Chapter 1
"Master, another round!" Fubuki Shirou cheered, slumped at the counter.
Standing behind the bar, Mabuka Souji gave him a dubious look. "Fine, but you do have money to pay the tab this time, right?"
"Of course, of course," Fubuki laughed airly with a wave of his hand. "I wouldn't do that to a friend. Even less one that let's me in at this hour."
This was one of the few pubs in their little town of Hakuren opened in the late afternoon. It usually closed between lunch and dinner for prep but Mabuka's sister had let the pretty boy of the North to stay. If you ask him, townsfolk coddled Fubuki too much. From his angelic smile to pleasant demeanor, he had won over the heart of young and old no matter his age. Well, that and being an orphan he guessed.
Mabuka stared at his former captain down his fifth Sapporo beer. He wondered what the hell happened to the guy. However, Fubuki was always been tight-lipped, dodging all personal questions about his prolonged stay whenever someone brought it up. Mabuka knew that if Fubuki wanted to keep something a secret, not even the gods themselves would get it out of him.
It had been about three years since he returned from playing as a member of the national soccer team. He was proud to watch Fubuki play. After Raimon came to their town almost a decade ago, his friend's luck had changed drastically, becoming a youth celebrity overnight.
Mabuka never thought he would ever see the silver head man stroll through their hometown again. But here he was, drunk as a skunk after the lunch rush hour.
So much for Hakuren's star.
Life was really unpredictable.
"Sou-chan, be a dear and take Shirou-kun home, will ya?" His sister called from the counter.
Mabuka glared at her direction from the karaoke machine. He had always been good with his hands, particularly fixing machines. Half of the clients came to sing, so it was crucial to maintain it in tip top condition.
"Thank you, sis, but it's okay, I can go back just fine," he heard Fubuki say, smiling awkwardly.
They argued for a bit until the silver-head ceded. Mabuka made his way to the two as his sister returned inside.
"Sorry about that, Mabuka-kun." Fubuki apologized as they left the place.
"It's fine." He shrugged. "She loves taking care of people, and you pay on time."
Fubuki laughed dryly. "She's really nice."
'To you not with pure intentions,' Mabuka retorted mentally. His sister was shrewd in both business and
love. She played the long game and Fubuki, due to his popularity (and money) was a common target
for single women of marriage age. Mabuka couldn't blame them. Anyone who wanted to be something more than a country
bumpkin yearned for catching a rich person from the city. If he didn't have so little aspirations in life, he would
probably be more careful of how he played his cards.
They started walking towards Fubuki's place in silence. The shorter man made light conversation, swaying from side of side. Seeing Fubuki's flushed cheeks over his pale skin and his amiable smile, he suddenly seemed much more approachable.
"Hey, why are you still here—?" He asked tentatively.
"I can't?" When Mabuka turned, he almost froze. Fubuki's tone was frigid, wearing a smile that seemed like it was made of plaster. "Be being here, is it wrong?"
As he struggled to think up a way to clear the air, a ringtone tore through their conversation. Fubuki pulled out his cellphone. His eyes widened and he rushed to answer the call.
After an unintelligible exchange of words, Fubuki pocketed his phone, back facing Mabuka.
Mabuka had half a thought of calling his companion when he heard a stifled sound coming from him. He saw Fubuki covered his mouth with the back of his hand.
"You okay, man?"
"Mn, I'm okay, Mabuka-kun." Mabuka had never heard that tone from his former captain.
Gone was his gentle countenance. His eyes held a mischievous glint, a half-smile that revealed one of his canines.
If someone told him that Fubuki had been possessed, he would believe it.
"I'm more than okay," Fubuki repeated. "You wanna know why?"
"Uh-sure?"
"Remember Someoka-kun? The big, pink-haired guy from Raimon? He's coming to Hakuren."
"Huh, is that so? You sure look. . . Happy, I guess?"
That made Fubuki snap from whatever stupor he was in, gaze returning to their familiar warmth. "Mn, I'm happy. I'm looking forward to meeting him."