Flying Stride

Chapter 3

Recap:

Miharu moved a shogi piece making Ayumu gasp in surprise, pushing his glasses up in shock at her genius move, "I'm a transfer student from America. My house is Tomoe's host as he stays in America."

Hearing the new the new information Heath narrowed his eyes in interest. Though he doesn't push the topic any farther.

Nana and Takeru are confused on the other hand, staring at their Senpai and classmate in interest.

"Umm," Nana spoke up, digging through her pocket, "I saw a video of Honan Academy's stride!"

'Video... It can't be that she's talking about the same one as the one I watched....' Miharu thought in amazement. 'I actually think I can get along with Nana.....'

MIHARU P.O.V. 

"Seeing that Horan Academy Stride video, it made me want to come to this school. So I can join the Stride club here!" Nana exclaimed loudly, gripping her hand into a right fist.

"Video?"

"Yes! It's this!!" The female quickly pulled out a phone, showing it to Senpai.

My eyebrows rose in question as a black screen appeared.

"This video has been deleted by the requests from the Japanese Stride Association. We apologize for your inconvenience...." My mouth opened in shock, pulling out my own phone to see if the video I downloaded was gone.

My shoulder slumped as the same words came popping up...

No...... That video.....

"Ugh?! Stupid stride association!!!" Nana cried throwing her phone.

Well she more like tossed it to me, making me catch it.

I sighed holding the phone in one hand, using my other to scratch my head, "Was it a video of a dark haired male and violet almost white haired male exchanging a relation?" I questioned, thinking about Tomoe and Kyosuke.

Nana seemed surprised but nodded, her pigtails swinging beside her head.

I couldn't help the small smile that appeared on my face, "That video is also the reason why I came crossing the ocean to come to Honan Academy. I came to Japan for this club."

They all stared at me in awe, a look of surprise appearing in their eyes.

Especially Nana as she beamed at me with delight.

Heath sighed, rubbing his forehead with his hand, "So what was so great about the video that it made you come all the way here?"

"The speed...." Both Nana and I spoke at the same time. We looked at each other in surprise, before letting a small laugh escape out lips.

"This team was the only team that did the relations at the top speed...." Nana mumbled, clutching her pink phone I handed back to her.

I couldn't help but nod in agreement, crossing my arm over my chest, "I've never seen such a perfect relation," I spoke up. I dazedly looked out the window, "Such amazing relation can't happen if you don't trust your teammate from the bottom of your heart. I wanted to see a team like that with my own eyes."

"Yes! I love the Stride Honan Academy has!" Nana cried, clutching her phone to her chest.

Hozumi took a step forward, standing beside the petite female, "The two in the video.... They're third year students now... And.... Neither of them are in the club anymore...."

I closed my eyes, leaning into the wall behind me. I blocked out the voices, listening to my own thoughts as I imagined sprinting through the streets.

"Takanashi, will you run?"

I opened my eyes slowly, seeing Takeru standing close to me, his blue orbs staring into my own icy ones.

I looked away from him, eyeing Heath who was looking down at the Shogi board.

"Are females allowed to participate in tournaments?" I questioned, already knowing the answer.

"Not always.... If we talk to the higher ups we might be...." The third year looked at me in interest.

I nodded in understanding before looking at Takeru, "I'll run if I'm allowed to. But I'll participate in the training for sure. I won't ever stop running or doing Stride. And...." I looked at each of them, my electric blue eyes narrowing in determination,  "I'll make this team the best. My parents are a athletic trainers and a nutritionist. From now on your body's health with me controlled by me."

My eyes moved to each of the male's both, looking at them carefully, "I can create training menus that'll make your bodies into top shape."

At the corner of my eye I saw Takeru moving towards my legs. Without hesitation, I flipped out of the way, making sure not to knock anything over in the small room.

Nana eyed me in awe while their others looked slightly amused.

Hozumi grinned slightly, his aquamarine eyes shining, "For a stride team, there's 5 runners and one Realtioner. Total of 6. So... If we don't include Miharu-chan because we don't know if she can compete for sure, we'll just need two people. A runner and Relationer."

