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"It's sweet when someone knows every single detail about you. Not because you constantly remind them, but because they pay attention"

- Anonymous -

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Wakiya was going through some files inside his room. It hadn't been long since he moved from Japan and he had already scouted a powerful team in Spain called Sunbat United. The others did not know about this yet and he wanted to surprise them and show them how powerful he is. He could imagine the look on their face and Honcho would watch him like, typical Wakiya. The blonde sipped his mug of tea when his ears caught the familiar ringing tone. He looked at his phone which was resting on the white coloured fancy nightstand. He reached his hand to see the caller. "Valt" He muttered, swiping the icon as a screen popped in. Valt, Honcho -what's he doing there - and a boy with chocolate brown hair watched him with bright and happy eyes. Wakiya raised his eyebrow as another one, Daigo to be specific answered the call. The only ringing icon was on Shu's corner and he doubted that the albino would pick up.

"Would Shu pick up the call?" Daigo asked and right off the bat the screen displayed the albino blader who was looking fresh as if he was just out of a shower. Valt was the first one to greet them. "Everyone picked up the call!" he exclaimed. Wakiya sighed leaning back on his king side bed.

"Why did you call? And what's Honcho doing there with you and who's that kid?"

Honcho smirked. "I'm a member of the BC Sol now blondie"

Wakiya choked on his tea. "What?"

"You left Japan too Honcho?" Daigo asked, surprise evident in his features.

Honcho looked super smug about all the attention. "Of course. I'm a blader after all. I need to go around the world and improve my skills"

"And that kid?" Wakiya asked, annoyed about his friend's blabbers.

"This is Kitt Lopez. A member of the Junior team" Valt said as the little boy smiled.

"Nice to meet you all!"

Wakiya just hummed, his eyes moving to the albino who had kept his silence since they took the call. But before he could talk Valt opened his mouth. "How are you all?" He sniffed. "I missed you guys so much! BC Sol is amazing. It's like a castle and all and everything is so amazing."

"You're repeating the same thing idiot" Wakiya snapped.

Valt clasped his hands together almost letting the hold of the tab loose making it tumble down the bed and thankfully Honcho caught it. "Whoops, Sorry"

Kitt sighed. "Be careful Valt"

Valt grinned sheepishly, looking at Shu who was just watching them with a small smile on his face. "Why aren't ya talking Shu?"

"I was just watching. You go on"

Wakiya raised his brow. "How's the Bulls? Pretty fancy club you got there"

Shu shrugged. "It's fine. Not like home though"

Daigo hummed. "I know. I miss Ryota. But AS Gallus is a good club, everyone is so friendly here"

Shu smiled. "I'm glad you all are doing fine"

"Hey Wakiya" Honcho suddenly talked, taking the attention of the blonde. 'What are you doing anyway?"

It was Wakiya's turn to go all smug. "It's a surprise"

Valt pouted. "Aww man, you have to tell your friends everything"

"It's a surprise," Wakiya repeated. They all talked about many things and how they were the days spent. Shu watched with a small smile on his face. He missed all of this. He missed this familiarity in the bey club. It had been several days since he came to Raging Bulls but he already knew that things ain't going smooth. His only friend was Lucas who would always talk with him and help him through his struggles. He was glad at least he was there for him. Right now, he was sitting on the floor outside his dorm. Everyone was inside sleeping or having fun sleepovers or just hanging out with each other. Shu was never invited and he never thought of joining them either. He watched the bickering go on when he heard the sound of footsteps. Lucas was on the duty of checking the members today and those days were Shu's favourites. He stopped seeing the albino who was sitting on the floor with his tab in his hands. He gestured at the tab. "A call?" He mouthed. Shu beckoned him to come. Lucas stepped to him uncertainly, and looked over his shoulder to see several kids around Shu's age. The bickering died as everyone grew silent at his arrival.

"Shu" Valt said, his eyes widening. "There's a man looking over your shoulder!"

Shu chuckled. "Guys, this is Lucas. He's the one who repairs beys in Raging Bulls. And he helped me to repair Spryzen"

"Yo" Lucas said, raising one of his arms in a gesture of saying hello.

