#guess mako will be wearing very high heels in the play

[love-boat]

u know the first time i saw mikako being announced as pluto, i was hyped up because she really looks like setsuna. i wasn’t following La Reconquista closely because i was not really interested in the dark kingdom arc, so i only followed the new myu during Petite Etrangere, right from the announcement of the cast.

then came Un Nouveau Voyage, and shuu & sayaka looked exactly like how i would imagine haruka & michiru to look like irl. just go through my archive to see how much i was hyped about them even BEFORE they performed.

the 2nd batch of inners look their part or mainly it was because most of them look like their predecessors :p

the new myu was also spot on with the casting of the starlights, especially sakii, because i too thought she looks exactly like yaten even before she performed.

but i don’t see that in any of the new inners announced for this year. sighs. height difference matters a lot to me but mako and moon have a 3cm height difference for the first group. why.

[dessiekarma]

My Harem is Entirely Bad Boy Types (Kirisaki Daiichi x Reader) Pt. 5

Chapter 5: Is This Seriously Her Type?!

 “Would you stop already?” Hanamiya breathed out in a huff as he wiped the sweat from his brow.

 “What the hell? Stop what?” (Y/N) asked throwing her hands up in the air.

 “Stop flaunting yourself around like that! Yosen’s team is going to be here and I don’t need them all over you.”

(Y/N) crossed her arms under her chest and turned away stubbornly.

 “Like hell am I gonna let you tell me what to wear! Besides you told me I need to wear the Kiridai colours during matches but yet didn’t want me in one of your jerseys so what was I supposed to do?”

 “Probably not go out and get a cheerleading outfit.” Hara said looking her up and down for the 100th time already,

 “It’s not a cheerleader outfit! It’s a jersey that actually fits me and a matching skirt! Which reminds me, I got this made too!” (Y/N) unhooked Mako from her back and taking him out of his sling the team saw his own little uniform. It was impractical but surprisingly cute of her.

 “When the hell is that stupid project of yours over? It doesn’t really make much sense, Japan has one of the lowest rates of teen pregnancy.” Seto rambled on as he worked on his handles.

 “Once the new school year starts in April.”

 “Ugh don’t even talk about it! She gets weirdly emotional when you mention it!” Hara exclaimed, taking a break from practicing lay-ups.

 “We’ve had him for so long! How could you not have gotten attached?!”

 While those two bickered like an old married couple Hanamiya’s ears perked up at the sound of arguing right outside the gym doors.

 “She’s never going to love you like I did!”

 “Good! I don’t want anyone to love me like you! Because you only love me when it’s convenient for you! You only love me when I’ve stopped loving you back! I’m done running in circles with you, Mei!”

 “You don’t even know her! You think because of that team you play with that you know real manipulation, you think you got her right where you want her but it’s the other way around! And I will prove it to you!”

 That last sentence was high and loud enough to carry across the gym into the three previously unaware sets of ears.

 Before they could react, Yamazaki came stomping into the gym, slamming the door behind him.

 “Fucking bitch!” He called out in frustration before loosening his tie, tossing his school jacket to the side and marching into the locker room to change.

 “Is Yamazaki okay?” (Y/N) asked, suddenly very concerned.

 “Yeah, it’s just his psycho bitch of an ex.” Hanamiya commented with a sigh, not prepared to deal with the fuckery he knew that girl would cause.

 “Was she that bad?”

 “She was the worst.” Hara said lowkey adjusting the uniform on his baby. “I’ve known Zaki since elementary school, he’d never been a push ever. But during our first year at KiriDai, he started dating Mei and he would just let her walk all over him. It was honestly pathetic. When Caps started looking seriously into forming a good team I thought being in basketball would be pretty cool so I invited Zaki to try out with me. Figured it would give him some independence from her.”

 “And that one stupid decision nearly got both your asses kicked off the team.” Seto reminded, feeling a headache come on from the sheer memory.

 “Everyday we’d have to hear her either fawning over him or on us for working him too hard. We had to make a rule of nobody off team being allowed in the gym during practice without prior approval.” Hanamiya said aiming to take a shot before looking into (Y/N)’s eyes deeply. “In fact, you were the first one to break that rule.”

 (Y/N) blinked at her captain’s words. When she first showed up months ago she wasn’t entirely sure why Hara was so against her being seen by Hanamiya. She unknowingly, could have landed him in some trouble with his team.

 What was most present in her mind right now was the sheer fact of how easy it was to join. Any issues she’d had were with her boyfriend, not the guys and surprisingly not Hanamiya. Sure, he’d pulled his bullshit on her but only for a moment before he came to invite her to be a part of his team. Knowing what she knew now on top of everything else, there’s no way it should have been so simple.

 “She would break up with him as a manipulation thing, which is no doubt why you caught his attention to quickly. He can relate.” Hara said scoring a three-point shot. “The last time they broke up she said she wanted to find someone better. I guess she didn’t and now she’s angry that he might have.”

 “Might have what?”

 “Found someone better.”

