Now that everyone has got at least one oneshot with their favourite main character, it's time for me to move to secondary ones as well (Don't worry, I'll still write stories about the GoM boys). First up is Sakurai, our apologetic mushroom. If you want to, let me know what you think about my stories in the comments or with a vote :)
Flashback
"It's settled, then." – Wakamatsu states.
"Guys...."
"You'll thank us eventually, trust me." – Aomine adds.
"B-but I didn't ask you anything, I..."
"You need a girlfriend, Sakurai, and we found the perfect one for you."
Fear overwhelms poor Sakurai, that is suddenly caught up in a critical situation: his clubmates at Too arranged a blind date for him, and he has no clue how to extricate himself from all this nor which way to run.
***
You've been standing in front of the restaurant for 15 minutes but there's no trace of the boy that should have gone on this date with you, so you're starting to get really annoyed. Aomine and Wakamatsu basically compelled you to meet this clubmate of theirs, saying that he was "just perfect for you". You're about to call your friends and yell at them, when suddenly some short-breathed guy runs towards you.
"I'm sorry!" – he screams while bowing – "I'm Sakurai Ryo, nice to meet you!"
The exclamation should hide his fear and embarrassment, but they're way too noticeable: the only goal he reaches raising his voice is not stuttering – which is still pretty remarkable.
Not too convinced, you introduce yourself and you head to the door to get in the restaurant. You open it and stop to let him through, but he's too busy thinking about his awful first impression to notice this and steps on your foot with all his weight.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry!"
"I-it's ok, no problem..." – you say looking at this living agglomerate of embarrassment. He doesn't seem to have any of the qualities that his clubmates used to describe him with, which makes you feel fooled. But as you're here, you decide to stay and see what happens next.
You finally manage to get in the restaurant and the waiter addresses you towards the table that Sakurai booked. You reach it and take off your coats to place them on the back of your chairs, but when you lift your head the sight leaves you stunned: he's wearing a "I'm mommy and daddy's favourite" sweatshirt. You stare at it for a few seconds, without knowing what to think: you know, you're not the type of girl that judges the book by the cover, but you think that it's pretty not recommendable for a first date with someone you don't know. Sakurai notices your eyes glued to his sweatshirt and he instinctively tries to cover himself with his arms.
"I'm sorry! I-I was late and I wore the first thing that I found to not make you wait for too long. I'm sorry!"
The "I'm sorry" counter is through the roof, and you're just getting started. It annoys you a little bit, but you kind of understand him.
"Don't worry, it's alright." – you say trying to reassure him.
Once you're sit down, the boy pulls out a present from his backpack and hands it to you.
"Th-this is for you..."
You reluctantly grab the gift and unwrap it, finding a box of your favourite chocolates inside.
"Oh, thank you! I love these!"
"R-really? I'm glad to hear that."
In spite of the embarrassment and the stuttered words, you can't help but smile. Deep down he's just a softie, and you like shy, "weird" guys. Of course you didn't think that such a level could be reached, but this Sakurai seems interesting. Moreover, he apparently likes the same chocolates you like, since no one knew your favourite brand.
Now that the present and the menu have taken the edge off, for a few minutes you manage to have a fluent conversation.
"Are you ready guys?" – the waiter asks, ready to write down your order.
"Yes, so-"
"I'd like an- ah! I'm sorry!" – Sakurai's as red as a tomato, in panic because he interrupted you and because he forgot about the first lesson his clubmates taught him during the "how-to-get-the-girl crash course": ladies first.
You don't really mind, you reassure him for the hundredth time and you both order your food. During the meal everything flows unexpectedly well and you get to know each other better. You tell him about your passions, he tells you about basketball and his dream to become a mangaka. When you're finished you get ready to leave, but the beautiful atmosphere couldn't survive forever: while gathering his things, Sakurai hits a glass, that not only falls to the ground and basically explodes, but also pours all the water on your legs. Another wave of "I'm sorry"'s is covered by your laughs: you've been knowing him for a couple of hours now, but you're already used to his goofiness and you see him for the sweet shy one he is. Once you're ready again, the boy offers to pay for your dinner and you both leave.
"It was a pleasure to meet you, (Name-san). I'm sorry if I caused so much trouble..." – he says scratching the back of his head.
"Don't worry, I had a great time." – you answer with a smile – "At least I know that it never gets dull when you're around. Perfection is boring, you know?"
His face, up to now mostly dominated by tension, finally relaxes and his lips curl in a beautiful smile.
"Thanks, (Name-san). I had a great time as well."
It's getting late, so Sakurai walks you home to make sure that nothing bad happens to you. Actually you don't know if he would have the courage to protect you if you were in danger, but you know that quiet people can reveal a lion's courage when they're up against the wall. Ironically, you feel safer with him than you would with a beefy guy with a smirk plastered on his face. You exchange your phone numbers and say goodbye with the intention of meeting up again: apparently, you'll have a couple of people to thank tomorrow at school.
Song used in the title: Beautiful disaster - Fedez & Mika