"Hi" Daigo said, "Pleasure to meet you"

Lucas smiled, ruffling Shu's hair. "You got a nice group of friends buddy. But you have to go inside now. You know the rules"

"Yeah" Shu said, looking at his friends with an apologetic look. "I have to go now or else this Lucas would burn me alive"

Valt took it seriously. "Really?"

Lucas grinned. "Nah... how can you do such a thing to this adorable kitty"

Shu shot him a glare. "Shut up"

Wakiya snorted at his friend's flustered expression. "Nice friend you got there Kurenai. I'd like to meet him one day"

"Well then" Daigo said. "See you all later. It's nice talking to you all again"

Honcho saluted. "Of course. See you all. Take care"

The other relayed the message hanging up on their call. Shu sighed, resting his head against the wall behind him. Lucas titled his head. He knew there was something wrong going on with Shu and the boy rarely talked about it. He was the first one to visit him regularly, even at those visits he mostly talked about beyblade and whenever he asked about the club he replied with an instant fine and closed his mouth. He had heard rumours of bullying from various resources and Lucas could only hope the news was fake. "You have to rest," Lucas said.

Shu nodded, standing up. "Goodnight Lucas"

Lucas nodded. His concerned gaze never leaves his features. "Good night. And if you need anything, you know where I am"

Shu nodded, a grateful smile covering his features. "Thanks"

The albino walked inside to his room. Ethan was already sleeping. It had been almost a week but he never talked with the guy and it seemed like Ethan appreciated the silence so he just rolled with it, not like he had any other option and he himself liked the silence. So, he had no complaints against the luring silence inside the room. The truth was, Shu was curious about his roommate. He had seen him battle, and he heard many talking about his unnerving skill in beyblade. His posture, vigilance, hardwork and his dedication impressed the albino. Ethan was one of the early risers in the club. He was always missing from the bed when he woke up and once, he saw him coming into the Bulls early in the morning with sweat dripping off his posture and Shu concluded that he might've gone for a jog. Sleep came to him slowly, just as any other day. After spending almost a few hours thinking about everything, he felt himself getting drowsy. His eyelids felt heavy as the albino finally fluttered his eyes close instead of staring into the darkness. His sleep was, most of the time, dreamless.

---

It was like any other day in the Raging Bulls for Shu. He had gotten used to the loneliness that overwhelmed him sometimes. Sure, he was used to it but back at home, he was never alone like this. At least Valt was there for him. To talk with him. He had an average friendship with most of the kids back at school but Raging Bulls is a totally different case. Here he was an outsider, someone who is different from the normal cluster of American kids. He stepped into the gym. The mornings were usual quiet around the gym and hardly any of them came out - except for Ethan and some other senior members. Shu grabbed his bottle of water and gulped several times catching his breath after a session of workout. He sat down on one of the iron benches wiping his face from a towel. He heard about the competitions that would be held to choose the members to represent the team this year and as he heard, the European League would be held soon. Shu leaned back on the bench, crossing his arms when his eyes caught movement. It had been a few seconds since all the seniors went out of the gym and Shu had been alone for a few seconds before Dylan and his gang crashed inside, chattering and gossiping about their girlfriends or whatever the social life they had.

"Oh gosh, what the hell is he doing here?"

One of the guys shrugged. "Our day is ruined obviously. Not everyone wants to see someone like him early in the morning"

Shu just stood up wordlessly. He didn't want to ruin his whole day because of the rude comments of his fellow members. He walked past the gang when one of them wrapped their fingers around his wrist pressing him against the wall. Shu glared at the guy. It was one of Dylan's gang members, and Shu hardly even knew him. The guy glared at him with his ebony eyes. His dark skin shone with sweat from the morning jog. His firm and strong grip made Shu realize about the strength of the male. "Take it easy Mike" Dylan said grinning as he fished something out of his pocket. Shu gave him a curious glance as the sapphire eyes male fumbled around at least pulling out a shiny red and black bey out of his pocket. Not any other bey, his Legend Spryzen. "What the-" Shu stopped himself, watching Dylan smirk and his sinister eyes didn't give Shu a good impression about whatever the action was about to come.He always left his bey inside his nightstand because he didn't want to lose it while he goes out to jog or to exercise. If Dylan had it, that only meant one thing. Someone snuck into the room and violated his privacy and above all, stole his own bey!

