The Club

June 8, Tuesday. 05:50 AM.

Zaiex’s alarm has woken him up. He started to stretch his arms and stood up to open the curtains. It was a fresh and wonderful morning, feeling refreshed without worrying what happened yesterday, he started preparing for school. “Ah! What a great morning! Okay time to go to school and be the best student ever… At least in Science. Hehe” Zaiex shouted with such enthusiasm and confidence. He said his goodbyes to his family as he walks out. Then suddenly someone bumped into him and fell down on his back. “Wargh! Agh… Not again, ugh! … Have I been clumsier? Maybe I need to change my glasses.” A guy crouched down to check on Zaiex, while putting his right hand on top Zaiex shoulder and his other hand at Zaiex’s left arm. The guy is a few inches taller and a bit older than Zaiex and with great build. Has a chestnut hair reaching up to his shoulder, with a tanned skin tone, one can also notice that he has a few facial hair. As he looks up, he also noticed he has bright golden eyes. Again, he started to stare and admire the guy. Then the guy asked with a low husky voice… “Are you alright? I’m sorry. Are you hurt anywhere?” Feeling warm and safe from his soft yet firm hands, he can’t help but feel at ease. After making sure Zaiex’s fine, he helped him up and cleared any dust around his clothes. “Thank you. I’m sorry. I’m usually not this clumsy, maybe I just need to change my glasses. Haha” Zaiex laughed. “Haha. No problem, glad you are all right. Say, that uniform, are you attending Polytechnic Higschool and College Institute (PHCI) right?” The guy inquired. “Oh! Yeah, I am and it seems that you are also going there by that handsome look of yours… Ah! Err… the looks of your uniform.” Zaiex spurted out with embarrassment. “Hahaha. Yep. I am, actually a 1st year college student there. Which you can notice on the emblem on my necktie.” “Oh! It is quite different than my necktie. So that means you’re my senpai! Woops sorry. I’m a bit of an otaku myself, couldn’t help it.” Zaiex looked away shyly. “Haha you’re funny. That’s fine, besides its true. I’m also otaku. So, since we’re going in the same direction, wanna go there together?” The guy invited him with a bright smile. “T-t-together?! Me and you?” “Yeah! There’s no one here besides us right? Come on! We don’t want to be late. We can talk on the way.” The guy replied to Zaiex. Him and Zaiex walked happily towards the school together, enjoying each other’s company and sharing about anime and stuff.

Alas they arrived at school, Zaiex remembered he didn’t get to ask his name. “Oh! I forgot to mention my name. I am Zaiex, a junior highschooler. Nice to meet you!” Zaiex extended his hand. “It’s a pleasure Zaiex, I am Lan.” Lan shook Zaiex’s extended hand. “Well. I shall go now. It was fun hanging out with you, let’s do it again sometimes, all right?” Lan uttered with eagerness. “Sure thing! That’d be awesome. By the way here’s my contact, so you can reach me!” He positioned his phone beside Lan's and exchanged their contacts. “Cool. Thanks Zaiex, see you later!” Lan waved with a huge smile on his face. After exchanging their goodbyes, they each went to their separate school buildings.

“Okay time for homeroom. I wonder if Lily and Asche is already there?” Zaiex wondered. He finally arrived their homeroom classroom. He noticed that Aiden is nowhere to be found. He sat on his chair and continued without worrying about it. “Hey Zai! Good morning.” Lily happily shouted at Zaiex from across the room. “Settle down Lily! It’s early in the morning. But you sure are happy today.” “She said that a senpai helped her pick up his books when he bumped into her and this guy turned out to be a handsome one” Asche explained. “Is that so. Hahaha. Don’t go drooling on me now.” Zaiex chuckled. “Oh shut up! Let me daydream once in awhile. Ah! My prince!” Lily sighed contently and went back to daydreaming. Then after a few moments, the homeroom teacher arrived. He started to write out titles on the board regarding the positions for the classroom officers.

