Touya Wataragani's Story

Kisa

By the time I got up this morning my brother was already up and from the sound of the kitchen, making breakfast. I quickly got ready and went to the kitchen to meet him. "Good morning brother!" I said cheerfully. "Morning Kisa." Touya said as he focused on flipping some pancakes. There were already two pancakes on a plate at the table, a jar of peanut butter next to them. I sat down in my chair and starting putting peanut butter on my pancakes. As I was finished Touya came and sat down in his chair. We ate our pancakes in silence, then cleaned up together. After that we grabbed our bags and left for school. Is was my first day in high school so I was a little nervous, but my big brother was there so I wasn't too worried.


Touya

Me and Kisa walked to school together. I lead and she was right behind me. It was about 7:45, we were going to make a quick stop at the Martial Arts Club room. I had forgotten to put the sign up sheet on the clubs board yesterday. We made it to school and the club room. I loved this place. The whole floor was covered in bamboo colored mats, except for a square in the middle that was black mats for sparring. One corner had a bunch of punching bags, another had different kinds of practice weapons. There was a door that lead to the changing room where all our gis were kept. (OOC: For those who don't know a gi is a martial arts uniform) Outside the room was a cubby for all our shoes, you always went barefoot inside a dojo, the formal name for this place. I walked up to the edge of the room and took my shoes off, then I stood with my feet together, put my right arm up so it was parallel to both the ground and my chest, curled my right hand into a fist, then I put my left hand over my right, open handed, and bowed. You always bow before entering a dojo. The right hand represents power and the left represents peace. You cover the power with the peace, showing that you will not use the skills you have to harm others unless attacked first. I got the sign up sheet from the changing room and went back the enterance where Kisa was waiting. I put my shoes back on and we went to the clubs board and pinned the sign up sheet to it. Then we went to the courtyard where the opening ceremony was going to take place.

Touya

I led Kisa to her classroom, first year class B. Then said goodbye and went my own classroom, third year B. I picked the desk next to one of the members of the Martial Arts club and we talked for a while about the difference between soft blocks, sliding your hand down a person's arm or leg and at the ankle or wrist grabbing and pulling them in close, and hard blocks, blocking by actually hitting the arm out of your way, you wouldn't to do it against a leg, big bone versus little bone, big bone wins, and what body styles suited each more. Though I'm a pretty big guy I prefer soft blocks, I don't want to rely on my size and strength, I try to do things mostly my technique.

Kisa

My big brother left me at my classroom, so I found a seat in the back of the class by the window. I didn't want to socialize so I took out a book and started reading. The classroom was noisy, all the other first years were chatting and trying to make friends the first day. I didn't care too much, as long as I had Touya I would be fine. I thought about the first Martial Arts Club meeting that would be held after school, to introduce the first years to the third years that would be teaching them. I wondered if my brother would let me help with the teaching, I know a lot about Kempo already. He probably wouldn't let me though, it would look like he was picking favorites with the first years. I pushed the thought out of my mind and went back to my book.

Kisa

I heard the announcement about the welcoming ceremony so I put my book away and went back to the courtyard. I looked around for my brother but couldn't find him. He was probably checking on the Martial Arts Club sign up sheets. As the club's leader he had a lot of stuff to take care for todays first club meeting. I stood awkwardly by myself, trying to spot someone I knew from middle school. I doubted I would, we had moved during the summer so we could be closer to Touya's job.

Touya

After the announcement I went to check the sign up sheet. So far the only people on there were the third and second years that would be returning, and Kisa. Oh well, I'll have to check again after second period. I went to the courtyard and found Kisa rather easily. Two third years from the Martial Arts Club were having a sparring, fake fighting, match. I looked at them, and then back at Kisa. "Go on." she said to me. I smiled and thanked her. Then went going the two. "Two on one?" I suggested. They nodded and squared up against me. Squaring up means getting into a fighting stance, typically with your left leg forward and your right leg back, how wide or long your stance is depends on the person, knees bent, and arms up in a guard. The three of us began a quick paced but controlled match, meaning that we were hitting each other, but only at about ten percent power.