"Give that back" Shu said, his eyes focused fiercely on the boy standing in front of him.

Dylan threw the bey into the air and caught it with a grin. "Why should I?"

"Dylan" Shu's voice was low and narrowed. Danger and venom dripping out from his voice. A Bey is the most treasured item of the blader and each and every one of them took care of it just as a part of their soul. "Give that back to me. It's not yours"

Dylan inspected the bey closer and clicked his tongue. Shu never expected him to give that back to him but neither did he expect Dylan to throw it to the ground and raise his foot over it. The instincts took the toll of Shu as he pushed Mike away trying to snatch the bey before Dylan stomped his foot over it. His hand was quicker, but only quick enough to cover the bey tightly with his fingers wrapping them around the disk. Shu bit back a yelp when the sole of the food collided with his bare skin. He could feel the tearing of his skin and a sickening pain spreading like fire in his limbs. Dylan took his foot back, his eyes widened in surprise. He didn't expect the albino to use his bare hands to protect his bey and certainly did not have any idea to break the bey either that Shu's hand survived with only a wound, not with broken bones. Shu hissed in pain, drawing back his arm with the bey. Bruce knelt beside him, "Shu" His voice was shaky and uncertain. He didn't want to take his side which meant social suicide but he hated seeing others hurt. Shu noticed the dilemma inside his mind, a little part of his mind was comforted by the concern evident in the features of the dark skinned boy. Shu stood up without another word, clutching his bloody hand to his chest.

"I'm fine" He said, mostly to Bruce as he turned around and exited the room without giving anyone another chance to hurt him more than he was. After he closed the gym door behind him, he inspected the wound closer. The skin had come off from the parts where Dylan's sole mainly connected with his bare hand. His palm was bruised from the disk pressing against his skin from the impact. He grimaced, seeing the purplish bruise which swelled at each moment. It was partly his own fault, Shu thought grimly walking to the dorms. He shouldn't have left his bey unattended like that when he knew exactly about Dylan Summers. It hadn't been so long since he arrived at Raging Bulls, and he was already experiencing mental torture and physical bullying. For the thousand times after his arrival he reconsidered his decision, just maybe he should've just stayed back at Beigoma. Ethan was there inside the room when he entered. The raven haired boy glanced at him passively and almost turned around to whatever he was doing when he spotted the odd posture of the boy. Ethan turned around, inspecting the way Shu was holding his bleeding hand. It was the first time he actually paid attention to Shu as a fellow human being and Shu didn't know how to react to the attention. Ethan raised his brow, talking with his deep yet serene tone. "What happened to your hand?"

Shu blinked, "I-" He paused, there is no use directing the blame to another person. "I got into an accident" He concluded, turning around to walk to the bathroom. Ethan didn't question more, but he was not convinced, Shu thought seeing the uncertainty in those deep blue eyes. He watched Ethan exiting the room without another word, and at that moment Shu realized that Ethan is one of the most complex people he had ever found in his life. The albino walked into the bathroom and opened the tap, letting the water flow down his skin soaking the wounds making the pain spread through his knuckle. Closing one eye, Shu tried to focus on something other than the pain, but he knew that wasn't working because his mind and eyes both kept coming back to his ruined hand. Thankfully, none of his bones were fractured from the contact. After bandaging his arm, he walked out of the room to the office of Theodore thinking that he'll ask for a day off today. There was no way he could battle with his arm like this. Maybe, he thought grimly. He can spend the day helping Lucas and learning new tips. The thought of going to the basement to meet Lucas and talk about Beyblade made his loneliness suppress a bit. He walked along the complicated line of corridors to the office of the manager. 

Just when he turned from the corner, his eyes caught a strange sight of men. All wearing suits completed with a mask entering the office room of Theodore Glass. Shu would've dismissed it if it wasn't for the weird mask and the jumper suit which looked extremely peculiar, as if they were some runaway villains from a shounen manga. Shu paced around the door, debating whether to go in or not, and at last he thought against it. After the sight of these strange men Shu didn't have the heart to interfere with whatever the things going on inside the office room because as far as he realized, this was not some normal business and he was quite sure that he didn't want to make himself highlighted to some psycho men wearing masks and weird uniforms.