Students started to vote out for the President. In an excited and instant moment, Lily mentioned Zaiex. “I vote Zaiex as our class President!” “Lily! What are you doing, keep it down!” Zaiex disputed. “Yeah. I agree. I mean considering he was a class president before.” Asche stepped in. “All right. I’ll put him here for now, anyone else want to be the candidate?” After a few seconds of silence, no one stood up or even showed hands, and so Zaiex became the class President in an instant. As for the Vice President, a girl stood up and volunteered herself to become one. She has a long black hair, white skin tone, has black eyes and is wearing a pair of glasses and seems to be smart and calm looking girl, not to mention she has good features as well. “My name is Akihiko Vanderson. I’d be honored to take the position as Vice President” No one in the class seemed to protest and they all agreed to let her take the position. “Good. Now, you two get up front and do the rest of the recruiting, I’d be watching.” Leo suggested. “Sigh. All right, Vanderson, nice to meet you. Would you please do the honors of writing on the board as I go?” “Aki” Akihiko uttered in a soft tone. “What?” Zaiex asked with confused expression. “You can call me Aki” Akihiko said with a bit of shyness in it while sorting out strands of her hair behind her ear. “Oh… Uhmm All right, Glad to know you Aki. So here’s the chalk.” Zaiex and Akihiko started to open the remaining positions, surprisingly, it went by pretty well. For the secretary, another girl with pinkish shorthair and a few cute accessories in her hair that is a bit shorter than Lily but is funny as well. ”Len Tsuyu here!” Next is for the treasurer and auditor is unexpectedly occupied by fraternal twins, one is a boy who is cool and collected, with glasses and short blonde hair and is voted as the treasurer, the other one is a boy that’s energetic and a bit dumb , he has a gray spiky hair and with eye glasses too. “I am Kaiyo Tenshi.” “And I am Sora Tenshi his awesome big brother!” In Zaiex’s mind… “Man… We sure have… unique officers.” “Okay. Everyone, if you need anything or if there are any trouble you can approach them and they’ll be supporting me and the other teachers. Please help and support the officers as well. Got it?” Said Leo. Everyone in class replied in all positive attitude.

After Zaiex and the others have settled the officers, Leo started to discuss about the extra-curricular activities they should be doing for the rest of the year, which includes joining one club, which will be essential to the school activities they'll be having. “Okay class, that’s all for home room, since we’re still in adjustment period, the school traditionally appoints the second and third day for all students to be acquainted and familiar themselves with the students and school and provide opportunity to look for a club they want to join.” Everyone in the room started cheering. Zaiex and his friends already knew which club they wanted to join.

The class left their classroom and went straight to the school gym. The three friends gleefully went to the school gym and saw it was packed with students and was full of various booths of club. “Hey! I’m gonna go straight to the music club, see you guys, Later!” Lily sang to the top of her lungs as she jetted off. “That Lily. She sings everything whenever she’s that excited. Well Zai, I’d be going as well, I’m thinking of joining the dance club. See you!” Asche left calmly. As the two disappeared into the crowd, Zaiex began looking for the soccer club.

