[Fic] The Dented Fender - Chapter 2
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.
Other Note: Prompt by mrs_koki which can be found here.
The Dented Fender: Chapter 2
"Stop pacing."
Koki paused momentarily, before moving down the length of the empty hospital corridor once more.
"How do you expect me to stay calm? I… I've never been in such a situation before!"
Breathing out deeply, Koki finally slumped into one of the plastic seats. He felt Taguchi settle into the one next to him, and turned over.
"It's over, isn't it? By tomorrow everyone will know. Oh god, how could I be so careless? If anything happens to him…"
"Maybe we can persuade him not to tell."
"Huh?"
"He's a student, isn't he? I saw his identity card earlier."
"Yeah, so?" Koki wasn't sure he followed Taguchi's chain of thoughts. Now that the alcohol had cleared up, Koki realised what a terrible thing he had done. If that man hadn't been quick enough to move away, Koki might have caused much more damage.
You could have become a murderer.
The sickening thought sent a chill coursing through him, causing Koki’s stomach to start churning uncomfortably.
"I don't think the injury's that serious; I mean, he was lucid and everything. I'm pretty sure we can settle the compensation and stuff. Besides, telling wouldn't do him much good, isn't it? If the school finds out what he's been moonlighting as..."
"We don't know that," Koki interjected. "I'm the one in the wrong here. But maybe he'll be nice?" Koki could feel a little hope coming back. If that man (What was his name again? Kame-something?) promised not to tell the press, maybe no one would find out. No one else was there, and Koki would make sure to be extra nice to compensate.
"With that kind of make-up? Well, he could be nice. But even if he isn't I'm sure we can come to a suitable compensation. I probably should get the lawyer to draft up a contract so he wouldn't tell."
“I don’t like the way you’re handling the matter…” Koki shifted uncomfortably. “I’m not that kind of person.”
That's right, shutting someone up with money goes against my principles. I'll confess.
“Koki, listen to me,” Taguchi reasoned. “Your career is just taking off. You have spent years training for the national team and I’m pretty sure you’ll make it in. You can’t let this tiny scandal do you in! If that Kame person was willing to work in that kind of area while being a student, most probably risking expulsion, it just tells you what he’ll do for money, no?”
“I can’t do it,” Koki replied stubbornly. “I’ll turn myself in. It’s ironic how when my soccer career is about to come to an end that I realise how passionate I still am about the sport.”
***
Ueda slumped out of sight. While Kamenashi remained being attended to by the doctors, he had wanted to make a trip to the toilet to freshen up. He didn’t expect to eavesdrop upon Koki’s and Taguchi’s little conversation.
Even without knowing who the both of them were, Ueda developed an immediate dislike towards the taller man. Ueda knew Kamenashi too well; Kamenashi was as obstinate as a mule and no amount of money would be able to seal his lips, if he was adamant about telling on the driver. However, the driver seemed like a nice decent man. At least he was willing to take responsibility for what he had done.
Loitering outside the room Kamenashi was in, Ueda looked at the clock. It was already eight. How long had his friend been inside for?
Hmm… Since it’s eight already, Nakamaru must be up.
“Ueda!” Nakamaru shouted through the phone the moment Ueda’s line got connected. “Thank god you called back. I was about to go to the police station to report both your disappearances. After all, you two work in such dangerous places!”
Ueda raised an eyebrow.
“Huh? You knew all along?”
“Discussing your occupation now is not the main priority…” Nakamaru sounded as though he wanted to evade that topic. “Don’t you have an accountancy lecture coming up at nine?”
“That’s the purpose of my call. I know you’re free this morning, so be a dear and help me attend the lecture, okay? I need the notes for my upcoming test!”
“But…”
“Oh, and don’t bother cooking our dinners tonight. And do drop by to visit Kazuya. I’ll send you the hospital address and details later. Keep him company! Thank you very much! Byeeeeee~”
Ueda hung up his phone. Nakamaru was the biggest sucker he had ever met in his life. As such, he was one hundred percent sure Nakamaru would be going in his place, and writing some pretty damn awesome notes for him. And of course, Nakamaru would definitely be fussing over Kazuya throughout the night. That’s what made Ueda love his flatmate so, big nose included.
