KAEDE | HAYASHI

NO MATTER WHAT time I set my alarm for, Cai always woke up before me.

I rolled over to turn off my cuboid alarm clock and groaned when I saw his bed was empty. A glance I threw to the bathroom door as I yawned only verified that he was inside.

Lucky bugger.

His main motivation was to get in before Neo, who always took his sweet time. At the edge of my hearing, I caught the shower running so knew I'd missed him by more than a few minutes.

Less miffed, I got out off bed so I could kneel beside it. It took me a moment — or three — to fight against falling back asleep and thank my Heavenly Father for letting me see the new day and submit it to Him.

After starting the day right, I pulled myself to my feet and looked over to Neo's bed. He was snoring away, his covers wrapped around him like he was in a cocoon. I half regretted what I was about to do at his peaceful face.

Still, I pressed on and headed over to give him a shake. "It's time to get up man."

I didn't quit until he grumbled something about leaving him alone. Once I knew he was coming around, I left him to venture into the walk in wardrobe.

The strip of lights that came on made me wince and cover my eyes. I waited for my eyes to adjust before lowering my arm and looking around the organised space.

My mood usually influenced my outfits. If I could be bothered in the mornings, I'd put in the effort to put something nice together. If I wasn't, it was usually a compression top, joggers, fleece and my rings. But since my first stop of the morning was the gym, I just grabbed the first two, and underwear, in black.

Would Bambi-eyes be at the gym too?

The abrupt thought made me pause before I left. I gave the basic clothes in my hand a glance before shaking my head at the notion.

Now where had that come from?

My ears were warm and didn't want to know what my face looked like. I booked it out of there before I did something stupid like changed the top for a graphic tee and shorts for a girl who's name I didn't know.

Get it together man.

Regardless of my will, those thoughts appeared as they wished.

After making my bed, I tossed my clothes there. Not even a moment later, I went back to straighten the outfit out so there weren't any wrinkles. As if worrying about the possibility of her seeing me in wrinkled clothes was normal.

I should not be like this. Is it my sleepy head at fault for my truant thoughts?

By the time I'd successfully battered away the thoughts, I'd packed my gym bag and Cai had finished in the bathroom. When the door opened, my mind jumped to Neo and I threw a glance over at him. I found him sprawled on his back, like a starfish, on the floor.

Well, that was one way to check if he'd finished praying.

Cai merely stepped past him but Neo wouldn't let it slide. "Looking good Howell."

As a weird morning person, Cai stopped to smile down at him. "Alright down there?"

I smiled at the two of them getting along for once; I doubted it would stay that way the rest of the day. I grabbed my clothes before slipping into the bathroom before Neo realised it was free. But all things considered, — when all things meant his current location —  I doubted there would be much competition.

The space was slightly steamy but the steam-proof mirrors kept condensation from gathering. It meant there was no way for me to miss the large collection of facial care stuff that took up most of the table top. Even though the blue-themed space was large, the amount of things on the tabletop underneath the wall-long mirror made it seem smaller.

Although today was our second day here, our skincare collections had been unpacked and put out. Despite the quantity, there was some order to it. If you looked closely, you could see there were three trays and each belonged to a person.

My cart, unlike Cai's and Neo's, contained products from multiple brands. It had taken me a while to figure out what combination and order of things worked best for my skin but I was happy to say I had.

However, I was always grateful to God for giving me friends who didn't make fun of me for caring so much about my personal hygiene. Especially as I knew first-hand how people could bully others over acne and could feminise you over the steps you took to prevent it.

Since we were only getting ready to go to the gym, I wasn't going to go through all my steps. It would be pointless to sweat the effort off so I'd do my minimised version now and my full one after. But first, I needed to take a quick body shower.

Once I'd finished and felt clean, I wrapped a towel around my waist and stepped towards the mirror again. I turned my attention onto my face in the reflection and ran my eyes over the tan expanse. I did my usual blemish check as I pulled my wrist wash bands and spa band on. I was comforted to find my skin clear and turned on the sink tap.