While scanning the various booths, someone from a booth has called out to him. An arm has wrapped Zaiex behind the shoulder with a surprise jump. Struggling to stay in his toes, he saw that it was Damian. “Zai!! Found you! Are you looking for a club? Come join our martial arts club! I’ll teach you all sorts of fun things! What do you say?” He calmly removes himself from Damian’s tight and firm grasp and then he replied… “It’s so nice to see you too Damian. I’m surprised you’re learning martial arts. Thank you for the offer, but I’m already set on a club, but I still haven’t found it yet.” “Aww man! Are you sure? We could have lots of fun together!” Damian pleaded with puppy eyes despite having a buff body. “I’m sorry Damian. I’ve already decided, but we can always hang out together, and you can still tea-“Zaiex was cut out mid-sentence when another person has called him from a nearby booth. He turned around and saw Fafner coming to him. “Hey Zai! Fancy seeing you again today. Would you like to join our music club? I’d be thrilled to have you.” Fafner beamed. “Oh hey Fafner. Good morning. Ahh well, I am already have a club in mind, I love music but, I was thinking of doing sports during high school. I’m really sorry!” Zaiex replied. Damian flinched seeing Fafner. Damian straightened himself and appeared beside Zaiex, and put his big hands on Zaiex’s shoulder. “Hey Fafner. I was just talking to Zaiex here and I already invited him to our club.” Damian smiled as he maintained an intense stare at Fafner. Unflinching, Fafner returned the same intense gesture. “Oh? Well I’m sure I’ll be able to change his mind, after all he saw me play the violin yesterday, that should’ve been enough to sweep him off his feet.” Fafner devilishly smirked at Damian. Zaiex started to feel awkward being in the middle of what seems to be an American shorthair cat and German shepherd fighting over the attention of their owner. Zaiex deeply sighed and closed his eyes as he separates the two. “Now, now you two. That’ll be enough. Let’s just be nice and I’ll try and check out your clubs when I have time alright? Seriously, what’s with you guys.” Zaiex sighed in relief and the tension died down slowly as the two agreed, releasing their intense gaze at each other and fixing their attention back at Zaiex. “I’ll get back to the booth now Zai. See you around!” Damian waved. “Me too, Zaiex. I’ll wait for you!” Fafner winked. “See you guys.” In Damian’s mind… “I’ll show you Fafner. Zaiex will join my club soon enough.” In Fafner’s mind… “Just you wait Damian, Zaiex is already in my sights, and I’ll be there to effortlessly strum his heart strings.”

With a calm sigh, Zaiex continued on his search. After a few minutes of looking around, Zaiex finally found the booth for the soccer club. There was a beautiful, cheerful and brown short haired girl, which seems to be the club’s manager. He approached and the girl greeted Zaiex. “Hello! Are you here to sign up for the club? If so, you can just put your name here.” The girl provided the list of joining members and Zaiex started to blush a bit for she is definitely cute for him. He then redirected his attention and signed his name on the paper. “Oh yeah! If you’re interested you could come tomorrow and watch a scrimmage of our club with another school? It’d be a good way to see the team play and learn the members as well. It’d be starting tomorrow at 9 AM.” The girl mentioned with enthusiasm. “Really?! I’d definitely watch it. Thank you so much. Uhhh…” Zaiex wondered what her name was and the girl replied happily with a big smile. “Oh! I am Lucy Sherbet. Manager of the soccer club.” Lucy has stunned Zaiex by her bright and cheerful presence. After a small conversation with the rest of the club members, Zaiex left the gym to get some lunch.

