13.

[aisubekihoshi]

I agreed to do the advertisement for Mizuno and it was not the tragedy I had imagined it to be. They simply asked that I both bring my glasses and contacts when they did the photo shoot so that we could try both ways and that I be prepared for them to do hair styling and makeup. There is a first time for everything

Comments

[karinrai]

Life would perhaps be simpler (and quite possibly more... interesting considering your teammates, I imagine), but you're doing right now what many of us wish - and dream - to do in the future.

[aisubekihoshi]

Very true, and it is where I want to be. It is unexpectedly... stressful to enter the adult life. Particularly life in the fast lane.

[karinrai]

Understandably so. You have to have a strong sense of responsibility in order to pull it off.

[aisubekihoshi]

Yes, I cannot argue that.

Is Kirihara still in the hospital?

[karinrai]

Yes, he is. I don't know when he'll be released.

[aisubekihoshi]

When you go to see him next, please give him my best regards. ... And if he is still requisitioning hugs from all present, please extend my support on my behalf.

[karinrai]

... Very well. It is greatly appreciated. He gave me us quite a scare.

[aisubekihoshi]

I believe it. I cannot even tell you how many heart attacks Echizen gave me Oishi and the others.

[karinrai]

I imagine so. You understand where I'm coming from. Correct?

[ooc: wheeeeeeee, HTML.]

[aisubekihoshi]

Very well. If it's not too bold, more so than I imagine Atobe did. However, Kirihara is not the sort to let an injury be the death of his career. He does not share Echizen's and my foolhardiness, but the determination is there.

[karinrai]

... You're right, I don't think he did quite understand. ...His presence was truly appreciated regardless. I know. That's what makes me believe everything will be fine in the end.

[aisubekihoshi]

As a captain, allow me to impart upon you the wisdom that we are not gods nor can we hope to ensure the safety and happiness of all of our teammates at all times, no matter how much we wish it. I imagine it only becomes worse in the role of vice captain where one must also cope with the... recklessness all of us shared, back then. Everything will be fine, and you do not need to shoulder the burden of ensuring that.

[karinrai]

... Thank you, Tezuka. Admittedly, I needed to hear that. If I can be truthful for a moment, not only was I fretting over Akaya, the hospital was dragging up memories I would really rather leave behind. It was hardly helpful that the doctors wouldn't tell me anything - understandably so, but I spent much of my evening feeling quite worried and wondering what exactly is wrong with my teammate to result in admittance to the hospital with no sign of release quite yet.

[aisubekihoshi]

I imagine it was a long night; however, there is no shame in any of those things. I know you are a role model for Kirihara, and he will eventually look to you for strength. Right now, there is no reason why you cannot do the same.

[karinrai]

I know. I will keep that in mind. Truly, thank you.

[aisubekihoshi]

Of course. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.