CH. 45 - Class 2-1 vs Class 4-1

Hikigaya steps next to Shiori as they duck and dodge the many rubber balls flying their way. Their eyes focused on the incoming attacks as they think about what just happened and what to do next.

“You know her?” Hikigaya asks, referring to Sky.

“Nope, but what she said is true. Tom is fierce. We have to be careful and take him out or we’ll lose the first match.” Shiori says.

“Yeah, that would be a terrible start. Any ideas?” Hikigaya asks.

“Not one. Was hoping you had some.” Shiori says back casually.

“Let’s just wing it.” Hikigaya says, smirking. Shiori smiles at him.

“Sounds good. We’ll take Tom out and win the first match, no matter what!” She says as they both pick up balls and charge the opposite team. As Shiori and Hikigaya charge, she shouts at the others. “We’ll take them out, the rest of you just focus on defending!”

They launch their balls at the other team, knocking one person out while Tom dodges the other effortlessly. 

“What should we do, Tom?” A student asks.

“Nothing. Continue to strike when safe to do so, but nothing more. They’ll tire themselves out eventually.” Tom says as he dodges again effortlessly while talking, not taking his eyes off Shiori or Hikigaya. The teams strike back and forth for a while longer. Hit after hit, catch after catch, they play trying to gain the advantage over the other.

After a bit, Hikigaya and Shiori pant and sweat as Tom stands the same as before. Both teams having lost members, only about 5 members including Tom are left on the third years’ side while only Touma, Shiori, Hikigaya, Sugawara and Hisana are left on the other.

“We have come to another standstill here, folks. It seems the strategy that the second year lead came up with isn’t going exactly as planned. Just how much longer can they keep this up?” Shuhei announces excitedly.

“This isn’t getting better. They all have balls on their side too.” Hikigaya says with a worried tone. Shiori looks as every third year holds a ball in their hands and sweats a bit at the sight.

‘Their team that’s left won’t do. They have no stability. A school delinquent who is not a team player, a shy boy who is too scared to take any chances, and an airhead who has no idea what’s going on.’ Tom analyzes in his head. He smirks a little, the first time he shows any kind of emotion in the match so far, as he maintains eye contact with both Hikigaya and Shiori.

“Focus on Shiori and Hikigaya. Get them out.” Tom orders. The other third years smile and wind back. A couple then throw, causing Shiori and Hikigaya to dodge in separate directions. As Shiori darts to the right, she notices the three that still have balls all aiming for her. Her eyes widen in shock as she is still in motion of the first dodge.

‘There’s too many of them! I can’t dodge them all!’

Suddenly, the three balls are thrown at her. As they fly at her at high speed, she is unable to dodge. Hikigaya looks back and pivots on his foot, making an attempt to guard her.

‘Shiori, no!’ Hikigaya thinks as he rushes, but suddenly a flash of his sister before him appears in his mind. His eyes widen in shock as he stalls, cutting him just short. He can’t make it in time before the balls collide, but they do not collide with Shiori. Touma stands before her, catching two of the balls, the third one hitting him. Shiori is stunned as she is defended.

“Sugawara, now!” Touma shouts.

“Hikigaya, duck!” Sugawara shouts too. Hikigaya looks to his right and realizes Sugawara is running in his direction holding two balls in his hands. Hikigaya's attempt to protect Shiori caused him to get in the way, so he quickly drops to the ground as Sugawara jumps over him, winding up the two balls in his hands.

As the third years are distracted by the surprising guard, Sugawara has a clear shot and hits the other two students who weren’t outed by Touma's catch. As they fall on their backs and Sugawara lands, Tom is stunned. The others all give Sugawara proud looks as Tom is left speechless.

“Excuse me.” Hisana’s voice calls out. Tom looks to his right to find Hisana very close to the line. “Don’t take this personally. I still think you’re super cute, we should go out.” She says, then she gently throws the ball at Tom and hits him right in the chest. As the ball bounces on the ground, everyone is stunned. No one makes a sound for all but a moment when suddenly the crowd erupts in cheers and shouts at the amazing scene that just unfolded before them.

