Quick Note: Hotaru means Firefly in Japanese. :)
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"Koutarou"
Just by the mention of his name, he knew that something bad was about to happen.
Hayama Koutarou gritted his teeth in fear.
"Y-Yes?!" His shoulder was fidgeting, extending all the way to his knees.
Interhigh was near and everyone might be all excited and preparing, but before that, there was one battle they must overcome. It was their midterm examination.
That being said, a certain Hayama Koutarou was in danger, among all.
Akashi is angryyyyy!
They just discussed the scope and depth of the problem and all arrows of danger were pointing to him.
"You need to do something about this matter." Akashi Seijuro informed normally as if it was that simple and Hayama knew how terrifying Akashi could get if what he desired wasn't met. Just thinking about it sent shivers to the sophomore's body.
The redhead put a forefinger in the surface below his chin as he pondered. "Well, I could probably spare some time to teach you Math and English."
Perhaps, conducting an intense tutoring was the only way, the captain thought.
Hayama jolted upon hearing, as if a heavy and deadly thunder just pounded his overall body.
A p-private tutoring??!
Hayama's eye twitched.
"Reo, I believe your best subject is Literature. I would like to leave Hayama in your care on that."
Instantly, the blonde thanked all the stars in heaven during daytime that the tutoring wouldn't be a one on one with Akashi.
Mibuchi smiled, as much as he didn't want to spend more time with the noisy blonde, he couldn't help it if Akashi wanted him to. It was for the team anyway. "Sure, the fact that Sei-chan knows what subject I excel makes me happy."
Reo-nee?!
"Then…"
The blonde agitatedly turned his head back to Akashi as he waited for next. What—There's more?
Actually, forget the other subjects. He could manage to pass those if he wanted to, well, except to one particular subject that he had hated ever since god-knows-when. In fact, he was still wondering how he was able to pass his freshman years because of that.
That one particular subject.
Honestly, he even despised mentioning its name.
"If I'm not mistaken…" Akashi continued.
You surely would never be mistaken!
Hayama's eyes blinked exasperatedly as he waited uneasily.
"…Science is your worst subject." the redhead ended.
Hearing that very name was the poorest, the lowest, the most severe and unpleasant sound that his ears could ever hear. Just how did Akashi know about that?
Nonetheless, he shamefully admitted it.
It seemed Akashi would have him be tutored on that as well. Who would he choose anyway?
Since it was Hayama's most hated subject, he wondered who would be the mastermind of his pain and hardship?
Until Reo chimed in, "Why don't you just tutor him by yourself, Sei-chan? You're the most intelligent person here that I know."
To that, the blonde quickly sent meaningful looks to his co player.
The black haired shooter blinked blankly and nonchalantly.
How could you suggest that Reo-nee?! Have you forsaken me!? Two subjects are already too much! I wouldn't want to spend more time with Akashi especially just the two of us!
There he thought, as if sending his inner monologues to Mibuchi. Although on the surface, he was just firing meaningful eyes like daggers. Whether the receiving party got it was unknown to the sender.
Mibuchi blinked twice innocently and gave the blonde a smile.
Are you kidding me Reo-nee?!
"Unfortunately, I cannot. I have a lot of things I need to do." Akashi said.
Mibuchi looked once again at Hayama, using the same smile but this time, adding a sharp tilt of his head on the side as if saying 'Isn't that good? You're safe.'
At the same time, a slight burping sound entered the scene.
Nebuya Eikichi approached the group. By the looks of him slightly massaging the surface of his stomach, anyone could tell that he just finished—yet again—another round of snacks.
"Alright! Leave P.E to me. I'll teach you on that." He gave a hard slapped on Hayama's back which almost made the latter lose his balance.
"Oh my god, could you cover your mouth when you're doing that. It's disgusting." commented by Reo regarding the burp.
Hayama jerked abruptly in front of Nebuya, "P.E?! I've never heard of anyone tutoring P.E!"
"Really…" Reo sighed.
What an ungrateful student. Nebuya thought, lifting one brow. "That's a pity, Ha!"
"Eikichi, I'd want you to come as well." Although his grade wasn't as bad as Hayama, still, Akashi wanted the bulky student to try harder. All of them can pull it off if they tried, he believed.
"Akashi?" he could protest but he knew it was a futile act. He regretted ever approaching the three, he thought.
"I know someone who could teach you in Science, Kotarou." Akashi spoke as he eyed one person who was at the bench and resting.
The three uncrowned generals trailed their eyes on the direction where Akashi was looking.
Eh?
No way?!
Ohh…
"Mayuzumi-san, can I have you for a second here?"
They were greeted with an emotionless face from the other side of the court.
It took Mayuzumi quite a while to even stand up. Really, he never liked to be ordered around, especially by that freshman.
Yet, he just couldn't seem to disobey.
"What is it?" The third year student asked, unaware of the trouble he was about to face.
As for Hayama, even though he remembered having a friendly moment with him during their trip, he still had some doubts.
And also, that guy… he was totally anti-social, the blonde commented in his mind.
"Your marks in Science last year were quite commendable. I'd say it was and still your best subject, am I right?"
Mayuzumi's eye twitched. Just how much information did Akashi have on him to be aware of his sophomore year's performance?
