TAKE V.

    “IT WAS ALL YOUR FAULT!!!!” I screamed and threw the 4th ball at Yuta who’s comically crying, defending his poor head that was hit by the balls I threw.

    “H-heichou*! Calm down!” Ren pulled me back. [*heichou is captain].

    I gritted my teeth furiously. “How can I calm down!? You guys are so stupid! We’re in the soccer club not in the basketball club! How the heck can we stand against the most powerful basketball club in Kyoto!?” I said.

    “But Heichou, they were mocking us!” Yuu said.

    I kicked the 5th ball. “Ugh! No use! Now you’ve done it, we have to do it! YOU GUYS DON’T EVEN KNOW HOW TO PLAY BASKETBALL, AM I CORRECT!?” I said.

    “Tatsuya and Shou knows how! They’re originally from the basketball club!” Yuta said.

    I sighed. “Fine, so those two will be the ones who’ll give you training. I’m out.”

    “Heichou!” Ren called as I walked away.

    I raised my hand. “I’m just going to get a drink.”

    Huh, seriously.... why are guys so stubborn? I found the vending machine beside the basketball court. Hmph! This school loves the basketball club so much they put the vending machine here, ugh! I pressed the button and the drink fell onto the space provided. I grabbed it open and drank it, plopping myself on the bench given there. I sighed for who-knows-how-many-times already.

    “Kazu-chan?”

    I looked up and saw Reo. I smiled weakly. “Hey there.” I waved my hand at him.

    He sat beside me. “How’s Japan?” he asked.

    I made a face. “I miss Sydney so much.”

    He chuckled. “You’ll love it here eventually.”

    “I wonder.”

    I stood up when my phone vibrated.

From: Yuta.

Heichou. There’s someone here to meet you.

    I sighed. “I gotta go.” I told Reo then walked away.

    “Kazu-chan.” Reo spoke and I stopped.

    I didn’t turn arond.

    “I know you’re good in basketball. But I’m not letting Sei-chan or our team loses. And soccer.... we’re learning the basics from Akashi now. You don’t have the chance of winning, Kazuto.” He said.

    I turned my head to him. “I don’t plan on losing.” I said, frowning at his weird behaviour. He never was competitive like this. Even if he is, he won’t voice it out. I wonder if that so-called Sei-chan made him change like this. Is Reo in love with him?

    “And even if you wins, I will not hesitate to reveal your secrets.” He added.

    I snickered. “Do you think that simple threat could back me down?”

    “Up to you, Kazuto.” He shrugged and I walked away. When I reached the field, I saw Inoue. Ugh, this woman again. How many times do I have to encoun—wait a second....

How come she knows me? I’m Kazuto. Not the guy in the bakery.

    “Akihiko Kazuto,” she called. I frowned and went to her.

    “What is your business here?” I asked calmly.

    “Don’t dream on me forgiving your acts that day.” She said.

    I flinched. “W-what do you mean?”

    “Don’t get surprised, young woman. When you shoved me out that day, I called my dad to spy on you, to see who you are so I could take revenge. And thus, I got to know that you’re the girl at the bakery. Ah, sorry. The guy at the bakery.” She explained.

    I clenched my fists.

    “No worries. I’m a secret keeper too. A great one. I won’t reveal this unless you back off. You must lose the match with Akashi-kun!” she said.

    Why does everyone wants me to lose? What is so great about Akashi? He’s just a nerdhead student council president who attempt to kill people if they defies him and an absolute pain in the ass.

    “Deal.” I spoke.

    She nodded. “Good, I’ll be taking my leave for now.” She said and walked off, purposely skipping, to make everything on her that could bounce, bounce. Ew. I turned to my playmates.

    “Heichou!” Yuta waved.

    “Guys, why are you still here?” I frowned.

    “Why? We practiced....” Ren said.

    “DON’T LIE TO ME HOW THE HECK CAN YOU PRACTICE BASKETBALL IN A SOCCER FIELD!?” I yelled.

    “Ugh, busted.” Yoshio muttered.

    “Tatsuya, Shou, bring them to the nearest basketball court outside the school.” I commanded. They nodded and all of them moved away along with me. During practice, they were quite good. They learned fast. I refused to hold the ball even once.

Memories will haunt me; the unpleasant one.

    “Heichou! How’s that!?” Yuta called out.

    I smiled. “Good, now try three-on-three! I’ll take the best two excluding Shou and Tatsuya!” I said.

    Tatsuya raised his hand. “Four with me, four with Shou!” he ordered. Yoshio, Yuta, Ren and Yuu went with Tatsuya while the others; Kei, Shun, Takeru and Aki went with Shou.