“Man. Why are the two of you not answering my calls and texts? It’s lunch now. They shouldn’t be taking that long. Argh! Well I guess I have to go there alone. I’m used to being alone anyways. Sigh!” Zaiex went to the cafeteria, but on his way there he passed by the music room. He is hearing a faint piano playing from the music room. Curious, he opened the door a nudge to see who is playing the piano. After a few minutes of playing, he didn’t notice that he was already inside the room with the guy playing the piano, fully captured by the bittersweet sound that was resonating across the room. A bright sunlight was shining inside lighting up the pianist, and a small wind was wafting through the small gap between the windows making the short and wavy goldenrod hair of the player to sway with the flow. The player left Zaiex speechless and small tears fall down the side of his cheeks after a calming end on the piece. Then the pianist stood up and asked Zaiex. “Hey! Sorry, didn’t notice you. Umm, Hello? Are you all right there? Did you enjoy the piece?” The sophisticated man stood in front of Zaiex making him flinch a bit. Struggling to find the words, he introduced himself in a nervous tone, but after a few seconds, he calmed himself down. “That piece was Memories of Waves and Light from Final Fantasy right?” Zaiex asked. “Yeah! You know the piece as well?” “Yep. It is one of my favorites. I’m still practicing on playing it on the piano as well. This piece really hits my core every time I hear it. But the way you played it, it was full of sadness and longing. It made me tear more than I could’ve anticipated. It was so beautiful!” Zaiex beamed with excitement. The man noticed Zaiex’s deep dark eyes is sparkling from the light shining through, as if he was enraptured by Zaiex’s positive and upbeat reaction from his playing. The man was unable to find the words to describe his ecstasy to Zaiex’s reaction, so instead he began to introduce himself giving out a wide grin. “I am Ren Andante. Nice to meet you” Ren extended out his hand to shake Zaiex’s. He gladly shook his hand. “Say… What are you doing here anyway?” “Ah. Well, I may or may have not arrived early because of the audition for the music club. I was about to go here with Lily but I lost her in the crowd at the gym, but she contacted me and told that I should go ahead.” Zaiex grumbles under his breath… “She had the time contact you but didn’t try to reply to me. Hmph!” “Uh what was it Zaiex?” Ren asked. “OH! Uh sorry it’s nothing. Haha. Wait! How’d you know my name?” Zaiex was surprised. “Ah! Well I was talking with Lily yesterday and she mentioned you a lot. You guys are good friends huh?” Ren giggled. “Ah I see. Seriously, why are those two keep on talking about me behind my back!” Zaiex griped. “Hahaha. Anyways, it’s nice to finally meet you Zaiex.”

Ren and Zaiex began talking for a while, and then Zaiex raised a question where he asked why he was playing that particular piece with such emotions. Ren replied… “Well… It’s a long story, but whenever I remember a specific depressing memory or when I’m sad in general, this song helps me express myself and get myself over it. Honestly, that memory, it still hurts just mentioning it, but I can’t bring myself to forget about it really. Still, the song I played, I have done a duet with it with someone I really cared about, it’s the only precious memory I have of him.” As Ren started to reminisce about the past, tears welled up, and fell down his cheeks while still maintaining a smile on his face. “Oh! I-I I’m sorry I brought it up…” Ren said while wiping his tears. Well, I think even if he’s not with you right now, he’d be appreciative of you making that memory alive, even if it hurts.” Zaiex placed his hands on top of Ren’s clenched fists and looked at Ren with sincere sympathy. Ren looked back at Zaiex, and understood his calming presence and desire to help, with that he slowly removed his remaining tears and thanked Zaiex. “Thank you so much Zaiex for your help. I can’t believe I cried like that, it’s been a long time.” “It’s my pleasure. I’m glad you’re doing better.” Zaiex smiled back at Ren for assurance. “Oh shoot! Look at the time, I haven’t eaten lunch yet. Say, do you want to have lunch with me? I can’t contact Lily and Asche.” “Sure! The auditions will not start for a few minutes.” Ren and Zaiex went to the cafeteria to grab some lunch. For lunch, Zaiex grabbed spicy rice cakes and pineapple juice, while Ren got Caesar salad and some tuna on the side paired with strawberry milkshake. Both enjoyed their meals and talked about music that interests them. After a few minutes of chatter, Ren said his goodbye to Zaiex, and left him his contact.

As they parted ways, Zaiex continued on exploring the rest of the campus, while enjoying the rest of the day checking out the booths and students running about the school grounds.

The next day… “Oof! It’s almost 7. I can’t believe my alarm clock didn’t sound off! I’ve gotta go, don’t want to miss the scrimmage.” In a flurry, Zaiex put on his clothes, grabbed a slice of bread from the dining table, and dashed out the house heading towards the school. As he left the dusts in his path, Lan noticed him, but was unable to call out to him. “Oh! Zaiex sure can run huh. I guess he forgot that I was his next-door neighbour. Hahaha. Oh well. I’m sure I’ll see him today out on the field.”