Since I had an oily skin type, I started with my salicylic acid gentle cleanser. It meant I'd end up cleansing my skin twice today but since I'd always had acne prone-skin, I didn't mind. Especially since it was responsible for unclogging pores and decreasing the chance of my acne and blackheads coming back.

Once I was sure I'd gotten my whole face with my cleansing device, I rinsed it off with tap water. I was relieved I'd remembered to pull on my arm bands because I didn't have to endure the icky feeling of water running down my arms.

After lightly patting my face with my face towel, I gave my skin a breather for a moment while I put the cleanser away.

Next, I got out my snail mucin essence. Even though the contents of the bottle looked suspicious, I knew how good it was for moisturising and repairing my skin. I squeezed some onto my hands and rubbed a light layer over my face and neck.

Once I felt like it had set, I grabbed my moisturiser and squeezed a light amount onto my finger before putting four dots on my face. I narrowed my eyes at the sizes of the blobs before nodding to myself. I then rubbed a light layer over my face, until I was sure every inch was covered.

Then I went in with my sweat-resistant sunscreen, letting it settle on my face while I took off my bands. While I pulled faces until my skin felt normal, I put everything back in its right place.

When I'd finished, I turned my attention to my body. I moisturised my skin with my sandalwood lotion and, once satisfied, changed into my gym clothes.

I left the timber-scented space feeling more awake and ready for gym. Neo didn't waste any time in getting in after me so it was soon just Cai and I in the dorm.

I was chucking my dirty clothes into the hamper when Cai spoke up from where he sat on his bed. "Good morning."

My lips twitched into a smile at his energy. "Back at you Cai."

"How's Nana doing?"

The question didn't surprise me since he cared about her nearly as much as Neo did. To be fair, Nana's affect on the basketball team had always been positive— and not just because she'd raised up her son ( my dad ) to be a basketball great. She had a knack for forming connections and mothering anyone who got close enough.

I sat on top of my bed and shifted so I could face him. "She's doing good, she is. Her current scheme is trying to order a greenhouse for her back garden without my aul wan noticing."

He stopped organising his gym bag to snort, "I swear I got her a cactus last year and it died in her care?"

I grinned. "It did. She said she's turned a new leaf— no pun intended."

He rolled his eyes without malice. "Yeah right, you were definitely waiting to let that joke out."

"Ah here." Despite tossing a pillow in his direction with stunning accuracy, a smile shaped my lips.

"So how's captain life?" He stood up to organise Neo's bag once he'd noticed all his stuff was strewn about his bed.

I was glad he wasn't holding my gaze because it had a tendency to make me tell the truth and I wanted to think first. "It's a mixed bag honestly. I still can't believe you all voted for me."

"You say that but who else could manage the team in Sang-Hun's absence when he was preparing to sit the UCAT and BMAT?" Cai smiled slightly. "Everyone saw you as a mini him."

A mini him?

Sang-Hun and I couldn't be more different. He was a true mascot for St Everfields: he had the grades, the sports ability and charisma to charm the masses. I'd always looked up to him for his seemingly rock-solid confidence and sureness of himself. Especially since last year he was juggling being a medicine applicant and leading the team to the championships final.

Sang-Hun was on a whole other level that I hoped I'd someday reach.

I sent Cai's a dry look. "The only person more opposite than him on last year's team was you."

He rolled his greens. "I'm not talking about personality-wise, you just have that gift of being a leader to others. Even the young'uns on the Lower team respect you for it."

It was silent for a while as I took in his words. While what he was saying was true, the only issue was with me believing the extent of his words. But still, that was just something I needed to work on.

I conceded with a nod and shifted the topic of conversation. "Did y'know, Ro's no longer on the team?"

"Rohan?" He asked like there was anyone else we knew called that.

"Who else?" His smile told me all I needed to know and my eyes narrowed. "We're down eight players, I'm going to have to hold a tryouts before the championships start. And I've got to hope that those we get are actually good and not just fill-ins."

