Doubt and Certainty

The training for the upcoming prefectural match began one week after the semester started. It is supervised by Akihiko, the club adviser. When it comes to training, Satoshi is the most patient and teaches his apprentices carefully. Mayumi teaches her apprentices almost the same method as Satoshi, but a little stricter. Hiro is under the guidance of Izumi. Unlike the rest, Izumi and Haruki are the strictest trainers. They might be as cold as ice, but they do teach their apprentices how to deliver good blows and maintain good posture. Mitsuru never got an apprentice because of the warning Mayumi gave.

As time passes by like a bullet train, their training moves slowly like a snail but polished. Little did they know, they had already finished the semester, and summer break came. Every summer break, Akihiko initiates a summer camp in their school. The members of the club train rigorously under the scorching heat of summer. As the flowers bloom at their peak, so are the martial art fighters. During the daytime, the members wear a light karate gi, while they wear traditional summer kimono during the nighttime.

The kimono that is being worn by the boys expose their bare chest a little bit, their typical young adult biceps and triceps, long and sturdy legs, a few scars, and arms with exposed veins. While the kimono that is being worn by the girls expose their soft, bouncy chest, sturdy arms and legs, smooth skin, and elegant hair. When they meet each other, they can't help but admire and be dazed by each other's perfect imperfections.

During training, part of their regimen is to visit a Buddhist temple. They usually go there for meditation. The surroundings are peaceful, quiet, and beautiful. The summer season can be unpredictable. When the sun shines at its best, the surroundings will become clear. The birds are singing, and the fallen leaves dance through the lullaby of the wind. If Tungkung Langit decided to visit Alunsina, the gentle sound of raindrops would be heard. The skies would be gray, the birds would rest, and the wind will stop humming. If the two end up with a misunderstanding, violent raindrops will invade the peaceful scenery of the temple. The wind will cry in agony.

Despite these circumstances, the fighters remained unfazed. They finished their meditation without issues. They were so immersed in their training that they did not even notice that it was the start of a new semester, and the championship was drawing closer.

Before they dismiss, Kenzo and Akihiko gave some words to the fighters, especially to the third-year students. Their performance will determine who will be the next captain. After giving their word, the adviser and the captain dismissed the club, and the camp is officially ended. The club went for a drink, but Izumi and Haruki didn't join. Izumi stubbornly refused to join the drinking party since he was a light drinker. Haruki also refused since his brother from overseas came to visit. The two and the whole team parted ways.

Haruki invited Izumi to his house for a drinking party. He agreed since their houses are close to each other. Izumi holds his beer, and he makes sure that he will not drink too much. Meanwhile, the team plays truth or dare. The empty bottle of sake is used to spin the bottle. When the bottle points at Kenzo, they ask his opinion on who will be the next team captain.

"I believe that Izumi fits the role perfectly. My only problem is that he is too introverted and doesn't even join us here. He is also strict which is good, but his emotionless face makes everyone tremble in fear. He is also ruthless when it comes to other people he doesn't like. On the other hand, I consider Satoshi. He is kind and passionate as I am---"

"Yes, he is. But he is not like you who have a lot of flings!" interrupted Mayumi.

Everyone laughed and moved on to the next question. Mayumi spun the bottle, and it came to point Satoshi. Mayumi asks his honest opinion about the selection of the next team captain.

"I think the perfect person for the role is Haruki, Mitsuru, or Izumi," said Satoshi with a chuckle. "I also admire Izumi since he is a dependable senpai. I wish he would lower down his temper," he added.

"Count me out. I don't want to be a captain. It's too much pain!" said Mitsuru irritatingly.

The whole club laughed at Mitsuru since they knew that he was willing to give up since he is laid back and he is not the type who takes responsibility; after that, Mitsuru asked permission to go home since he received a phone call. Satoshi also got a call after that and left the club immediately.

Izumi is nearly drunk by just consuming six cans of beer. He excused himself and told Haruki that he would sleep since he was tired. He understood Izumi and walked him home. They were greeted by Izumi's parents. Izumi went to his room, and Haruki excused himself. Izumi wants to read a manga, but he is too tired, and as he goes to sleep, Haruki gives him a call.

"Dude! I called Mitsuru and asked where he is. Guess what? He is hitting another girl and I heard the girl's moan! I was going to invite him here, but he is too busy with his business, so I turned off my phone!" said Haruki while laughing hysterically.

"Oh really? Ugh. My head hurts. It must be nice having such a free and laid-back life. Bye. I'm going to sleep now," replied Izumi with a low, monotonous tone.

"Okay, good night," responded Haruki. As he was about to sleep, his sister, Megumi, knocked at the door. "Izumi! Satoshi's here! He said that you called him to come over."

