NOTE: Hi! OMG I didnt think anyone would follow/fave and much more, review this FF. omg im so happy. thank you. ...

.seed, thank you for your kind words... i really really want to stay in charac towards mayu... im just too sad because he isnt as popular as the other knb charac...

special thanks also to Rando, the anon reviewer, thank you. and yes i will finish this story because it already is!. i just dont want to drop everything in one update and leave it as is, im rereading everything as well because i dont remember much since writing it few years ago...

AND...Thank you to those who followed and favorited this story. YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING.

pls leave a review, it motivates me to update haha. it doesnt matter if its positive or negative...throw it all to me... i want to improve anyhow... thank you very much! i wish you all good day ahead! :)))

anyway, we're still a long way to go in this fic...ill try to update fast...

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It was the opening day of inter-high.

For most participating schools, the first day was the most stressful. It was the time where they would see all their opponents in one place.

Whether they continue or end the journey to championship, would be decided on this day.

The Rakuzan members stole everyone's gazes as they stood in line during the ceremony. It wasn't new, they were known to top the said tournament for 5 consecutive years after all.

The first string carried their self proudly while hearing the murmurs in the area.

"That is Akashi Seijuro. What an aura."

"….the three uncrowned generals are in Rakuzan High…"

"…the strongest school…"

They also had their first game. But like the usual, Akashi didn't participate, leaving the outcome of the game to the four regulars and one substitute member. He was not disappointed with the team's performance as they easily won the game with a large gap.

Just how everyone expected, of course, Rakuzan High didn't come just to participate. They arrived with a firm purpose of winning.

Rather than a goal, it was more of a duty that must be accomplished at all cost.

During the whole week of Inter-high, they were all required to stay in Tokyo. The school provided the team an inn to stay. Thus, a week of nothing but basketball commenced.

Victory should be in their hands when they come back.

But truthfully, it wasn't much. The tournament was nothing special. Their training was harder than the actual playing. This was the reason why even until the end, Akashi didn't get the need to participate.

Even if the opponents had one generation of miracles in their team, still, it wasn't enough.

Overall, Rakuzan high won the competition without any problem.

It was an easy win, like a given, they won the tournament.

And so, they went back with a trophy in hand.

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When Mayuzumi went to the rooftop after getting back from Tokyo, he noticed that it wasn't the same as how he remembered it from last time.

The first thing he saw was the accumulation of mud at the corner where he usually sat.

Not just that, a lot of spots were also drenched in water.

Maybe it had been raining for a couple of days in Kyoto while they were busy with Inter-high in Tokyo.

It looked bad. He knew there was no way he could enjoy his free time in the area unless those hindrances be taken cared of.

What was the school cleaner doing anyway? Ah, they didn't expect students to be here so there was really no point in cleaning this place. Maybe they were thinking something like 'let the nature clean its own mess'.

But Mayuzumi wanted this place and nothing else.

Yes, there might be other places that could offer the same quietness as the rooftop but he specifically wanted this one.

He was still standing in front of the entrance door of the rooftop. Right hand was still on top of the doorknob, his eyes were wandering and looking as to which spot to take, but seriously there was no available clean area except the center.

Who would sit at the center anyway?

Unless he was having a picnic with his friends then maybe yes he could use that spot, but Mayuzumi was alone and he only wanted a corner where he could sit and read peacefully.

Without a choice, the third year sat down at the stairs, not bothering to fully go out at the rooftop.

One hour had passed and before he knew, his free time ended. At the same time, no one came. He didn't even know he was actually waiting until he found his self looking at the direction of the stairs. The feeling of the sudden disappointment irked him. Who was he expecting?

He closed his book and decided to head back to classroom.

His pace was consistent.

As he passed by different rooms, Mayuzumi had nothing particular in mind.

Like the usual, he had blank thoughts yet for some reason his eyes were wandering too much, specifically eyeing the faces of the people walking around.

There was this unexplainable void inside—so empty that made him aware that it was indeed empty.

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"Isn't Mayuzumi quieter than the usual?" Hayama noticed.

"What are you talking about? He's always like that." Nebuya refuted.