He looked around the faces of his other teammates, taking a considerable assumption as to what was going on.
In this season of exams with Interhigh coming, there was only meaning. "Yes, and what of it?"
Akashi smirked, "Then, could you teach Koutaro?"
Mayuzumi didn't like how it sounded like a request. For all he knew, it was already a task decided for him. Again, no room for refusal.
He looked at the blonde.
Those cold eyes made Hayama winced as he stammered. "W-What is it?" Uwaa, he's absolutely against it!
Though, in Hayama's surprised, after a minute of silence, the only third year student among the group uttered his answer. "Okay." Not like he had a choice.
Akashi inched up one side of his lip, "That settles it, then."
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If other people knew about this whole tutoring event, they would definitely wonder as to why a freshman student would tutor a sophomore.
Clearly, it was something unusual, quite out of the typical standard in society. However, if talking about a certain Akashi Seijuro, the guy that was known as almost perfect around the campus, it would be feasible.
Hayama shifted the bill of his cap to the back of his head.
One foot pumped from the ground, putting enough force to accelerate his skateboard.
Why must he spend his weekend studying? He thought while on way to the agreed café where everyone from the team would grill him with their knowledge.
As his mind wandered what would happen on his future situation, he suddenly came across a familiar figure of a girl.
He stopped and stomped the end of the deck of his skateboard, lifting it up from the ground.
In a split of seconds, he wondered if he really saw who he believed he saw.
Though the face of that person was out of his sight, Hayama was able to recognize her feature. He plastered a grin as he decided to walk backwards to chase the girl, who was busying herself with a mobile phone.
"Zaki?" Hayama called.
The girl didn't look up right away.
First off, she finished reading what was written on the text message on her phone.
"Oh, Hayama-san…? Ah, Hello." She examined the person on her front, eyes specially trailed off at the skateboard between his right arm and body.
"Skateboard? I didn't know you can ride that." Hotaru smiled, taking the chance to close her device.
"Yeah, this is better than renting a taxi." he shrugged. "Anyway, where are you going?" Brows pulled up curiously.
"I'm meeting Seijuro-sama. He said he'd be at this café." Hotaru opened her phone once again, scrolled back at the message sent by her superior before showing the screen to her acquaintance, purposely letting him read the redhead's message.
Hayama squinted his eyes upon reading the first word. It quickly registered to his memory. "Wait, that's where I'm going!" he blurted out.
Was it a coincidence?
Wait, no.
Akashi would also be at the café to teach him so that meant she would also be there? Could it be…?
"Ah, so you're the one who needs tutoring?" Hotaru assumed.
Hayama threw his palms in attempt to defend his self. "It's pitiful when you said it that way Zaki!"
Hotaru just smiled, "So, why did you come from that direction?" she asked, forefinger pointing on her left, remembering that he actually appeared behind her while the café was on the opposite direction, on her right.
Hayama bit his lips revealing the signature tooth in the surface before producing an awkward chuckle. He probably didn't notice. His mind was wandering elsewhere. "Ehehe…I probably would have lost my way if I didn't see ya' Zaki."
"I see." The girl shifted her forefinger on their right. "Let's get going then?"
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The name of the café sounded familiar to her, remembering she actually had seen it somewhere on this street before.
"It should be at the end corner." The girl mumbled to herself, nodding on and off from the screen of her device.
"You don't seem surprised Zaki?" Hayama trailed off.
"About what?" She glanced.
"Well, I'm a second year right? But Akashi, a freshman, is gonna tutor me." He explained, eyes wandering on his left to make sure that they won't pass the café by mistake.
Hotaru had never considered anything as strange or unordinary just so long as Akashi Seijuro's name was attached. But, of course, it looked like that wasn't the case for everyone.
An unusual thing would remain unusual.
"The amount of studying that Seijuro-sama does, on a daily basis, is beyond mine—or anyone's expectation." Hotaru smiled truthfully at the blonde. "There's nothing to worry about."
Hayama blinked, not sure if he understood it the way she wanted him to, either way, if there was one thing he knew, it would be the extreme faith that the girl had towards the redhead.
She really likes him so much…eh.
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Hayama was quick to find where his other teammates seated.
Hotaru was behind, following in silent, eyes prioritizing to search for a certain redhead.
As soon as they got nearer the table, Hayama took off his cap and greeted the other students.
"You're late Hayama." Mibuchi Reo was the first to speak, already sending his annoyance to the tardy small forward.
"Sorry Reo-nee, I almost lost my way. Thank goodness, I saw Zaki on the way." He grinned as he slid his hips on the same seat as Mayuzumi and Reo. "
"Zaki-chan?"
The girl waved a hand to take their attention now that she was visible to their sight. She was somewhat towered and concealed by Hayama's built and bulky jacket when he was still standing.
"Hello."
"Uh, Zaki-chan is here as well. I see." Like the sun offering sunshine, Reo, somehow pulled off his mood on a brighter side. A presence of a girl shall be enough to lighten the place, contrasting the noisy and unorganized Hayama.
"Are you gonna help us here as well?" Nebuya asked.
"That's right Eikichi." Akashi was the one to answer while sliding his mobile phone on the side of the table.