“That’s it, that’s it! Class 2-1 has done it! They have won the first match of dodgeball with a stunning play!” Shuhei shouts ecstatically. Kitaro steps towards Tom, who is still stunned. He pats him on the shoulder.

“She doesn’t actually want to go out with you, don’t worry.” Kitaro walks away as the group all cheers and congratulates them for pulling it off.

“No way! How did you guys even do that?” Lucy asks excitedly.

“It was simple really. We noticed that Tom didn’t seem to pay any attention to us, just Shiori and Hikigaya. So while they ran around trying to get the others out, we came up with that plan. To use his own assumptions about us against him. I guess we were right, haha!” Sugawara explains as Haru steps towards him and grabs him by the cheeks and kisses him. Sugawara wobbles with dazed eyes and blushies.

“That’s so hot of you.” Haru says. Sugawara giggles as Ryuji stands next to Touma.

“Getting Hisana to coordinate, impressive.” Ryuji says.

“Well, y-you can thank Sugawara. He’s a very smart guy.” Touma says nervously as he rubs the back of his head and looks away. The referee then blows his whistle and calls for attention.

“Alright, everybody, that’s game. Take five and prepare for the next match. Class 3-2 vs class 4-1!” The referee calls. Everyone clears off the court and makes their way to some benches under pop-up canopies setup just for the event.

Their class sits on the benches drinking water and hanging out when Hikigaya sits next to Shiori on the bench. They sit in silence for a moment before Shiori speaks.

“Thanks for having my back in the game.” Shiori says softly. Hikigaya looks away a little with a disappointed look.

“I didn’t really do much. I couldn’t even protect you from the last attack..” Hikigaya says softly back.

“You did plenty.” She says, quickly trying to stop his thoughts, giving him a warm smile, which Hikigaya smiles slightly in return. Suddenly, Tsuki pops up right behind them from the bushes.

“Wow, Shiori, that was amazing! You did awesome out there!” He says enthusiastically.

“Tsuki? What are you doing here? This is for students only.” Shiori says, shocked.

“Hey, I’m a student here too!” Tsuki says back.

“Not a second year.” Shiori says coldly. Tsuki pouts a bit as Mormo hops up on his head.

“Hey! Suiyoubi, get over here!” Mormo shouts. Suiyoubi looks surprised and comes closer to them.

“Mormo! I knew you couldn’t resist coming to see me!” She says happily.

“I came to see you kick some ass, not get out so easily! What were you doing out there?! You better do better in the next match or I’m gonna…” Mormo jumps onto Suiyoubi’s back as he scolds her. She happily walks away with him as he shouts into her ear. The three of them just watch as she walks with him away.

“So how did you come up with the plan to defeat Tom? It seemed like you were pretty busy dodging and striking.” Tsuki asks Shiori.

“It was Sugawara’s idea. We had nothing to do with it.” Hikigaya says, annoyed.

“Next time, if I want an answer from you, I’ll ask you the question. Sound good? Don’t drag lovely Shiori down with you just cause you can’t think of anything yourself.” Tsuki says directly to Hikigaya as he leans closer to Shiori.

“Hey, he’s right. We were too busy to strategize.” Shiori says, leaning away from him.

“Well, of course! I mean, who would even expect so much from you? You are only human after all.” Tsuki says as he smiles awkwardly at her in an attempt to gain her admiration, only for her to roll her eyes and look away. Tsuki sweats and smiles nervously.

‘Man, I really gotta start trying to get her to like me. At this rate, I’m doing more damage than I am gaining ground…’ Tsuki thinks. “Hey, why don’t I go get you a drink, Shiori? I’m sure you worked up a sweat during the first match. I’ll be right back!” Tsuki says. Before she can even answer, he gets up and bolts away. Shiori just looks slightly annoyed before sighing and sitting back.

“Main, what is with that guy? Of course, the only time someone likes me is when it’s some crazy guy who doesn’t even know me. I’m sorry he’s giving you so much attitude, Hikigaya. I don’t even know what he’s got against you.” She says softly to Hikigaya.

“It’s fine. Not like it matters what I think anyway.” He says back while looking down. Shiori pauses for a moment and gives him a slight look of confusion and concern. She notices the look on his face. He looks hurt, possibly by Tsuki’s words. Shiori looks concerned but unsure of what to say.

