Chapter 4: Blank

Training camp came to an end with Interhigh preliminaries starting in a month. Lots have been gained in that one week, and friendships are forged even stronger with the constant harassment of Bokuto and Kuroo. As much as I hated to admit, the two made training much livelier and were wonderful advisors when it comes to spiking and evading blocks. However, the tough times truly start now, with every school stepping up their practices, training more vigorously than ever for the coming matches. Training which usually ends at five now ends at seven, with most of our energy already drained and muscles aching from all the rapid and repeated exercises.

Today is not an exception, training ended at seven and by the time we warmed down and kept the hall, my legs and arms could barely hold myself up, let alone carry my bag. I dragged myself into the train station and waited at the Yamanote line for the train to arrive, my eyes gazing blankly at the empty track. Even when the train arrived, I was still had dazed as I stepped into the train, only to snap out when I realised a guy in red was staring at me. I was about to glare at him for shamelessly staring only to suddenly realise who it was.

"Shiroyama-chan?" The tall black hair guy in red jersey stared at me with surprise that rivals my shock to see him there.

"Kuroo-kun? What are you doing here?" I gasped dumbly as shuffled in towards his direction, the train filling up rapidly as the doors threaten to shut. It was a rather stupid question of course, he is definitely going home.

"Uh home?" he said in a somewhat innocent tone, yet it mocked my intelligence. I nodded knowingly, looking away. Awkward silence filled the small space between us as the train sped down the track.

"Where's Kenma?" I asked, making the taller volleyballer look up from his phone.

"Oh he went back first, I had to stay back to settle administration matters so I told him to go home to avoid this," he scowled indicating to the apparent crowded train. I wasn't too sure if I was too tired but I found myself helplessly gazing at the rather handsome middle blocker, and the thought of how his scowl makes him look mature and reliable crossed my mind for the first time. The contact broke when I felt hand brushed my back and dangerously near my rear. I flinched and tried to turn to see who it was but the space I was given left me stuck in position. Before I could react, another hand wrapped around my shoulder, pulling me away from my tight spot. I looked up to find Kuroo looking nonchalantly at another school guy who was standing beside the spot I was a few second ago. Picking up his bag from between his legs, he slung it on his left shoulder, effectively forming a barrier between us and the presumptuous high schooler.

As train pulled into the station, I slung my bag and turned my head to face the Nekoma volleyballer to say a farewell, but he leant forward first and told me he would send me back in hushed tones. Before I could react, he lightly shoved me out of the train together with the crowd onto the platform.

"Wait Kuroo-kun! Your stop is the following one, you don't have to send me back!" I protested as I weaved through the crowd trying to keep up with the tall middle blocker who cuts through the crowd easily with his height and broadness. Pausing momentarily to let me up the escalator first, he grinned as he stood behind me.

"Aren't you going to thank me first for just now?" he smirked as my face flushed red in embarrassment.

"Ah! Thank you sorry I forgot to say that," I stuttered but was broke off by his laugh.

"Nah it's fine, I was just joking. Anyways, Akaashi would do the same won't he?"

"But you don't have to send me back!"

He waved away my protest and continued to walk towards the exit. Right he knows where Keiji stays.

"Hey! Don't ignore me!" I rushed forward to catch up and lightly punched him in the arm.

"I'm not ignoring you I just don't want to quarrel with you over such trivial matters ok? And its not safe to let a girl wander around the streets in the dark, especially a worn out and half dazed girl who did not even realise she was staring at an incredibly handsome guy longer than a comfortable period of time." He smiled smugly in my face, as he bent down to my height so he was face to face with me.

"Who won't stare at an irresistibly handsome guy for a period longer than what's legal if she gets the chance?" I smiled back, catching him off guard. As much as there was a minute of triumph pulsing through my body for a minute for being able to leave the cocky guy dumbfounded, it faded the instant he broke into a wide grin.

"Oh! So you admit I'm irresistibly handsome? Oh dear, what would Akaashi say when he learns that his neighbour is the one hitting on me now?" He grinned slyly as he skipped around me like a playful kid.

My first urge was to punch his face and wipe that dumb grin off and the urge turned into action, however I missed as he dodged quickly, snickering.

"I'm not hitting on you, I really want to hit you though." I snapped will an evil grin as I chased him down the street. He burst out laughing and broke into a sprint, slow enough to make sure I was able to follow but irritatingly fast enough that he was just a few inches out of my arm reach.

After a minute of chasing, my legs surrendered and I halted panting hard as I bent over to catch my breath. He jogged back and laughed at me, only to jump back to evade my swinging arm.

"Hey are you ok?" He chuckled as he squat down to see if I was alright.

"No I'm not," I replied grimly as wobbled on my feet before standing, with him following suit. "So help me carry my bag," I suddenly broke into a grin as I held out my bag at him.

His serious face snapped into a rather done face, rolling his eyes as took my bag begrudgingly and slung it over is other shoulder. And started to walk in silence.

"Thank you gentleman," I giggled as I patted his back and skipped beside him.

"Whatever my lady, your prince charming will do it for you." he grinned as he straightened himself, shifting the bags slightly.

"Charming my foot," I giggled as we turned into my neighbourhood.

"Thank you for today Kuroo-kun," I smiled as I opened my gate and walked in.

"No problem, see you soon Shiroyama-chan," he smiled. That killer smile again. My heart somewhat lurch a little as I gave a quick wave before disappearing up the steps to open the front door. As I entered the living room, the smell of dinner filled my empty gut, making my stomach growl in hunger as I threw my bag on the ground.

"Welcome back Nee-san," chorused my younger siblings as they enthusiastically called me over to the table.

"Hello little ones how's your day? Hi mum," I greeted as I gave light peck on her cheek before settling at my seat.

"I learnt-" started the three but that was the only words I caught as they started garbling over what they did. I laughed as I told Sou to finish his food before he talks. Seiko on the other hand enthusiastically chatted about her day at junior high, leaving the youngest Setsuna pouting because she didn't get a chance to talk about her elementary class.

"Oh, Shion-chan the guy that sent you back isn't Keiji-kun right?" my mum asked as she picked up some beans and placed it into Setsuna. I froze despite having not done anything guilty. But the thought of having Kuroo send me home prickles me. Waking up from shock I found four pairs of eyes looking at me.

"Uhh no it wasn't," I started sheepishly, "He is Kuroo. Keiji, Bokuto and my friend from Nekoma high, we met on the train and he offered to send me home," I said rather sheepishly. I acted calm and collect on the outside but I do not understand why my insides felt like they are twisting like a party balloon.

"Ehhh he's not Keiji-kun," asked my little siblings as they looked up at me innocently. This conversation was getting overly awkward as I tried to explain everything that happened. Matters complicated when my mother exclaimed upon hearing the story.

"What a gentleman, invite him over someday ok, Shion! We should properly thank him!" My mind instantly went blank and I could only nod dumbly. What have I gotten myself into?


A/N: Kuroo is gentleman. I have to insist! Hope you enjoy and please review, favourite or follow if you have enjoyed the story thus far or if you have any suggestions:)

Disclaimer: Everything except for my Shishiki characters belong to Furudate Haruichi sensei!