Making a trip the toilet for the fifth time, Ueda hoped that Kamenashi would be waking up soon. The doctor had assured Ueda that Kamenashi would be alright, and had just fallen asleep for now, but Ueda wanted Kamenashi to be up soon to be sure. He felt awkward sitting in a hospital like this, dressed in his host outfit. Nurses had been gossiping and he didn’t like to be judged or ogled at like some sort of free exhibition. The driver that hit Kamenashi was back with his manager, sitting at the far end of the corridor. He had his head buried in his hands, and seemed regretful for his actions.
Patients, doctors and nurses are actually noticing and recognizing him. It seems that the driver is some sort of big shot soccer player. Tanaka Koki? Never heard of; I’m only interested in boxers anyway. He seems sincere in apologizing; maybe I should put in a good word for him?
Just then, one of the nurses informed him that his friend had just awaken, breaking Ueda’s chain of thoughts. Entering the room, he was greeted by Kamenashi looking terribly grumpy.
“Look at my leg!” Kamenashi exclaimed as he pointed at his leg in a cast. “How am I supposed to work in that?”
“That’s when compensation comes in, darling.”
“Is he still outside?”
“Koki? Yeah, he is. And his douche bag of a manager.”
“Get him in.”
“Let him wait for a while more, I’ve got something to tell you.”
Ueda told him everything that he had overheard in the corridor. Frowning, Kamenashi nodded as he listened intently. After he was done, Ueda noted that Kamenashi had started chewing on his fingers, a habit his friend had whenever he was deep in thoughts.
After a few minutes of silence, Kamenashi spoke up.
“I’ll get my due compensation, but I wouldn’t be signing any shitty contracts to keep mum about this matter. I will lay out one condition and if Tanaka Koki doesn’t fulfil it, I’ll tell the media about this incident.”
“Hmm… sounds good to me.”
“Even though I’m a mean bitch, I’m not that cruel as to rob an athlete of his chance of playing on the field. After all, I know how painful it feels.”
“You’re too kind, Kazuya,” Ueda patted his friend on his shoulder. “Still thinking about baseball?”
When Kamenashi glared daggers at him, Ueda knew that he had brought up the wrong topic.
“I’ll go get Koki,” Ueda excused himself.
***
“You asked for me?” Koki asked weakly as he entered the room. Kamenashi continued sending angry vibes towards him.
"I'm really sorry for yesterday…" Koki continued as his eyes flicked to the name plate beside the bed, "…Kamenashi, I…"
Koki stopped when Taguchi laid a hand on his shoulder.
"I'll take it from here."
Koki watched uneasily as Taguchi approached Kamenashi, who was already eyeing Taguchi with some semblance of dislike. Next to Kamenashi, his friend (was it Ueda? Ueta?) looked equally pensive.
This can't go well…
"I guess you've recognised our Koki."
"It's hard not to, seeing as I've interned with Yomiuri shimbun before as a sports journalist."
Koki heard Taguchi's sharp intake of breath next to him. Kamenashi's threat was clear; he had connections to the press, and wasn’t afraid to use them. Kamenashi had probably guessed what Taguchi's intention had been too.
"I see." Taguchi paused, and Koki hoped his best friend wouldn't make things worse than they already were.
"I've a proposition for you. It would be a win-win situation for the both of us." Beside Kamenashi, Ueda moved as if to say something, but soon settled to give them both an unimpressed look.
"You're a student." Taguchi's disdainful glance at Ueda's clothing left no doubt as to what was being implied here.
Is reminding Kamenashi of his night-time job really the way to go?
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ueda interjected. If he had looked bored before, he looked angry now.
“Firstly, I want my compensation,” Kamenashi cut in and demanded in a straight-forward manner. He wasn’t one to play around and mince his words, it seemed. “Secondly, you wouldn’t be getting me to sign any stupid contract about keeping my mouth shut about this incident.”
Koki had kept his head low the entire time, only stealing glances even as he felt the weight of Kamenashi's gaze on him, but now he took a step forward and spoke before Taguchi could continue.
“Nobody is making you sign any contract,” Koki struggled to respond. “Here’s my address and my number. Call me when you’ve arrived at the sum needed for compensation. My manager here, Taguchi, can help with finding someone to do the calculations if you meet up with difficulties in that area. If there isn’t anything else, I’ll be making a move first to the police station.”
