"So you're Mayuzumi Chihiro?"
Coach Shirogane eyed the student from head to toe, searching any sign —if there was any— of what made Akashi Seijuro recommend him in the first string.
Knowing the redhead genius, he knew it must be something special. There must be a hidden talent that this student in front of him possessed.
What could it be? He wondered.
Judging him, he looked like a normal student. In fact he didn't seem to have any skills. He looked like a lifeless, bored student who would prefer going home instead of sweating out inside the court.
Regardless, he had so much trust at the captain of the club, so there should be nothing to worry about.
"So, you'll be joining the first string starting today. Do you have anything you'd like to say?"
Anything to say? First of all, did no one tell him not to judge someone so obviously? Especially when that person was exactly in his front? It was a good thing that Mayuzumi knew his manners or else he would be the one to tell that.
"There is none."
"Alright then." The coach rested the file board on top of his table. It was given by Akashi which contained information about Mayuzumi such as his basic statistics. "You can now go at the Gymnasium 1. Good luck on your first day."
Am I an employee?
He nodded before offering a bow.
He slid open the faculty door. If he knew this would happen, he would not have quitted in the first place. It only became more troublesome in terms of the paper works.
He took his bag from the classroom and began heading to the gym.
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"Mayuzumi Chihiro-san."
His full name had been pronounced quite a lot of times lately, he thought.
A blinking eyes greeted him, while pronouncing his full name.
And what formality is this? More like, why is she even here? In the gymnasium?
Hotaru hopped side wards while cocking her head as she eyed the third year who just arrived in front of the gymnasium entrance.
Her hands were kept from behind as she welcomed him, again with a smile.
It was quite awkward and confusing at the same time. Seriously, why did it seem like she was there wherever he was? It was hard not to be suspicious.
"I heard it. You're now joining the first string. "
Ah, really... That smile of her never failed to send wrinkles in between of his brows. His left eye twitched in the process.
He blinked, slightly turning his head to look past her shoulder, directly aimed inside the gymnasium.
This was immediately noticed by her, "Ah, yes, please go inside."
As soon as he stepped inside, he could already feel the pressure, the intense training that everyone who belonged in this string had.
He raised his head just to meet the figure of the redhead who was like waiting for his arrival.
He was right, something was really off with that person. The way he carried his self around these students who were older than him, more experienced than him, was as if no one could match his skills.
So much confidence as a freshman.
According to his knowledge, this person was indeed skilled but he had not seen it just yet.
"Welcome back Mayuzumi-san. I am glad that you have accepted my offer."
Mayuzumi just looked at him, observing his expression.
Glad he said?
Back then, he could already tell that 'No' wasn't the best answer when he was asked to return. So why he was acting as if he just made him a favor?
"If you don't mind, I'd like to explain the scope of my offer in complete details."
Mayuzumi narrowed his eyes.
So he was really serious when he said he wanted him to be like the rumored phantom 6th man.
"Okay, go on." After all, it was the reason why he was here.
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"Hmm, Zaki, 'ya know him?" Hayama Koutaro suddenly asked the girl who he saw talked at the new member of the club firsthand.
One match just finished and he was craving for some rest and since he found the girl all alone at the corner, in one of the benches meant for watchers, he decided to approach and might as well chat for a bit.
Mibuchi Reo had never shown interest to his blabbering unlike Hotaru who would just laugh or listen to his non-ending musings without problem.
"I heard he used to be in the third string." Though, in his surprise, it was another voice that answered. The tip of Hayama's Pocari water suddenly parted from his lips to acknowledge the person who joined. "Reo-Nee..."
Reo made his way to sit next to the girl. Hotaru smiled upon seeing him.
"I thought you would be with Akashi." Hayama assumed, wiggling the now empty water bottle in his hand.
The black haired player aired one palm towards the direction of Akashi and Mayuzumi. "That seems like a private conversation so..." He looked at the girl, noticing right away the careful and steady gaze that she was giving to the people who was also their main topic at the moment. "...I'd rather not interrupt."
