~Monday~

"You don't have fever, no more flu, but you must wear your mask still. You don't want to spread your post flu, right? Don't push yourself too hard still. Mild practice. You just got recovered. If you exhaust yourself again, it would be worser"

"I understand. Thank you, mom"

Since Friday, I was in my room, resting. Just resting. Mom got my phone, my gadgets, even checking me time to time. Mom didn't let Go-chan inside my room.

Surprisingly, mom didn't get the mp3 I got from Akashi. The only thing that gave me sane the whole time.

"I'll send you to school" I looked behind and it was dad. He patted my head and smiled "I will send you the whole week. I will also pick you up."

"Thanks dad"

I found out that mom left the car in the school so she could go to the ambulance. Dad picked it up from the school that night as well. I worried them too much.

I had zero idea what happened in school. I had no any news. Mom still hadn't given my phone back. I told dad and so he told me that he would pick me up at around 6:30. If he couldn't, mom would pick me up.

~

"(F/n)!" All of my classmates indeed shouted as they approached me "are you okay?" They asked one after another

"I'm okay. My mom told me that I just need to wear mask still so I won't spread my post flu" I told them then made a peace sign "but I'm all okay now"

"That's good to hear then. There were lots of things happened, but for now, we wanted to thank you. We'll celebrate as well during summer"

"Thank me?" I asked and they had this wide smile

"yeah, we won the female basketball and female archery, thanks to you" Rie linked her arm then led me inside "thanks to your pointers and advice."

"True, even though you were only here for couple of days to teach us, we were able to learn, thank you" the girls who joined the basketball, and archery thanked me one after another

"You are welcome" I turned to Takuya and they were awkwardly smiling at me "What's wrong?"

"Question, aside from our class, did you teach other student?" I shook my head and he chuckled dryly "then let me refrain my question, did you teach your technique to someone back in middle school?"

I tried to remember and noticed Rie, Ayumi, and Hitomi's teasing smile.

Huh...?

...

Ah...

I see...

"Somehow, I apologized" I told them that confused the others "boys team didn't win, huh?" They nodded and I just sighed. That means Akashi joined the archery instead. Well, I apologized that I indeed taught him archery before.

Anyways, they let me to sit down and told me things that happened during sports day.

~After class~

The whole day, I was inside the classroom. I prefer eating inside this time because mom had this note on my bento, to eat inside the classroom, then drink my medicine still.

One thing though..

No one mentioned anything about the bullying.

After class, I walked towards the archery dojo, which I felt like I haven't been here for a long time.

"(F/n)?"

I turned around and there was Himeko-senpai, wah, it's really been a while

"Senpai, it's been a while!"

"It really is! How are you? I heard what happened to you. Are you okay now?"

I nodded and made a peace sign "I'm all good now. Sorry for the inconvenience. I'll make sure to practice and return to my usual shooting form by Saturday"

"You don't need to worry about that. Sensei said that if you can't, then we'll use the substitute-"

"You can't!" We both flinched and looked behind Himeko-senpai, Fujiko and Rio were approaching "(f/n), just give me all your sickness, your flu, your fever. It's better if you will compete instead of me" Fujiko frantically approached me

"Calm down" I chuckled then fixed my mask "I'm okay now. I'm wearing mask just for precaution, but I'm okay now. I just need practice because I couldn't move my body for couple of days. But Fujiko-chan, you need to practice as well since we don't know what will happen."

"(F/n) is right. We don't know if someone will be unavailable the day of the competition, so you need to be ready anytime, Fujiko" Rio patted her back "anyways, let's go inside already. I want to put down my equipment- ahre, speaking of, where's yours (f/n)?"

"Ah, I have my previous bow here so I'll use that, but I will not shoot much. I will just do some light practice."

We all went in and so far Sayaka was the only one here. Mitsuki-senpai, sensei the boys team aren't here yet.

"Oh, welcome back (f/n), how are you?"

"Better than last week" I chuckled then followed Fujiko to our locker room "I'll just change."

~

After changing, the rest arrived and we had a short meeting, reminding us about the upcoming tournaments. Since it's Regional already, the team competition would be commenced first, then the individual would be a week after.

After the short meeting, we had our warm up, but because I needed more time to warm up myself, I stayed to warm-up still.

After 10 more minutes, I grabbed my bows and arrows and went at the very end to practice my shooting. I used my left first, and shoot one, in which it landed on the line of the 10 pts and 9pts range. I adjusted a bit, and it landed at at the center, but not perfecty.

I adjusted my poisture, and with couple of shots more, the arrow perfectly landed at the centre of the target.

That's expected for the great me using my left. Even though the IV was through my left, there was no problem at all. Now on my right.

I changed my bow then shoot once, but it didn't even reach the target. I adjusted my posture, and again it didn't reach the target.