"Hey, hey! It's three, Hozumi-kun! Don't add me into the number...!" Ayumu pouted, munching on the panda bread Hozumi brought.

Nana, gripped her hand tightly and gave the blonde male a determined look, "If it's two, I'll definitely find them!!"

"I'm telling you, it's three!"

I couldn't help but feel amused at the scene. Running my hand through my wild red hair I spoke up, "Worst case scenario, I can do the Relation as well," I raised my hand. Though I couldn't help but scrunch my nose in distaste, "I prefer not to though. I highly dislike being a Relationer."

"Uwah!!"

I snapped my head to the side, staring at Takeru as he grabbed Ayumu's leg squeezing it like he did with mine.

"It's not bad...."

"Ohhh! You've noticed!" Hozumi grinned standing beside the blue eyes male, "we've been doing proper training!! Although we are a shared club, we are the Stride Club after all!"

I sweat dropped before yawning. I walked to where Heath was still sitting, "Hey Heath. Since I'm going to be joining the club either way, do you mind if I take an empty locker? I want to change into running clothes," I held my bag up that held few notebooks and pencils. And of course my running outfit and my shoes.

The male sweat dropped at my bluntness, looking at me in disbelief, "Heath? No honorific towards your Senpai?"

I rolled my blue orbs, "I know you're a half like me, Tomoe told me. You should know how other English counties have no honorifics," I state. And honorific are such a pain and too much work.

Heath let out a chuckle, sighing in defeat, "Alright, do whatever you want. Like you said, our bodies will be under your care for now on."

A small grin appeared on my face as I took his larger hand into mine, "It's going to be a pleasure working with you, Mr. Captain."

Heath paled slightly, realizing that I wasn't going to go easy on them from seeing my evil grin. With defeat he sighed. "Yeah, Yeah. Now don't you have to follow the other freshman to go look for their last member?" The older male questioned me as he eyes the door Nana and Takeru disappeared through.

I hummed opening a empty locker, eyeing the cobweb in distaste. Using my feet I took them off.

"I have an idea who they went to get. Right now I just want to go run," I spoke up, pulling my sweatshirt over my head, leaving me in a sports bra and jeans.

"Uwah!!!" Hozumi and Ayumu covered their eyes with their hands, blushing bright red.

Heath openly stared at me, not looking too fazed as I walked around without a shirt.

"Huh, so you're actually a girl, I had my doubts with the height and build and all," the older male muttered. He looked at my chest going down to my stomach before going back to my face.

"Why do you hide it?" He questioned leaning back onto his back, his eyes narrowed in interest.

I shrugged my shoulders, pulling on a tight white shirt.

"Doesn't it make me more mysterious?" I joked, slipping off my jeans as well.

"UWAHH!!!" Hozumi and Ayumu who were peaking through their fingers screamed louder.

This time I rolled my eyes at their reaction, "I'm wearing running legging underneath."

Both males blushed and took their hands off of their eyes, avoiding eye contact with me.

I wouldn't say my chest was large. Actually it was very average, something containable which I was thankful for. Stride and parkour was a sport that didn't need breast coming in the way.

And I hopefully won't have to worry about them in the future as well.

Though I was rather proud of my body. Countless hours working at Dad's parkour gym and running around left my body tone, and I wasn't planning on loosing it anytime soon.

Although Stride concentrated on lower body strength, my upper body was built from the constant vaults and tricks I did.

"Ne, exchange numbers with me," I bluntly state, pulling out my phone.

"Ha? You sure are bold for a freshman.  Is that how you ask for numbers and ask guys out?" Heath laughed in amusement. He took my phone out of my hands, his own fingers typing away.

"I don't know, I've never gone out or dated a guy before," I spoke as I watched him type. I couldn't help but notice how he had to retype few times because his large fingers hit wrong numbers.

The three males stopped what they were doing to look at me.

Heath looked mildly surprised, one eyebrow raised in question while Hozumi and Ayumu were gapping.

"You haven't dated before?!" Ayumu yelled pointing at me in horror.

