Finally the sun is up.
Today we still don't have class, or more like it was canceled for today since they needed to do some construction and maintenance.
To be honest, I was about to go to school. If not for Sayaka's call, I might be in school already. It seems they announced it in school's Twitter account. She knew I don't check it.
So for today, my place was full of sweet smell. I baked crinkles, and tarts.
...
The tarts actually, I baked them for Akashi. While baking macaroons last time, it might be unconscious from him but he mumbled that he wanted to try tarts next time.
Well, I just baked out of the whim, as a way of thanking him for Go-chan.
Yeah, it's just my way of thanking him.
Nothing else.
~next day~
"Good morning!" Sayaka greeted me with high tension. "A very long weekend since our camp, right?"
"Good morning. A storm finally passed" I responded then handed her five pieces of macaroons and crinkles. "Here you go"
Sayaka looked at me in surprised then hugged me "Oh my gosh! Thank you! I was about to ask you today to come with me to buy macaroons! I am in dire need of sweets" She moved back then giggled "I really love the sweets you bake. I can't wait to eat them. But seems like you really had lots of time. You baked lots" she poined at the two paper bags in my hand "need a hand?"
"It's fine. Thank you. I had all the time yesterday"
"But isn't it too much?" She asked
"I baked for everyone in the club, then I also baked for Rie-chan, Ayumi and Hitomi." I answered though I didn't mention that on the other bag, Akashi's clothes are there, even his tarts and crinkles. Well, I got closed with Reo-nee as well so I also made some for him. As if I can tell Sayaka about that. I wanted to though, but am so embarrassed. I am not ready yet to mention this to anyone
Sayaka and I walked to school, talking about what we did during the storm. I mentioned Go-chan, but I didn't mention about Akashi staying in my place. Sayaka on the other hand, she said that they closed their restaurant. Their family owns a Japanese restaurant, more on sushi and ramen. It's actually famous in the neighborhood. Because of Rakuzan's mandatory club activities, her parents couldn't retort that she couldn't help much, though she helps them at night
"By the way (f/n), did you see the schools we will be going against to?"
"Schools? Aren't we just going against anyone?" I asked in confusion
"Eh...? You know already how the tournament goes here... right?"
"Huh?"
"We had preliminary round, but that includes every school in this region. But we were separated per prefectures when we go there that is why Moriyama Joshi team was in different dojo. They were in different block. We'll be able to go against them during Regional instead."
"They don't have different dojo for other prefectures? I didn't know that the schools there are from other prefectures. But well" I looked at Sayaka and grinned "in the end, we need to stand on top against all those schools"
"You sure are optimistic. But you are right. We need to be accurate with our shooting, and win. Speaking of, it's sad that we don't have practice today"
"Yeah, good thing you message me about that, or else I'll bring my equipments. But I wonder what are they going to repair there?"
"Seems like lots of trees fall around the area, and even in the dojo. I read that not just us, but other clubs as well. It's still unknown if they will be able to fix it this week. Sensei will inform us today if we can practice this week, or in senpai's dojo"
~
When we arrived in school, we could see still the aftermath from the storm. There were fallen trees on the side and there were city workers removing them.
"Good morning!" I flinched when suddenly someone hugged me behind and it was Rie-chan "it's been a while, you two"
"Good morning, Rie-chan. You sure are full of energy" I responded, then she linked her arm to me then made a big wide smile. I confusedly looked at her then she chuckled "What's wrong?"
"Nothing~ anyway, how's your training camp and long weekend?"
"Training camp was so short!" Sayaka complained then sighed "but we couldn't help it. Previous coach spent too much money with unnecessary stuffs so current coach is in tight budget"
"But Akashi-sama prepared a school bus for your team. I heard that he personally requested it" Rie-chan then grinned at me "I wonder why"
"We were also surprised with that" Sayaka linked her arm to my other arm and chuckled "but coach had a glimpsed towards a certain someone, I wonder why" and both of them giggled
"Are you guys trying to say that it was because of me?" I asked them and they couldn't help but giggled "let me clear one thing, that guy just wanted the archery club to go to Nationals and be number one. He would never and will never act something for someone."
