15 Practice_Match

[ Erza POV ]

Two days have proceeded since my 'talking' with Horikita. I tried to be as straight and composed as I could be. She doesn't make me frustated or anything of some sort like that. But this makes me curious, why she shows so much interest, in me and Ayanokouji's relationship? If I see this in one way, the answer is clear, for others we may look like pure classmates, just the very way Kushida, regarded us to be.

Not only one single time, but many other instances were there, where she asked for that same question. To both of us. Can't look away the fact, she saw me visiting Ayanokouji. So, if I term, the given, it would have a high possibility that, she is being suspicious of us. Accordingly, to what I was 'TOLD', there shouldn't be 'Two' Thorns. There should be 'One' Thorn, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

That is the sole reason, I cannot deny the fact, someone other than him is being suspecting me, rather 'Us'. But if she is not anyone significant, then is it possible that there were changes of 'Plans'? But I must have been informed. About this peculiar issue, if it was true, that is.

Taking the probability, there were change of plans, is it possible that 'they' FORGOT to inform the specifications? No. It cannot be. Reckless behaviour is an absolute contradiction to the proper etiquette practiced 'there'. I dont not think, there is any fault from 'Those' sides. I must figure it out, before the water gets too spilled.

I don't want unnecessary Hustle. Kushida, alone is enough.

But then, what if the other probability, of 'Them' really Forgetting to inform the circumstances? Even though, the chances are below 1 Per Cent, WHAT IF? Hmm. Guess, I would be considering 'Two' Thorns.

Looking at Horikita, she is too 'imperfect' to be a 'Thorn'. Then, can she really be regarded as 'Thorn'? I don't know of her skills, too perfectly, as I can tend to have an outlook regarding Ayanokouji's, so I cannot believe in such incompetent probabilities.

I think observing a bit more won't do any harm. Rather, I cannot believe that Horikita observing me, at that moment, slipped my mind. Reckless of me to think, this institution is 'Normal' along with the 'Students'.

Anyway, today's Sunday. Which means, holiday. Its peaceful. A bright, broad Day-lighted morning. 11:21 AM. Birds chirping outside. As the ray of sunlight fell over my bedsheet from the closest window nearby. Creating a golden tint onto my bedsheet of white colour.

Before this, two days before, after the 'Horikita Incident', Airi asked me to go somewhere together with her. It was probably in the classroom. I answered in affirmative and here I am wearing a White top with a Black Jacket and Skinny Quarter-Jeans, which pressed against my legs tightly. For hair, I did a ponytail by the left side. I wore my white Converse shoes and went outside. Locking my door afterwards.

I met with Airi, she is happy today.

"Good Morning, Eri!" She greeted me. Holding a Green colored Camera. She is a photographer, huh?

"I think I should now know, where we will be going." I asked. We were walking.

"Hmm~ Its a very nice place. I guarantee it. Showdowns are good, right?" She said. Showdowns? Are we going to see a Fight? Random Fight?

"Just where?"

"Hah! We are going to see the Practice Match of Sudou and the others!" She declared. Practice Match? Of what? Basketball? Come to think of it, I did say I ll consider visiting. But today? Hmm. Not that its too much of a problem. Fine.

"Are you excited, Eri?" Airi asked. Me, excited? For that? No, not quite. But I guess, it will be interesting.

"Not really, what about you?" I asked her.

"Well, I am nervous and excited, both. Nervous because there will be so many Boys and excited because I ll be watching a 'Match'."

"You get the fact, its a 'Friendly-Match', right?" I said as I glanced at her.

"Well yea. But still, it will be a good one."

Wait. Why sudden interest in Basketball?

"Airi. Is there any reason to why you developed such an interest in Basketball, suddenly? You never had a conversation with me before regarding that." I didnt take her for the Sporty type. Something's not right. Not that I know too much personal issues about Airi. Or that I am interested in it. Guess, she MIGHT be interested. Still, I want an answer.

But upon me questioning, she went confused. Probably, deprived of an explanation? Guess, its not a 'Hobby'. Then?

"A-Actually...Dont tell Sudou..but he asked me to bring you to the court along with me!" Airi Declared. Hearing her answer made me realise, its just a request, Sudou asked her, and she is acting upon it. Quite an honest girl, aren't you Sakura Airi?

If he wanted, he could have asked me too. But I guess, he chose this way. I dont care.

I sighed. Guess, he might be really desperate.

