What do you mean it's been half a year. Again. Ahahahahaha-

Please don't kill me.

Now, before you get the chance to- please enjoy!

~'0'~

''Here, mom, I'll help you.''

Yuuichi quickly rises to his feet to take the plates his mother is holding, carrying them to the kitchen where he places them in the sink. Not even a second later, his brother appears next to him, a dish cloth slung over his shoulder.

Their mother laughs from behind them. ''Oh, you two don't need to do that, I can do it myself,'' she protests.

Both her sons ignore her words. ''It's no problem,'' says Kyousuke quickly, giving her a rare smile.

''Exactly!'' chirps Yuuichi. ''Besides, now I can interrogate Kyou about school, you gotta let me have that fun, right?'' he shares a grin with his mother as she laughs, both ignoring the teen's glare.

She gives in and retreats to the living room, leaving the two brothers to do the dishes. As Yuuichi tests the temperature of the water with one hand, he pats Kyousuke on the head with the other before reaching for the dish detergent. They settle into a familiar routine silently, merely enjoying each other's presence.

''So,'' says the older eventually, scrubbing a plate, ''how was your day?''

His brother doesn't say anything for a few moments, but when Yuuichi glances at him, there's a slight smile playing on his lips. ''It was good,'' says Kyousuke, focused on the cup he's drying. ''Coach Endou had us working on Keshin combinations and Nishiki-san almost exploded a ball.'' He snickers at the memory. ''Kariya got called out during math for sleeping, too. Serves him right.''

Yuuichi chuckles, all too aware of the first team's habits. He watches his brother casually out of the corner of his eye as the younger talks, the relaxed posture bringing a smile to his face. It's good to see Kyousuke this happy.

His grip tightens on the plate he's holding.

He swallows.

''Nii-san?''

''Hm?'' Yuuichi looks up, meeting Kyousuke's gaze. ''What is it?'' he asks, forcing his voice to sound cheerful.

The younger frowns a bit, inspecting him closely. The young man merely allows it to happen, raising a curious eyebrow.

''...it's nothing,'' says Kyousuke slowly, giving his brother a piercing stare. ''You alright?''

Yuuichi lets another smile form on his lips, this one more genuine and touched at the concern the usually collected shows. ''Yes,'' he reassures him, and then splashes water in his face.

He knows he'll regret it in just a moment, but for now, Kyousuke's shocked yelp is worth it.

~'0'~

The sunlight reflects off the river water, glowing golden in the evening. Most people are at home, dinnertime coming to an end, but some are still out.

Tenma is thankful for the quiet, walking the familiar path. He can't stay out too long, for he has still homework to do, but for now he needs a moment to get his thoughts in order.

Thoughts that are interrupted by a bark.

Turning in the direction of the source, he barely has a moment to brace himself when a weight suddenly slams into him. A startled laugh breaks free of his lips as he takes a step backward and moves to his knees, something rough and wet brushing his face. In response, he pushes against the weight, grinning at the whine that follows.

''That's what you get for knocking me over,'' he says, hand rising to wipe at his face. The dog doesn't agree with that notion, however. Suddenly he's on top of the brunet and knocks the wind out of him. ''Oof- Sasuke!''

The dog barks and Tenma is sure that, were he human, he would've been laughing.

The brunet gives him a stern glare, trying to hold back the grin pulling at his lips. Sasuke gives a cheerful yip, the only warning before he's slobbering all over Tenma's face. ''Wha- that tickles!'' the boy tries to push him away but it's easier said than done when his laughter leaves him breathless. Tears gather in his eyes from laughing so hard and somewhere in the back of his mind, he's glad he's not wearing any contact lenses right now.

When Sasuke finally lets up on the attack, the teen pushes himself into a sitting position and reaches for him to scratch him behind the ears. ''You think that's funny, don't you, traitor?'' his only answer is a woof. ''Oh, it's on!''

For the next several minutes, dog and owner engage in a play fight, neither caring about the grass and dirt staining them. By the end of it, Tenma is lying on his back, uncontrollable laughter wracking his frame as Sasuke stands over him. The dog gives a low, amused bark as the brunet tries to get his composure back.