 “…What, you don’t mean me, do you?”

 “Believe it or not but Zaki has been after you for months.”

 “Yeah I know. I just don’t necessarily see myself as ‘someone better’.”

 “Wait wait wait, you know?” Seto asked with a surprised look on his face.

 “Of course, I do! What, you think I’m some kind of oblivious idiot?”

 “Then you know why she threw her milk on you that one time right?”

 “…That was her?”

 “Yup and clearly she sees you as the thing that’s keeping Yamazaki from taking her back. Whatever you had going on with her in middle school is only ten times worse now.” Hanamiya said checking the time on the gym clock.

 “Maybe if you finally moved on and started dating someone else you would prove to her you were no threat.” Hara said coming up behind her placing a large hand on her hip, the other playing with the hem of her skirt. “Or we can pretend? Have some fun?”

 (Y/N) paid him no mind, even ignoring his touch creeping to inch up her skirt. She appeared deep in thought for a moment only to finally give her signature bright smile.

 “You’re right! I should try to start dating again! Actually dating, not whatever is going through your little perverted mind.” (Y/N) teased, smirking to herself as Hara finally took her silence as an okay and finally ran his hand up her thigh.

 “You and these goddamn shorts!” He said watching the girl jump as an audible slap of his hand against her thigh echoed through the gym.

 “Seriously? Hara stop harassing the poor girl.” Hanamiya sighed rubbing at his temples.

 “Should we come back at another time?” A rather tall Chinese guy said taking in the image of Hara with his hands practically all the way up (Y/N)’s backside.

 (Y/N) noticed the male’s Yosen jacket right away and suddenly remembered something very important. Slapping Hara’s hands away with a red face, the girl walked up to Hanamiya with a concerned look on her face.

 “Captain, Furuhashi never showed up.”

 Glancing at his phone, Hanamiya looked concerned for a moment before shrugging his shoulders.

 “We’ll deal with him later, besides it’s just a scrimmage. We’re gonna go ahead and let the second string play this one.”

 Out of the corner of her eye (Y/N) saw the rest of Yosen’s team come striding in. Instantly her eyes practically sparkled at the sight before her.

 “Sorry, but our coach wanted me to let you know she would be unable to make it today.” A black-haired boy with a beauty mark under his eye, said with a polite smile.

 “Hello, handsome.” (Y/N) mumbled under her breath, straightening out her hair and skirt before walking in an almost trance-like state towards the team.

 The members of Yosen groaned at yet another fangirl falling head over heels for Himuro. It happened all the time but it didn’t mean they were any less annoyed by it at this point.

 Himuro felt a small hand touch his shoulder gently and was prepared to give a polite decline only to be surprised at the force of her moving him out of the way.

 “Excuse me.”

 Both teams’ members had their jaws drop as she walked practically through Himuro to get to none other than Okamura. The gorilla of a man stood there with a frozen confused face.

 (Y/N) smiled at him sweetly before tugging on the bottom of his jacket.

 “Your legs must be so tired.” She commented sweetly fidgeting with his jacket zipper.

“Umm why would they be?”

 “Because you’ve been running through my mind all day!”

 “W-what!?”

 “I’ll be your Yamato if you’ll be my Takeo and we can make this OUR Love Story!” (Y/N) said suddenly wrapping her arms around the tall male’s waist. His face grew insanely red and his entire body began to tremble.

 “Now that’s just mean!” Fukui laughed as he saw the disbelief and almost hopeful look in his captain’s eyes. “We’d heard that KiriDai had a girl on their team and we figured she’d have to be a bit of a bitch. But come on, you didn’t have to bust out this manipulation on the poor guy. He’s not really even captain anymore.”

 “She’s not a bitch just an idiot otaku. (Y/N), get off the guy!” Hanamiya tried to call off the lovestruck girl, shooting Hara a glare for ever suggesting the girl try dating.

 “No, no she’s fine!” Okamura called out immediately placing his large hands gently on her shoulders. “So uhh your name’s (Y/N)? That’s really beautiful.”

 “Hmmm? Why is that girl squeezing Okamura?” A lazy childish voice came into the gym.

 (Y/N) turned her attention away from the apple of her eye only for her jaw to drop. Sure, she’d more or less known of each member of the generation and while she had seen most of them play a game, having this one so close was a whole different ballgame.

 “I don’t know what you guys are feeding him, but he is too damn big!”

 She had since let go of Okamura and was staring at Murasakibara in awe. He was annoyed pretty quickly at both her intense staring and the freakshow treatment he was receiving.

 “Alright, enough harassing the opposite team.” Hara said attempting to drag his friend back to the bleachers.

 Now focusing on the actual basketball players, one thing caught their entire team’s attention. And that was a small child being held delicately in the lilac male’s hands.

 “One of you has a kid? I guess that’s not surprising for the personality type but isn’t this like a prestigious school or something?” Fukui asked trying to get a better peek at the infant.

 “Would it perhaps be why the team suddenly added a female manager?” Liu pondered aloud.