"So, what do you think?" I was caught off from my thoughts by Airi.

"About what specifically?" I answered.

"Um...What if Sudou...Umm..you know..like...what if he 'Likes'...you?" She said while her fist clenched.

What if he 'Likes' ME? I sighed. My cold, emerald eyes, which were glistering due to the sunlight, focused onto the ground. I have no such Time to spend into ridiculous situations like those. All I want is a satisfactory 'Result', from myself. And not that, I can be in those sort of 'Relationships', to begin with. I am a Mentally 'cursed' individual. I don't hope to have such 'interaction' between me or any individual, anytime soon.

Airi, glanced at me every now and then, waiting patiently for an answer.

"I do not plan on having such 'Absurd' relations. That's why, I cannot give an affirmative response to the given situation." I answered finally. Airi, looked at me and then at the ground.

"Do you not believe in Love?" She asked with a calm and polite voice.

Believe? In 'Love'? I don't know. But I am not capable of loving someone or to be loved by someone. Feelings for someone. I have never felt something like that. I am not at all, so eager to understand that kind of useless satisfactory method. All I can do is to devote myself in my 'duty', with a perfect result. Perfection should be there. As long as I can do my 'duty' dutifully, nothing else matters.

"Are we heading towards school?" I changed the topic, which can be evitable to Airi. No more interference into my Private Life. Maintaining a margin between me and other individuals, is what I can do the most. I dont want any person to get 'involved' into my circumstances.

Airi sighed. "All right! So we are going to the School's Basketball court!" Airi, playfully slapped her cheeks with her palm.

The street to the school was mildly packed with Students from different Classes and Years. It was a Holiday. Airi talked about different topics, on our way. Time passed and we went inside the School building. Standing in the Basketball Court Room.

"Hey! Sakura! Here!" Sudou called out, as soon as, he got hold of a sight of us.

Airi went first. Looks like Sudou and Airi, have became quite close acquaintances. Thats fine by me. She wont seem to be lonely. I followed her at the back.

Sudou came beside me.

"Hey! Erza." He said. I should act like I dont know anything right? I sighed mentally. There is no choice. Looking at Sudou, he was sweating a bit. His muscles of arms and legs were on display. Wearing The Orange coloured Basketball Jersey with our school's Name at the back. Holding a Basketball with his hand. He must be giving his best, practicing the sport.

"Greetings. Were you perhaps, Practicing?" I asked. Just to hold a proper conversation.

"Um..Yea! I was! Umm...were you busy? By any chance?" He asked nervously.

I glanced at him.

"Not quite. Airi had some plans with me. Looks like, the plan itself was to visit here." Sudou's eyes was on me.

"Oh I see...are you going to be here? I mean...You look like you are not interes-" Sudou said concerned.

"No, I am planing to stay, cause Airi and I had plans and just as I told before. I wasn't busy. So its fine." I cut him off and stared at him from the corner of my eyes. His eyes were left wide-opened. Ears...red? He is...blushing?

Come to think of it, Sudou actually having those kind of affectionate feelings towards me, is more unbelievable. The person who tried intimidate me just some time ago, actually feeling 'that'? I cannot believe this. Is there any kind of reason behind such actions? Should I be warned by his presence or should I not?

Wait. Its actually not confirmed that he 'definitely' harbor those kind of feelings towards me. Its just an assumption. Thats correct. There is no need to be reckless about it.

"Um...okay..so..like...you're gonna stay huh? God..thats great.." Sudou nervously laughed at the end. He covered his messy reddish face with his hands. And turned his head other way.

"Your nervousness is noticable, Sudou." I thought as I stared at him.

"Is there anyone beside us who will be coming?" I asked.

Sudou faced me now.

"Ah..Yea. I called Ayanokouji yesterday, to come. But still he hasn't arrived yet. Dunno he's gonna come or not, though..." He replied.

"Ok, I get it." With a Pause, I continued, "Are you both perhaps friends or just acquaintances?" He asked Ayanokouji, only? Isn't he friends with Ike and Yamauchi? What about Kushida? Don't tell me he didn't call them.

No. Its not because I want them here or anything. Its more like, it would be 'usual' for them to be here. That is surprising.

"Ayanokouji....huh? I might've not been too friendly with him. But yea. We exchanged numbers some days ago. I thought maybe calling him will be good." He wore a surprised face. "Its- Its not like...I care for him or anything. I dont not... absolutely dont think, he will be lonely or anything!"