When he's more or less able to breathe without breaking down laughing again, he pushes himself into a sitting position and reaches up to brush the grass out of his hair. ''Alright, that's enough!'' he gazes warily at Sasuke, raising a disbelieving eyebrow at the innocent whine that follows his words. ''Yeah, nice try. But no, dad will be wondering where we are if we don't start heading home.''

It takes a while, but eventually they're continuing on the sandy path until they reach the sidewalk again. The sun is definitely getting lower now, which means they can't afford anymore stops.

It's when he passes by the riverbank soccer field that he pauses.

The red uniforms of the Inazuma KFC are impossible not to recognize.

Despite himself, his lips involuntarily curl up at the children's enthusiasm. It's everything he remembers it to be – loud, and chaotic, and so much fun.

He doesn't even notice that he's been standing there for a few minutes already when Sasuke whines and nudges his hand, and he gives him a startled look. ''Oh,'' he realizes and grins sheepishly, ''sorry buddy, I guess I lost track for a bit there. We'll go home now.''

But the dog refuses to budge.

Tenma blinks in confusion at the sudden stubborn behavior. ''Sasuke?'' he mutters, and yelps immediately after when suddenly his dog lunges forward. He's pulled along by the leash, although it slips out of his fingers when Sasuke keeps tugging on it. ''Wha- wait!''

He chases after him and winces when he hears the surprised exclamations from the field below. As he sprints down the stairs, he whistles loudly. ''That's enough, boy!'' he calls and thankfully, Sasuke finally decides to listen.

Taking in the scene, Tenma gives a soft sigh. The Inazuma KFC have gathered around after their practice match has been disturbed, and Sasuke is sitting obediently in front of them, tongue sticking out in his usual dog grin.

The brunet glares at him as he walks over and crosses his arms. ''Just what do you think you were doing? Hm?'' he asks the dog, who seems to shrink under his scolding tone. Big, sad eyes look at him, but Tenma has grown immune to his puppy eyes after so many years. With a sigh, he turns to the KFC team – their coach and two young ladies, most likely their managers, have joined them.

He bows deeply. ''I apologize for disturbing your training,'' he says as he does so. ''I have no idea what's gotten into him, usually he listens to me.''

''No worries, it's fine,'' says their coach, gesturing for Tenma to rise, which he does. Thankfully, the man is smiling.

''I'm really sorry,'' the teenager apologizes again. Then he turns towards the kids. ''Sorry for interrupting your match! You guys were really awesome just now!''

He smiles warmly at them and the preteens perk up at the compliments. ''Thank you, onii-san!'' chirps the little girl, who seems to be their captain. ''Do you play soccer too?''

Oh.

Oh boy.

As if it's a sign, Tenma is suddenly crowded by the children from all sides, questions being rapidly fired at him and chatter he doesn't have any hope to follow filling his senses.

''Can we pet your dog? He's so cute!''

''Will you play with us, onii-san? Please?''

''Eiji-kun got a really cool shot! You gotta see it!''

''Do you go to the same school as Mino-nee?''

Barely held-back laugher reaches him – a voice much more mature than those of the children, which tells Tenma exactly who finds his predicament so amusing – and the brunet glances up at the young coach. The brunet suspects he can't be older than Endou. The man in question gives him a vague sense of familiarity, but he can't place him- the dark hair and eyes don't stand out much. He's wearing a dress shirt and tie, although his clothes are ruffled enough to show he doesn't much care for their state.

''Alright team, that's enough!'' calls the coach after a few more moments and the children back off. Not without a few whines, though. ''Well,'' the man turns to Tenma, ''I suppose we're kind of even now. Sorry about that. I'm Handa Shinichi, by the way.''

The brunet gives a start.

No wonder the man seemed familiar. He was one of Endou's teammates from his time in Raimon.

''Ah... it's nice to meet you, Handa-san,'' he greets, minding his manners.

Immediately, one of the kids perks up again. ''What's your name, onii-san?'' chirps a small boy with bright red hair.

