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It was a typical summer afternoon. Yuu and Shinoa were practicing soccer in his backyard. They both played on the respective men's and women's teams for the local high school.
The two practiced almost every afternoon over the summer. Occasionally, Kimuzuki would join them on his days off when he wasn't umpiring for his sister's softball league.
Practicing in the off season was important, especially since Shinoa is a starting forward and Yuu is being moved from defender to sweeper for the upcoming season. Kimizuki originally started out as defense with Yuu but found his niche as goalie while subbing for the injured staring goalie during a crucial playoff game.
Their afternoon practice sessions lasted anywhere from one hour to all afternoon if they got in the zone. The better they got, the better they would perform in the upcoming season.
Today, it was just Yuu and Shinoa. They practiced shoot outs, passes, and dribbling the ball keep away style. Keep away brought out their competitiveness.
Yuu was currently in pursuit of Shinoa who was in possession of the ball. Quickly, he closed in on her, then leaned down and attempted to shove her aside. Shinoa ducked out of the way, kicked the ball between his legs, and swept his feet out from under him. Yuu hit the ground hard. Shinoa was never easy to take down
"YELLOW CARD" Yuu yelled, waving his middle finger. "You won't be able to get away with that on the field, pipsqueak."
Shinoa whirled around, preparing to kick the ball at Yuu's head. "What was that?"
Knowing what's best for him,
Yuu quickly responded, "let's just take a quick water break."
"That's what I thought."
The two sat down on the back steps. Yuu couldn't help but notice Shinoa casting glances across the adjoining back yards at the neighbor girl who was lounging on the back patio reading a book.
"Just talk to her already. You've been pining from a distance way too long. It's starting to become unhealthy."
"Oh Yuu-san, if only it were that easy." Shinoa sighed. "She hangs out with that Yoichi kid all the time. Can't you see they're a couple?"
Yuu look incredulously at Shinoa. "Are you blind? Yoichi has a crush on that ol Telephone Pole. Him and Mitsuba just grew up together as best friends, just like us!" He gave her an encouraging smile before continuing. "You totally have a chance with her and she's only across the back yard when you're ready."
Shinoa took a swig of water and sighed. "Thanks Yuu. I really appreciate it. Now let's get back to practice."
With their water break complete, the two decided practice corner kicks before calling it a wrap. After getting in their usual positions, Shinoa became quite insistent about switching their current positions in the yard.
"Really Shinoa?" Yuu groaned. "You just want to switch spots so that you have a better view of the neighbor girl."
Shinoa rolled her eyes "And your point is?"
"We were perfectly fine before switching. The fence that used to be behind me stopped the ball from rolling into the neighbor's yard. Your need for a view is causing me to intrude on the unfenced yard behind me!"
A small smirk appeared on Shinoa's face. "I'm actually doing a service to both of us. I get a lovely view of Mitsu while you, dear cherry boy, get the chance to run into that cutie Mika chasing after the ball in his yard!"
Yuu tried to formulate a retort, but Shinoa had struck a cord. Blushing madly, he threw up his hands in exasperation.
"Whatever, let's get on with it" he grumbled.
Shinoa set the ball in position and backed up slowly, raising her right arm in the air.
"Speaking of you know who," Shinoa paused, "don't let the ball hit his cute little head!" And with that she took three strides and sent to ball soaring.
Keeping his eye on the ball, Yuu jogged a few steps backward before leaping to catch the ball. To his dismay, he jumped just a second too late and the ball went sailing over his head and into Mika's yard, nearly missing the blonde himself.
"Score!" Shinoa yelled. "That was a close one, Yuu-san!"
"Really?!" Yuu hissed at her. The thought of having to interact with Mika so suddenly caused a blush to rise on his cheeks yet again.
Yuu took a moment to take a deep breath and compose himself before hurrying over to retrieve the ball and apologize to his crush for nearly knowing him out.
Shinoa cast him a devilish smirk. "Good luck cherry boy!"