"Mayuzumi-san." the captain called.

The small pause that Akashi Seijuro often do before continuing with the honorific never ceased to get on Mayuzumi's nerve. The third year dropped the three-point shot formation because of the call.

"Is something bothering you?" Although it was delivered as a question, Akashi Seijuro was gazing at him like he already knew that he was correct with the assumption.

Was he worried or something? The phantom player wondered. Well, he didn't need that kind of concern.

Moreover, it wasn't like he was failing in his task, therefore, Akashi shouldn't be worried.

Mayuzumi stared at Akashi. "No. There's nothing."

Akashi narrowed his eyes.

If Mayuzumi was pretending, then he failed because nothing escaped Akashi's eyes.

The red-head could see even the smallest change in the muscles of his face. He knew that something was bothering the third year. If he didn't want to talk about it then fine, but he must not let it affect his play.

"Misdirection will not work if the mind is occupied with something else. I wouldn't force you to tell me but I have a say if it's affecting your performance."

This brat…

Mayuzumi knew that already.

The two exchanged serious faces.

Mayuzumi was the one to turn away after some time, but Akashi knew that his statement reached the phantom player's mind, and that was just what he wanted.

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Rain had been falling consecutively for the past days. Just like the last time, Mayuzumi looked for the comfort that the library offered.

Just for the meantime, his eyes were fixated at the book he had. He was reading, but for some reason he couldn't follow what was going on in the story. Maybe his mind was drifting somewhere.

Again.

This won't do. He had to push this away—this feeling of being occupied with the idea as if he was missing something.

When he heard the bell rang, hinting that the lunch break was over, he stood up to go back to his classroom. It also meant walking passed by that certain clubroom again.

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His eyes fell at the closed door.

For a minute, Mayuzumi found his self standing in front of the Music Club with nothing in mind except the curiosity as to what he would see had he opened it.

Again with this unusual interest on that club room.

He scoffed and somehow admitted that he was overthinking this whole music club matter. It wasn't like he was into music, nor interested in the interior of such room. It should be clear by now the real reason why he wanted to open that door.

Would that girl be inside? Maybe he just wanted to see if she would smile at him if they saw each other. It had been a long time since their last meeting. He wondered what she was reading now or was she still reading light novel? Did she find another title to read?

He sighed.

What was he thinking?

It was just some girl.

He really had never given much care about such before.

Mayuzumi made one step away, but just when he was about to go, the door opened.

It was like a déjà vu of the last time he was in this place. He remembered the sudden rush of emotion upon hearing the screeching of the door and similarly, the instant relief seeing that it was a different person who came out. It felt like a needle was pulled out from his skin in one swift. This would probably be like that time again. Somebody else would definitely be coming out of that room again.

Yet, when the door opened, just when he was already expecting that it won't be her. Fate seemed to have played games on him.

He was wrong.

The person who came out was no other than the person he wanted to see and at the same time didn't want to.

Suddenly he realized, even though he wanted this to happen, he wasn't truly prepared. She seemed to be avoiding him after all, so in what way and of what kind of expression must he used in this moment?

Hotaru blinked in surprise.

It was similar to the last time they saw each other.

Mayuzumi noticed how she slightly widened her eyes the moment his face registered at her sight. Then, it was followed by her head looking down at the floor, like something about her feet or the floor caught her interest.

It was different from the usual eyes she often used towards him.

There it was again, the obvious refusal to lock eye contact with him.

The third-year student felt like he had just given her an awkward moment. And by then, the confused man tried to replay what he had done since the last time they met that would make him deserving of this treatment.

But he couldn't recall anything.

The last time they saw each other was the day before the inter-high, when the rain was falling hard and she handed him an umbrella. That was just a normal gesture, he believed. He didn't do anything wrong.

The features of her face were all hidden by those black strands of hair. Even her eyes, the half of her cheeks, her forehead and the half of her lips were all hiding from his sight.

Mayuzumi couldn't tell what kind of expression she had. There was no basis available for him to form a theory.

Moreover, he even noticed how she didn't bother doing her usual counter to those loosened hair, where she would gracefully tuck it behind ears.

