Data Error

Chapter Three

<This is to show you that this is a 100% of my own free will and you don’t have to ask me to kiss you.>

moved her finger to her lips and swore softly. It was different this time. The touch and the feel to it were unlike last time. Previous occasion it was her that initiated the act, but this was different. She did not anticipate that. She did not see that coming at her. She was a data expert. She should’ve known what he was about to do.

She was torn between two. She was already on edge because she did not know what to do. Her heart was breaking apart. As hard as she tried making sure they all stayed friends, the more difficult it was for her to sustain it.

She stirred in silence on her mattress and let out a sigh. She knew she should forget about sleeping tonight because it wasn’t going to happen. She was still at the camp site with the others, but she was on her own in her room trying to straighten out her anxiety. 

She closed her eyes so she could stop thinking of her setting, but was taken aback when she heard the door knock. Sadaharu? She thought her heart thumping. She stood up hastily and went to the door. Her cheeks were heated. Why am I feeling like this? She thought. It’s only… opening the door.

scowled looking at the person standing in front of her. “What do you think you’re doing here?” she demanded half angrily and half relieved. “Bane! I’m in my pajamas!”

Kurobane looked at her awkwardly. “I was concerned about you.” He admitted. “We haven’t spoken properly. How are you holding up?” he asked standing by the door frame.

hugged herself. ‘I’m fine I guess.” She answered. “It’s just…” she started to say, and then stopped. “I don’t know anymore.” She admitted. “I really don’t know.” She whispered. She wasn’t worried about Kurobane. In fact he was the closest person to her after Yanagi and Inui.

He put his hand on top of her head and patted her gently. “You’re one confused girl.” He remarked amused. “So do you want to go and get some ice cream?” he offered. “I know that might cheer you up.”

looked at him then smiled. She nodded while moving his hand off her head and looked at him. “Thank you, Kurobane.”

“Anytime.”

~~~

felt much better the next day. Of course she had avoided Inui at all costs because she was still perplexed about the declaration he had made softly to her. She was walking back with Aoi Kentaru as they got off the bus. She lived close to him so he offered to walk her home. “That was a good exercise!”

“Not when you guys all collapsed on the floor.” joked.

Aoi made a face. “I’m never drinking that thing again. Poor Seigaku, I can’t believe they have to go through that drink everyday.”

“Oh don’t worry! It’s not the same drink.” assured. “There are so many different versions of them.” She grinned as she saw Aoi grimace. “I don’t know all the names, but Sadaharu comes up with new ones every week or so.”

“You need to deprive your boy of annihilating humanity.”

stopped walking. “Eh?” she asked. She scowled as she put her hands on her hips, “Those are big words coming from you.” She remarked. “Why do you people keep saying ‘my boy’? He’s not mine.”

Aoi grinned as he continued walking. “They’re just words, !” 

“Hmph~”

Aoi glanced at her and smiled guiltily. She was cute in her own nerdish way, but he was glad that she was getting her fighting spirit back. She had been rather down lately and even the kids were starting to notice who hung around the tennis courts. “Do you want some ice cream?”

rolled her eyes, “Why it that you boys think that ice cream is is the solution to everything?” she demanded.

“Is that a no?”

“It’s a damn YES!” she yelled. “Let’s go.” She exclaimed. “I know a shop near by.” She said elatedly pulling him with her.

~~~

whistled as she walked back home. After she and Aoi pigged out non stop on different ice cream flavors she was beginning to feel much better. She always felt better with a full stomach anyhow. walked into her house and stopped. “Huh?” she whispered as she sniffed the air and smelled food. “Oh my god! Daddy’s cooking~” she exclaimed. “Daddy, you know you can’t coo…..” she shouted in panic dashing into the kitchen, but stopped. “Eh?”

There was a woman in the kitchen. She was standing where she stands when preparing meals for her father and herself. She was even wearing her apron. She stood there preparing something that smelled so scrumptious and although she was full she was craving her meal already. And the horror of all horrors was that…

Her father was standing next to the woman helping her with the meal, a smile on his face. It was a smile that she rarely got to see and….

“Honey? When did you get in?”

looked up from her thoughts and saw both her father and the woman looking at her. Her father had been so preoccupied with this woman that he didn’t even acknowledge her presence.

Her father put a hand on the woman’s shoulder. “We have a guest today.” He introduced smiling. “This is Sakamoto Rin.”

looked at her father speechless then turned her gaze towards the woman. The woman was eyeing her intriguingly with deep blue eyes. What she did next surprised . She walked up to her and offered her hand for a shake. “I am delighted to meet you, .” She said with a tender smile. “All your father does is talk about you.”

glared at her hand hatefully. She knew she was being stubborn and impolite, but she felt that her place had already been taken in the house. She was always polite and did whatever she was asked to, but she just did not feel like she wanted to cooperate now. She was acting like a brat. Ignoring the woman’s hand, turned to her father. “Daddy, who is this woman?” she demanded.

