On the second day of group tutoring, Mayuzumi and Hotaru switched with Nebuya while the other group—Akashi and Reo, focused to Hayama.
Surprisingly, Hayama did better than yesterday.
Reo wondered if Akashi had a secret technique in his way of study
On the other hand, Mayuzumi and Hotaru handled Nebuya easily, better than how they did with Hayama. They noticed that the well-built man could actually do it if he tried.
Time flew smoothly without worries and before they knew, the lessons ended. They were all able to part ways at the same time. The two uncrowned generals—Hayama and Nebuya went together, taking the opposite direction from the rest.
"Do you think they will be fine? Hmmm, I'm still worried." Reo mused.
"There's no need for that Reo."
Akashi assured, and if he could say that then Reo wouldn't doubt anymore.
"Anyway, I thank everyone for the time." The captain said.
Mayuzumi didn't think he deserved that. It was not like he tutored his two co-players because he wanted to. If not because of Akashi, then he wouldn't be here, walking with them as if he had always been part of their group.
The sole third year paused his pace as he called the attention of the people walking ahead of him. "I'll be going this way." He said, planning to stop by somewhere because it was still early and he really didn't like walking with these people.
He glanced a little to the girl. Unlike the usual where he would meet her eyes before he could even look, this time, it wasn't. It was like she purposely ducked her head when she saw him about to look her way. Regardless, Mayuzumi didn't mind, ignoring it like always.
"Understood. Thanks for the hard work Mayuzumi-san." said by the redhead.
"Bye, see you Mayuzumi." Came from Reo.
Hotaru just nodded in his direction, still not looking at him.
And he wouldn't mind that either, he must not.
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On the awaited day, the Rakuzan High starters took their examination. It went by as planned for everyone despite the worries towards Hayama and Nebuya. Unlike before, they weren't relying solely on luck, this time, they actually studied hard and that was why in the end, it turned all good. Their marks may be nothing compared to Akashi, still, it was better than failing.
The supposed examination nightmare passed by without worries.
It was just like what Akashi said. There was no need for worry.
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Hayama grinned, proudly presenting his examination result in front of the other players.
"See, see! Look at this! Piece of pie!~ Yea!"
Reo grimaced. It was only a couple of days ago when he was like a scared puppy.
"I'm glad Koutarou. You must have no more reason to skip the practice."
Akashi?!
"I was expecting this already, you know, passing the exams." Nebuya mumbled to his self coolly.
Akashi smirked and after a while he became serious.
On cue, the captain asked the first string players of Rakuzan Basketball High to gather around. Before anything else, he wanted to remind everyone of their goal in the upcoming tournament.
Winning is everything. It was the only goal that the club ever had since its founding day. He wanted to make sure that everyone knew that.
"Do not disappoint me."
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"How rare. Zaki didn't come today." Hayama commented on whim, while changing back to his uniform inside the gym's locker room.
"Oh, now that you said it." Reo followed, straightening his back upon zipping his jersey bag.
"Maybe she was with Akashi?" Nebuya said while untying his shoes.
How would that happen? Akashi was right in front of him. Hayama frowned.
"Oopps, my mistake. Nevermind." Nebuya blankly corrected his self upon realization.
Could they blame Nebuya for assuming that? Akashi and his attendant were like conjoined twins—always together. Though, that must be an exaggeration.
Reo could only frown with a sigh. After all, Hotaru's presence was enough to refresh his eyes after spending too much time around his chaotic co-players.
"She's occupied on her own club at the moment." Akashi informed while looking at his file board.
"Eh?!" Hayama hung his mouth, "Why?!"
"Hmm. So Zaki has another club?" Reo mumbled.
"What club?! She should be here."
"Ah stop it Hayama, of course she has her own passion to focus on."
"But I miss her!"
Reo parted his curled forefinger from his chin, frowning at the loud blonde. "Is Zaki your mother? Geez you're like a child."
"Neh Neh Akashi, what kind of club is it?"
Akashi raised his head. He knew that the girl was associating herself with his teammates quite often so he was a bit surprised to find out that she never told them that simple information.
"Music club, Koutaro."
The three—Hayama especially, fell silent.