“It…” She pauses. “…nevermind.” She sits back with a look of hesitation and frustration. ‘It matters to me…’

“What’s going on, guys?” Lucy approaches them on the bench. Before Shiori can answer, Hikigaya cuts her off.

“Nothing much. Just enjoying this heat as much as anyone else.” He says with a smile.

“I know, right? Of course, the Sports Festival had to be on one of the hottest days of the year. You’re staying hydrated, right? You guys did a lot of running around last match.” Lucy says supportively. She looks at Hikigaya, then at Shiori, and lifts an eyebrow knowing neither one of them has drunk any water yet. Shiori smiles nervously a bit.

“I haven’t yet, but Tsuki is getting us some bottles.” Shiori says. Lucy droops a little hearing her words.

“Tsuki, huh?. That guy is weird, isn’t he? I get you saved his life and all, but jeez.”

“Tell me about it.” Shiori huffs. After a moment, Tsuki then comes back holding two water bottles.

“Here you go, Shiori.” Tsuki offers. Shiori takes the first one before Tsuki turns and offers the second one to Lucy. “And for you.” He says.

“No thanks, I got my own.” Lucy says.

“Oh, well in that case, don’t mind if I do.” Tsuki says with a smile. He then twists open the lid and chugs a good bit of it. Both Shiori and Lucy get looks of disbelief before he exhales, satisfied. “Ah, that’s some good water!”

“Dude, I thought that was for Hikigaya.” Lucy exclaims.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot he was right here, must’ve just slipped my mind.” Tsuki says with a mean smirk at Hikigaya. Hikigaya’s eyes widen for a moment as Lucy gets angry.

“Listen, you little-”

“It’s fine, don’t bother. I’ll just go get my own.” Hikigaya interrupts her. He gets up and walks away. Before Shiori can get up and follow him with a look of concern, Tsuki swoops in and takes his seat on the bench, uncomfortably close to Shiori. 

“Eh, forget about him. He’ll be alright. For now, you gotta sit and rest before the next match.” Tsuki says to Shiori. Lucy is stunned and hits a boiling point, but before she can speak, Shuhei, the announcer, speaks.

“And with that, the second match is over!”

The others all get looks of shock when they look at the court to see Tom on his knees by himself with the rest of his team out. They all have looks of frustration and disappointment with only a few students from the fourth years’ side out. The ones remaining, stand in different poses, with two large muscular students flexing, a boy in a mask crouched in front and Emiko standing behind them with her hands on her hips and a big, proud smile across her face.

“Class 4-1 made quick work of class 3-2, didn’t they, Ashley?” Shuhei asks enthusiastically.

“They did indeed. I’d expect nothing less of our school’s three time first place champion and her class she whipped into shape.” Ashley says back. Down on the benches, the class looks visibly concerned by the speed class 4-1 beat class 3-2.

“Are you kidding me? They beat them that fast?” Lucy asks with a shocked look on her face. The whole class sweats as they all know what comes next.

“As much of a disappointment for some as that might be, let’s reset the court and prepare for the final match of dodgeball!” Shuhei shouts.

“What are we gonna do, Shiori? We don’t stand a chance!” Sugawara says with anxiety across his face. Shiori stares in disbelief at the class before making eye contact with Emiko, who gives her an intense stare and a big smile.

“Next up, Class 2-1 vs class 4-1!”

Shiori sweats as she makes her way to her end of the court. Emiko passes by her on her way off. 

“Though I appreciate your effort and respect you as a challenger, I will not be holding back for you.” Emiko says with an intense voice. Shiori looks at her from the side as Emiko stares back with intense eyes and a wide smile as usual. Shiori doesn’t respond and gets into position on the back line of the court. Emiko and her class are now on the opposite side from their last match. Class 4-1 all have intense and excited looks on their faces while class 2-1 are worried and anxious. 

“Everyone ready?” The referee checks. “Dodgeball!” He sharply blows his whistle and many students rush forward. Shiori even dashes one step but suddenly stops herself with a shocked look on her face.

