A Partner for Pietro

Neo remembered that he hadn't yet asked one of the baseball team members, Pietro, about formal attire. After classes, he went to the place where they were practicing.

"Hello, everyone, I need to talk to Pietro."

Everyone waved at Neo as they continued running. Takeshi approached and stopped him from speaking further.

"Hey, if you want to talk to Pietro, you'll have to join the training. The training can't stop. We have a championship approaching."

With no choice, Neo joined them in their run. It was a long-distance race, so he only needed to maintain a steady pace. Neo approached Pietro, looking at him expectantly.

"Hey, Pietro, do you have any spare formal attire?"

Pietro sighed, looking a bit disappointed. "Unfortunately, I don't, Neo."

The boy felt sad, thinking that he had exhausted his options on the baseball team. But then he remembered another member.

"And Lenner?" Neo inquired.

All eyes turned to Takeshi, awaiting an answer. Meanwhile, Pietro was becoming increasingly frustrated with Lenner's absence.

"Perhaps Takeshi needs to get Lenner's attention," Pietro commented, his voice indicating his irritation.

Takeshi sighed before responding, "He'll show up eventually."

The atmosphere grew tense at the mention of Lenner. To lighten the mood, Maeda interjected with a casual remark.

"You asked Pietro about attire, but did you know he's seriously training? Neo, he's our new dancer."

Normally, Maeda's jest would have angered anyone, but Pietro's reaction was different – he was determined.

"I'm going to win the contest. I like baseball as much as I like dancing."

Neo was moved by his words, and if he was putting in so much effort, he wanted Pietro to win.

"But will there be that much technical analysis?" Nagoya asked in doubt.

"I think they'll end up choosing the couple they like the most," Tadashi said somewhat disappointedly.

"There must be several things involved. Dance, charisma, and costume. I don't think dance alone will determine it," Takeshi added hopefully.

"But he doesn't have a partner yet," Shike said.

"Sounds like me with the attire," Neo remarked.

Everyone laughed at the joke.

The baseball team spent the rest of the week training. The workouts were tough, involving a series of activities like batting, catching ground balls, quick pitching, squats – Takeshi was really pushing them hard. Neo was participating with them and seemed to be giving up on the idea of going to the party.

Pietro was still looking for a partner and asked the boys for suggestions. Takeshi liked the idea and was having fun thinking about the girls from their school.

"Which girls do you have in mind?" Shike asked while doing push-ups.

"I have no idea," Pietro replied as he joined him in the exercise.

"How about Cassandra?" Maeda suggested, panting.

"The competitive girl who likes swimming?" Shike asked curiously.

"That's her."

"Nah. Too rich. She's probably snobby," Shike dismissed.

Later, in the locker room while taking a shower, Maeda had another idea.

"What do you think about that girl from the fashion club? Sunny?"

Upon hearing that name, Neo felt a repulsion.

"Are you crazy, Maeda?" Shike exclaimed.

"You're right, she's got a boyfriend, after all."

"Not because of that."

"Who else is in the Fashion club?" Pietro asked.

"Elena!" Takeshi exclaimed, having a revelation.

"Well, there's a good candidate," Pietro said happily. "But if you have more suggestions, feel free to share, I'm open to them."

The next day, while warming up, Nagoya thought about his day and had an idea.

"I went to the student council today and saw a girl there. I think her name was Sarah. What do you think of her, Pietro?" Nagoya asked.

"She seems interesting."

"I heard that Sarah is going to dance with Richard," Shike said.

"How do you know that?"

Shike smirked. "Information is crucial in any conflict."

"Who else is involved with the student council?" Pietro asked, intrigued.

"And how about that girl that everyone likes?" Takeshi asked his brother.

"Do you mean Tamires, she doesn't come to school," Tadashi replied.

Later, they took a break to rest and ate a light snack to replenish their energy. Neo was eating a banana while listening to them continue suggesting girls for Pietro.

"There's a girl who wears a witch hat and spends her time in the library. How about asking her?" Takeshi said provocatively, knowing Pietro well.

"The Witch of Fate?" Shike asked to confirm.

"Witch?" Neo asked curiously.

"Yeah, her name is Luna, and her specialty is fortune-telling. Many say she has real powers," Takeshi explained.

Pietro considered it, but the witch part didn't sit well with him. He was somewhat afraid of the occult.

"Well, I don't know."

"Are you really going to believe the rumors?" Takeshi teased.

"Thinking about the library, what about that girl who's often at the reception desk? Natasha?" Shike suggested. "She's quite cute."

Pietro thought it over and remembered having talked to her a few times, even though she was always focused on reading. It might not be a bad idea.

"Well, she might be an option. I'll ask her."

"And Monica?" Nagoya suggested shortly after.

"I don't know who that is," Shike replied.

Maeda chimed in, explaining, "She's Natasha's friend, and they're always together. She has a rose tattoo on her arm."

"Tattoo at this age?" Neo asked curiously.

"Yeah, that's why everyone is afraid of her. Who has tattoos in high school?" Maeda continued to explain.

Shike remembered helping Nagoya deliver packages – it was the same girl they encountered.

"Ah! She's the one who takes care of the school's flowers, right?"

"Yes," Nagoya confirmed.

"Now I understand why you suggested her, Nagoya."

"She doesn't seem like a bad person, but can she dance? I can ask her too if she's interested," Pietro said, seemingly satisfied with the suggestions so far. Takeshi, on the other hand, was looking at Neo mischievously.

"And you, Neo? Aren't you going to suggest anyone?"

The boy looked puzzled as he thought.

"I don't know the girls at school that well."

Takeshi seemed quite suspicious of the boy's answer.

"Are you sure? Isn't there anyone you like? Find cool? Pretty?"

Neo looked thoughtfully at the ground for a moment, his cheeks slightly flushed. He thought of Saya, but he didn't want to reveal his feelings. "Nobody," he finally mumbled.

"Hmm, really?" Seeing that the boy wouldn't easily give in, Takeshi made his next move. "What do you think about Pietro inviting that blonde girl from your class?"

The boy was annoyed by the suggestion. "How did you...?" He looked at Tadashi and realized who had spilled the beans.

"Who are you talking about?" Maeda interrupted.

"Why, if I remember correctly, her name is Saya."

Neo looked at Takeshi with anger.

"She's quite beautiful," Tadashi commented.

Neo let out a frustrated sigh, feeling cornered by Takeshi's questions. "Hey!"

Takeshi smiled mischievously, seeing Neo's reaction. "Why are you upset? You said there was no one interesting, right?"

Neo clenched his fists, his face slightly red from embarrassment. He was beginning to realize that Takeshi had a knack for uncovering his emotions.

The other boys felt sorry for Neo. Takeshi could be a real devil when he wanted to be. Takeshi whispered something in Pietro's ear, revealing his true plan.

"Yes, I find that girl interesting. I will invite..." Pietro forgot her name, and Takeshi whispered it to him.

"Saya, her name is Saya,"

Pietro continued, "I will invite this Saya."

"Well, if you don't go to the party, then Pietro is free to invite Saya."

Now Neo was motivated to go to the party, even if he had to go naked.