I shot multiple times but the arrows never landed, I knew it, if I didn't shoot using my right for couple of days, my body would forget. This is what I hate the most to myself. If I am left handed, I could adjust easily, but if I am using my right, my body would easily forget.

But then I flinched when suddenly someone held my left arm that was extending, same with my right hand that was holding the string. My left arm was raised a bit then moved a bit to the left. My right hand was again pulled towards my chest, and my elbow a bit lower.

I felt deja vu!

"Your posture when using your right always change when you don't practice for couple of days. You need to change that"

As I released the string with the arrow, the usual sound appeared and the arrow landed at the centre.

"It hit the center!" I exclaimed then turned around to meet Akashi's mismatched eyes. Well, I knew from the voice that it was him, but it was still surprising.

But wait!

I moved back and looked around as they were all looking at us

"Akashi! What are you doing here?! Since when are you here?"

"He's here for a while now, talking to sensei" Rio answered instead as Akashi again went back to talk to sensei "he knew your posture well"

Why is he here? I haven't seen him since last time, and I haven't heard anything about what happened that day.

"Why is he here?" I whispered to Rio and Himeko-senpai

"To talk about the upcoming middle school open house tour. Since it will be the 3rd year middle school students' time to think where school they wanted to enter, and to focus on the exams" Rio answered

"Didn't you also do that last time?" Himeko-senpai curiously asked me

"Hmmmm... now you mentioned it, I did went to couple of schools. But I couldn't go here"

"Eh? But why did you choose Rakuzan?!" They asked at the same time

"It's closer to my place" I honestly responded, then seriously looked at them "uhm, I know I shouldn't ask this but, did you hear what happened to those 2nd year bullies?"

"..." they looked at each other first, and seemed hesitating

"Some were expelled and some transferred to different schools" Mitsuki-senpai was the one who answered "I didn't know the whole story though, it was just last Saturday, we needed to adjust because it was too sudden"

"I heard from Jiro that all of them were expelled, but they just said that they were transferred because of their parents. Their parents were the one who pulled them out of school because videos of their children were sent to each of them. Well, long story short, the bullying already ends"

"What?!" I looked at Akashi then sighed as I realized that he ended it that "why it ended that way?!"

"In my opinion, I think that served them right. They had lots of victims"

"(L/n), it's time for you to go home." Kuwabe-sensei told me looking at his wrist watch. I asked to go home early today because dad would pick me up as well "but tell Dai-nii, I mean your father, tell him that tomorrow you need to stay longer with everyone because of the upcoming tournament."

"I will. Thanks. Well then everyone, I'll see you all tomorrow." I went to the locker room, changed and got my stuffs.

But to my surprised, as I got out of the dojo, Akashi was there.

"Ahre, you are still here?"

"Let's go"

"Eh?" He walked first, and I just followed him. But I used this opportunity to finally thanks him "Akashi, thank you very much"

He suddenly stopped and looked at me "for what?"

"To what happened last Friday." I told him "I didn't hear the full details yet, but I just heard that the matters already ended. Thank you still even though it ended that way"

"You don't need to thank me. It's my responsibility as the student council president" he responded then started walking again "but don't do it again. Don't stupidly act just to end something like that"

"..."

"Your answer?"

"I understand, but I can't promise you that it will not happen again. I mean, you don't know what will happen again." I chuckled "anyways, you are heading to the gym now?"

"No, I will make sure that someone will pick you up. You don't have your phone, with you?"

He sure looked after me now huh. I wonder if he messaged Satsuki about love. Also, I wonder if when did he ask those three about it. Was it when he had his 2nd personality already?

Anyways, we went to the gate, and there was a car, but not dad nor mom. Who is this man? He looked so young though, at the very least in his early 20s? Has a bob cut, and droopy eyes.

"(F/n)-san, I am here to pick you up as per your father's order"

"... who are you?" I asked him then moved behind Akashi and whispered "I don't know him"

"I am the son of your father's business partner. He has an important meeting along with your mother so he asked me to pick you up instead. So let's go" he responded and walked towards us, and was about to grab my arm, so I again moved behind Akashi "(f/n)-san, don't worry, I'll send you home"

"Move back" Akashi told this man, and I could tell from Akashi's tone that he was ordering him. He then got his phone out and I was surprised "Ken, you are parked nearby, right? Come here and send (f/n) home" he ended the call then looked at me "you have your keys?"

"I have" I nodded then looked at this suspicious man "if you know my parents, then tell my parents then that someone will send me home instead. I trust them more than going to a random suspicious person"

"I am not a randlm suspicious person. I am Fukunaga Masaru, the son of your father's business partner. I am here to send you home. So let's go, (f/n)-san" the way he said it, it was so creepy, his smile as well! What's with this person?!

