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It was a fine afternoon like any other days in the city of Takazara. Not a single thing to worry in the world, everybody just lives their lives away. Truly peaceful, indeed. Or at least, that was what a handful of students from Ichiro High thought, until the incident that happened during the school festival last month occurred and shook the lives of them up, in the most unexpected of ways that they could have never thought of.
The last bell finally rang, signaling the end of another school day. Many of the students tend to their clubs' activities afterwards, while the rest who didn't join any particular clubs, or in other words, members of the 'go-home' club, just left the campus and headed straight home, or stopped somewhere to hang out with their friends. Peacefully normal, just like any other schools in Japan. And as the sunset covered the whole horizon in an orange shade, at the track field situated to the west wing of the school, the track team is still practicing diligently, for the annual regional competition is only a few months away.
"Ready..." As the coach raised the gun and about to fire the shot, five male members of the team, including Mashiro, then assumed their crouching position. Bang. When the shot is fired, they all then began to run, as if their lives depend on it. It was a 100 meters sprint race, and as expected, Mashiro is the one to take the lead before any that of his teammates, and leave them behind in a considerable distant. His every movement is agile and his speed makes him run through the field like a breeze. The sight of an athlete who would wear his scarf even when he is running might seem weird, like really weird to any bystanders who are watching them nearby. But for all other members of the team, this is what they have beheld for almost everyday, so it didn't bother them as much.
The race finishes in a flash, and as usual, Mashiro made the top record again. "10.77." The member who recorded the time said to Mashiro and the others when they caught up to him. He loosened his scarf a bit and swept the sweats on his forehead before grinning and gave the others a V sign.
"Man, did you secretly have some sorts of propeller installed in your legs or something...? None of us can ever catch up with you like this, senpai." A fellow member who had just taken part in the race with him said.
"Hehe, I'm just lucky. I still have a long way. Don't be so down, you guys are really good too." He scratched the back of his head and said in his usual bright and cheerful manner.
"Alright team, that's it for today." The coach gathered everyone and announced, "You're all doing a great job, especially you, Nishizaka-kun. Just keep up the good work and we'll not only conquer the regional, we'll be heading straight to the Nationals. Ganbarou."
Everyone applauded in approval, before picking up their own stuffs and made their ways to the changing room. Mashiro gulped down the lemon salt water he brewed in his bottle and then went to dressed off too. On the way, the other members kept praising him, entrusting that he would bring victory to their school. They nicknamed him the Zephyr of Ichiro High is for a reason, after all.
But little did they all know that all of it could only make Mashiro felt even more frustrated and insecure about himself.
Some of the girls asked him to go to the karaoke with them, but Mashiro quickly excused himself and took his leave. He knows he should feel that way, but somehow, it makes him feel really uncomfortable spending time with too many people at once. There's been only one person that he is comfortable around with, so in fact. he couldn't wait to be as quick as he could to finish with the track team's practices to meet him.
"...自分とは何でどこへ向かうべきか 問い続ければ見えてくる
荒れた青春の海は厳しいけれど
明日の岸辺へと 夢の舟よ進め
今 負けないで 泣かないで 消えてしまいそうな時は
自分の声を信じ歩けばいいの
大人の僕も傷ついて眠れない夜はあるけど
苦くて甘い今を生きている
人生の全てに意味があるから 恐れずにあなたの夢を育てて
Keep on believing..."
At the stage of Ichiro High situated to the east wing of the campus, the school's choir is practicing one of the songs they are intending to use in an upcoming competition for a chance to perform at Tokyo Dome. This is, of course, a chance of a lifetime, so they are really putting a lot of their efforts into what they are doing. The song flows harmoniously, as both the vocals and the harmony fits perfectly with the piano accompany.
Minoru closes his eyes while he let his fingers trail across the piano's keyboard. Aside from the Orchestra, he is not a set member of any musical clubs in Ichiro High, but he is literally presented in any musical events that require someone to play a specific instrument, should those partake in them come to him and ask him nicely to accompany them. Of course, with his talents for many kinds of instruments out there, his list is always fully booked. He couldn't really help it though. There are plenty others who are good with music around school, yet he doesn't get why people always turn to him though. Probably due to what some of his classmates said to be his 'fanclub' or something.
The song finishes beautifully, and the choir decided to call it a day then. The girl who was the conductor then came over to him, "Thanks a lot, Minoru-san. I knew we could always count on you. You really helped us big time."
"No, it's nothing, Mariko-san." Minoru replied in his usual quiet, polite tone and his charismatic smile, "Anytime you need."
Mariko blushes a little before clearing her throat, "Hey, I was wondering if... if you would like to come with us for a treat? It's a thank you for helping us the past few days."
"Well, it's kind of you to invite. But I must apologize, since I already have some plans to do." Minoru gathered his stuffs and stood up from the piano's stool, "If there's nothing else that you need, please excuse me. I'll see everyone tomorrow if you need."