Hozumi popped up beside the glassed male nodding, "Not even a date? Even Ayumu-Kun has done that!!"

"Hey, Hozumi-kun, are you insulting me now?" Ayumu scowled pushing his glasses higher onto his nose.

I rolled my eyes as the two teens bickered with each other. Taking my phone back from Heath I made sure I did get a number before placing it in my pocket.

The said male looked up at me in interest from where he sat on the floor, a small crooked smile on his face.

"I'm surprised. You're rather beautiful."

I smiled at the older male's compliment, "Thank you, that's very nice of you."

Heath sweat dropped before snickering, covering his mouth with the back of his hand, "A regular girl will usually get flustered when a male compliments them like that."

A small smirk appeared on my lips, "Oh, is that so? Well, too bad I'm not a regular girl. I'm not interested in dating, who has such a time for that? I could be out running."

We stared at each other for a moment, sizing each other up, waiting for one to submit. In the back I can hear both Takeru and Hozumi nervously whispering.

I was going to look away but he moved first, placing a hand on my mop of red hair, "I'm having high hopes for you, Takanashi Miharu."

"Same to you Hasekura Heath, I've heard a lot of things about you," I sent the male a confident smile before looking at the two other males in the room who worriedly stared at us.

Hozumi was frowning, his aquamarine eyes filled with uncertainty as he watched my movement.

"Please call me when Takeru and Nana come back with Riku. I'll be out for a run a bit," I smiled at the blonde.

Hozumi gave me a closed eyed smile, his grin seeming to make him a bit more boyish than feminine, "Alright, see you later Haru-chan!!"

A small smile appeared on my face before I walked out, soon running.

>>TIME SKIPS>>

I was doing a double Kong vault to get across the school building when I felt my phone buzz in my pocket.

Coming to a stop I pulled my phone out seeing a text message.

Unknown number:

Hi, Haru-chan! This is Kohinata Hozumi! Sakurai-San and Fujiwara-kun have comeback with Yagami-kun!!! They are planning on doing a race to bring Yagami-kun into the team!! Please come asap to the club room!!

A grin to appear on my lips at the thought of a race. Placing my phone back in my pocket I quickly jumped down the roof, ignoring the shocked looks I was receiving from the students who noticed me.

I quickly ran back to the club room opening the door open, my red hair flying out of its pony tail.

"Miharu-chan!!! You've made it!!!" Nana smiled, happily eyeing me. Beside her where Takeru and of course Yagami Riku.

The said blond stared at me in surprise, "Eh?! Takanashi is in this club too?!" Suddenly the blood drained out of his face as he looked at Nana before looking back at me, "CHAN?! Sakurai-San, did you just call her Miharu-chan?!"

I rolled my electric blue eyes and looked at Heath who was grinning widely, his handsome face scrunching childishly, "So we're doing a race or what?" I questioned.

"Hey! Why are you ignoring me Takanashi-San!!!" Riku complained in annoyance.

I turned my attention to the boy. And without hesitation I pulled up my shirt and and jacket up, "So you see this? This is called a sports bra, and sports bras are worn my female. And if I'm wearing it, it means I'm a girl," I bluntly spoke, pulling my shirt down after my classmate got a good look.

Nana was panicking on the side while Riku's face grew red in embarrassment and shock. Takeru on the other hand was avoiding looking, his hand covering the bottom part of his face. Though the pink blush and dilated pupils from shock was visible.

The older males were all looking away, Hozumi and Ayumu successfully covering their eyes.

"Oi, Takanashi. You'll be doing Relationer with Sakurai. Come with me."

My attention moved to Heath who was still grinning happily. I nodded in understanding and walked behind him as he led us out of the club room.

"Where we going...?" I questioned, retying my long red strands of hair into a ponytail. I looked down at my clothes with a slight frown, seeing the dust covering in them.

"The announcement room," Heath looked at me in confusion, "Where were you to get this dirty?"

I shrugged my shoulders slapping my body, making clouds of dust fly, "Running on top of the school roof. It's rather dirty up there, I only rolled few times to get this dirty."