 “I, for one, believe I would make a great stepdad! We wouldn’t even have to tell anyone I wasn’t the father!” Okamura said quickly which earned an almost pained expression from (Y/N). That look quickly vanished and with a sigh she gave a genuine looking smile.

 “Mako is a project of mine. He’s a doll! So, maybe not a stepfather…but you can definitely be my daddy-”

 “Ugh that guy can’t seriously be your type, can he?” Seto interrupted with a look of disbelief on his face.

 “Be nice!” (Y/N) scolded with a pout.

 “Besides, should you of all people be judging someone by their looks?” Yamazaki retorted finally emerging from the locker room, looking like he’d blown off all the steam he needed.

“Ouch, Zaki what’s the damage?” Hara asked casually slinging an arm over (Y/N)’s shoulder, not so casually asserting his dominance over the opposing team.

 “It’s just been a bad day, are we gonna play or what?”

 “Or what, it would seem. Furu isn’t here and none of us can get to him so we’re going to let the first year’s play. Matsumoto, you lead them okay?” Hanamiya called out to a group of rather surprised looking boys.

 “We definitely don’t need to be adding in our aces either.” Himuro said thinking more to himself than speaking to anyone. “I suppose we will throw in a few of our first years to play.

 “Can I still have the food you brought for the team?” Yamazaki asked (Y/N), already rifling through her bag.

 “Swear, I’m just a mobile food pantry for you guys. Fine, I suppose my children can come get their after-school snacks.” (Y/N) mocked, taking the bag away from her friend and pushing past the healthy sports food for the junk food she had hidden all the way to the bottom.

 As she handed them out to both her first- and second-string team, she was suddenly aware of a looming presence hovering over her shoulder. Turning around she came face to torso with none other than Yosen’s ace.

 He wasn’t saying much of anything just sort of hanging around her awkwardly. One arm hung limply at his side and the other was balancing a horde of his own snacks. His stare was more yearning than it was expectant and (Y/N) smiled to herself a bit.

 Aomine never really talked much about his Teiko team except to talk shit. So, if there was anything she knew about Murasakibara it was that he was childish, none too bright, and loved nothing more than to eat.

 Reaching deeply into the bag she produced a bag of limited edition flavoured chips and handed them off to him. He seemed genuinely surprised and almost didn’t even lift a hand to grab them at first, sure she would tug them out of his grasp as soon as he tried.

 She jiggled the bag at him almost like an owner calling a cat for supper. And just like a feline, the tall male pounced at his opportunity for more snacks.

 Flipping the bag over and over in his hands he was relieved to see they were normal junkfood chips and not the healthy crap his team tried getting him to eat before the game. He didn’t care what they said, baked chips were NOT the same as normal fried ones. The girl smiled at him and was about to turn away before he grabbed her wrist.

 “Who sent you?” He asked in a serious tone, causing (Y/N) to look on in confusion. “Was it God? Did God send you with snacks?”

 “Alright Atsushi-kun, let’s go sit on our side of the bleachers.” Himuro urged the tall male along murmuring apologies to the bewildered girl.

 “Muro-chin who is she?”

 “She’s Kirisaki Daiichi’s manager. Now eat your chips.”

 “I want a manager.” The male stated before popping open his bag.

 “Wow there’s actually chips in the bag! I thought she’d have filled it with spiders or something!” Fukui exclaimed watching his tall teammate lift one to his mouth.

 “These are the best chips I’ve ever eaten in my entire life.”

 “I want to try one!” The ash-blonde exclaimed ready to grab one, only to have the bag suddenly held feet over his head.