He then bowed to everyone and took his leave. Watching as Minoru left, Mariko sighed as another girl walked up to her, "See? I told you. I have never seen him hanging out with anyone, other than Mashiro-senpai the star of track team. He's always polite to everyone but it's hard to even approach him."
"Mashiro-senpai, huh? The two of them must be really close."
"Yeah, I heard they are only cousins but they are closer than any other siblings out there, if I must say." The girl shrugged, "Oh well, where shall we go today?"
Mashiro was standing at his shoe locker, changing from the school's uniform shoes to his usual white pair of boots. Many people tend to think he has an odd view when it comes to fashion, but he just dresses in any ways he felt comfortable in, so he didn't really get why they would think so. While he is still pondering over some rather trivial matters, he jolted a bit when he felt a pair of skinny arms wrapped around his chest, and someone's face buried into his back.
"Hey, didn't we agree that public intimacy is a no-no?" Mashiro said jokingly, already knowing who it was without even turning his head to look at the other.
"Don't care. There's no one around us anyway." Minoru said in a slightly whining tone. If anyone happened to stop by, they would certainly think the two of them are lovers. But that's not too far from the truth, anyway. "I need my Shiro-chan recharge ~" Minoru tightened his embrace. Hugging Mashiro for him is always the best, and even the fluffiest teddy bear in the world cannot match up to his cousin.
"Now, now. Let go of me before I choke." Reluctantly, Minoru let go as the two of them then headed off the campus, "I really must find a way to put some muscles on your body though."
"Well, I've tried everything since I was a kid already, but it doesn't really improve much, so good luck with that." Minoru chuckled.
The two of them converses about all their activities at school on their way towards the Watanabe family restaurant, which is thankfully not too far away from Ichiro High and rather close to their house. Since Kyouka will not be coming home today due to some urgent business she needed to take care of at the company so they have decided to eat out and let the helpers at their house to return home earlier than usual. Though this really saddens Minoru as he has anticipated that Mashiro would be cooking instead of eating out like this.
Watanabe's restaurant has been a favorite spot for the two of them to hang out recently, since it is generally quiet, it has an overall nice view and they wouldn't be bothered much here. They took their seats near a window and moments later, Tatsuo, the son of the owner of this place came and took their orders. Minoru can also see from afar that a fellow schoolmate with them, Hana, is also working.
"Hi Tatsuo-kun." Mashiro replied, skimming through the menu, "I'll have a katsudon, please."
"I'll have the same as him." Minoru said to Tatsuo, and the two of them then went on chatting, immersing in their own world.
The last bell finally rang, signaling the end of another school day. Many of the students tend to their clubs' activities afterwards, while the rest who didn't join any particular clubs, or in other words, members of the 'go-home' club, just left the campus and headed straight home, or stopped somewhere to hang out with their friends. Peacefully normal, just like any other schools in Japan. And as the sunset covered the whole horizon in an orange shade, at the track field situated to the west wing of the school, the track team is still practicing diligently, for the annual regional competition is only a few months away.
"Ready..." As the coach raised the gun and about to fire the shot, five male members of the team, including Mashiro, then assumed their crouching position. Bang. When the shot is fired, they all then began to run, as if their lives depend on it. It was a 100 meters sprint race, and as expected, Mashiro is the one to take the lead before any that of his teammates, and leave them behind in a considerable distant. His every movement is agile and his speed makes him run through the field like a breeze. The sight of an athlete who would wear his scarf even when he is running might seem weird, like really weird to any bystanders who are watching them nearby. But for all other members of the team, this is what they have beheld for almost everyday, so it didn't bother them as much.
The race finishes in a flash, and as usual, Mashiro made the top record again. "10.77." The member who recorded the time said to Mashiro and the others when they caught up to him. He loosened his scarf a bit and swept the sweats on his forehead before grinning and gave the others a V sign.
"Man, did you secretly have some sorts of propeller installed in your legs or something...? None of us can ever catch up with you like this, senpai." A fellow member who had just taken part in the race with him said.
"Hehe, I'm just lucky. I still have a long way. Don't be so down, you guys are really good too." He scratched the back of his head and said in his usual bright and cheerful manner.
"Alright team, that's it for today." The coach gathered everyone and announced, "You're all doing a great job, especially you, Nishizaka-kun. Just keep up the good work and we'll not only conquer the regional, we'll be heading straight to the Nationals. Ganbarou."
Everyone applauded in approval, before picking up their own stuffs and made their ways to the changing room. Mashiro gulped down the lemon salt water he brewed in his bottle and then went to dressed off too. On the way, the other members kept praising him, entrusting that he would bring victory to their school. They nicknamed him the Zephyr of Ichiro High is for a reason, after all.
But little did they all know that all of it could only make Mashiro felt even more frustrated and insecure about himself.