He frowned as he held his chin calmly thinking. “I already introduce her to you as…”

“No.” interrupted. “Who is she and why is she here?”

He understood now what she was asking. He wasn’t planning on telling her just yet, but he knew the situation could not get any worse. “This woman…” he began and then he let out a sigh. “ , I am marrying this woman, and she is going to be your new mother.”

looked at his daughter sadly as he saw her eyes widen in shock at his announcement. They were filled with tears, but he knew how proud she was and she would never let them slip in front of a stranger. 

“ …” Rin said softly holding his upper arm.

“It’s alright, Rin.” He assured putting a hand over hers. “We can be a family again, .” He whispered leaning in front of his daughter. “Come on, why don’t….” he began reaching for her hand.

“Don’t touch me!” yelled snapping out of her shock. 

They both looked taken aback.

clenched her fists. “You didn’t tell me before! You didn’t confide in me that you’re seeing someone else! You just brought her here just like that without word of warning!” she said crying. “You used to share everything with me! No wonder you’re so inattentive most of the time…” she added bitterly. “I hate you…” she whispered wiping her tears with the sleeves of her shirt. “I hate you.” She repeated.

“ ….”

She turned around and ran out of the kitchen.

“ …” Rin whispered. “I’m so sorry.” She whispered. “I didn’t know.” She remarked as she saw him heartbroken.

“No.” he replied. “It is my fault. Every time I wanted to tell her I just couldn’t, because I knew she might get distressed.”

“You should go after her.”

“No.” He answered surprising her. “She is as stubborn as me. If I go after her now while she’s heated; she will not listen to a single word I say.” he explained knowingly. “It is best she cools down.”

“But she’s all alone…”

“Don’t worry, she is a strong girl.”

~~~

Every time she wiped her tears away, they kept coming back in floods. She wanted to stop crying, but her heart ached and the tears were as stubborn as her refusing to dry up.

knew her actions had disappointed her father because she was normally more mature than this. She was still in shock of his announcement, but she couldn’t help act that way, as he had dropped the bomb just like that. She didn’t even know he was seeing someone. All this time she had thought he was busy with his novel, but instead he was seeing someone.

She felt betrayed and hurt because he hadn’t confided in her earlier that he was seeing someone he was serious about. She wanted to run to someone. She wanted to hug someone. She wanted to cry out all her pains. “Mother…” she whispered. “Why did you have to go?” she cried softly covering her face with her hands as she leaned against a tree at the park.

~~~

Rikkai Dai – hours later

“Your lap took four minutes longer than your usual timing, Masaharu.” Renji calculated as he crossed his arms. “Your game was lacking time as well.”

“I hold Sanada responsible for it.” He mumbled as he put a towel over his head. “The high temperature is getting to me.” He complained. “I can’t even stand in a straight line.”

“Or maybe it’s because you’re enjoying too much of your time playing pranks.” Yagyuu remarked standing not too far away from the two.

Nioh looked at his double’s partner annoyed. “You and Renji need to stop popping out of nowhere and scaring the life out of Marui.” He muttered as he saw the third year bubblegum lover half white standing by the side where Yagyuu had appeared out of nowhere.

Renji picked up his bag. “Your complaints won’t help either.” He added. “Try not to slack off, Masaharu.”

“Yeah, yeah…” he muttered annoyed at being lectured at.

Renji was going to remark to that as well, but got interrupted when his cell phone rang. “Hello?” he answered. He was surprised to hear the other person’s voice. “No, she hasn’t been around here.” He answered the caller. “You can’t find her anywhere? How long has been gone? That long?” he questioned. “Don’t worry -sama. I will look for her. I might have a clue of her whereabouts.”

“Thank you, Renji.”

Renji hung up the call and picked up his jacket. “I will see you all later.”

“Has your girl gone missing?” Nioh asked grinning from ear to ear when he heard Renji’s conversation.

“It is rude to eavesdrop on other people’s phone conversations.”

“I wasn’t eavesdropping.” Nioh objected. “You were talking in front of us, right Yagyuu?”

Yagyuu didn’t bother answering.

“So its official, isn’t it?” Nioh asked. “If ’s father is calling you then its official that you two are a couple, right?”

“Masaharu!”

Nioh grimaced at the loud and firm sound. “Yes, Sanada?”

