Chapter Text
The din of conversation brought a mixture of confidence and nervousness throughout the room. Arakita ignored it all as he looked around estimating which ones would make the cut and who was just too cocky. Today was the day that would decide who would be part of Yonan’s cycling club. He knew that he had no reason to worry, Hakone was known for their strict training and, unlike almost everyone else in the room, Arakita had used the break between high school and college and also the first week of classes to prepare for this day.
Suddenly a hush fell over the room as three people entered the room, each having their own authoritative air around themselves. A small wrinkled man, who looked to be in his 60’s and could be blown over by the slightest gust, stepped forward.
“Hello, my name is Kawaguchi Tatsuo, and for those that make it, I will be your coach. Behind me are your soon to be captain, fourth year Moto Hiromichi, and vice captain, third year Matsushita Naoki.”
Moto was of average height but had more muscle than Izumida, while Matsushita had the same build as Toudou and looked about 6 feet. Then the captain started to prattle about the race details and how it will not be easy but it is a chance to honor the school and blah blah blah. Arakita had enough of Fuku’s speeches about being strong and Toudou’s team lectures to know the gist of it. By the end of all the pep talks, Arakita was itching to get on his bike and was the first one out the door when they were dismissed.
Fixing the strap of his helmet, he looked around at the sea of unfamiliar idiots. Based on how many shiny new bikes there were he doubted that many had even been in a race before, let alone knew anything about cycling.
Based on the looks his own scratched-Bianchi got, he knew they were underestimating him. At least it would make it more fun when he beat their arrogant asses; Arakita’s excitement rose slightly when he thought of the utter defeat and disappointment that would be on their faces. Grinning slightly to himself, he zipped up his jersey the rest of the way despite the muggy April weather, clipped both feet into the pedals, and took off with the rest of the crowd.
Arakita was only halfway through the course and he had already lost everyone else. He sighed and leaned his arms on the handlebar taking a sip from his water while he cruised down the slope. This was just pathetic.
As he was replacing the bottle, he heard the whir of wheels coming up behind him. Straightening back up, he glimpsed behind him to see which newbie had actually managed to catch up. Arakita then did a double take and almost swerved into the railing when he saw who had pulled up beside him.
“W-what the fuck?! Kinjou!?! What the hell are you doing here.”
Kinjou moved his head slightly to glance at him and nodded. “Hello Arakita, I didn’t think I was going to see you here. It is good to know that there will be at least one familiar face.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Please tell me that there are no more of you Sohoku bastards here, especially the Christmas tree, I’ll never hear the end of it from the princess if he is.”
“No just me. Tadokoro is training to be a patissier and Makishima is going to study abroad in England for fashion.”
“Oh god, he is going to be spreading bad taste to others? He is secretly a sadist , isn’t he? That is the only explanation for making people look at that eyesore.” The only response is a twitch from the corner of Kinjou’s mouth as he remembered some of the more ‘unique’ outfits his teammate wore. Arakita was quiet for a moment before speaking up again, this time a little more subdued, “he hasn’t told him yet, has he?”
Kinjou seemed to catch on to what he was trying to say. “Not yet. You have no need to worry about those two, they are both adults and have a history together. I don’t think Toudou-san will let his ‘best rival’ get away that easily.”
“Who said I was fucking worried! I just don’t want to deal with the headband freak’s constant pissing and moaning!” Arakita increased his cadence as they rounded the corner onto a flat with Kinjou keeping pace easily.
“I apologize for implying that you were.” He sounded more amused than sorry.
Arakita huffed in annoyance letting the silence fall around them for the rest of the race. Once they got to the finish line, he had to concede that Kinjou was still fit for his old title as ace as he finished three seconds before him. Both had concluded with more than five minute left in the time trial.
It wasn’t enough. The beast within was prowling inside waiting for a real competition, the chase with Kinjou had roused it from the hibernation it had entered into. With no way to release the energy still coursing through his veins, Arakita kneeled down to fidget with his bike and checked for any damage that may need repairing.
A sweaty hand clapped him on his back and he squinted up at the intruder, “I look forward to working with you Arakita-san.”
He waved him off with a grease stained hand. “Whatever. I’m not here to make friends.”
“Neither am I.” The sun glinted off his shades menacingly. “I am here to win.”