The older male sent me a crooked smile and threw a arm over my shoulder, "How's Tomoe doing?"

In my mind the image of the raven haired male with purple eyes popped in my mind.

"He's was doing good yesterday. He was slightly upset I left him because he isn't going to have anyone else to train with," a fond smile appeared on my lips as I thought about my older friend, "He misses Japan though. I can tell. But his ambition to become better at Stride is making him stay there."

Heath hummed in response but I could see the pain in his eyes.

"You know, I know about the truth," I spoke up.

The male snapped his head in my direction in shock, his eyes visibly widening in surprise, "H-How... Tomoe usually doesn't speak...."

"Will he did, I feel like he feels guilty he just left. And he just needed someone to talk about his feeling to," I nonchalantly stated as we walked.

"Is that so... Are you going to tell the oth-"

I shook my head, looking forward, "I won't. But you need to tell me if anything starts hurting alright? I know you healed in all but we can never be too careful. And," I paused looking up at the male, "We'll be teammate's from now on, I'll appreciate if you don't hide anything from me. Especially if it's about your body. Although I mainly trained in stride myself and will be training with you guys, I've been trained about the body since I was young because of my parents. And I'll be the ones that'll be taking care of you guys from now on."

My cheeks felt a little warm realizing how much I spoke. I didn't like speaking too much.... But Heath's the captain, I'll have to talk to him a lot.

The male placed a hand on my head before furiously messing with it.

"Like I said earlier, we'll be in your care from now on. Tell us what to do and we will," the male sent me a cheeky grin as he quickened his pace.

I didn't have too much problem keeping up with his stride although he was taller than me. I obediently followed as he slammed a door open, proudly walking in.

"Wha-!"

"I'll be using the announcement,"  Heath boldly spoke, pushing passed a student.

The older male grabbed he microphone turning it on, "Sorry for the short notice, but we'll be having a race. Honan Stride Club is back in action; thanks in advance in your support!" The older male grinned as he made eye contact with me.

A small smile made it to my lips as l gave Heath a thumbs up.

This is getting interesting...

>>TIME SKIPS>>

"The race will begin in 10 minutes. During the race, the race course will we off limit for the protection of both the athlete and the audience's safety," I spoke into the microphone, my electric blue eyes looking over the course, "Please follow the instructions of helpers with an arm band when moving. And please enjoy the race of the new Honan Stride Club!" I looked at my club members before turning the microphone off.

My eyes moved to Nana who stared at the crowd in amazement.

"Wow, everyone is so excited!!!!" Nana looked at me, her eyes twinkling with awe.

Ayumu who stood beside me chuckled looking rather proud, "Yeah, our club may be on the verge of disbanding, but Stride makes a race course out of city streets, so it tend to turn the whole area into a big festival," the glasses male turned to me then handing me the iPad in his hand, "I'll appreciate if you can explain to Sakurai-San."

I nodded in understanding, motioning the female with my hand, "So it looks like we're only doing a lap inside the school. It's much shorter than a real stride course, because we're only having two runner when it's usually five. Anyways because it's on school ground, there are a lot of vertical gimmicks using all of the building. The tight hallways being used as a blind entry into the Takeover Zone is going to be the most dangerous. This is where as a Relationer we need to be very careful on the relation."

Nana nodded, looking slightly worried.

"Maa, you don't have to worry," Ayumu placed a hand on the female's shoulder giving her a thumbs up, "Worst case scenario either Miharu-chan or I will step in. Just trust your runner!"

"Hai," the female smiled and placed her ear piece and mic on.

My eyes moved to the screen of my iPad where I could see the blinking of where the two first runners stood at. Scanning though the course, I narrowed my eyes, thinking about the course I would have taken if I was running.

My legs twitched as I bit the inside of my cheek. I wanted to run. 

THIRD PERSON P.O.V.

"The race will be beginning in one minute," Miharu calmly spoke into her microphone, her voice coming out at her usual pitch.

"Hey, who's that...?" Some people whispered pointing to the female who stood out with her bright red hair.

