Her Smile || Sendoh x OC

Hellbound

*2 months later*

Anika and Sendoh became busy with their own schedule even if it's the Summer break. Sendoh and his team went to a basketball camp for 2 months, and Anika is preparing for the upcoming chess nationals that will happen in Hiroshima in 2 weeks.

The last time they saw each other was that night, when they went fishing. There were times that they'd talk on the phone for hours and catch up with life, but they are  still longing for each other's company.

After having dinner, Anika said goodnight to her mom. Her mom looked at her with worry

"Anika, honey.... Are you eating well at school?"

"Yes mom, don't worry about me." She gave her mom a weak smile

As they were talking, the phone suddenly rang. Anika quickly answered, hoping that it is Sendoh.

"Hello?" Anika said while catching her breath

"Did you run again, Anika?" Sendoh said with a smile

"Yes. I was hoping that it's you and it's really you!"

"Haha... I'm sorry that I wasn't able to call these past few days. We are training so hard to get to the Nationals next year. Coach Taoka wouldn't give us a break... How have you been?"

"I see... Well have you been eating well? Don't skip meals and drink lots of water! I'm fine I guess... A bit exhausted with chess practice."

"I can hear it in your voice... By the way, I heard that Shohoku is one of the top 5 out of 200 schools who got in for chess nationals. You never cease to amaze me, Anika."

"Hehe.. Thank you... I always try my best"

"How is your chess practice?"

There was a moment of silence before Anika answered Sendoh's question. She didn't want him to worry. She said a white lie and tried to change the topic.

"Well... My coach is actually very strict and he would uh... He would scold me sometimes for being slow... But it is okay. It's just that, it gets very stressful, especially that I don't get to visit the basketball team anymore."

"I see... Do you have any news about them?"

"Uncle Mitsuyoshi told me that they didn't win the nationals but they seemed motivated for next year. Sakuragi hurt his back really bad and is now in therapy, while Rukawa is in Japan's all-star basketball camp."

"Wow, that sounds promising! I'm sure that they'll be one of our toughest opponents."

"That's for sure! Uhm, Akira, I'm sorry but I have to go. I have chess practice from 6am-6pm tomorrow."

"What?? That's 12 hours!"

"Yes, I'll talk to you soon okay? I love you."

"I love you too"

*1 week later*

"ANIKA! Are you fucking stupid?? It took 12 moves for you to defeat me? What happened to all that training? We only have a week left before the nationals. Listen, you're the only one representing Shohoku high. You should do better than that!"

"I-I'm s-sorry... coach"

"I do not want to hear your apologies! If you don't defeat me with 5 moves or less than that, you'll be punished."

Anika looked down as she heard her tummy growl. It's 4pm and she haven't eaten her lunch yet.

She couldn't concentrate. She was drained, hungry, and exhausted. She tried to think hard but defeating her coach with just 5 moves is next to impossible. At the end of the game, she lost and the coach was very upset about it.

"Fuck! If you continue to be like this, we will definitely lose the nationals. Stretch out your arm."

Anika has been wearing a cardigan for months now. She didn't want her mom, nor anyone else to see the strips of red markings. She put up the sleeves and watch her arms get beaten by a very thin cane. She got 10 whips for losing that round.

Her chess practice ended at 8pm and when she got home, she heard the phone ringing. She doesn't know how long it has been ringing but she gathered all the energy she has left and quickly ran to answer it.

"Hello? Anika?" It was Sendoh's voice. She can imagine him smiling as he said her name.

"Akira..." Her voice came out weak.

"Are you alright? You sound tired. We can talk tomorrow if you want."

"Oh no, I'm fine." Anika smiled weakly

"I miss you so much, Anika. After this basketball camp, I promise to come and find you. We'll have a date and I'll cuddle with you for the rest of the day."

"That would be nice. How's the camp going?"

Sendoh told Anika stories about the camp and how he was able to hone his skills in there. She happily listened to every single story and imagined that she was there with Sendoh. She didn't realize the tears that were flowing on her cheeks.

"Anika?"

Her mind turned to reality and realized that she's just talking to him on the phone.

"Yes, I'm still here! I enjoy listening to your stories, Akira. I'm sure you've improved a lot with all that training. I can't wait to see you play."

"Anika, you sound really tired. You should probably go to bed. I'm sorry for talking too much."

"No no it's okay! You really made my day... Anyway, talk to you again soon! I love you"

"I love you too. Goodnight, Anika."