"Come on, get it Atsu." He said running with the ball.
"Hey, wait up Akatsuki-San. Its evening." I said running after him as he chuckled, still running further.
"No can't do, let's have some fun." He said.
He stopped running with the ball for sometime and began juggling it.
"Come on, come get the ball." Akatsuki said laughing.
"You're really enjoying this now aren't you." I said as he passed the ball to me.
"I'll try tackling you, why don't you keep the ball."
"Don't wanna."
"Come on, it'll be of help to us in the future." He said smiling.
"Okay." I said as he ran towards me with his hands spread.
I played the ball to the side and ran towards it.
"Hey, are you serious now." He said running towards me.
"It'll be better to dribble while running." I said as he ran past me.
"Ha, I'll get it now." He said smiling.
*So naive.*
I lunged towards him then stopped directly before him. His eyes were fixated on mine so he was distracted for a minute. I played the ball under his spread legs and bent immediately, running under his spread arms so that I could reach the ball on time.
"Huh?" He asked as if in a daze.
"Ha… you got me." He said running towards me.
"You better know it."
*It's really been long since I enjoyed playing like I used to.*
"You really have a knack for this." He said as I shot the ball into a net.
"Huh?"
"Why did you hold back when we did the practice match?" He asked.
"What do you mean hold back, you really don't believe I can play now just cause I was lucky to dribble past you?" I asked.
"Lucky…? You're clearly holding back, I'm sure... you're really good." He said looking into my eyes.
"Yeah, that's creepy." I said picking up the balls.
"That was just me trying my luck. It's not like you were serious while playing now." I said as he chuckled.
"I figured you'd read me." He said.
"Right?"
*Soccer... huh?* I thought taking the balls into the store.
*It seems like I'm still not good enough to have alot of fun. It won't be fun if I keep playing this way, I'll just end up making everyone mad at me. But for today, it was fun... even for just a few seconds.*
"Well, see ya." He said waving at me.
"Yeah." I said waving back at him.
*Soccer... I really want to give you my all, but...*
Well, since we didn't have any practice, the others kept going around trying to find different things they wanted to do, like going to the movies, the park, the pool and the other many places they tried out. And I just kept wondering why they have such places here.
Most of the days just became boring and Akatsuki didn't feel like playing again. I spent most of the time improving my physique without the others finding out.
*Don't wanna look like the only hardworker.*
"Oshiba-kun." The coach called walking into the training room.
"Yes coach." I answered.
"Looks like you are working hard as usual." He said sitting on a bench.
*What did he come here for?*
"Oh, don't mind me, I just came to have a nice and normal chat." He said.
*Huh? Did he read my mind?*
"How's it been going for you?" He asked looking at me.
"Not bad, I guess. I have no problem with this place."
*Just that I have some unserious Teammates.*
"That's nice to hear."
"Coach, why'd you give us such a long time as break?"
"Well, nothing serious. Didn't wanna have you guys stressing yourselves right now." He answered, picking up a dumbell.
*More like he's leaving us to ourselves.*
"Oh, and by the way, I really need your help with something.
*What the hell does he want from me?" I thought as we walked out of the building.
"Well, the others are out and I need this thing inside before noon." He said pointing at a really big tree.
"A Christmas tree? And Why's it so big?!"
"It's for you guys okay,there's a rope tied to it, try putting it around you and dragging it inside." He said.
"Hey, we can atleast do it together."
"Not happening, I have to inspect some stuff."
"Tch, okay." I said putting the rope around me.
*Damn, this shit is really heavy.* I thought dragging it in with me.
"Oh, and there's this really big bag here too, help me take it in."
"Huh?!"
"Faster kid."
*It feels like someone's dragging me back, I might fall.* I thought.
*Is this a Christmas tree or some kind of tree tree?*
"You can do it kid, thanks a lot." He said before leaving.
At the end, I kept it in the sitting room safely while sweating profusely before going back for the bag which was by far, heavier than the tree.
"Whew, done." I said sitting on the floor.
"Good job kid." The coach said looking happy.
"Oh kay." I said.
"Hey, we're back." Watabe said as they all walked in.
"Whoa, it's a Christmas tree." Akatsuki said.
"For reals."
*Christmas is a few days from now. Doesn't really excite me.*
"Come on Atsu-kun, let's go have a bath." Akatsuki said putting his arm around my neck.
"You go, I'll be there soon." I said.
My back still hurt and I wanted to rest for a little bit.
"Come on, get up Atsushi." Saitō said dragging me up.
"Argh, what the hell?"
"Let's go to the bathroom guys." Akaji said as they dragged me with them.
*Argh, my back still hurts.* I thought, trying my best not to groan.