Some of the girls asked him to go to the karaoke with them, but Mashiro quickly excused himself and took his leave. He knows he should feel that way, but somehow, it makes him feel really uncomfortable spending time with too many people at once. There's been only one person that he is comfortable around with, so in fact. he couldn't wait to be as quick as he could to finish with the track team's practices to meet him.
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"...自分とは何でどこへ向かうべきか 問い続ければ見えてくる
荒れた青春の海は厳しいけれど
明日の岸辺へと 夢の舟よ進め
今 負けないで 泣かないで 消えてしまいそうな時は
自分の声を信じ歩けばいいの
大人の僕も傷ついて眠れない夜はあるけど
苦くて甘い今を生きている
人生の全てに意味があるから 恐れずにあなたの夢を育てて
Keep on believing..."
At the stage of Ichiro High situated to the east wing of the campus, the school's choir is practicing one of the songs they are intending to use in an upcoming competition for a chance to perform at Tokyo Dome. This is, of course, a chance of a lifetime, so they are really putting a lot of their efforts into what they are doing. The song flows harmoniously, as both the vocals and the harmony fits perfectly with the piano accompany.
Minoru closes his eyes while he let his fingers trail across the piano's keyboard. Aside from the Orchestra, he is not a set member of any musical clubs in Ichiro High, but he is literally presented in any musical events that require someone to play a specific instrument, should those partake in them come to him and ask him nicely to accompany them. Of course, with his talents for many kinds of instruments out there, his list is always fully booked. He couldn't really help it though. There are plenty others who are good with music around school, yet he doesn't get why people always turn to him though. Probably due to what some of his classmates said to be his 'fanclub' or something.
The song finishes beautifully, and the choir decided to call it a day then. The girl who was the conductor then came over to him, "Thanks a lot, Minoru-san. I knew we could always count on you. You really helped us big time."
"No, it's nothing, Mariko-san." Minoru replied in his usual quiet, polite tone and his charismatic smile, "Anytime you need."
Mariko blushes a little before clearing her throat, "Hey, I was wondering if... if you would like to come with us for a treat? It's a thank you for helping us the past few days."
"Well, it's kind of you to invite. But I must apologize, since I already have some plans to do." Minoru gathered his stuffs and stood up from the piano's stool, "If there's nothing else that you need, please excuse me. I'll see everyone tomorrow if you need."
He then bowed to everyone and took his leave. Watching as Minoru left, Mariko sighed as another girl walked up to her, "See? I told you. I have never seen him hanging out with anyone, other than Mashiro-senpai the star of track team. He's always polite to everyone but it's hard to even approach him."
"Mashiro-senpai, huh? The two of them must be really close."
"Yeah, I heard they are only cousins but they are closer than any other siblings out there, if I must say." The girl shrugged, "Oh well, where shall we go today?"
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Mashiro was standing at his shoe locker, changing from the school's uniform shoes to his usual white pair of boots. Many people tend to think he has an odd view when it comes to fashion, but he just dresses in any ways he felt comfortable in, so he didn't really get why they would think so. While he is still pondering over some rather trivial matters, he jolted a bit when he felt a pair of skinny arms wrapped around his chest, and someone's face buried into his back.
"Hey, didn't we agree that public intimacy is a no-no?" Mashiro said jokingly, already knowing who it was without even turning his head to look at the other.
"Don't care. There's no one around us anyway." Minoru said in a slightly whining tone. If anyone happened to stop by, they would certainly think the two of them are lovers. But that's not too far from the truth, anyway. "I need my Shiro-chan recharge ~" Minoru tightened his embrace. Hugging Mashiro for him is always the best, and even the fluffiest teddy bear in the world cannot match up to his cousin.
"Now, now. Let go of me before I choke." Reluctantly, Minoru let go as the two of them then headed off the campus, "I really must find a way to put some muscles on your body though."
"Well, I've tried everything since I was a kid already, but it doesn't really improve much, so good luck with that." Minoru chuckled.
The two of them converses about all their activities at school on their way towards the Watanabe family restaurant, which is thankfully not too far away from Ichiro High and rather close to their house. Since Kyouka will not be coming home today due to some urgent business she needed to take care of at the company so they have decided to eat out and let the helpers at their house to return home earlier than usual. Though this really saddens Minoru as he has anticipated that Mashiro would be cooking instead of eating out like this.
Watanabe's restaurant has been a favorite spot for the two of them to hang out recently, since it is generally quiet, it has an overall nice view and they wouldn't be bothered much here. They took their seats near a window and moments later, Tatsuo, the son of the owner of this place came and took their orders. Minoru can also see from afar that a fellow schoolmate with them, Hana, is also working.
"Hi Tatsuo-kun." Mashiro replied, skimming through the menu, "I'll have a katsudon, please."
"I'll have the same as him." Minoru said to Tatsuo, and the two of them then went on chatting, immersing in their own world.