"I wonder though" Rie-chan chuckled and until we enter the school, the two of them were for some reason teasing me.
~
"Ahre, Takuya-kun, Ken-kun, and Naoki-kun? What are you doing here in Class C?" Rie-chan called Ono and the other two first year members in Archery.
"Oh, we are waiting for Nakamura. We saw coach and he told us to give this to her." Hachimura Kenichi responded then handed a folder to her
"Huh? Why me? Not Rio-chan nor (f/n)?"
"Well, sensei said that among all first years, only Sayaka-chan can handle it. Not us guys, nor Fujiko-chan, above all, not Rie-chan who is hot-headed nor (f/n)-chan who doesn't know how to multi-task"
"Somehow that's irritating" I retorted
"Well, it's true anyways" Sayaka chuckled then looked at the folder gave to her "and yeah, you can't handle this. Thank you, I'll talk to sensei about it later."
"Then, we'll go ahead. We'll see you later Sayaka-chan, Ken"
"Ah wait, Hachimura, here" I handed the crinkles to him then to Ono, to Kawaguchi Naoki, then even to Rie-chan. "I know it's too early for sweets, but I might not see you today, so I'll give it now. I baked them yesterday, and there's enough for everyone"
"Thank you" the three responded then we all looked at Ono, who was staring at the crinckles I gave
"Is something wrong?"
"Ahhh, that, huh" Kawaguchi and Hachimura sighed at the same time
"T-thank you, (f-f-chan)" Ono responded while his face turned into a beet red
"No problem. I hope you will like it"
"Uhm-"
"(F/n)" I flinched as I heard my name being called by this cold voice. We all turned around and there he is, the red emperor
"Good morning, Akashi. Your cold demeanor is overflowing. What's wrong?"
"I need to talk you, just you" he said then just left, ordering me to follow him. There he is again, being unreasonable
"Sorry, go ahead."
"Do you want us to bring your stuffs?" Rie-chan asked
"All good, thank you" I responded then hurriedly followed Akashi
~
I followed Akashi outside, and he was standing in front on fresh planted flower bed
"Then? What's the deal this early morning?" I asked and then he crossed his arms "hello?"
"You surely are so close to that guy. I am just stopping that guy's confession"
"Confession?" I tilted my face and sighed "don't tell me? You called me because of that?"
"Of course not. I have your brother's clothes. I'll give them later."
"Ah, you can throw that away. Like, if you insist of returning them, just put them in my shoe locker, or on your shoe locker then I'll get them"
"Troublesome. Why do I need to do some troublesome thing?" He glared at me
"Because I don't want to deal with your problematic fans." I sighed. Though I said that, I could now sense glares from inside the school. Should I give the paper bag now?
"If you don't want to deal with them, then why bring my clothes?"
I froze and glared at hinm, but again sighed in defeat and handed the paper bag to him "I didn't plan to give it back to you in this way"
"So, since when did my clothes become a food?"
"Ah, those are crinkles. I baked them yesterday. I baked enough for everyone. Ah, also, can you give the other crinckles to Reo-nee?"
"..." he stared at the bag then glared at me "no, I-"
"Ah, and also Tarts." As I said that, I saw how his brow twitched. "I might hear it wrong, but you seemed mentioned it last time when we were baking that you wanted to try that. So since I had too much time yesterday, I also baked them"
"And? You baked for everyone as well"
"Hmmm? No, just for you though" I immediately responded "it's hard to bake tarts. So I could only make yours"
"Why?" He asked and he again returned to his usual stern expression
"Why? As a thanks for Go-chan's, which I will be bring to register him later, also... the Mp3 and noise cancelation earphone." I gazed away and felt embarrassed saying that
"Ah is that so? I should be the one thanking you though since you let me inside your house"
"Eh? Akashi thanking me?" I shivered then turned around "no, that's so cold and scary. Please no. Don't do that it's horror!" But I flinched since I felt his sharp gaze "I am just saying the truth. Anyways, let's go back. The chime will ring soon. Again for my brother's clothes, just throw them or give it back secretly"
I walked back first but was surprised when he walked next to me.
