Cornered - Oneshot [Tanaka Juri X OC]
Title: Cornered
Author: aemrith
Pairing: Tanaka Juri / OC (Everyone, meet Ria! ^_^v) and some couples you might know (or not)
Rating: PG
Genre: Friendship, Romance, School-life, Action(?)
Warning: This is the first time I wrote something that has a non-HSJ main character, so yeah, there could be some OOCness. Also, I wrote this eons ago, guys.... like two years-ish ago.
Summary: Ria was assigned her first main task since she's joined the Newspaper Club and she has to deal with their school's boy's Basketball team in order to finish this. What will she come across as she tries to finish the job? [raining exploding flappy bloodyhell birds for a horrible summary]
A/N: GUYS!!! I AM NOT REALLY, NOT ENTIRELY BACK. T_T But I'm here to share some stories that I've posted someplace else a while back. Partly for safe-keeping, and organizing my stories, but also because, maybe some of you here in LJ is interested in seeing them. As per my current writer status, I am still on hiatus. Again, these are OLD fics (and no, I am not recycling them) and I just want to post them here for the sake of having them here in my LJ. But yeah, I hope you could give this a shot and perhaps drop a comment, if you can.
But in all honestly, I would love to go back to writing, it's just that... it's too crazy for me to do that lately. I can't even imagine explaining my life right now, but I would like you all to know, that no matter what, I will come back.... someday. My Unfinished readers still deserve new Chapters (shot for irrelevancy, but wth). I miss you guys and hope you're all doing well!!!
PS: I might be posting one after the other, and most of them would be just like this one - for safekeeping. so yeah... >_<
Anyways.... Here's CORNERED! Hope you'll like it!
xXxXxXx
“Juri! Give it back!” She complained. This isn’t the first time this guy has tried to mess with her. “I said give it back, darn it!” Ria has never been the patient one when it comes to this guy, Juri, who always… just always loves to make her mad.
He gave off that usual grin of his, “I’ll just copy some… I didn’t get to finish it!” were Juri’s last words before he storms out of the room. It’s quite early in the morning, but these two never fails to make a fuss.
Taking one deep breath to calm herself down, Ria eventually gave up. “Yo.” She was surprised to hear her upperclassman, Line, knocking on their room’s door. “Got you something…” She uttered and handed Ria what seemed to be the drafts for next month’s campus paper.
“But Line-chan, I thought we’ve agreed you’re doing the pictures for the rest of this school year…” Ria asked, seeing as her name’s been assigned to take some of the required photos. Flipping through the drafts, she ended up at the sports section while her senpai give her an assuring pat on the shoulder. “The Sports section, of all pages…”
“It’d be best if you do it.” Line gave her usual bright smile, “The sooner you get the hold of things, the better.” She then heard Ria chuckle, “What’s so funny?”
“You seriously wanna do a report on this guy?” She asked, pointing at the sports section bearing a familiar name to her. “Really, what was the editor-in-chief thinking when he approved this?”
Line shrugged, “Beats me. I’m only in charge of the photos.” She then winked, “Oh... We are just in charge of the photos.” Then it hits her, “Besides, you and that guy… You guys are buddies right? No troubles on getting his photos. You might even share some exclusive ones for the campus to enjoy.” She even gave out a grin - really, Line can be such an opportunistic one sometimes.
Ria rolled her eyes - what’s exclusive to share about this dope? “I doubt it…”
---
Dismissal time, and Ria waited as the basketball team gears up for a practice. With her camera at hand, she took random shots of the scenery. It wasn’t long before one of the team members, Shintaro, notices her and approached her. Shin has always been Ria’s crush - since she could remember. “Campus paper duties, huh?” Shin smiled, greeting her.
Ria nodded - it’s always been her talent; to not look nervous… something most of her friends envy about her. “Not that I mind, it’s just that, the sports section for this issue is quite ridiculous.” If anyone could hear her chest right now, their eardrums might explode - but she kept her cool. She knows her ears are red though (thank goodness for girl’s long hair)
“The basketball team?” Shintaro sounded hurt and Ria was quick to brush his wrong thoughts away, “What about then?”