"Hmm. If I'm not mistaken, Zaki-chan, you are ranked as the second smartest student in first year level." Reo mentioned, chin resting on top of one palm.
"Really now? As expected, Zaki!"
"It's not that…of a big deal." The girl smiled, embarrassed.
"We're in your care then Zaki." Nebuya chimed.
Since the two long chair provided were already occupied by the five regulars—adding the fact that Nebuya's built was like meant for two people, she had no other option but to request for an extra single chair, positioning herself in the middle.
Their sitting positioning came off as this: on one row, from Hotaru's left was Nebuya followed by Akashi who was beside the large glass window. While on her right was Hayama followed by Mayuzumi then Reo at the end who got the same glass window on his right.
"So….what is Zaki's best subject?" Hayama asked curiously.
The girl smiled, "Ahm I don't really have a single best subject. My marks are pretty much equal to one another. Though, I happened to enjoy Science the most."
Hayama nodded slowly, grasping the newly acquired information about the girl. Guess she was not Akashi's attendant for nothing, he thought.
"That's right!" the blonde's eyes suddenly sparkled, "Just like Mayuzumi-san."
Finally, he heard his own name. That felt for real now. He was actually with them, at this moment, sharing the same table, eyeing the same faces, breathing the same air. The moment was real.
When was the last time Mayuzumi went out with other people during weekend? He couldn't tell anymore, more like he wasn't sure if such memory or experience happened once.
Mayuzumi had his eyes closed for some time, despite hearing the voices of the newly arrived students, he didn't bother welcoming or greeting them. It wasn't like he wanted to be in this gathering anyway.
When he opened his eyes to glance at the person beside him, he was greeted by a glittering, almost shining eyes of Hayama Koutaro. Great, how could he easily be as happy as that in this boring occasion?
"Why don't we start now?" he deadpanned.
The blonde pouted secretly hearing the bitter tune coming from his senpai. "Mayuzumi-san, for all I know, you'd be just reading those weird books if this tutoring didn't happen."
That was a bit off.
Were they that close? For him to utter such words as if he knew what he usually does during weekends? Somehow, he didn't like it. Mayuzumi's eyes turned cold at the blonde before averting completely.
"He's right though. But how should we start?" Reo asked, preparing his notes on top of the table.
"Reo, we will focus on Eikichi." Akashi put out his notes as well, together with some books related to Mathematics and English.
"So, Zaki and Mayuzumi will focus on Koutaro?"
"That's right."
Everyone heard it, and just like that the tutoring commenced.
Akashi also noted that the next day, they'd swap. Akashi and Reo would tutor Hayama for the same subject while Hotaru and Mayuzumi would deal with Nebuya similarly.
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It was a busy afternoon for the six Rakuzan students. Every now and then, they would order drinks as they felt the dryness in their mouth caused by non-stop talking and explaining.
One hour and half had passed and Nebuya was already craving for some food but he didn't have the courage to suggest a break because it was Akashi that was focusing on him. It couldn't get any worse than that.
He glanced at the other person, the one sitting opposite of him.
That Koutaro! Enjoying the bliss of life while I'm here balancing my feet—trying not to lose and fall on this grave of suffering. Dammit!
Must be nice, he thought.
Hayama probably didn't know how much pressure Nebuya was having because of Akashi. Forget about Reo actually, Akashi was the real threat.
Lucky bastard!
Nebuya Eikichi envied the blonde, enjoying the monotonous tone of Mayuzumi and the soothing voice of Hotaru. Only right now that he understood how soft her voice could get.
Really, forget about Reo, the guy's tone was nothing to fear. But Akashi, how should he describe it? Like a calm before storm? Or was he already inside the storm but happened to be at the center, in the eye? Any minute, it could snap, and he surely wouldn't want that to happen or more like he couldn't imagine what the scenery would look like if that happened.
Ah… he wanted a swap!
"I don't get this part." Hayama beamed all of a sudden.
Shit, you surely didn't! Nebuya frowned, his irk at the unfair situation was unconsciously spilling out all over his face.
"Ah, that… It's simple. Just use this equation." The only female's voice retorted. By then, Hayama nodded like a joyful puppy who just received his treat.
"No, I think you have to understand the concept of the problem first." Mayuzumi then countered the girl, sliding his own notes beside the blonde.
Hotaru blinked, of course, he should have known it better—being the Senpai and the only third year, that was what she thought. "Ohh… okay… please explain it to Hayama-san then."
"Eikichi…" Akashi poked his consciousness. "Could you pay attention to your notes?"
"Ha?— Ah, sure."
Dammit! Really unfair!
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Thereafter of what it felt like a boring yet agonizing couple of hours, Hayama Koutaro realized that something was a bit off with his surroundings.
Precisely, this eerie and uncomfortable sensation was actually coming from both ends.
The blonde blinked, lifting the end of his pen from the paper, frozen on his spot as he silently observed the current situation.
"This, it is not included in the review notes." The third year moved his eyes to the corner.
"It is not, you're right Mayuzumi-san."
A wordless form of questioning face and dubious expression from the third year flashed out towards the girl, So what are you doing elaborating that specific topic?