 “Touch them and you’ll lose a finger.”

~~~~~

 “This turned out to be a fairly interesting game.” Himuro panted as he spoke to Hanamiya who simply nodded in response.

 As it turned out KiriDai’s second string had gotten much better and were not only holding their own but actually winning against Yosen. Of course, as this continued Yosen started subbing in some of their first string players and KiriDai followed suit.

 All having been somewhat surprised when Hanamiya instructed them not to bother wasting their energy with foul play. Still they could follow orders and the game had been surprisingly clean, save for some vulgar language from KiriDai.

 “Alright everyone, body checks! Do we have any cuts and bruises? Broken limbs? Internal bleeding?” Fukui called out to everyone who played the game which only earned him a few death glares from the opposing team. “Oh come on! You guys are known for that kind of thing. I’m surprised we were able to play a normal game.”

 “Yeah well we didn’t need any tricks to beat you.” Hara said chugging a water bottle.

 “Only by one point and we had a few players unavailable.” Liu motioned towards Okamura who had all his attention focused on (Y/N) giving him attention.

 Murasakibara was on the other side of the girl, pouting. He’d taken it pretty hard that Hanamiya wasn’t willing to “give him” (Y/N) to take back to Yosen with him.

 “Good game.” Himuro complimented the team again. “I look forward to playing an actual game with you really soon. Come on Atsushi. Okamura, we need to head back.

 “Ne Muro-chin ask the one with the eyebrows again.” Murasakibara said pushing Himuro towards the team coach, ignoring the look of wrath on Hanamiya’s face.

 “(Y/N) doesn’t belong to him. We can’t just force her to come to Yosen. When we get back, we’ll look into getting a manager okay?”

 “I don’t want any manager, I want this one. She gets me!”

 (Y/N) laughed as they dragged the tall male out of the gym before turning back to Okamura. Smiling at him she held out her hand and he looked at it questioningly.

 “Give me your phone and I can give you my number! Call me once you get back to Akita. I would really like to go out with you sometime. Maybe I can make my way out there.”

 “W-what? You mean you still want to talk to me after today?” Okamura asked genuinely surprised, he figured she was more or less just jerking him around for fun and was sadly fine with that.

 “Of course!” The girl smiled widely not missing the scowling and disgusted faces of some of her teammates. She waved at the tall man as he followed his team out of the gym.

 “Hey girl, I told you to start dating someone not just anyone!” Hara said slinging his arm around her waist, fingers tapping along her ribcage under her breast.

 “Hey hands to yourself! He was cute! I’m glad you guys didn’t decide to maim him for a simple scrimmage.”

 “That was a bit strange of you, captain.” Matsumoto commented, secretly grateful he could play a normal game. “Why though?”

 Hanamiya shrugged and wiped his brow. He looked to be debating something over in his head before sighing heavily.

 “The Headmaster may or may not be watching our team a little more closely. Honestly, you can only give so many injuries before people start asking questions.”

 The team grew gravely quiet. It’d been something they had anticipated for a long time but never thought would actually happen. Sure, for now they were just being kept under watch, but it let them know that one more incident would most likely lead to a disband. And they didn’t know how to handle that information, they were a team built upon those dirty antics.

 “It’s no big deal, we can do spider-web without the rough play. Emotional and mental manipulation works just as well.” Hanamiya said trying to get his team’s nerves back down.

 (Y/N) rolled her eyes at that but did look slightly concerned at the realization that the team was being looked at under a microscope. She’d honestly wondered why she hadn’t had to call her team out on any foul play this game.

 “He mentioned it to me before today’s scrimmage. I was waiting until Furuhashi got here but god only knows where the hell he is.”

 “I think he powered his phone off. I haven’t heard from him all weekend, I don’t even think he came to school today.” Yamazaki stated after having tried dialing him for the fifth time.

 “Is he okay?” (Y/N) asked in concern.

 “He’s fine, probably just got roped into something with his parents. I swear his mom still picks his clothes out for him.” Hara mocked with a small laugh.

 “Ahh shit! I forgot I needed to pick up a new outfit for that stupid black-tie interhigh formal. Now that we’re being watched, I guess we have to go.” (Y/N) said slapping her forehead and suddenly shooting off a quick text.

 “Holl up!” Hanamiya placed his palm over her phone and lowered it to look directly in the girl’s eyes. “What the actual hell are you talking about with a formal?”

 “Each year the wealthier schools hold an interhigh formal for their athletes. Apparently Kirisaki Daiichi’s basketball team has been invited every year but never attended. The golf and swim team usually make it out there, though.”

 “I’ve literally never heard of that in my life.” Seto mumbled running a hand through his hair.

 “Probably in the big stacks of paperwork we would throw out.” Hanamiya sighed closing his eyes in annoyance. Times like this reminded him of exactly why they had needed a manager to begin with. “But if we never go why the hell should we this year?”

 “Well because now the Headmaster is watching us. If we make an appearance as a respectable team and exchange a few niceties, I’m sure it can at least in some points in our favour.”

 Hanamiya closed his eyes and inhaled deeply through his nose before pressing his hands together. Opening his eyes quickly with an exhale he pointed his hands at the girl firmly.

 “No.”

 “What do you mean no?”

 “I mean there’s no way in hell we’re going to that.”

 “(Y/N)’s not wrong though.” Hara spoke up, looking as if he had actually been thinking everything through. “What’s it going to kill us to sit in a room full of people and pretend we’re normal? You gotta force that shit every day in class, what’s a couple more hours?”

 “I agree with (Y/N) on this one.” Yamazaki nodded in response.

 “You agree with her on everything! Look if you guys wanna go be with a bunch of silver-spoon cocky sons of bitches then be my guest. But tell them your captain can’t make it.” Hanamiya spat out quickly with a tone of finality.

 “That’s fine.” (Y/N)’s concerned face suddenly melted into one of understanding. “It’s not your thing and none of us are gonna force you to go. We can totally go and rep our KiriDai pride without you! On that note, do any of you boys wanna accompany me to the mall?”

 “Why the mall? It’s supposed to be a formal event, you should get your dress from a fancy boutique or something.” Hanamiya commented receiving raised eyebrows from the guys. “If she’s going to be ‘repping’ MY team she better not go looking like shit!”

 “The mall’s cheaper! So, anyone wanna go?”

 “I’m too tired, sorry.” Seto said stifling a yawn.

 “Awww I want to go but my older brother came down from uni and we’re going to dinner!” Yamazaki whined at having to miss an opportunity alone with (Y/N).

 “I don’t go to the mall.” Hanamiya grumbled. “It’s too noisy and crowded.”

 “And since we won today, I have a celebratory session with someone.” Hara said clicking away on his phone.

 “Slut.” Yamazaki teased with a grin.

 “Hot girl?” (Y/N) asked scurrying next to him to try and peek a glance on his phone.

 “All my girls are hot.” Hara responded cockily showing the girl his many attractive Instagram followers. This of course, earning a groan from the guys and he was sure a eyeroll or disgusted noise from (Y/N). To his surprise she held her hand up for a high-five which he gave unsurely.

 “Hell yeah!”

 “That’s not the reaction most people, let alone girls, have to hearing about Hara’s habits.” Seto responded with an amused grin.

 “Well I mean is it consensual?”

 “Of course!”

 “Do they enjoy it?”

 “I’m not one to disappoint.”

 “Are they okay with it being a benefits only thing?”

 “They all vaguely know about each other and are chill about it.”

 “Then he’s ticked all the boxes! Let the boy have his fun!” (Y/N) said scrolling through his friendlist with interest.

 “You’re so fucking weird!” Hara said with a large grin, placing his palm on the girl’s head and messing her hair around.

 The lavender-haired male was beginning to admit something to himself. He’d been less than happy when (Y/N) joined the basketball team and even months later she was just some hot body attached to an annoying nag. But he has to say, he’d found himself growing rather fond of her…she was a cool girl.

 “Oh my phone’s ringing!” (Y/N) said, pulling away from Hara’s affectionate gesture. “Maybe it’s Okamura! Oh…” The girl’s face grew serious as she answered. “Hey Furu! Where were you? The game with Yosen already ended and we’d been trying to call and- Wait what? Furu you need to speak up I didn’t catch tha…You’re what?”

 The team placed all their attention on (Y/N) as she looked at them with concern.