I see. So you care about him. Guess, you got a nice 'Friend' Ayanokouji. But, what do you regard him for?

"Are you both close?" He suddenly spoke.

"Excuse me?" I said with my eyes focused onto his.

"Ayanokouji and you...If you dont mind." He asked cautiously. Aren't you quite caring towards my thoughts? But sorry, even if you're quite cautious, I am supposely not be able to pronounce my own relations and decisions. You would rather NOT know.

".....Simply Acquaintances." I answered still maintaining my gaze.

"I see. Hey! You should go to that bench." He said while he pointed at the bench, at the side of the wall.

"Sure. Thank you''. I said and went. I felt glances Every now and then. Made none other but Airi.

Ayanokouji will be coming. I am assuming that. He was quite punctual when it came to our 'meeting' before though. Does he not regard Sudou's invitation? Hah! As if I can say that. Did I regard Kushida's invitation at first? The second time?

No.

Isn't he 'just' like me? SELFISH?

I sat on the bench beside Airi. The coach marked the start of the 'Practice Match', as soon as the players took position. The coach whistled.

Sudou as great as his physique was. He was fast. The first basket is scored, then the next and it continued, as the first half of the game seemed to pass by. When it hit half time the score was tight and everyone, including Airi remained tense, waiting and desiring for a win.

Sudou was excited. He was pumped with Joy of playing Basketball and tensed about winning. Its a 'Practice-Match' but still he is so overwhelmed. What a nice devotion you've put Sudou.

Its already been 34 minutes, since I came here.

"Woah!! Sudou plays so great!" Airi exclaimed, whose eyes were focused onto the game. She is having a good time. Sudou on the other hand, was drinking water and talked with some teammate of his.

"He is cool, don't you think?" Airi looked at me and smiled. I looked at Sudou. Our eyes met. I distracted my eyes from him.

"If you think like that, then that must be it." I answered.

Airi sighed and asked. "What do YOU think, Eri?"

I glanced at her.

"The same as you, perhaps?"

"You know, I love taking pictures. I also post them online, people love them. That makes me happy." She looked at the ceiling.

"What does that mean telling that to me ?" I asked her. Thats out of topic. Its better.

"If you tell your True feelings to Sudou, I think he will be really glad and happy. Be honest to yourself too." She still looked at me and smiled.

Why does she always smile at me? I am not 'that' significant to her. We are acquaintances, and its fine. I better be allright with it. Yes.

My feelings? Thoughts? Me making someone happy? Being myself? That's utter false statements. I cannot harbor such feelings. Happiness? Being happy? Was never a choice, for me. Thus, I can't make someone happy or sad. I am not capable of such affections.

"I guess I will think about it." I looked forward.

"Erza..." Airi called. I looked at her.

"Yes." I said.

She stood up and turned at me.

"You are really amazing, Erza. Like the way you defended Kushida. Like the first time I met you. I think you are special the way you are." She said as she held my arms. "Be a little honest with yourself. Smile more. Okay?" She smiled at me.

Special? Amazing? Why are you regarding such adjectives towards me? I am none of those. Pathetic.

"Why should I smile unnecessarily? I dont have any intention of being like that." I answered back as I turned my eyes away.

"You are beautiful, isnt that reason enough? You are pretty." She complimented.

What utter bullshit she is speaking of.

"Whatever." I said back. I was calm. My voice didn't shake.

"Heyy!! Ayanokouji!!! Heree!" Sudou called out suddenly.

My eyes roamed around the direction, Sudou's eyes were. Saw Ayanokouji coming towards him. They both talked for a while.

"Eh? What are they talking about? Glancing at us like that". Airi spoke.

I glanced at them. Sudou's and my eyes met. He quickly distracted them. Oh. Ayanokouji was looking at our direction too.

After that, he came towards us and sat on the bench.

"You know you are late, right?" Airi chuckled.

"Well I am aware of that. I was cooking and it got burned to ashes." He said without any hesitation.

Wastage of Food. And Points.

"Oh thats bad. Have u ate something?" Airi asked.

"No."

".....Um..shall we head somewhere to eat lunch then?" Airi proposed.

I took out my mobile. Airi stared at me.

"What?" I asked.

"You wanna go with us?" She asked. I looked at Ayanokouji, who was staring at me from the corner of his eyes.

"....I dont mind." I answered.

"Sudou should come too." Ayanokouji proposed.