Tenma pauses, for just a second. Knowing Endou, and the contact the man still has with his old teammates, giving his full name will definitely set off alarm bells in Handa's mind.

Or maybe not, but he really doesn't want to take that chance.

He grins at the kids. ''You can call me Kaze,'' he tells them, the shortening of his name the easiest thing he can come up with. ''And yes, you can pet my dog, just don't spook him. And yes, I also play soccer.''

It's as if he's offered them free candy for the rest of the year, for the children instantly crowd him again, this time taking turns to 'formally' meet Sasuke, as their captain so very maturely states. Tenma almost 'aww's at the adorableness of it all.

He glances at Handa, sharing a smile with the man. The woman next to him is a little younger and she offers him a little wave when she notices him – he recognizes her, she was a manager already when he was only in high school.

Then he locks eyes with the last manager and freezes.

So does she, in fact.

For a few moments, Tenma forgets how to breathe.

Suddenly he's achingly aware of his lack of contact lenses today.

No way. No way no way no way.

Then the air comes rushing back into his lungs, leaving his head spinning while something heavy settles in his stomach. He swallows, trying to get rid of the lump in his throat but to no avail.

She doesn't seem to be doing much better, her mouth slightly agape and her eyes wide and uncertain as they take him in. They flicker to Sasuke for a moment – and Tenma curses himself because everyone who knows him personally is more or less familiar with his dog – before moving back to him.

Tenma flinches at her look.

That seems to be the thing that gets her out of her stupor, for her gaze sharpens and sparks with furious fire.

He can see her clenching her fists as she slowly shakes her head, her shoulders uncomfortably tense.

''Hey, Kaze-onii-san?''

Startled, the brunet breaks away from the other teen's furious gaze to glance down. One of the KFC kids is tugging on his sleeve with wide, excited eyes. ''What- what is it?'' Tenma asks, his voice steadying out by the end of his sentence.

''Will you play with us?''

Instantly, all the other children join in as well.

''Please join us, onii-san!''

''Yeah! It'll be fun!''

''We're really really really good!''

Taken aback by the sudden request, it takes him a few moments to make sense of his thoughts. Then he glances at their coach hesitantly. ''Ah-'' he turns back to the children, ''I'm not sure if that's a good idea. I wouldn't want to interrupt your practice more than I already have.''

''Aw, no fair!'' pouts their captain, turning her begging eyes on Handa. ''Coach, can onii-san join us? Please? Please please please?''

The man in question laughs, shaking his head in fond exasperation. ''He can, but only if he wants to!'' he stresses the last part of the sentence when his team starts cheering.

Tenma finds himself exposed to a dozen puppy dog eyes.

With a sigh, while pretending to ignore the burning eyes on his form, he gives in. ''Alright. If someone can take care of my dog...?'' he gestures to Sasuke, glancing at the adults while being careful not to mention his name.

There's no problem with that, it seems. Kisaragi – the eldest manager – promises to keep an eye on Sasuke and soon enough, Tenma's being pulled onto the middle of the field. The next half hour is spend chasing after the younger players. As he noticed while he was watching them before, they're really good. Nothing in comparison to the teams he faced in the Holy Road or the Grand Celesta Galaxy, of course, but they might get there someday.

'Eiji-kun' turns out to be a dark-haired boy of about nine years old, who indeed has quite an impressive hissatsu shot, although they're mostly just the beginnings. It's clearly inspired by Fire Tornado and Tenma, having experience with that shot through Double Drive, manages to give the child some pointers that he absorbs with wide eyes, before enthusiastically running off to share it with Handa.

There's the little girl, who's position as unofficial captain is confirmed when he hears some of the other kids call her that. Tenma's surprised to find out she's Umemiya Hana, younger sister of Umemiya Chako, who had been a forward for the KFC three years ago when Tenma still played with them regularly.

He's honestly surprised when another boy, this one the smallest and most likely one of the youngest on the team, manages to steal the ball from him. Although he isn't playing full strength, the kid clearly shows some raw dribbling talent. Tenma makes a mental note to tell Handa about it, since it doesn't seem like the coach has noticed it yet.

