[Fic] The Dented Fender - Chapter 1
Title: The Dented Fender
Pairing: Kokame
Rating: PG-13
Genre: AU; Humour, Romance
Summary: When pro-soccer player Koki drove under the influence and knocked down a go-go dancer, that marked the start of a beautiful relationship built upon blackmail.
Disclaimer: I don’t own anybody.
Beta: My sister <3
Author’s Note: Drink driving is wrong. I disapprove of smoking too. I'm also not a fan of soccer, so please correct me if I got any soccer details wrong in the future chapters.
Other Note: Prompt by mrs_koki which can be found here. Sorry for the long wait and I hope you’ll enjoy it :3
The Dented Fender: Chapter 1
Koki drowned the last bit of beer in his mug, and signalled to the bartender once more. Was this his sixth? Or seventh? Koki had lost count since the warm fuzziness from the alcohol wrapped around his brain.
Scowling when the bartender refused him his order, citing that they were closing soon, Koki felt his mood worsen. He kicked the stool for good measure as he stumbled off it, but left the pub without much fuss.
Koki, you need to control your temper.
If you played more calmly, you'll be able to make better judgements.
Koki, can't you not commit fouls for once?
Koki was a rising soccer player in Japan’s major league. His team won the year he joined, and Koki could never forget what it felt to be the champions. The next few years, however, had been far from ideal. The team failed to perform, and funding had been cut. With that went some of the better players. Koki worked hard to fill in the gap, but it was never enough, and his unhappiness grew. He started to resent some of the weaker players, feeling trapped in a team that had no use for his abilities, and little by little, his pent-up frustration had started to rear its ugly head on the field. Eventually, the coach took him off games, forcing Koki to remain a benchwarmer for the majority of his time. There was nothing wrong with his skills, Koki had been told, the problem laid with his temper.
Of course, not winning matches was not the only cause of his change in attitude - expectations and pressure had taken over his passion for soccer, causing his fuse to shorten whenever he is in a match. Koki kicked a pebble in his way. Remembering his coach's words reminded Koki of why he was drinking in the first place, and Koki decided he needed more alcohol.
"Sir, would you like me to hail you a cab?"
Shaking off the waiter, Koki left the establishment. The cold night air hit his face, momentarily causing him to sober up.
I can probably drive to the convenient shop once I have a smoke . Those beer aren’t enough to make me drunk.
With that, Koki groggily made his way over to his car. Fumbling with his car keys, he got into the driver’s seat and slammed his foot onto the gas pedal. As he sped along a hardly used road with a cigarette in hand, Koki saw a blur in the rapidly approaching distance, and slammed on his brakes the moment his foot cooperated. With a screech, the car halted, but not before hitting the slight figure.
Koki blinked.
Had he just hit someone? Koki stared harder at the road in front of him, a sense of creeping horror bringing his mind back up to speed.
Nope, no one in sight. Should I get down and check? But there wasn’t a scream of anything…
Just as Koki was thinking of driving away, attributing the blur to some figment of his inebriated mind, he heard a small 'thunk'.
The sound repeated itself over and over again.
Was something wrong with his engine? Maybe he had hit a small animal instead?
Koki hurriedly swung the car door open, just in time to catch the next stone on his knee.
***
Kamenashi huddled into his black coat as the cold winds continued howling in the night. Staring at his watch, he paced himself to move faster. It was nearing three in the morning and he doubt he would be able to wake up on time for his morning lecture if he didn’t get some sleep soon.
Although he was an undergraduate pursuing a journalism degree in university, financial woes had forced him to undertake a part-time job. Even though he would very much prefer flipping burgers at a local fast food joint, his friend and flatmate Ueda had recommended him a night job he couldn’t resist as it would not interfere with his daytime activities and still pay so well. Since Kamenashi worked as a popular go-go dancer in a club while Ueda worked as a host a couple of streets away, they walked home together every night to their rented apartment. It was a surprise how their senior, Nakamaru, who was also sharing an apartment with them, had never once suspected their jobs.
Today was no different from the rest of the days, except for the fact that work ended much later and he didn’t even have the time to remove his make-up, or his wig. He knew Ueda hated waiting as much as he did. Hence, Kamenashi hurried towards the host club, trying his best to struggle against the winds.