"I think uh he's from class 1-C?"

"He? I thought it was a she?"

"I don't know! I saw him at school today but he wasn't wearing a uniform!"

Miharu ignored the whispers she was receiving, looking at the electronic that had the map of the school opened up.

"Heath, Hozumi, can you hear me? And are you ready?" Miharu spoke into her mic piece contacting the two older males.

"Loud and clear Haru-chan, I'm good!" Hozumi's chirpy voice entered her ear.

"I'm good as well," Heath's deeper voice also was heard.

The red head made eye contact with the brunette next to her and nodded.

"Fujiwara-kun, Yagami-kun! We'll be in your care, good luck!" Nana spoke, her light eyes filling in determination.

Miharu flickered on her microphone, "Good afternoon to you all. This is Takanashi Miharu, we will begin the Honan Academy Stride Club 'revival race'," the female gave one final look at Ayumu and Nana who were beside her before opening her mouth, "Runners, on your mark, get set...." The female's lips tilted up, "Go!"

The two females immediately looked down at their screen, staring at the light where it told them where their runners were at.

"Kohinata-senpai is amazing!!!" Nana exclaimed in shock, staring at the blinking that was ahead of Takeru.

Ayumu nodded as he too stared at the screen, "He's facing a famous under-15 player, the Trickster of Honan needs to being out his best."

'Trickster huh? I should take him out for a run when I have a chance, we can exchange tricks' Miharu mentally noted as she stared at her screen.

"Hozumi, there's a window 10 feet ahead, if you can get through it, you'll be closer to the takeover zone, cut through and jump over the wall and theres a hallway that'll immediately lead to the takeover zone," the red head spoke, shocking both Ayumu and Nana.

'What is she...?!' Nana thought in confusion.

Ayumu on the other hand narrowed his eyes in surprise, 'impressive she quickly created a route after she learned that Hozumi-kun was good with tricks....'

"Roger that Haru-chan!" The blonde quickly replied as he ignored the corner Takeru took and ran forward, easily leaping through the window and over the wall, entering the hallways.

"Here they come..." Miharu spoke, snapping Nana out of her shock and confusion,"Get ready for the relation."

"Hai."

"Heath, set."

Nana waited for a second before following, "Yagami-kun! Set!"

"Three, two, one... Go," Miharu sent out Heath first, her fingers interlaced together as she placed it over her chin, her electric blue eyes staying glued on the screen.

Though the corner of her lips tugged up as she saw that Riku passed Heath, taking lead.

They quickly entered the Takeover zone. Though as the three teens saw that Takeru increased pace, Ayumu stood up in shock.

"Fujiwara?! No, you'll overrun the Takeover Zone!!!"

Miharu's eyes widen in excitement, a rate wide grin appearing on her face, 'No... They will connect for... Sure!!'

The red haired female looked at Nana who was slumped in the seat beside her in relief.

Though the brunette quickly ran to the window where the males finished the race in the field, "Wow..."

Miharu followed behind her and smiled slightly and placed a hand on the smaller female's head, giving it a pat, "Very good for your first time, Nana. Good job."

The female smiled in relief, smiling back at the taller female.

"Oh my god!"

The girls jumped in slight surprise as Ayumu's loud voice rang.

"Look at this record!!!"

The glassed male held up the iPad, showing the screen at the two girls, "Exact tie!"

Miharu smirked as she grabbed her jacket she took off earlier. As she walked past the male she handed him her earpiece and mic, "See you guys tomorrow, I'm going for a run."

The two teens watched the female leave in surprise.

Though Nana was the first in to cut the silence, "She's so cool... I want to be like her?"

"Eh?!" Ayumu yelled in surprise, staring at the small female. He would consider her a cute type of girl unlike the cool Miharu.

He imagined Nana acting like Miharu before he sweat dropped, pushing the thought away.

"I think Sakurai-San should stay the way she is...."

"Eh?" Now the female looked at the male in confusion.

A/N

Thank you for reading!! Please vote and comment!!!

Trufflerabbit13

3/12/16

11:09 P.M.