“Guys, wait!” She shouts. Most other students stop, but a few continue forward despite her warning. They stop soon though when they realize the other class has all dashed for the balls so fast that all the balls in the middle are already taken by them, ready to fire.

In an instant, five students are struck down from class 2-1. Some students rush forward, including Haru and Lucy, to grab the balls that landed on their side. One student is hit in the process, but the others are able to fend off any attacks that come their way. Haru and Lucy have intensely excited looks on their faces.

“We’re not gonna get out as fast as we did last time!” Haru says.

“Yeah, we just needed a bit of a warmup, that’s all!” Lucy shouts. Emiko’s smile intensifies as she takes a step forward, as if to challenge them, but a hand comes in front of her chest to stop her.

“Let us handle this.” A boy says.

“They seem like a real challenge.” A girl says who looks just like the boy.

“Oh my! What is this? It seems the Gauge Twins have stepped forth to challenge Haru and Lucy!” Shuhei announces. “Now remember, Haru and Lucy were the two unexpected masters of dodgeball in their last match and were only beaten by Tom’s quick wits, however, the Gauge Twins come from a District where dodgeball is considered a sort of cherished practice. Everyone there loves dodgeball. Let’s see who really is the master!” Shuhei says, riveted by the unfolding match.

“He’s right.” Himiko, the girl twin, says.

“We’ve grown up playing dodgeball our whole lives before coming here.” Frank, the boy twin, says.

“And being twins gives us perfect coordination.” Himiko says. The two muscular students stand in a mirrored pose of each other. 

“Now, let’s get started!” The twins say in unison. Haru and Lucy smile in return.

“Right!” As those two begin their own match, the others are running and dodging. Then Sky, the weird girl from before, steps forward next to Shiori.

“Hey Commander. Want me to use my special move to take out the leader?” Sky asks. Shiori looks a bit bothered by her question as she focuses.

“What? No, Emiko is too strong for you. She’ll tear you to bits.” Shiori says, trying to stay focused. Sky looks at her confused.

“She? No, the leader. It’s obviously that guy standing in the back with the glasses reading the book, not participating. He’s the evil mastermind!” Sky says as she points out the boy. Shiori looks over and notices the guy in the back. Shiori gets a confused look but ignores it for now.

“No, it’s okay. How about you save your special move for when we really need it, okay?” Shiori says, trying not to be rude.

“Right. Preserve my energy for a clear shot. You’re so smart, commander!” Sky then makes her way from Shiori as she just sighs. Suddenly, Suiyoubi shouts as she charges the front line.

“Ahhh! I will make Mormo proud!” She runs towards the center as she cocks her arm back and jumps into the air to throw her ball. She releases it at a student, who deflects it with his own ball.

“Got you now!” The boy shouts. Emiko’s eyes then widen as she shoots her head in his direction.

“Don’t do it!”

As the fourth year throws the ball at Suiyoubi, who is still in the air, she quickly catches the ball and spins. When she lands, she does one final spin before throwing the ball low and fast. It hits one student in the leg and bounces into another student’s leg before going slightly into the air.

Emiko dives to catch the ball but barely misses it as it hits the floor. The referee calls it as the three students step off the field. The crowd cheers as Suiyoubi stands with a proud smile on her face. She then turns to look at Mormo, who is back with Tsuki and shouting ecstatically. She gives him a thumbs up happily before suddenly getting hit in the face with a ball from the side. Everyone winces at the hit as she falls to the ground, spit falling from her mouth.

“Hey! What the Hell?! Only I get to hit her face like that!” Mormo shouts and growls as Tsuki holds him back. Emiko stands up with a disappointed look on her face.

“What did we say about headshots?” She asks her class with a frustrated tone. The student just shrugs, slightly apologizing. As Suiyoubi walks off the court, Ryuji gives her a smile and thumbs up. She smiles back as she rubs her cheek. The game continues with Sugawara, Chizuru and Sky all grabbing balls and banding together. 

“Come on, guys! Let’s at least get one of them out!” Chizuru shouts. The other two cheer as they charge the line to strike. The boy in the mask and long black scarf stands across from them, turning to look at them as they prepare to attack. All at once, they throw their balls directly at the boy in the mask. First Sky, then Chizuru and finally Sugawara.