Sanada stood there with his arms crossed. “You’re game and running have been off today.” He remarked critically. “Run ten laps to recover some of your strength…”

“Ten…?”

“Now.”

“But….” Nioh whispered, but then let out a sigh. He knew he was screwed whether he liked it or not. He also knew that when Sanada said run, then no one would go home till he ran. He swore softly and started running.

“Twenty laps for swearing!” Sanada shouted. He then turned to Renji who was still standing there. “I heard too.” Sanada added. “Do you need help looking for her?” he asked.

“No.” Renji replied. “I should be fine.” He declared as he started walking. “I have an idea where she might be.”

~~~

Inui looked around the park. He had his hands in his pockets as he studied his surroundings. He knew he was in the right place. He had gone to most of their hiding places and this one was the last one left and he knew she had to be here. After her father had called him; he had dropped everything and went looking for her. He didn’t know on what basis made her run off like that, but he was curious.

“Did he call you too, Sadaharu?”

“Renji.”

Both boys looked at each other. Even to them as childhood friends, when it came to a certain spark flew between the two. They hated to admit it, but they both had a certain soft spot for the girl and now it was starting to show even more than before.

“This is the place I’ve come to look.” Inui explained. “I am optimistic that she’s here somewhere.”

“Yes.” Renji nodded. “Let us split up. That way we will find her quicker.”

Inui agreed, but just before Renji walked off. “Renji.” Inui called out seriously. It was dark. Already the shadows their forms were making as they stood there were spooky.

He stopped, but didn’t turn to look at him. “What is it?”

“When our schools play, we will play against each other.”

“You are that optimistic about playing us.”

“You know that I am serious.”

“Yes.”

“Singles 3, Renji. I will always wait for you at singles 3 whenever Seigaku plays Rikkai.” Inui said firmly. “I will be waiting for you at singles 3.”

Renji looked at him seriously. “What do you wish to gain by telling me this?” he questioned looking at his childhood friend.

“Our friendship is distressing her more than necessary.” He reasoned. “If she can’t choose between us, then we will.”

Renji’s eyes narrowed even more seriously on his already serious face. “Then I will wait for you at singles 3 as well.” He declared. “Are you going to tell her about this?” he asked.

“No.”

“Fine then.”

Inui was going to say more, but he stopped himself when he saw someone walk towards them from a distance. “ .”

looked up at the two with a confused look. “What are you two doing here?” she asked softly when she reached them. She looked from one boy to the other and was trying to figure things out.

“The question is , what are you doing outside your home at this hour?” Renji fired back. “Your father called the two of us because he was worried that you were out longer than he expected.” He explained standing in front of her. He took off his jacket and placed it on her shoulders. “You’re cold and shaking.”

“From the look of your eyes you have been crying as well.” Inui added watching her form. She looked very fragile at the moment and he wanted to do nothing but make her smile now.

looked down. “I’m sorry, but I lost track of time.”

“Come on.” Inui said. “Let’s take you home.”

“No.”

Renji and Inui stopped. They both looked at each and then back at . “No?” they asked at the same time.

She shook her head to reinforce her word. “I am not going back home.” She said resentfully “Not as long as she is there.” She whispered while hugging herself. “I am not going back home….” She repeated.

“Do you want to tell us what happened?” Renji asked in a concerned voice. They were so busy looking for her that they’d forgotten to ask what had made her run in the first place. The state she was in as well told him that she was awfully distraught.

“No.”

Inui let out a sigh and looked at Renji. “She’s in mood, Renji.” He remarked.

“A 100% she is.” He agreed as he watched her stand there. She was still shivering and she looked delirious as well. He reached for her forehead and frowned. “Do you realize that you have a fever, ?”

slapped his hand away and almost lost her balance in the process. They both reached for her, but Inui was quicker and caught her in his arms. “Her whole body is heated.” Inui frowned. “We need to take her to a warmer climate.”

“Not home.” whispered with her eyes closed as she lay on Inui’s chest. “Don’t take me home.” She repeated. “Just…. Not tonight. I don’t know what I would do. I was very discourteous…”

“This is a dilemma.” Renji thought out loud.

Inui stood up and lifted up. “So where do we take her then?” he questioned.  “We must abide by her wishes or she will combine both of our juices and make us drink it if we take her back home.” He explained. “How about we take her to your home? I can’t offer mine because we have house guests and their kids go to St. Rudolph.” He knew very well if he was to walk in carrying at this time of the night the news would spread even faster than Mizuki’s gossiping.

“Not mine either.” Renji answered. “There is no one at home.” He said thoughtfully knowing fully well that would not be comfortable spending the night if she knew no one was there and if her father found out as well….

They both looked at each other with an uncertainty. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking Renji?”

Renji nodded his head lightly. “It will work if you have your data books.” He confirmed.

“I never leave home without them.” Inui declared evilly.

