Number 11

Chapter 4- Doshisha v Sasa

APRIL

The month slowly changed. The cherry blossoms had started to bloom, allowing a fragrant scent to linger around the college campus. 

After Natsu's paralysis episode, Mashiro had the role of solo managing the team (with my help of course). It was stressful and I really felt for the small blue haired boy. But in the end, he did an amazing job.

The team frequently visited the ill boy, all packing into the small dorm room, much to Yasunari's disapproval. 

"It's too crowded in here". "Some of y'all need to get out!" he would say, earning laughs from the others.

Mashiro had cooked up his 'special stew', feeding it to Natsusa. The boy ate every bite of the purple, toxic looking sludge, holding back his gags. 

It was the morning of Saturday, April 18, 2020. The men were preparing for their match against Sasa Institute University. Natsusa was back to his usual manager duties. I was still worried, but I couldn't keep him tucked into bed forever. 

"Okay boys, gather around". 

The boys obeyed. "I've just heard word that the final match of the league will be pushed forward to October, as some teams have withdrawn from the line up". "So if we win today's match, that will allow us 6 months to train in preparation for the finals". 

The whistle sounded. The game had begun. At that stage, I didn't know how much of a shit show the game would soon become. 

"Ugh, what's he doing?" Natsu growled beside me. 

Questioning the anger, I asked, "Something wrong?"

"Sei". "He never misses a goal". 

Shingyouji had missed every single goal he attempted that day. 

_____________________________________________________________________________

Watching the game with bated breath, we were still in the lead. Just.

Suddenly, loud, painful screams erupted from the field. 

Searching frantically for the sound, my eyes laid upon the blonde boy on the ground. He was lying in the fetal position, gripping his leg and rocking back and forth. His cries made my heart ache. 

"Fuck", I muttered. "Hidaka". 

_____________________________________________________________________________

"I'll go with him". Natsu nodded, as I climbed into the ambulance.

"Look after him and keep me updated". 

The ambulance doors slammed shut and I took my seat beside the boy. 

Hidaka was breathing unsteady breaths, sweat beading on his forehead. His face was contorted into pain and the sounds of groans filled the small space around us. I gripped his hand tightly.

"Breathe". "Every thing will be okay". "I'm right next to you Hidaka". Opening his green eyes slowly, he forced a smile, before closing his eyes once again.