Kaito Ishioka had a problem. He had a massive problem. More than one, actually. One, he's a romantic. Two, he's horrible at studying. Three, his tendency to work until he achieves his goal is ruining his life. It's an obsession. An unhealthy one tha...
i listened to prince ali on repeat while writing this
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"AWAH!" THE AWED SOUND faded in the throng of the large gymnasium. Kaito Ishioka stood by the metallic doors, grasping the sleeve of his duffle bag in his hand. He was already dressed in sports attire—a pair of black shorts and a loose grey shirt. "Shit, this is so big!" He turned to him. "Shigeru, now I see why you never want to leave this place!"
Yahaba sighed. "Just follow me."
They walked together inside, and Yahaba noticed how Kaito was unfazed by the curious looks sent his way. His teammates were scrutinising him, no doubt. Wondering what he was doing here and why he was here now. If he were in Kaito's position, Yahaba would have shit his pants, truth be told. The looks on his upperclassmen's faces were anything but kind. And if they were, it was all a facade.
"Should I meet with your coaches?" Kaito asked, tilting his head to the side.
"No. It's fine," Yahaba answered, the sound of shoes squeaking against the floors reaching their ears, as did the sounds of shouts and volleyballs being spiked. "Not if you don't want to. They already know you're here."
"But wouldn't it be impolite if I don't?"
Yahaba shrugged. "They won't take it to heart."
"Let me go meet them, anyway. 'Ka-san would be pissed if she heard I didn't. Ettiquet is very important, Kaito." He mocked his mother's voice, albeit badly. "She'd always say that." Yahaba glanced to the side. His friend truly reminded him of a dog— a golden retriever, maybe? Or perhaps a husky. Yahaba nodded his head. Yeah, a husky sounds right. He glanced at Kaito, hearing his yap about anything and everything, all to fill the silence surrounding them and to calm down his nerves. It was cute, really. But also annoying. Though Yahaba wouldn't dare say that aloud.
Kaito motioned to the wall. "Should I just leave my bag here?"
"Yeah." Yahaba did the same, not wanting to make him feel left out. He shrugged off his duffle bag and dumped it on the ground. "Come," he beckoned. "I'll introduce you."
"How should I act?" Kaito questioned. He pressed a finger to his lips, contemplating whatever scenarios popped up in his head. "Are they mean? No. They wouldn't be mean," he mumbled, answering his own question, "otherwise, you wouldn't be here."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Kaito shrugged. "Well, Shi-san's never liked mean people, regardless of their age."
"I guess you're right," Yahaba mused. "Just act like yourself. There's no need to put on an act." He scanned the area for the adults, spotting them sitting to the side. They looked over. Watched the duo walk up to them. "They don't look like it, but both coaches are observant. They'll see right through you."
"Noted!"
Standing in front of Mizoguchi and Irihata, Yahaba gave a respectful bow. "Coach, this is Ishioka Kaito. He's here to try out."
