Basketball Break: The Secret (Author - rhea_ann)

Practice is over and everybody, though tired, felt happy about it except for Mitsui who was now feeling more miserable. Everybody decided to go home. Sakuragi was with Kiyo, Ryota with Ayako, well, they went first for a walk before going home. Mitsui heard someone calling him and looked back. It was Kiminobu.

“Hey! Why are you not with Akagi?” Mitsui said when Kiminobu kept up with him at last.

“He was with Haruko. They had to go somewhere first before they go home. I think it was a family friend.” Kiminobu said breathing fast.

“I see.” Mitsui replied. They continued walking not talking with each other. The sun is setting down. It was already quarter to six. Mitsui was still thinking about what happened during the practice.

“Wait!” Kiminobu uttered breaking up the silence. “Let’s go for a drink, shall we?”

“Alright. I’m kinda hungry. Your treat!” Mitsui answered.

“What? B-but…” Kiminobu protested. Mitsui walks faster leaving Kiminobu and waving him goodbye.

“Okay you win! Next time it will be your turn!” Kiminobu yelled at Mitsui. Upon hearing those words, Mitsui came back immediately, smiling.

They went at the nearest café. The same café that the whole gang went yesterday.

They started eating. Kiminobu looked quite hared maybe because of Mitsui’s order.

“What happened to you, Mitsui, during the practice? You seemed not to be with yourself.” Kiminobu said, opening the topic that Mitsui don’t want to talk about.

“What?” Mitsui said pretending he didn’t know anything.

“I can tell. I was the one who introduced her to you. And as I have observed, from that moment on you started to act strangely. Now, tell me you like Kiyo, don’t you?”

That’s it. That’s it. His instinct is wrong. Others already noticed it and he couldn’t hide it any longer.

“Are you joking?” Mitsui reacted as if telling Kiminobu he’s wrong.

“Come on, Mitsui. Be true to your self!” Kiminobu said convincing Mitsui to tell what he is expecting to know.

“I-I don’t know, Kiminobu. It just struck me. I can’t help it.” Mitsui said softly that it was like a whisper but Kiminobu heard him clearly.

“Well, everybody experienced that! Come on! Don’t mind that so much…”

“DON’T MIND! I’m going to be insane here.” Mitsui shouted, banging the table. It was so loud that they got the attention of the people inside the café.

“Mitsui, I never knew that you will take this seriously. I mean, it’s not just like you.” Kiminobu said. Mitsui heave a sigh. Kiminobu’s right. He was not like the Mitsui everybody knew. And to think nobody can help him except but himself. He was the one who feels so he was the only one that can understand. He did not deal with anything like this before and honestly he’s weak in this type of problems.

After eating the two decided to go home. They did not talk too much that time. Mitsui’s place is round the corner so it’s time to say goodbye.

“Well, thanks for the treat! I owe you one.” Mitsui said.

“Just be sure! One more thing, just calm yourself. It would take time. Remember I’ll help you. Things will work out if you wanted to.” Kiminobu said. Mitsui smiled and wave at him.

“Thanks!”