"Sasazaki" he called, in hopes that it would bring her eyes to meet his'.

But it was only granted for a short while, just to make sure that she wasn't being rude. At least, she must acknowledge him for calling her name. "Y-Yes, Mayuzumi-san?"

Mayuzumi blinked and travelled his sight around the visible surface of her face, all the way up at the top of her hair before he looked beyond her figure, at the hallway to his front.

Of course, he wouldn't bother talking to someone who obviously didn't want it. "…Never mind." he said and walked past her.

He wasn't a thick-faced person after all. As if it was the simplest thing ever, he walked away without showing any kind of emotion to the girl. He didn't even confirm if she was avoiding him.

He convinced his self that he didn't need to know.

Regardless, he was annoyed and he didn't know why. Was it because he didn't like to be treated that way or because it was her doing it that made it so frustrating? Had it somebody else, would he even be bothered?

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In the middle of their short break, Hayama Koutaro wandered his eyes around his co-club members.

He was in the middle of analyzing everyone, pondering their level of social skills, the extent of their faces, etc.

His eyes fell on two heads who were talking about something he couldn't hear. They were smiling as their hands circled around.

The blonde pouted.

Reject.

Then his gaze shifted to one member who was busy lifting some weights.

No, he won't do…He seemed to be the type who would rather spend time practicing and nothing else.

He wiggled one leg that was in crossing position as he folded his arms tightly.

Reject.

Hayama Koutaro was currently in search for 'a certain interesting someone' as what his classmate asked him.

He was invited to join a mixer and was also asked if he could bring one more person.

Someone interesting, they said.

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"I don't really have time for that." That was Hayama Koutaro's answer to his classmate at first.

"Maybe you can find a girlfriend there Hayama! Join us, we're really short of people. They like...have…. 5 girls in their group!" His classmate, then, insisted. "And they are all really cute!"

But Hayama Koutarou's priority didn't include getting a girlfriend, although he wouldn't mind having one if he could.

"Look! They sent me their pictures." His classmate somehow multiplied. He didn't notice when, how, and where these other classmates of him came from. Why was he surrounded all of a sudden?

Being one of the friendliest students in class had its own disadvantages at times, indeed. He was always the first choice of everyone when it came to stuff like this.

However, right after he glanced at the picture on his classmate's mobile, he realized it wasn't a lie. The girls were somewhat cute actually. They were kinda okay, he thought and so, he contemplated.

"Come'n, help us out. We know you're busy but we can't think of anyone."

What did they take him for? The friendly neighbourhood Spiderman?

Hayama asked why they chose him and their reason was, "You're in a basketball club, that's enough to make girls go kyaa-kyaa, y'know."

Does it?

If that was true, he wouldn't be in this situation. He wouldn't be asked to attend a mixer because he would already have a girlfriend.

He grunted. "That's not tru-"

"One girl also told us to bring the coolest guy in our class and we thought it was you Hayama."

He blinked and sighed.

Oh man…If they put it like that.

They seemed to have so much confidence in him.

Hayama grinned and flipped his non-existent bangs, "Guess that leaves me without choice, eh?!"

In the end, he agreed, which led to the current situation.

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When he noticed Mibuchi Reo doing nothing except wiping the sweat that built up around his forehead, he called and tried to convince the taller player.

"Ha? Mixer? I refuse."

"Why?! You might find someone interesting there!" Hayama leaned forward to their shooter.

Reo quickly grimaced at him. "I don't need that. Anyway, Koutarou, mixer is nothing but a short time romance. You won't find a serious relationship there."

"E-eh?!" Hayama furrowed brows as if his treat was stolen. Though, he wouldn't deny that Reo was probably right, still, he really had to recruit one more person because he already agreed to his classmates.

"Akashi, what about him?" the blonde murmured in deep thoughts.

"Are you trying to dig your own grave? Sei-chan wouldn't spare time for that." The black-haired player sighed.

"Ei-chan, then!" he looked at their Center who just huffed out a long air with an alien-ish sound. Seeing that, Hayama quickly dropped the muscle man from the option.

