Predator [UNDER EDITING]

Special Chapter 2

~Point Of View: 1st~
~Character: (F. Name) (L. Name)~
~Location: Hotel in California~

Kasamatsu accompanies me to my room. Keeping an eye on me as I sway in my groggy state. Ever since I got woken up by the Kaijo captain, he's been keeping an eye on me. I guess he feels somewhat responsible for my wellbeing.

"Mm, Kasamatsu-san you don't always have to be responsible, you know," I say with a slight yawn. "Even a good captain needs to rest every now and then." I stretch my arms upwards, getting that satisfying pop from my back. I let out a relieved sound as I relax once more.

Kasamatsu sighs with a shake of his head. "I know, but you're clearly not fully awake," he says. He refuses to look at me properly as he pulls both of our suitcases along.

I give him a tired glance, and raise an eyebrow. "You think that's stopped me before?" I ask with a small snicker.

"Kise-kun would kill me if something happened to you," he mutters under his breath. Probably not realizing I can hear him.

I watch as a small shudder runs along his spine. I smile a bit and huff. "The great Kasamatsu-san is scare of baby Kise-kun, after all," I say teasingly. I glance at the hall ahead of us, scanning the door numbers. "But, I will admit, I am surprised that Kise said that."

Kasamatsu stares at me for a moment; then gives a humorless laugh. "He made it very clear to the rest of us at Kaijo, that if anything happened to you, he'd personally end us," he says. "I guess you mean more to him than we realized, (L. Name)-chan."

I shrug. "If that's true, I never noticed," I say shortly. Feeling another yawn coming on. "The Miracle Generation and I have always had a strange relationship. Kise-kun and I probably have the strangest, though." I grip onto my purse a bit tighter. The topic still feeling personal to me. Even with Kiyoshi's help.

Kasamatsu looks at me with intrigue in his eyes. "What do you mean by that?" he asks me. Trying to sound mildly interested, but his expression betrays him.

"Well, I've never really been able to 'read' Kise-kun. One day he'd let me cry on his shoulder, and then the next he'd snap at me over nothing. Our relationship has always been strained, since we weren't sure what to make of each other. Him probably more so than me," I say slowly. Unsure of how to word this.

"Kise has a soft spot for me. That much I know," I say. "But at the same time, I feel like there's such a massive gap between us. It's almost like we're still circling each other, trying to decide if the other is a foe." I run a hand through my hair. Not really wanting to elaborate further.

I see Kasamatsu nod thoughtfully. "Interesting," he says softly. A look crosses his face as he stops in the hallway. "But I'm thinking that circling is beginning to slow down." My new captain glances at me, a small smile on his face. "Ever since Seirin played Kaijo in a practice match, Kise-kun has constantly been wanting to talk to you. He wants you to join Kaijo, yes, but not because he's being selfish," Kasamatsu says.

I give him a look.

"Okay, not entirely selfish," he rephrases. "Kise-kun really does believe that Kaijo can help utilize your abilities. From what he's told me, you haven't capped out your skills, yet. In fact, that crybaby thinks you've barely made a dent with your potential and skill." He starts walking again, and I trail after him, curious to hear more.

"Kasamatsu-san," I say, suddenly barging into his monologue. He stops talking and turns his gaze towards me. "Even if I have barely made a dent . . . I don't think I want to go any further. I mean think about it," I say, cutting him off before he can counter. I glance at the ground. "The way I am now, I can easily best you all. Why would I want to get even more power and feel isolated from my team? I don't want to stand on that lonely pedestal, and look down at everyone, wondering if they'll ever catch up."