He again tried to grab my arm, but this time, it was Akashi who stopped him

"She already made sure that she doesn't know you. You are still in school property, if you will keep that kind of attitude, I will call an authority"

It was then Akashi's car came, and Ken-san came out, bowing down towards us.

Instinctively, I held Akashi's shoulders, then led him towards their car, hiding still from this suspicious guy.

"Just tell dad I'll go home, and someone will send me home instead. Someone I trust more" when I said that, I immediately ran inside the car, in which Ken-san opened the door for me "Thank you, Akashi, Ken-san!" I told them

Akashi just nodded then closed the door, I also heard him told Ken-san, "make sure she is safe. Don't leave her until you make sure that she is safe.

I looked at Akashi, but he and that suspicious person were talking. I didn't know what they were talking about. Oh well.

At least, I could somehow feel safe now.

"(F/n)-sama, are you feeling okay now? Do you still have fever?" Ken-san asked, and I think he just wanted to free my mind from what happened

"I am okay now. Thank you, Ken-san. I am sure you heard what happened to me." I chuckled "I am sure Akashi asked you to do something about it, right?"

"Indeed, Seijurou-sama asked us. It escalated quickly, so you don't need to worry about anything anymore."

"Thank you, Ken-san. I mean even now. Gosh! That was creepy"

"Don't worry, I'll make sure that you will arrive home safely."

~

Not even less than 5 minutes, we arrived in front of our apartment mansion. Ken-san opened the door for me, and I was about to leave, when my eyes widened and immediately turned around and looked at Ken-san

"(F/n)-sama?"

"He's here!" I anxiously told Ken-san, and for the 2nd time in my life, I felt threatened towards someone I didn't even know! "What should I do?!"

Oh my gosh! He's approaching us! What's with this nightmare?!

"Well then (f/n)-sama, let's get Go-sama, and I will bring you to his veterinarian. Let's go." Ken-san held my back and led me inside, obviously protecting me and blocking my view of that creep. "Let's get Go-sama and drive around. I'll call someone to look out for your parents. I can't let you leave on your own" he whispered

"Thank you, Ken-san"

"You don't need to thank me. I am doing my job, and following Seijurou-sama's order. Don't worry, I'll make sure that you are safe. I will not leave until I make sure of it." I felt Ken-san moved closer to me and he again whispered "Don't look back, and just keep your eyes on the ground."

I was sure that Ken-san didn't want that man to be on my line of sight. He also didn't want me to see his reflection.

Until we entered the apartment mansion, even in the elevator, Ken-san was protecting me.

When we arrived in my place, he stayed outside and waited me to get Go-chan. I didn't bother to change. I just left my bag, get my keys, Go-chan's stuffs, then left a note where my parents could easily see.

"I brought Go-chan to see his vet."

After leaving the note, I went out with Go-chan, made sure that the door was locked.

Ken-san got Go-chan from me, and we went out.

To my surprised though, gosh, he was still there. Leaning his back on his car, his arms crossed, having this creepy smile.

That's so creepy!

My pace walking towards the car was so fast, that even Ken-san noticed it. He immediately opened the car and let me and Go-chan inside.

I just closed my eyes until I felt that we already drove off.

~

"We are already far, (f/n)-sama. It's okay to open your eyes."

I sighed loud, really showing how I felt relief.

"That's scary! What's with that creep?!"

Ken-san chuckled and he is like a big brother to me now

"(F/n)-sama sure attracts different kind of people. But again, don't worry, you are safe"

"Thank you, Ken-san. I have an older brother, and he was very overprotective to me before studying abroad. But he is like you, he always make sure that I am safe."

In the end, we ended up going to the groomer instead, and Go-chan had a quick nail trim.

~

"And? It's time to inform me why are you still here, and with Go-chan now" Akashi looked at me, while Go-chan was on his lap

"The creep was there. He was about to approach us when Ken-san decided to just get Go-chan and drive around. Though we went to his groomer instead." I explained and Akashi didn't have any response, but he was just looking outside "but Ken-san said that my parents already arrived, so we pick you up first"

"Tell your parents what happened today so it won't happen again"

"I will surely. That was creepy" I shivered. "To think that I would feel that again to some strangers. It was scary"

"When was the first one?" Akashi immediately asked

I shook my head, and smiled as I evaded the question. But I didn't want to remember that anymore.

~

Silence just covered the short trip back to my apartment mansion. Akashi was the one who sent me until the front door of the apartment mansion. Again, he stayed until the elevator closed, and even before I entered the house, he was outside the car, making sure I entered the house.

Once I entered the house, I could hear couple of voices from the living room.

"We're home"

I walked towards the living room, and there were two adults I didn't even know.

"Welcome home my dear. Come here" mom called me and I stood next to her "these are your father's friends from university. Fukunaga Leo, and his wife, Yae."