"R-Reo-Neeee!~"

"Don't Reo-Nee me, I'm not going."

The blonde sulked in the corner. That was until his eyes caught sight of a certain someone. His eyes twinkled immediately.

As far as Hayama was concerned, he considered that person quite unique and interesting.

Well… He would do, he thought.

He grinned as he crept his way behind a certain third year student.

"Ma~yu~zu~mi-senpai~" He smiled so brightly that Mayuzumi could already predict that he was about to be needed.

The phantom player frowned quickly and was about to walk away before the blonde could get nearer.

"Ah! Wait a minute Mayuzumi!"

He can't even stay put in using the supposed respectful suffix. To that, Mayuzumi narrowed his eyes displeasingly to the approaching Kouhai.

"Eeehh, y-you don't need to be that angry! Mayuzumi!"

"What do you want?"

Hayama forced out a suspicious smile, Mayuzumi noticed and found it very tiresome.

"Um, do you have any plans-"

"Yes, in fact, I'll be very busy that time." Mayuzumi deadpanned.

"Wha-wait! I'm not even finished yet!" Hayama fought back, arms flapping to his sides. "This coming Friday, are you free?"

Mayuzumi looked at him nonchalantly. "I just answered you."

The sophomore ended up with a tight-lipped. He should have known. An antisocial like Mayuzumi would be hard to convince.

Regardless, he would rather persuade this guy instead of Akashi.

Reo was out of the options already, that guy wouldn't change his mind if he said so.

"How can I change your mind? Mayuzumi-san!"

First, decide what honorific to use or if he really wanted to use one when referring to Mayuzumi. Second, forget the first one because his mind won't change.

"…. Don't bother me."

Ughhh! Hayama gritted his teeth secretly. He really wanted to slap some friendliness in this guy's face.

"Y'know what, socializing isn't bad sometimes. Don't you wanna meet some new friends?" He grinned, trying to at least provoke the third year.

Unfortunately, Mayuzumi wasn't particularly in need of any new friends.

"I will treat you!"

He was ignored.

Mayuzumi made one shot at the basket.

"I'll buy you a book."

Ignored again.

Why was he even trying?

Hayama gave another thought.

Suddenly, he stole the ball from Mayuzumi's possession and made a dribble. Without hesitation, he was already using his dribbling skills, provoking the third year.

To his luck, Mayuzumi paid attention and narrowed his eyes.

"What about a one on one, Senpai?~"

Somehow it caught Mayuzumi's nerve.

Hayama sure knew how to piss off someone.

The other club members shifted their attention at the two.

Reo formed a small shape of o. Hayama was really on it, he thought.

"Just one game, if I defeat you, you will join me." The blonde added, making exhibitions in front of Mayuzumi.

It might not be obvious but Mayuzumi was quite prideful. Somehow, he couldn't just ignore the attitude that his Kouhai was showing.

He leaned forward, slightly bending his knees to form a stance for defense, gradually spreading both arms to the sides.

This earned a smile from Hayama, it was just what he wanted. Of course, Mayuzumi might be the perfect sixth man. He might be able to do that misdirection during a match but not on one-on-one. It should be clear who has the upper hand. Moreover, when it comes to dribbling, no one can top Hayama Koutarou.

Minutes had passed, and more.

There was only one point before Hayama could declare his victory.

And Mayuzumi didn't like it. He really despised the attitude of these so-called uncrowned generals.

Though he was able to earn some points, the dribbling skills of the blonde was just surreal. As much as he wanted to deny, it was actually impressive and he was completely overpowered.

Sooner, the game ended and as expected of many, Hayama won their one-on-one.

Mayuzumi frowned.

He knew how it would end, it wasn't even his first time losing a one-on-one match and yet it was still annoying.

He turned away. Now, he just fed the blonde some happiness.

"So…"

"Sure, whatever, just give me the details later." Mayuzumi murmured, much to his dismay, he had no choice but to go.

Hayama dribbled a ball twice as he eyed Reo who was just watching outside the court. He formed a peace sign towards that direction.

"What a child…" Reo mumbled before sighing, though that was a good entertainment for a while.