The brunet himself holds back quite a bit. While the children, other than Eiji, pull off several hissatsu techniques, he sticks to the basics, partly because it'd be unfair to use world-level attacks and partly because they'd give him away faster than he could say 'soccer'.

It's fun.

Without the added stress of an official match, it's nice to just let himself go after not having played with other people in years. He holds back on the dribbling because he's still sharply aware of Handa's eyes, and Kisaragi's for that matter, but it's enjoyable to stretch his legs nonetheless.

The only downside is that one heavy gaze, locked onto him nearly every second of practice.

By the end of it, he's pleasantly exhausted from the workout and he will definitely take a shower once he's home. First, though, he makes his way to the bench and laughs when Sasuke nearly knocks him over again, as if he hasn't done that enough today.

''Thank you for allowing me to join in,'' he tells Handa and Kisaragi, bowing, although not as deeply as earlier. Then he turns to the team. ''I had a lot of fun! Thanks!''

Their captain, Hana, pipes up from where she's sitting on the grass. ''Please join us again soon, Kaze-nii!'' she chirps and then beams at the older girl that is currently handing her a water bottle. ''Thank you, Mino-nee!''

Handa makes a surprised noise. ''Ah, I completely forgot,'' he says, pulling Tenma's attention again. ''Kaze-kun, these are Kisaragi Mako and Mizukawa Minori, the two managers of Inazuma KFC.''

Chuckling, Kisaragi gives a small wave, which the brunet returns with a polite smile of his own.

Then he locks eyes with Mizukawa again.

Neither Earth Eleven members know what to do now. Mizukawa's gaze is a mix of wavering anger, although her face is a perfect blank mask. Her hair is a little shorter than it was before, curling around her shoulders, and she's grown taller – they still seem to be around the same height.

After a few seconds of too long silence, the teal-haired girl slowly dips her head in a polite greeting. ''Good afternoon, Kaze-san,'' she says, her voice not giving any of her thoughts away.

Handa glances between the two teens and Tenma wonders if he can pick up on the animosity between them, with how controlled Mizukawa is. Or maybe, and that thought sense tendrils of ice seeping into his stomach, he himself recognizes the brunet – he'd played with the Inazuma KFC before, after all, but that was years ago.

He puts that out of his mind for now. Mizukawa's eyes are pinning him in place. Questioning. Challenging. Daring him to confirm her thoughts.

And so very hesitant.

He may not have known her very well, but that uncertainty is something he'd never expect of her.

He bows slightly, as he would to any of his peers. ''Good afternoon to you as well, Mizukawa-san,'' he tells her, offering her a polite smile to go with it.

That, more than anything, seems to throw her off. She pauses, eyes flickering from his face to Sasuke and back again, much like before.

Tenma is really, really regretting not wearing any contact lenses now. Although grey eyes aren't incredibly unique, they're still quite rare amongst the Japanese population, where dark eyes are more common. Add Sasuke with his striking green fur into the mix, throw soccer into it as well coupled with Tenma's own likely-less-than-reassuring behavior, and he'd truly be surprised if she wasn't suspicious.

The faster he gets out of here, the better.

So soon as is acceptable, he excuses himself from their company. Handa tells him to come back anytime he wants to and the brunet gives him a genuine smile at that and takes his leave after saying goodbye to the kids.

Sasuke giving his hand a happy lick as they reach the top of the staircase. Tenma smiles at him and scratches him behind the ear, electing a happy whine.

''Wait up!''

His smile freezes. So does his entire body, in fact, and Sasuke comes to an abrupt stop when his leash is pulled.

Tenma's shoulders sag. There's no way he can get out of this now and he knows it. He should've known this would happen- he should've known, and he was prepared for it, but-

It's only been a day since he encountered Yuuichi.

He's not sure his emotions are stable enough for another confrontation so soon after the first.

But the world doesn't seem to be inclined to listen to his prayers, for the light footsteps that accompany the voice keep coming closer. They slow and stop a moment later.

Tenma hopes his inhale isn't audible as he twists around, polite smile already plastered on his face although to him, it seems painfully fake. ''Mizukawa-san,'' he greets the girl, standing a few feet away from him. ''Can I help you with something?''

