"As I told you before, listen to when your teammates released their arrows. You have at least 5 seconds to release yours. Don't get startled and don't panic." Sensei told Fujiko-chan, then for some reason, he turned towards me "and to the disobedient child over there, your hand is not moving. Just because you are injured doesn't mean you can't do anything. It was you who begged me after all and that you can use your left hand still, so make sure to check the logs."

"Yes, sensei" I smiled and immediately resume writing.

It's been 3 weeks since we won the Nationals. A week after that, as the country's representative, I went to South Korea to compete.

Amemiya warned me, but I didn't expect that reality was indeed harsh. First day, eliminating competitors immediately started, and I was one of the victims.

Though because it's me. I could easily forfeit, but no, who said I would. I knew that there was something wrong with my right wrist and elbow, so I requested to use my left instead. I did my best to hide it. I thought it would be okay since the force pulling the string would be on my left, but holding the bow still added to the pain, and it got worse

Sensei noticed it during semi-finals, and asked me to forfeit. I begged to him though, that I still could do it, and will win. That if it get worse, I still could use my left.

Which I did. Though, everyone found out when the whistle indicating that the competition had ended, since I dropped my bow. I smiled and apologized. Though I picked up my bow using my left, and stood there to stay in my composure, even though everyone already could see my swollen wrist and elbow.

Once I exited the stage, sensei with someone with medical aid came running to me. I just sat there, smiling, while sensei was getting mad, though showing how worried he was.

Well...

I ended up having a broken wrist and elbow, resulting for me to step down on AHS world tournament, the 2nd runner up went instead.

~

And I am here, attending our last Summer club practice. Watching our videos, and writing them down in our log book. Somehow the Archery association wanted to record things like this from now on, and also we would be having new coach soon.

~

"(F/n), you sure did something outrageous this time" Sayaka approached me and chuckled as they were on break "am quite curious what Akashi-sama said to you when he found out"

"I'm also curious" Rio also approached me, and Fujiko-chan. Himeko-senpai and Mitsuki-senpai went to buy drinks for everyone. Also, it seemed the male team have different training menu, and the first string will be chosen a week after the new semester starts.

"...well, not much. He just called me air brain, though congratulated me" I responded then pause the video I was watching. He said more to be honest, but better not to say anything to these people so they won't tease me.

"At least he congratulated you. It's too bad that you step down in AHS tournament, but your well-being is more important" Sayaka chuckled then we all flinched when Rio suddenly clapped her hands "Rio?"

"Since today is our last club activity, let's go and eat out after. There's a new crepe house near the station. We can go even though (f/n) is injure"

"Can we go tomorrow instead? Sorry, I have plans with my parents tonight"

Rio looked at Sayaka and Fujiko-chan, seemed asking their opinions as well

"I'm fine tomorrow, but I need to go home by 6pm" Sayaka responded in which Fujiko-chan also agreed

"Then that settled. I actually also wanted to invite everyone this weekend. Let's have a sleepover." Rio looked at me again, and seemed they already talked about it

"... I can't this Saturday. I'll be attending a birthday party." I really feel so bad that I kept on changing their initial plans "sorry..."

"Birthday party?" Rio asked and made a wide grin "are you attending Seijurou-sama's grandmother's birthday party?!"

"Rather, aren't you going?"

"No, the one who gave the invitation only included my parents. So you getting invitation means, you were invited directly by his grandmother?!"

"Well... yeah, I did them a favour once. Akashi was the one who gave me the invitation. His grandmother supposed to give it to me, but something came up."

"Oh my gosh!" Rio is really thrilled, is that even a big deal? "I want to hear what will happen during the party."

"You are more excited than me"

She just smiled and really, what's with that enigmatic smile?! I have a bad feeling about it!

And with that, our last summer club activity had ended, with anxious feeling.

~

I sat in our living room, just listening to my dad and his guest talking about some work. I received a call from dad that he needed to finish some important discussion with someone, and for some reason, they decided to do it here in the house.

