너는 최고야 ! [ You Are The Best ! ]

24. real men confess on the first try, get rejected, and then cry

Meet me at the steel tower.
- kazemaru.

A simple request, really. Inazuma town was quite small, but very lively, never anything close to boring. Especially after joining the soccer team, Kazemaru seemed a lot happier. He loved his new friends, he could be open and honest with them, and never have to worry about a thing. Except there was that one particular female that always made him lose his train of thought. Now, we know this story very well. So, Kazemaru decided to man up and confess his feelings. If she rejected him, then he'd try again next year, and then the next.

He slipped the note in Park's locker, and took off for practice. While they were kicking the ball around, Park didn't make any move to ask him what he needed to talk to her about. She was either being really cooperative, or he got the wrong freaking locker. While he was panicking, Kazemaru missed a pass.

Just then, a stranger was watching everyone practice from the sidelines. Haruna though he was a student interested in joining the soccer team, but that thought was soon proven wrong.

His name was Ichinose Kazuya. A boy who flew in from America for the sake of seeing his closest friend, Kino Aki, as well as Domon Asuka. He practiced with the team for a while, well, mostly with Endou. Shoot after shoot, for an hour straight.

Endou, Domon and Ichinose tried their luck at a move called Tri-Pegasus, but no dice. They went at it for quite some time, until it was time to go home.

Kazemaru had to prepare himself.

After practice, with heart in his hand, the tealette made his way to the tower. Endou wasn't around, so that was perfect. The sun would soon be setting too, there was nothing more mood setting than the sunset after all. Kazemaru climbed up the ladder and brightened up after spotting the white haired female. She'd gotten there before him, despite always being late to practice.

"You showed up. . ." Kazemaru exhaled, honestly, he couldn't believe it. He'd thought up everything he was going to say, but as soon as he set his eyes on her, it was all gone. Park looked over her shoulder and smiled.

"Why wouldn't I?" She grinned.

"R-right. . ." He couldn't help but smile to himself, too. Nervously, the tealette joined her beside the railing to watch the sun. Watch it set fire to the sky, and burn the town to ashes - oh, this is a. . . This is a little too grim for this story, whoops.

"The sunset's pretty today." Park chirped.

"Yeah. . ." To be fair, he wasn't exactly watching the sunset. He was definitely looking at something pretty though. Kazemaru nestled his eyes shut for a moment before heaving a deep breath. "Listen, Park. There's something I've been wanting to tell you for a while." He lifted his head, and courageously looked at her.

"What's the matter?" The female tilted her head.

"I really-"

"Oh wow! You guys are here too!" A very, very familiar, energetic voice interfered. The other two looked over to the ladder, and there was their beloved captain; Endou Mamoru. The brunette scrambled up to stand beside them. "Here for special training?" He grinned.

"Well, not really. Kazemaru needed to tell me something." Park shook her head. Oh god. . .

"Really? Kazemaru what's wrong?" Now Endou was also concerned, even though it was NONE OF HIS BUSINESS. Kazemaru slowly turned away from them, come up with an excuse, quick, quick.

"I-I thought maybe we could come up with a new Hissatsu together!" He perked up, catching interest of both his friends. "Since we're both defenders, Park." Kazemaru breathed out.

"Oh, of course! That sounds perfect, I'd love to!" She clapped her hands together, smiling brightly.

Perfect, he managed to at least cover up for himself. Although, he went home that day feeling completely crushed inside. He prepared for so long, and it was ruined. Endou was his best friend, he would never blame him for it, but seriously. . . Maybe he needed to explain the situation to that boy, just so it didn't happen again. Kazemaru was so sure that he'd be able to confess that day and get it all over with. Make or break his future, or whatever.

No. He was going to do it tomorrow. He was going to confess, and everything would be fine.