Cai didn't say anything for a moment as he stopped fiddling with Neo's bag. "Remember when we were at Nana's in the summer and went to her church and there was that prophet who visited? Did you forget what he said about you?"

The muscles to my face couldn't help but relax at the reminder. I repeated the words I'd written down on the inner cover of my captain notebook.

"God remembers all of your prayers, even the ones you, yourself, have forgotten about. He will show you a token for good, that they which hate you shall see it and be ashamed. Your name will be greater than your father's."

He nodded, looking pleased that I'd remembered. "See? And when has His Word ever fallen to the ground?"

I found my mind wandering to the Book of Kings that I was currently studying. "Never."

Cai spoke gently and I distantly thought that he was never going to break the mother-hen allegations. "Exactly. The way I see it, this is a trust exercise for you to grow in faith. You don't need to be worried about everything that could go wrong, because in the end, God's in control and His Word never fails."

I sat there for a few moments, digesting his words that I knew but hadn't applied to my own life. The realisation only made me all the more grateful that I was friends with someone who encouraged my faith.

"Thanks Cai." Lorato jumped into my lap as I mumbled, "Honestly, I'm worried to approach Coach with things this year with all he's got going on at the minute."

"With his heart surgery he had over the summer?"

"Yeah." Lorato kept pushing her head into my hand that rested on my knees and I indulged her.

Cai tilted his head in thought as he moved on to making Neo's bed and fixing his silk pillowcase. "I get you, but if he hasn't said so, don't hold yourself back from asking for help."

I dipped my head. "First practice is going to be weird without Sang-Hun there."

Cai hummed. "I remember you joined Evers in Year Ten and even then he was on the team. It's going to be odd not seeing him."

I agreed, I half expected him to jump out of nowhere and ask everyone how their morning had been. "Right? I think I'll call him soon; I miss hearing his voice thundering through the halls— that and I'll ask him for pointers."

"He loves you man, he'll defo get back to you really quick if you send him a message."

His words made me smile about the guy I saw as an extra older brother. But overall, letting everything out to Cai really settled my fears. I really was thankful that God had given me him as a friend.

"Speaking of love, I wasn't joking when I said I loved you yesterday." I smiled at his laugh.

It just so happened that Neo had left the bathroom in time to hear the proclamation.

The dreadhead slowly turned to squint at me— but any ferocity to the look was dismantled by the Sonic patterned towel around his neck. "Are you cheating on me Kay-bae?"

Cai patted Neo's now zipped up and ordered bag and earned his attention. "He's been cheating on you with me."

Neo let out a fake sniff before heading over to his bed to finish getting ready. "I knew it!"

I carried on stroking Lorato but his eyes trailed to me at my chuckle."Don't even make a sound because you've nicked my cat too."

"I just don't think Lorato likes you, full stop." Cai added with a smirk that Neo chucked a sock at.

It didn't take too long for all of us to finish up and have our trainers on and be ready to leave. There was just one thing left to do and I placed Lorato down so I could stand in the middle of the room in wait for the others. Unsurprisingly, Cai reached me next and joined my hand as we waited for Neo.

"How long does it take—"

"Sheesh, I'm coming!"

I didn't need to look over my shoulder to know Neo was jogging up to us to join our hands so we stood in a circle. I glanced at his feet to see his strings on one of his shoes were untied.

Well it was clear what he'd been busy with.

Cai spoke up first. "Since you came last, you can pray for us Moseki."

Neo shot him a look but he didn't argue. It was essential for us to pray together before leaving the dorm in the mornings. It helped us start the day right and bring us closer spiritually.

We all shut our eyes and despite Neo's initial annoyance, his tone was far from it. "Father God, we come into your presence this morning to give you thanks. You've given us the gift of life to be able to see this new day and on top of that a sound mind, body and spirit. We ask You to guide our steps and let us grow closer to You this day. May Your Will be done this day on Earth as it is in Heaven, we pray in Jesus name."

"Amen."

I opened my eyes after the chorus of agreement and was unsurprised to find the beam on Neo's face. He always did feel pumped up after prayer.