Soon, it sounded as if someone just fell - and Ria was quick to take a shot; it’s more like a reflex sometimes. As soon as she puts her camera down, she can only roll her eyes and take a deep breath. “I guess this section’s portfolio would be full of bum-crashes and tripping over one’s own shoes…” She uttered and Shintaro laughed. “What’s so great about Juri’s game play that the campus paper suddenly wants exclusive stuff about him anyway?” this came out rather sudden that even Ria herself wasn’t sure how to react towards Shintaro’s look at her.
He smiled though, “He may not look like it, but he’s really improved a lot…” They both watched as the rest of the team got back to their warm-ups, with Juri laughing and limping a bit. “You should see him during games…”
“Ah… I don’t have much of a choice.” Ria uttered rather coldly and soon ushered Shintaro to head back to practice.
xXxXx
Juri, Kouchi and Shintaro always walk home together after practice. Today, they ended up pretty late. As they turned to one alley, talking about the recent games, they were held on their places hearing something.
They were about to pass under the bridge - it’s pretty dark but they can pretty much make out the figures punching and kicking each other - this is not something uncommon especially during this time. Lots of delinquents are everywhere nowadays.
Kouchi advised that they turn around and take a different route, but Juri wasn’t moving. “Oi! Juri…” he uttered sounding panicked, pulling his friend.
Juri blinked. He can recognize that face anywhere. Right there, just a few feet away from them, knocking out one larger guy, the face of their senpai -actually, he’s also the team’s point guard- Kikuchi Fuma emerged.
“Someone’s there!” Juri felt a shock on his spine as he heard one of the guys from the dark shout towards them.
“Let’s go!” Was Shintaro’s quick reply, and soon, him, Kouchi and Juri were running away.
But Juri knew well they didn’t escape the scene entirely - he was sure Kikuchi Fuma saw his face. They were practically staring at each other.
xXxXx
Days passed, and Ria made it a point that she watches the team practice every day, taking precious shots of not only her subject, but everything else that she thinks would make a good story. Since Juri’s article sees him more like an emerging ‘hero’ it’s rather difficult to support this with pictures, but Ria tried her best.
Inside the locker room, Juri was held by their coach. “Doing well, Tanaka-kun?” He uttered, patting Juri’s head as he ties his shoe laces. “Listen, I’ve got some news for ya…” as he said this, Juri shot his head up. “We’re actually thinking… point guard, what do you say?”
For someone like Juri who’s worked hard to improve, this is something that sounds ever so golden. “…Really??” was the only thing he could reply. He was so taken by surprise.
His coach seemed very pleased though, “We’ll have you play as one on the next practice game just to see what you’re made of, but I’m sure you already have what it takes.” He patted Juri whose mouth was just hanging open - his smile he couldn’t take away. “Now get going!”
As the locker room’s doors closed just behind Juri and the coach was preparing his things and getting ready to join his team outside, he was surprised by someone suddenly entering and calling for his attention. The coach frowned, what does this guy want?
---
Practice went on really well, and Juri can only keep the news to himself. He can’t seem to feel the reality of it yet. Looking at the benches, he spotted Ria, her camera still out but it looks like she’s almost done for the day.
Juri decided to approach her and bully her a bit, taking her bag, “Hey!” automatically she complained, “…Really?” she asked.
“I’ve noticed you’ve been here almost every practice. Covering a story for the team?” He asked. Obviously, Ria hasn’t told Juri that her assigned subject was him.
She snatched her bag and snarled at him while he just laughs, “Not your business…” she was keeping her angry face, and soon Shintaro was running towards them. “Hey Shin…”
Juri looked rather surprised, then as if it hits him, “Oh…” he said teasingly, and was soon running off towards the locker room, “I see what you’re here for…” he grinned, winking at both Ria and Shintaro. “Careful Shintaro, she bites!” he was soon far away that Ria couldn’t throw anything to him even if she wants to.
“What’s he talking about?” Shintaro asked, smiling.
Ria was quick to dismiss the subject, “Who knows. I was just about to leave since your practice session’s over.”
“Oh…” Shin uttered, nodding. “How about let’s walk home together?” he suddenly offered and Ria was frozen.
Blinking, she felt that little expert-numbness of her disappear in an instant, “Uh… sure…” she uttered, in the most unobvious way she could think of just so her redness won’t get noticed.
Beaming, Shintaro replied, “I’ll just go grab my stuff…”
While she was getting ready to leave the gym, she was shocked as a number of the boys were suddenly grouping, as if ganging up on someone. She tried to walk closer and see what’s going on but Shintaro, who was just a few steps between Ria and the group, was quick to keep her away.