~~~

“You’re kidding, right?” Kurobane asked wide eyed as he saw both Inui and Renji at his doorstep. Not only did their appearance surprised him, but Inui carrying astounded him as well.

Inui moved to Renji’s arms and picked out a book from his tennis bag. “Every girl you dated, every crush you had, every letter you received, every shirt your mother bought you, and every other detail of your life is contained in this book.” He explained. “If you do not kindly acknowledge our request, this information will be posted on the tournament main website for everyone’s eyes.”

Kurobane felt a sweat drop slide down his cheek. “Y…You can’t do that?”

“Renji is a pro hacker.” Inui stated. “It will happen.”

He crossed his arms. “My parents are not here.” he said wryly. “Just my younger brother is at home with me.”

“We called her father and told him that an emergency club activity has emerged and you needed her help so she will be staying for a while with you till we can encourage her to go home tonight.” Renji explained carrying . “Now if you’ll excuse me…” he said respectfully as he walked into Kurobane’s living room and placed gently on the sofa.

“She has a fever.” Inui looked down at her. “Do you have any medicine that can help cool her down?”

Kurobane frowned as he rubbed his jaw. “I can’t think of anything at the moment, but give me a second.” He replied going to check the medicine cabinet to see if there was anything useful there.

“I just realized that does not have any female friends.” Renji commented as he moved a strand of her hair off her face.

“Yes.”

With the help of Kurobane, they managed to get her fever down sometime later. “So what are you two going to do now?” Kurobane asked.

Renji pulled out his cell phone. “I imagine now is the right time to call her father so he can pick her up.”

Kuorbane crossed his arms. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”

“She can’t exactly stay here.” Inui added.

Renji didn’t comment, but just dialed the number and called .

~~~

Next Day

Renji woke up and stirred on his bed. He reached for his cell phone to check the time and was surprised to see that it was almost noon. He frowned at that because he was never the kind of person that would laze around for nothing. Also he was more amazed that there were no phone calls or messages from . He was a 100% sure that she would call the next day and start shouting because she was still asleep when her father took her home.

He was even more curious to know what had upset her so much to say those things about her father. He had never felt her so detached and emotional like that before. He sat on his bed and laid his elbows on his knees. There was no practice today and he was contemplating whether to see her or not.

<If she can’t choose between us, then we will>

He remembered those words and shook them away. He stood up and decided to shower. He was going to visit later.

~~~

The same thoughts were running through Inui’s mind as he worked out in the gym. He was pumping iron working on his muscles, but his mind was not on the number of pumps he was doing. He was thinking of and what had gone wrong the night before. It was evident that something had disturbed her beyond reason, but he was even more taken aback when she refused to tell them about it.

He was so busy in his thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulder. “It is rather odd to see our data man so out of his thoughts.”

Inui put his glasses back on and looked up at Fuji who stood there with a smile on his face. “I am thinking of a plan.”

“Is that so?” Fuji said so with an angelic smile still on his face. “You don’t get a look of concern on your face when you’re thinking of a plan or strategy for the team.” He remarked knowingly. “Is it a certain someone?”

Inui stood up while he wiped the sweat off his face. “You need to do thirty five push ups to help with your calisthenics.”

“You know your schedule doesn’t suit me because you still don’t have all my data.” Fuji replied back to his statement. “Changing the subject doesn’t work on me either.” He said too sweetly.

