- Chapter 14 -

Corrupted

Currently, I was in my house while the basketball team was playing their game against Shutoku. I let out a loud sneeze and rubbed my nose with the back of my hand, considering how gross my actions were. But what else can I do when I'm home alone with a terrible cold blocking out all of my senses and disabling me from even drinking a glass of water without coughing? All I need now is a pack of chill pills, a bottle of water and a cookie.

I rubbed my eyes continuously to get rid of the sudden blur. Bad thing was the the TV wasn't showing the match between Seirin and Shutoku which was providing me with only one solution: to sit and wait for Tetsu-nii to come back and tell me the news. Maybe Taiga will come too and check on me- who knows.

Shutoku was definitely a powerful school with high-profile players and the amazing dynamic of Shintaro Midorima and Takao Kazunari. Both were contributing in the final result of the match, mostly Midorima. Takao has the "hawk eye" which is abling him with the sight of the whole court which gives him the perfect opportunity to pass the ball to Midorima in the correct angle and gain more points. Midorima's long shoots never miss their target and they are quite scary, in my opinion. I once tried to throw as many high/long shoots as I could and I ended up with a 4/15 score. All of his power seems to be relied on his fingertips. His hand's movement finds the direction the ball will be sent at while the fingertips are giving the boost. That's what I assumed from my observations, at least.

While I was lost in my thoughts, I heard the bell ringing violently. I was ready to call Tetsu-nii to open the door but remembering that I was home alone, I stood up and began walking slowly downstairs. It had taken me a whole minute to reach the first floor and the bell was still ringing- Who was so persistent in entering the residence? I reached for the doorknob and turned it, revealing an unexpected visitor.

"Hey, Aya-" The person stopped talking as soon as he observed my wicked appearance. I must be looking like a living dead right now, I had it all: pale-ish skin, red nose, dark bangs under my tired and bloodshot eyes, not to mention the messy hair and smelly breath. Tatsuya eyed me from tip to toe and I could see panic swimming at the back of his eyes.

"Wow, you look like. . . a mess", he exclaimed, trying to put it as nicely as he could.

"Thank you for the compliment, Tatsuya", I replied grumpily and looked at his perfect attire and well-brushed jet black hair. He was the total opposite from me right now.

My childhood friend shook a grocery bag in front of my eyes filled with need and tried to smile, "I brought us some food and I chose a movie from my collection. Just to try and make you feel better, I guess."

"Come in", I told him abruptly in English in which he chuckled softly and did as he was told. I stepped aside and let him pass, sneezing on my hand.

Tatsuya waltzed inside and placed the grocery bag on the empty table. He took his time observing the space and while doing that, I had some time to close the door and drink some water. With a dry mouth, I can't even shout. Izuki-senpai, please stop influencing me mentally.

"Your house is. . . cool", Tatsuya mused and turned at me, his eyes smiling. I gave him a weak high-five and rubbed my nose with my sleeve, immediately regretting it after seeing the result and wiping it with a clean towel. Poor towel.

We settled down in front of the couch and luckily, I wasn't feeling cold at that point. Tatsuya placed a bowl in front of me and poured inside some of the healthy snacks he had bought from me from a pharmacy. I just glanced at them and wondered if I would throw up before even tasting them. He proceeded taking the DVD disk out of its case and in the DVD player, pressing the "Play" button. Without any further wasting of time, he propped himself besides me and threw a blanket over us. I nuzzled the blanket and enjoyed its warmth.

A small chuckle escaped my lips as soon as the title appeared on the screen, "James Bond? Seriously?"

Tatsuya nodded and pouted slightly at me, flicking my forehead. Tatsuya's passion for action and spying movies was clearly shown back in America, since we were kids. Besides basketball, James Bond was one of his idols and he really admired him and his movies. The explosions were his thing and he was one of the first ones who were to buy the newest movie.

We watched the movie peacefully with Tatsuya quoting James Bond at some points while I was pinpointing his absolute addiction to those movies. My reward was- of course -a flick on the forehead. What I didn't understand were some points of the plot; generally, action movies weren't catching my fancy and it was difficult for me to concentrate on them. What I really seeked for was some real-life-action where I could contribute to.

"As I was saying, you shall have some rest. You look like a panda", Tatsuya declared, obviously pinpointing to the black bags under my eyes.

I simply shook my head, thinking about the team. Were they okay? Did they need any kind of help I could give them yet I wasn't there? Guilt was eating me from the inside and I couldn't stop thinking about it until my childhood friend shook my shoulder lightly. Like he had read my thoughts, he ruffled my blue locks and paused the movie, "They will be alright. I hate to admit it but Seirin is a strong team and they can surpass Shutoku. If their ace is sick, of course. . . "

A frown covered the biggest part of my face and I hit his shoulder with as much force as I could get out of me- did I mention he didn't even budge? "You're mean, ya know!"

Tatsuya shook his head and huffed, playing the movie again. I crouched a few centimeters away from him and abducted the bowl of popcorn with me. Who will get hungry now, huh? Do it like this and be the dominant. No perversity intended there.

The movie suddenly became more interesting as I watched all those hand-to-hand combat and dramatic (love) scenes. Action movies may be more intriguing than I firstly thought. As if on cue, the bell rang and Tatsuya pressed a button of the remote. The screen froze and he stood up, wanting to open the door instead of me. I simply looked indifferently at the screen, waiting for him so the movie would resume to its ending.

"Ayano. You have, uhm. . . visitors."

Tatsuya's voice snapped me back to reality and I slowly lifted up myself, turning my attention to the newcomer. His tranquil presence made the tense atmosphere disappear and a small smile found its way up to my lips. The person who I had known for my whole life, the one who made my smile no matter what.

"Hello, Aya-chan."

- - - - - - - - - - -

Psh, I ended it with a cliff hanger. Who is the person? *cue dramatic music* You shall never know though, muahahaha. And yes, I know I made this chapter a bit short but it was a filler. I swear the next one will be far more longer.

Also, I want to inform you guys about something: This story has approximately 10 chapters until its end and they will be truly intense. Also, I plan on finishing this book by the beginning of summer so watch out for update sprees.

Dedicated to Bre2k9 for being an amazing author, friend and surprisingly, supporter of this (crappy) book! Thank you for everything :)