A/N: Hey everyone, i'm back! Sorry for the lack of updates since the last chapter, but all of that will be explained below when you're done reading this chapter.
WhereStoriesBegin: Thanks for the support and i'm glad you like the story so far! Yuki and Wakatoshi's feelings won't be recognized until VERY LATER, but you will enjoy the events leading up to it.
Blue Sky of Love: I wish i saw your reaction when you read the last chapter.
Undertaker: You'll get a tiny hint in this chapter but in the next few chapters is when things will start to pick up.
Guest: There isn't a lot of Ushijima fics which i find disappointing. Ushijima is such a complex character in my eyes and anyone could do a lot since a bit of his life was mentioned in the anime, but i guess everyone loves Hinata, Kageyama, and Oikawa, for example.
LilweenGalatrass: It's okay! I read it a long time ago so it's fuzzy in my mind but i can read it again lol! I'll probably start the other fics soon and thank you for the support with Miracle Lover! Yukina's past will be shown in MUCH LATER chapters, but believe me, it's something you don't want to skim over when it comes up.
genee: Thank you! Sorry for the late update but i do hope you find this chapter to be good and the ones in the future.
The student body had quickly got on board with Yukina and Wakatoshi's relationship after a month had passed. The student body recognized that both athletes were friends, but occasionally watched for the smallest change that would tip them from being friends to lovers. Wakatoshi and Yukina gave them not even the slightest hint that would suggest that their friendship had developed into something more. Ever since Wakatoshi and Yukina had met, their respective teammates and friends had developed a routine. Early morning practice for both volleyball boys and swim girls, class, then they would eat lunch together, and return to their respective classes before afternoon practice and then dinner. The thirteen of them had gotten along so well, they were their own little family.
With May almost over in a few weeks and June right around the corner, the Shiratorizawa student body shifted their focus from Wakatoshi and Yukina's relationship to their respective sports competitions. The student body was in a frenzy to focus on their training which brought plenty of relief to Yukina who enjoyed the lack of attention that was usually on her as swimming was on her mind ever since the doctors cleared her to reenter the pool. While Yukina and the girls practiced in the pool, the boys were starting to prepare for their own practice.
"Is it true, Ushijima-san!?" Goshiki shouted.
"Is what true?" Wakatoshi asked as he helped set up the net for practice with Goshiki, Tendou, and Semi's help.
"That you're being interviewed by Monthly Volleyball!"
"Yes." Wakatoshi said. "They confirmed the interview for today after practice."
"It'll be my turn next, Ushijima-san!" Goshiki shouted, raising his hands towards the ceiling as if he was reaching up to block a spike. "My interview will feature me as the next Great Ace of Shiratorizawa!"
"Good luck with that." Wakatoshi said plainly. His response earned snickers from Tendou who enjoyed Goshiki's present pout.
"If only that were true." Shirabu said as he walked past the foursome, pushing the carts of volleyballs that occupied his hands as the volleyball players set up for practice. "For someone who wants to be the next Ace, you sure lack the capacity to pay attention. Washijo-sensei told us about the interview last week."
"I will! Also, I can pay attention whenever I need too!" Goshiki shouted at Shirabu's retreating self, but the young setter ignored Goshiki's remarks.
"Don't worry Tsutomu!" Tendou said, popping up behind the first-year. He placed an arm around the future ace, causing Goshiki to perk up. "You'll have a whole magazine about you one day!"
Goshiki smiled wide but Kawanishi shook his head at Tendou's attempt to butter the first-year up. "Stop babying him, Tendou."
"No way, Taichi!"
"ENOUGH GOSSIP AND SET EVERYTHING UP!" Washijo shouted from the entrance, earning the players attention. "WE HAVE A LOT TO GO OVER WITH, SO HURRY UP!" Washijo's shouts caused the boys to hurry and finish setting up for practice. They emerged from the changing rooms, dressed in their practice clothes as they surrounded Washijo and Saitou to await instructions.
"The Interhigh begins in a few weeks on June 2." Washijo started, looking each of his players in the eye to make sure they were paying attention. "There are at least sixty teams here in Miyagi that will attempt to try and take us down, especially Aoba Johsai. Although, we all know that will never happen." The team nodded, accepting Washijo's words as truth.
Saitou smiled, amused as usual by the short and elderly coach. "Practice will consist of a mix of three and five set matches to help the first-years get used to the rhythm of how the matches will play out as the Interhigh progresses. Even though you guys have been practicing hard, the first-years will need to get ready to play at any moment's notice." Saitou turned his head towards Goshiki, causing the first-year to jump. "Especially you, Goshiki."