A senpai, Ria knew well about, who goes by the name Kikuchi Fuma, was pinning Juri onto a wall. “I’m gonna cut your tongue!” he shouted angrily - most of the girls who usually watch the team practice were soon running out of the gym. This smells like trouble but Ria dared not to take any shot at all. Most of the members tried to keep Fuma away from Juri but their actions were futile. “You want to take my spot that badly, huh!?” Fuma was practically inches away from eating Juri’s face.
“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Juri shouted back, trying to hold onto what’s left of his throat.
“You told coach, didn’t you!?” Fuma looked like he had no intention of releasing Juri, as he grasps on his throat tighter, making Juri’s voice almost disappear. “It couldn’t be anyone but you!” he was about to punch Juri square on the face when…
“Oi… oi!! You guys just stop!” Shintaro forced his way between them. Also, two teachers made their way to the gym - apparently someone was quick enough and thought of getting help.
Fuma who seemed like he’s been washed by water, loosens his grip entirely and just glared at Shintaro. He looks back at Juri, “You be careful… or I’ll kill you, you little squid…” he soon slams Juri towards the wall and some of the other senpais left with Fuma.
The teachers followed Fuma and the others who left with him - they can hear them scolding him outside the gym doors - who knows what Fuma’s gonna get himself into.
Juri practically sat on the floor, trying to catch his breath. Ria was standing beside him, her face all white with the suddenness of everything. “What the hell was that?!?” Ria’s voice was so high up. She looked at Juri, then at the other players. She was shaking too; of fear perhaps, or more like she didn’t know what she got herself into.
“Senpai thinks Juri told coach about him being involved in some gang fight.” One of their other team mates, Kouchi Hugo, uttered. He’s Juri’s best bud in this team - so as Juri would usually say. “Coach was so mad he asked senpai to not play until coach says so.”
Shintaro looked worried, “You okay dude?” He asked as Juri seems to manage to keep his breaths.
Ria looked at Juri whose practically losing color, “I swear, it wasn’t me…” He uttered, trying to stand up, supporting himself, holding onto his legs for support, and Ria was quick to just help him - Shintaro too. What’s going on all of a sudden?
---
“That’s not cool…” Was Daiki’s response as they’ve just heard the story from Ria, who’s still pretty much shaking. The newspaper club stays pretty late sometimes, and today’s one of those days when they need to finish gathering portfolios. “Ne Line-chan, you think we should call Koyama-sensei about this?” he asked as Line hands a glass of water to Ria.
“I say talk to the coach.” It was another one of Ria’s senpais, Louise, who uttered - she’s a member of the newspaper club as well, and also Line’s bestfriend.
“Shin said he’ll talk to him right away.” Was Ria’s short response.
Line sighed, “So how’s Juri?” She asked, seeing Ria’s calmed a little.
“Hugo-kun and some other teammates helped him get home.” She held onto her glass, “I don’t know much, but I’m sure it’s not Juri.” Her voice was quivering a little, “He’s stupid and all but he won’t do such a thing.”
Daiki, Line and Louise can only agree. No one knows what has happened after all.
xXxXx
On his way home that day, Juri can only think of that moment - that night they saw their senpai beating some other guys from another school perhaps. It is a must that if you’re a varsity player, you should keep away from troubles as much as possible - suspension or even expulsion from the team await whoever violates this.
It’s only Kouchi Hugo and him now, and they’re just a couple of blocks away from Juri’s house.
“Juri….” Kouchi started, “What is Fuma-senpai talking about exactly?” Obviously, Juri hasn’t told anyone about what he saw that night. “Do you know anything?”
Juri rubbed his lips - trying to stop it from bleeding, “I’m not gonna say anything Kouchi…” he uttered, spatting out some blood.
“But he said he was sure- uh…” Kouchi’s words were cut as a group of guys walked in front of them.
Juri, who was already frowning and trying to see if he recognizes these people, tried to keep it casual, “…Anything we can help you guys with?” He asked, stepping beside his friend - it’s as if he feels the need to protect him.
“I’ll make sure you learn your lesson.” It was a rather familiar voice, and there behind these guys, stood their senpai. His companions look like they’re really not leaving without getting something done.