Kisa

I was getting bored watching my brother and the two third years spar. Though by now they had drawn quite the crowd. Mostly of the onlookers seemed to be first years who watched curiously. There were even a few teachers watching. I really wanted to join the three. I caught my brother's attention and as moved, keeping the two in front of him at all times. All I had to do was look at him and he knew what I wanted to do. He nodded and called break. Break is our term for stop. My brother and the other two were breathing heavily. "Two on two?" Touya asked the others. They knew he meant me as the fourth person. They nodded and Touya motioned me to come over. My and Touya squared up against the other two. "Begin." Touya said and the four of us started our match.

Touya

We decided to end our two on two match after a few minutes. The four of us were tired but not too tired. I looked at the crowd and decided now would be a good time as any. I took some flyers for the Martial Arts Club out of my bag and started handing them to the first years. Maybe our sparring match would inspire them to join the club. Who knows?

Yuki nodded. "It's a good idea to make it to that ceremony on time."

And hey, if we can't manage to get this open I can share my locker with you until you get this resolved with the staff if you'd like.

Yuki laughed nervously and scratched her head. "I really wouldn't want to be a bother, Satomi-San." Yuki noticed that Kiku had been looking at her for a while and she smiled. "Is something wrong?" And then Kiku suddenly looked the other way. Did I do something? I hope I didn't do something... Oh, Yuki! You idiot! Yuki stopped thinking about her foolishness for a few seconds and looked at her new friend. Satomi-san is very cute. She has enough traits to make her seem older than a first year.. But she also looks like she could still be a middle school student at times. Yuki snapped out of her thoughts and sweatdropped. Stop daydreaming about peoples appearances, you idiot! Yuki mentally hit herself in the forehead and cleared her throat. "We should probably get going now, Satomi-san." Yuki walked outside of the school, expecting Kiku to follow, when she seen a crowd. Yuki turned to Kiku. "I'm going to check that out, okay?" Yuki squeezed in through the crowd of mostly boys, and the occasional screaming girl. When Yuki finally got to the front of the crowd, she seen 4 people sparring. It must be okay if the teachers aren't doing anything about it... That looks like a lot of fun! When Yuki received a flyer from a girl with pigtails, she smiled brightly and said, "Thank you! You're an amazing fighter." Yuki quickly waved without a response from the girl and ran back to Kiku. "Sorry about that."

Kisa

I helped my brother hand out flyers. I tried my best to smile and talk to the people, but socializing isn't my thing. One girl I gave one to smiled at me, "Thank you! You're an amazing fighter." she said. She waved and walked away before I could say anything. I gave a small wave back but I don't think she saw it. I returned to handing out flyers, hopefully this will bring some people into the club.

Touya

I gave out flyers, smiling and answering any questions people had until the flyers were gone. The two third years from the club had left to go get some drinks from a vending machine. There was still a few minutes left before the ceremony was suppose to start so it was okay. They came back with four iced teas. Me, Kisa, and them all drank them quickly, while sitting under a big tree. Then we decided to talk until the ceremony started. Well Kisa was reading, but the rest of us were talking.

Touya

I seemed that most of the students were out in the courtyard, only a handful remained inside. The welcoming ceremony should be starting any minute now, but there was no sign of school principal. Others noticed that too, I heard some of the students talking about it. Well since it seems I have the time. "Hey Kisa, I'm gonna take one last quick look at the sign up sheet." Kisa smiled knowingly at me. I really take my duties as Martial Arts Club leader very seriously. Actually I take all my work seriously. I got up and jogged through the crowd of students, back inside. I made my way back to the sign up sheet and read through the names. There were a few more names on it, but Kisa was the only girl. I frowned, I really think all girls should take martial arts, so they know how to defend themselves. I'm trying to be sexist but girls are more likely to be attacked. I sighed and decided to stick around the board for a few minutes, see if I can convince anyone to sign up.

Kisa

After my brother left I looked around at some of the students. There was a group of girls gossiping nearby. They were discussing who was cute enough to ask out. My brother came up in their conversation. Though apparently none of them like eyebrow piercings. I wasn't worried, my brother was too into work and martial arts to have time for a girlfriend. Near them was two guys checking out the group of girls. Disgusting pigs.

No one seemed interested in the swim team's flyers. Taura grunted and forcefully splatted the flyers onto the wall. Her bottom lip sprang up a bit and her eyebrows dove down, creating a bit of a scary frown on her face. How was she going to get new members for the swim team? Who knew when the first swimming competition would be...