Reo smiled, "Zaki-chan, Do you know something?"
As sharp as ever! Hayama thought. He had always known this secret ability of Reo. It was like he notice everything, although Akashi was better than him on that.
Still, he respected that skill of their three-pointer.
"Oh," Hotaru blinked. "I'm afraid I am not certain as well, though I have an idea."
"Heh..." the two hummed in unison as they joined her from looking at the scenery few meters away from their position. It was Akashi and Mayuzumi, talking about something that by the looks they had in their faces, it must be about a very complicated topic.
The three watchers were curious, yes, but they'd rather not blend in.
Suddenly, a glint of wariness crossed Hotaru's face when she saw Akashi —all of a sudden— used the expression he would often portray when he was amused on a high level which caused by an unpredictable events. It was also the main sign of the other Akashi persona, something she had noted as time went by.
The expression that everyone seemed to notice every time but no one dared to point out. Honestly, it was like a making of another person.
She gulped, worried eyes formed.
"What's wrong?" It was Mibuchi who noticed the uneasiness of her face.
She snapped, relaxing her brows as she parted her mouth. "Eh—?"
Hayama blinked twice, now sitting beside her as well. "Heh... that's unusual. Zaki is spacing out."
Spacing...out...?
"Ara, that's not true Hayama-san." She said.
"Oh, they are done." Mibuchi stole the attention of the two.
Both quickly looked at the direction of their captain and the new member. They watched what would happen next only to see Mayuzumi taking a ball, dribbling it before aiming a basket.
Nothing unusual. It seemed like a natural practice and truth be told, their impression of him was in disarray. They were expecting something extraordinary knowing that it was the first string of Rakuzan High, and it was Akashi who recommended him, yet everything seemed normal.
The audience of the gray-haired third student couldn't help but frown.
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I can't believe these sophomores. Mayuzumi thought displeasingly.
It was one thing to be curious but those faces were different, it was so uncalled for. They were having some ill thoughts about him while watching for sure. He was not some show to be judged.
He dribbled, letting the ball past in between his slightly bent legs, his eyes glanced shortly towards the direction of his three audience —one girl and the two regulars of this team— before reverting back at the basket. Then, he aimed for a three point shot which fortunately for him, went in smoothly.
He wasn't that bad in basketball though, but not as good as them in any way.
Right, he could sense how they were waiting for him to express some kind of an exhibition or maybe something supernaturally-awesome skills in basketball just like them.
Unfortunately for them, he wasn't like that.
Sorry to disappoint you people.
Anyway, that girl was also there, again. He thought.
What was her role? Could she be the manager?
That was the only thing he could think of.
But...whatever, it wasn't like he really cared though.
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It was shortly after one practice match.
Mayuzumi was too thirsty to wait for the arrival of that member who was tasked to buy their water supplies.
As impatient as he was for this moment, he decided to go all the way to the drinking fountain that was located at the back of the gymnasium. It was quite far but he thought he could use the place to release the stress that the match had caused him. So much energy was consumed, after all, he had to interact with lots of people which he found as energy-draining.
The sudden breeze of air sent chills to his sweaty back.
He pulled up the faucet lift as he aimed his mouth at the flushing water before scooping some using his palms, washing his face as well.
Afterwards, he straightened his body as he gazed up at the sky, squinting in the process.
It was already late in the afternoon yet the sun was still shining so bright.
He breathed in a long air before letting it out on the surface, calming his nerves in the process.
There was a bench in front of the water fountain and upon seeing it, he decided to stay for a while to take some rest. At least here, in this place, he could relax without worries. He wouldn't have to mind the eyes of his new club members that were eyeing him with doubts, like he had to explain his purpose in the team.
His back was full of sweat, how he wished he brought a towel with him.
It didn't help that the hard surface of the bench didn't feel good against his body but since he was only planning to stay for the meantime, it would do.
The surroundings were quiet. The area in his front was also spectacular, he wondered why no one liked to stay or spend time at this place. Why did the student of this school prefer the crowded and noisy place instead of a place like this one? This could be a hideout too now that he noticed.