~~~~~

 Furuhashi sat bouncing his leg in the middle of the ramen shop waiting for his teammates to show up. He pushed aside the second bowl of ramen he’d gone through.

 Apparently, he was a nervous eater. He’d never known as, before this day, he’d never been this nervous. His motto had always been to go with the flow, but this situation was never something he was prepared for.

 “Furu!” (Y/N) called out as she raced into the ramen shop and slid into the booth across from him.

 The young man looked at her with his usual blank eyes before looking away and signaling for he waitress to bring him another bowl.

 “Where are the guys?”

 “They’re coming in. We all walked together but at some point, before I even knew it, I was running.”

 He huffed a small chuckle out his nose before giving her a barely-there smile.

 “Don’t do that to me right now, don’t be nice to me or I may just never go back.”

 “Furu, what happened?” Hara spoke up as he and the guys made their way inside and sat in the booth as well.

 “I’m getting married.” The male said as nonchalantly as if he was talking about school assignments.

 “What?” The rest team burst out.

  “Her name is Yui and she lives in Osaka. We both have parental permission so we will be married shortly after graduation.” The male deadpanned taking a sip of water.

 “That’s only a year away!” (Y/N) exclaimed fiddling her hands back and forth.

 “Wait now, slow down. You’ve talked to me about this before.” Seto said putting a hand up trying to process all the information at once. “I thought your mother was going to let you decide.”

 “My stepfather is ill. He likely won’t make it another five years and that would leave me in charge. I had a month to choose from seven options and I never got around to it. Yui’s parents proposed the arrangement and since I was well past the deadline, my parents took up the offer. I can decline of course but then I give up my inheritance and family name.”

 “Why the hell wouldn’t you choose then!? At least that way you would have some say over this big important part of your life!” Yamazaki frantically called out, clearly distressed for his teammate.

 “Because he naively thought that holding it off long enough would make his mother drop the whole thing.” Hanamiya answered for him, trying not to look too invested in the situation.

 “Hanamiya!” (Y/N) scolded, clearly not happy with the guys putting any blame on the victim at hand.

 “No, he’s right. I had this false hope that she would give up on the idea and allow me to take over the company as I am. I figured that because she’d been married for love once she might understand.”

 “Yeah but that was what? One out of four?” Hara asked wondering how his level-headed friend could have completely misjudged his own mother.

 “Do you actually care about marrying for love?”

 All the guys turned to (Y/N) with raised brows and faces quite taken aback. While her voice was still nurturing and understanding, that question wasn’t expected.

 “Isn’t that what everyone wants?”

 “No, it’s what everyone has been told they should want. Some people want stability, and some want to fulfill obligations. Love is nice but not everyone needs it. Do you even care about not loving her or is there something else here?”

 Furuhashi felt his heart in the back of his throat. How a girl who barely knew him could read him was almost uncomfortable. He’d always been taught to mask his emotions, that anything less than a poker face was weakness but to (Y/N) he might as well be an open book.