Another crazy thing as well was that they let a high school student sit here with them while talking some important stuffs. The guest insisted to sit in front of the TV, and his secretary was just standing behind him, further to his left. Me and my dad were sitting in the sofa across him, and mom was on the small sofa on the side.

However, as I was minding myself, I felt a gaze, this gaze though... it was coming from dad's guest. He seemed younger than my dad, but I still could see some wrinkles, and dark colour under his eyes.

"I understand and very thankful with the proposal. Before we proceed further with this deal, Yashimoto Sorata-san, let me know how it will benefit you for helping us with the research project. You said you wanted it to be discussed here." I noticed how dad glanced at me, then back to this man "but, I just hope that my daughter has nothing to do with it."

He smiled and nodded "yes, of course let's talk about it. And that's the very reason why we are talking it here. But unfortunately, it has something to do with your daughter"

Even I could feel the tension from his response. I already have an idea what it might be, but this is still nerve wrecking.

"And what that might be?"

"I want you to transfer your daughter to either Hokkaido, or South Korea. Away from Rakuzan. You have relatives and friends there."

"You aren't giving me any reason? My daughter loves to be in Rakuzan, and Rakuzan seems the same. She was also the Rakuzan's- ah, even Japan's representative. Too bad from the world tournament, but still, Rakuzan won't let my daughter transfer, and I will not transfer her out without any valid reason"

"I do. Your business will be affected, not just here but even in Tokyo. I will not continue with your research as well, but I will make sure that you will lose your job"

Dad just sighed and seemed like he knew already what it was all about, but only waiting for confirmation. Surprisingly though, mom isn't saying anything, but I could see her hands, and she seemed holding it in.

"It's because of Akashi right?" I asked and he immediately glared at me

"Be careful on how you call him"

"He told me to be casual with him. Anyways, you are his uncle, right? His mother's brother"

"And why does his uncle wanted you out of Rakuzan?" Dad asked then crossed his arms

"Well, easy, he didn't want me to be friends with Akashi. It's Akashi Seijuro after all, and I am just (l/n) (f/n). We are from different family class"

"At least you are smart enough to understand it. Indeed, you and my nephew are from different world. I just couldn't let my sister's son be associated with people like you."

People like me? How high and almighty are you?

"People like us? Ah, commoners?" Dad chuckled and shook his head "well, I will not transfer my daughter."

"It seems like you aren't understanding the situation"

"No, I understand it well. I could see an adult putting his nose with children's decision"

"What?!"

"My daughter will stay in Rakuzan and I, as an adult, will do what an adult should do. If you will attack our business, then be it, I'll face you head on instead as what an adult should do without bringing the kids into this mess. If Akashi-kun chose my daughter to be his friend, and my daughter also chose him as his friends, then as a father, I would accept her decision. The only time I will interfere is when I see that my daughter is being led astray, or got hurt by him"

Ah, if dad found out what Akashi did, then he might interfere

"And this is why I don't like to associate with people from low class family. They can't distinguish their place"

"Does your nephew know what you are doing?"

"Seijuro doesn't need to know. Besides, even he knows, he can't do anything about it. He is still a child that doesn't know how this world works. I am his uncle, and he needs to listen to me."

"Amazing, Akashi will never though. Especially the him right now" I commented on the side, but felt glare instead. I cleared my throat and asked him something I felt during the finals during Nationals. "It was you Yashimoto-san, right? The one who changed the rule, and made it as an exhibition match during the finals. You are one of the organizers after all"

"That's right. I wanted you to lose the game after all"

...

Wow... at the very least being straightforward runs through their veins.

"Anyways, it seems like this conversation will not end as what I expected. Then, name your price" his secretary put down a blank cheque on the center table then crossed his legs, and even his arms, obviously looking down at us "write down the price, and you can have them all yours"

Mom is really holding it in. Her veins are popping out. I wonder what dad told her.