Crossing the road and humming his favourite tune to lift his spirits in the bitter cold, he caught sight of a car dashing towards him.
The walking man is green right now. That car should be slowing down…
When Kamenashi was midway across the road, he realised the car wasn't going to stop. He took a step back hurriedly, but wasn't quick enough to avoid it. There was a sharp pain that stunned him momentarily, and his vision blacked out for a brief instance before the pain took over his senses again. Though the infernal vehicle hadn't run him over like Kamenashi thought it would, the impact knocked him off balance into a world of pain, and he fell backwards awkwardly onto his rear.
Curse at the tip of his tongue, Kamenashi fully expected the driver to leave his car and be out apologising. The overwhelming pain in his leg had receded into a throbbing pain, but Kamenashi didn't think he could stand.
Bastard, whoever the driver is better be compensating me. I had the right of way, for god’s sake.
Kamenashi glared at the traffic light, where the green man was now blinking rapidly. It had been a long day, and he needed to be in school early tomorrow.
When the driver seemed to have no intentions whatsoever to check on his victim, even revving the engine as if to drive away, Kamenashi lobbed a small stone in the car's direction. It hit the fender with a dull ‘thunk’, and finally, a few tries later, the door opened.
***
Koki looked down at the source of the flying projectiles. So it wasn’t an animal or engine problem but someone causing trouble?
"Who the hell do you think you are? Throwing stones at my car? I'll have you for property damage, I…"
Koki never got to finish his sentence, narrowly dodging something sharp slicing past him. Said object landed with a dull thud onto his driver's seat, and Koki could only stare in amazement at what it undoubtedly was.
High heels?
The violet pumps fascinated Koki so much that he failed to dodge the next heel, which caught him on his shoulder. Turning in slight irritation, Koki turned to confront the attacker.
What greeted Koki was a baleful glare. Koki squinted, taking in the sight of a young woman sitting by the sidewalk. Her glare was intensified by the copious amounts of eyeliner she wore, and if her scowl was anything to go by, this woman was definitely pissed.
"Eh… What…" Seeing the awkward manner she was sitting in, as well as the hate being sent his way, Koki finally put two and two together. The blurry form from earlier, how he had felt his car hit something…
Oh my god, I've hit someone! Why didn’t I realise it earlier?
"Are you... okay?" Koki asked, immediately remorseful at his actions.
Moving forwards awkwardly, Koki tried to access for damage. Maybe it only spooked her and caused her to fall… He tried not to let his eyes roam too much, in case it became a case of sexual harassment or something equally bad, and Koki mentally berated himself for driving under the influence.
What were you thinking of, Koki? Are you trying to kill someone? Become a social menace? Coach was right, you don't think! Oh my god I hope she's okay…
“Fuck you!” The figure shouted. “Are you blind or what?”
Koki jumped.
Now that he looked closely, the face was indeed more masculine than feminine.
A man? And a vulgar one to boot. But it’s understandable; anyone would get angry at this kind of situation…
"Now help me up or something, I still need to meet my friend!”
Rambling apologies, Koki hurried to help the man.
"Maybe you shouldn't be moving; I’ll call a cab or something. You ought to go to the hospital for a check. I’m so sorry!”
When the person tried to get up, he winced in pain and stumbled back onto the roadside. Swearing, he tried again, but to no avail. Sitting on the ground, he whipped up his handphone and started pressing its buttons vigorously. When he was done with his mobile, he turned and stared at Koki irritably.
“My friend will be over and you can get me to the hospital.”
Koki frowned. He would love to send the person to the hospital as soon as possible, but in his current condition, he didn’t want to take any more risks. He had already caused one accident tonight and he wasn’t going to make it two. He had realised the grave consequences of drunk driving and he wasn’t going to carry on in this state.
“I’ll call my manager over,” Koki told the other man as he hurriedly dialled for his personal manager. “He’ll drive us to the hospital. I’m so sorry about it!”
“Ha! Let me guess, you’re drunk?” The man snapped. “Bastard, I’ll have you up in court!”
Koki sighed.
I do deserve to get charged.
Just then, his phone got through.