"Come on guys lets get to gym!" He grabbed his bag and was the first to the door as if his laces were done.

"Neo slow down a sec, let me do your laces before you hurt yourself."

I didn't know what it was, but he could never do them right. Still, I didn't mind making sure he didn't fall over everywhere. I didn't need to have the team's small forward out for the count.

"Kaede, I was looking forward to seeing him fall over." The fake upset in Cai's voice made me laugh.

"Well I wasn't." I ducked down and quickly laced them up as Neo thought of a comeback.

"I think you need to be quiet Howell."

He'd definitely thought of better.

Cai straight up sniggered at him and I could barely contain my own noise as I finished with his shoe and got up.

"Oh shut up, I'm going to the gym."

He left the dorm and after sharing a look and bursting into laughter, we headed after him.

✞

"Come warmup with me on the treads." It was clear Neo wasn't actually asking me if I wanted to by the way he grabbed my arm.

We hadn't even entered the gym yet. As soon as we'd rounded the corner and he saw the doors, he began pulling me away from Cai. I let him but glanced over my shoulder to find Cai smirking to himself before my sight of him was cut off.

Lucky bugger.

Out of every piece of equipment in the large space, Neo was absolutely obsessed with the treadmill. For warmups he used it, for cardio he used it, he'd even gotten into the habit of doing bicycle curls on it.

Weird, I know.

But he never had to worry about one not being available. The gym was just as large and efficient as every other thing in this school. From racing equipment in one corner of the open-plan space to weightlifting machines in the other, there was something for everyone.

The layout was a work center; one that grouped similar machinery by their purpose like all the cardio equipment in one area and strength training in another to name some. It was spacious and the ceiling was lined with windows so the place never felt depressing — and why I wore spf.

I wasn't surprised to find that we were the first inside; it was a Sunday morning after all. We usually went on Saturday mornings but with us arriving yesterday, we'd agreed on a one-off.

Normally, Cai and I buddied off to start with the weights but not today apparently. I was led over to the cardio corner and the treadmill next to the one Neo had claimed as his own.

He gave me a shove and I left my thoughts to give him a sharp glance.

He remained unaffected like always. "Chop, chop, start stretching Cap."

I rolled my eyes but sat on a nearby bench and began my stretches. I didn't stop until I was happy with my blood circulation.

"Alright, I'm grand." I looked up to find Neo had already set up the two treadmills and was waiting for me.

He didn't waste any more time and tugged me onto my treadmill and he got on his. "Our usual, whoever taps out looses."

I sighed for the show of it but I did enjoy the rather insane game Neo had started. It was basically the PACER test on the treads and whoever lasted longer had bragging rights.

Which was a pointless prize because, as usual, Neo won.

"Eat that Captain cutie!"

The fact he still had enough oxygen to speak made me look at him in disgust. 

My legs felt like jelly as I slunk to the floor to see him pantomine getting a trophy. I didn't have the breath to laugh at the dope, especially since his speciality lay in agility and mine in shooting.

It didn't take long before we separated and did our own separate workouts. A couple of jokes and insults passed between the three of us but not much conversation as we went about our usual routines. It was the way things went since gym was where we came to exercise not chat.

There was a relaxed atmosphere around us that as we finished our sessions. We headed into the direction of the gym showers and I snorted as Neo tripped over one of his laces that had come undone. . .the one he was responsible for tying.

"Told you it would be funny." Cai barely got the tease out before Neo shoved him and disappeared into the changing room.

I shook my head at the numpties as I followed Neo's footsteps. Just like the rest of the gym, the changing rooms were light and spacious. There were do many lockers and showers to choose from that even when it wasn't empty, it always felt like it was.

Neo had already headed to a shower judging from the running water I could hear and I followed his lead. I'd made sure to pack everything I needed in my sports bag and ended up feeling clean and smelling like sandalwood and Versace Blue Jeans. With only Cai and Neo present, I did my skin care routine in one of the many mirrors dotted around the place.

I sensed that someone was approaching me but the stomach rumble I heard let me know it was a Neo. "I'm hungry."