Hmm? That one proposal was in the tip of his tongue. Did he expect me to say 'Yes'? I can't understand him.

"Yea...no problem...Sudou is actually a pretty decent guy, don't you think?" Airi chuckled.

"Yes.....He sure is." Ayanokouji answered non-chalantly.

The Second match was up. It wasn't all that boring and all. But watching Sudou is refreshing. Airi went to the otherside, to get a better view of the match. She held her 'Green' camera and clicked pictures.

Probably, for a memory...must've been nice.

"If you don't want to go its fine." The voice beside me called me.

"What are you trying to say?" I asked back.

"You are not interested, are you?" His face faced towards the game.

"...Why are you concluding that all by yourself?" I answered.

"No. I didn't. You know that well."

Why am I losing my patience, today?

"Its nothing of some sort like that. I am going just because I was invited. That is there to it." I slightly turned to my face and looked at him, narrowing my eyes. "....And I am going, With my own conscience."

He looked at me from the corner of his eyes.

"Sure. If thats what you want. I ll gladly accept that." He answered.

"Why were you late?" I asked. The reason he gave was not believable. Atleast not to me. It sounded way too 'unreal'? Whatever. I ll just make him answer.

"I told you I burn-" I cut him off.

"Answer me." He thinks he can lie to me?

"Do you actually know I am lying or being honest? Or are you just testing me like before."

"I have no idea and that's the sole reason to why I am asking you." I said. Our eyes met. And we kept it like that. I waited for a 'Proper' Answer.

"....I was indecisive to whether I should come or not." He answered. He broke our contact of eyes.

"What do you regard Sudou as?" I asked. Definitely not a 'Friend'.

"....I dont know myself. He is a classmate, who is very.... strong, intimidating, and manly, I'd say." He looked at me. "What about you? You don't consider him as a 'Friend', Do you? He will not be happy about it."

"Does it matter? Everyone is the same to me. They are pure classmates, and I dont intent to have such deep relations, to whoever is from-"

"This institution?" Ayanokouji cut me off. Oh well. He knew it. How great this thrill is.

"I guess you're correct." I said.

"Are you aware of the fact?" Ayanokouji asked out of nowhere.

"About what specifically, may I ask?"

"Sudou, towards you... like---" I cut him off. Oh I see, he is totally having knowledge about it.

"Yes I am aware." I answered.

"What are you going to do?" He asked.

I held a silence within us. Him, waiting for an answer.

"I dont suppose to act upon such idioti-"

"What are you gonna do?" He cut me off asking the same question. Why?

His cold brownish eyes drilled within my cold emerald gaze. My eyes were left a little gaped.

"You cut me off saying the exact same question."

"Your not telling the truth. Your not heartless. Stop trying to act like one." He replied.

"What are you implying?" I asked as I narrowed my eyes at him. I dont like the sound of it.

"Its not that you cant show expressions? Is it? Its not that you don't feel emotions for some people? Do you?" He maintained our distance. "You can show and feel emotions. But you dont tend to knowingly. Its fine by me. I am no one to tell but, you are too cold, with yourself aren't you?"

".....I dont particularly understand your statements, Ayanokouji." I said as I distracted my eyes to the game.

"You do, and you are not honest now at the present too."

"Stop saying those useless statements." I said. I was calm. Its just exchange of words between us.

"You and I, both know, I am correct. Right? Erza Wistaria?" He said in a low voice.

WHAT DOES HE KNOW ABOUT ME? WAIT. HE SURELY DOESNT. Isn't he just Predicting?

"No. You are wrong." I replied.

He sighed.

"Fine if thats how you gonna act." He said. "Atleast tell me if you're going to answer him or not."

"I surely told we are 'Partners', didn't I? But am I in some Position to answer your question?" I asked.

"Yes, you are. You are a Partner. Of mine. Correct?"

"Are you being possessive?" I asked.

"No, I am suspicious."

We didnt say anything after that.

"Lets see, depends on the situation." I thought.

[ Erza POV ends ]

[ Ayanokouji POV ]

( After the MATCH )

"So where are we heading at?" Sudou said.

After the Practice match we asked Sudou, if he wanted to come ot not. Sudou asked me beforehand, when I came to the court. About Erza. About this 'Lunch' matter. Thus, I lied, about my food being burnt.

I am 'Proud' of my cooking skills.