“I still think you should let a lawyer handle such matters! And have you really thought things through?” Taguchi could be heard whispering to Koki, but Koki ignored him. “You’ll regret your actions in due time!”
***
Although Kamenashi was fuming, he gritted his teeth and kept his cool.
That manager of Koki is real annoying. He makes me a little hesitant to say whatever I have in mind.
“I’ll not speak to the media, about this matter if you accede to one condition. You can continue playing your soccer, and hopefully make it to the national team. There isn’t a need for a police report either, since you can’t escape from paying for everything, can you?”
Koki looked stunned at his words, but Kamenashi took a deep breath, and continued on.
“I want to see you appearing in a soccer match within the month. Keep that vile temper of yours in check, and show me that you’re damn passionate about your sport. If you can’t do it, be prepared to see yourself appearing on the headlines.”
“He isn’t kidding,” Ueda gave Koki a slight smile as a sign of goodwill, before turning to stare daggers at Taguchi. “You’re thankful Kazuya is very understanding when it comes to athletes.”
“Really?” Koki finally choked a word out. “You’re serious?”
“Do I look like I am freaking kidding you?” Kamenashi snarled. “I mean what I say. I don’t need a dumb piece of paper to bind me.”
“But still, it’s not right, is it?”
“I don’t want this accident to be blown out of proportions,” Kamenashi explained. “Now get out of my room before I change my mind. But before you leave, I’ll give you some advice. Don’t ever think it’s up to you only if you want to give up your career, disappoint your team, and let down your countless fans. Not everything is just about you and your own decisions.”
***
“Thank you,” Koki muttered before walking towards the door, his head hanging low. "Oh, one more thing," Taguchi began, turning around to face the other two.
"If anyone asks…"
Koki knew what was coming. It was standard crisis management, but still…
"Could you please explain that Koki's just a friend who's here to visit? I'm sure some of the nurses recognised him. It may seem too much to ask, but…"
The silence that ensued made Koki's palm sweat, but eventually a disgruntled "Fine." answered Taguchi's implicit demand.
***
As Taguchi and Koki shuffled out of his room, Kamenashi gave a sigh. It was difficult to keep up with this tough, demanding exterior when saying such words.
“Although I understand where you’re coming from as a fellow athlete, it still amazes me that you’re actually letting him go. I don’t think I can ever forgive anybody who hits me with a car and then comes with a manager that infuriating.”
“Ueda, please don’t think of me as such a noble person. I just have had it with Nakamaru wailing and whining about how his favourite player, Tanaka Koki, hasn’t been appearing on the scene for a long time now.”
His friend laughed.
“No wonder the name sounded familiar. No matter. I know you too well Kazuya, don’t bother lying~ Are you blushing because you’re being a nice guy, so different from your usual self, or was it because Koki is a hottie?”
"Ueda, go get some sleep!” Kamenashi hastily replied, ignoring his friend’s teasing. He only extended his offer to Koki because he truly admired sportsmen who excelled in their sport, and found it a waste if Koki’s career ended because of something this trivial.
Okay, maybe drink driving and causing trouble isn’t trivial. Why am I trying to convince myself that it is fine to let him off?
“Thanks for being here all night,” Kamenashi continued, hoping his friend would wipe that dumb grin off his face. “Is Nakamaru going to class for you?"
Ueda smirked.
"What do you think? If he wasn’t, would I be standing here?” Ueda looked smug. “Now, I'm going to get a nap and wait for awesome notes to come my way."
"That's true… Nakamaru writes way better notes than your chicken scrawls."
Ueda pretended to look offended, but it wasn't a secret that Ueda's handwriting was just a wee bit on the side of illegible.
"Okay, I'll be going now. I'm working tonight, so Nakamaru will probably swing by later with your things instead."
Kamenashi nodded as Ueda left, sinking back into his pillows for a second nap.
Well, at least the room is nice.
***
Koki observed himself in the mirror carefully. Dark eye circles, bloodshot eyes, this was no way any self-respecting athlete should look.