"If he wants to grasp the thought of this problem, then I believe Hayama-san has to know this topic." Forefinger tapped twice, particularly under the word Velocity at the sophomore's book.
"That's time consuming." Mayuzumi uttered placidly.
"Studying should not be viewed as such." A slight distortion in the skin between her brows appeared.
Somehow, it also caught the attention of the other three students who were in their opposite. Akashi glanced a bit at the girl, the view reminded him of the past. That was how he remembered her to be—eager to her point of view and straight forward. Somehow, it had been a long time since he last saw that display of attitude.
Hayama blinked awkwardly, refusing to look neither his right nor left.
Almost five seconds of vacant staring to each other when Mayuzumi broke it with a short—almost monotonous tone of "Ah, ok." Not like it's my problem.
His eyes fell flatly back to his own notes, accepting what the girl said without complaints. More like… voicing out his complaint, fighting over such a small, unimportant thing would be the last thing he would include in his list of 'Things to be bothered about'.
Hmmm… Hayama Koutarou remained quiet as he was, thinking that they both had a point. Though, he would side to Mayuzumi's idea, just because it was easier.
Nevertheless, the tutoring continued. Hayama jotted down all the information that the girl had told him but then after that, the person on his right would just repudiate everything.
It seemed like it was still going on, Hayama thought.
So he nodded and erased what he had written, pretending oblivious of how things were getting out of hand.
Just who exactly should he follow?
"These two are related. Please also take note of this term."
"Ah, okay."
"No need for that, pay attention only to the equation, Kawahara-sensei's type of exam is problem solving." Mayuzumi informed.
"Ah -Oh, noted!"
"He can't just learn the equation without understanding the whole information." Hotaru leaned forward.
"Uhh...Zaki's right. Okay."
"Heh, what? Like whoever invented that formula?"
"Right, Mayuzumi-san is right, no need for the formula." Eh—, wait what?
On and off, Hayama would write, then erase, then write, repeatedly.
Hotaru's eye twitched, despite that, she was keeping her calm in place. "That's an important information, Hayama-san."
"Really now, like I said, Kawahara-sensei doesn't include that in his exams." He knew it, he had been there. He had taken the same exams before. Why couldn't this girl understand? What was the point of knowing if it wasn't even in the exam? Soon after this tutoring, he knew that this sophomore would forget everything anyway. Knowing just the equation would guarantee the blonde a higher chance of passing.
"What's best is that he learned something." But why couldn't Mayuzumi understand? The point wasn't just to pass the exam but to also learn. Why was it called tutoring or studying in the first place if he wouldn't even understand the topic properly? She might have struggled with studying before but after countless efforts and hardships, she finally got to this level. All because she studied hard. She didn't do all that just to pass a single exam.
"You can't possibly be hoping that this guy over here can absorb all this information without forgetting the important ones like…example, the main equation. Well, unless he can put 'I know who invented this equation, how he invented it, what made the inventor invented it but unfortunately, I can't remember the equation itself' and still receive a passing mark, then go on, I wouldn't mind at all." Screw that, he didn't care actually. Why was he even arguing with her?
It was getting awkward, Hayama thought.
The two had their own reason that happened to be clashing with each other.
Instead of another rebut, Hotaru chose not to say anything. However, both of their eyes refused to calm down, still steadily and seriously eyeing one another.
Well…
"You two." Hayama knew he had to speak. "Chill 'kay?" He threw out his palms on both sides, like a referee on duty, between two contenders.
The girl blinked and somehow, realized the current situation. Perhaps, she reacted too much.
On the other hand, Mayuzumi regretted being dragged to her pace.
"Look, I'm done. Okay?" Hayama slid his notebook to Mayuzumi, in hopes that his perfect answer would cool down the heads of the two. He crossed his arms in a proud manner. "Is it correct? It is right?~"
It was obvious to the blonde that he had been dying to end the tutoring and go straight home, however, his answer was nowhere near correct.
"No." Mayuzumi deadpanned.
?!
"Ahm..." Hotaru took the blonde's notes.
She tried to be optimistic but her face was clearly telling how bad she felt for the blonde because of the answers that would surely affect his future examination result. His basketball career in high school depends on it after all.
"Ah… this is…" She trailed off, and smiled weakly.
Hayama dropped his pen as he flatly sunk his face on the table. "I see…" he mumbled under his breath, feeling dejected. "I knew it. I know you guys are trying your best but I am really hopeless on this subject."
"D-don't give up Hayama-san."
Mayuzumi could only watch the dispirited figure of his co-player, wondering if he should pretend to be worried when clearly, he couldn't care less.
Hotaru looked at Akashi, worriedly, as if requesting for a back up or might as well a suggestion on how they would bring back the blonde's confidence.
"Well…"
"Ahaha! What a weakling!" Nebuya bantered.
"Haaa?!"
"And here I am, already done." The muscled-man crossed his arms.
"You are not, Eikicchi. Don't lie." Mibuchi interrupted.
"No, he is done, Reo."
"S-Sei-chan?" The shooter of the group frowned as he stole the notes of Nebuya.
Eh- It is true!
That was surprising, Reo thought as he noticed Akashi smiling with satisfaction.
