Distraction

Hazing

Since I'm sharing kitchen facilities, I funnel into the dining hall with all the other players. Abe left me early to help prepare breakfast, so I'm left in the hands of Kanemaru and Tojo, who gladly assist me on my way. I don't want to look like a lost idiot, so I appreciate the help. We're able to walk and talk with one another, and they're happily opening up to me about the struggle they've faced so far. I can't help but think that Aoi is better suited for this job than Midori was. They punch my shoulder, ruffle my hair, gladly banter with me. They aren't gentle or cautious, so their words flow more freely. It's almost like hazing.

"Aoi-Kun, is it okay that I call you that? I don't know your surname..." Tojo politely asks, and I nod.

"I prefer Aoi-kun, it's better to be personable in the field of journalism!" I repeat my mother's mantra, and the boys only laugh. I blush slightly, but they ignore it.

"Aoi-Kun, what class are you in? You're a first-year like us, right?" Tojo asks, clearly wanting to be friends with me. All that confidence fades quickly.

Shit!

"A-Ah! Yeah! I'm in class 1-B!" I slip, not entirely sure what to do. Aoi won't be in classes,

Midori will!

I guess my panicking just comes off as shyness, as Tojo continues on like nothing.

"Ah man, looks like we're all in separate classes then, unlucky," Tojo sighs, and Kanemaru shrugs,

"We can still help each other out if need be. You're good at composition, right Aoi-Kun?" I sigh a bit out of relief that the two boys I'm becoming friends with aren't in my class, but that does put me in a bit of a bind. I gotta make sure any of the other baseball first years don't know what class I'm in!

But first, did Kanemaru really ask that? I'm a journalist!

"Yeah, it's kinda needed for journalism..." I state overly plainly, causing Tojo to laugh and Kanemaru to fluster.

"Don't make fun of me!" he grumbles and crosses his arms. Kanemaru is the most masculine first year I know. He's got a vibe to him with his dyed hair and dark brow that makes me think of movies in America. Maybe I can ask mom to send some back for me...

Regardless, he's a good role model on which to base my own masculinity.

"By the way, do any of you know a Takigawa Chris Yuu? My mom says he knows him, and if I should ever get lonely to go talk to him," I decided to question my new friends since it just pops into my head.

"Eh? Your mom knows Takigawa-senpai?" Kanemaru pipes in, and I only nod. "He's my 3rd-year roommate, and he's a bit reserved, but seeing that his dad is Animal, it makes sense that you would have an eye on him, but how does your mom know him?"

"Oh my mom has interviewed his dad before," I state plainly, but it causes both boys to stare at me in disbelief. Kanemaru screams a questioning 'HAAAH?!' At me as he opens the door to the dining hall. This draws the attention of some of the other players that are already inside.

"Is your mom a journalist too?!" This causes a little too much attention for my liking. I was hoping to stop at each person and ask them about their experience and introduce myself. Kanemaru is a bit louder than I expected. I was about to respond when Yuki-senpai came to my rescue.

"Aoi-Kun will be joining us for the foreseeable future as he works on reviving the Sports Journalism Program. It's been down for a while, but Aoi-Kun is the first in a while to pass the test the coach set out." some of the third-years surrounding him nod at me to welcome me. Kanemaru and Tojo both look at each other before pushing me forward to sit with them. It seems I'm being passed off again. It's a bit too familiar to my early years when mom was fighting to make ends meet. "Good morning, Aoi-kun." Yuki greets. I easily recognize the people he's eating with. Tanba Koichiro, ace and pitcher, seems like he's just emitting the vibe 'Please don't sit next to me,' so opt not. next to him is Isashiki Jun, Centerfield and vice-captain. His usual glower is directed right at me, so I don't sit next to him. Then a boy with a sly smile and the face of a fox, Kominato Ryosuke. His smile is anything but inviting, so not sitting next to him either. All that's left is a seat next to the captain.