Her shoulders are drawn so tightly together it must surely be painful, and yet she doesn't look away from him, dark teal eyes holding a quiet uncertainty to them. He's sure that, if it were anyone else in her place, they'd be fidgeting.

But Mizukawa has always prided herself on her composure, and justly so.

She has also never been one to beat around the bush.

''Matsukaze... Tenma?''

With an inaudible breath, the brunet pulls his features into a confused frown and prays it is believable. ''I'm sorry?''

Mizukawa opens her mouth to say something, hesitates, and instead bites sharply on her lip as she averts her gaze. Finally her blank mask breaks, her brows furrowing together as she watches him.

It's clear she doesn't fully believe him, and Tenma wonders what she'll do. He doesn't know her well enough to anticipate her reaction and that... scares him, not like the talk with Yuuichi did – personal as it was – but more like the apprehension of the unknown.

Should he admit the truth and ask her not to speak of his presence here to anyone else?

Or should he keep pretending and risk letting her talk to the other Earth Eleven members, if they're even still in contact?

Both of them are staying silent too long, Tenma thinks half-heartedly, and as he tries to search for something to say, Mizukawa finds her confidence again. Suddenly, with a narrowed gaze, she sharply twists towards him again. She clenches her fists, eyes sparking with angry defiance.

''You better not me lying to me, Kaze,'' she hisses, and Tenma forces herself not to flinch at her words, ''because I sure as hell don't believe in coincidences and if you really are Matsukaze- then you are so dead.''

He needs to distract her somehow, he knows. He has to get her off his track, if only for a little while.

So he takes a deep breath to steady himself and meets her gaze evenly, trying not to waver in the face of her anger. It's harder than he expected. ''I don't know what Matsukaze did to earn such a reaction, Mizukawa-san,'' he tells her, harsher than he meant to, ''but I don't appreciate being talked to in such a way. Now, if you'll excuse me, I will be going home.''

With those words, he turns his back to her not caring how rude it is, and continues on his way. His pace is faster than before and Sasuke, thankfully, keeps up without complaint.

Behind him, he can hear her sputter indignantly. ''Hey- wait, I'm not done with you yet-!''

''Goodbye, Mizukawa-san,'' he stresses and hears her voice fade away as he leaves hearing distance.

With a sigh, he follows the by-now familiar path home, a little faster than he would usually. He doesn't want to be late for dinner and although he didn't give his father an exact time when he'd be home, he doesn't want to keep him waiting for too long.

As he walks, he checks his phone for any new messages. There's one from Katsuragi in the new library committee groups chat, about next week's schedule updates, and he scans it quickly. Seems like none of his hours has been changed.

Then he notices something else and his eyebrows involuntarily rise.

As he clicks on the new group chat he's been added to, his confusion grows when he doesn't recognize any of the numbers. The conversation itself isn't much information either, mostly just greetings.

After a second of hesitation, he checks the member list, only to find it full of unknown numbers, except-

Except one.

That's... Yuuichi-san?

Realization starts to dawn on him and he quickly returns to the chat itself, typing in a short but polite message.

Excuse me, but what is this chat for? I don't know any of these phone numbers

Only a second later, someone starts typing a response and Tenma waits patiently for it. He's close to his house now, only a few blocks away, and the sun is barely starting to set. Sasuke seems to notice it as well, for he tugs on the leash. The brunet chuckles and allows him a bit more space to move, but still keeps a tight hold.

A fresh breeze ruffles his hair and he pulls his jacket a little closer.

He'd forgotten that Tokyo's spring has lower temperatures than Okinawa's.

A soft chuckle escapes him, although he's not quite sure why it's funny. Back when he first moved to Inazuma Town, he'd had a bit of trouble adjusting to the colder weather, and when he returned to his home town three years ago, it was the exact opposite. The heat completely took him by surprise.

A ping pulls his attention back to his phone, and he glances at the screen.

ah sorry

this is the soccer chat of the second team, i took the liberty of adding you peeps

i'm yamaki by the way, nice to meetcha

That name seems slightly familiar and Tenma half-remembers one of the older girls in the team. He hums slightly.