Well, that was Akashi for you. Even in tutoring, he was also amazing. Reo admitted, seeing the result of Eikichi.
All is well, still.
Except to one person…
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Going back to the other three.
There's no saving for this guy… Mayuzumi couldn't even comprehend how slow-witted the blonde was. Sure his basketball skill was superb but it was the complete opposite in terms of academics. "This isn't going well..."
"W-Wait, What? Why?!" Hayama cried out, slightly embarrassed.
It made Mayuzumi's eye twitch a bit. That tune was so disrespectful, he thought.
"Hayama-san, let's try again. I'll explain it once more." Hotaru comforted.
Mayuzumi noticed the transition and movements that occurred on her face when she said that.
She couldn't be blaming herself for that, could she?
Because that was how she looked like from his eyes.
Meanwhile, Akashi narrowed his eyes as he observed Mayuzumi.
The way he was, the red head could tell that Mayuzumi was trying to read the mind of the girl.
Fine by him, it was just what he wanted, for Mayuzumi to watch people and predict what they would do.
However, he didn't find Hotaru worthy as a receiver. She wasn't a player anyway.
"You're so kind Zaki!" Hayama said, imitating a puppy's eyes while tearing up comically. "U-Unlike this one person here somewhere!" he shot a glare at the person sitting on his other side.
"That's cold Mayuzumi-san. Please help us out as well." Reo commented, chin resting on one palm.
"Heh! Shouldn't that be fine, Reo? Our bench is full of players to replace him." Nebuya jested.
Hotaru laughed silently, one curled hand covering her mouth.
"Z-Zakiiii!" Hayama called, it could mean: One: Help me stop that from happening. Second: Don't laugh.
Anyhow, he shifted his eyes at the person on his right—Mayuzumi Chihiro, no matter what, he really needed this guy at all costs. He hated to admit but Mayuzumi actually explained the lesson easier than the girl. He seemed to make it short and straight to the point, while Hotaru liked to pour all details. Unfortunately, there was a limit on how much information his brain could handle.
You need to plead more respectfully than that. Mayuzumi thought while vacantly gazing at the blonde. He wouldn't be tamed with just a look. He needed something more, like how a Kouhai should be acting towards a Senpai.
"P-Ple—" It won't fit Hayama's mouth at first—requesting and all. He felt like his tongue would freeze. But this is for the team! "PLEASE! MAYUZUMI-SAN! HELP ME OUT!"
A groaned, Mayuzumi closed his eyes for a second there. The sudden scream of pleading earned scornful eyes from the other customers of the café.
Even so, the third year sensed the eagerness, his poor kouhai was even greeting his teeth in the inside.
You badly want to play that much, …huh?
How does it feel? To be able to produce such determined eyes…To want something so bad…Isn't it just a club activity?
"Mayuzumi-san, Please?" Hotaru requested as well suddenly.
Well, he was actually enjoying the situation that he was thinking of other ways to reject the sophomore, assuming he could pin some sense of respect to that rowdy body, but somehow the only female's voice awoke his conscience.
"Please!" the blonde repeated loudly again, still ignoring the judging eyes of other people.
It wasn't exactly how he wanted it to be but it would do for the time being. "Okay." Mayuzumi sighed.
"Waa, Thank—" Hayama lost control and was about to throw a hug to Mayuzumi when the gray-haired Senpai quickly threw his arms in the air to hinder the contact. This was all thanks to his fast reflexes.
Seriously?
"—you!" Hayama managed to end his thanks against Mayuzumi's disarrayed arms in the air.
Hotaru smiled. They seemed to get along just fine. This would do, they could do this.
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"Thank you is not enough, I know that very well. I will treat you next time." Hayama said, pouting in embarrassment. His tune wasn't the usual rowdy voice, instead, it was low almost like a whisper.
He really owed Mayuzumi this time.
"Zaki also..."
"It's fine." Hotaru waved one hand near her chest. "Just ace the exam and win the Inter-high."
"Yes sure! Well then, thanks again. I'll be going this way." Hayama smiled and pointed to the direction of the road behind him.
"Okay. Take care on your way." Hotaru waved her goodbye.
Hayama put down the skateboard and in one stomp, he quickly advanced his way.
The two watched as his image completely disappeared from their sight.
Suddenly it was just the two of them.
The girl blinked, eyes looking around.
"…"
"..."
It was never this awkward before, she thought.
After the tutoring, somehow, she was hesitating to start a conversation with Mayuzumi, thinking he might be angry or something due to the small clash of ideas they had a while ago.
"Should we-"
"Which way-"
"…"
"..."
Ah…
The two paused.
Mayuzumi was still the same, like how he usually behaved every time.
Hotaru, on the other hand was too obvious with her discomfort.
"Go on." Mayuzumi allowed passively.
She tilted her head for one second, then averted, before finally looking at the direction to her left.
"Ahm, Should we….go home now?"
He nodded.
"Which way are you heading?"
"Here..." Hotaru pointed to her left, the opposite road that Hayama took.
"I'll be using the same way as well." He said and casually put his hands in the pocket of his pants.
Hotaru nodded. "L-let's go then." A tense smile surfaced her face, tucking one side of hair behind the right ear.