Time for self-reflection…
Sending a quick text to his coach (Koki realised he owed his coach an explanation for today's absence), Koki sat on his sofa, just thinking.
Taguchi had said he would handle the compensation and stuff, and fetch his car from the random parking lot too. Despite Koki’s harsh tones towards his friend earlier, he realised all Taguchi had been doing was in Koki’s best interest.
I owe him an apology and a thank you message.
As he stretched out on the sofa, Koki thought about Kamenashi’s words, which had been weighing heavily on his mind. He didn't want to let his second chance given by this total stranger (and one that he offended) go to a waste. It was time to make some changes. He wouldn't continue on like he currently was, letting his foul temper get the better of him, and destroying his own career.
Reaching the field an hour earlier than the given time the next day, Koki got about practicing his skills alone. He was so absorbed in shooting goals that he didn’t notice his coach walking towards him. He jerked in shock when his coach called his name.
"So early today?" His coach asked. "That's unusual."
Koki wondered why he was tongue-tied all of a sudden.
This is going to be hard.
“Is something the matter?” The coached inquired gently. “It’s unlike you to skip practice sessions… If there is anything, feel free to talk to me. I may be able to help you.”
"I'm sorry for being such a selfish jerk all this while, putting my attitude before the team. I've reflected and will do my best to make a change. Sorry for all the inconvenience I have caused the team!" Koki bowed as he blabbered out his apology, squeezing his eyes shut in anxiety. "I owe an apology to the rest of my team mates as well! Would you spare some time to allow me to address the team when they have assembled?"
The coach pondered for a moment, before nodding his head in approval.
“Be my guest.”
“Thank you!”
"What made you grow up overnight? It took you long enough to realise that, but better late than never. It has been a waste of your talents, putting you on the bench."
“Really? You think that highly of me?”
“Koki, I’ve never doubted your abilities. Anger management is the only barrier between you and the national team. Work hard and don’t let anyone down!”
Koki could feel tears streaming from his eyes. Yesterday’s incident had made him cherish his career more than ever. Promising his coach that he would work twice as hard, Koki wiped away his tears furiously when he spotted his team mates approaching the field.
To be continued…
Chapter 1 | Chapter 3
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.
Other Note: Prompt by mrs_koki which can be found here.
The Dented Fender: Chapter 2
"Stop pacing."
Koki paused momentarily, before moving down the length of the empty hospital corridor once more.
"How do you expect me to stay calm? I… I've never been in such a situation before!"
Breathing out deeply, Koki finally slumped into one of the plastic seats. He felt Taguchi settle into the one next to him, and turned over.
"It's over, isn't it? By tomorrow everyone will know. Oh god, how could I be so careless? If anything happens to him…"
"Maybe we can persuade him not to tell."
"Huh?"
"He's a student, isn't he? I saw his identity card earlier."
"Yeah, so?" Koki wasn't sure he followed Taguchi's chain of thoughts. Now that the alcohol had cleared up, Koki realised what a terrible thing he had done. If that man hadn't been quick enough to move away, Koki might have caused much more damage.
You could have become a murderer.
The sickening thought sent a chill coursing through him, causing Koki’s stomach to start churning uncomfortably.
"I don't think the injury's that serious; I mean, he was lucid and everything. I'm pretty sure we can settle the compensation and stuff. Besides, telling wouldn't do him much good, isn't it? If the school finds out what he's been moonlighting as..."
"We don't know that," Koki interjected. "I'm the one in the wrong here. But maybe he'll be nice?" Koki could feel a little hope coming back. If that man (What was his name again? Kame-something?) promised not to tell the press, maybe no one would find out. No one else was there, and Koki would make sure to be extra nice to compensate.
"With that kind of make-up? Well, he could be nice. But even if he isn't I'm sure we can come to a suitable compensation. I probably should get the lawyer to draft up a contract so he wouldn't tell."
“I don’t like the way you’re handling the matter…” Koki shifted uncomfortably. “I’m not that kind of person.”
That's right, shutting someone up with money goes against my principles. I'll confess.
“Koki, listen to me,” Taguchi reasoned. “Your career is just taking off. You have spent years training for the national team and I’m pretty sure you’ll make it in. You can’t let this tiny scandal do you in! If that Kame person was willing to work in that kind of area while being a student, most probably risking expulsion, it just tells you what he’ll do for money, no?”
