Changed (KNB Fan Fiction : Haizaki Shogo)

:Chapter Twenty-Nine:

[Warning: Language used]

I had no idea what Fuuko-san was talking about. If I had I'd immediately stop her because no one, not even the prime minister himself (is what I think), can't stop him if he had made his final decisions.

The club members of Fukuda Sogo Basketball Club were on a run outside, having laps around the school. I was busy refilling the water bottles as I waited for them to arrive. Haizaki-kun was running behind the whole team, clearly bored. His eyes were drooping and a yawn finally escaped his lips as the others were clearly having a hard time catching up with seniors. I knew he was good in physical education, but at least he could at least try.

The team was getting better in their practices, I could tell. Everyone poured all their fighting spirits in every move they make. The regimen was hard, it was obvious from their faces, but wanting to win the Winter Cup was their driving force to do the best they can. Some would stay behind to keep on practicing their shots.

I was finally done refilling the water bottles when the gym was slowly being filled by the team. Akiyama-kun immediately went to where I was and grabbed one bottle, chugging it in one go. The others took a deep breath first before they got their own bottles of water and chose their places to rest for five minutes.

Akiyama-kun chose to talk to me instead of resting with the others. Akiyama-kun was the sociable type of guy who could talk to anyone. Well, anyone except for the delinquent Haizaki-kun. He could talk to anyone but we were actually the closest here in the basketball club. He would help me clean when basketball practice was done; polishing the balls and placing them back to their rightful places, mopping the floor, cleaning the water bottles, and washing the used cloths. He was helpful and I'm glad I had someone to talk with. Being around the other members was too nerve-wracking, but with Akiyama-kun, I could just relax.

"Oi, Akiyama." The voice of Haizaki-kun was a bit deep when he intervened. When I looked up, he had a scary glint in his eyes that made a shiver ran down my spine. I have no idea what that look meant. All I knew was that he's scaring Akiyama-kun and I. "Practice's about to start. Ishida-senpai's calling."

Akiyama-kun nervously stood up, nodding at Haizaki-kun. He turned his head to me, excusing himself. "Then I'll go on ahead, Kida-san."

I just beamed him a smile as he jogged towards the upperclassman. I removed my eyes from Akiyama-kun as I felt piercing stares were darted at me. They were cold and uncomfortable; I just wanted to get away from Haizaki-kun's harsh looks. So I walked away, going back to my managerial duties. But his looks were so hurtful that I had no other choice but to face him.

"What's your problem?"

He gave me a slide glance, a baal resting on his palms. "Nothing," He answered rather calmly than expected.

"You know, your looks could kill! Could you leave me alone?" I exclaimed.

He stared at me for a moment before jogging of. "Fine." He said and went on his way.

I watched him jog to where a vacant ball was. He grabbed it and started to dribble the ball. My eyes were glued to him as he played basketball by himself.

The lonely feeling started whelming my chest and sadness almost took over.

***

Ten more days before the start of the Winter Cup. Everyone was fired up and no one was slacking off. Even the delinquent Haizaki-kun was serious. Though he'd still be dead last when regards to jogging around the school, he was still serious.

I was at a corner of the gymnasium, watching everybody, when my eyes landed on familiar ashen hair. He was practicing alone as everybody was taking a short break. He is a basketball machine but everybody needs a break.