The two began walking side by side, keeping enough distance between them where people wouldn't mistake them as together.
They didn't expect that they would finish this late.
The other three members left earlier than them. Though it was not really early, more like, it was actually the agreed time to end the tutoring. They just didn't predict that it would be that hard to teach Hayama.
At the pathway, there were some people joining their silent walk.
However, upon reaching the next block, the number of crowds suddenly decreased in half.
Both faces were kept focused on the road, quietly. The air that blew their hairs to the right seemed to be the loudest sound around.
How long would they walk together like this?
Where does this person live exactly? Both wondered in unison.
From their side, few lamp posts started illuminating, giving proper light on the track.
The two caught sight of one cherry blossom, something rare for the current season. It bloomed near one lamppost. The yellowish light of the post casted upon the pink petals.
Both saw it but neither talked about it.
Usually, Hotaru could easily say something but she still couldn't free her thoughts from what happened at the tutoring.
Seriously, she was overthinking it that Mayuzumi couldn't help but notice.
"You worked hard today." He'll give her that since it was true.
The curled hand that was on her chest parted a bit as Hotaru gazed at the only person around.
"T-Thankyou. " She nodded with a smile of ease.
Mayuzumi blinked, his eyes wandered around. For a second, it fell at the top of her hair before shifting it on the other side to take note of one unwanted plant growing in between pavements.
"Regarding what happened earlier, there's no need to overthink. The situation called for it, that's all there was to it."
Ah. Her thumb was playing silently at the surface of the skin under her forefinger. She lowered her head shyly. "About that... I'm sorry if I raised my voice."
He sighed. "...and don't apologize." He slightly frowned because it didn't feel right to hear such.
"Sor- Alright... Thank you Mayuzumi-san." Hotaru smiled.
Although their conversation happened without looking at each other, somehow it felt just fine and was actually more comfortable than earlier when all they had was a long awkward silence.
She really was so formal. He thought. How he wished she would lend some of that trait to his co-players, since she seemed to get along just fine with them.
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The street at night in Kyoto was peaceful.
There weren't many people around, only during daytime that the crowds would all be hyped and packed around to visit shrines and do some sight-seeing.
Just like the current moment, Mayuzumi eyed a certain Torii standing adjacent to where they were. It didn't seem like anyone would be inside. After all, it looked worn out and already old, perhaps it was an abandoned shrine and not some tourist spot.
He averted, allowed his eyes to move on to the next attraction, but there was nothing more to see. Everything was normal to be paid attention to.
So, he didn't know why or what went inside his mind that he suddenly called out her name. Boredom? Feeling awkward with the silence? Or he just wanted to?
Was the dark and dimmed alleyway pushed him to do it? When there were only two people around, the moment could easily turn familiar.
"Sasazaki"
It felt anew, as if his tongue would never get comfortable uttering that name. Actually, it was the first time he vocally pronounced it.
Hotaru blinked, something in the way he mentioned her surname caught her attention instantly. It was the first time she heard him use it.
"Yes?"
"…Why are you always with Akashi?"
This was something he wanted to ask for quite some time. Despite trying to analyze it himself, no answer—or at least an assumption deemed right.
He glanced at her, just to find her a bit surprised to hear his question.
Now, was it a taboo topic?
"…"
"…"
Hotaru pondered, turned her head down to contemplate for a while. Had she actually never told him her relationship with the captain before? She didn't. So, had he never heard it from the others? Probably not.
Hayama and the others may be talkative at times but she doubted they'd expose her relationship with Akashi Seijuro to other people without her or Akashi's consent.
Nevertheless, she wasn't trying to hide it in any way.
Hotaru smiled, there was no point in dawdling.
Her pace halted.
Mayuzumi, for a second, wondered why she did that. Was she not going to say anything? He wondered.
He turned to face the girl whom he had left two steps behind.
She seemed to be in deep thoughts, he noticed.
Ah. Perhaps, it was complicated? "Nevermind, you don't have to answer."
The girl blinked, a coal black orb gazed at Mayuzumi as she shook her head. "No... it's okay Mayuzumi-san." Without removing the gentle soft smile, she continued, "Seijuro-sama is my superior." Would he understand that? Well, the three uncrowned generals bought it like it was a normal thing.
He remained quiet, taking note of the unusual honorific.
Hotaru supposed another accurate explanation must be served.
She slanted her head, eyes rolled up trying to search for a convincing term, something appropriate that would be easy to comprehend.
Saying she was his servant would sound a bit off. It might give a false image and neither was the assistant or caretaker. What term must she use?
"Attendant…? I'm Seijuro-sama's attendant." She finished her words with an awkward smile.
Mayuzumi heard it right and digested it enough for his mind to understand what it meant.
Now that he remembered, Akashi was from a very wealthy family. Perhaps the word 'very' wouldn't suffice to express its extent.
So he was actually a real prince? Then that would be convincing if he gave it a thought. So those attendants actually exist?
"Ah…" He nodded just a little. "That makes sense." he mumbled.
"Very few are aware of that fact. In the eyes of other people, I'm just the vice president of the student council and some volunteer in the basketball club."
So…it was that. That was one curiosity that finally got an explanation.