“I can’t do it,” Koki replied stubbornly. “I’ll turn myself in. It’s ironic how when my soccer career is about to come to an end that I realise how passionate I still am about the sport.”
***
Ueda slumped out of sight. While Kamenashi remained being attended to by the doctors, he had wanted to make a trip to the toilet to freshen up. He didn’t expect to eavesdrop upon Koki’s and Taguchi’s little conversation.
Even without knowing who the both of them were, Ueda developed an immediate dislike towards the taller man. Ueda knew Kamenashi too well; Kamenashi was as obstinate as a mule and no amount of money would be able to seal his lips, if he was adamant about telling on the driver. However, the driver seemed like a nice decent man. At least he was willing to take responsibility for what he had done.
Loitering outside the room Kamenashi was in, Ueda looked at the clock. It was already eight. How long had his friend been inside for?
Hmm… Since it’s eight already, Nakamaru must be up.
“Ueda!” Nakamaru shouted through the phone the moment Ueda’s line got connected. “Thank god you called back. I was about to go to the police station to report both your disappearances. After all, you two work in such dangerous places!”
Ueda raised an eyebrow.
“Huh? You knew all along?”
“Discussing your occupation now is not the main priority…” Nakamaru sounded as though he wanted to evade that topic. “Don’t you have an accountancy lecture coming up at nine?”
“That’s the purpose of my call. I know you’re free this morning, so be a dear and help me attend the lecture, okay? I need the notes for my upcoming test!”
“But…”
“Oh, and don’t bother cooking our dinners tonight. And do drop by to visit Kazuya. I’ll send you the hospital address and details later. Keep him company! Thank you very much! Byeeeeee~”
Ueda hung up his phone. Nakamaru was the biggest sucker he had ever met in his life. As such, he was one hundred percent sure Nakamaru would be going in his place, and writing some pretty damn awesome notes for him. And of course, Nakamaru would definitely be fussing over Kazuya throughout the night. That’s what made Ueda love his flatmate so, big nose included.
Making a trip the toilet for the fifth time, Ueda hoped that Kamenashi would be waking up soon. The doctor had assured Ueda that Kamenashi would be alright, and had just fallen asleep for now, but Ueda wanted Kamenashi to be up soon to be sure. He felt awkward sitting in a hospital like this, dressed in his host outfit. Nurses had been gossiping and he didn’t like to be judged or ogled at like some sort of free exhibition. The driver that hit Kamenashi was back with his manager, sitting at the far end of the corridor. He had his head buried in his hands, and seemed regretful for his actions.
Patients, doctors and nurses are actually noticing and recognizing him. It seems that the driver is some sort of big shot soccer player. Tanaka Koki? Never heard of; I’m only interested in boxers anyway. He seems sincere in apologizing; maybe I should put in a good word for him?
Just then, one of the nurses informed him that his friend had just awaken, breaking Ueda’s chain of thoughts. Entering the room, he was greeted by Kamenashi looking terribly grumpy.
“Look at my leg!” Kamenashi exclaimed as he pointed at his leg in a cast. “How am I supposed to work in that?”
“That’s when compensation comes in, darling.”
“Is he still outside?”
“Koki? Yeah, he is. And his douche bag of a manager.”
“Get him in.”
“Let him wait for a while more, I’ve got something to tell you.”
Ueda told him everything that he had overheard in the corridor. Frowning, Kamenashi nodded as he listened intently. After he was done, Ueda noted that Kamenashi had started chewing on his fingers, a habit his friend had whenever he was deep in thoughts.
After a few minutes of silence, Kamenashi spoke up.
“I’ll get my due compensation, but I wouldn’t be signing any shitty contracts to keep mum about this matter. I will lay out one condition and if Tanaka Koki doesn’t fulfil it, I’ll tell the media about this incident.”
“Hmm… sounds good to me.”
“Even though I’m a mean bitch, I’m not that cruel as to rob an athlete of his chance of playing on the field. After all, I know how painful it feels.”
“You’re too kind, Kazuya,” Ueda patted his friend on his shoulder. “Still thinking about baseball?”