“Hello, Koki? What are you doing, calling so late at night?” a muffled voice answered.
“Taguchi, get your ass over to my usual drinking spot,” Koki instructed with great urgency. Then, switching to a much lower voice, he explained his current situation. “I need you to drive me and somebody elsewhere.”
“What is this regarding?” his manager asked, irritated. “Is it important?”
“I need you to send someone to the hospital. Make it snappy!”
“But…”
Before his manager could protest, Koki hung up his phone and hoped Taguchi would be quick.
***
Kamenashi growled in annoyance. How long is that asshole going to leave him sitting on the floor?
Well, at least he had the decency to loan me his nice expensive coat to ensure I wouldn’t die in the chills.
“What’s your name?”
“Tanaka Koki…”
The footballer in the major league? The one everyone calls Koki?
It was dark and Kamenashi couldn’t make out the driver’s face to decide if he was lying, or not.
Couldn’t be… Tanaka Koki has a bright future ahead. There is no way he will do something so stupid and waste his chance to enter the national team.
“We better call the ambulance…” The driver said abruptly as he drummed his fingers impatiently on his convertible. “The damage could worsen if your injuries are not treated promptly!”
With that, he whipped out his handphone again. Before he could call for an ambulance, Kamenashi interrupted.
“No need,” Kamenashi said, trying his best not to sound too desperate, even though he was certain his leg was broken and he could feel blood trickling down his calf. “I’ll wait.”
“Why? It’s urgent!”
“None of your business, just get someone over quickly, and drive me to the freaking hospital.”
Kamenashi couldn’t possibly tell Koki that he was afraid of letting anyone know he worked in such a district. Koki causing trouble even off the field made for juicy scandal, and it the school happened to get wind of where the ambulance had picked Koki’s victim up from, Kamenashi could possibly face immediate expulsion. After all, Koki was a prominent soccer player, and Kamenashi knew that as a victim, he would inevitably be dragged into any potential news report. Not to mention, Kamenashi knew he could possibly get Ueda involved with his own trouble. Speaking of Ueda, where the hell was he?
As Kamenashi rolled his eyes, he spotted a fashionably dressed figure a distance away, and scoffed at Ueda’s assorted glitter and sparkles decorating his clothing, as well as his gravity defying hair. Judging by Ueda’s walking style, a strange gait that consisted of swaying unsteadily from left to right, Kamenashi reckoned Ueda was drunk, dead drunk.
Great, now I'll have to deal with two drunks, instead of one.
"Kazuya~” Ueda called out when he came in view. “What are you doing on the floor? Get up and start walking home! We have school tomorrow!"
Oh crap, why did he have to mention I’m still from school?
Stealing a peek at Koki, Kamenashi was delighted to note that he didn’t even look over. He was too distracted staring at his mobile.
"Are you blind as well?" Kamenashi snapped at his friend. "From what I know, alcohol doesn’t impair your vision.”
“Sorry,” his friend muttered before gagging. “I had a drop too much.”
“Anyway, I got hit by this idiot and now I can't stand," Kamenashi continued before pointing at the driver, who was sitting on his car hood, still vigorously pressing on his phone. “I want you to accompany me to the hospital.”
“Afraid that he might dump you in a ditch and silence you to prevent anyone from knowing he hit somebody?” Ueda asked. “Kazuya, I don’t feel too good, I need to…”
Even before his friend finished saying his words, he started hurling along the roadside.
“This is embarrassing,” Kamenashi knitted his brows together, shaking his head.
The loud retching sounds caught the driver’s attention again.
“Is your friend okay? And what’s your name?”
“He’ll be fine,” Kamenashi grunted, wrinkling his nose. “I’m Kamenashi Kazuya and that’s Ueda Tatsuya.”
“I feel much better,” Ueda coughed. “What were you saying again?”
“Accompany me to the hospital when someone comes to pick us up.”
“I’ve got morning lec-”
Before Ueda finished his sentence, Kamenashi tossed a tiny rock from the asphalt path at him.
Shut up, dumb ass! We’ll both get expelled if you give yourself away as a student.
Ueda seemed to take the hint well enough and muttered “okay”.
