CHAPTER 2 The volleyball tournament had been going on for two days already, and today it was Shige’s turn to play. For some weird reason Kusano had a stomach ache. He never had a stomach ache. He even skipped the breakfast to reach school in time. Shige was waiting for him outside the gymnasium. “I assumed you would be late!” he laughed and patted Kusano on the shoulder. Since Shige was so much taller then himself, Shige used him as support as they walked. “I’ll have to leave you here~” Shige said and stopped by the wardrobes. Kusano nod and took another bite of the chocolate Shige had given him. Suddenly Shige jumped and froze. Kusano turned around to see what made Shige freeze so fast. Before Kusano had time to clearly see who the person was, he got shoved to the side. “Hey there Shigeaki~!” Koyama Keiichiro said and groped Shige’s butt. Shige’s face went over from pale brown to crimson red. Kusano spit out the chocolate he had in his mouth and started to laugh hysterically. Shige’s face continued to turn more and more red. It did not seem like he was breathing at all. “You okay, Kato?” someone said behind Kusano. Shige shook his head twice and gasped for air “Yeah… I am… fine”. The person who was behind Kusano, touched his lower back gently as he (Kusano could tell it was a he by the voice) passed him. The moment Kusano saw who had touched his lower back he felt a really need of throwing up. Kusano found himself a seat among the audience. From his front seat he was able to see the whole gymnasium. Shige’s team had already changed and was practising with a few volleyballs. All except Yamashita Tomohisa. Like Kusano would ever care why he was not there. Kusano opened his soda bottle and spilled some drops of soda on himself as Yamashita passed him. “Watch were you’re going idiot!” Kusano yelled and shook his t-shirt to make the soda drops fall of. “I wasn’t anywhere near you Hironori…” Yamashita replied and continued walking. Hironori huh? How dared he! Kusano thought and leant back in his seat. As the game started Kusano’s eyes did not even go near Yamashita, which was (by Kusano’s surprise) sitting on the bench. Kusano was not the only one staring at Shige. Koyama Keiichiro were sitting just a few seats away from him, biting is finger at the sight of Shige. This did not make Kusano’s stomach any better. He tried to convince himself NOT to look over at Koyama, but it was a hard thing not to do. Koyama was stroking his own tummy, biting his finger to then lick it occasionally. It was disgusting. Shige’s team won the first set, and the whole team disappeared into the wardrobes. Koyama got up from his seat and made his way through the audience, and did not return as the second set started. Kusano’s stomach jumped a bit as Yamashita entered the play field. Where was Shige anyway? Kusano thought as the game was half the way. Shige was not playing nor sitting on the bench. Wardrobe’s then, Kusano thought, and assumed Shige had already hit the shower. Out of nowhere, the volleyball they were playing with, hit Kusano right in the face. “ITAII” Kusano screamed and rubbed his nose. “I’m really sorry!” Yamashita said quietly and bowed, picking up the volleyball. Hell you aren’t, Kusano thought, realising Yamashita was still standing in front of him. “Hey, Yamashita~ try to hit another target next time ne~?” one of the guys on Shige’s team shouted. Yamashita’s face turned a bit pink as he replied “Hai!” and ran back to the game field. Shige’s team won the second set as well. Nearly all of the students congratulated the team with their victory. Only those who cheered for the other team did not congratulate the winners. To Kusano’s relief Shige came out of the wardrobe (clearly wet in his hair after showering) to accept the trophy. What did not make Kusano that pleased was that Koyama also came out of the wardrobe, also wet in his hair. Kusano shook his head and walked down to congratulate Shige. “Congrats!” Kusano said in a brotherly way and hit Shige on the back. Shige let out a gasp of air as the he got hit in the back. “Thanks~” he smiled and grope Kusano’s cheek “Let’s go hom— IAH!” Shige screamed at the touch of Koyama’s hands on his hips. “Let me help you with your homework ne?” Koyama whispered into Shige’s ear. Shige shook his head and cleared his throat before he replied, “I don’t need any help!” Getting out of Koyama’s grip, Shige took Kusano’s hand and walked towards the door. Kusano looked back at Koyama over his shoulder, Koyama’s expression was not very pleased.