There were barely any students in the school now. Most of them were outside in the courtyard, ready for the start of the welcoming ceremony. Taura took this advantage to march around the school to see if there were any vulnerable students to force into the swim team. She didn't enjoy the fact that recruiting new members came down to this, but what must be done must be done.

On the way, Taura spotted a muscular third year, Touya Wataragani, standing by a couple of sheets. He seemed familiar to her and wondered if he was in the same class as her, 3B. Touya looked like he was waiting for someone.

"Hey," said Taura as she paced herself towards Touya. "Do you want to join the swim team? I suggest you do. It's a really great place to show skill and technique." Taura put her arms behind her back and crossed two of her fingers. She hoped that this boy would accept her request.

If not, Taura would have to forfeit Fukushima High from the list of competing schools in the first swim competition.

No... I should be the one apologizing... I started yelling like that in front of everyone... I must have embarrassed you... Not only that but I called you Yuki, it uh... Just kinda slipped out... I had a friend I called Yuki before so... I guess it's just a habit. I'm really sorry...

Yuki's eyes widened at this and she shook her head. "No, it's okay. I understand you were angry. That guy was the one who was embarrassing me, not you. And Satomi-chan..." Yuki put her hand on Kiku's shoulder. "...I don't mind if you call me by my first name. We're friends, right?" Yuki had a very wide smile on her face. "So, please don't worry anymore.. Okay? Yuki took her hand off of Kiku's shoulder. "I have to go sign up for this. I'll be right back." Yuki made a small wave at Kiku and ran off.

Yuki ran towards the sign up sheets for the martial arts club and noticed two people standing there. She had been running for a while so she was a little out of breath, but she smiled as soon as she caught up to them. "Hello!" She turned to Touya and bowed slightly. "I'm here to sign up for the martial arts club. I seen you and your sister sparring with those other guys.. And I have some experience in martial arts myself. So I'd like to join you please!" Yuki just then realized she butted into their conversation. "Gah! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to butt in... Um, carry on." Yuki blushed and took a step back.

There was suddenly an announcement that the opening ceremony was beginning, but Yuki ignored it. She wanted to be a good student, but she also didn't want to take the chance of seeing that Kyoya fellow again. Hmm, but then again... That girl would probably just tell him to back off... Like I didn't have the guts to do... Yuki sighed at her thoughts and snapped back out of them again, realizing she was still here with people.

Touya
"Do you want to join the swim team? I suggest you do. It's a really great place to show skill and technique." I turned to see a girl from my class, I believe her name is Taura Tsukino. "I'm sorry Tsukino-san, but I'm the leader of the Martial Arts Club. I have my hands full already. And um, I can't swim." I rubbed the back of neck in an embarrassed manner as I said the last thing. Thankfully a distraction appeared just then. A first year girl ran up. "I'm here to sign up for the martial arts club. I seen you and your sister sparring with those other guys.. And I have some experience in martial arts myself. So I'd like to join you please!" I felt a little guilty, after Tsukino-san had just tried to get me to join the swim team. I opened my mouth to speak when the girl spoke again. "Gah! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to butt in... Um, carry on." Then she took a step back. "No no, its quite all right. All you need to do is put your name on the Martial Arts Club sign up sheet. Our first meeting is today after school." I smiled and gestured to the sheet next to me.

"I'm sorry Tsukino-san, but I'm the leader of the Martial Arts Club. I have my hands full already. And um, I can't swim." said Touya, looking embarrassed as he as he rubbed the back of his neck. Taura sighed. Who is going to join the swim team, she thought. Just then, a first year girl with silver hair made her way to Taura and Touya. She stated that she wanted to join the Martial Arts Club and Taura felt her own eyes burn.

"No no, its quite all right. All you need to do is put your name on the Martial Arts Club sign up sheet. Our first meeting is today after school." Touya gestured to the sign up sheets to the first year whose name was Yuki Hayashi. Taura moved her hair back onto her ears and gently put herself into the new conversation.

"Hello, my name is Taura Tsukino!" Taura put on a smile towards Yuki, hoping that this would ease the girl as she had blushed earlier and the redness still hasn't quite left her cheeks. "I see you're joining the Martial Arts Club. Wataragani-san must be a great club leader, but I am also a club leader. Well, sort of. I'm the captain of the swim team and I was assigned to recruit new members. Would you like to join?" Taura's mouth didn't pull back into a smile and her eyes widened, making her face look dull and intimidating.