"Well, that was unexpected." Reo hummed.
Music? As in music as that music? Hayama frowned for a second. "Hehh... so Zaki can sing?"
"No, she plays the piano." And for a while, even Akashi had wondered if the girl could actually sing. He imagined it, but no... it wouldn't fit. Her voice was too soft.
Reo pulled up his brows. Ohhhh...
"Really? ..." Hayama beamed. "I...never thought she could..." Ohhhh wow...
"Ah, that makes sense." Nebuya chimed in, suddenly standing as he made some stretching.
"What is?"
"I saw her one time with an earphone, y'know." He said, pointing a forefinger to his right ear. " She lent me one side when I asked what she was listening. Man, I thought it was some kind of a lullaby."
"Didn't know Zaki has that kind of talent..."
She was in the gymnasium almost all the time, he forgot the fact that she was actually not an 'official' member of the club. Even if she did belong to one, he thought it would be something related to sports, Reo pondered.
Anyhow, so much for that, Akashi took their attention back to focus on their plans for the upcoming inter-high. He declared some of the tactics he would like for the team to try especially testing how Mayuzumi's newly developed skills would connect to the uncrowned general's play-style.
Mayuzumi on the other hand was just listening, all quietly from the start until the meeting finished.
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A week before the Inter-high, Coach Shirogane Eiji assigned the team to have a practice game with one of the school nearby.
It wasn't much. After all, Rakuzan was a well-known team in the field of high school's basketball.
Their opponent wasn't just another team. Takegano High Basketball Club was considered as the second best basketball club in the area.
With that, Rakuzan's coach believed it would be enough to test the new line up. It was also agreed by Akashi as he wanted to see Mayuzumi's style in action.
After an approximately 30-minutes drive, they finally arrived.
Upon entering the gym, the Rakuzan regulars could already sense the glares and overwhelming passion of the opponent's club members to defeat them.
As the one visiting, they had to be well-mannered and just pay the unfriendly welcome at the court.
Hayama cocked his head and studied the opponent's line-up in his front. "They do look powerful but two fingers should be enough."
"Stop it Koutaro. Trash talking isn't nice." Reo muttered. "Just do it in action."
"Hah! I just finished one pile of burger. I'm so fired up for this!"
The players of Takegano High found their casual way of speaking as irritating. Yes, they might be the 'Rakuzan High' but they were not the only ones improving and honing skils these past years.
"Nah, Mizuki-san, our opponents are from...wait—, what school are they from again? Raku-what?" One uttered, purposely raising his voice.
Hayama snickered. He quickly covered his mouth with both hands in attempt to suppress the laugh. Who would even believe that? They couldn't possibly be studying in Kyoto and not be aware of Rakuzan High's basketball club. That was just a pure bluff. They failed in that, everyone around knew it, even the audience. They couldn't just let their visitors win over them in terms of provocation.
Another one—which deliberately named by Hayama as the 'student-player No.2' attempted to continue the flow of their 'supposed' rude remarks to embarrass the—according to them was the glorified players of Rakuzan High.
Student-player No. 2 flipped out his bangs gracefully, "Look, it seems like they're missing one player? Is this really the so-called champions? They don't even know the standard number of required players in basketball." He ended it with a smirk.
The person beside him—'student-player No.1' as per Hayama and also the one who spoke first, elbowed Student-player No.2 and whispered, "Don't say 'champions'! You're contradicting what I said!"
Hayama smirked.
On cue,
"Is your hair that long? It started affecting your eyesight? Shall I pay for your haircut?" Mayuzumi mumbled, inching up his chin to look down at that same person.
Hayama abruptly gawked at the third year. "Whoa-!" Did he just...?! Mayuzumi could also talk like that?!
"My...my... you just pissed off our ever so quiet Senpai." Reo teased.
"Well then, I believe that is enough." Takegano High's basketball coach interjected. "Why don't we just begin this practice game?" They could really try but it would be futile. Even their coach knew it. If only he didn't respect Rakuzan's coach, he wouldn't agree to this match. Coach Shirogane was one scary guy. He remembered how much admiration he had towards him during their high school days.