When Kamenashi glared daggers at him, Ueda knew that he had brought up the wrong topic.
“I’ll go get Koki,” Ueda excused himself.
***
“You asked for me?” Koki asked weakly as he entered the room. Kamenashi continued sending angry vibes towards him.
"I'm really sorry for yesterday…" Koki continued as his eyes flicked to the name plate beside the bed, "…Kamenashi, I…"
Koki stopped when Taguchi laid a hand on his shoulder.
"I'll take it from here."
Koki watched uneasily as Taguchi approached Kamenashi, who was already eyeing Taguchi with some semblance of dislike. Next to Kamenashi, his friend (was it Ueda? Ueta?) looked equally pensive.
This can't go well…
"I guess you've recognised our Koki."
"It's hard not to, seeing as I've interned with Yomiuri shimbun before as a sports journalist."
Koki heard Taguchi's sharp intake of breath next to him. Kamenashi's threat was clear; he had connections to the press, and wasn’t afraid to use them. Kamenashi had probably guessed what Taguchi's intention had been too.
"I see." Taguchi paused, and Koki hoped his best friend wouldn't make things worse than they already were.
"I've a proposition for you. It would be a win-win situation for the both of us." Beside Kamenashi, Ueda moved as if to say something, but soon settled to give them both an unimpressed look.
"You're a student." Taguchi's disdainful glance at Ueda's clothing left no doubt as to what was being implied here.
Is reminding Kamenashi of his night-time job really the way to go?
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ueda interjected. If he had looked bored before, he looked angry now.
“Firstly, I want my compensation,” Kamenashi cut in and demanded in a straight-forward manner. He wasn’t one to play around and mince his words, it seemed. “Secondly, you wouldn’t be getting me to sign any stupid contract about keeping my mouth shut about this incident.”
Koki had kept his head low the entire time, only stealing glances even as he felt the weight of Kamenashi's gaze on him, but now he took a step forward and spoke before Taguchi could continue.
“Nobody is making you sign any contract,” Koki struggled to respond. “Here’s my address and my number. Call me when you’ve arrived at the sum needed for compensation. My manager here, Taguchi, can help with finding someone to do the calculations if you meet up with difficulties in that area. If there isn’t anything else, I’ll be making a move first to the police station.”
“I still think you should let a lawyer handle such matters! And have you really thought things through?” Taguchi could be heard whispering to Koki, but Koki ignored him. “You’ll regret your actions in due time!”
***
Although Kamenashi was fuming, he gritted his teeth and kept his cool.
That manager of Koki is real annoying. He makes me a little hesitant to say whatever I have in mind.
“I’ll not speak to the media, about this matter if you accede to one condition. You can continue playing your soccer, and hopefully make it to the national team. There isn’t a need for a police report either, since you can’t escape from paying for everything, can you?”
Koki looked stunned at his words, but Kamenashi took a deep breath, and continued on.
“I want to see you appearing in a soccer match within the month. Keep that vile temper of yours in check, and show me that you’re damn passionate about your sport. If you can’t do it, be prepared to see yourself appearing on the headlines.”
“He isn’t kidding,” Ueda gave Koki a slight smile as a sign of goodwill, before turning to stare daggers at Taguchi. “You’re thankful Kazuya is very understanding when it comes to athletes.”
“Really?” Koki finally choked a word out. “You’re serious?”
“Do I look like I am freaking kidding you?” Kamenashi snarled. “I mean what I say. I don’t need a dumb piece of paper to bind me.”
“But still, it’s not right, is it?”
“I don’t want this accident to be blown out of proportions,” Kamenashi explained. “Now get out of my room before I change my mind. But before you leave, I’ll give you some advice. Don’t ever think it’s up to you only if you want to give up your career, disappoint your team, and let down your countless fans. Not everything is just about you and your own decisions.”
***
“Thank you,” Koki muttered before walking towards the door, his head hanging low. "Oh, one more thing," Taguchi began, turning around to face the other two.
"If anyone asks…"
Koki knew what was coming. It was standard crisis management, but still…
"Could you please explain that Koki's just a friend who's here to visit? I'm sure some of the nurses recognised him. It may seem too much to ask, but…"
The silence that ensued made Koki's palm sweat, but eventually a disgruntled "Fine." answered Taguchi's implicit demand.
