Making up for lost time
- Chapter 2 -
~The First Request~

Prelude
~ The scorching, humid heat in which I found you ~

Today was an exceptionally hot day. It was spring, yet anyone standing in this humid, scorching heat could easily mistake it for summer. The ground was so hot, you could cook a steak off the pavement. It's safe to assume anyone would struggle to operate in these conditions. For me, Fujiwara Ayame, I was hoping to use it as an excuse to not go to school.

I stood at the entrance to my house, hiding in the shade of the roof. I stared off towards the street having already given up and refused to budge. This is the laziest I'll ever be…so please let me have this one chance, I prayed. That's when my mom came out of the front door.

"This heat is killer…" she began to wave a fan in front of her face. She stood next to me as I stared off at the street radiating scary looking heat waves.

"Tempting isn't it, makes you want to go back inside and sleep all day."

"Yeah." I wiped my forehead as sweat dripped down my face.

"Maybe have some ice cream, and cool off under the AC."

"Yeah." Mom, you're making this really hard for me right now… I'm sweating even more.

"I could really go for a nice cold drink right now."

"Yeah." Ahh… I can barely think anymore in this heat… I don't want to goooo…

"But it can't be helped, the world isn't gonna stop just because it's hotter than normal. You still need to go to school."

Oof. That was the last thing I wanted to hear.

"Uuu… I want to go back…" I slouched my back and pouted my lips, reaching my arms out to the front door as some last-ditch effort to find a way out. Maybe she'll feel sorry for me? No, that wasn't going to happen. My little outburst didn't sway her at all, she shook her head.

"You have to go Ayame. You remember your promise, don't you? If you're late, they'll start without you, you know?"

"Even if I was there on time, they would do that anyway…"

It's true, I'm the least interesting person I know. My mother would introduce me to the neighborhood kids, or her coworker's kids, and none of them ever bothered to play with me. Sometimes, if there was more than one, they would play amongst themselves and completely forget about me. I don't know what it is, but it's been like that ever since elementary.

After I said that, my mother wrapped her arms around me and rested her head against mine.

"W-What's with the hug?"

"I'm sorry your father couldn't be here to see you off, I know he would be so proud of you. He loved you very much Ayame."

I managed to release myself. My mom's face was slightly pained.

"Why are you bringing up dad?"

"I know he would be sad if he saw you not making an effort to make friends. You should have a good and fun life at school."

"It's not as easy as you think…"

"Hmm... are you sure?"

"I'm positive."

"For starters, why don't you cut those bangs of yours?" She reached over and ruffled my hair.

"S-Stop it...!" I backed away and guarded my head.

"You'd make fast friends if you showed your face Ayame. The boys would like it too～."

"Mom! Shut up!"

"Ahaha! But it's true~ My daughter is so cute and beautiful!"

"What are you talking about…?! Th-That's not true!"

She sighed. "What am I going to do with you… Well, try to start small. Even if you make acquaintances, you can befriend those who stick around. I know you can do it Ayame."

I averted my gaze. How would it work in my case? That's how things were for others, but for me I could never make it happen. All of the acquaintances I ever had never lasted more than a day, and the other kids forced to be next to me ignored me as if I didn't exist...! It was useless to try and make friends in high school.

Even though I just wanted to go to high school for the change of pace, mom forced me to make that promise with her. You can attend public high school, but you need to make friends before your second year. What kind of meaningful change would having friends in high school offer? What does mom see that I can't? I don't understand it, but if she really thinks that could change everything then I guess I'll have to find out.

"Oh, look at the time. I gotta get going. Alright, I'm off to work now Ayame, take care at school." She did one last outfit check before turning towards the street.

"Take care..." I said reluctantly.

"But really, bring home a boy some time! I'll be looking forward to it!" She yelled before leaving my sight.

I stood shocked. She really just shouted that out in front of the neighbors…! I quickly grabbed my bag and ran for school so I couldn't be embarrassed any further.

~ x ~

"Ah… Hahh… I… really… shouldn't have ran so much…" I stopped running and tried to catch my breath as soon as I made it to school. For some reason, I kept running even though I was a good distance from my neighborhood. Running in this heat was a really bad idea, but once I started it was hard to stop.

On the brightside, at least I'm not late. There's still 30 minutes left until classes start. I-I don't know what I'm going to do with my time though… I headed in the direction of the entrance anyway. That's when loud cheers caught my attention. From the soccer field, I could hear boys shouting.

"A-ki-o! A-ki-o!"

They were awfully loud, and I was a bit curious as to what was going on. I peeked through the metal fence, only to find that they were just having morning practice. One of the boys, the one getting his name cheered, was playing against several older-looking students as he ran down the field with the ball.

"Come on! Almost there, you can do it!"

While he ran, he dodged multiple other students trying to tackle him, maneuvering like crazy. Wow, that boy is really good, I-I guess? I've never really watched a soccer match before… But he looks like he's having fun.