"You don't have to," Taura added in, trying to add in as much as she can before the girl could speak. She hoped that Touya wasn't getting impatient since she was holding off an incoming Martial Arts Club member from signing up. "It's just that there are no current members, and the team is kind of desperate..."

No no, its quite all right. All you need to do is put your name on the Martial Arts Club sign up sheet. Our first meeting is today after school.

Yuki smiled at this and clapped her hands together. "Alrighty!" She rubbed both of her hands together quickly before grabbing the pen and signing her name on the sign up sheet. She noticed that there was only one female name on this sheet and exhaled. "No girls, eh?" Yuki spun towards them both.

Hello, my name is Taura Tsukino!

Yuki smiled and bowed. "Well, hello there! My name is Yuki Hayashi. It's a pleasure to meet you." Yuki smiled even wider at her request. "That's great! I was just about to go and find you! But here you are." Yuki chuckled to herself and nodded. "I would love to join. And if it would help you out, then that would be great!" She accepted a sheet from Taura and signed it quickly. "I'm sorry, I'm in a hurry! I have to go find my friend." Yuki explained. " Bye, Tsukino-san. It was great meeting you, and I look forward to being on the swim team! See you after school, Wataragani-san!" Yuki said to Touya as she ran away, waving.

Yuki smirked at herself. I know. I'm going to sneak up on Satomi-chan and scare her... But wait, that would be mean. Well, she doesn't look like she'd take it too seriously... Right? Yuki was trying to decide on whether or not she should scare her friend, she didn't even notice she quietly came near her already without even realizing it. Yuki popped right in front of Kiku smiling. "Hey, Satomi--" Then she saw her friend in tears. "H-Hey... What's wrong?" Yuki kneeled down before Kiku and grabbed onto her hands. "Are you okay?"



Akane's walk with Izanagi to the opening ceremony was a bit awkward and silent so when they finally got there, "Well, it was a pleasure meeting you." Akane quickly bowed and walked over towards the Martial Arts Club sign up sheet. She kind of just blinked at the two people standing there and signed the sheet. She took a couple steps away from the sheet and scratched the back of her head. Well, I might as well say hi or something... I guess. Akane cleared her throat, then coughed, then finally, "Uh, hey. I'm Akane Yamada. Well, I mean... If you looked on that paper, then you could see my name... 'Cause I just signed it and all..." Akane blinked and sweatdropped. Wow, Akane... SMOOTH MOVE. I'm sure you'll make tons of friends if you keep acting like a damn idiot. Akane mentally slapped herself across the face and stood there, awkwardly.

"Bye, Tsukino-san. It was great meeting you, and I look forward to being on the swim team! See you after school, Wataragani-san!" Yuki waved as she ran away and short moments later, another girl arrived. She had brown hair that resembled Taura's.

She introduced herself quite roughly, stuttering a few of her words here and there. Taura glazed over at Touya, wondering if the girl would mind joining the swim team. If she did, Taura would finally no longer feel like a desperate captain inside.

As the girl just stood there awkwardly, Taura, with her unsmiling, expressionless face, stepped in between Touya and the girl. Not bothering to give a little look of happiness, Taura unknowingly glared at the girl with her own intense, brown eyes that also resembled the second year's.

"If you were talking about the Martial Arts Club, which you probably are," said Taura in her dull voice. "Then I suggest you also join the swim team! I'm Taura Tsukino. I'm sure Wataragani-san here wouldn't mind if I had you sign up for me before him." Taura practically forced a swim team flyer into the girl's hands.

"We meet tomorrow after school. If you happen to see Yuki Hayashi, please inform her of this also." Taura removed her glare from Akane then walked off, still not smiling.

Akane stood there awkwardly watching the tall female glaring at her. "Uh..." Akane just stood there listening to the woman practically ordered her to join the Swim Team. She just held onto the flyer and watched her walk away. Akane frowned and watched her walk away. Okay, even I know that was uncalled for! She didn't have to just shove that thing in my face! And who the hell is Yuki Hayashi?! Akane still having a frown on her face, looked in Touya's direction. "Who's Yuki Hayashi? Do you know her? Because that would be great if you did. If you know what she looks like, can you give me a description?" Akane piled a bunch of questions on top of Touya.