I see, thanks for the info

It's an honor to meet you all, please call me Kaze

The shortening of his last name slips out and he blinks at it. He hadn't meant to say that and he's about to rectify it, when he starts thinking it through.

Even just introducing himself as Matsukaze could get unwanted attention. That's something he doesn't want to touch with a ten feet pole and besides, enough people walk around with nicknames. He's still young enough for it, after all.

what kind of name is that xD

He doesn't hesitate in his answer when he types, Just a nickname I prefer and Yamaki seems to accept that readily enough, for she doesn't comment on it anymore. When it stays quiet for a little while longer, he slips his phone in his pocket just as he's turning the corner to his street.

''Come on,'' he tells Sasuke, ''I'm starving and dinner should be ready soon.''

His beloved dog echoes his sentiment with an enthusiastic bark and Tenma laughs as they walk around the house to enter the backyard, where he releases Sasuke from his leash.

As he makes his way to the back door, he feels the tension of the day washing off. ''What a day,'' he mutters to himself as he enters his home and calls out a greeting to his dad.

What a day.

~'0'~

When Tenma is changing into his school uniform on Wednesday morning, having just had morning soccer practice with his new team, he's surprised to be approached by one of his teammates.

As he's finishing his tie, a voice suddenly comes from next to him. ''Um, ex- excuse me?''

He glances up to find another boy there, whose name he vaguely remembers. ''You're... Sawaki-kun, right?'' he guesses carefully, inspecting his slightly-nervous-looking companion, who has already finished getting dressed.

The other nods, a relieved smile crossing his lips as some of the tension leaves him. ''Yes, Sawaki Shinji,'' he introduces himself properly. ''I believe we're in the same class.''

Tenma gives him a better look this time, trying to see if he's seen the boy during lessons sometime. His messy hair is a bright mix between red and orange and his pale skin is dotted with freckles. He's lean and about the same height as the brunet. His green eyes are hidden behind a pair of glasses.

''I... think we are?'' the brunet says slowly, reaching for his blazer and pulling it on. ''Class 1C?''

Sawaki relaxes even more, his shy smile growing as he pushes up his glasses. ''Yes, exactly!'' suddenly his expression turns bashful and he fidgets with the cuff of his jacket. ''Ah... I, I apologize, what was your name again?''

With a slight smile, Tenma reassures him there's nothing to worry about. ''Call me Kaze,'' he tells the other and bows slightly in greeting. ''It's nice to really meet you, Sawaki-kun!''

The redhead returns the gesture, but also waves the words away quickly. ''It's nice to meet you too, but please, call me Shinji! It's only fair if I get to call you by a nickname!''

While the brunet doesn't completely agree with that assessment, he still nods. A moment later he finishes buttoning up his blazer and makes a slight gesture to his bag. ''I'm almost done, want to walk to class together?''

Instantly, Shinji's eyes brighten. ''Ah, I'd- I'd like that,'' he says, hoisting his own school bag higher onto his shoulder. Tenma smiles again to put him at easy and quickly finishes, and a few minutes later they're leaving the clubroom together.

It takes a while, almost the entire way to class, but Shinji finally slows some of his scrambled chatter. His nervous energy kind of reminds Tenma of Hayami and although that sends a pang through him, it's kind of... nice, in some strange way. Turns out his teammate also enjoys reading and once they figure that out, they spiral into a discussion about several series they're both familiar with.

They're still talking when the first other students start arriving.

Who just so happen to be the members of the first team.

Tenma manages not to tense – the past two days, it's become clear that the first team's training lasts a little longer than their own, so it's no surprise for his former friends to reach the classroom later. Still, they're all early and no other people have arrived yet.

Although he seems to have gotten rid of their questions surrounding him, the brunet is still uncomfortable being in such close quarters without a wall of noise to separate them. His voice may be a little deeper now – puberty can be a blessing sometimes – but one wrong thing to say and they could recognize him.

Kariya and Hikaru seem invested in a conversation about the pros and cons of defensive tactics in favor of hissatsu, while Sakura is focused on her phone.