Before he could react, Juri saw Kouchi being punched on the face, and soon, him too. Everything was just too fast - they were helpless.
xXxXx
Juri never showed up to basketball practice since the incident, and so did Fuma. Ria was suddenly left with nothing to work with, and as much as she tries to talk to Juri, he refuses to even have a word with her. Especially when she asked her about his bruises - Juri kept avoiding her.
The campus paper is on its final revisions, and the entire club’s busy - except Ria who’s suddenly appointed to find a different story to write on the sports page. She ended up talking about the archery club instead, even took the task of writing an entirely different article, just so she could take off the name of the basketball club from the news for a while - it’d be best for everyone involved that no one knows what has happened except for some important people.
“I’m really sorry if this is all sudden Nakajima-senpai…” Ria bowed as Nakajima Yuto, a senpai of hers who’s also an archery varsity, hands her the questionnaires she’s requested for him to answer.
He smiled though, “It’d be way more interesting if you’d interview Line-senpai, but I totally understand that she can be such a hard head when she chooses to be.” See, Line’s an archery varsity too - but she hates to be talked about.
“She said you’d be way cooler and more readers would like to hear from you.” Ria said and Yuto just laughed.
“Please do tell Ruu-chan that I’ll be heading home early today. She’s stuck inside your clubroom for almost the whole week, I barely get to talk to her.” Yuto asked, his face rather blushing.
Ria nodded, holding her smile. Or right, they did say there’s something going on between Nakajima Yuto and Louise, or as Yuto calls her - Ruu-chan - and Ria’s not too surprised. Those two have been friends for as long as anyone could remember. “She’s in charge of the whole paper’s layouts, so her hands are really full, but don’t worry, I’ll tell her.”
On her way to the newspaper club’s quarters, Ria stopped as she hears someone whispering just near the staircases. She frowned, the voice sure seems familiar. “Yes, tonight.” The guy spoke; he seems like he’s talking to someone over the phone. She held her breath as slowly she moves away, but was caught when she heard a name, “Yes, that Tanaka-baka wouldn’t even know we’re just setting him up.”
She couldn’t help it - a gasp came out of her and soon Ria just walked away as fast as she could. She wished with all her might that the guy didn’t hear her - or that he’ll imagine he’s imagining things - anything! And so she kept walking, trying to be fast yet not so noticeable at the same time (if that’s even possible)
The guy clicked his phone off, “Tsk…” he uttered, seeing Ria’s form walking away and turning towards another corridor.
---
As Ria arrived at their quarters, she can barely feel her own breath - it’s like every air inside of her is gone.
“Oi, you okay?” Louise was the one to ask, looking up from her drafts of outlines, her marker tucked just above her ears. “Someone get this person some water and splash it on her face.”
Line quickly smacked Louise on the head, and was worried when she held onto Ria. “What’s up? Are you feeling sick?” She can pretty much understand these regular stresses their club has whenever dues are coming.
Inside Ria’s head, all she could think of was running to Juri’s house and warning him. Whatever it was that those people were planning, she only knew one thing - that Juri’s not safe. Excusing herself, she left all her stuff inside their quarters and just headed out, not saying even one thing.
---
Ria regretted leaving hastily, but all she cares about was to make sure Juri’s okay. She did try calling his phone, but there was no answer.
As Ria turned to a corner, she can only stand in confusion as four men approached someone… someone she knew…
A van pulled over and she can’t catch her voice as the men hauled the boy inside.
Who are these people? Where are they taking him? All these questions came to her instantly and her first action was to flee - she needs to ask for help. As Ria prepared to dash her way out of the scene, she was surprised as a couple of strong, familiar hands grasps her shoulders, and soon she was struggling over a handkerchief on her mouth - and everything was black.
---
Juri just got home and was wondering what his friend Kouchi meant. See, before they separated ways after class, Kouchi said that he’ll clear the misunderstanding between Juri and their senpai, Fuma. Then he cursed seeing his phone left in his room, and felt blood rush out of his face seeing Ria’s missed calls.
---
“Ria!” The door boomed open - like really, almost like a dynamite as Juri was panting, looking at every face in the room. Juri ran all the way back to school the moment he saw his phone and those calls from Ria - his first instinct was to run to the newspaper club and make sure she’s okay. She should be here, right?
“OH CRAP MONSTER!” Louise uttered, gripping on her cup of coffee tight - thankful it didn’t sprawl on her worksheet. “What the heck is wrong with you!?” She turned to him.