"You sure love to insult people, Yashimoto-san-"

"Dad" I stopped him and smiled. I turned to Yashimoto-san and I am also trying to hold my laughter "this person here is looking down on us. However, I would like to make a remark to your previous statements."

"My previous statements?"

"You said that Akashi doesn't know, and even if he know, he is just a child that needs to listen to his mother's brother. But it seemed you didn't know your nephew at all."

"I know him well. He is my nephew after all"

"Not at all" I retorted and mockingly looked at him "he is always one step ahead of people, and he never takes no for an answer. Also, the current Akashi Seijuro, no matter who you are, YOU MUST never get in his way"

"What do you even know about-"

"Should we ask him?"

"Huh? You are going to call him?"

"Call him? Of course not. Why would I call someone that's here before you even arrived? Him who already told me what you would say? Why would I? Mr, do you really know you nephew?" As I asked him, I could see his eyes widening. I could see Akashi's reflection from the TV. "He really comes here with my parents, Akashi" I also noticed how surprised my parents were

"It's amazing how stupid my mother's brother is. I highly look after you before, but of course, after re-marrying someone grandmother didn't approve, you became a stupid fool." He stood beside the couch, then sighed "indeed, so stupid"

"What are you doing here?! How-"

Akashi didn't respond but instead I saw him from his reflection that he got his phone and called someone "it's me. I confirmed it. So make sure to withdraw everything. I'll explain to grandmother and grandfather. My father's family is already aware of it"

"Seijurou, what are you doing?!"

Even before he speaks, we all could feel his chilling voice.

"You are questioning me? I should ask you. What are you doing? I never asked you to meddle with my life. Who do you think you are?" It's scary. You could say he is being disrespectful though since he is still his uncle "I warned you already to don't mess up with (f/n) and her family. You investigated them, and even asked your people to follow her. I already warned you before, don't meddle with people associated to me"

"I am your uncle and I only want what's the best-"

"What's best for me? Who are you to decide what's best for me?"

Yeah, even I could feel the intimidating gaze from Akashi. Who would be able to talk back to that gaze of him?

"And so I think this conversation is over" Mom stood up, not smiling anymore

"This-"

"Get out of our house now" mom immediately interrupted "I'm asking you nicely. I'm holding it it, but my husband told me to hold it in until you leave. So leave. NOW!"

"This is not yet over-"

"Give up, it's over." Akashi stopped him and again glared at him

His uncle and his secretary hastily ran out of the house and I could just hear our door closed.

I then felt cold from my arm, but noticed a cold water bottle from Akashi. He had this since the beginning?

"(F/n), can you get me cold water first."

Ahh... he knew?

"Here mom, Akashi already have one" I responded and handed the water bottle to mom.

"Anyways, I will also take my leave as I have lots of stuffs to take care of"

"I'm glad you didn't bother to say sorry for what your uncle did" I stood up and faced Akashi "I mean, it's not Akashi if you apologize, I'm glad you didn't"

One of his eyebrows just raised. "I'll take my leave now- ah, don't worry about that man, he can't do anything towards your business nor your daughter. Well then" he told my parents then bowed down and left

"Yeah, thank you." Father also stood up, and just responded that.

I went to see Akashi out, and Ken-san was already standing outside

"Hello (f/n)-sama."

"Were you standing there for a long time?"

"No, only 10 minutes. I saw Sorata-sama and his secretary left. They were agitated." He smiled and turned to Akashi "seemed the young master was able to stop him"

"Enough, let's go. (F/n) needs some explanation to her parents"

I couldn't help but just laugh and agree to what he said. They told me that I don't need to see them off.

~

"And I think you need some explanation, miss"

Dad stood in front of me, as I sat on the couch, mom still sitting where she was sitting a while ago

"Explanation about?" I feigned innocent but I could feel dad's dark aura "I mean, which one? Akashi? His uncle?" But before dad answered, I heard Go-chan "can I get him first? He is being nice and quiet for a while now."

