Princess of the Court

Chapter Eight

From what Mia Budou knew Akai Hoshi high was established in the 1960s as the brother school to Amaririsu Academy. She almost went to the all girls school. It seemed like a paradise in a way, it also seemed repetitive and stuffy. It also also didn't have this schools sports programs. Two decades ago Akai Hoshi decided to open its doors to the less affluent. It also made the bold choice to become co-ed. Those changes didn't stop the money from rolling in. Because of that money the school boasts multiple gymnasiums and various fields. It even has its own weight room. There are separate small locker rooms for almost all the male sport teams. And one large locker/changing room for the female teams, but plans are already underway to build the girls their own spaces. Mia felt a tad miffed that the shiny new facilities would exist after she graduated. As is the girls are all good sports, even sharing the limited locker space with each other. But it was one of many ways that the boy's were given precedence. Still, while Amaririsu's campus is nothing to sneeze at it's still a more academically minded school. Even her team, as low ranked as it was, easily beat Amaririsu. The girls there were more concerned with breaking nails than proper ball handling....Yet here she was, two years later at her prefered school with its great sports program, not playing at all. Figures.

The boy's basketball practices were held in the big gym after school. The girls used to practice in the mornings before class. It was something Mia didn't miss, though her body still woke her up at four. Despite being the only gym with bleachers, students weren't allowed to sit in the stands. Too many spectators could be a distraction. Said spectators made due with gathering in front of the large sliding doors that lead outside. Almost every day after drills the boy's would play a two quarter practice game, alternating from the upperclassman to the freshmen. It was a way for the coaches to get a good read on the players current skill level. The real training, targeted at improving skills and building team chemisty, began around three weeks in. The spectators didn't know or care, so everyday crowds would gather. Mia didn't relish being a member of the crowd.

Who the hell is Shin-kun, Mia thought bitterly. And why is he such a big deal? His self appointed fan club seemed to know something she didn't. They yelled his name once the coach announced that he would be playing in today's practice bout. Their voices were shrill, but it could be worse, she reasoned while resisting the urge to plug her ears. The first week had yet to pass but alliances had already been drawn. Today's crowd was smaller than yesterdays, this Shin's fan club didn't hold a candle to Masaru's. Being the starting point guard for a highly ranked team did that. Also, Masaru's hair was fabulous. Mia didn't know much about what made a boy dashing or whatever, but she knew good hair when she saw it.

Mia was only here because Rukiya dragged her. Because despite being her girlfriend Rukiya was easily bribed by a pretty face and fancy pastries. Because Rukiya was way too nice to say no to just about anyone, much less an enigmatic freshman with a cute accent...She had nice hair too.

"Mikami-chan I'm putting you on the red team And Nishi-kun will be on the white team." Coach Sakamoto announced, a grin on his face. His voice carried throughout the gym. Sakamoto seemed far too eager to put on a show. So did Mikami. Mia grabbed Rukiya's hand before she could return Mikami's wave.

"Still grumpy?" Rukiya asked in a whisper. She rubbed her thumb along Mia's hand in an attempt to calm her.

Mia didn't answer, snatching her hand way. She wasn't sure what was worse, wasting more time on basketball after she'd already decided to quit, or watching her girlfriend flirt. She caught Coach Ueda glancing at her. He looked away as soon as she noticed. Yeah, being here, being here was a bit worse.

Coach Sakamoto's grin faded. "Is that okay with you Mikami-chan?"

Majida relaxed her face, she had been smirking without realizing it. "It's fine. Unless someone else on the team would prefer to play in my place? Oh! But only Nishi-kun, Okumura-kun, and I play point guard. So someone would have to play an unfamiliar position," Her voice sounded fake, even to her. Not that she cared.