"Eh?" Goshiki said, tiliting his head in confusion. The first-year clearly didn't understand the double meaning in Saitou's words, causing Shirabu to shake his head at his kouhai's foolishness.
"It means you just became a regular on the team." Shirabu said, his tone dry and critical as usual when he talked to Goshiki. "You really aren't that smart."
"Hey!" Goshiki shouted, ready to argue but when the full force of Saitou's words hit him, Goshiki's face broke out into a wide smile. Goshiki started to shake with excitement and shout, earning praise from his fellow first-years who were a bit jealous yet excited for the wing spiker.
"If you play a horrid game during any of the matches, you'll be pulled from the court immediately!" Washijo shouted. "Got it!?"
Goshiki immediately stopped celebrating and faced Washijo. "Yes!"
A few snickers came from the upperclassmen but a quick glare from Washijo silenced them immediately. "We'll take our pictures first, then Wakatoshi will have his interview with Monthly! And practice will start He is not to be disturbed at all."
Saitou nodded in agreement. "Today will be full of much excitement, but remember that the Interhigh will be here sooner than you think and we will not tolerate any distractions. We aim for absolute victory above everything else and that should be the only thing that's on your mind right now."
"Of course." Wakatoshi said. The boys nodded in agreement, knowing that Washijo and Saitou were right.
The doors to the gym opened and a large group of adults holding various pieces of equipment came inside. Saitou went to greet them while Washijo directed the boys to change into their official uniforms for the pictures.
Noise and excitement filled the entire gym as the first-years were eager to take part of the team's official photo that would be featured in Monthly Volleyball! Despite being used to all the excitement and pomp that being in Shiratorizawa entailed, the first-years excitement was slightly infectious towards their upperclassmen, especially towards the third-years. Monthly Volleyball! was coming to Shiratorizawa to take pictures of the Girls' and Boys' team while most of the other teams were taking their respective pictures as well for their respective sports. Although, the first-years were even more excited to see Wakatoshi do his interview with the popular magazine, especially Goshiki who was trying to gain the attention of the interviewer but got quickly reprimanded by Jin and Washijo which put fear into the first-year Ace.
Wakatoshi and the boys quickly changed into their uniforms and watched the chaos of the Monthly team as they set up their equipment for the shoot.
"This seems pretty wild, don't you think?" Reon asked as he looked at his friends and teammates.
"We do this every year." Wakatoshi said. "It shouldn't be too shocking."
Tendou smirked. "He means that he's looking at things in a new light since it's our last year here at Shiratorizawa."
"We'll be off to university soon after we graduate." Semi said, a sad smile appearing on his face as he spoke. The third-years were lost in thought as Shirabu, Kawanishi, and Goshiki shared a look of uncertainty as they would have to get used to their senpai not being around.
"I'm not a third-year yet so I can't speak on your future." Shirabu commented, making the team turn their heads towards the younger setter. "But I'm sure that you guys will be alright by the time you graduate."
"How nice of you, Kenjirou." Tendou said, teasing the younger setter but Shirabu just rolled his eyes. "Are you gonna miss me when I'm gone?"
"No." Shirbau responded. Tendou pouted while the others laughed in amusement as Wakatoshi looked on towards his team.
"The future is something we should always worry about." Wakatoshi spoke up. "Although as we prepare, we should not regret any decisions that are made currently as we should enjoy the time we have now."
Shock was on the boys' faces as Wakatoshi finished speaking, but the shock disappeared as quickly as it came, replaced with laughter and enjoyment.
"You're right." Jin said. Shouts from across the gym caused the boys to snap out of it and head towards the center of the gym. The team either sat down in the chairs provided or stood behind them in order of their assigned jersey numbers. Washijo sat down next to Wakatoshi and Saitou stood above the elderly coach, holding one of the many volleyballs that were presently sitting in one of the many carts that were lined up against the wall.
"Okay." The lead photographer said. "We'll take a few shots and have Washijo-sensei choose which one he likes the best."
"Yes!" the team shouted.
"One. . . two. . . three!" The photographer said. Pictures were taken and as soon as they came, it was time for practice since the interviewer was running late. The crew moved away and packed up the equipment that would get in the way, only leaving out smaller cameras and the occasional laptop to take candid shots of Wakatoshi and his team. The boys quickly changed back into their regular practice clothes and were ready to work on sharpening their individual strengths in their respective sport. With Washijo's whistle blown, Wakatoshi did a viscious jump serve that immediately resulted in a service ace.
"Amazing." A crew member said as he took a candid of Wakatoshi's jump serve, admiring how the Ace stood out despite occasionally seeing the third-year in numerous videos and interviews in the past. "A Great Ace indeed."