***
When Taguchi pulled his car up beside Koki’s, he got a shock of his life. His star player didn’t just hit someone, did he? Getting out of his car, Taguchi ignored the blasts of cold air and accessed the situation. Even if she was very pale, the victim didn’t look badly hurt. At least she was still conscious, though Taguchi hoped the growing stain on her jeans wasn’t blood.
Maybe it’s just a cut or something. It probably isn’t anything too serious.
As Taguchi drove Koki’s car to the nearest parking lot (after he had gotten everyone else into his for the heater’s warmth and had asked for the gist of what had happened), he tried to assure himself that this incident would not end Koki’s chance in entering the national team since the damage wasn’t great. However, the fact that Koki was drunk while driving complicated things.
I’ll have to find a way to get Koki out of this mess. That’s my job as his manager.
At the parking lot, Taguchi looked around to ensure that there was no one in sight. Inspecting the car carefully, Taguchi made sure there were no bloodstains that could be traced. He made sure to remove the heels and put them into the boot too. Reporters always loved to snoop around, and it would be bad if any shred of evidence was seen lying around. The fender was dented, but Taguchi couldn’t do anything about it now.
I’ll send this car for repairs tomorrow.
Returning to the scene, Taguchi got onto his car. He could see the prettily dressed man offering his injured friend some make-up remover.
“I foresee a long stay at home,” Kamenashi mumbled under his breath.
Youngsters these days. Why can’t they find a decent job like me?
Starting his car, Taguchi drove towards the nearest hospital. Besides a few occasional moans of pain (whenever he drove over a hump), the trip had been pretty silent. When they reached their destination, Koki was the first to get off. In his haste to get a wheelchair, he tripped and almost knocked into a passerby. Taguchi panicked. A fracture could easily end both Koki’s, and his career. When will Koki learn to be more careful?
Moreover, if he had been more cautious, we wouldn’t be stuck in such a situation.
Taguchi indicated for Koki to keep his hoodie on. It would not do for him to be recognised. Koki’s victim was immediately taken into an examination room, while her friend worked on the registration. As though luck was on his sight, Taguchi caught a glimpse of the girl’s identity card.
A male student?
A malicious smirk crept up Taguchi’s face.
To be continued…
Chapter 2
Pairing: Kokame
Rating: PG-13
Genre: AU; Humour, Romance
Summary: When pro-soccer player Koki drove under the influence and knocked down a go-go dancer, that marked the start of a beautiful relationship built upon blackmail.
Disclaimer: I don’t own anybody.
Beta: My sister <3
Author’s Note: Drink driving is wrong. I disapprove of smoking too. I'm also not a fan of soccer, so please correct me if I got any soccer details wrong in the future chapters.
Other Note: Prompt by mrs_koki which can be found here. Sorry for the long wait and I hope you’ll enjoy it :3
The Dented Fender: Chapter 1
Koki drowned the last bit of beer in his mug, and signalled to the bartender once more. Was this his sixth? Or seventh? Koki had lost count since the warm fuzziness from the alcohol wrapped around his brain.
Scowling when the bartender refused him his order, citing that they were closing soon, Koki felt his mood worsen. He kicked the stool for good measure as he stumbled off it, but left the pub without much fuss.
Koki, you need to control your temper.
If you played more calmly, you'll be able to make better judgements.
Koki, can't you not commit fouls for once?
Koki was a rising soccer player in Japan’s major league. His team won the year he joined, and Koki could never forget what it felt to be the champions. The next few years, however, had been far from ideal. The team failed to perform, and funding had been cut. With that went some of the better players. Koki worked hard to fill in the gap, but it was never enough, and his unhappiness grew. He started to resent some of the weaker players, feeling trapped in a team that had no use for his abilities, and little by little, his pent-up frustration had started to rear its ugly head on the field. Eventually, the coach took him off games, forcing Koki to remain a benchwarmer for the majority of his time. There was nothing wrong with his skills, Koki had been told, the problem laid with his temper.
Of course, not winning matches was not the only cause of his change in attitude - expectations and pressure had taken over his passion for soccer, causing his fuse to shorten whenever he is in a match. Koki kicked a pebble in his way. Remembering his coach's words reminded Koki of why he was drinking in the first place, and Koki decided he needed more alcohol.
"Sir, would you like me to hail you a cab?"