"So close, Shoot! SHOOT!" Shouted one of the boys from the sidelines. "Kick his ASS Akio!" shouted another. Akio dribbled the ball back and forth between his feet, then quickly bypassed an older blonde-haired boy.

W-Woah… He was now really close to the goal, and once he had an opening, he kicked it right in.

"YEAH! WOOO!" A group of guys started jumping up together in celebration. To the side though, there was another group of boys who didn't look so happy with the outcome.

The blond-haired boy from before got himself off the ground and walked over to Akio. "Hah, that was pretty good Akio-kun. We should have a rematch once school lets out."

"Yeah, definitely!"

There was a group of girls off to the side holding bento boxes, they walked over to the depressed group of boys. That's when the light-haired boy and some of his friends rushed over in a hurry.

"Boom! Haha! I called it! Pay up boys, that'll be all of your side dishes!"

"Shit, we shouldn't have made that bet...!"

"Yet you did! Our guy beat your guy, just like I said he would, haha!" The light-haired boy cackled as he and some others wrestled their lunchboxes away. The nearby girls tried comforting them.

"Don't worry, there's always next time."

"Yeah, we'll make some more tomorrow!" It seems that brightened them up a little.

The girls made lunches for the boys—t-that's kinda nice… So, stuff like this really does happen at school. Friends, friendly competitions, and having fun together. Is this what mom was talking about...?

"Hey, I hope you save some of that for me!" Akio, the boy who scored the goal came over to his friend.

"What?! No way dude! This is Sakura's special tamagoyaki!"

"Really now? Hey Akira, I'm the reason you even won that bet, why not give me a share?"

"Get your own lunch!"

"Well, unfortunately I don't get that kinda treatment…!" He jumped forward and attempted to take a piece of his friend's spoils.

"Hey...! Hands off!"

Akio and the others continued to laugh and mess with each other. Watching them brought a smile to my face. If I could have friends like them, maybe this wouldn't be too bad…

~ x ~

Homeroom was still going, the teacher discussed upcoming school events and information regarding tests. There was nothing else for me to do, so I listened to her attentively. She was now wrapping up the announcements.

"And lastly, please cheer on our soccer club! They'll be playing their first game next week and need as much support as they can get!"

This kind of announcement normally meant nothing to me, I have no interest in sports at all. But after this morning, I was beginning to be slightly conscious about it. Suddenly, there was a ruckus coming from the middle of the room; it was Akiyama-kun and his two friends from this morning.

"Yeah! Akio's gonna kick some ass! He'll show those second years a thing or two!" He pumped his fist. Akiyama scratched the back of his head, embarrassed.

"Akira, I don't think that's really necessary…"

"What are you talking about man?! We've gotta show Hayama what's what! He's got all those girls blowing smoke up his ass, like that manager! What's so great about him? The girls should look at us too y'know?!"

Suddenly, a hand was placed onto Akira's shoulder. "Akira-kun, was it?" The source of the hand smiled cutely at him.

"Eh...?"

He was surprised at first. It looked to me like the poor guy has rarely, if not ever, had a girl willingly lay a hand on him. W-Well, at least judging by his reaction… not like I would know or anything! He turned around with excitement but was immediately crushed when he identified the girl.

"Isshiki Iroha…"

Once she had his attention, she let loose a flurry of words. "Akira-kun, it isn't nice to talk about your teammates like that. Don't you know girls like guys who put effort into their skills? Maybe if you worked really, really hard, they would take a liking to you too."

"Ugh…"

I felt like that wasn't really what she was saying there… If I had to guess, it would be something like: Hey you, you shouldn't talk about Hayama like that. He's actually good at playing soccer, unlike you. Why don't you get better, maybe then girls would take pity on you.

Uwah… This girl is really scary…! I don't think I want to be on her bad side, who knows what she'd say to me… The others laughed at Akira. Jin, their dark-haired friend, wrapped his arm around his neck. "She's got you there, Akira. You should definitely improve some."

"Shut up, idiot."

"But yeah, I guess Akio-kun is pretty good. We'll definitely put those K-High brats to shame." Iroha clenched her fist. Her cute character dropped for a moment and was replaced by a burning passion for competition. I figured she was there to be close with Hayama-senpai, but it seems she wasn't there for a single reason…

"Iroha-chan, you're a little scary right now…" one of the other girls said.

"Eh, uh, what are you talking about" she said cutely. She then tried to change the subject and move their focus elsewhere.

So, even Isshiki-san thinks Akiyama-kun is good at soccer? I wonder what the other members are like. They're certainly having fun… what if… oh no, there's no way that could… I thought about the promise with my mom. I don't know if I could do it, he looks out of my league. Besides, the whole class already treats me like air. I'm completely under their radar, even the loners! I buried my face into the desk, saddened at my current state.