"Sit there" dad told me and he went to get Go-chan

"Just be honest and tell us what you know, okay? It's not that your dad will get mad at you"

"He sounded as if he's mad though"

"I am not mad at you. I'm just frustrated that my instinct was correct. I knew he was up to something related to you when he suggested to talk the business here, and somehow I felt that Akashi Seijuro-kun is connected to him as well"

"But you let him in. Don't you think that was a bit dangerous?" I asked dad but he sighed

"Indeed, I think it was. But I had this hunch that for some reason, he couldn't hurt me or my family. And, it seems that I was right, because if he does, Akashi Seijuro-kun will not stay silent. So he instead wanted it to be our decision"

"Since when did you know about that person?" Mom asked me

"I know his existence, but I didn't know that he had a contact with you until Akashi told me today" I honestly responded "I know that he is one of the organizers for the Archery organization here, he also helped my friends to get my equipments. Akashi mentioned before that someone was investigating me, it wasn't his father, and not his grandmother."

"Then today, he told you that it's his uncle? And? How did he enter the house and just show up all of a sudden?"

"Ah... about that..." I chuckled and gazed away from dad's piercing eyes "he called me last night to meet at school today, then he explained that his uncle would be going with you here so he wanted to catch him in action. He also explained everything his uncle would do and would say, more like, he knew what would happen. So, in order to catch his uncle, he needed to be here, and since I was being followed, we must hide the fact that he would be here, so I told him to be here first"

"Be here first?" The two of them asked

"Yeah, I gave him our house key and even the code to get inside our house" I answered excitedly, but immediately felt silent when my parents' looked at me in disbelief "...sorry"

"You gave our house key, and even code to someone? (F/n), should I remind you that there will be times again that you will be here by yourself?" Father sighed and somehow, I feel bad about it "don't you think you trust Akashi-kun too much?"

I gazed down and honestly told them what I think "I am surprised as well. But as far as I know, and as far our situation right now, Akashi won't do anything to hurt me. Even though he enters this house, it's only for the plan to catch his uncle. There's nothing he needs here, because he has far more than what we have. Oh, but he returned the key. Even though he knows the code, he still need the key, right?"

As I said that, Go-chan sat next to me, as if he knew that we were talking about Akashi. He started howling, vouching for Akashi

"Dear, I thought you trust your daughter?" Mom sighed as if she already resigned

"I trust her, but not the people around her-"

"Then you should trust her decision as well. She is safe, and her friend helped her, and keeping her safe as well." mom interrupted then sighed as she looked at me "I know he hurt you once before, but you have a reason why you trusted him , and became his friend again. So, I'll support your decision."

"Thank you mom" I smiled at her then looked at dad, but, why is he getting enraged again? "Dad?"

"He hurt you already?"

Ah...

"That... there was a reason why he did that, and knowing his situation, I kind of understood him. So dad, I know you are worried of me, but don't worry. If ever Akashi hurt me again, I will step back and will tell you about it"

He sighed then held his head "I understand. For now, let's end this conversation. But still, send our gratitude to Akashi-kun. I already have plan towards that man, but I'll save it next time. I don't know if he will stop, but-"

"Don't worry, he'll stop. More like, Akashi already made sure that he would be busy looking after his own business, and he said his family as well. He said, he'll get into trouble if grandma finds out about what he did"

"Grandma?"

"Yes, I might see him again this Saturday, in his mother's birthday party"

~TBC~

~

Hello!!!!
I'm back to Wattpad!

I apologize, I got too busy after I came back from my vacation T^T

I am now back to wattpad again, though we're still busy at work, I have lots of days off over the holiday starting tomorrow..

Again, I apologize for the very late update!!!

Next update will be up tomorrow, our Emperor's birthday in my time zone~

For now, I hope you have a great holiday~ stay safe!

Happy Birthday to our Red Emperor!

~Niccy~