Line on the other hand, who was in the middle of fixing pictures with articles, stood from her desk, “Tanaka-kun…” Line sounded calm, “She hasn’t been back…” she uttered, looking at Juri’s worried expression, “She ran off a couple of hours ago…”
Daiki who just got back from another room, was shock to see one of his kouhai’s in their quarters, “You need something Juri?” He asked, rather alarmed.
“Where did she say she was off to?” Juri was soon dialling on his phone.
Line frowned, “She left in a hurry…” looking at Juri’s reaction, “What’s the matter?”
Ria’s phone rang endlessly. Juri tried calling over and over, and still no answer. Daiki, Line and Louise all ganged up on him asking him what’s going on, but Juri kept dialling - his face growing paler and paler. “Oi Juri…” Daiki was about to say something when Juri’s phone rang the moment he dropped it - frustrated.
“…Hello?” He uttered, his face filled with nothing but worriedness. His three senpais were looking at him, clueless.
“Hey Juri-kun…” the voice sounded altered, but not really. Juri was shaking. “Come if you want to be a hero…” was the only thing the person the other line uttered, or so that’s what Juri thought before the guy on the other line continued, “Surely you want to save her….” The moment the other person hung up, Juri can only stare at his phone - getting a glimpse of the number that just called him: it was Ria’s.
---
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait. Hold on a f*ckin moment here…” Louise, ever so foul-mouthed, stood in front of Juri as they walk towards that place he said about. “Rewind. I still don’t get anything!” She complained, “Are you telling me that this all started with that ‘gang fight rumor’ Kikuchi Fuma was enraged about? What was that again…???” She was scratching the back of her head, “Kikuchi Fuma thought you told your coach about him being in a fight, right?” Louise asked.
Line sighed, “Forgive her, she usually doesn’t stop until she’s given all the details.”
Juri nodded, “But I swear it wasn’t me.”
“But you did see him in a gang fight...” Daiki followed. “I’ve always known Fuma’s one of those shady guys who walks around town every night doing useless stuff. I’ve read tons of articles about high school boys trashing the place almost every night…”
“You did tell him it wasn’t you, right?” Was Line’s follow.
Juri nodded, “His gang warned me and Kouchi - that if we tell anyone, they’ll keep coming back for us and our friends. I promised not to tell…”
“Wow…” Louise uttered, “You’re a coward one, huh?”
“They were threatening to take it on my friends!” Juri was angry, “I didn’t want anyone else involved. I also cleared Fuma-senpai’s name to our coach, but coach just wouldn’t listen.” They kept walking, it’s getting darker and darker - the environment getting shadier.
“Do you know who told your coach about the gang fight in the first place?” Line asked; she’s thinking rationally through all of this.
Juri shook his head, “I have no idea. But whoever it was, I don’t know what that person’s trying to do.” He stopped on his tracks, “This is the place…” he uttered, remembering that place the person sent him about - that one who uses Ria’s phone.
xXxXx
Ria opened her eyes slowly and was quick to look around where she is. This looks more like an abandoned warehouse. She kept looking around, hoping to see the guy she just saw being taken a few seconds ago before she passed out.
“You okay?” he asked, and Ria was relieved to see he looks unharmed.
“Where are we?” She whispered, looking at the people surrounding them - they look very unfamiliar to her.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be okay.” He said protectively, holding onto her shoulder, “I swear, you won’t get hurt.”
Ria frowned, there’s something different about him. “…What’s going on exactly?” She sounded rather angry. “Why did they take us?”
“You weren’t supposed to be part of this, but unfortunately you had to butt in.” His voice was suddenly cold, “As I’ve said, you won’t get hurt.” He smiled, “You’re a great help though.”
Ria frowned, “What are you talking about?”
“Now, he’s sure to come here.” He grinned, as one of his men whispered something and his face was suddenly looking rather excited. His last move was putting a huge tape on Ria’s mouth. “I don’t want you involved Ria, I’ll keep you really, really safe.” If Ria could, she swore she would’ve spat on his face.
---
With Daiki’s seriousness, Line and Louise can’t really win. The girls ended up staying behind and calling for help - only Daiki and Juri gets to proceed to the location.