I bowed down slightly and felt nervous all of a sudden "hello"

"What a beautiful lady you have here. Right, my son said he would pick you up, right?" This Yae-san asked. I knew it, the parents of that creep

"Ah, yeah, someone was in front of the school. I didn't know him, nor didn't see him even before. As per my parents told me, don't follow strangers. So my friend instead asked his driver to send me here to get Go-chan."

"You went still with some strangers?" Dad commented and I shook my head

"No, I trust them more. They protected me. They didn't force me. Anyways, I need to go to my room now, I'll leave the adults here"

"Did you eat dinner? Eat first before going to your room"

"I will later, mom. I am not yet hungry. Ah, by the way dad, Kuwabe-sensei told me I need to stay until the end of training again. So, mom can I get my phone back? So we can contact each other directly?"

"I will give it later."

"Thanks, mom. Well then, please excuse me and Go-chan" I slightly bowed down and left.

I hurriedly went to my room, just changed my clothes and I lie down on my bed, and gosh, I am so tired.

"Sorry, Go-chan, I am so tired today. If mom comes in, just ask food from her"

~

I immediately opened my eyes and felt wide awake. I looked at my alarm clock and wow, 4 in the morning. I looked at Go-chan, who was sleeping on floor beside my bed. Seems he wanted to sleep more.

I went to the kitchen to cook breakfast, and lunch for me, and yeah, for Akashi since it's Tuesday.

"Oh, good morning my dear. I went to your room last night and you were already sleeping. I charged your phone and left it in your side table"

"Thanks mom. I'll get it later. But I prepared breakfast already. I'll be done with my lunch as well. I made one for dad as well, and for you mom."

I continued what I was doing when mom suddenly stood next to me

"(F/n), be honest with me. Something happened yesterday, right?" She whispered "your dad is still sleeping, so tell me"

I smiled a little and just nodded "just yesterday, I felt threatened when the son of your friend's. If my friend wasn't there, he might forcefully get me. He actually even followed me until outside the apartment mansion. Sorry mom, but I just felt scared yesterday."

I felt mom caressed my back then hugged me "I'm sorry that happened to you. I'm sorry. I didn't know that happened. I'll talk to your father, but I'll make sure not to offend him. If he's there, call me, I'll pick you up instead."

"Thank you mom"

"I'll continue from here. Prepare yourself now. You have morning practice, right? Your dad will send you, so wake him up."

I nodded and did what mom told me. I went to wake up dad, but he was already awake.

"Good morning dad" I greeted him while he was fixing his necktie

"Good morning. You didn't eat dinner last night. Get my watch there"

I get his watch and chuckled "I just fall asleep" I handed his watch and smiled "dad, are you going to watch my tournament this coming Saturday?"

"I can't this coming Saturday, but I will next week. I have an important meeting this Saturday. Sorry, my dear"

"It's okay. I'm used to it" I wanted to tell him, but I guess I'll leave it to mom "anyways, I'll prepare to school now" I excused myself and went to my room. Though I felt like he was about to say something to me

I changed to my uniform and take a deep breathe. I just hope that things would go well the rest of the week.

~

And good thing the rest of the week indeed went well, except for one; after school activity, if my dad or mom couldn't pick me up, Sayaka would walk me home, and because Jiro would walk her home, he was tagging along.

I asked them why, but they said that they just wanted to.

It was a little suspicious, but well, at least I had someone to talk to.

This week, there were couple of middle schoolers who watched us during our school activities, but I apologized since I was only focus in getting back in synch with my teammates.

~

Saturday had arrived, and we prepared for our team tournament. I was really in question about this schedule. I mean, why split the team and individual for a week? There were only few schools left, and we could finish it in just two days. Before there were lots of schools, they only split the competition for both category within two days only.

I really don't get it!

"Why do you look so angry? Is that because Akashi-sama isn't here?" I glared at Sayaka and she just smiled. I explained to her about the weird scheduling for archery, in which she agreed to my complaints.

"Well, there's seems a problem within the archery organization here in this region." Rio joined our conversation "but I heard from Jiro that one of Seijurou-sama's relative wanted to change it, and it seems they are just waiting for some result or something"

Now that she mentioned, Akashi's grandmother mentioned about his uncle taking over or something. Since then I already knew that Akashi was planning something. Oh well, as long as I could represent Rakuzan and Japan then I don't mind.

"Well, anyways, let's get ready. We'll win today and go to Nationals"

"Don't put hurdle to us" Mitsuki-senpai put her hand on my back "but well, we're here already, so why not win, right? I believe in you guys, so focus and have fun"

Yeah, time to focus now. We'll win this after all, and go to Nationals!

As I was trying to focus now, I felt my phone vibrated and talk about a one word message with a heavy pressure from that guy!

Akashi: Win

~TBC~