❝𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐒❞

Chapter 5

EPISODE 5

❝MIXED SIGNALS❞

COUSIN?

(Name)'s cousin raised an eyebrow at his teammates’ story about the mysterious Rin-chan's girlfriend, who happens to have similar features to his cousin. (h/c) hair? Wearing a blue blouse and brown pants? Also, has a necklace around her neck? He knew her fashion like the back of his hand, but why would she be dating the younger Itoshi?

     "She also said your name!" Bachira shared, surprising Chigiri. "She said your full name, but I didn't hear the next one."

     "Yeah, when we were shocked like 'HUH?!' Rin noticed us," Isagi added. "He even held the back of her head, putting it on his chest as if they were together. You know, those type of guys who are possessive and doesn't like other men looking at their partner? He was acting like that. It felt like our captain was a different person in front of her," he said.

Chigiri wasn't dumb, so he knew about the dating scandal between his cousin and older brother of Rin. She did mention the brothers playing football, like him, until the eldest left for Spain. It was always "Rin-chan this, Sae-chan that", which means he's aware (Name) is close to the Itoshi brothers...

     "Do you know her Chigiri?" Bachira asked, curiosity engulfing him. "It seems we hit a nerve here."

     "Somehow. I assume this girlfriend of Rin is my cousin," the red-headed princess replied and it made the duo gasp. "It's just my speculation, but my cousin isn't in a relationship at the moment. She's too busy with her career, so I doubt she's that Rin-chan's girlfriend you two are talking about."

     "But Rin-chan was being touchy to this girl~," the bumblebee whined. "He was like, can I borrow this necklace? I promise I'll return it after the game. And she was like, sure as long as you take care of it," cue for Isagi to laugh since he knew that wasn't the right conversation between the two speculated partners.

     "My cousin waits until the time is right. She even denied a scandal where she's assumed dating someone," Chigiri shared as she shrugged and it certainly caught the attention of the two. "Why are you two looking at me like that?"

     "Does that mean your cousin is a hotshot?!" Bachira yelled, almost jumping up and down in excitement. "I didn't know you have a celebrity cousin!"

     "Keep it down. You know how the others would react," Isagi hushed and the hyper bumblebee nodded as he made a zipping motion with his mouth. "So it is your cousin then? What's her name?"

     "That's none of your business." Chigiri rolled his eyes before tying his shoes.

—

     "Oh? You're already back, (Name)?" Chigiri's big sister asked, noticing her cousin returning to her seat. "How did it go? Is he doing alright?"

     (Name) nodded, "Yep! He's doing fine!" She assured her older cousin, waving her hand at her.

Oh, Hyoma was mad when (Name) was late. She was at least a couple of minutes late and their time of talking is almost running out. As per Bachira's details about her, it matches the controversial "Rin-chan's girlfriend". However, her signature necklace was missing...

     "Why were you late?" Chigiri asked, puffing his cheeks as he tapped his foot on the floor impatiently. "I was waiting here for a whole hour."

     "Oh, please. Don't lie to me, Hyo-chan," (Name) sighed as she pinched his cheeks. "I know I told you I'll be late since I'm saving you for last."

     "Yes, I'm your last minute. I'm your cousin and you'll be prioritizing your childhood friends, I'm hurt," he exaggerated as he flipped his hair from the back to create some sort of dramatic effect (he has been influenced by Aryu's "styl"). "Quite offended here."

     "Sae-chan's been a pain during the past weeks and our dating scandal resurfaced again. Guess what? He got mad when I gave a testimony we weren't dating. But of course, as an idol, the company affiliated with my unit supported my testimony," (Name) shared, and certainly, being the gossip queen, Chigiri's interested. "I don't know what he at. I thought he was on drugs when he barged inside my dorm room, asking why I gave testimony against it."

Being an idol means a lot of gossip circling within her career and more "teas" for her cousin. He's been a fan of gossip ever since they were children and sometimes he's even the first to hear if something fishy is going around their family and friends...

     "Have you ever thought about him romantically liking you?" Hyoma asked, getting interested. "I mean, the signs are in front of you."

     "Well, he's always cold and blunt. He doesn't even hug back, so I doubt he likes romantically," (Name) shrugged. "I don't know, Hyo-chan. He's giving me mixed signals and I couldn't pinpoint what he's getting at."

     "You have a point there," Hyoma sighed. "Also I'm curious, why is your world tour canceled?"

     "I knew I already gave a testimony about the reason behind it. Didn't you see it?" She asked, tilting her head. "Our producer got into an accident, so we won't be able to continue our world tour. She was the one responsible for fixing the documents and papers for it, but she's in a coma right now."

The news got Chigiri to gape in surprise. Surely, he isn't expecting that from her. Coma? What could've happened to their producer? Will she be alright? A lot of questions flooded his mind, but then again, he couldn't be sad in front of his cousin and he needs to be strong knowing he has a game after their conversation...

     "You know, we should rather leave my gossip for later!"

     Chigiri's sister then stood up, "Come on, (Name)! The game's starting!" She yelled, jumping up and down as she could see her brother exiting the backstage of the stadium. "They're here, (Name)! Come on, come on!"

—

Surely, Chigiri tried his best to avoid his relative's loud voices from the distance. They're currently on a break with Blue Lock Eleven leading the 2-1. Hyoma's sister was squealing as she could see her brother managing to pursue his dream again while her mother and (Name)'s auntie is taking a video of her son's play...

     "HYOMA!" Hyoma's sister yelled, hoping to get his attention. "HYOMA, OVER HERE!"

     Chigiri's eyebrow twitched as he saw his mother and sister on the bleachers, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, SIS?! YOU TOO, MOM?!" He gasped, not aware that his cousin also brought them with her.

     "Ah, he noticed us, Mom!" Hyoma's sister smiled as she waved.

     (Name) was wearing a cap to conceal her identity, "HYO-CHAN! GOOD JOB!" She yelled, smiling at him. "CONTINUE IT, HYO-CHAN! I, YOUR BIG SIS, AND AUNTIE WILL CHEERING FOR YOU!" She added, raising what seemingly a fan with his face on it.

     Otoya approached Chigiri, "Hey, who are those cute girls?"

     "My cousin and my sister..." He replied, shaking from embarrassment.

     Karasu chuckled, "They're amazing, but hey, isn't that girl familiar?" He questioned his friend, looking at (Name). "Isn't that the same details as the girl with our captain earlier?"

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朱桜 司