***
As Taguchi and Koki shuffled out of his room, Kamenashi gave a sigh. It was difficult to keep up with this tough, demanding exterior when saying such words.
“Although I understand where you’re coming from as a fellow athlete, it still amazes me that you’re actually letting him go. I don’t think I can ever forgive anybody who hits me with a car and then comes with a manager that infuriating.”
“Ueda, please don’t think of me as such a noble person. I just have had it with Nakamaru wailing and whining about how his favourite player, Tanaka Koki, hasn’t been appearing on the scene for a long time now.”
His friend laughed.
“No wonder the name sounded familiar. No matter. I know you too well Kazuya, don’t bother lying~ Are you blushing because you’re being a nice guy, so different from your usual self, or was it because Koki is a hottie?”
"Ueda, go get some sleep!” Kamenashi hastily replied, ignoring his friend’s teasing. He only extended his offer to Koki because he truly admired sportsmen who excelled in their sport, and found it a waste if Koki’s career ended because of something this trivial.
Okay, maybe drink driving and causing trouble isn’t trivial. Why am I trying to convince myself that it is fine to let him off?
“Thanks for being here all night,” Kamenashi continued, hoping his friend would wipe that dumb grin off his face. “Is Nakamaru going to class for you?"
Ueda smirked.
"What do you think? If he wasn’t, would I be standing here?” Ueda looked smug. “Now, I'm going to get a nap and wait for awesome notes to come my way."
"That's true… Nakamaru writes way better notes than your chicken scrawls."
Ueda pretended to look offended, but it wasn't a secret that Ueda's handwriting was just a wee bit on the side of illegible.
"Okay, I'll be going now. I'm working tonight, so Nakamaru will probably swing by later with your things instead."
Kamenashi nodded as Ueda left, sinking back into his pillows for a second nap.
Well, at least the room is nice.
***
Koki observed himself in the mirror carefully. Dark eye circles, bloodshot eyes, this was no way any self-respecting athlete should look.
Time for self-reflection…
Sending a quick text to his coach (Koki realised he owed his coach an explanation for today's absence), Koki sat on his sofa, just thinking.
Taguchi had said he would handle the compensation and stuff, and fetch his car from the random parking lot too. Despite Koki’s harsh tones towards his friend earlier, he realised all Taguchi had been doing was in Koki’s best interest.
I owe him an apology and a thank you message.
As he stretched out on the sofa, Koki thought about Kamenashi’s words, which had been weighing heavily on his mind. He didn't want to let his second chance given by this total stranger (and one that he offended) go to a waste. It was time to make some changes. He wouldn't continue on like he currently was, letting his foul temper get the better of him, and destroying his own career.
Reaching the field an hour earlier than the given time the next day, Koki got about practicing his skills alone. He was so absorbed in shooting goals that he didn’t notice his coach walking towards him. He jerked in shock when his coach called his name.
"So early today?" His coach asked. "That's unusual."
Koki wondered why he was tongue-tied all of a sudden.
This is going to be hard.
“Is something the matter?” The coached inquired gently. “It’s unlike you to skip practice sessions… If there is anything, feel free to talk to me. I may be able to help you.”
"I'm sorry for being such a selfish jerk all this while, putting my attitude before the team. I've reflected and will do my best to make a change. Sorry for all the inconvenience I have caused the team!" Koki bowed as he blabbered out his apology, squeezing his eyes shut in anxiety. "I owe an apology to the rest of my team mates as well! Would you spare some time to allow me to address the team when they have assembled?"
The coach pondered for a moment, before nodding his head in approval.
“Be my guest.”
“Thank you!”
"What made you grow up overnight? It took you long enough to realise that, but better late than never. It has been a waste of your talents, putting you on the bench."
“Really? You think that highly of me?”
“Koki, I’ve never doubted your abilities. Anger management is the only barrier between you and the national team. Work hard and don’t let anyone down!”
Koki could feel tears streaming from his eyes. Yesterday’s incident had made him cherish his career more than ever. Promising his coach that he would work twice as hard, Koki wiped away his tears furiously when he spotted his team mates approaching the field.
To be continued…
Chapter 1 | Chapter 3