The boy watches as they fly through the air at him before he swiftly dashes through the attack, passing each ball with focus and precision until he catches the third ball behind his back. The three of them are stunned as he cocks back to throw the ball he just caught. 

“Let’s do the one to get them riled up.” He says under his breath as he aims at Chizuru and immediately launches it directly at her. The ball flies so fast that Chizuru is unable to dodge. Her eyes widen as it aims for her stomach, but before it can hit her, a hand catches the ball. Touma catches it only mere moments away from contact. His arm and hand are veiny as he stands up, keeping a tight grip on the ball. He stares at Kage, who just stands up, staring narrowly at them.

“Thank you..” Chizuru says softly. Touma sweats a bit nervously and doesn’t make eye contact.

“N-no problem…” He responds shyly. Kage squints his eyes a bit. 

“He didn’t save you.” Kage says. Sugawara walks off the court realizing Kage caught the ball and got him out as the others stare at him, confused. “He just changed targets.”

Kage whispers as he lifts his right hand from behind his body, revealing a ball. Touma’s eyes widen as he looks down at his own hand to find no ball in sight. The others are shocked as well. 

“You convinced yourself that I threw the ball. That you caught it when you never did. That is my…Shadow Ball.”

Suddenly, Kage throws the real ball at high speed directly at Touma. Shocked by the special move, Touma is unable to dodge and is struck in the chest.

“Touma, no!” Hikigaya calls out.

“That is a real special move.” Kage says as Touma hangs his head in defeat and walks off the court. Sky’s eyes sparkle in amazement.

“Woah! That was so cool! You have got to teach me how to do that!” Sky shouts.

“I can read my opponent’s moves and intentions, determine their threat level to me as well as control my own intent despite my actions. This leads to me convincing my opponents of one thing but being able to do another.” Kage says a bit smugly and rather expository for his ninja-like appearance. As she awes over his attack and while he explains, two other students strike them both down.

“That’s for Touma.” Hikigaya says as he backs up from throwing the ball. Both Sky and Kage have looks of disappointment and frustration.

“Ooh, that’s Kage the Shadow Warrior for you. Has incredible skills but starts over explaining them when a fan appears.” Shuhei laughs a little.

“I can’t blame him. If I had skills like that, I’d want to show off to my fans too. With that though, class 4-1 has lost one of their star players.” Ashley points out.

“While that is true, class 2-1 has lost more bodies and definitely is lacking the experience. It really could be anybody’s game at this point. The anticipation is killing me!” Shuhei cheers. Kage steps off the field with a disappointed look.

“I’m sorry, Emiko! I got carried away again!” He calls to her. Emiko gives him a thumbs up and a smile.

“Don’t worry. You did your part. I can handle the rest.” Emiko says. As they walk off the court, Sky cries out too.

“I’m sorry, Commander! I was blinded by the awesomeness of the enemy, and now you can’t use my special move! I’ve failed you!” She cries cartoonishly from the courtside.

“I think we’ll survive..” Shiori says under her breath. While the others continue to dodge and strike, Haru, Lucy and the Gauge twins continue to have their match. Lucy throws a fastball at Frank, who readies himself to catch it easily when suddenly a second ball from Haru comes flying at him. This second ball causes him to have to sacrifice the catch for a dodge of both the balls.

Haru smirks at Frank, who has a frustrated look. Himiko then throws a swirling ball at Haru, who struggles to find a good time to dodge. Suddenly, Lucy dives at him and blocks the ball with her own other ball. She lands and stands up quickly.

“I’m impressed with how well you two work together.” Himiko says.

“I am too.” Lucy says with a tired smirk.

“What can I say? Dodgeball just brings out the best in us.” Haru says back between pants.

“I agree, but your teamwork will not compare to our sibling synchronicity.” Frank says matter-of-factly.

“But what are we gonna do? We’re evenly matched…” Lucy whispers to Haru. He squints for a moment, staring at them before smiling.

“I have an idea. Let’s see how good their teamwork really is.” Haru whispers back. Lucy smiles and nods, understanding the plan. 

“Alright, let’s do it!” Lucy says with a determined smile.