This guy, I really don't know what he is thinking.
~
We walked together towards our class, and we weren't saying anything. Just walking, but he wasn't walking fast and just walking along with My pace.
"Ah right"
"Hmmm?"
"One of my butlers might meet you."
"Why?"
"He is hot-headed and always serious. He said he wanted to thank you or whatsover"
"Please stop him at all cost" I retorted "anyways, my class is here already. Enjoy that, and for the clothes, again"
I didn't wait for his response and just went inside the classroom. And yes, all eyes were on me.
~
The whole morning, I couldn't concentrate at all. As to why, aside to my friend, everyone else was looking at me.
I breathe out as finally I could go hide and eat lunch in peace.
But...
As I got my lunch bag and was about to stand, three unknown species- no I mean, two senpai and a first year stood in front of me, blocking my way
"Can I help you?"
"What is your relationship with Akashi-sama?!" Was the third year senpai greetings
"..." ahh, the problematic fans of Akashi had made their way to me
"Answer me!"
"What do you think you are doing to (f/n)-chan?!" Rie-chan approached us, but she was stopped by our 2nd year senpai. "Senpai, you sure are using your age here huh"
"If you know then butt out!"
"Thank you, Rie-chan. I'm fine. They are just here because they are jealous" I chuckled but received a death glare from them. I looked at them and smiled "According to Akashi, we are friends. As much as I don't want to, because we know each other before, he said we should be friends"
"(L/n) (f/n), (birthday), graduated from a local public school, average household, just an apartment. No record that indicates they are friends, except being in the same high school" the first year responded reading something from her notes
I chuckled and shook my head as I see this situation funny
"And what's funny? You are trying to be Akashi-sama's friend, not even calling him with respect. Know your place first year. A low class person like you should get your hands off Akashi-sama" third year senpai retorted and her voice was just so sharp
"If you are jealous of me talking to him, then you should talk to him." I then looked at them and smirked "or are you scared of talking to him so you want others be the same? I wish I am also like that"
"You-"
"Also, you should investigate more or else, Akashi won't notice you. If it's, Satsuki-chan, she would know where I was born, the schools I attended, my parents, relatives, their work. If you give that to Akashi, he'll reject that right away"
"You-"
"What are you doing?" We all turned to that voice and it was Ishikawa Jiro! What is he doing here?!
"Ishikawa-kun, no this"
"They are trying to tell (f/n)-chan to get away from Akashi-sama" Ono was the one who answered
"We-"
"(F/n)-chan is a friend of your Akashi-sama. You should accept that"
"a friend?" And another one shouted "please don't joke around, Ishikawa-sama! That girl is just a plaine stalker, following Akashi-sama around" this bitch Tadano Yukari shouted inside our classroom, and it made a ruckus. Why is she even here?!
I wanted to retort but it's futile, and my energy is depleting already.
"That bitch is really unbelievable" I sighed and massaged the temple of my nose
"Senpai-tachi, don't waste your time with that girl. She followed Akashi-sama here in Rakuzan. She's a stalker, everyone in Teiko knows that, right Ishikawa-sama?"
"But Seijurou said she isn't" Ishikawa responded then smiled at these three unknown species "now then, can you get out of here? I need to talk to (f/n)-chan"
And before they left, third year senpai looked at me victoriously "low-class stalker. Eww"
Then they left with Tadano.
"What's with those three?! And that bitch as well?!" Rie-chan approached me then worriedly looked at me "are you okay?"