With 5 minutes to spare, Zaiex arrived at the school. Lily and Asche are already waiting inside and went to their homeroom together.. “All right. I assume most of you already joined or at least have prospective club. This is the last day to join, so you guys better get your butts moving. Now I’m going to check attendance, then after that you can go to the gym.” After Leo took attendance, everyone left towards the gym. “Hey Zai! I got accepted in the music club along with Ren. Speaking of Ren, I heard from him that you guys hung out yesterday. I’m glad, also he said he reminded you of someone, that’s why he was so excited during the auditions. ” Lily said. “Really? Congratulations to both of you! Oh? Hahaha well he’s a nice guy, and he plays the piano really well.” “Doesn’t he? I really admired him ever since I first heard him play during 6th grade “Well. I’m glad you passed Lily, I for one, have passed the auditions in the dance club as well. And get this, I have a senpai there that’s really cool and he has a good build with a dark skin color. And he dances pretty awesome too!” “Wow! Congratulations Asche. Also, can you introduce me to this senpai of yours? Pretty please?!” Lily pleaded with sparkles in her eyes. “Okay Lily! You’re fangirling hard again. I’m sure Asche will be able to introduce him to you soon. So cool your jets.” Zaiex said.

The three finally arrived at the gymnasium. They perused the booths, looking at the brochures and posters and other peripherals that the clubs are giving and showing to the students, some are giving out food as well. After a few hours of walking around and eating snacks from the booths that give them, a phone suddenly went out. “Oh! Shoot. The scrimmage is starting in a few minutes! Guys, I’ve gotta go. Let’s meet later for lunch alright! Bye!” “Tch. Ah! Zai Wait!! Aaaand, there he goes. He sure runs fast huh. Well, now that he’s gone let’s go check out the other clubs Asche."

Outside the soccer field, the two teams are now doing their warmups. Zaiex then arrived still panting from the running. He looked for a few available seats among the packed bleachers. He saw an empty seat where the home team are resting. As he sat down, he looked at the players across the field. He scans the whole field and among the crowd of the players, he saw the home team coach is talking to what seems to be the team captain, which wears a number 1 at the back of the said player’s soccer shirt. Being curious, he stood up and leaned closer the separators to take a closer look at the team captain. With critical eyes, he took admiration from his cool getup, and manly stature, and as he looked even closer… “Wait… Is that?!” His eyes dilated from the surprise, he noticed that the team captain was Lan, the guy he met yesterday near his house. He was unable to take off his eyes from Lan, from the mere shock of finding out that the guy he met was the captain of the soccer club, knowing this, he felt that his heart just skipped a beat.

“So… How long are you planning to keep staring at my brother like that?” Zaiex startled, and he noticed that Akihiko was standing right beside him. “Ahh!! A-aki? Wh-what are you doing here? I was not... I mean I’m not… Ahhh… hold on, did you say brother?” Akihiko explained his relationship with Lan. Then Zaiex explained how he met Lan and why he’s there to join the club and spectate the scrimmage. “I see. Well I’m sure he’d be happy to have someone join the team with such passion and love for soccer. Since the game is not gonna start in a few minutes just yet, let me call him over. Hey! Big brother. Look here, I have a friend who is joining your club he says that he’s your big fan!” “Wait! Akihikio… I didn’t exactly say a big fan, I just really love soccer. Come on stop screaming like that!” Akihiko waved and shouted to Lan to gain his attention, and with a successful attempt, Lan waved back at them and as he saw Akihiko pointing at Zaiex, he gave off a big smile and cool salute with a matching wink at Zaiex. Seeing the gesture, Zaiex felt like a love-piercing arrow just struck him and he felt light headed, Akihiko supported him and sat Zaiex down, then she started fanning out and comforting him. After calming him down, the whistle started to go off, signalling the start of the game. “Zaiex. It’s starting! Don’t miss this come on snap out of it!” Akihiko lightly shook Zaiex. As he woke up from his excitement, Zaiex and Akihiko started cheering on the home team.