Mayuzumi studied the place. It was green everywhere he looked. The sensation and ambiance that the nature gave made it a good prospect for his reading time. Maybe if the rooftop became uncomfortable he would consider this place as a replacement.
His arms were spread at the back of the bench as he bent his head behind. His hair had fallen down too especially the bangs, giving a refreshing feeling to his forehead.
This comforting stance made him change the plan. He might as well stay for a while. That was until his eyes caught a figure of someone else. His view may be upside down but he knew clearly who it was.
Funny how that smile of her seemed reversed in his current view. Like a sad face because the corner of her lips were pointing down.
Hah..
He waited for her next action. That girl, what was her name? She was holding a towel and seemed to be approaching him. When she came closer, he got the urge to straighten his neck and fix his stance.
Wherever he was, she was there, indeed.
"...Anything you need?" Mayuzumi asked, keeping it as casual as possible.
A short air left her mouth upon hearing his voice. Somehow, she wasn't really expecting a conversation to happen. After all, she knew that Mayuzumi didn't particularly like to speak.
She walked around the bench to face him properly. Then with a smile again, she offered the towel. "I saw you leaving… and you didn't take a towel."
He blinked at her nonchalantly.
Right, a towel would be nice indeed but why?
Hotaru had became immune to this short talk and silent treatment that she didn't mind anymore.
Nonetheless, he didn't seem to want the towel despite those sweats.
She pursed her lips and let the hand offering the towel back to her side.
Mayuzumi stared at her, trying to read her. He tried using this people-watching strategy at her. What was the deal about her? She appeared at the rooftop few months ago prohibiting him to stay at that place and after some time, she began doing the same. His life had changed a little now, being a part of a well-known sports club in a prestigious school, yet, she was still around.
Before he realized, the girl took the empty spot of the same bench to sit beside him.
Few seconds after, she looked at him and offered the towel again. "You really should use this. It's bad to let the sweat dried off." She nudged the fabric a little close to him "..especially at your back."
She might be a manager here and everything that happened in the rooftop was a pure coincidence.
Maybe.
But he didn't think so.
Nevertheless, he accepted the offer. "…Thanks."
She seemed comfortable being by his side lately. He noticed that. Even though, the time they shared at the rooftop wasn't mutually agreed or planned out. This familiarity bothered him somehow.
Hotaru smiled. "...Quite like a change of place for us, you think?" she chuckled softly at the end.
…Us?
Mayuzumi blinked.
His thoughts snapped.
Suddenly, a feeling became certain.
There was indeed discomfort coming from her unusual closeness towards him.
"I mean the Rooftop..." she paused, searching some hint from his face if he was following what she was meaning to say. The black haired girl parted her mouth upon seeing Mayuzumi's frowning expression.
Her words lingered in his mind.
Her actions were one thing, but those words, he couldn't seem to get what they meant. Why she talked as if they were one, like they knew each other, as if there was that thing called 'bond' between them when everything was just a coincidence.
Just like this moment.
It wasn't something they planned or agreed about.
"Sorry, what I said must be confusing." One palm was covering her mouth as she spoke. "I mean, it's quiet here... just like at the rooftop."
Mayuzumi quietly accepted her gazes before averting from it. "Say..." he began, "...Why are you speaking as if we know each other?"
The girl blinked, somewhat embarrassed. It made her speechless, that all she could do was part her mouth. He wasn't wrong on that remark, she thought. It was her fault for being overly friendly towards him. The girl forced out a smile, trying to erase in her mind the fact that it actually offended her a bit even though he had a point there.
He glanced briefly before deciding to stand up. At the very least, he felt bad for what he said but he won't take it back since he only said what he was thinking. In fact, it was also what he had been thinking since the beginning. Maybe it was about time to ask her. Hopefully that would get her back to her senses.
They were merely strangers to one another.
He walked forward and left the girl behind without saying anything.
Because he didn't have to.
Because he wasn't supposed to, at all.