 He turned around and left the corridor when another thought struck his mind. Those men were vigilant about their surroundings. Shu had always been light in his step and good at blending into whatever the surrounding he was that he most of the time didn't stand out in crowds. (But sometimes girls came after him like he's a celebrity or someone and Shu didn't quite understand their motif for that) It was almost like they came into the office in secret. Because when normal guests arrive, they usually come through the main elevator and from the direction they came in, it was almost like they used the stairs from the backdoor to come into the building. Shu stopped for a second, thinking through the incidents. He sighed, dismissing the weird thoughts piling up inside his mind. There must be a reasonable meaning for all this and besides he had no right to intervene in the jobs of his manager.

His eyes traveled back into his arm as he stopped by a training room. Just maybe, Shu thought running a hand through the white bandage wrapped perfectly around his hand. A left hand launch just might work. He walked into the training room to see that it was not completely empty. Inside, sitting in the corner was a familiar face: Bruce Code. He was staring at his bey with a guilty expression hovering over his face. Shu knocked on the door several times to get his attention. The hazel eyes boy jumped out his skin, a look of fear passing through and visibly relaxing at the sight of Shu. The red eyed male entered the room and closed the door behind him. Bruce stood up, "How's your hand?" He asked. His face solemn.

Shu nodded. "It's fine"

"Shouldn't you-" He said, looking at the launcher on Shu's hand. "Like give it a rest before you train again?"

Shu shrugged. "I thought I might try a left hand launch. That would be easier"

Bruce did a double take. "But you're right handed?"

Shu nodded, walking to the bey dish, taking his posture to launch. "I am, but I practiced with my left hand too. Just in case"

An impressed and an awed look graced his features as Bruce stared at the albino. He did hear about Shu being a hometown genius in blading but he didn't think that the albino would have this much dedication to beyblade. He doubted Dylan would ever have this dedication ever in his life, but he cannot oppose him, because Bruce knew he's just not strong enough for that. He watched Shu positioning himself in front of the bey stadium. His right hand holding the launcher, and his left hand on the handle of the ripcord, ready to pull after the end of the countdown.

"3 2 1 let it rip!" Shu yelled, launching his bey to the stadium. He ignored the sharp pain on his hand where the launcher brushed against his bruise. Instead, he focused on the bey gracefully moving across the stadium. The unite driver was a little unstable, but it was almost an invisible instability. Shu felt glad, he certainly did not want to ruin his chances to get into the national team competitions just because of a mere wound on his hand. "That launch is amazing."

Shu turned around to meet with the other's admiring gaze. The albino nodded, bending down to pick Spryzen. Bruce fidget with his fingers, unable to find a conversation started when he finally settled with, "Sorry, I mean for everything Dylan did"

Shu looked at him, "Why are you apologizing? It's not you who did it"

"Knowing Dylan, he would never say sorry to anyone. So, I thought I'd apologize for his sake"

Shu walked to Bruce and sat down beside him. "You would get in trouble if he finds out you're here with me"

A flash of fear passed his eyes. Shu shook his head, "I won't tell, don't worry"

Bruce visibly relaxed at his statement. "Thanks"

Shu nodded, carefully inspecting the male sitting in front of him. "Why are you with him anyway? I mean being scared for the other and practically being a slave to him is not friendship? There's no understanding between you guys"

Bruce smiled. "That's how things work around here. Dylan is the popular type of guy and if anyone goes against him, it means his life is going to be a living nightmare. I'm not strong enough to oppose him"

Shu fell silent. He should've known about all these popular guys and nerds settings. Of course, seeing the way Dylan acts and hurts others no one would want him on his bad side. But Shu always had the best luck in the world that Dylan had decided even before his arrival that Shu is going to be his enemy. Bruce stood up, "I better leave now. Get well soon Shu"

Shu hummed, watching the male leave. At the last moment, he hesitantly spoke. "Bruce"

Bruce turned around and looked at him. One of his hands on the doorknob. "Yeah?"

"My accent," Shu said, awkwardly clearing his thoughts. "Does it sound that much weird and funny?"