Yuki stood up, watching Kiku stand up like nothing had happened. Stubbed your toe, eh? I've used that one before... Yuki sweatdropped as she watched Kiku go on and on about Yuki's club. Yuki crossed her arms and got a serious look on her face. "Could I see your toe? I mean, you might have bruised it, or it might be swollen. So, I think you should let me look at it." Yuki smiled at Kiku and then, "Just kidding. But seriously, tell me what's wrong... Please. I'd really like it if you could trust me with your problems. If you really don't want to tell me... Then I guess I won't force you." Yuki took a step closer and held onto both of Kiku's hands. "I know we just met today, but I feel as if I could really trust you with my problems, and I hope you can trust me with yours."

Touya

I listened to Akane as she asked a bunch of questions. I pointed in the direction Hayashi-san had just went off in. "Hayashi-san just went that way. If you hurry you should be able to catch her." I looked over to Tsukino-san, but it seemed that she was busy. "Well, I must be off, the welcoming ceremony should be starting by now." I said to no one in paticular. As I made my way back to the courtyard I felt satisfied, three new female members for the Martial Arts Club. I also thought about the idea of entering the club in some tournaments. I'd have to mention it at today's meeting and see who was interested.

Kisa

I looked up from my book when Touya came back. "Any luck?" I asked. "Two female first years signed up. And I embarrassed myself in front of the swim team captain." Touya answered. "Why because you can't swim?" I teased. Touya glared at me, "You can't swim either." he said. It may have looked like we were fighting to any normal person, but we were just teasing each other. That's what happens when you're so close to someone. We were the only one each other could rely on after all.

Touya

I sighed, bored out of my mind at the welcoming ceremony. But as a club leader I felt that I should set a good example for the other members and attend all school events. Honestly I don't care to much about them, but I still go. Well atleast this was the last one I had to go to, just one more year and I'll be free to... To do what exactly? I've never really thought about what happens after highschool. Obviously I couldn't afford to go to college and working at the cafe for the rest of my life is out of the question. I started chewing on my lip as I thought. I'm a good fighter, maybe I could get a job as a bodyguard? Kisa says I'm a good singer, but I don't think I'm that good. I could never use that as a career. Just then, Kisa elbowed me in the ribs. Judging from how it felt, my ribs were already bruising from the sparring match earlier. I really need to start protecting them more. "Smoke in coming out of your ears." she said. It was her way of telling me to stop thinking so much. Since I tend to overthink things.

Kisa

The welcoming ceremony was over, so me and Touya went to work. Touya was standing near the sign up sheets again, using his talking skills to convince people to sign up. I was suppose to go around, punch random students in the ribs, tell them that this could have been avoided if they had martial arts training, then give them a flyer. It wasn't working very well so far, but it was fun. And I understood the real reason Touya wanted me doing this. So I was talking to people, he was trying to help me make friends. He really does look out for me.

Touya

The bell rung, signaling the beginning of classes. I went to my classroom and sat down in the same seat as before. My mind was on the Martial Arts Club meeting after school. I'd start by explaining the club's rules and when we met, then I'd bring up the idea of entering tournaments, then I'd split the first years up into two groups, those without any training and those with. I'd would work with the ones without training and the ones with some training would be free to do whatever they like. It would be that way for about a week then all the first years will be trained by me for a while. As the teacher walked in I quickly covered my three silver eyebrow piercings with my hair. This teacher hated facial piercings and would pick on the students who had them by always calling on them to answer questions. I hadn't had this teacher before but a female second year in the club, who had a piercing on her nose, warned me.

Kisa

I heard the bell ring and actually managed to find the classroom again. I took a seat in the back again. The students around me all ignored me. I didn't care, I prefered it that way. I took out a notebook so I could take notes when the time came and doodled on the top of the page while I waited for the teacher to arrive.

Yuki sat alone and began to write down plans for the clubs she was in. Okay. I have to be a good sport and help out. Yuki started off by writing down

Martial Arts Club

at the top of her page and listed some things below it.

~Put up a stand in the next fair with a bunch of facts on Martials Arts
~Have a free teaching session on the weekend with a Martial Arts Master (payed for by us) for fundraising and improving interest in Martial Arts

Yuki suddenly got writer's block for Martial Arts ideas. Her mood was brightening up a little bit. Next thing she wrote was

Swim Team

and listed things below it.