Since they seem to be doing their own things, their former captain is just relaxing slightly when his newfound friend suddenly pipes up.

''Hey, aren't you all players from the first team?'' when three gazes turn towards him, Shinji immediately turns pink in embarrassment and ducks his head, murmuring an apology.

But the deed has been done. The first team's attention is on them.

Hikaru is quick to reassure the redhead. ''No worries, it's fine!'' he says, taking Shinji's hesitant smile as an invitation to move over to them. Underneath his desk, Tenma clenches his hands together to keep them from trembling. ''I'm Kageyama Hikaru and yeah, we're all in the first team!''

Shinji seems a little less terrified of his own shadow in the face of the forward's friendliness. ''I- I'm Sawaki Shinji,'' he mutters. ''It's an honor to meet you, Kageyama-san, I'm- I'm a player for the second team.''

''Oh?'' Kariya suddenly joins the conversation, popping up behind Hikaru and leaning an elbow on the shorter boy's shoulder. ''The second team? What position?''

Of course they act like this with the possibility of meeting new soccer players. Tenma should've known. Even the only female in the room is leaning closer now, since her desk is close enough to theirs to hear the conversation. Not that there's much noise to interfere anyway.

Shinji's still clearly embarrassed under all the attention, but he answers bravely. ''Coach Tsurugi hasn't decided yet,'' he says quietly, ''since it's only been a few days. But- but usually I prefer playing defender or midfielder.''

Suddenly Kariya is climbing onto Tenma's desk, sitting down like he owns it, and the brunet leans back. He barely holds back an annoyed glare, instead keeping his gaze low. His former teammate, unfortunately, can't seem to take a hint and grins at him. ''What about you, then? In the soccer club as well?''

He's clenching his hands with such force it's starting to hurt, but he doesn't dare stop as he forces an absent, polite smile as he looks up. It feels like plastic. He ignores that thought as he forces himself to meet Kariya's eyes, trying to keep his gaze distantly curious. ''Ah, yes,'' he says, ''I decided to try it out.''

''And you made second team?'' Hikaru asks, his tone just a little bit condescending, although he may have imagined it.

Tenma nods.

Sakura, thankfully, pulls the conversation towards more general ground. ''Do either of you have experience?''

He gives a slight shrug, mentally shooting a thank you to Shinji when the redhead haltingly describes his junior high team. It's not long after that more students start to arrive and he can finally breathe again when Sakura's attention is pulled away by some of her friends, while Hikaru drags Kariya away to look over the tealhead's homework for a few minutes.

When they've left, Tenma allows his shoulders to sag, just slightly.

''You- you don't really like them, do you?''

He quietly curses himself as he shakes his head, smiling at Shinji. ''I don't know them,'' he corrects, the lie heavy on his tongue. ''Their skills are amazing, but you know what they say. Meeting your idols always disappoints.''

Shinji gives a hesitant laugh at the joke and lets the topic drop, thankfully.

When their homeroom teacher arrives and class starts, he finally allows his thoughts to wander. Not even three weeks in.

Three weeks since school started, five since he returned to Inazuma Town.

And already he feels like he's drowning.

Hikaru, Kariya, Sakura, Kirino, Yuuichi and Mizukawa. Six people already and he's barely keeping himself together.

God, he's a mess.

His pen is clenched tightly in his fist and he has to forcefully remind himself to take notes and push away the unwanted thoughts bouncing around his skull. Just get over it. No one knows who he is, with the exception of Yuuichi and that only because he revealed himself. It's going to be fine. It's going to be just fine.

I just need to get over myself.

To be continued...

~'0'~

Well, that was the chappie. Some development, but things will hopefully start moving more next chapter. This is kind of a filler chapter, to get things on the road - before the real stuff can go down, Tenma needs to settle into his new life, which is unfortunately something I have trouble with (the reason for my long absence on this story), and it could come across as a little boring. I want to break that cycle within two more chapters, though, so hopefully more exciting stuff will happen soon!

Anyway, again: I'll update AR soon.

See you next time!

- Yara Meijer