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The match began. Of course, the only benefit that this game had for Takegano High was the privilege to see how the regulars of the so-called champion team plays and that was all. At least they could gather some data or techniques in this match even if they were to be defeated.
Akashi didn't join the line-up. He remained outside the court as he watched everyone's movement while analyzing their plays.
It was such a waste, Takegano's coach thought, to not see the play style of the rumoured captain of the generation of miracles. Although honestly, he seemed like a normal student because of that height. He didn't seem to have anything special unlike the current players in the court. He thought that way until the redhead blinked towards him as if he knew what he was thinking. The coach flinched a little before averting eyes.
What was that? He thought, as if he was suddenly struck by a sudden fear and intimidation, looking away became his choice.
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The match ended and as expected of many, it was in Rakuzan's favor.
It was a bitter end for the opposing team, indeed.
"As I would expect on your team, Senpai." Takegano High's coach said.
"Your team is great as well. Rakuzan is just an exceptional team."
He couldn't tell if he was supposed to be happy or not hearing that remark. As it seemed, Coach Shirogane was still the same—proud and straightforward.
"Next time, we will win this."
"I would wait then."
The group headed back. No particular attachment happened in that game. For them, it was just like a normal practice. In fact, it was actually lighter than their own practice match considering Akashi's training menu.
They went back to school and never talked about the match again.
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Two days had passed since that game. Suddenly, one member of the club, Orizaba, a freshman that was lucky enough to get in the first string, barged inside the locker room. The regulars were all inside and preparing to go home.
"S-Senpaiiiiiii!" a loud thud was heard as the door slammed to the wall due to the force that the freshman exhibited.
"You won't believe this!" he exclaimed, hugging a box around his arms.
"What is it?" Hayama was the one to entertain the freshman. After all, he really was good at talking to people.
"Some students from Takegano High delivered this." He informed before putting the box on top of one bench.
Hayama inspected the outside of the brown carton.
"What the heck is this?"
"I think they are love letters."
"Love le-Eh?!"
The freshman nodded. "I think so? Anyway I have to go Senpai. I was already on my way when they requested me to deliver this."
"Wait but what about—" And the door clicked, "—this...?"
Hayama blinked blankly, mouth hanging in confusion and at the same time, nervously staring at the box. This couldn't be all for him, right? Well, he might be really cool during that practice match but still, this would be too much! Also, he wasn't really good at entertaining confessions and such. What if these letters were requests to meet up? His heart wouldn't be able to take a lot of love proclamations at once. He heaved in and out a heavy breath as he began opening the box.
His green eyes opened widely upon landing at one yellow envelope that had 'To: Hayama-kun' written on it.
There it is!
The first ever love letter he would receive since entering high school. Ahh, he wanted to cry. His hands were shaking as he picked it up.
[Dear Hayama-kun,
I'm sorry that I asked for your name to one of my senpais. Actually, I admire your play style so I'm wondering if you could teach me how to do it.
Sincerely yours,
Konita Izaki
PS: I'm the one who guarded you during our game.]
"..."
"..."
"How cold, you didn't have to crumple the paper. The author must have put a lot of feelings in writing that." Reo reasoned as he scanned the other letters inside.
Haa?!
But Hayama didn't falter. He crumpled the paper as hard as he could. He pressed it as flat as he could...until he couldn't anymore—oh how he wished it would disappear, then he would know that the moment didn't really happen, that he was just dreaming, but the fact that he could still feel the hard surface of the paper made him aware that reality was cruel and so, he threw the ball of paper to the farthest corner of their locker room, hoping that the rat would eat it.
Reo glanced at him. Shockingly, he couldn't paint out the expression of their small forward player. He was so excited just a moment ago but now, it seemed like he wanted to set the box on fire.
"Who needs a love letter?! I don't!" Hayama yelled.
"Oh, there's also one for Nebuya." Reo spoke, turning the simple white envelope at the back to check.
Their Center who was busy organizing his locker glanced briefly. He wasn't particularly interested but he appreciated the thought.
"Read it Nebuya, here." Reo handed the white envelope.
"Noooo! Save yourself from disappointments Ei-chan!" Hayama growled. That was not a confession! That was definitely just like the content of his supposed confession letter. Don't be fooled! Don't let yourself be carried away!