 “You don’t seem to be the type in favour of arranged marriage.” He remarked to (Y/N) who quipped back instantly.

 “And you don’t seem to be the type that’s waiting on your true love. Is something wrong with this girl in particular?”

 “Is she like basketball?” Seto asked, confusing the whole table. Clearly Furuhashi understood as he averted his eyes. “You told me there was no particular reason you ended up in basketball. You just knew you were going to join something your mother didn’t know about, and this happened to be it. You don’t actually care about who she is, loving her or not. You’re saying no just because your mother said yes.”

 (Y/N) sat there taking in the information. Furu was rebelling. That’s why he didn’t choose from his several options and that’s why he was so against this mystery girl from Osaka. It wasn’t about who she was, it was about his family making the decision for him.

 “I got to know her this weekend. She’s levelheaded and nonconfrontational. I was supposed to accompany her back to Osaka tonight and head back to Tokyo Thursday morning, but I told her I had a prior engagement. She was completely understanding and agreed not to mention it to my parents.”

 “Do you have a picture of her?” Hara asked, honestly curious about Yui.

 Furuhashi opened his phone and scrolled around Instagram for a bit before stopping on an image of a smiling girl in a school uniform. He pointed to the left most girl and watched his phone be passed around.

 Each of them took their turn looking at the image. (Y/N) almost found herself smiling at the picture. The girl was cute with heavy blunt bangs cutting across her forehead and a sharp bob framing her rounded face. Her eyes were large and sparkling with a smile reflecting brighter than the one on her lips.

 “What the hell? She sounds perfectly normal and she’s at least a solid 7.5!” Hara exclaimed holding the phone close to his face.

 “I know. My mother surprisingly found an overall perfect match for me. She’s none of the things I was afraid of when I accepted a long time ago that this was the way things would be. Above all else the union would be an amazing move for our company.”

 “Then what exactly is the problem?” Hanamiya asked raising a thick brow at his teammate.

 “I was so sure my mother and stepfather would pick someone horrible. Someone way too old or way too young. A girl who was hideous inside and out. A complete bitch would have been perfect. Because then it would have been easy.”

 “What would have been easy?” (Y/N) asked, really trying to understand what Furuhashi was feeling.

 “Telling my mother no. I’ve always done exactly what she asked of me and this was supposed to be the first time I actually stood my ground and didn’t allow her to make these terrible choices for me. Only now the problem is that its not terrible. If I tell her no now, I’m not standing my ground, I’m just being a brat.”

 So, there it all was. Furuhashi had held out for hope that this would be his one opportunity to make a choice for himself and not let his mother decide something so big for him. He’d been hoping he could put his foot down on a bad choice, but it didn’t work out that way. Yui was the perfect fit for him, there was nothing to complain about but that wasn’t the point.

 “What are you going to do for now? Your parents expect you to be in Osaka for the next few days.” Hanamiya asked reminding his friend of the whole he’d dug himself into.

 “I don’t k-”

 “He can stay with me.” (Y/N) said quickly and firmly, once again taking everyone at the table aback.

 “You’re a girl, that’s not appropriate for me to-”

 “I don’t care. I have the guest house entirely to myself and the spare bedroom in it isn’t used. You said it once before, your mother doesn’t know me. I’m something that’s only yours, let me be your friend and help you out.”

 Furuhashi almost rejected her offer again. Who was her family exactly? Would they not be angry? If anyone found out would it hurt his reputation or hers? But if she was willing to take that risk…