The game went on, the ball flying and rolling through the whole court. Players running around, coaches giving off signals and strategies, the crowd going wild making the noise of the cheers from both team balance out. Neither of the team wants to back down, with just a few minutes left and the scores are tied 1 to 1, the home team and opposing team are determined and are trying hard. Then suddenly the ball ran into the corner of the opposing team when the home team attempted to kick the ball into the goal. The umpire called a corner kick to the home team, and have the team captain to kick it back to the goal. The opposing team made a wall to block the goal, seeming impossible, Lan composed himself and took a deep breath. Among the stands, Zaiex shouted out to Lan, cheering him on with all his might. At the last second, he heard Zaiex’s cheer, and this gave him a big smile and confidence boost. Feeling confident and calm, Lan took a deep breath and made a head start, and as he made contact on the ball with his side kick, the ball flew and made a sharp arc towards the goal, the opposing team tried with their wall covering Lan’s attempt but to no avail. As the ball closes in on the goal, the air is starting to get thin, the time slows down and everyone seems frozen in time anticipating the outcome. The goalkeeper tried to jump in front of the ball, and the ball flew past the keeper’s fingertips leaving an inch of space between him and the ball. Then in a split second, the ball has touched the net, the crowd goes wild and the buzzer went off signalling the end of the set of the game, making the home team the winner of the scrimmage. Everyone was cheering and the team are carrying the team captain and throwing him in the air. Despite being a practice game, everyone on the field are happy to have the game won.

After a few minutes, the excitement has calmed down, Zaiex and Akihiko were waiting in the bleachers, while the crowd dwindles down. As the other team members left to celebrate, Lan went towards the two. Zaiex approached Lan with such delight in his expression and complimented him from his play. Akihiko walked towards them and complimented his big brother as well. “Thanks you guys! I wouldn’t have done it without you guys cheering for me. And Zaiex it seems you’ll be joining our club huh? I saw your name on the list, and I was so surprised and glad. I’ll be looking forward to playing with you.” Lan patted Zaiex on the head whilst smiling and thanking him from his support. Akihiko protested that she cheered as well, and then Lan did the same to her. “Why don’t we take some lunch together and talk about some things .It’s on me, how’s that sound? Lan asked and both agreed happily. The three spent the rest of the day together and chatting with each other.

Afternoon has arrived, school is now ending, and every student are now preparing to go back home after a busy day. Meanwhile, Akihiko left early leaving the Lan and Zaiex alone as they both agreed earlier at lunch to have a few practice shoot together. At the field… “So, I’ll be guarding, and you’ll be shooting. Show me what you got rookie!” “Don’t underestimate me, senpai!” Both challenged each other with unwavering determination and courage. Zaiex has attempted several close shots, and he is starting to pant from kicking hard, but all shoot doesn’t seem to faze Lan one bit. When all seems to be no change of result, Zaiex remembered a move from one of his favourite soccer players. Feeling desperate, he made a long head start, and as he got near the ball, he scooped up the ball with the side of his right foot, lifted up the ball slightly off the ground, and pushed the ball upwards making the ball rotate and then the ball flew in a curved arc. As he finished the kick the ball already went inside the goal, passing just right around the left cheek of Lan, which rendered him motionless from the surprising shoot. With a thud, Zaiex has fallen to his knees, gritting his teeth while a few sweat falling down his face. He proudly said to Lan with a big confident smile on his face… “I won Senpai. I told you to not underestimate me.” “Haha. Well, well... I really didn’t expect that. Congratulations. You beat me. To commemorate this, I’m gonna give you a big huddle!” Lan spread his arms wide open inviting Zaiex in. “Wait! Isn’t that supposed to be done with a group?” “So what? Come on! Don’t tell me you don’t like hugs.” “It’s not that. I mean look I’m all dirty and sweaty.” "I'm dirty too. Hurry and give your captain a hug!" "NOOOOOOO!!!!" The two kept arguing and Zaiex began to run away from Lan for being persistent. Lan started chasing Zaiex, and with a big leap, Lan finally was able to grab him by the arm. When he got hold of Zaiex’s arm, both lost balance and fell down the ground. With Lan towering down on Zaiex with his arms making a support at both sides of Zaiex’s body, and Zaiex laying down facing up Lan. In that moment, the sun is already setting; both are out of breath, sweaty and dirty. Silence dominated the atmosphere around them; a small gust of wind went past by Lan’s bulky figure, making his hair wave and his top shirt flow where his toned abdomen is peeking.