Juri stood in front of a wrecked door, with Daiki’s helped, they pushed the door open, and there, in the middle of that warehouse, he almost ran towards the middle as he saw Ria there - and then he couldn’t explain what he’s seeing. “Shintaro…?” he uttered, seeing the guy, sitting beside Ria, a weird grin on his face.
xXxXx
Still grinning, “Yo…” Shintaro uttered, saluting towards Daiki, “Oh… senpai…”
Daiki frowned, “Don’t mess with me, what the heck is this Morimoto Shintaro!?” he shouted - he’s known Shintaro, this is not something Daiki ever expected from him.
“You have a new favourite kouhai now, I see…” Shintaro uttered, glaring at Juri. “You’ve done nothing but steal everything from me, squid…” See, Juri has always been a starting failure for most of the things he’s done. Shintaro was always the number one - but as Juri worked harder and improved, Shintaro seemed to have been pushed behind.
Juri felt really confused, “I don’t understand…” he uttered. Shintaro’s always been a good friend of his - he thought he was really supportive and encouraging. “…You…”
“Me? Yep. It was me.” He grinned. “I told coach about Kikuchi Fuma-senpai’s gang fights, but I told him you told me about it.” He was pointing at his temples, “I think, Juri… I think.”
“You made Fuma turn on him…” Daiki uttered the obvious, disgusted by what he’s hearing. “Coward…”
Shintaro frowned, mocking a hurt look, “I say, it’s more of… genius, ne senpai?” He seemed pleased with himself, “Yes. Yes. Genius.”
“Quit messing around!” Juri was about to attack him, Shintaro’s boys just almost on their way to attacking Juri but Shintaro shouted back…
“GO AHEAD!” with a wide smile, “Hit me!” Juri was shaking - he’s really mad and can rip Shintaro’s face apart. “Aren’t you just assigned as the new point guard…?” Shintaro laughed, “When the coach finds out about this, you’re out of the team for good!” Daiki was about to charge on Shintaro as well when he continued, “And you too senpai? Aren’t you graduating this year…?”
Daiki cursed; its strict school rules that they can’t be involved in fights. “Bastard…”
Shintaro knew he’s won. The moment Juri and Daiki let their guards down, his men started punching and kicking them, and Ria was trying her best to get away from the guy who was assigned to hold her.
Automatically, Daiki threw himself in front of Juri, seeing as these men are only targeting Juri, badly.
It didn’t take long before Juri was just limping, almost on the ground, and Daiki was doing his best to help Juri up.
Ria was just crying. Is there anything she can do? With all her might, she kicked the guy who was holding her. Feeling free, she ran towards Juri and stood in front of him - if there’s anything that’ll get near Juri, they’ll have to face her first. “I told you I don’t want you involved in this.” Shintaro sounded disappointed. “You’re better off watching from afar Ria…”
Taking off that tape on her mouth, Ria spat and glared at Shintaro. “One more step, I swear I’m going to kill you.” She uttered.
“What’s this? You’re going to say your dramatic ‘I’ll save him’ lines now?” Shintaro sounded mocking and even laughing but Ria kept her stare at him - that glare, that anger in her eyes. Shintaro felt small all of a sudden. “What are you planning to do now?” he took a step forward.
“I swear, one more, and I’ll kill you.” Her voice was as serious, yet deeper this time. Even Daiki felt scared for a moment - Ria has never been this serious.
As if standing up to the challenge, Shintaro took another step and Ria almost stood and walked towards Shintaro when she felt Juri’s grip on her forehand. “Don’t…”
Ria stared at Juri’s shaking hands, held it with hers before letting it go, and taking her stance in front of Shintaro.
Shintaro grinned, “What now, little Ria?” he chuckled, “As if there’s anything you could actually do to-” he was taken aback as Ria practically spit on his face. He looked extremely angry right away. “That was cute-” again, another spit, and now it was almost on his eyes. “You little b*tch…” he was about to hit her when suddenly, those wrecked doors where suddenly knocked down - Shintaro and his men were all caught off guard.
“You assholes better learn not to raise a hand on a girl!” Louise shouted, standing in front of what looked like a battle army.
Shintaro frowned, where the heck did these guys come from?
“Line-chan… Ruu-chan…” Daiki uttered, seeing the number of guys these girls gathered.
“You have some guts messing up with my name…” Fuma’s voice echoed, and that was when Shintaro realized it was Fuma’s group whom he’s faced to face with.