"Thanks. I'm fine. My energy just depleted." I chuckled then checked my phone and saw a message from Sayaka, who informed me that she couldn't go and join me today in lunch because she needed to talk to coach. "What a nightmare." Then I looked at Ishikawa, who was smiling at me "then? Thanks a while ago, but what is it?"
"Here" he handed a sealed paper bag to me and I looked at him confusedly "I was told to just give it to you. I was ordered not to tell who it is from and what's inside of it"
I dryly chuckled and just accepted it, immediately putting it inside my bag "thanks. And I feel like there's more" I looked at him and he was turning red. "Ehhhhh...?"
"Ishikawa-san?" Even Rie-chan noticed his face
"Ah, no, this. I am just here to thank you."
"Thank me?"
"Yeah. I found out about Sayaka-chan's fondness in Macaroons and the usual store she buys them."
"... that bastard really told you..." I am having a mental breakdown. Sorry, Sayaka!
"Yeah. And I am here to know when do you usually give her or when does she buy them. So that if I give them to her, it won't overlap"
"..."
"Ishikawa-san, you really like Sayaka-chan?" Rie-chan asked and sighed then patted his back "good luck. You are on the top list of the guys Sayaka-chan hates."
"Yeah, I already noticed that. But, Sayaka-chan is the first one, and I will not give up"
This guy, I don't know if he is serious or not.
"Saying that you will not give up, but you just met her recently." I looked at him straight in the eyes and I was surprised that he made a gentle, embarrassed smile "What's with that disgusting expression?!"
"You are so mean, (f/n)-chan!" He sighed then shyly gazed away "well, setting you aside, Sayaka-chan doesn't show any interest to me"
"Huh?!" I glared at him and he chuckled
"Well, Rie-chan" Ishikawa looked at Rie-chan and she easily blushed "when we first met, what were you thinking?"
"Eh? Well, I thought you are so handsome, so cool. Plus, you are from the Ishikawa family"
He then pointed at the girl in front of me and she also blushed "what do you feel now that I am talking to you?"
"I-I'm... nervous... I-Ishikawa-kun is t-talking to me..." she's pure red and also stuttering
Ishikawa looked at me and smiled "that's what I am talking about. Sayaka-chan didn't notice my presence and also how she acts towards me is entirely different to others"
"But (f/n)-chan is the same, right?" Ono commented
"As I said, setting (f/n)-chan aside. When I met her for the first time, her eyes were already gazing to only one person that she couldn't see others, and that person was glaring at me as well. That time they-" I kicked his right knee "ouch"
"Shut up!"
"Yes, yes. Sorry."
I sighed then sat down properly, put my lunch in front of me "well, good luck. I won't stop you for Sayaka then. If she will like you back then good for you."
But I doubt
"That's why-"
We all halted as the school's intercom suddenly went on,
"1-A (l/n) (f/n)-san & Ono-Takuya-san, 1-B Kawaguchi Naoki-san & Minagawa Rio-san, 1-C Hachimura Kenichi-san, please come to the archery club. I repeat..."
And the announcement was repeated twice. I wrapped my lunch box again then stood up.
"Ishikawa" I looked at him then patted his arm "Good luck again." And before I left with Ono "ah right, Sayaka eats macaroons every other day. I gave her 5 pieces today, she only eat 5 pieces of macaroons per day, or more like 5 pieces of that kind of sweets, a slice of cake, one muffin per day. We often buy together every Friday, but since it's Tuesday today, we will buy on Friday but she'll eat them on Saturday instead. One last thing" I seriously looked at him, my lips smiling but my eyes weren't "Sayaka hates guys who attract people"
~
On the way to the archery club, we saw the others and we all went there together.
To our surprise, coach was already there and even Sayaka, who was having a wide smile waving at us. The target area is full of fallen trees, and I could see a fallen tree as well hanging on the roof. But to our surprised, there's a low table in the middle of the shooting area
"Ehh... what's going on?" We all asked but
"Seems like you are all in the middle of your lunch? Or just going to start? Have a seat and eat here. I'll just do a quick call" coach said then he went out.