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"Wha-" Hayama Koutaro's jaw almost reached the floor upon seeing Mayuzumi on the day of the mixer.

They were in front of the cafe where they agreed to meet the group of girls. With him were his three classmates.

The meeting place was only a 10-minute walk from the station.

"W-Why are you still wearing your uniform?!" Hayama finally asked after being speechless during the first seconds. Really? He didn't even change with some casual clothes?!

For Mayuzumi, he just didn't see the need to. It wasn't like he was looking forward to this meeting. At the very least, Hayama should be thankful that he came.

Nevertheless, the group went inside and went to the spot that the girls had reserved for the gathering.

Mayuzumi couldn't believe that he was actually attending a mixer, definitely a first in his entire life, since he was born.

Each of them ordered their drinks while waiting for the girls to arrive.

Mayuzumi just had plain water.

The only entertainment he had was watching the ice cubes inside his glass.

They just arrived but he already wanted to go home.

Sitting next to him was Hayama who was busy communicating with his classmates, probably explaining how he ended up bringing a weird quiet third year that they never heard of.

"Takeru-kun?" A female voice entered. Behind her were four girls.

"Ah! Y-Yuki-chan? P-Please have a sit!"

Mayuzumi had to comment on that sudden stuttering. Is this going to be that kind of mixer? A group of shy boys in front of five over confident girls whose faces were—, Mayuzumi looked at the girls, he was right, their faces were bathed in foundations and colorful eyeshadows.

The group introduced their names to one another.

Hayama seemed to be doing fine here, Mayuzumi noticed.

Abruptly, he felt an elbow poking his sides. "Mayuzumi, it's your turn." Hayama whispered.

Mayuzumi straightened his head in the direction of the girls. "Mayuzumi." was his simple introduction.

Wait, that wasn't even considered as simple! It was too plain, the lowest form of simple, what was the word for that anyway? Hayama smiled sheepishly. "Smile… Mayuzumi… Smileeee" he earned a frown from the third year for that instruction.

"Ara, Mayuzumi, eh? Are you also a second year?" one girl asked, pouting her lips in the end.

Mayuzumi didn't answer. More like, he didn't want to. Was asking questions in that manner the new trend nowadays? The pretentious sweet tune sounded so annoying that it was beyond cringey. Somehow, listening became bothersome.

"He's a third year." Hayama took the opportunity to answer on behalf of the third year.

"Oh…How nice. I actually kind of like… older man. What is your type?"

Hayama glanced at Mayuzumi, but his face didn't seem to be planning on replying again.

"H-He probably…" Hayama trailed off, thinking of any possible guess. "…likes…someone…?"

"Hayama-kun" The same girl interrupted. "Why are you the one answering?" She placed her elbows on top of the table and leaned forward. With a smile, she repeated her question, "What is your type? Senpai~"

She was sitting across Mayuzumi, while offering a steady gaze, trying to appear cuter to his eyes.

Hayama blinked awkwardly.

"What are you doing? Let them talk to each other, you got your own in front." His classmate whispered beside.

But what could he do? He wasn't experienced enough on this kind of gathering.

More importantly, didn't his classmates say the girls were cute?! They weren't cute at all! They probably used filters in the pictures they sent.

"Sorry..." the blonde squinted his eyes before looking at the girl to his front who was just twirling the strands of her hair.

Ughhh… He tried to force a smile.

The girl on his front wasn't his type! Not even close!

"Excuse me for a while." Mayuzumi suddenly stood up.

"E-eh? Where are you going?"

"Toilet."

And then he was gone.

"Hayama, what's wrong with that guy." His classmate asked again to which he just shrugged off. "He's kinda special." Hayama chuckled, embarrassed.

"He is like… he doesn't even want to be here." The girl sitting across Mayuzumi commented. "He's cute. What a waste."

After a while, Mayuzumi was still not back, so Hayama took his way to find the third year.

He couldn't have left without informing him, could he? Hayama wondered as he went to search inside the toilet.