The crew member took another photo as the ball was picked up and a rally began, showcasing the strengths and skills of Shiratorizawa's Boys' volleyball team.
Yukina enjoyed how the water seemed to caress her body every time she dived into the pool. The scent of chlorine that some people found irritating, Yukina found welcoming. The water that pruned one's skin after being in it for too long, Yukina enjoyed its embrace. The pool was her second home and nothing would keep her from it. When Yukina swam, she was free. The pool was a safe haven where all her problems died away and only returned when she came up to the surface to breathe. The pool brought refuge and competition as her body swam against the current of her current competition. Yukina didn't care since she knew that she would win. It was arrogant for the female captain to think in such a way, but she, the visiting team, and everyone else knew that she would fight against anyone who attempted to go against her in the water. Yukina did exactly that as her palm touched the surface of the pool's wall, earning her victory in the relay meet. Yukina lifted her head above water and was met with the screams of her teammates and the frowns of the visiting school's team.
Yukina was helped out of the water by one of her team's first-years as she wrapped a towel arund her waist to dry off. The swimmer in the lane next to her finally touched the wall, but conceded defeat as she got out of the pool to congratulate Yukina.
"Good job, Kurosawa-san." The second-year freestyle swimmer. As much as Yukina felt sorry for beating her, the thrill of victory was fresh on her, even if it was a practice meet. As the other team left to board their bus and head back to their school, Ikeda turned to the girls as they were lined up to hear their coaches critiques.
"That was good ladies, most have you have improved your times." Ikeda started, her eyes surveying the girls critically. "Endo, you're times have improved the most out of all the girls."
"Of course." Endo bragged, causing most of the girls on the team to roll their eyes at Endo's pig-headed nature.
"Right." Ikeda dryly said. "The prefectural tournament will start in less than two weeks. After today's practice, I already made the decision on who would be competing in the 50, 100, 200, 400 meters for the tournament, and based off who gets better times will be placed at the medley on the final day of the competition."
As Ikeda listed off the names of the swimmers, Yukina observed how some of the girls were glowing with pride for being chosen and even smiled when Mitsuki blushed in embarrassment as her name was called a few times. As much as Yukina enjoyed Ikeda's decision for the chosen girls, Ikeda, Reika, and Yukina were waiting for Endo's reaction when the third-year realized her name wasn't called at all.
"Coach." Endo started, her voice barely concealing the anger she tried to quell. "Why hasn't my name been called?"
Ikeda just gave Endo a cold stare. "And why should it be?"
"I'm the best swimmer here!" Endo shouted, causing the girls to jump and move away from the angry third-year. Only Ikeda, Reika, and Yukina kept themselves stable while Kazusa stood protectively towards Mitsuki who would no doubt be the target towards Endo's anger. "Why did you give everything to Kuga!?"
Ikeda finally showed a reaction. She placed the clipboard she previously held into Yukina's hands and gave the angry third-year a viscious glare. "Did you really think your actions had no consequences?"
"I haven't done anything at all!"
"We all know that's a lie." Reika whispered in Yukina's ear, causing the Captain to avert her eyes so she wouldn't laugh in amusement to Endo's punishment.
"You've either skipped or came late to practice since the beginning of second semester last year." Ikeda started.
"That was last year!"
"As well as the practice meet you ruined by insulting the other team's Coach. The sponsor we almost lost because you hated the new fabric of the swimsuits. And don't think I forgot about the swimsuit incident from last year or the fact that Kurosawa wasn't able to swim for weeks after your talk with her last month." Ikeda's words pierced Endo's body as every accusation was bluntly out in the open. "Your actions add up and this is the consequence: you will not be swimming at all during the Prefectural tournament."
"That's not fair!" Endo shouted. Yukina noticed there were tears at the corner of her eyes that threatened to fall down her cheeks. Yukina would have felt bad, but Endo had caused her hell over the past three years since they both joined Shiratorizawa's female swim team. ''You're giving all0 my usual assignments to Kuga! Her times aren't even all that great!"
Ikeda looked at Yukina and motioned for her to give Endo the clipboard. Endo snatched it from Yukina and looked at the results that were detailed in Ikeda's writing.
M. Kuga – 18.43 19.17 21.03
A. Endo – 23.15 22.06 26.07
Endo shook her head and turned her head as her eyes glared at Mitsuki who jumped at the sudden attention.
"This is your fault!" Endo shouted, her body shaking with rage. Endo wanted to throttle the younger swimmer, but even she knew that was stupid and would warrant a suspension from school and the team. And that was the least amount of punishment she would get.
