The final bell rang across the school. Everyone in the classroom shifted, some standing up to get their bags and packing up their books and stationery. Kiyota stood up and grabbed his bag, he started to shove his books and a small blue pencil case inside the bag.
"Hurry up and change into your gym clothes." Reo said as he leaned over his desk and tapped Kiyota's bag. "Coach wants to change our practice setup."
"Yeah yeah, I'm coming," Kiyota said, zipping up his bag and slinging it over his shoulder.
"Are you going to come?" Reo called out to Rika as he stood up with slight embarrassment.
"Sure, I'll watch for a bit. Get a feel for what kind of school I transferred into." Rika said with a small shrug.
"You'll regret it when you see how much we suck during warm-ups." Kiyota muttered as he scratched the back of his head and slung this bag over his shoulder.
"Speak for yourself. I've been carrying you since middle school." Reo snorted.
"More like carrying water bottles." Kiyota shot back with a grin.
"Well, let's see then." Rika chuckled as she said.
The sky was bright. Beams of light filtered through the empty hallways. But during winter the sun would set much faster. The slight chilliness stayed even through the piercing day. The trio reached the gym doors. Kiyota pushed them open like usual and stepped inside.
"Finally, Kiyota. Come here right now." A burly man with a whistle around his neck barked from the far side of the court.
"Yeah yeah, I'm here, Coach." Kiyota called back as he took out his jersey from his bag, tossed his bag to the side where the seats were and started jogging towards him.
"Watch this, he's about to get tortured for being two minutes late." Reo leaned in toward Rika and whispered.
"No, I won't." Kiyota said as he took off his white uniform shirt with red accents and started putting on his jersey, glancing over his shoulder with a flat look.
Rika blushed and quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the court floor. "Could've warned me first, damn…"
"Oh please, it's not a big deal." Kiyota said as he slipped it over his head and rolling his eyes but smirking slightly.
"You didn't see what I saw." Rika muttered under her breath with kiyota out of earshot now.
Reo burst out laughing, took his own jersey from his bag and followed Kiyota. Instead of taking off his shirt, he just put it over his uniform.
"Yes, coach? Where is everyone else?" Kiyota said.
"They're doing laps outside. Reo, you get moving, ten laps for showing up late. Kiyota stay." Coach said, not even looking up from his clipboard.
"What? Why only me!" Reo groaned.
"Kiyota I need to head out early. It's my daughter's birthday so we are going out to celebrate." The coach said as he finally looking up from his clipboard. "You're running warm-ups today."
"Huh? Seriously? Why today?" Kiyota asked, blinking.
"Listen here, you little..." Coach said angrily before letting out a sigh.
"Don't you want to impress that little girlie you brought here? And you're the captain so act like it Kiyota." Coach said as he was already turning toward the office. Kiyota let out a long sigh.
"I'll go get the team." Reo called out with a grin as he jogged toward the doors that led outside.
Kiyota turned to look at Rika, who had found a spot on the bleachers and was sitting back relaxed. She had a book in her hands and she pulled out a black pair of reading glasses. Kiyota stood watching her for a few seconds, heart thumping. She brushed a strand of hair that came over her face as she looked down and read. She looked up sensing a stare, with a smile.
"You didn't hear all that, right?" He called out, already knowing the answer.
"Hear what, Captain?" she asked, grinning.
A few moments later the door opened and 13 boys, all wearing the same blue jersey, filed in, panting and stretching as they shuffled onto the court.
"Alright, warm-ups start now." Kiyota said.
"Captain, you're coaching today?" one of the guys asked while raising an eyebrow.
"Coach's orders. He had to celebrate his daughter's birthday." Kiyota replied, shaking his head.
________________
The sunlight from before was now gone and replacing it was darkness and cold.
"Alright good job guys. I think we did better then when coach is around huh?" Kiyota said as laughed, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"You almost killed us today." One of the players grinned, catching his breath.
"Alright, alright you guys are free to go. Rest up, because the next match is next Saturday." Kiyota said as he waved his hands and walked to the bleachers.
Reo followed behind Kiyota. Rika put away her book and got up as the two approached.
"Not bad." Rika said as stretched a little, then straightened out her skirt. "Didn't think I'd stay for the whole thing."
"Guess we were more entertaining than expected." Kiyota replied, grabbing his bag from the floor.
"Entertaining's is a word for it. You get serious when you're running drills." she said, a little impressed.
"I don't want us to lose. I hate losing." Kiyota admitted with a serious expression.
"Guy's let's get going, It's pretty late and I'm pretty hungry." Reo checked his phone. "8:30."
"Yeah, I could eat." Kiyota said as held out his hand for Rika to use to jump down.
"What about that pizza place we saw last week?" Reo asked. As he walked towards the exit and opened the door.
"See you, captain. Thanks Reo." A teammate said as he walked out.
Rika chuckled. "That actually sounds amazing right now."
"You sure you're up for that kinda dinner on your first day? And can you stay out?" Kiyota asked as glancing at her.
"I hung out at a basketball gym for two hours. I think I've lost more calories sitting down reading then I ever have." Rika replied with a grin.
"Fair enough." Kiyota said as he helped her down from the bleachers.
"Also, yes, I can stay out. My mum is working a night shift, and I would've had to make myself something to eat." Rika added as they walked toward the door.
"Cool. Then it's settled. pizza it is." Reo said, already halfway out the door.
Reo's pocket vibrated and
Reo's pocket vibrated and he pulled out his phone to check the screen. "Hold up a sec," he said, slowing his pace, blocking the door. Kiyota and Rika stopped behind him.
"Everything alright?" Kiyota asked.
"Yeah, yeah… just my mum texting me." Reo replied, typing quickly.
"I'm sorry, guys. I have to head home. She's freaked out because of the news, she wants me home." Reo said.