Bruce blinked, then laughed. "Don't let it get to you Shu. Actually the way you speak is kind of cute" With that, he opened the door and stepped outside of the room. Bruce smiled to himself, closing the door behind him. Inside that quiet and calm demeanor Shu really cared about everything, just like a kid would.

Shu averted his gaze to the ground, embarrassed by his own behaviour. He shouldn't have asked that, Shu thought groaning. A light pink dusted his cheek as the albino messed up his locks, he should really stop caring about the way he speaks. He stood up from the bench and stepped out, intending to walk to the basement where Lucas would most probably be. He knocked on the door, there was no answer. Shu frowned, stepping in. It was highly unlikely for Lucas to go out from his secret hideout. Shu knew he absolutely hated socializing and dealing with as he told, bratty kids. Shu went to his quarters which was messy like usual. The main table was messed up with planning sheets and outlining material for new beys or repairing ones, but Lucas was nowhere to be found. Shu sat down on the couch, kicking his feet every now and then waiting for him. Finally after an hour or so he heard the elevator doors to the basement opening and a completely exhausted Lucas stepped into the room. Rather than exhaustion it seemed like anger was driving him. His vibrant brown eyes were storming as he kicked his working chair making it crash harshly against the wall. Shu flinched, standing up. He walked to the repair room, clearing his throat. Lucas stopped and turned around, bewildered. "What the hell are you doing here?" He snapped.

Shu blinked at his tone. "I-" He faltered. He had never seen Lucas like this and Lucas had never talked to him like this. He was the only person whom Shu considered as a friend inside this club but after hearing his raised voice, Shu wasn't sure what to make out of it. "I'm sorry. I'll leave"

Lucas groaned, running his hand through his messy green locks. "Shit! Sorry"

Shu shook his head. "Seems like you need some time alone. I'll come later"

Lucas placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. "Don't. I'd rather have some company. Come, I'll make some tea for both of us"

Shu turned uncertainly, but nodded. He followed Lucas to the kitchen as the older took out two mugs and put the kettle on the gas, boiling the water. Shu watched him patiently, uncertain about how to make a conversation with all the heavy air surrounding them. "Are you okay?" He finally asked.

Lucas leaned against the kitchen counter and looked at the ceiling. "Yeah. Stuff happened, and I was pissed with Ted"

"Oh" Shu muttered, unsure how to continue the conversation.

Lucas finally laid his eyes on the albino who was looking at the floor. He frowned seeing his bandaged arm. "What happened to you?"

Shu snapped out from his trance and looked at Lucas. "Oh, this" He raised his arm and looked at it. The pain coming back, shooting through his skin. He should've just taken some painkillers. "It's an accident"

"Accident?" Lucas asked, brows raised.

"Yeah..." Shu said, letting his hand fall limply to his side. "I was just careless while closing the door and my hand got caught" Shu slapped himself inwardly, cringing at the lame excuse.

Lucas frowned. "You sure?"

Shu hummed, wanting to drop the subject and thankfully the kettle let out a low whistle indicating that the water is ready. Lucas occupied himself on making tea while Shu wandered back to the living room. He leaned against the backrest of the couch thinking about his friends when Lucas entered with two steaming mugs. "A new member is being recruited to the club"

Shu took the mug Lucas offered, passing a curious glance at him. "And that is?"

Lucas shrugged. "Not one actually. It's two members"

Shu frowned, "Two?"

"Yeah" Lucas shook his mug thoughtfully. "I don't know much details, but Ted told me they are so strong"

"I wonder who they are," Shu said, sipping his tea. The rest of the talk is mostly about normal day to day life. Naturally, Shu was more drawn into talk about beyblade and after two hours Shu finally stood up. "I have to go now. Tomorrow they will be choosing the team members to play in the national cup"

Lucas grinned. "I heard. Good luck kiddo, I know you can make it"

Shu smiled. "Thanks Lucas"

Lucas ruffled his hair. "I'll come to see the matches. To see you having a big time"

Shu nodded. "When do the other members arrive anyway?"