I'm really pathetic…

~ x ~

Though I was never going to be friends with Akiyama-kun, I decided that it would be best to cheer him on from afar. I couldn't help but be interested in him and his friends, I had fun listening to them during class. There was always something interesting happening to those three. Because their discussions always brightened my day, I wanted to do something.

The day came for one of their games. I showed up prepared to give it my all. Although, I brought a lunchbox with me this time… a-am I really going to do this? I heard that Akiyama-kun doesn't have that great of a lunch whenever he eats. The members either bring their own lunches or girls make it for them. I-I was just worried is all! Athletes need proper nourishment!

After searching, I sneaked around and dropped it off where the other soccer players left their lunches. I didn't have a plan for getting the lunchbox back, I'll let him decide what to do with it, or maybe I'll just sneak back afterwards and get it back. I made my way to the bleachers once my mission was complete.

I found a spot that allowed me to hide my presence. Since I was so off-putting, I didn't want to bother the people around me. Especially the two girls that were right in front of me. They looked like the kind of girls I wouldn't want to mess with.

"Hayatooo! Do your best!"

"Yumiko, settle down…"

"What? We need to give him all our support! Come on Yui, cheer him on too."

She had a very commanding voice. Her friend squirmed in place with hesitation written all over her face. The blonde girl just stared at her menacingly with her arms crossed. I don't think she was going to take no for an answer.

"Uh, d-do your best Hayato!" She raised her voice uncomfortably. Her friend nodded, looking happily pleased. I felt like their friendship dynamic was a bit off… But they were just like me, here to cheer on one of their classmates. Though he's not really my friend.

I was getting rather absorbed into the game. Every time the opposing team almost made a goal, I found myself gripping onto the bleachers with a hard grip and sitting closer and closer to the edge. Akiyama-kun was a striker? O-Or maybe he's this center forward… I had brought a beginner's guide to soccer with me so that I could understand what was going on. Assuming from how they were playing, he was another forward just like Hayama-senpai. They were working together to make goals. His friend Akira was a midfielder, and Jin was the goalie.

Despite Akira's apparent hatred for the second years, Hayama-senpai especially, they were all working together as a team to defeat their opponent. It was amazing, watching the teamwork between those four as they advanced towards their goal. I was lost in thought, and I found myself exclusively watching Akiyama-kun.

At some point, the game had ended. I didn't realize it until Akiyama-kun turned around in my direction, and made eye contact with me.

E… Eeep! Oh no!

I instinctively froze, but then I rose from my seat and shuffled away quickly. W-What do I do? I've already started moving?! Ah, I-I'll... Hide!

I hid myself, and didn't come out until he was gone. Phew, I wiped the sweat from my brow. Akiyama-kun looks busy talking with the others, maybe now would be a good time to retrieve the bento…

The area behind the nearby locker room was where the Sobu team members kept their lunches. I waited long enough for them to finish, and once they were gone, I made my move.

"It's not exactly where I left it… Where is it?" I mumbled to myself, not really thinking there was anybody around.

"Looking for this?"

"Heh?" I turned around.

"I was wondering who left it here, I don't normally get a bento from anyone."

I was frozen in place once again.

"You know, you didn't leave your name on it, how was I supposed to know who it was from?"

I think my legs were trembling at the time, I can't really remember. All I remember was that I…

"S… S… Sorry!" I ran forward and ripped the bento from Akiyama-kun's hands. I ran home at the speed of light.

~ x ~

"Hm, hmm, hmmm…. Oh, this looks like it would be good…"

Ayame's mom was sitting on the living room couch humming as she casually flipped through her magazine.

This would look good for the gala… oh, and this one here would look good on Ayame~

It was a fashion magazine, one she frequently picked up to get an idea for what was in style. Other magazines were scattered across the coffee table, focusing instead on places of interest or venues. Most of them she already knew about or visited often, but she was always on the lookout for new and exciting places to hold parties or weddings.

Looking at the dresses and thinking about Ayame, she wondered about how late it was. She should have been home by now, but there was still no sign of her…

The front door opened and slammed closed. Ayame's mom jumped from the unexpected entrance. The culprit was indeed Ayame, as she sluggishly walked past the couch. Her mother realizing that after a quick glance, calmly went back to looking at her magazine.

"Oh, Ayame, you're home late. Were you having fun at school?"

Ayame stopped in place and responded quietly, as if she were drained.

"No…"

"Hmmm, in that case, were you out with friends?"

"No…"

"Aw, that's a shame… Find a boy you like?"

Her mother was joking, and knew that Ayame was going to give her the usual response. It was just her way of keeping tabs on her daughter, and maybe on the off chance, she would open up to her about it. She was about to open her mouth and say, "Just kidding~!" but after the short pause from Ayame, she began to nervously shake and began muttering something.

"Ayame?"

"N… Nooooooo!"

Ayame spun around on her feet instantly like she had just grabbed a baton in a relay race. While covering her ears she ran to her room screaming. Her mother was left behind on the couch, left with her thoughts about what she just witnessed.

"Hm. Suspicious."