shirota pulled Aiba close, grinning. "Oh, don't worry so much about that, Hiroki~" he chimed.
Aiba sighed. "Oh fine..." he muttered.
Takuya and Adachi threw and arm around one another and grinned.
Takigawa watched as the group left, leaving him with Kimeru still on his back. "I guess we shouldn't make them wait too long..." he muttered before heading off in the direction of the shower rooms.
"Then off to the showers we go~~" Kimeru chimed as he pumped a fist in the air.
----------
Shirota took out his soccer ball from his bag and decided to pass it around with Takuya while they were waiting.
Aiba watched the two from a safe distance and sighed. "At least I got sprained AFTER we needed to play…" he muttered to himself.
Shirota nodded with his eyes on the ball as he passed it to Takuya. "That's true. We wouldn't have done as well as we did if you were injured," Shirota admitted.
Aiba blinked at him. "I wasn't much of a help at all…" he said.
Shirota brought a hand up and wagged his finger. "Never think that way. This Sportsfest is supposed to foster teamwork in the long run, even if a few people stand out," the Student Council Secretary reminded Aiba.
"And you looked great out there!!" Takuya added. "And I have the pictures to prove it!!!"
Shirota nodded. "End of discussion!" he said with finality, flicking up the ball with his foot and kicked it gently in Aiba's direction. "Now come and kick the ball with us."
Aiba sighed before moving towards them.
Takuya moved back. "Over here Aibacchi~" he said while waving his hands.
Aiba blinked before kicking the ball to Takuya who passed it to Shirota. Adachi, who was not joining, secretly snapped some pictures.
A little round of passes was exchanged among the trio before Takigawa and Kimeru joined them, the latter of the two straightening the taller boy's tie.
"Kime, it's fine as it is," Takigawa pressed.
"No it's not!! So stay still!!" Kimeru said crossly as he continued to fuss over the tie.
Aiba grinned and nodded to Adachi who took a picture of this. 'That shot is going to be useful one of these days....'
Takigawa groaned before stopping, allowing Kimeru to fix the tie.
Shirota took his ball with a flick of his foot, turning his attention to the juniors before chuckling.
When he was satisfied with the tie, Kimeru stepped back and patted Takigawa on the shoulder. "See. All better~" he said with a grin. "Now you look prim and proper," he teased.
"I still don't see the point of this..." Takigawa argued. "Besides, it's just for dinner before we head home..."
"It makes it more fun to take off later," Kimeru said with a wink.
Adachi almost dropped the camera when he heard this and Aiba immediately turned around to hide his blushing face. 'The images...........'
Shirota cleared his throat out of distraction before moving up to Takigawa and tugging on his arm. "Can we get going?"
Takigawa turned to his friend and chuckled. "Hai, hai. I hope everyone's fine with some American tonight."
"Hai~~~~~~~~" Adachi and Takuya cheered and Aiba nodded.
Takigawa led the group off to a nearby restaurant before they got themselves a table of 6 and sat themselves down. Menus were handed out as they viewed on what to get. "Help yourselves to whatever you like," Takigawa instructed.
Takuya looked at the menu. "Sugee~~~ look at all the food...." he said. Adachi was already consulting his stomach upon what to get.
Aiba looked at the group and smiled. 'It's been a while since I ate with my friends like this....'
Shirota grinned before ordering a cheeseburger and fries meal.
Kimeru actually ordered two meals and Aiba couldn't help but stare at him as soon as the orders were placed. "What?" the junior asked.
Aiba blinked. "You're eating for two people, Kimeru-senpai?" he asked with a grin.
Takigawa ordered himself a steak before the waiter took the rest of the orders and left.
Shirota chuckled. "Kimeru-senpai must be famished from all his cheering," he teased.
"Cheering takes a lot out of you," Kimeru said with a grin as he rubbed his hands together.
Aiba rolled his eyes. "You'll use any excuse to eat a lot."
"And partly because he won't have to pay for it," Shirota added with a grin.
"Yup--" Kimeru blinked when he realized what he said. "I mean no! Of course not!!"
Aiba burst out laughing as he saw Kimeru's expression. "He got you there, senpai."
Takigawa smiled. "It's fine, Kime," he reassured the vocalist.
Kimeru grinned. "When I get famous I'll treat you all out! That's a promise!" he said to the group.
"We'll hold you to that promise, then," Adachi said with a grin.
Shirota chuckled. "You're pretty confident that you'll become famous someday, aren't you, Kimeru-senpai?"
"Of course I am!" Kimeru said with a grin. "If I won't be confident then I won't be able to reach anything!"
"Then focus on graduating Senior High first," Shirota teased.
"At this rate, Kimeru will probably be promoted a section or two," Takigawa pointed out with a proud grin.
"Who knows, maybe by next year I'll be in section one and I can bother and distract you all year long~" he said with a wink at Takigawa.
Aiba, who was finishing the water in his water bottle choked when he heard this and was now coughing violently.
Shirota, who was conveniently seated beside him, gently patted the boy's back a few times. "Easy there, Aibacchi," he instructed.
Takigawa ignored the wink as a light blush appeared on his cheeks.
"Th-Thanks..." Aiba muttered as soon as he recovered.
Kimeru chuckled. "Maybe that is a good idea~" he thought. "Yosh! My target for the end of this year is to get a high enough mark to get me in section one next year!"
"Good luck with that~" Shirota stated.
Kimeru nodded at him. "Thanks! I'll need a lot of it!"
----------
Pretty soon, their food came before everybody helped themselves to their own meals.
Kimeru grinned as he looked at the food in front of him. "Itadakimasu~"
The group partook of their food quite eagerly. There were a few interruptions, as everyone was focused on their own meals. It didn't take long before the group was done and Takigawa had paid for the table's meal.
TO BE CONTINUED. :D
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