He rushed in, almost smashing the door in a hurry. "Mayuzu—" The sound of flowing water from the faucet greeted him. In addition was the image of the person he was looking for, leaning from the end surface of the sink. "—mi…san…" Hayama managed to finish his call before snapping.

"Hey!"

"What do you want?" Mayuzumi asked without looking.

Hayama pulled his head back, "Ha? You're not planning on leaving, are you?!"

He didn't reply right away. Mayuzumi straightened his back before turning off the faucet.

Hayama could only produce a frown while watching.

This… He didn't seem to be planning on answering. He knew it.

Mayuzumi would have spoken already if he planned to in the first place. That was just like him. A few months of trying to be friends with the antisocial 3rd year made the 2nd year-sunshine somewhat aware of this.

And Hayama was right.

Mayuzumi began walking, and more walking, until he completely brushed past the blonde.

Hayama's frown had gotten deeper. "H-Hey!"

Judging the direction that Mayuzumi was taking, Hayama assumed he probably wasn't thinking of ditching the gathering, reason why he decided to follow. Guess he was really taking pride in being the senpai, of course, he wouldn't leave him here.

Hayama hopped all the way behind the third year's back only to have his nose be hit by Mayuzumi's broad back.

"Th-Awtch!"

Mayuzumi frowned and looked behind. "Oi."

"Why did you stop!?" Hayama cried out while rubbing the surface of his nose.

Mayuzumi didn't say any, instead, he let the second year looked past his shoulder to see for his self the reason for the sudden stop.

They were supposed to be at the awkward stage, Hayama thought. How did the few minutes of his absence made his classmates and those girls get along that much, as if they had known each other for years?

"It seems like they don't need us back." Mayuzumi said.

His classmates were getting along just fine at the five girls. They were giggling and laughing, as if they had forgotten the existence of the two. Well, not that it was a loss for the two basketball players.

Mayuzumi thought it was a good thing. Sitting in front of those girls was a torture. He looked behind him and eyed the blonde. "I'm going."

First, Hayama had to register what he just said.

Really? "But-"

"I'm not asking permission. I'll go because I want to." He said as he walked away.

Hayama watched his back as he disappeared. Technically, he was free to stay if he wanted to, yet for some reason, Hayama was considering Mayuzumi as his ally in this Mixer. And so, if he was going, then he would too.

Joining the mixer was a waste of time and effort. Really, this wasn't something meant for the likes of him. Reo was right! He should've believed that guy. Hayama decided to run and follow the third year who just left. Maybe his classmates and those girls wouldn't even notice his absence if ever. Even if they did, he'd just make an alibi tomorrow.

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Mayuzumi decided to go home straight. It was already late after all.

Anyhow, that mixer gave him a change of thought. At least for a while his mind was focused on something else. It had some benefits, but he wouldn't do it again.

As he walked past the consecutive line of lamp posts, passing by different faces of the crowds who were hurriedly going on their own specific destinations, he found his self thinking about the same person that he was trying to remove from his thoughts for the past few days.

He needed a breathing to drift his self away from this. His mind shouldn't be thinking about that person because it was not his forte at all.

Yes, it wasn't his specialty, and that was the reason why he found it exasperating that the person he wanted to remove from his thoughts could easily be detected by his very own eyes despite the crowds around.

It was awfully amusing, in a way. Like his eyes were longing to meet her and at the same time…not.

He was really not the most fortunate person at this time.

Mayuzumi stopped his feet as he looked at her figure.

Why must he have to see her?

And what was she doing there anyway?

Hotaru was standing at the corner of one fancy restaurant near the station that he was supposed to take.

She seemed to be waiting for someone to go out and that someone… he could only think of one person.

Wearing her casual clothes—a long black dress with a small bag clinging on her shoulder, she appeared so noticeable from his eyes.

Mayuzumi stopped his pace and remained still on his spot, watching the girl.

One minute changed and nothing happened.

He blinked and gradually, his pace resumed.

All slowly.

Before he knew it, he was already in front of her, looking at her without wavering.

Precisely at that moment, an emotion so complex that to define it would be so troublesome, considering how sudden it was…was felt.

Hotaru lifted her gaze upon noticing a pair of shoes stopping at her front.