“Then please do not ask me something like that.” He requested politely as he walked out of the gym and headed to the showers. He was there all morning working out and he was wondering where he should go next.

~~~

walked down the stairs silently and went into the kitchen. She saw her father sit upright as he saw her walk in, but she just mumbled a good morning and went to the stove to make some tea. She worked like a zombie preparing things and without saying a word.

“ ?” tried speaking to her.

“I am going out.” She interrupted. “I won’t be back till nighttime.” She told him as she placed the tea on the table. “Goodbye.”

“ .” He said softly as she stood by the door. “You can’t run away.” He told her. “I’ve already made a decision and I need my daughter to support me so we can be a family.”

“Families do things together.” She said bitterly. “They don’t show up one day with a decision.” She felt her heart heavy with an emotional burden as she said those words. She just left it at that as she walked out of the kitchen. She picked up her jacket and bag and walked out of the front door. She didn’t know where to go, but she didn’t want to stay at home.

almost bumped into someone and would’ve lost her stability if he hadn’t caught hold of her by the front door. “Why are you always around when I’m upset?” she asked. “You’re always there and Sadaharu’s always calling me.”

“I knew you were upset.” Renji explained looking at her. He was in casual clothes just wearing pants and a sweater. It looked nice and simple. “We care about you, . We both do.” He guaranteed. “Do you have any idea in what state you were last night? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like that before.”

She shrugged her shoulders. “Yeah, well….” She muttered walking past him. “I don’t want to be home.” She said picking up her bag.

“So where are you going?”

“I don’t know.” She admitted. “I’m just going anywhere that is far away from here.” She proclaimed looking around.

Renji took her wrist in his hand and pulled her towards the left side of the street. “Then you can come with me and help me with something.”

She stopped by placing her foot determinedly on the ground. “I want to be alone, Renji.”

“No.”

She blinked. “No?” she asked astounded that he wasn’t listening to her.

“No.” he repeated.

frowned. “I am more stubborn than you Renji.” she glared at him. “Don’t push me. Not when I’m in this mood.”

Renji didn’t say anything. He just tightened his hold on her wrist and continued pulling her towards where he wanted to take her. He had to admit she was stubborn, but he has learned through the years how to deal with her when she was like that.

“You’re not listening….” mumbled and swore as well. “I hate it when you don’t listen to me.” She admitted as he let go of her wrist and she walked with him. “Where are we going?”

“It’s Rei’s birthday in a couple of days. Today’s the only free day I have to buy her something.”

looked at him suspiciously, “You don’t need me for that. You already have adequate data on your sister to know what she would like for her birthday.”

They walked quietly to the bus and stepped in so they could go to the mall. He still didn’t answer her suspicious remark. She hated when Renji was like this. She was a data expert. Almost at his level, but she hated it when she could not read Renji. As they got in to find a seat she saw another set of familiar faces.

“Hello Seiichi and Genichirou.” Renji acknowledged politely noticing his captain and vice captain on the bus as well. “This is a pleasant surprise.”

“It is more surprising to me to see you with a girl Renji.” Yukimura smiled looking at . “Is this ?” he asked intentionally looking at who stood there close to Renji. The bus was already jam-packed and there were scarcely any place to sit.

Renji put a hand on ’s shoulder steadying her as she wobbled with the bus’s movement and turned her towards Yukimura. “Yes, this is .” He introduced. “ , this is our captain, Yukimura Seiichi and you know Genichirou.”

nodded with a smile. “Nice to meet you.” She said respectfully. “I heard you were in the hospital. It’s good to see that you’re feeling better and you’re finally out.”

Yukimura stood up. “Please -san, do sit down in my place.” He offered. “It’s rude of me to let a girl stand.”

looked embarrassed. “Oh, no no no…” she said quickly waving her hands in front of him. “You need to sit down more than me….” She began, but it was that moment that the busy hit a pot hole and anyone who was standing…

Sanada held Yukimura in place by holding his shirt lightly and sat him down while he was still seated in his chair. It would be not good if the captain of Rikkai Dai was on the floor hurt. He looked up to see that had already been rescued by Renji. Even he had to smile at the image in front of him. had hugged Renji’s arm as he held her waist to sustain her from injuries. “Sit down .” Renji ordered when she realized that she was standing so close to him like that. Normally she wouldn’t let these things bother her, but lately she was very alert of her surroundings. And her senses were more alert if Renji or Inui were standing close to her.

“Sit in my place, -san.” Sanada ordered as he stood up. His voice projected in such a way that no argument was to be done from her side. nodded getting away from Renji. She knew she was blushing, but she ignored it. “Thank you, Sanada-san.” She bowed. “But please call me -chan.” She said with a smile. “Same goes to you too, Yukimura-san.”

She took her seat and looked out of the window.

“Where are you two headed?” Yukimura asked.

turned around and looked at him. “We’re going to the mall. Renji wants to buy his sister something for her birthday.” She explained.

“That is a good coincidence.” Yukimura remarked. “I always forget that Aya’s birthday is the same week as Renji’s sister.” He said forgetfully. “I’m doing the same thing.”

looked at Renji and he nodded knowing what she was asking. “Do you want to join us, Yukimura-san?” she asked. “Maybe I can help you as well with a choice for a gift.”

“What do you think, Genichirou?” Yukimura asked the vice captain looking up at him as he stood next to Renji.

“That sounds like fine.”

“Excellent!” cheered. “Now I can get proper data on the three monsters of Rikkai Dai together~” she winked feeling a bit better now. Maybe Renji forcing her out was a good idea after all.

“I should’ve known…” Sanada muttered wryly.

~~~

Note: I have not followed the timeline of the actual story...

DeVeliCious

Edited by Anon