"It isn't a secret though Seijuro-sama liked to be discreet about it."
He didn't mean to pry on Akashi's life, he thought. He didn't see any fun on knowing more information about the guy. He merely wanted… or maybe curious about her relationship with Akashi.
He blinked upon realization.
Why is that?
The third year brushed the thoughts away and decided to continue walking.
Silence was around again. They had been walking for what it felt like eternity but not much time had passed in fact.
.
.
"Mayuzumi-san"
What is it this time? Please refrain from starting a topic about Akashi. He thought.
"That is…" She trailed off.
Mayuzumi could sense the difference in her tune although it sounded just like a normal voice of someone speaking about something. Her tune, the sound of her voice, the way she produced it seemed to be pursuing his complete attention for some reason.
There was an indefinable sensation luring from behind as if telling him to stop and turn around. And when he did, what greeted him was something not as foreign as he thought it would be. It was just the usual smile she always had around her face.
Right, the usual, which should be normal, just nothing special, yet he stayed still and watched. Her body was slightly bent, as if checking on to something.
The question of 'What is she doing?' and 'What is it that she's saying?' crossed his mind but his eyes were too focused on that face to even figure out what the girl was up to.
Something seemed to have caught her eyes. "Look at that." She said and stopped for a few seconds to give him a look. Forefinger was pointing on to something, somewhere from a certain group of bushes on their side.
She attempted to step forward only to withdraw, then back again.
Her lips parted, mumbling to something he believed was a form of hesitation.
"Ah… —must not…" Her voice was still that soft and gentle, like always.
Mayuzumi blinked. He moved his eyes at the corner, directing to whatever she was pointing.
He could ignore and leave her if he wanted to, although that would be very harsh and ungentleman-like of him. But Mayuzumi wasn't the type to worry about such old-aged traits.
He was no saint. Like anyone, he could easily be bored. But at the same time, he was also just a third year student, a normal person like everyone else and a male teenager whose attention and curiosity could unknowingly be caught by a girl.
And just like that, he observed what it was that made her delay their way home.
Was it a flare? No, a flash maybe, there was something bright that was twiddling in that direction near her.
Moreover, it seemed alive as it continuously beaming some light.
A mixture of yellow and green color emitted by—if he would describe it, then, it was like a bug. Or maybe it was actually a beetle. It was glowing on and off, crawling at first on the surface of the leaves until suddenly, it wiggled a wing. The next thing he saw, it was flying as it gave a series of beautiful lights.
Hotaru took a step backwards to avoid interrupting its movement.
Her eyes followed, trailing all the way to wherever the glowing species would go.
Grinning ear to ear, she spoke without a sound and judging the way her lips moved, it matched the same word that popped inside his mind.
Firefly
She was like an excited kid.
Mayuzumi wondered what was so special about that.
In fact, it was one of the popular things to the tourists, especially in this area. As a resident, it should only be normal for them.
"Firefly…"
The girl nodded. "Yes?"
He didn't understand the reason behind those smiles.
He watched her as she observed with obvious amazement at the firefly that flew slowly to their front then further, and more deeper behind the group of trees.
"Is it looking for the others?" The girl mumbled.
Mayuzumi would not deny the fact that it was indeed mesmerizing to look at. The glimmering light coming from its stomach was just amusing and mind-blowing. Absolutely the only insect he wouldn't mind relating to the word pretty.
He noticed the girl beginning her steps forward to follow the sole firefly.
What is she doing? A frown crossed his face, she couldn't possibly be going deep in those trees?
He won't do the same, he thought.
There must be a pond inside those group of trees, probably the home of those bugs. He wouldn't go and dive into that area. It was already late and there was no reason for him to do so. He didn't have to follow. Not like she invited him to accompany her.
And yet, he couldn't get his feet to walk away. His body faced the direction where he must travel but his feet seemed to be pointing to where she went to.
He couldn't bring his self to leave. Was he worried of what might happen? There were no people around and who knows what was really in that place.
Mayuzumi sighed. She wasn't even his responsibility yet he found his self worried. The very thought was annoying enough.
One minute became two when he decided to follow that girl.
As he went deeper amidst the trees, he was also losing the only source of light that he had—a lamp post on the side road.
Hands placed inside his pocket as he walked forward.
The crisp sound of the dried leaves he stepped on the ground accompanied him.
The line of trunks and shadows of leaves cast by the moonlight were his only guide.
Where did she go? That one firefly she saw must be on its way to meet the others. Knowing that, it shouldn't be hard to locate her. Although fireflies didn't emit any kind of buzzing sound, he should be able to tell once he saw it.
Mayuzumi went deeper, he couldn't see the road from his position anymore.
On cue, he noticed a glimmering light on his right. His head turned quickly as he walked hurriedly in that direction. There, and finally, he found her silhouette.
She was standing against the sea of glowing lights that looked like a series of bokeh.
Should he approach her? He totally had not thought this far. All he knew a while ago was to catch up with her because it might be dangerous to wander alone. What should he do next? Approach closer and tap her shoulder? Say something like 'We should go back'?
In all honesty, he shouldn't be caring. He should have just stayed at the side road or much better, went home.