"Thanks," Effortlessly, the well-built student opened it, tearing the end of the envelope as if he couldn't careless if the letter inside would be teared up as well.
Nebuya opened and read the content loudly.
[Dear Nebuya-senpai,
I've seen you play against our school's basketball team last week.
I was so amazed by your skills.]
See...See...
It's the same!
We're foolish to think that these are love letters!
[You're so cool. Is it okay if I meet you one of these days?
Love,
Sakamoto Ana, Class 2C, Takegano High]
Eh?
"Whaaaaat?!" Hayama hurriedly approached Nebuya to check the letter in his hands.
He wanted to make sure if Nebuya read it correctly and that his ears weren't deceiving him.
"Ei-chan! You didn't make that yourself, did— ...you...?"
His eyes were horrified with what he saw. It widened as wide as it could, trailing his sight from the letter all the way to his co-player's unchanging face. Nebuya Eikichi just looked at him nonchalantly.
"How did that...happen?"
"What shits are you blabbering?"
Hayama turned to his back and clenched his fist as hard as he could in front of his face.
This is beyond shocking.
It wasn't acceptable, he thought.
No matter how he looked at it, he should be cooler than Nebuya Eikichi. That muscle-obsessed guy only knew how to showcase his creepy biceps and all.
"That's nice but I don't have time for this." Nebuya mumbled before tossing the letter back inside the box. Simultaneously, he went back to what he was doing a while ago.
"Heh, I also have some here." Reo smiled to his self as he read the letters quietly. There were three of it.
Hayama abruptly turned his attention to Reo. "What did it say, Reo-nee?!"
"Ha? Why would I tell you? These are the feelings written by those girls for me."
"G-girls?!" Life isn't fair, indeed.
"Anyway, the remaining letters are all for Sei-chan." Reo said, turning his head to their captain who was again reading the notes on his file board. Akashi was probably not paying much attention to the commotion around.
How did Akashi get that many?!
He didn't even play in the game?!
Hayama furrowed his brows as he looked at the remaining letters inside the box. Most of it had heart shaped stickers. He could tell that it was all made carefully and full of love.
Gosh dammit! This popular freshman!
"Alright, I'll put this here Sei-chan so you can check later." Reo said as he placed the box inside Akashi's locker.
Akashi just nodded.
Hayama frowned. Like a kid throwing tantrum, he stormed to sit in one of the benches in the middle of the locker room. This was when he noticed another person who didn't receive anything.
"Oh... wait, I guess Mayuzumi didn't get a letter." He mused without any malice or mockery intended. The sophomore blonde just uttered it as a fact.
You didn't have to say it like that as if it was a loss for me. Mayuzumi commented through his mind without showing any reaction.
The quiet third year was just resting on the same bench that Hayama occupied. One piece of towel was hanging on top of his head.
Somehow, the realization made the blonde at ease, thinking how life might not be that cruel after all. Despite the play that Mayuzumi did—that only his teammates probably appreciated, still, he didn't receive anything.
Perhaps, it was because of that, basically... Mayuzumi was not the popular type. He was like the complete opposite of Akashi. Well, not like Hayama was one to talk.
Regardless, the small-forward smiled, the brightness he had before came back to his face. The club's sunshine was revived.
"Ahh, I would really want to return their feelings, however, I must not." Reo mused emotionally as if reciting a poem.
Hayama blinked curiously. "Why is that?"
Reo clamped his palms around his cheeks, "Why... you asked?" He murmured, "It's because I already have someone I like."
"Ohhh..." Guess Reo was a man in his youth after all, Hayama thought. "...and actually that person is in our team." Reo revealed, smiling so brightly to his self in front of his locker.
Hayama quickly pulled his head back and found his self flinching upon hearing that.
Nebuya abruptly slammed the door of his locker in surprise. The fu—
Mayuzumi only lifted his head just a little to eye the person who just dropped something so bizarre and out of the blue information.
And of course, Akashi, well, was just cool as always and the only one who seemed not affected with their Shooter's revelation.
"Eeeh...!" Finally, Hayama squawked, kind of a late reaction.