"Oh, great timing. He really came despite being busy at the club," thought Izumi as he smirked. "I am too tired to get up, sis! Just tell him to come upstairs!" shouted Izumi. "Oh, this kid. Okay, fine," responded his sister.

"Pardon the intrusion!" said Satoshi as he opened the door. "Izu-kun? You asleep?" asked Satoshi as he closed and locked the door. Then, he went to check Izumi if he was asleep and was startled when Izumi suddenly moved his blanket and pulled Satoshi into the bed. "W-wait! I didn't shower yet!" exclaimed Satoshi. "Forget showering, let's go to sleep," said Izumi as he kissed Satoshi. With that, the two cuddled until they fell asleep.

It's Saturday, and Autumn is already around the corner. Birds are fluttering around Izumi's window and eventually wake him up.

After that, he woke up and still could not stop thinking about the red thread he saw that day. He never believed in superstitions, but now, he became interested because of what he saw. He then wonders why he is in his pajamas and is surprised to see Satoshi beside him. "Oh, did we do it last night? But I cannot remember anything," thought Izumi. "I wonder if that's true?" thought Izumi. "Let me check the internet. I might be able to find answers," he added. He immediately went to find his phone and search for it. "Why did it appear that time? Satoshi's here and how come it doesn't appear?" Izumi's mind was once again puzzled.

"The two people connected by the red thread are destined lovers, regardless of place, time, or circumstances. This magical cord may stretch or tangle, but never break," he muttered as he read what he discovered. "It says here that it will never break… How about when it is cut or purposely cut by the person that it binds?" he curiously asked himself as he searched the net once more.

Annoyed when he got no answers, he shut his phone down and lied down in his bed, burying his handsome face in the pillow. Then Satoshi woke up and hugged Izumi. "Good morning, Izumi-kun!" said Satoshi as he kissed Izumi's forehead. He noticed the irked reaction of Izumi. "Why? It's early in the morning and you're irked?" asked Satoshi curiously. "Do you believe in the red thread? You may not believe me, but I saw it when we oriented the recruits," said Izumi. "Well, I believe in the red thread but how come you saw it? The legend clearly said that it is invisible to the naked eye," said the puzzled Satoshi.

"Well, I saw it! It's tied on my right pinky finger. I tried to follow it, but Haruki interrupted me," said the frustrated Izumi. "Fear not, I may not be able to see the red thread, but I believe that you are my fated pair," said Satoshi as he chuckled. "Here we go again with your cheesy punch lines," said Izumi as he laughed. As they were laughing, Narumi went up and knocked at the door.

"Izumi, Satoshi! Are you awake? Would you like to come to the mall?" asked Narumi. "Yes!" responded Izumi. "Then you can follow us after you eat. Mom left breakfast for you two," replied Narumi. "Okay!" said Izumi.

"Wait, how come we are wearing clothes?" asked the curious Izumi. "It's cold, do you want to get sick?" asked Satoshi. "Nah, but we did it right?" asked Izumi. "Of course, how dare you swallow my fluid?!" exclaimed Satoshi as he hit Izumi's back again. "I did that?!" asked the embarrassed Izumi. "Well, yeah!" replied the annoyed Satoshi. "Ugh, forget about that. Let's go shower first," said Izumi. After showering, the two went to eat breakfast.

"Neh, it's Hiro-kun's birthday today, right? Should we give him a present?" asked Satoshi. "You're right! I almost forgot it's his birthday!" exclaimed Izumi. "Hurry up, I'll also call Haruki and Mitsuru," he added. "Said the one who's eating slowly," said Satoshi as he laughed. "Ugh, whatever," replied Izumi. As soon as they finished eating, they went off the house and headed to the mall.

There, Mitsuru and Haruki are already waiting for the two. As soon as they saw the couple rushing to the main entrance, Mitsuru's suspicions arose. "Hey, they're late today. Usually, when the four of us meet, they are the ones who are always early. Don't you think they overdid it last night?" said Mitsuru as he bumped his elbow to the arm of Haruki. "Said the one who enjoyed his dessert last night. So, who's the girl this time?" said Haruki as he ignored the childish act of Mitsuru while browsing his phone. "H-Hey! Well, it's just a one-night stand. She's from the nursing department," said Mitsuru as he whistled.

"Ah okay, it looks like you wanted to taste every woman in every department, huh? Last time, you slept with a girl from the mass communication department, this time, from the nursing department. Who's the next victim. I wonder? Maybe the girls from the medical technology department?" mockingly asked Haruki as he continued to browse his phone. "H-Hey, that's harsh!" said Mitsuru as he pouts. The conversation between the two was cut off when the couple had already arrived.