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[He takes a couple more breaths, then starts to stand up. He stays on his side of the bench but he does reach forward for the pocky. He's not really a sweets person but he'll give it to Hiyori-san.]

And red was your color to... OK. [Deep breath.] OK. And thank you.

[He gestures vaguely with the pocky box.]

I'm sorry I screamed.

[ She makes sure that he can see her hands. No fast movements. ]

It's okay, I think a lot of people would scream. But I play to win, you know?

[ Though it's only important that she wins against Makoto. ]

[He nods; it's fine, he's fine, everything is fine.]

I understand. Competition isn't something to make light of.

[Izumida tucks the pocky in his pocket--he's almost certainly not riding right now so changing is not a plan anymore--then tilts his head a little.]

Speaking of winning... do you know anyone on the orange team?

I think Rei-san's on it. The boy one.

[ What kind of club captain would she be if she didn't keep track of her (very few) teammates? ]

I really am sorry, are you okay?

[The boy one... he'll figure it out. He's not sure he can bring himself to go through with it after that, though.]

I am, I just... [Well, this is embarrassing.]

I don't like to be touched by strangers.

[ She's realllllly sorry, honestly. ]

Oh, sorry. I would have done it to Makishima-chan or Toudou-san if they were red, but...

It's all right, you couldn't have known.

[At least he didn't cry, but she let him get away. Her sincerity is helping a lot, too.]

I'm Izumida, by the way, Izumida Touichirou. Toudou-san is my teammate.

[In case she didn't know, but he figures that's why she mentioned him and Makishima-san.]

He's talked about you. We see each other a lot, so we kinda talk a lot too.

[ This is kind of a strange first meeting though, isn't it? ]

I'm Asuka Kyouno.

[... Oh. Somehow, that's surprising, but it makes him feel better. His posture relaxes and he nods.]

There. Now we're not strangers anymore.

[ Admittedly, he talks the most about Makishima and himself, but they both already know that, right. ]

Yeah. So um, I can still treat you to a meal if you want.

[That's the Toudou-san Izumida knows and admires.

After a moment he moves away from the lockers and toward the end of the bench.]

That might be nice. Did you want to go now?

No rush, we should only do it if you're okay with it.

[ She doesn't know how badly he reacted, she just wants to be sure he's okay again. ]

[He manages a watery smile and shakes his head.]

Now might not be the best time, but I would like to do that sometime. Would it be all right if I sent you a message when I'm feeling better?

That's totally okay, take your time.

[ She'll do her best to make him feel better. ]

Ah, thank you. I will, you have my word, Kyouno-san. For now, I should probably...

[He lifts his bag on his shoulder a little. He may not feel up to riding, but he can still hit the weight room, and that means changing.

Possibly in a bathroom stall.]

Yeah, uh, I should probably leave. Sorry about... this whole thing.

[ She'll just go ahead and leave (finally). ]

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