 “Okay.”

~~~~~

 “I didn’t think we were gonna make a pitstop first.” Furuhashi said with the first true smile he’d had on his face all weekend.

 “Well as much as I wanted to help, I really needed to get this done too.” (Y/N) said adjusting the straps on a floor length black gown. “You should look for what you’re going to wear too.”

 “Do I really have to go to that thing?”

 “No, but I’d like for you to. Hanamiya isn’t and I don’t want to go alone, so I was really hoping all you guys would try.”

 “Why do you like spending time with all of us?” Furuhashi asked resting his chin in his palm. “Someone like you should never be able to mesh with guys like us so well. How do you do it?”

 (Y/N) didn’t seem at all surprised by his question and instead seemed deep in thought.

 “Because guys like you are never all bad. And great guys are never all good. Take my ex for example, people who don’t know him would probably say he’s nothing short of an angel.”

 This earned a deep scoff from the male and a grin from (Y/N).

 “And that’s my point, you know the worst parts of him and have that impression of him. Just because you guys give off a bad impression doesn’t mean you’re nothing but bad. Every negative trait can be seen in a positive light. Rude bluntness is just being a straight shooter. Sarcastic ass comments are a hilarious sense of humour. It’s all perspective and I choose for my cup to be half full.”

 “I’ve always disliked the half cup analogy. If I had a full cup and chose to drink half, it would be half full. If someone handed it to me that way, I’d see it as half empty.”

 “Going back to the things that are out of your control. Can I be 100% honest with you right now?” (Y/N) asked sitting down beside the male on the couch in the fitting room.

 “Sure.”

 “I would never advise you to do something you don’t want to do. Nobody should be forced to do something like that.”

 Furuhashi was surprised as she held her palm out for him to take her hand. Squeezing it tightly, she turned to face him head on and look him dead in the eyes.

 “But Kojiro, don’t let anyone control your decision. Let it come from you and not out of obligation or spite. If you turn down the marriage only because your mother suggested, then you’re still letting her control you. Make a choice that leaves no room for resentment. Not towards Yui and not towards yourself.”

 “Myself?”

 “You mentioned earlier how she would be good for the company. That’s your future and I know its something that is very important to you. If you pass up that opportunity, I hope you don’t regret it. I really do believe you’ll find the best choice for you.” (Y/N) said rubbing her palm over his back comfortingly before standing back up “I’m gonna go find more dresses to try on!”

 Furuhashi simply nodded at her as she quickly disappeared into the dressing room and emerged back out in her KiriDai uniform, running back out into the department store.

 She’d used his first name. She really did care about him as a person, not just saying what was socially acceptable to say. Any other person would have told him not to go through with a marriage that wasn’t rooted in love. But she was real with him and that’s all he could have hoped for.

 (Y/N) sized up a few different choices in her hands. If she was being honest, it wasn’t just for appearances that she wanted to go to the formal. Wealthy schools usually meant wealthy students and that could only mean more business opportunity for her.

 She’d never been permitted to go to such prestigious events but now that there was nobody to stop her, she figured she wanted to make the best impression possible.

 “Did you need any help dear?” A sweet voice chimed from behind the girl.

 Turning her head quickly, (Y/N) was met with a very short and petite older woman. She was smiling widely at the girl before she smacked her fist onto her open palm excitedly.

 “I know something that would look great with your complexion! May I show you?” The woman said almost giddy.

 “Sure.” (Y/N) said a little taken aback by the woman’s enthusiasm, which she seemed to read as she directed her through the racks of clothes.

 “Sorry dear! Not many people come in here looking for such fancy dresses and I do love playing dress up! I only have a son, so I don’t get to do anything like this outside of work!”

 “Oh don’t apologize for being friendly! Though they have such nice men’s clothes here as well, who says you can’t dress your son up?”

 “He does! Haha that kid would bite my head off if I tried!” The woman chuckled though her smile dimmed slightly. “Besides, that boy is always so busy, I hardly see him. Off studying and playing basketball.”

 “Oh? Does he play for his primary school?” (Y/N) asked as the woman flipped through the racks of dresses.

 “Hmm? No dear, highschool! My boy is about to be a third year.”

 (Y/N) seemed a little shocked at hearing that but instead chose to smile. The woman looked far too young to even have a child in middle school let alone someone her age. But that was neither her business nor a definite conclusion. Perhaps she looked really good for her age.

 “That’s just like me! What school does he play for? I may know him!” (Y/N) asked trying to avoid any awkward silences.

 She could see a definite change in the woman’s demeanor. Almost as if she didn’t want to tell her and was trying to think of a way out.

 “Umm Kirisaki Daiichi.”

 “No way!? I go there!” (Y/N) suddenly studied the woman a little harder but a flicker to her name tag suddenly answered any questions. “Oh are…are you Hanamiya Makoto’s mom?”

 The woman turned sharply to face her and seemed only to grow more horrified as the two made eye contact.

 “Why the look? Has Makoto done something to you?” The woman stammered out rubbing her temples in the same manner her son did. “You knew the name right away, should I be worried about that? If he did something, I will pay for it or fix it or anything jus-”

 “No no no, ma’am! Please, I didn’t mean to make any expression, I was just stunned is all. You look nothing like him. I’m the manager for the basketball team at KiriDai, by the way.”

 She saw the woman deflate in relief, though her hands never stopped wringing.

 “(Y/N), correct!? Oh that’s such a relief! My son talks about you all the time, though please don’t ever tell him I said that!” The woman was suddenly smiling widely again as she appeared to be taking in the weary teen’s appearance. “You’ve been good for that team, you know?”

 “Oh?”

 “Good for my son, at least. He’s seemed less high strung lately.”

 “I don’t think I can take any credit for that. I just bring the team food and do paperwork.”

 “No, I see the difference. You bring you, and that’s enough. Kindness is contagious and I sure hope my boy catches some.”

 “Since I’ve met Makoto, he’s given me a purpose and place to be within Kirisaki Daiichi and that’s the kindest thing anyone could have ever done for me.”

 (Y/N) could swear the woman looked ready to burst into tears but she burst into a smile instead.

 “I’m so glad! Well now I really shouldn’t be holding you up chatting away about my little monster! Here’s the dress! What do you think?”

 (Y/N) scrutinized the gown in the woman’s hands. Looking it up and down once more she nodded her head and accepted it.

 “I think it will be perfect! I’m going to try it on!”

 “Oh dear…before you go could I…could I ask two favours of you?”

 “Umm of course.”

 “Don’t tell Makoto you saw me here. He doesn’t like his friends knowing about me or where I work. I would hate for him to become upset with me. I don’t want him to feel embarrassed.”

 The teen almost refuted her statement but decided it was best to keep her mouth shut and nod in agreement.

 “And the other favour?”