~Swim-a-thon!
~Do races for fun, and for stamina improvement
~Use swim toys!

Yuki sighed. I can't let Tsukino-san know how childish I can be... Yuki brushed it off and wrote down

Music Club

and listed things below it.

~Music Videos
~Perform a mini-concert at the next fair
~Raise money for improved instruments
~Pay a professional to help with amateurs people who... Need help?

Yuki was afraid that the last part made her sound stuck up. She brushed it off and got a great idea. She wrote,

All groups

~A trip!

Yuki closed her notebook, and checked her watch. The bell will ring in a few minutes. Yuki checked her schedule. Special Gym Event? For... The whole schoole?! Yuki quickly finished eating and made her way inside. She dumped her garbage out and walked around for the remaining minutes she had left when she heard on the announcements,

Good afternoon students! After the bell rings, everyone make their way to the back field. The change rooms may be crowded, so if you want to get a head start before others start piling in, you are free to do so now!

The announcements went off and Yuki decided she should go early. She ran up to her classroom and got a neatly folded gym uniform that was stuffed in there, and made her way out to the back, and into the change room.



Akane noticed that a girl, seemingly younger than her, walked towards the edge of the roof and sighed. I don't blame her for not wanting to come near me. Maybe I should just leave her alone... Akane gathered her things and started walking away, and said one last thing before closing the door to the roof. "Sorry for taking your spot." She then shut the door and began walking back down to her own level, and head towards her classroom.

Akane walked in, not caring if anyone was inside or not, headed towards her desk and began eating. When she was done, she pulled out a notebook from her school bag, hanging from the side of her desk and began to doodle using a mechanical pencil from her bag.

Akane was busy doodling, and didn't even notice the time fly by. She heard the announcements,

Good afternoon students! After the bell rings, everyone make their way to the back field. The change rooms may be crowded, so if you want to get a head start before others start piling in, you are free to do so now!

and she packed her things up, pulling out a gym uniform, and started walking outside towards the girls change room. "It would be a good idea to get a head start. Why not?" Akane said to herself as she seen the change room, and came closer to it.

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OOC: Hey guys! I'm tagging everyone because some of you seem a little inactive lately... You aren't required to read this post, if you don't want to. But I mentioned Kiku Satomi in this one. Soo, yep. Please keep posting everyone!

Taura couldn't stand being in class 3B. What could be worse than being forced to be with a bunch of immature third years? Name-callings were shot quickly at hopeless victims and there were a couple of guys messing around with one of the shyest girls in 3B. Taura's eyes shot towards the board, angry at the teacher for being so lenient.

Good afternoon students! After the bell rings, everyone make their way to the back field. The change rooms may be crowded, so if you want to get a head start before others start piling in, you are free to do so now!" the announcements rang.

"Goodness gracious. I need to talk to my Swim Team..." Taura muttered to herself as she swiftly dodged a paper ball aimed at Touya Wataragani. She got up from her seat, gave a glaring look at the panicking teacher, and left the classroom. She marched to her locker to retrieve some gym clothes then walked over to the changing rooms where she spotted two of her Swim Team members.

"Hayashi-san, Yamada-San, hello." said Taura coldly, still a bit irritated from the immaturity of the class she was just in. She tried to put on the best smile that she could, but terribly failed. Taura stood there awkwardly as she gave Yuki and Akane an odd grin that had no expression to it at all.




Daichi had to dodge many spitballs and paper balls just to survive the class he was in. Skipping the first one with Kyoya was great, but now that he was back in the classroom it was back to the usual. He spotted Taura giving the teacher an icy look and Touya almost being hit by a paper ball. He couldn't help it and gave out a little chuckle.

Good afternoon students! After the bell rings, everyone make their way to the back field. The change rooms may be crowded, so if you want to get a head start before others start piling in, you are free to do so now!" cried the announcements.

Daichi smiled to himself, knowing that he would get to see Kyoya. He saw Taura get up and he followed her quickly, though she broke off onto the path of her locker, leaving Daichi alone.

"Hmm, I wonder where Kyoya is..." muttered Daichi, standing in the same spot thinking while holding his gym clothes.