Shaking off the waiter, Koki left the establishment. The cold night air hit his face, momentarily causing him to sober up.
I can probably drive to the convenient shop once I have a smoke . Those beer aren’t enough to make me drunk.
With that, Koki groggily made his way over to his car. Fumbling with his car keys, he got into the driver’s seat and slammed his foot onto the gas pedal. As he sped along a hardly used road with a cigarette in hand, Koki saw a blur in the rapidly approaching distance, and slammed on his brakes the moment his foot cooperated. With a screech, the car halted, but not before hitting the slight figure.
Koki blinked.
Had he just hit someone? Koki stared harder at the road in front of him, a sense of creeping horror bringing his mind back up to speed.
Nope, no one in sight. Should I get down and check? But there wasn’t a scream of anything…
Just as Koki was thinking of driving away, attributing the blur to some figment of his inebriated mind, he heard a small 'thunk'.
The sound repeated itself over and over again.
Was something wrong with his engine? Maybe he had hit a small animal instead?
Koki hurriedly swung the car door open, just in time to catch the next stone on his knee.
***
Kamenashi huddled into his black coat as the cold winds continued howling in the night. Staring at his watch, he paced himself to move faster. It was nearing three in the morning and he doubt he would be able to wake up on time for his morning lecture if he didn’t get some sleep soon.
Although he was an undergraduate pursuing a journalism degree in university, financial woes had forced him to undertake a part-time job. Even though he would very much prefer flipping burgers at a local fast food joint, his friend and flatmate Ueda had recommended him a night job he couldn’t resist as it would not interfere with his daytime activities and still pay so well. Since Kamenashi worked as a popular go-go dancer in a club while Ueda worked as a host a couple of streets away, they walked home together every night to their rented apartment. It was a surprise how their senior, Nakamaru, who was also sharing an apartment with them, had never once suspected their jobs.
Today was no different from the rest of the days, except for the fact that work ended much later and he didn’t even have the time to remove his make-up, or his wig. He knew Ueda hated waiting as much as he did. Hence, Kamenashi hurried towards the host club, trying his best to struggle against the winds.
Crossing the road and humming his favourite tune to lift his spirits in the bitter cold, he caught sight of a car dashing towards him.
The walking man is green right now. That car should be slowing down…
When Kamenashi was midway across the road, he realised the car wasn't going to stop. He took a step back hurriedly, but wasn't quick enough to avoid it. There was a sharp pain that stunned him momentarily, and his vision blacked out for a brief instance before the pain took over his senses again. Though the infernal vehicle hadn't run him over like Kamenashi thought it would, the impact knocked him off balance into a world of pain, and he fell backwards awkwardly onto his rear.
Curse at the tip of his tongue, Kamenashi fully expected the driver to leave his car and be out apologising. The overwhelming pain in his leg had receded into a throbbing pain, but Kamenashi didn't think he could stand.
Bastard, whoever the driver is better be compensating me. I had the right of way, for god’s sake.
Kamenashi glared at the traffic light, where the green man was now blinking rapidly. It had been a long day, and he needed to be in school early tomorrow.
When the driver seemed to have no intentions whatsoever to check on his victim, even revving the engine as if to drive away, Kamenashi lobbed a small stone in the car's direction. It hit the fender with a dull ‘thunk’, and finally, a few tries later, the door opened.
***
Koki looked down at the source of the flying projectiles. So it wasn’t an animal or engine problem but someone causing trouble?
"Who the hell do you think you are? Throwing stones at my car? I'll have you for property damage, I…"
Koki never got to finish his sentence, narrowly dodging something sharp slicing past him. Said object landed with a dull thud onto his driver's seat, and Koki could only stare in amazement at what it undoubtedly was.
High heels?
The violet pumps fascinated Koki so much that he failed to dodge the next heel, which caught him on his shoulder. Turning in slight irritation, Koki turned to confront the attacker.
What greeted Koki was a baleful glare. Koki squinted, taking in the sight of a young woman sitting by the sidewalk. Her glare was intensified by the copious amounts of eyeliner she wore, and if her scowl was anything to go by, this woman was definitely pissed.