Erza was fine. Though looked her usual, uninterested. Sakura, was hyped as its going to be fun, going out with 'Friends'. I was pretty normal about it. Being non-chalant about things like these, but not that uninterested though.

We were heading towards a restaurant.

"Actually I heard, 'Salmon' is pretty famous here. Shall we visit, then?" Sakura replied to Sudou.

Erza and Me were basically a little behind them. Where I was walking beside Sudou and Sakura beside Erza. Sudou and Sakura were at the middle.

I glanced at Erza. She was unusually Quiet. Well, not that, she talks much either. She talks only when there is something related to her. Mostly, 'comebacks'; the one she gives is most likely to be the one you can term it to be 'savage'. So some girls, wary her.

'Salmon' is pretty famous around the area like 'Pallet'. Though 'Salmon' is a Restaurant. Must be expensive. I better not be careless. Don't wanna put my 'Points' at stake due to something like this.

Soon we reached at the place.

"Um..oi Ayanokouji..." Sudou called me.

Erza and Sakura went first.

"Yea?" I answered.

"Did Erza said anything?"

"About?"

"....Damn- Me?" He said. He wasn't pissed. Rather embarrassed. Heh...not so like you.

"Not really. Why do you ask?" I answered. Knowingly 'why'.

".....Nevermind." He said as he drifted his gaze away from me. Disappointed was written all over his face.

We went inside and ordered whatever we want. Though I was aware of my spendings. Erza and Sakura were waiting too. Suprising, yet not too surprisingly, Erza and My order were more or less similar. Cheap.

Sakura sat beside her and me with Sudou. Him glancing every now and then towards Erza, and her not even caring. Poor him. Sakura blabbered about anything, Sudou too. Irrelevant topics to focus on. Neither me nor Erza was too excited about conversing.

Though I participated in some cases, but Erza's call ended with either with a simple nod or some real serious statement, upon which no one could even dare to raise any questions or answers at.

Such an interest you develop within me. Its amusing.

After all these chattering. Me and my 'Partner', most likely bored. Along with the other two, went outside of the Restaurant.

Sudou along with me went to the girls. More likely, he went to Erza and I followed him. Tiring.

He tried talking with Erza. But it was mostly her usual nods or stares or some other related ways.

"Sudou." Erza called him. Between them was a short amount of silence, before. Me, mostly observing his one-sided conversation.

Sudou hummed as a response.

"...Dont take my actions or words in any irrelevant way." She stated.

Well. Sudou was left shocked upon hearing her words.

"What do you mean?" He asked. A little frustrated.

"I do not plan to know what kind of words or actions you expect from me. Rather, I just happen to understand, you are a bit unusual, lately. Any specific reason?" She asked in a calm tone. She wasn't infuriated at all.

Does she really plans to ask him now? Sakura, too, was staring the faces of them; worried. Me, clearly observing the tensed situation. As expressionless as I am.

Sudou gulped.

"Erza, actually-" He clenched his fists and jaw. As he relaxed them, he continued. "- actually I JUST WANTED TO BE A NICE PERSON TO YOU..."

He looked at Erza, whose full focus was on Sudou. With her cold gaze she stood.

"I just not wanted you to think that I am the impatient, anger issued guy, in the school so-" He was cut off.

"I do not think like that. So its better to stop 'it'. Its not like you. Doing or acting something like that; will just be extra-ordinary. " Erza stated as her eyes drilled over the figure of the man before her.

She walked from there. Sakura followed her.

Did she really give him a 'chance'?

Not a single possibility of it. Her accepting someone irrelevant ; not to her use in her personal benefits, to intrude her personal issues, and thoughts? Nevermind. Not possible.

Sudou was left shocked.

"You okay?" I asked as my hands were inside the pockets of my pants, my gaze left upon him from the corner of my eyes.

".....Damn, she is so-- Hah! Not a chance, right?" Sudou's eyes inflicted with pain? No. Its emotionless, at the moment.

He lift his head and looked at me.

"I ABSOLUTELY CANT GIVE UP! I LIKE HER WAY TOO MUCH!" He declared.

Like...her. I see. Not a bad thing? Hmm. But I don't plan on cheering you, Sudou. Its next to impossible for someone like you to understand and be with her.

Even if you do. You will be just a TOY, she is gonna manipulate. Actually, I donot plan of allowing being with her.

As a 'Partner', I guess its my responsibility, to take care of some 'nuisance'?

Who knows? Gotta keep my word.

TO HER.