Yeah, I managed to keep my promise! Although just about an hour ago the roof of the house next to ours collapsed. Everyone is in panic and the fire brigade just arrived. I ignored all this for you ^^

Chapter 8: Confrontation

A few days later the Silent Strikers came back, interrupting the practice of the Raimon players.

"As promised we're here to give you another chance", the other Nishizono said instead of a greeting. "Let's see how much you have improved." Behind him stood his teammates like a wall, impossible to break.

"This time, we are going to win", Tenma answered determined. He was still unused to his position as captain, but in the last days he had improved quite a lot and it was obvious by now that he really had the talent to lead others.

The other Nishizono was visibly surprised to see Tenma wearing the captains badge. It seemed to have a great impact on him, since he lost track of the conversation for a moment. But then the Captain of the Silent Strikers got a hold of himself again and showed his usual arrogant grin. "We'll see about that … ."

…

During the first half Shindou was completely absorbed into Nishizonos movements. Now that he didn't have the responsibility as a captain anymore, it was even harder for him to focus on the game. Instead the elegant play style of their opponents leader flooded his mind, leaving him no chance to even take on a simple pass correctly.

By now Shindou had already recognized how familiar the other boy was for him. If he concentrated enough, the former Raimon captain was able to predict all movements the other Nishizono made, from defense to his shoots, everything was so clear to him now.

Maybe he should try to attack him? Just to prove his theory Shindou stormed to the Captain of the Silent Strikers in order to steal the ball from him.

'Now he will evade to the left, that's my chance', the brown haired boy thought and prepared his next move. Everything went as he planned; Nishizono didn't stand a chance and Shindou was the victor of their battle. Surprised that it really had worked out, the former captain looked for someone of the forwards in order to pass the ball to them.

However all of his teammates were too surprised that the boy, who they just had dismissed from his position as captain was suddenly able to fight evenly with that over mighty enemy of theirs.

Nishizono used this chance to make a come back and attacked from behind. Already calculating that this would happen, Shindou took the ball between his feet and jumped, so that it would be impossible for his enemy to reach him.

But what happened after that was something, the brown haired boy hadn't expected. As if the Captain of Silent Strikers was also able to read his movements too, he jumped at the same second.

Too surprised to react Shindou had to watch helplessly how the other boy brought the ball in his possession. However Nishizonos arrogant grin had vanished, now his face was serious.

The former captain of Raimon watched his oppponent storming into the direction of the goal. How could he have known what I was going to do? And more, why do I even know what he is doing?

Soon after the first half ended in a tie, since neither Raimon nor the Silent Strikers had managed to get a goal. While the others were happy over their improvement, Shindou was still confused and went to their opponents team in order to talk with Nishizono.

"Can we talk for a minute in private?" He didn't know from where he suddenly got the courage to talk that directly to the black haired boy.

The captain of the Silent Strikers looked surprised at him. "If you want to give up, there is no reason why the others shouldn't hear it."

Shindou's answer was simple. "I'm not the captain anymore, so I can't decide that." Then he continued. "But I want to tell you something and I doubt you want your teammates to hear it."

...

"So what is it?" The two boys had left the soccer field and went downwards to the river.

"Why Nishizono?" Shindou asked and got a surprised view in return. "Couldn't you thing of another name?"

"What … what do you mean?" The captain of the Silent Strikers stopped watching the water flowing and focused his view on his companion.

"Kirino."

It was only one word, but more than enough to let the other boy freeze. "You … knew?", he finally asked. Well, the boy had known that it would be difficult to fool his best friend. He had lived with the fear of Shindou figuring out his secret since the Raimon stadium was destroyed.

"You didn't make it easy for me", Shindou smiled. "But I'm so happy that it is true." He moved closer to the other boy.

Nishizono – or Kirino was still shocked. "You're … happy?", he repeated his friends words. "Why?"

The other boy nodded. "Yeah, I never felt happier. Because now I can share your problem with you." … 'And I don't have to think about two boys at the same time', he added silently.

Kirino just remained silent and Shindou continued. "Will you tell me everything now?"

And as if a magic spell was broken, the other boy started to talk. "I was so surprised when you asked about my name, the way you looked at me, it was as if you had completely seen through me. At this moment I couldn't think clearly and just said a random name … Well, I liked the way you were watching me though", he stopped after he had realized what he had said.

However Shindou didn't seem to find anything odd on Kirino's words. "And I like to look into your eyes. They are beautiful even with contact lenses."

"Takuto ..." As Kirino realized that he had called his friend by his first name, he stepped back to put more distance between them.

"It's ok, Ranmaru", Shindou tried to calm down the other boy. "Will you come back to Raimon now?"

"I can't. I started something and I can't stop it anymore. The whole thing is out of my control. You see, I never wanted to destroy our soccer stadium in the first place. I'm so sorry for that", his voice broke and a tear rolled over his cheek.

"I don't care for the stadium as long as I have you back, Ranmaru." And before he realized what he did, Shindou overcame the few steps between them and kissed Kirino's soft lips.

For the next chapter, I'm not sure what will happen. Either I will end it simply with a win and some romance or the story will become serious with Kirino and Shindou slowly realizing their feelings. What do you prefer? Since I can't decide - I need your help!

As always, please review! ;D