"Eh… What…" Seeing the awkward manner she was sitting in, as well as the hate being sent his way, Koki finally put two and two together. The blurry form from earlier, how he had felt his car hit something…
Oh my god, I've hit someone! Why didn’t I realise it earlier?
"Are you... okay?" Koki asked, immediately remorseful at his actions.
Moving forwards awkwardly, Koki tried to access for damage. Maybe it only spooked her and caused her to fall… He tried not to let his eyes roam too much, in case it became a case of sexual harassment or something equally bad, and Koki mentally berated himself for driving under the influence.
What were you thinking of, Koki? Are you trying to kill someone? Become a social menace? Coach was right, you don't think! Oh my god I hope she's okay…
“Fuck you!” The figure shouted. “Are you blind or what?”
Koki jumped.
Now that he looked closely, the face was indeed more masculine than feminine.
A man? And a vulgar one to boot. But it’s understandable; anyone would get angry at this kind of situation…
"Now help me up or something, I still need to meet my friend!”
Rambling apologies, Koki hurried to help the man.
"Maybe you shouldn't be moving; I’ll call a cab or something. You ought to go to the hospital for a check. I’m so sorry!”
When the person tried to get up, he winced in pain and stumbled back onto the roadside. Swearing, he tried again, but to no avail. Sitting on the ground, he whipped up his handphone and started pressing its buttons vigorously. When he was done with his mobile, he turned and stared at Koki irritably.
“My friend will be over and you can get me to the hospital.”
Koki frowned. He would love to send the person to the hospital as soon as possible, but in his current condition, he didn’t want to take any more risks. He had already caused one accident tonight and he wasn’t going to make it two. He had realised the grave consequences of drunk driving and he wasn’t going to carry on in this state.
“I’ll call my manager over,” Koki told the other man as he hurriedly dialled for his personal manager. “He’ll drive us to the hospital. I’m so sorry about it!”
“Ha! Let me guess, you’re drunk?” The man snapped. “Bastard, I’ll have you up in court!”
Koki sighed.
I do deserve to get charged.
Just then, his phone got through.
“Hello, Koki? What are you doing, calling so late at night?” a muffled voice answered.
“Taguchi, get your ass over to my usual drinking spot,” Koki instructed with great urgency. Then, switching to a much lower voice, he explained his current situation. “I need you to drive me and somebody elsewhere.”
“What is this regarding?” his manager asked, irritated. “Is it important?”
“I need you to send someone to the hospital. Make it snappy!”
“But…”
Before his manager could protest, Koki hung up his phone and hoped Taguchi would be quick.
***
Kamenashi growled in annoyance. How long is that asshole going to leave him sitting on the floor?
Well, at least he had the decency to loan me his nice expensive coat to ensure I wouldn’t die in the chills.
“What’s your name?”
“Tanaka Koki…”
The footballer in the major league? The one everyone calls Koki?
It was dark and Kamenashi couldn’t make out the driver’s face to decide if he was lying, or not.
Couldn’t be… Tanaka Koki has a bright future ahead. There is no way he will do something so stupid and waste his chance to enter the national team.
“We better call the ambulance…” The driver said abruptly as he drummed his fingers impatiently on his convertible. “The damage could worsen if your injuries are not treated promptly!”
With that, he whipped out his handphone again. Before he could call for an ambulance, Kamenashi interrupted.
“No need,” Kamenashi said, trying his best not to sound too desperate, even though he was certain his leg was broken and he could feel blood trickling down his calf. “I’ll wait.”
“Why? It’s urgent!”
“None of your business, just get someone over quickly, and drive me to the freaking hospital.”
Kamenashi couldn’t possibly tell Koki that he was afraid of letting anyone know he worked in such a district. Koki causing trouble even off the field made for juicy scandal, and it the school happened to get wind of where the ambulance had picked Koki’s victim up from, Kamenashi could possibly face immediate expulsion. After all, Koki was a prominent soccer player, and Kamenashi knew that as a victim, he would inevitably be dragged into any potential news report. Not to mention, Kamenashi knew he could possibly get Ueda involved with his own trouble. Speaking of Ueda, where the hell was he?