~~~~~

 “Awww why hasn’t Okamura texted me!?” (Y/N) pouted throwing herself down in the middle of the gym. “Did I come on too strong?”

 “Yes,” Hanamiya responded nudging her with his foot, to try and get her off the court. “but I doubt that is the reason you haven’t heard from him.”

 “It’s only been a day, maybe he’s busy.” Seto offered, throwing himself on the floor beside her. Hanamiya threw his hands up in exasperation before deciding to settle for half court today.

 “Or maybe it’s just because you’re ugly?” Hara quipped as he fastened the diaper on Mako securely.

 “Ugly? Bitch where?!” (Y/N) said motioning to her own face in an overly conceited manner.

 “If anyone thinks (Y/N) is ugly they should get their eyes checked!” Yamazaki called out only to be met with a subtle glare from Hara.

 The orange haired boy mouthed a quick genuine ‘sorry’ that didn’t go unnoticed by (Y/N). Still she chooses to ignore it as she arched her back off the ground to stretch.

 “Ugh no big deal if he doesn’t keep in contact. He was cute but it’s not like I was in love with him or anything. He reminded me of Takeo Gouda but maybe I shouldn’t be using anime as a guide for dating.”

 “Good morning.” Furuhashi’s voice called out as he entered the gym.

 “Where were you, I thought you and (Y/N) were gonna ride the train to school together?” Hanamiya asked wondering how the girl got there a whole hour earlier.

 “Well we were supposed to but Furuhashi wanted to prove he could do it on his own.” (Y/N) said with a laugh.

 “I made it here, didn’t I?” He responded with a small smirk.

 “How was it staying with (Y/N)? Is her room cute? Is her house big? What does she wear to sleep?” Yamazaki asked shooting off a million questions.

 “Wow, I’m literally right here.” (Y/N) said motioning to all of herself.

 “It was nice, she had me up pretty late….” The male gave a small smirk that instantly had (Y/N) shooting him a warning look. “Talking about my situation of course. So, I called Yui this morning and figured out what I’m going to do.”

 “You’re gonna tell your mom to fuck off?” Hara asked now sitting on the floor beside Seto and the manager.

 “Yui and I decided that as of right now there’s no good reason why we shouldn’t get married.”

 “What!?” Everyone other than (Y/N) exclaimed loudly.

 “Right now, a union would only be beneficial and we both seem to get along rather well. We agreed we would have a loose engagement and push the marriage back until after college.”

 “A loose engagement?” Seto asked curiously.

 “Simply, if a better opportunity pops up elsewhere…we’d like the other to take it. Whether that be a financial opportunity or an emotional one. To put it shortly if we decide we wouldn’t work out or one of us falls in love with someone, the other will call it off.”

 “An engagement with no commitments? Huh that’s kind of an oxymoron.” Yamazaki mused aloud.

 “If it works out then great. However, she’s a cute girl, I’m almost certain she will find someone to fall in love with.” Furuhashi said with a smile.

 “Or you could.” Hara offered.

 Furuhashi felt his eyes drift to (Y/N), who had gotten off the floor and was cheering on Hanamiya as he swished his 7th shot. Too fast for the boys to notice, a glimmer of amusement flickered in those usually dead eyes.

 “Yeah, maybe I could.”

~~~~~

 “How could you forget your phone charger in your gym locker?” Liu asked as the tall former captain bounced impatiently as he waited for the doors to the gym to be unlocked.

 “Nobody ever calls so I just forgot, and my phone is so outdated nobody has a charger that fit! What if she thinks I’m not interested?” Okamura practically whined to his teammates.

 “Well she’s plenty interested in you, so I doubt that’s going to be a problem.” Himuro said with an amused smile.

 “I still say she’s up to something!” Fukui added before seeing the doors to the gym open and feeling the burst of air as Okamura went barging in.

 Quite curious of what would happen the team followed the man into the locker rooms and watched him practically bust the lock off it. Quicker than lightening he shot off a text message to the girl of his dreams.

 “She’s gonna ghost you.” The blonde said in a sing-song tone.

 The tall male was about to respond when a ding from his phone pulled all his attention.

 The poor oaf never saw it coming, with his trembling hands and awkwardly small phone his fingers fumbled.

 He tried to catch it in time but without warning his chance with a cute girl quite literally slipped from his grasp. The phone clattered to the floor, shattering its screen and coming apart in several pieces.

 The whole team stood staring at the gadget broken beyond repair. Okamura breathed in deeply before slamming his locker.

 “I’m heading back to Tokyo!”

 “We don’t have any more funds for a ticket back!”

 “Then I’m walking!”

 “It’s an 8-hour drive!”