A/N: This is ancient... from 3 years ago I think...dunno why I'm crazy enough to up this here for you losers to laugh at.

Eavesdropping…kinda

The two of them were seated in the hallway, both taking deep breaths. Those who do not live within the Go world probably wouldn’t understand. The two inseis are yet entrapped by the gripping intensity of their game, the intensity in the eyes of their opponent.

Oka’s hair covers his face as he rests, arms on knees and head bent. Shouji sits with his head against the wall behind him. Both of them with newfound respect and admiration towards their opponents. Both with renewed passion for Go. Both with fresh determination to become a Pro.

After Kosemura walked on to interview the games, the two of them talk since it was still plenty of time before the second round began. They talk…no, more like argue about the games they’ve just played, unaware of the two people approaching.

"How was it?" asks Hikaru.

"What kind of question is that?" Akira replies with indifference.

"Your opponent is an insei you know, don’t be that critical of him"

"Our game is next, you shouldn’t be so relaxed if you don’t want to be crushed"

"Why shouldn’t I be? I’m going to win!" Hikaru childishly sticks out his tongue and Akira shakes his head. Some things just don’t change.

"Oh, damn it. Do you have change for a note Akira? I didn’t bring coins for a drink"

"Yes, I think I do, how much –"

the two rivals stop when they hear the voices around the corner. Very loud voices around the corner and recognise them as the inseis they just played.

"NO WAY! HE’S INCREDIBLE! I’M SURE HE’LL WIN!" shouts one voice which Hikaru recognises as Oka and Akira likewise recognises the other as Shouji.

"TOUYA-SAN IS THE BEST! HE’S SURE TO WIN!"

Akira’s eyes widen as he hears his name, he was used to compliments and flattered by both fans and the press. But to be praised by someone who isn’t saying it to your face, saying it when they don’t know you’re listening… there was a huge difference. It was genuine.

"SHINDO-SAN WON’T LOSE! YOU HAVEN’T PLAYED HIM SO YOU WOULDN’T KNOW!"

It was Hikaru’s turn to blush. Although he had also received many praises they were usually by the people he knew and familiar with. Akira was the one who’s always flattered by strangers, not him.

The two pros listen for a while longer, still deciding whether they should still get the drink they had wanted. It would mean interrupting the two inseis conversation and probably embarrass all four of them.

"I’ll definitely pass the Pro exam this year! And after that I’m gonna enter the Hokuto cup and represent Japan!" declares Shouji.

"You’re only the 16th!!!" says Oka.

"But I’ll become stronger! And I WILL pass! I WILL! Just you watch!"

"Yeah, you’re right. I’m going to work harder too. I won’t lose to you Mr. 16th place!"

Hikaru smiles as he is reminded of himself and turns to see Akira with a similar expression on his face.

They turn, silently agreeing that it isn’t worth getting a drink. Both take a deep breath as they prepare for a battle on top of the Goban against their rival. They will try harder too, those two will be watching. Those two will also likely become their rivals someday.

The two of them sit at their designated table and prepare to take yet another step towards the hand of God.

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