"Probably around next week. Ted told me he has to convince them that the club is good. Sometimes, I don't understand that man at all"

Shu chuckled. "I thought you two are best friends"

Lucas shrugged. "Well, we are. But he is a complicated case"

Shu bid farewell to the other, and got into the elevators. He rode it in silence until a familiar ringing tone caught his ear. The elevator doors hissed open as the albino stepped out, swiping his finger over the answering icon taking the call. "Hey, Daigo" Shu was indeed surprised to get a call from Daigo. Sure, Daigo is a close friend of his but they did not talk much and Shu, just like the other members in the beyclub, was not open to him, but he did accept the call with a warm heart. Somehow, it felt like he needed it.

"Hi" Daigo spoke from the other end of the line. They both passed some comments about each other's health and then Daigo stopped beating around the bush and spoke. "I wanted to ask you something"

Shu leaned against the wall. "Fire away"

"Are you really okay there? I mean is everyone friendly and all?"

Shu's heart skipped a beat. Daigo had always been the observant one of the group, even a little flinch or a quiet passing expression did not go unnoticed by the raven haired blader. "I am fine. Why do you ask so?"

"I thought you looked troubled when we were on the video call. Must've been my imagination then. You didn't hurt your shoulder again, did you?"

His lips curled into a soft smile. "I'm really fine. It was just I'm tired after practicing, that's all"

Daigo hummed thoughtfully. "You should get some rest. If you need something contact me anytime"

"Thanks"

"No problem," Daigo said, he hung up the phone and frowned at the device. His mind was still in a dilemma about his friend. Daigo knew his ways. Shu was always stubborn and never wanted to take care of himself. Even though the white haired male blamed sometimes for Valt's recklessness, Shu was reckless in his own way. His thoughts were broken by his teammates beckoning him to come and train. He pushed away from the pillar he was leaning against and walked to them. As Gallus, as he knew, is one of the strongest and most reliable teams. After a heated tournament he was elected as the leader to face in the upcoming European League as well as in the nationals. He liked his teammates. They are considerate and reliable in every way and they all supported him as their leader. Jean was the one who broke the silence first. The blonde stretched his arms. "Man, I'm craving to eat something"

Clio grinned, "Oh you mean some salad? You're craving for salads"

Jean shot a glare at the male. They were all walking to the cafeteria. "You don't interrupt my precious diet"

Clio licked his lips, dramatically spinning on his heels. "I prefer blood from people who eat proper food, mate. Not from skinny scoundrels like you"

Allan sighed as they walked in. "Cut it out you two, if someone heard you they'll think we're insane"

Ruck smiled fondly. "I guess we already have that title embedded upon us. The insane team of AS Gallus"

Jean launched himself at Clio, but the shorter was always quick on his heel that he darted around the place like a real vampire. Clio had always been known for his magic tricks because of his inheritance from his family. Most of the members were certainly awed by his talent in that field. The Magenta eyes male pulled out a rose from nowhere. "Ah, the tragedy. We'll surely witness the skeleton Jean who starved himself for death~"

"Cap!" Jean looked at Daigo with a crossed look. "Do something about this weird being who call himself a human"

Daigo just shrugged. "But no one can deny that he's one of our best"

Jean let his head fall into the table in front of him with a loud thud. "This is hopeless"

The conversation seemed to drag further and further until Ruck snapped his fingers. "I got it!" He said, taking everyone's, - even Clio's who was drinking some red wine convincing the others that he's drinking blood - attention. "We're up against Spain first!"

Daigo leaned against the chair. "BC Sol? Why that first, out of all the teams"

Jean smirked. "The team does not matter. We're going for the win"

"The best in Europe" Allan smiled. But his smile soon faltered seeing the frown placed upon Daigo's face. "You alright cap?"

Daigo hummed, thinking deeply. As he heard from his trainer, Marie, they would be certainly up against Italy or Germany first. That's how it had been for years, she said. Daigo crossed his arms. 

Why change now after all these years? Does it have something to do with his friends: Valt and Honcho being there in the BC Sol team? 

Daigo shook his head dismissing the thoughts. He had been thinking a lot these few days that he had started to get paranoia out of all the thoughts. Even in Shu's case, he might've just imagined. At least, Daigo hoped. He did not want Shu breaking himself beyond repair, again.