"No, Endo." Ikeda said. Ikeda's words drew all the attention back to her and Endo. "This is your own. We've given you warnings and you've chosen not to listen." Ikeda nodded towards Yukina, letting her take center stage.
"You're officially on probation, starting today." Yukina said, which earned a few gasps and sighs of reliefs from the other girls. "You will not be allowed to swim at all during prefecturals, even as an alternate. You'll be on a strict schedule that Coach made personally just for you and believe me, you do not want to skip any second of it."
A lone tear fell from Endo's eyes, which shocked Yukina. "It's not fair."
"You reap what you sow, Endo." Yukina sighed. Yukina knew Endo loved to swim, but she was tired of her behavior and prayed that this punishment would finally smack some sense into her or else Reika would be the one to do so and she would not hold her friend back this time. "If you want back in, then you need to get your head back in the game."
Ikeda nodded, agreeing with what Yukina said. Ikeda told the girls to leave except Endo who was being told of her strict schedule and the what it would entail from now and until the end of the prefectural tournament. As the girls headed back to the changing rooms, Yukina could hear her gossiping teammates over her shower. As Yukina scrubbed the chlorine, dirt, and sweat off her body, the girl's voices got even louder.
I didn't think Ikeda would punish Endo before competition!
It's about time she got screwed, Endo's been messing with the entire time!
Shirabuki, you owe me 1000 yen!
Yukina shook her head, making the water pouring down on her fly off in different directions as she finally turned off the shower and wrapped her towel around her wet body, walking back to join the rest of the team to change. As Yukina was putting on her school uniform, she noticed the gossip immediately go silent.
Endo had come into the changing room and grabbed her stuff, heading straight to the showers. She walked so fast, Yukina didn't get a chance to see the expression on her face, but no doubt that there would be sadness and anger combined into one. The girls who were still present in the changing room stayed longer than they should, no doubt wanting to see some drama between their captain and the punished Endo, but a quick reprimand and the threat of extra practice from Reika caused them to leave immediately. The changing room only consisted of Yukina, Reika, Mitsuki, Kazusa, and the furious Endo who stepped out of the shower.
Endo's red hair was messy and her blue eyes were rimmed red from crying in the shower in which the water was her only safety and showing her true emotions.
"What?" Endo hissed, immediately pushing through the foursome, and angrily putting on her school uniform, not caring if her wet hair got her sick or created any wet spots on the blue uniform. "Happy to see me gone?"
"Pretty much." Reika smirked, while Kazusa shook her head and Mitsuki and Yukina just stared at Endo in wait, wondering what the girl would do in response.
"This is your fault!" Yukina scoffed at Endo's words and any hint of remorse she had for the girl quickly vanished as she realized Endo was slowly creating her own path of destruction.
"You did this to yourself!" Yukina suddenly shouted, causing the others to jump in shock. Reika always found it scary when Yukina became angered, as she only reached a boiling point when something truly pissed her off. "Don't blame Mitsuki or myself for your failure!"
"I worked my butt off to get into this school and onto the team!" Endo shouted, angry tears curling up at the corner of her eyes.
"And you threw it all away, for what?" Yukina asked, shocking the girl into silence. "A few extra minutes to relax in your room? Going out on the weekends to the movies than attending afternoon practice? Gossiping with the girls in your class about the latest rumor going around school? You want to hate someone, hate yourself. You did this and I'm not gonna stand here and take it as you try to wrestle the blame onto anyone but you."
"You stupid, piece of crap." Endo hissed. "I really hate you."
Yukina shrugged, officially done with Endo. "I don't particularly care for what you have to say anymore. Even you know that if you do something to harm Mitsuki or anyone else on the team, probation would be child's play compared to the expulsion you'll probably get."
"You bitch!" Yukina turned away, not bothering to see what expression that was on Endo's face but did enjoy the sound of cursing that came from the girl's mouth when she punched a nearby locker, injuring her hand, which would immediately remove her from the team and out of her life.
As Yukina exited the changing room, Reika, Mistuki and Kazusa ran after her, slightly shocked at what just happened.
"I didn't expect that at all, but I'm not complaining." Reika said. "If she messed up her hand, she won't be able to swim for quite some time, even after it heals!"
"I thought she was going to punch you!" Kazusa said, fidgeting her fingers nervously. "I honestly don't know what I would've done in your shoes."
"Are you okay, Yuki-senpai?" Mitsuki asked, worried for her captain.
"I'm fine." Yukina said. Her temper had dissolved, but she was still slightly pissed off. "I didn't expect Endo to possibly injure herself. Become angered, yes. Injuring herself, no."
