Youthful Days (Book 1)

51. Expelled

Under Ryoma's diligent watch, Ayuna was forced back into the main house with Sakuno. After seeing the two girls off to their room, he asked Sakuno to keep an eye on Ayuna before leaving for the courts again.

Once inside, Ayuna had to admit that Ryoma's advice was nothing short of wise. She was already sneezing by the time she got inside. Thankfully, their guestroom was set up for luxury and comfort. The bathroom was fully stocked, overflowing with stacks of towels, plush bathrobes, and decadent shampoos and soaps.

Ayuna let Sakuno draw up a bath while she peeled off her wet clothes and dug out a new wardrobe. After making sure she was settled in, Sakuno left for the dock to tend to the unfinished task.

Ayuna took her time to clean up, sapped of energy after a turbulent morning. After bathing, she took time massaging her inflamed cheek with a cold towel, hoping to lessen the swelling. As she was getting dressed, there came a string of knocks on the door.

Hesitantly putting a hand on the knob, she hoped the visitor wasn't Atobe.

When the door opened, she found coach Ryuzaki at the entryway. She stood in a sweat-drenched t-shirt and brown cargo shorts, her hands on her hips and her brows furrowed. Immediately, Ayuna sensed trouble.

"Good afternoon, Ryuzaki-sensei," said Ayuna with a right-angle bow. She opened the door a little wider, but the coach made no move to enter.

"I see you've cleaned up," she observed.

"Yes. I'm on my way downstairs to help Sakuno—"

"There's no need." With a hand resting on her hips, coach Ryuzaki said, "I'm aware of what happened between you and the Hyotei captain."

Ayuna took a deep breath to steady herself. "I'm sorry—"

The coach held up her free hand. "It's quite alright. There's no need to apologize to me. My major concern is that this incident has caused quite a stir among some of my regulars." Eyes filled with disappointment, she said, "This is exactly what I was afraid of when Fuji made his pitch. The team isn't only in the mountains to improve their physical capacity, but also their focus and discipline. Now, it seems the opposite has happened."

"Is there anything I can do?" whispered Ayuna.

"I think you've done enough."

Unable to respond, she stood in crestfallen silence.

"I'm not trying to accuse you of anything. You've been generous with your time when it comes to helping the team, and I'm sincerely grateful." Her voice abruptly hardening, the coach said, "But what happened today is out of line, and it's throwing the team's focus off-balance. We've decided to extend our stay until mid next week to help the regulars get into their best shape before the finals. And they can only do so without further distractions. Do you understand?"

Reading the implications behind the coach's words, she nodded. "I'm sorry for causing so much trouble. I'll leave as soon as I help Sakuno finish this evening's chores."

Coach Ryuzaki weighed her decision for a minute. "You don't have to leave now. Tomorrow morning will be fine as well."

"I'd rather leave tonight, Ryuzaki-sensei."

"Will you be alright on your own?"

"Please don't worry about me."

Releasing an exhale, the coach walked up to the desk in the corner of the room and scribbled something on a slip of paper. "The decision's yours. Regardless, please be sure to give me a call once you've arrived home. I need to know that you're safe."