We all looked at Sayaka, who sat down then gestured us
"Join me here and let's eat lunch."
We looked at each other and just complied since we only had limited time. I sat next to Sayaka and suspiciously looked at her, but she just smiled then started eating.
~
"Now then" Coach came back and smiled at us "just continue eating and listen to me. Though he said that, I stopped eating and just listened to him. "Prefectural tournament will commence end of May, right?"
"Yes"
"Before that, there's a tournament that will commence. Our school is one of the two schools that was chosen to participate in Tokyo. It will be from May 20 to May 22. Then a week after, the preliminary. I'm giving you an option if you want to compete or not"
"What are the details?" Rio and I asked at the same time
"I knew you two would ask at the same time" Sayaka handed papers to us, smiling still
"This tournament is only open for 1st years and an entirely different organization to the interschool competition. The final three will compete to the International tournament in Macau on June, then again the final three will compete in the world competition around August. Then there are two categories, individual and team tag. The team tag consists of two participants, a male and a female. Of course you can participate to both categories since it will commence different days."
"Coach, we can but what about the other members?" Rio asked
"Ah, 2nd years and third years do have different competition. They agreed for individual categories only though"
"Then it's fine if we join this competition. There's nothing too much addition from what we are doing, except for the tag team." Hachimura responded then looked at us "so, what do you think? We can do the tag team by our class"
"Well, before that, they need to do something about this place. Also coach, how about the funds? Are we going to use our own money for this? Our club has the lowest funds, right?" I asked and we all saw how he flinched, even Sayaka gazed away "what? So we'll use our own money. If we win, we'll go International you know"
"Actually, I went to talk to school board about this. You know that Rakuzan is a prestigious school, and of course school clubs are getting funds and money, but because of the issue from the previous coach, we are only given funds for the intraschool competition."
"So you mean we don't have funds for this" we all sighed and shook our heads but
"No... not that, we actually got a sponsor."
"Huh?!"
"Before that, (f/n)"
"Yes?"
"Do you bring your own lunch? Particularly, every Tuesday and Thursday?"
"Eh? Is that even important?"
"It is!" Coach responded, and he looked so serious
"I make my own lunch. Not everyday since Sayaka's parents make one for me time to time." I responded then Sayaka patted my back
"Make them especially every Tuesday and Thursday, and I'll bring one for you instead"
"Then?! Why is that important?!" I angrily asked and the two smiled, blankly
"In exchange of sponsoring us, every Tuesday and Thursday, you'll make lunch for our sponsor. It must be you, because he said he'll know if it's not you who make it. His family will continue sponsoring us even if we loose."
...
He'll know...?
Don't tell me...?
"Coach, Sayaka, why is that person got involved?! Of all people?!" I agitatedly asked
"He somehow knew about it. So he talked to us. When we got out of the meeting room, he was there." Sayaka responded and I could feel my soul coming out
"Well, it's just lunch twice a week. We'll prepare for your lunch instead" coach hastily responded
"Isn't it fine? It's a small condition." Rio chuckled then looked at me, and why do I feel she felt pity towards me and again repeated "isn't it fine? Our problem is solved with just a condition, food from our lovely (f/n). Sponsor-san doesn't eat lunch after all, and for some reason, he wants yours. That's suspicious, but it works perfectly for our club"
"True, sponsor-san said that he know that at least one of us will win, so he doesn't mind. He even said, (f/n) knows what is not to put there. You can start next week, he said" Sayaka added then dryly chuckled "he is looking forward to it"
"..." I don't know what to say. That guy is unbelievable
"So we'll leave the lunch for you, (f/n)" Sayaka patted my back and the rest agreed
"Do I have a choice? I am sure that guy already did something, right?"
Coach chuckled and nodded "The place we'll be staying and the shinkensen tickets... they are all set"
~TBC~