I smiled slightly as I used a cotton pad soaked in a hydrating serum to moisturise my face. "I know. We'll get something to eat when Cai's out."

Somehow, he took my words as a go ahead to shout for the Welsh lad.

"Malacai Archie Howell! Hurry up!"

I knew better than to try and get him to stop and put all my focus to finishing my steps.

It seemed like there was no need for Neo's screams that had rattled my ear drums because Cai was soon out.

He ran a towel through his inky strands as he levelled a glare on Neo. "You know I don't have a middle name, are you mentally okay?"

He sighed. "Not until I get food."

Cai quickly gave up with his hair because it became a fluffy mess. "There were so many ways to convey that which don't include screaming you Sais."

"Firstly, I'll have to disagree with you there bud. Secondly, I'll have you know there's nothing wrong with me being English."

I pointed to the door before they fell even further into their argument and resorted to insults. "How about we go get a snack instead of standing here like clueless boyos."

"Guys, let's go to the Pavilion!" Neo's voice echoed and Cai sighed.

He shoved him over to the door. "Just keep your cakehole shut."

"The Pavilion?" I questioned as I followed them out.

Neo had to glance over his shoulder because Cai was still pushing him forward. "Yeah! Taylor has all the best baked goods are there; croissants, cakes, yum yums. . ."

"I wonder why I didn't know about the place."

My sarcastic tone wasn't lost on him and he rolled his eyes before turning forward. "Oh shut up."

"You're no craic this morning."

With keeping my diet clean, there would really be no reason for me to frequent the place. I didn't want my anxiety to latch onto the idea of wasteful calories and unbalanced macronutrients. I ate clean and followed the schedule that Nana had made for my dad when he was in my shoes. Of course it had been tweaked a lot since then but it was invaluable to me and meant I wasn't worrying about food.

It wasn't an easy lifestyle to uphold, but it was the one I had chosen for myself. I trained hard, and followed every suggestion from Nana, Da, Coach Noah and those who had been in my shoes. Until I made it — and I would make it — I would continue to make the sacrifices and remain focused, dedicated, and undistracted from my purpose.

Like always, Cai realigned the conversation topic. "Where is this place anyways?"

"Not too far from here actually."

Cai arched a brow at me. "You trusting Moseki's navigational skills?"

"Not particularly."

We barely had a chance to smile at each other when Neo shed himself from Cai's hold. "The pair of you need to keep your gobs shut before I report your arses for bullying."

A disbelieving look sat on my face. "You don't even know where to go for that."

"Gareth, obviously."

The confidence in the way he said the Deputy Head's name instead of the Pastoral Head's sent us into hysterics. We were forced to follow him as kissed his teeth and left us behind.

Cai's wet eyes matched mine. "He never fails to make me laugh."

The good thing was Neo wasn't lying when he said the place was near by. We barely had to put up with his huffs before we ended up in front of the doors to the so-called Pavilion.

It was located somewhere on the ground floor in the South wing— to be honest I hadn't been paying attention to where we were walking. But when we entered, I was able to place its location better. The opposite side of the space held a wall of glass window that pointed out to the the Quad.

My focus on where it was quickly fell away as my next inhale smelt of powdered sugar and flour. My eyes then took in the interior to the café.

Earth tones coloured the space and contrasted with the pale wooden tables that were spread around. I wasn't surprised to see them empty considering how early it was.

What did surprise me was the freshly baked goods laid out on display. From donuts to baguettes, there was a large range of options behind the long glass case and I half wondered how it was possible for it all to have been made.

The windows I'd initially seen that looked out to the Quad, had bar tables and tall stools. The size of them basked the whole space with natural light and reminded me of the basketball court. It was probably why potted plants hanging from the roof were the greenest indoor plants I'd seen. 

Neo had already found a place in the empty line by the time I'd regained my bearings. His face was so close to one of the cases near the end that I was surprised his face print wasn't left in the glass.

"Guys get the doughnuts."