Mayuzumi stopped, in the end, he found his self watching her.
How could something as normal as this seem magnificent to his sight all of a sudden. It wasn't like the first time he experienced this kind of scenery. In the past, he had already seen a group of fireflies illuminating the darkness.
But those times weren't like this, there was no figure of that girl against it.
That very girl…
Watching her was like a whisper of night creeping behind. She was like an enchanting empress in her fairytale-like garden surrounded by unearthly associates.
His awareness was drawn all to her.
When the wind blew, he felt nothing, he didn't move. It was like an empty time as he submerged in the moment.
The fireflies looked like a twinkling fire, dancing in the night, imitating a performance. And if that was the case, then, she would be the conductor, with him being the sole audience, and he was completely captivated.
This was like the poem she mentioned before—this very same scenery and situation. Somehow it made sense. It seemed like they had turned those lines in the poem to life. Under the dark sky, around the quiet forest, surrounded by a seemingly sea of fireflies, he was here, with her, and there were these lights.
Hotaru felt the presence of another person behind. She had to look that way to check. The idea that Mayuzumi would follow never occurred to her. She was quite surprised and actually happy. It was for this reason that she smiled.
Mayuzumi couldn't take his eyes away from her. Although he knew, nothing was so special about these fireflies, about this situation, and about her. Why couldn't he look away? From his view, she seemed to be saying something but he couldn't hear. From the way her lips moved, he could assume that she was inviting him to come closer
Her hands were all over the air, as if trying to catch one but when she seemed almost near it, she would flinch back.
Why would she attempt to do something she didn't want to?
He walked a few steps forward to level her. At this point, he wasn't certain if he did this because she asked or if he actually wanted to stand close to her. Somehow, his eyes were only at her. The fireflies were a mere background.
He quietly stared at her obvious enjoyment.
Nonchalant and quite mysterious, the fondness she displayed towards the glowing bugs. Did it have any connection to one significant event in her life?
Swiftly, she turned her head to look at him again, all smiling, enjoying the moment.
What was with those eyes? Was his mind doing some tricks again? Had he read too many romantic light novels these days to have his brain function this way?
Was it just him or was her eyes always been like this? The softness of her gaze, the clarity it gave towards him, as if those coal black orbs were having an unfathomable conversation with him.
At the same time, she appeared to be listening as if she would wait if he ever wanted to say something.
"They are so beautiful…don't you think?" It was her who spoke again.
Maybe, the reason he couldn't avert nor leave was because he liked the way she was looking at him.
"Yes." Mayuzumi answered nonchalantly.
Her smile went deeper, earnestly appreciating the fact that he felt the same. The impression was mutual despite knowing that not everyone, especially people who have lived in this area for so long would find it marvelous. Such scenery was supposed to be normal after all. Nevertheless, she just happened to have her own reason for this adoration.
"Do you like fireflies?"
The quick answer would be 'No'. If he had to give an explanation then it would be along the line of 'It's nothing unusual, fireflies are everywhere in this neighborhood'. But what came out of his lips was the opposite of that. "... I like it."
Mayuzumi didn't know anymore, what to make out of this situation.
Hotaru blinked upon hearing. She pursed the lips that was smiling before looking back at him.
The two exchanged gazes. Her smile had left her face, it made him wonder if he said something off.
Mayuzumi didn't know how bashful she felt all of a sudden because of what he said. Her cheeks had gotten red too but he probably didn't notice. They were only relying on the lights given by the fireflies after all.
Hotaru snapped, "Y-You mean these fireflies?" she ducked her head while asking, her soft black hair bounced upon that movement, hiding the flustered face.
For that he didn't reply. Now that she asked, he wasn't sure as well.
Hotaru bit her lips in embarrassment, recalling and reminding herself of what was truly going on. Mayuzumi Chihiro didn't know her name fully. It could also be that he wasn't particularly interested in knowing. That was it, he just didn't know, that was why he could say it like that. So, there should be no reason to feel awkward and shy.
The two stayed until the fireflies reached a higher spot in the air where it began scattering, probably going somewhere—in a place where they wouldn't know.
Just like that.
Indeed, there was no such thing as beautiful that could last for a long time.
Mayuzumi noticed how her thumb kept on stroking the nails of the other one. He realized she liked to do that whenever something was bugging her.
Something was different, he assumed.
"S-Should we go back?" She suggested all of a sudden.
Mayuzumi noticed the sudden discomfort she had. He wasn't sure what caused it. She was fine a while ago but now, she couldn't seem to look at him. For that, he chose not to say anything. He just agreed on going back. The night must end, after all.
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just a little blabbering,
so hotaru means firefly in japanese...and this is why i love japanese language so much...it can create misunderstanding such as that scene ... you see, i was trying to tell those cliché situation where the charac says something that can also mean another thing.
so if this was in japanese, hotaru would be asking something like "Hotaru ga suki?" because hotaru= fireflies and its also her name so that can also mean "Do you like Hotaru?" and then mayu would reply with a "Suki da" which can also mean "I like you"
...so from her view, he was like telling her that he likes her HAHAHHA... tho im sure i didnt put justice to it coz i suck. HAHA but thats that... anyway, thank you if youre here. :)))