The terror of Reo-Nee!
Reo smiled innocently at them, as if oblivious of his own comment. "What's wrong?"
"That thing you just said was wrong, Reo-Nee!" Hayama said picking up his jaw that seemingly hit the ground in shock.
"My... why? Is it wrong to like someone?"
Well... "T-that's-"
"Oh, does Koutaro have someone he likes?"
Eh—?!
!
#$%!
That was indeed the multi-million question to almost all high-school boys. And to be honest, he had never given that a thought, ever since he began his high-school journey.
It was one thing to be popular and be admired by girls but to actually reverse the situation—with him the one liking someone...would be another thing.
Hayama pouted shyly. He probably could point out some cute girls from his class but really, it never crossed his mind if he actually liked somebody.
The long silence, though, gave a wrong impression to some. "You do?" Nebuya followed blankly. "Heh, what a lover-boy."
"Dammit! I don't!"
"Hmmmkay..."
"I don't!"
"You don't have to repeat it, we get it." Reo said.
"Well yeah..." Nebuya sat on the bench and began tying his outdoor shoes, "Who has time for that anyway. We're too busy here already." He said so casually. "Ahm, except Reo... I guess."
Hayama blinked. That's right. That was exactly right! Nebuya said it really well. Instead of rejecting the thought of love-life itself, he just had to face the reality that they were too busy for that. As expected, Ei-chan is so mature!
Suddenly, the room was interrupted by an audible sigh from Mayuzumi as he went in front of his locker.
What are these people, acting as if they are elementary kids.
Reo wondered, somehow. "What about Mayuzumi-san? Maybe he has a girlfriend. He was the oldest one here after all."
Does he now? Hayama pondered, shifting his attention to their quiet senpai. "Is she from this school?"
Mayuzumi blinked, without looking at them, he replied. "Kindly exclude me from your discussion."
Playing safe, huh... "So you really have one?!" T-This Mayuzumi!
"That doesn't concern you."
Hayama didn't like the cheeky attitude. "What did you say?!"
"Exactly as what you heard..."
Hayama frowned. He was really an unsociable guy! Not cool. Not at all! He crossed his arms, "Ha-! Are you scared to say a name? Bet you are!" Hayama sneered. Yeah hopeless basketball players addicted to sport, only their salon pass would like them.
There was no way such guy would be in a relationship, much more have a person he liked, being that cold and snob, Hayama thought again.
Meanwhile, Reo noticed that only Hayama Koutaro could make the quiet man speak a lot. And clearly, it wasn't every day that he got to hear him talk.
"Well, Mayuzumi-san is probably an expert in that field." Anyhow, he wanted peace in this discussion, so balancing the ideas might help, Reo thought. "Confessions and the likes must be nothing new."
Unfortunately, it just sent frowns to Mayuzumi. Contrary to what Reo said, he actually had never once confessed to anyone before, and he wouldn't bother in the future. It was just a waste of time. He had been saying and believing that for so long. People wouldn't really like someone unless they were special. In his case, to have someone notice him in general was already hard, to associate romance in that would even be harder, more like impossible. He wouldn't bother hoping for something that was just beyond his reality.
Come to think of it, how did this happen? How did the center of their discussion turn on him? What benefit would it have for them if he liked someone or not? More importantly, did he even like someone?
Mayuzumi shut his locker door then went to sit down on the bench once again. He took off his sports shoes to replace it with his outgoing pairs. While tying the lace, he was thinking of what he should do next. He decided he'd just go straight home.
There could be only one reason why people refused to say who they liked when put in a situation such as Mayuzumi's. Either they didn't want anyone to know or it was them—their own self that refused to know. The reason why nobody, truly, liked to showcase the person they feel dearly was because it contained consequences either for the better or worse, Reo thought.
Regardless, Reo contradicted his previous statement. Honestly, despite the good points he said about the older male, he actually didn't think that Mayuzumi would have someone he liked. Similar to Hayama, Mayuzumi was probably not interested in that.