Her eyes widened just a bit.

There it was again, he thought.

Her eyes that seemed to look at him differently lately. Why was it?

Which interaction made her this way towards him?

Certainly, it wasn't that time when she gave him the umbrella and neither that one moment in front of her club room.

He kept staring at her while knowing how weird it must be for appearing all of a sudden. He knew he had to say something but he truly didn't know how and what.

He could tell from her face how clueless and confused she was at the moment.

There was the tingling joy upon seeing her unexpectedly and the loathing sensation creeping beneath him because he didn't like how she was treating him nowadays.

It seemed like a couple of minutes had passed since he stepped right in front of her but in reality, it had been a few seconds only.

Finally, she mumbled his name, a way of acknowledging his presence. "Mayuzumi-san…"

And again, he knew he must say something. But he still didn't. He just remained silent, until he heard another voice and a word that ticked something in the past.

"Hotaru" It sounded familiar, both the voice and that word. In his peripheral vision, he checked if there was a present firefly around.

…A firefly?

"S-Seijuro-sama, a-are you done with the meeting?" For some reason, she responded to that word. Her eyes timidly averted from Mayuzumi to look at the newcomer.

There was a sudden realization in that split of a moment.

So that's it...

Why did he forget about that?

At that time at the forest, not so long ago, they shared the cinematic view of such entity.

Mayuzumi remembered how she smiled seeing those fireflies. They were actually pretty. It was something he never thought he would appreciate but somehow he did, at that time.

"and… Mayuzumi-san?" It was that voice, for the second time, now uttering his name. Mayuzumi recognized it. He didn't have to look to know. That habit of putting a short pause in between his name and the suffix, there was only one person who'd do it.

Akashi Seijuro

"It is rather surprising to find you here alone, was what I'd say if I did not notice the presence of Koutaro who is ...currently hiding behind." The redhead shifted his head a little to the right and caught the blonde recoiling.

After a few seconds, Hayama decided to show up, sheepishly.

Mayuzumi blinked. He couldn't be bothered with Hayama Koutaro following him nor Akashi Seijuro seeing them.

What he seemed to care about the most in that moment was the realization of where she was coming from in these past days. Those subtle avoidance and evading eyes, he finally figured why.

Ah…

Somehow, it finally made sense.

I see…

Hotaru… huh?

At long last, he realized. It was supposed to be a normal information but there was a wordless recognition that happened between his gray-colored orbs as it met her black coal pair once again.

Akashi narrowed his eyes at the two, wondering what was happening but more importantly, why he was seeing this rather rare combination—Hayama Koutaro and Mayuzumi Chihiro.

"What are you two doing here?"

"W-We just met up with some friends nearby." Hayama answered and faked a laugh while scratching the sides of his hair.

Hotaru looked down, sensing the steady gaze that Mayuzumi was giving to her. She felt it, and she knew he probably understood it by now. Why was she acting this way. The reason why she was being awkward whenever he was around.

"Are we not allowed to be here?" the third year spoke quite bitterly. His eyes were still directed towards the girl.

Hayama winced from behind, surprised to hear the words that came out from Mayuzumi.

He sounded so serious and slightly intimidating, the blonde noted through his mind. As expected, he was like the only one who could do that to their captain.

"Well, not exactly. Your time outside the club is beyond my control." The redhead stated placidly.

Hotaru noticed the time on her phone before looking back at her superior. "Seijuro-sama, we have to go. You'll be late at the next appointment."

Z-Zaki! The lifesaver! Hayama celebrated in his mind.

"You're right." He put his attention back to the two. "Then, see you next week." Akashi said as he brushed past at the taller male. Hotaru bowed in front of them before following Akashi.

Hayama checked first if they were already gone before speaking to Mayuzumi as to how in the world did he end up seeing their captain.

However, instead of explaining, Mayuzumi chose to proceed inside the station.

"Right! Right! I appreciate the response as always Mayuzumi-san!" Hayama Koutaro muttered behind, nevertheless, continued and followed the third year.

Emotions and being involved with someone, such things were something he really despised.

If anything, he just wanted to go home as quickly as possible.