Coward

chapter 3

A few weeks later
My hand finally healed and I was able to practice properly again. Even though I was hurt Akira didn't stop it but I didn't really care.
Today I received my morning slap and the usual happened. Another slap during lunch except this time he told me to do something.

**********

Classes were over so I went for practice. After sometime I looked at my phone.

7 :05 pm.

I sighed.
'Coach can I please go home early today?'
'Eh! why so suddenly?'
'I'm not feeling alright so may I please leave early today!'
'Akaashi, what happened?' Bokuto overheard our conversation.
'I'm not feeling well'
'But you look perfectly fine.'
'I have a straight face.'
'Well...if you're really not feeling well, you can go'
'Thank you!'
I changed and left the gym.
I walked towards the basketball gym and I see Akira, Jin and Shu waiting for me.
'You're really slow!' they walked past by me.
'Sorry!' I walked behind, following them through an alleyway and we stopped.

*SLAP*

I was on the ground and I could feel my left cheek burning.
Akira grabbed my collar and slammed me towards a wall. I felt an excruciating pain and coughed a bit of blood.
'Sorry Kei-chan but I really wanted to spend more time together!' He let me go and I gasped hard.
I felt a pang in my stomach. He had kicked me and I spat more blood.
'Come on Keiji, show some emotions! You don't have to act that strong, do you?'
'I'm going. Hope you can find your own way back!'

I stayed there for what seemed to be like hours.

I looked at my phone.

7:53pm

I stood up and checked my uniform covered with tiny speckles of blood.
I went to a nearby public toilet and began washing my face and clothes.
As I was walking home I received a message from Bokuto.

'Hey Akaashi are you at home?'

'Where else would I be?'

'Oh sorry sorry!'

'Well I have something to ask you?... it's a favour'

'I'm not doing your homework'

'But I didn't even ask'

'Ask Komi or Konoha!'

'But those guys will never help me! You're really smart so please!!

'Sigh! sure send me your questions.'

'Thanks Akaashi!'

'You're welcome
Bokuto-san '

Read
8:27 pm

'I'm home' I said opening the door.
' Welcome home Keiji! How was school?' My mom's sweet voice replied.
' Same as ever' I said trudging to my room upstairs.
I got inside and threw myself on the bed. I looked at my phone again. 7 unread messages from Bokuto.
I sighed.