"I dare you then Mayuzumi-san yo! If ya really aren't chickening, you tell us and in exchange, I'll take back what I said! That's a man-to-man agreement!" Hayama proclaimed, before tossing a fake bangs and pretending that something just sparkled on his eye. He just couldn't accept it. If it was true that Mayuzumi was in some sort of romantic relationship then it meant bad for Hayama. There must be something wrong in him if the unsociable guy like Mayuzumi managed to be in a romantic relationship while he couldn't even receive a confession.
What the heck? Reo couldn't help but grimace. This person really refused to let it go.
As the only third year in the room, his patience was being tested. He didn't like the feeling as if he was caught as prey by these people younger than him. He was the Senpai, knowing that, he should be given some respect.
Mayuzumi couldn't even come up with what expression to use. The ridiculous pride showing on the blonde's face was too draining to look at.
They could think of him as someone in a relationship or someone in an unrequited love. Much more, they could even believe he was not into any form of relationship. But what he couldn't let them assume was the idea of him being scared to admit such simple thing.
And so he did, "I have though—someone I like." he said as he finished tying his shoes. Now, are you guys satisfied?
Hayama's eyes glowed like stars, "Ohhh, s-so casual!" What an adult! But that's not what I'm asking.
Reo noticed the reaction of Hayama and sighed at the sudden change of mood. What an easy guy. One minute he was dissing Mayuzumi then now he was showing such admiration. Who knows if what Mayuzumi said was even true? After all, saying he did like someone was as easy as saying he didn't like anyone.
The phantom player straightened his back and wiped the small sweat that came out on the surface of his forehead. That should be fine. Be contented and stop asking for more.
"So who is she?" Nebuya asked, wasn't that the actual question?
Though, he didn't seem to care at all. He was just listening and he thought it was just supposed to be asked in this situation. After all, wasn't this just one of their short boy-talk— something like the girl's so-called 'girly-talk'.
Hayama snapped and quickly nodded to the direction of Nebuya. He totally forgot that part. Nebuya seemed to have taken the words from his mouth. Nice follow up, Ei-chan!
Ugh.
Now they wanted a name? He thought they would shut up if he said what they wanted to hear but these people won't let go. It was draining. But who is she? He didn't know either.
Instantly, Hayama Koutaro appeared in his front while crouching.
Really, this guy even though he was tall, was very flexible. He seemed like a puppy waiting for his treats. Can't they just let the last question die in silence?
As if a glint of light suddenly reflected at that tooth of Hayama, he spoke. "Ah! I know who!" Hayama blurted out, shifting his body to sit beside Mayuzumi. He encircled his arm around his Senpai's shoulder as if they had been bestfriend for years.
Mayuzumi grimaced quickly upon contact.
"Hehe... I remember it now, ~ during the trip. Hayama cupped a hand beside Mayuzumi's ear and whispered, purposely using the same loud voice, "I remembered it clearly! You were totally into Zaki.~"
Mayuzumi's eye twitched for a second.
"Right... Right... Am I right?" Hayama poked with his elbow, provoking the guy even more.
Mayuzumi blinked, bringing the best casual poker face that he could despite the little shock and sudden irk he felt after hearing Hayama's assumption.
He breathed out slowly to ease his mind.
Are you happy that way? He thought, referring to the blonde who was acting too familiar.
The third year brushed off the arm that was around his neck before eyeing the small-forward of the team. Mayuzumi knew he had pride to protect, so he opened his mouth all casually and coolly, "Yes, you're right."
"Ahaha~, you don't need to deny—" Eh? Wait, he wasn't denying. Hayama froze, blinking tensely at Mayuzumi. He didn't expect that he would admit it so casually. He was just teasing him, he thought.
"Oh..." Reo hummed, suddenly finding his revelation interesting that he even paused from what he was doing.
Nebuya nodded. "I see...Zaki, huh?"
Mayuzumi intended it to be the end. To see their faces like that was exactly what he wanted, especially Hayama. Their faces were amusing. Did they think he would swallow his words? Much more run from this?
However, this false revelation might carry a different problem in the future. Mayuzumi wondered what must be done. He stood up and slid one bag around his shoulder. As natural as how he proclaimed it was the same as when he made a follow up remark. "Of course, I'm just kidding. Why would you believe that?" And just like that, he also walked out of the room like nothing happened.