    “Start!” I shouted.

    The ball went to Yuta, he dribbled as he was facing Kei. Kei attempted to steal it but Yuta moved to the left real fast and threw the ball to Ren. He caught it and made a three-pointer. His pose was beautiful and the ball went in the basket perfectly. When it landed on the ground, Takeru quickly caught it and threw to Shun. He grabbed it, dribbled as Yuu guarded. He moved to the right, Yuu followed. He moved to the left and threw the ball to Aki. Aki, being the tallest, jumped and dunked.

    I nodded with amusement.

    Tatsuya grabbed the ball and threw to Yuta. Yuta dribbled, running towards the basket but Kei managed to steal it and threw to Aki. Aki attempted to dunk again but Tatsuya stole the ball and dribbled, towards the other side of the court. He was stopped by Shou so he passed the ball to Yoshio. Yoshio dribbled and went to the left, then passed to Ren. He caught it and made a three-pointer.

    So the only who can dunk is Aki. The best three-pointer I can see is Ren. So it’s decided. Yuta and the others can have their chances next time. Next, I’m gonna test them in soccer.

    “Okay, guys, halt.” I spoke. They stopped their movements. “I’ve chosen two of the best here. The others shall not be disappointed and they should practice more if they want.” I said.

    All of them approached me.

    “Ren, Aki.” I spoke. They moved forward.

    “Ren is the best three-pointer I’ve seen so far. Aki is the only player that can make a dunk. Tatsuya and Shou are of course chosen because they have basics in basketball. For the others, you’ll have your chances some other time. How’s that?” I said.

    “Agreed!” Yuta smiled.

    “Everyone, halt!” suddenly Ren grinned, announcing. Everyone straightened themselves. I blinked, raising an eyebrow questioningly. “Heichou! Kyou made arigatou gozaimasu*!” Ren said in a loud and big voice. [Translation- Captain! Until today, thank you!]

    “Heichou! Kyou made arigatou gozaimasu!” they chorused and together saluted me Western-style then placed both of their hands on their sides before bowing to me.

    I gasped in surprise then burst into laughter as Ren hugged me and patted my back and the others did the same. “Aww! Thank you guys! Oh gosh I feel like crying.” I said, trying hard to hide my grin but failed miserably.

    “Heichou don’t cry! We did this particularly for you! Because you’re so special! Thank you for willing to teach us and guide us to the true light of soccer!” Yuta said. I sniffed, too touched to reply to them.

    “Let’s do our best tomorrow.” Shun cheered.

    “OH!”

*  *  *  *

    “Heichou!”

    I backed off from my spot. The ball bounced onto the floor. The tallest, tan-skinned guy, called Nebuya Eikichi caught the ball instead and passed it to the shorter one; Hayama Kotarou. He was dribbling with only two fingers.

    “Heichou! Why aren’t you moving!” Ren shouted. My gaze didn’t shift from the ball that was on its way to the basket.

-w-

Reo panted as the ball went in the basket. He glanced at Kazuto who’s stuck to the ground, watching but ain’t moving. He knew this would happen. Her teammates’ fault for challenging. None but himself knew why she wouldn’t move. She’s talented enough, skillful enough but memories won’t let her play.

Kazuto won’t have the chance to win. Not with that condition. Reo smiled bitterly. “I’m sorry Kazu-chan.” He muttered.

“Reo.” Akashi spoke. He turned his head.

“Why is she not moving?” he asked.

Reo glanced at Kazuto. “She’s suffering from a trauma. Even so, just let her be.”

Akashi looked at Kazuto who had a blank expression on her face. “Let’s go.” He muttered then continued to play.

-w-

The match ended with 75-73. We lose but I had to admit, even without me, Ren, Aki, Tatsuya and Shou managed to survive throughout the game. They’re amazing. I quickly got out of the court when the whistle blowed, indicating the end of the match. I leaned against the side of the vending machine.

“Kazu, you’re so amazing in basketball. Let’s play together some other time. It’s getting dark, let’s go inside.”

    “SHUT UP!!!!” I screamed to no one and punched the vending machine. Frustration crept within and I almost cried. Stop Kazuto. You’re not that weak.

    “Heichou?”

    I looked up and saw Yuta. He was approaching me. “What?” I asked, my voice was soft.

    “We don’t know what’s wrong with you. But we’re just gonna say thank you for the amazing guidance in basketball.” He said, smiling. I went to him then patted him on the back.

    “You’ve done well, congratulations.” I replied and walked away, towards the way home.