As Kamenashi rolled his eyes, he spotted a fashionably dressed figure a distance away, and scoffed at Ueda’s assorted glitter and sparkles decorating his clothing, as well as his gravity defying hair. Judging by Ueda’s walking style, a strange gait that consisted of swaying unsteadily from left to right, Kamenashi reckoned Ueda was drunk, dead drunk.
Great, now I'll have to deal with two drunks, instead of one.
"Kazuya~” Ueda called out when he came in view. “What are you doing on the floor? Get up and start walking home! We have school tomorrow!"
Oh crap, why did he have to mention I’m still from school?
Stealing a peek at Koki, Kamenashi was delighted to note that he didn’t even look over. He was too distracted staring at his mobile.
"Are you blind as well?" Kamenashi snapped at his friend. "From what I know, alcohol doesn’t impair your vision.”
“Sorry,” his friend muttered before gagging. “I had a drop too much.”
“Anyway, I got hit by this idiot and now I can't stand," Kamenashi continued before pointing at the driver, who was sitting on his car hood, still vigorously pressing on his phone. “I want you to accompany me to the hospital.”
“Afraid that he might dump you in a ditch and silence you to prevent anyone from knowing he hit somebody?” Ueda asked. “Kazuya, I don’t feel too good, I need to…”
Even before his friend finished saying his words, he started hurling along the roadside.
“This is embarrassing,” Kamenashi knitted his brows together, shaking his head.
The loud retching sounds caught the driver’s attention again.
“Is your friend okay? And what’s your name?”
“He’ll be fine,” Kamenashi grunted, wrinkling his nose. “I’m Kamenashi Kazuya and that’s Ueda Tatsuya.”
“I feel much better,” Ueda coughed. “What were you saying again?”
“Accompany me to the hospital when someone comes to pick us up.”
“I’ve got morning lec-”
Before Ueda finished his sentence, Kamenashi tossed a tiny rock from the asphalt path at him.
Shut up, dumb ass! We’ll both get expelled if you give yourself away as a student.
Ueda seemed to take the hint well enough and muttered “okay”.
***
When Taguchi pulled his car up beside Koki’s, he got a shock of his life. His star player didn’t just hit someone, did he? Getting out of his car, Taguchi ignored the blasts of cold air and accessed the situation. Even if she was very pale, the victim didn’t look badly hurt. At least she was still conscious, though Taguchi hoped the growing stain on her jeans wasn’t blood.
Maybe it’s just a cut or something. It probably isn’t anything too serious.
As Taguchi drove Koki’s car to the nearest parking lot (after he had gotten everyone else into his for the heater’s warmth and had asked for the gist of what had happened), he tried to assure himself that this incident would not end Koki’s chance in entering the national team since the damage wasn’t great. However, the fact that Koki was drunk while driving complicated things.
I’ll have to find a way to get Koki out of this mess. That’s my job as his manager.
At the parking lot, Taguchi looked around to ensure that there was no one in sight. Inspecting the car carefully, Taguchi made sure there were no bloodstains that could be traced. He made sure to remove the heels and put them into the boot too. Reporters always loved to snoop around, and it would be bad if any shred of evidence was seen lying around. The fender was dented, but Taguchi couldn’t do anything about it now.
I’ll send this car for repairs tomorrow.
Returning to the scene, Taguchi got onto his car. He could see the prettily dressed man offering his injured friend some make-up remover.
“I foresee a long stay at home,” Kamenashi mumbled under his breath.
Youngsters these days. Why can’t they find a decent job like me?
Starting his car, Taguchi drove towards the nearest hospital. Besides a few occasional moans of pain (whenever he drove over a hump), the trip had been pretty silent. When they reached their destination, Koki was the first to get off. In his haste to get a wheelchair, he tripped and almost knocked into a passerby. Taguchi panicked. A fracture could easily end both Koki’s, and his career. When will Koki learn to be more careful?
Moreover, if he had been more cautious, we wouldn’t be stuck in such a situation.
Taguchi indicated for Koki to keep his hoodie on. It would not do for him to be recognised. Koki’s victim was immediately taken into an examination room, while her friend worked on the registration. As though luck was on his sight, Taguchi caught a glimpse of the girl’s identity card.
A male student?
A malicious smirk crept up Taguchi’s face.
To be continued…
Chapter 2