Reo was the first one to react after Mayuzumi left.
"Heh... He is so clever, that Mayuzumi-san." He commented with a smirk in the end.
Hayama was still in shock. The feeling as if he was defeated over some petty things was there. Had he always been like that? That Mayuzumi? Hayama thought of him as a guy who was quiet, nerdy and of course reserved. He didn't see this outcome to be honest.
Nebuya stood up as well and abruptly slid his bag to his shoulder. "Are you guys staying? I wanna go now. I have to stop somewhere."
"Oh, Okay, see you." Reo said before tapping Hayama's shoulder. "Koutaro, how long are you going to sit there? Let's go." He frowned at the dejected ambiance of the blonde. Well, he brought that to his self anyway.
Hayama nodded. "Uh...O-Okay."
Reo sighed and turned to his right, "Sei-chan, what about you?"
The redhead lifted his gaze to him. "Yes, please go ahead. I still have something to do."
"Okay, don't overdo it then, Bye."
When they left, Akashi had his sight lingered in the direction where his teammates disappeared.
He smirked and thought of how interesting Mayuzumi Chihiro really was.
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It was the day before the Inter-high, not just in basketball but the same was applied to the other field of sports. Everyone cherished the last minute of practice as they look forward to tomorrow's event.
However, it didn't favor the members of the club whose practices were dependent to the outside field.
It was one of those days when the news had made the wrong weather forecast. They said it would be another sunny day, yet the students of Rakuzan High were welcomed by a loud noise caused by the sudden pour of rain.
The intensity was changing from time to time but never gone. Like a drizzle for an hour only to be surprised by a heavy pouring next.
Maybe there was a typhoon passing by? Anyhow, it was one awful day for most of all.
Was rainy day a season?
It was not.
It was just a kind of weather—A rainy weather.
Then, would this be considered as a bad weather? Was there anyone who didn't view rain as such?
Probably none...
It was moments like this that Mayuzumi had to find another place as an alternative for the rooftop. What other place would give the same ambiance that the rooftop had?
The library was the closest he could think of.
It would do before engaging with the endless training that Akashi would surely give later.
He needed a peaceful time while he could.
As he quietly strode at the hallway with his mind already aiming for the library, his foot suddenly stopped midway, in front of a certain door.
He didn't know what the room inside that door looked like. Even so, he wasn't interested, but for some reason he was there, standing.
He was looking at the doorknob while keeping both hands firm inside his pockets.
There was contemplation, what sight would it reveal if he opened that door?
From his current spot, if he walked more steps and turned right on the right wing of the hallway, he would reach the library. And library was his target place so why was he in front of this room, he wondered. Above his head, there was a signboard attached to the wall.
Music Club
They said his presence was weirdly indistinct. He would agree. People wouldn't notice him unless he made himself be. That was the truth. He had tested it way too many times.
Mayuzumi wondered, if he went inside that room, would he be noticed?
He blinked.
Why would he even want to go inside? It was ridiculous to think that he was getting this idea.
Mayuzumi sighed, and decided to continue his pace. But by the time he did his first step, it was then that he heard the door of the said club room opening. For some reason, his feet paused as he turned to look behind.
"Eh. It was really hard. I've been studying it for hours!"
"Seriously? Don't give up. You can do it."
Two girls came out, but she wasn't among them.
Really...
Who was it that he wanted to see coming out from that room?
Mayuzumi frowned to his self and resumed his walk.
It had been days or maybe more than a week since he last saw her.
Mayuzumi went inside the library and positioned his self at the corner, somewhere far from the other students.
In his front was the tall window that revealed the unpleasant color of the sky. Though they actually resembled the color of his hair and eyes, he still found it unpleasant. Yes. That color was rarely liked by people. It was dull, too sad, and too lonely to look at. It was always in need of another blend to produce a rather brighter—happier shade.
What about black? Well, it didn't need any help from any color. It was already enough as it was, the impression of something strong, something that could stand alone looked mighty and firm. At least, black didn't seem to lack something.
Gray, however, had always been like this, people would always assume that it needed something more or maybe less that before they knew it, it wasn't gray anymore.