“…Really, an all-out fight?” Shintaro uttered, laughing, “You all know we’re all in trouble here…”
“Oh no… I gave them permission to kick your butt.” To Shintaro’s surprise, it was their coach, just beside Fuma, looking at him. “I am so disappointed in you Morimoto Shintaro.”
“…Coach…” Juri uttered.
Cursing, Shintaro looked at Ria, who’s still standing in front of him, her face wide with grin. “… You all wouldn’t understand…” he uttered, enough for just Ria to hear.
“No, of course not.” She replied, her face suddenly serious, “Because we’re not stupid like you.”
“I’m just stupid enough to have wanted you.” Shintaro surprised Ria as he suddenly leaned forward - IS HE SERIOUSLY GOING TO KISS HER!? Ria was so caught off guard that she couldn’t feel her legs and all she could do was shut her eyes.
“YOU BASTARD!!!” There was a really loud voice, and Ria just saw Shintaro flying away - yes, a few feet away from her, and his gang and Fuma’s gang then went all out and in a couple of minutes, Shintaro’s gang was surrendering.
Ria can only stare at Juri’s almost bloody form, taking really deep breaths beside her as he held that fist that knocked Shintaro out. “Juri…”
“There’s no way I’m letting anyone do that…” He uttered, coughing blood.
“…me neither…” she uttered, as Juri straightened up and he looked at her face - there was that weird feeling between them. “Except you.” it was more like a whisper, and they were soon lost in their thoughts as Juri leaned forward their lips inches away from each other and…
xXxXx
“That was incredibly cheesy, the last part I mean…” Louise uttered - it’s been a week since that nasty whirl-up with Shintaro, who by the way, was sent to the hospital and was unconscious for three days and immediately was suspended from school and kicked out of the basketball team, and here they are catching up on the campus paper that’s due to be printed in two days.
Life has been back to normal. It was amazing how the coach decided to settle the matters. First off, that Fuma was suspended from games since he is, after all, really involved in gang fights, but the coach did tell him that his suspension is temporary - only enough to make him learn his lesson.
Kouchi Hugo, they’ve learned, was the one who found out about Shintaro telling their coach about Fuma, and he immediately told Fuma what he knew. He was also the reason why Fuma and his gang were able to be of aid when Line and Louise asked for help from Kouchi that night.
As for Juri - he was promoted as the team’s point guard, and was even offered the title captain but he refused. He’s saddened that Shintaro had to leave the team, saying that he’ll be a great captain, but he did vouch for Kouchi Hugo - he is extremely good in looking out for his teammates.
And so, the newspaper club were back to their boring clubroom prints, but with a cool story that they’ve decided to keep from the campus.
“Juri passed out just before he could kiss Ria, what’s so cheesy about that?” Line asked - it’s ridiculous to argue with Louise sometimes.
Daiki chuckled, “I couldn’t stop laughing back then.” He followed.
“I’m telling you, it was cheesy…” Louise repeated, seeing Line and Daiki just laughing at her honest opinion.
Line raised her eyebrows, as if teasing, “You’re just envious because Ria’s got a boyfriend, and you don’t.”
Daiki laughed, “Ruu-chan is the only single person here in the newspaper club, ne?”
Louise rolled her eyes, “We only have five members - don’t make it sound like I’m too left out.” What Daiki said was true though: their editor-in-chief has a boyfriend, Line and Daiki are a couple, and Ria now has Juri.
“I’ve always thought there’s something about you and Nakajima-kun, you know… that guy from your class… that archery varsity…” Ria followed, she just finished the photo layouts.
Line laughed, “For Yuto’s own good, I suggest he stays away from this lioness…” this was her follow up.
Louise rolled her eyes, “I thought we’re talking about Ria and Juri’s cheesiness here!?”
“I’m done with my work now - I’ll be going on ahead!” Ria suddenly announced, and Daiki and Line were thanking her for the day’s work.
“Cheer the team up for us too, okay?” Line smiled, waving at Ria.
“Tell Juri to not mess up too much!” was Daiki’s follow up.
“Oh just tell him he’ll get a kiss if they win, he’s sure to do wonders.” Louise was the last to wave at her and her statement made Ria blush madly. The three senpais were all just laughing.
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Soooooo~ How was that? I really hope you liked it anyways. Have a good day everyone! ;P