I gave the powder-covered, jam-filled, fried treats that were under his finger a uncertain look as I approached him. "You think I'm gonna put all that sugar in my body?"

"Have a cheat day." He said like it was that simple and not something I had to plan.

Cai spoke up, sounding just as dubious as I did. "I'm not going to eat something that'll have me covered."

Neo only grinned and I knew we'd both regret what left his mouth. "That's what she said."

Textbook Neo.

Before Cai had a chance to deck him, a middle-aged lady walked out of the back door with her arms filled with a tray of croissants. "I hope you're not talking about what I think you are, Neo Sweetie."

I assumed the honey-brown-haired — Canadian if I went by her accent — woman was the Taylor Neo was talking about.

"Of course not Mrs Taylor," he lay a hand on the glass counter so he could lean against the other it ( I suspected in an attempt to look cool ). "I wouldn't dream of it."

She only rested her eyes on him for a few more moments before turning her focus on restocking the croissants. "Hmm. Well you boys are bright and early— just in time for my croissants! What would you all like?"

Neo spoke up as if Cai and I hadn't made our stances clear. "Three jam doughnuts please."

"Is that right?" Her smile let us know she'd definitely overheard our earlier conversation.

Thinking of the nutrients, I spoke before Neo could let out a lie. "Could I have a slice of banana bread please?"

She nodded and noted it down on a small notepad she pulled out the front of her apron. "Of course hun."

I ignored Neo's look. It definitely hadn't served as a good enough deterrent because Cai followed my lead.

"And could I have one of your plain croissants?"

"Of course, lucky for you they're straight out of the oven." She jotted that down too before turning to Neo. "I'm guessing you still want those jam doughnuts?"

"You know me so well Mrs Taylor."

Despite the smile lines that lined her mouth and her crow's feet, she was swift in bagging the baked goods and it seemed like it took her no time at all to do so. "Here you boys go, if you ever find yourselves a little hungry you know where to go."

We all nodded and with a hum she went back to prepping for the day.

"What are we gonna do now?" How Neo was able to speak so clearly whilst tearing into his food eluded me.

"I'm heading to the art basement," Cai gave Neo a half-confused, half-repulsed look. "I've got some crosses to finish carving for the chapel but you both can come if you want."

I wasn't surprised he'd been asked. Despite his antisocial habits, the art he'd made throughout his life spoke for him. He was a well known art student with an aptitude for creating art out of anything he could put his hands on. I suspected he got the magic touch from his mother as she was an editor for British Vogue and a fashion designer when she wasn't critiquing other outfits.

Neo only quirked an eyebrow. "You just want us to help with the talking when you hand them over, don't you?"

Cai shrugged and moved his attention to blessing his food.

I waited till he'd done to say, "We'll join you."

Neo's scowl wasn't that affective with the jam around his lips. "You're lucky I want to help out."

He said it like we had anything else we could do to keep us occupied.

As I trailed after Cai and Neo as they made their way out, I took the opportunity to bless my food and try the warm bread in my bag.

I took a bite and hummed. "Y'know, this is actually pretty good, like."

"I don't wanna hear it."

"Right? Moseki wasn't wrong for once."

Neo tried to jelly-leg him but it wasn't effective. Between the fail and the jokes, he walked ahead of us again.

"You're going the wrong way, the basement is in the West Wing."

Cai's call made me laugh, especially with how Neo had to make a u-turn. "I literally knew that! I was just testing if K knew."

He made sure to bump our shoulders as he walked past us and I snickered before digging further into my bread.

What a motley trio we were.

EL SPEAKS !
  sorry for the late chap! wp decided to be a pain about the format of the chapter AND fight against me putting my usual image at the top of the chapter smh 😒

  but thoughts on this chap? you'll get to see cai in his element next chap so 🤭

  yall will never catch me depicting Christianity like some high profile books (cough lila cough) 😋 i think imma start sharing sneak peaks on the discord again because why not so stay tuned 😻

   anyways VOTE and COMMENT 🥰 hope you have a good day/ night 🫶🏽

( posted; 17/03/24 )