The rain gave the same ambiance as the color gray.
It was a refreshing sight to look at. He wondered, how this kind of weather became hated?
His back was leaning against the back of the chair. He had one book kept open, lying flat on top of his chest.
Indeed the library was a perfect alternative to the rooftop. It was quiet. It was peaceful. The scenery he had was fine. Maybe a change of sight for a while was nice. He even had a chair here and if he ever wanted to take a nap he could be at ease that he wouldn't wake up with a sunburn.
Yet, it wasn't enough.
Somehow, it was missing something.
.
.
.
.
.
.
"The rain is so annoying! Isn't it planning to stop?"
"At least it's not that heavy anymore. Just be thankful Koutaro."
"But Reo-Nee, I don't have an umbrella, are you gonna share yours with me?"
"Ha? Of course not. Forget it."
"W-What if I catch a cold? How are we gonna win tomorrow?!"
"We can manage that Koutaro, don't worry."
"You muscle gorilla!"
"Uh? Thanks!"
"That's not a compliment!"
"Well, this is indeed bad."
"You also think so Akashi? What should we do? It's already getting late. We still have a game tomorrow."
But it was beyond Akashi's control. The five regulars stood outside the patio of the gymnasium while watching the rain as it fell on the ground. It had been like this since morning and it wasn't showing any sign of stopping.
Since it was not forecasted, they weren't able to bring an umbrella except Mibuchi Reo who, of course, always had one in his bag.
"It's been pouring a lot today." A voice mingled at the sound of the rain.
"Z-Zaki!" Hayama beamed.
She tiptoed her way to them, avoiding the seemingly artificial lakes that formed due to uneven pavements.
Hotaru dropped her umbrella as soon as she reached the gymnasium.
She smiled, tucking some wet strands of hair behind her ears. "Hello. It's been a while."
The girl had four pieces of extra umbrella in her arms. She placed her own piece against the wall as she handed one to each of the club regulars. "Here...I thought I should bring some just in case." Thankfully, she did follow her instinct. She knew some of Rakuzan Basketball members wouldn't bother bringing one all the time.
Hayama's green eyes twinkled at the girl. "You're a lifesaver, Zakiii!~"
"My, Koutaro could you lower that voice? Geez." Reo sighed before flashing out a small smile, "How thoughtful of you Zaki-chan, but I already have my own."
"As expected of you Reo-san." She said and went to Nebuya.
"Thanks Zaki. I'll treat you one time."
Hotaru smiled. That would definitely be bad since she didn't think she could ever follow the guy's appetite. Anyhow, she just nodded.
And then the last one but not the very least, the one and only third year student among the group. It was their first time meeting ever since the tutoring event.
His eyes slowly turned to her as she approached.
There, those eyes.
The last time he saw those eyes looking back at him was during the moment at the forest, with the fireflies. Again, there was something about those black orbs, like something was pulling him closer, wanting to tangle him and keep him from watching.
"Here..." Hotaru said as she offered one umbrella. Mayuzumi took it without looking away but she couldn't seem to steady her gazes. She quickly averted and turned away to stand beside the redhead captain. Something felt odd about her since that early night but he didn't want to admit it. He didn't want to acknowledge that there was something unusual about her action towards him. Because then, it would mean that there was some kind of established relationship between them. So what if she didn't pay a smile upon offering the umbrella? So what if she didn't even smile even once during the second day of tutoring despite focusing on the same person? So what if she didn't say goodbye when they finished that time? This was how they should be anyway.
"It's amazing, how come you have so many umbrellas?" Hayama asked.
"I actually bought it for instances like this. I have more stocks left in my locker." She explained and chuckled softly in the end.
"That's a big help then, Zaki." Nebuya said while opening his umbrella.
Hayama followed. "Then thanks again Zaki. I'll be going now."
"Me too."
"Bye Zaki-chan and Sei-chan."
Mayuzumi went ahead as well, walking behind the two freshmen. He could see them discussing something. The girl was smiling from time to time. Her fingers kept on twiddling from behind as she spoke beside Akashi.
Mayuzumi blinked and focused his attention on the road.
He had to stop doing this, he thought.