Zaiex was starting to feel hot and restless. He couldn’t leave his eyes towards Lan whose returning a captivating gaze with his bright golden eyes. Lan finally started to speak with a low and husky voice… “Finally caught you. Guess you’re not running as fast you thought you were huh? Just like this morning.” “Wait… How did you know I was running this morning?” Zaiex asked and snapped out a bit from his trance. “Hahaha. We are next door neighbours, but you left in a hurry that’s why you didn’t notice I was right behind you.” Lan chuckled. “Wha—Ahh!! I’m so sorry I didn’t notice.” “It’s no big deal. Besides, I finally have you pinned down, so you won’t be able not to notice me anymore.” Lan said with a sincere and yearning expression in his eyes. Zaiex was unable to respond from the awkward yet pleasing situation they are in, without batting an eye, Lan went closer towards Zaiex, and when his face is at a position that would be an uncomfortable distance from others, he positioned his face at Zaiex’s side and whispered softly sending tingling feeling across Zaiex’s body because of his warm breath… “Game, set, match... Zaiex.” As he uttered those words, Zaiex jumped and lost his romantic excitement, Lan quickly stood up and laughed. “Hahaha. You’re so cute when you’re flustered. I thought of messing it up and see your reaction.” “That’s not funny senpai! You’re such a tease. I hate you!” “Aww come on! I’m sorry. But I gotta say that was a cool kick. You really had me surprised. I know you’ll be a great soccer player.” Lan pulled and hugged Zaiex tight and thanked him for giving him company and showing his skills. Finally, the awkwardness and tense atmosphere disappeared as they cooled themselves down and went back inside the school gym.

Feeling refreshed after getting out of the showers and wore their new set of clothes, the two left the campus and walked together back home. “Hey Zaiex. The team has decided to go eat and hang out together this coming Saturday. Do you want to join us?” “Oh… Well I’m sorry senpai, but I have plans on that day. Thank you for inviting me though. Maybe next time?” “Oh... That’s all right. There’ll be plenty more chances.” Lan exclaimed but with a bit of disappointment. “Well here we are. Thank you for today senpai. I really enjoyed seeing you guys play.” “I’m glad you enjoyed it, and I had fun with you today too…” They paused for a bit, struggling to find the next words they want to say. Lan worked up the courage and approached slowly towards him and hugged him gently, making Zaiex feel the warmth and safety from his embrace. “Zaiex, I want you to know that… I’m really happy that you’ll be joining the team. It really made my day…” Stunned, a flurry of earnest and desirous feeling began to well up inside Zaiex, he then decided to return the hug and rested his head onto Lan’s firm chest. After a few moments, Lan walked towards his house and left Zaiex with a warm and sweet smile on his face and uttered softly… “Sleep well Zaiex. I'll be seeing you tomorrow.” As Lan disappeared into their house, Zaiex waved and stood silently outside their house gate. And in that brief yet precious moment, he became paralysed from what he felt from his sincere and charming presence, their bodies interacting with an electrifying sensation, wishing that it could have lasted forever. A feeling that he just started to experience for the first time in his lonely and single life.

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