The girls stopped and stared at Yukina as her back faced them as she looked up at the darkening sky, lost in thought.
"Wait." Reika said, suspicion coloring her tone. "Did you plan that?"
Yukina turned around, displaying the small smirk present on her face and a scary look in her gray eyes. "Not entirely." The girls looked at each other before turning their attention to Yukina once again. "I knew the right words to say and hoped she would at least slap me since Endo's temper is like a firework. If she slapped me, my swimsuit wouldn't be able to cover that up and Ikeda-sensei would have to remove her from the team for quite some time. Endo injuring herself was a bonus."
"Damn." Kazusa said, slightly impressed at Yukina's calculating nature.
"Sometimes I forget how scary you can be when you're pissed off." Reika said, but was impressed when her friend showed off this cold nature of hers.
"Scary." Mitsuki said. "You're scary, Yuki-senpai."
Yukina shrugged her shoulders. "I guess, but I don't want anything happening to you or the team. But I'm still pissed."
Kazusa and Reika shared a look, nodding in unison as their thought process was the same. The girls linked their arms into Yukina's and started to drag her towards the opposite side of campus with Mitsuki racing to catch up.
"What the heck are you doing!?" Yukina shouted. Despite her being the tallest, Reika and Kazusa's combined strengths were enough to keep her locked in and forcibly dragged to god knows where.
"Cheering you up." Kazusa said. "We know exactly what'll calm you down."
"And by what, we mean who." Reika said.
"And by who, we mean your interesting volleyball Ace." The girls laughed at the embarrassed blush that covered Yukina's face who just shook her head and let her friends drag her off to Wakatoshi and the rest of the volleyball boys.
"Now a few more questions, and we'll be done."
"Okay."
Wakatoshi sat across from Hamasaki Yuuna, a popular journalist and writer for Monthly Volleyball! who was interviewing the Ace for the latest issue of the popular sports magazine. The middle-aged women was dressed professionally in a purple blouse and dark skirt as she tapped her heels against the leg of the chair she sat in, writing a few notes in her journal before she looked back up at him.
"What is your goal for this year in volleyball?" Hamasaki asked, her brown eyes sharp and ready to decipher any hidden meanings behind any of Wakatoshi's words.
"To conquer nationals." Wakatoshi plainly said. Every time he did an interview, he got asked that question every single time and gave the same answer. He suspected it had to do with Washijo's interference of providing a list of pre-approved topics that wouldn't damage the school's reputation.
"Shiratorizawa is a school of national acclaim from its high graduation rate and most of its sports teams rising high in their respective competitions every single year. Despite your team losing at Nationals and getting third place, your boys have picked up some major attention. How does the pressure of being the Miyagi champions translate to your daily school life? Is there pressure to remain on top even in the classroom?"
"I do not believe academic success is the same as winning in sports competitions, although willpower and perseverance are two factors that are crucial to both. If one easily gives into pressure, they are the ones who lose the most as they could never contend with the pressure that victory entails. My team does not give in easily to anyone or anything. We welcome all challengers, not matter how big or small."
Hamasaki smiled in approval, liking what Wakatoshi said. She wrote a few notes down and made sure her recorder was still on and in use.
"With the Interhigh coming up in a few weeks, what do you expect from your competition? There are rumors that Aoba Johsai was recently defeated at a practice match by some school, although their principle setter and Captain, Oikawa Toru, wasn't present until the very end."
Wakatoshi frowned slightly, not enjoying how Aoba Johsai was defeated easily by this school he had yet to learn of. "With Oikawa out, I'm not surprised that Aoba Johsai lost. Despite his team losing to us each year, Oikawa has a natural habit of drawing out the best abilities from his teammates. They failed because he was not present at the beginning. If Oikawa was there, I doubt that Aoba Johsai would lose."
"That's good to hear." Hamasaki smiled. Wakatoshi glanced over to the team who was talking softly, in order not to disturb the interview as they cleaned up and started putting some of the equipment away with Jin's guidance as Washijo and Saitou left earlier for a staff meeting. "Now for the last question, Ushijima-kun."
"Okay."
"You're known for being quite the opponent on the court and have gained numerous fans because of your talent." Hamasaki started, but Wakatoshi noticed there was a gleam of intrigue in her eyes and wondered where this question would lead too. "Do you have any romance going on in your life to help you with the pressure of being such a well-renowned player?"
Wakatoshi was slightly shocked, although he didn't display it and kept his usual neutral expression on his face. Of all the interviews he did in the past, not one has ever directly asked him about his personal life. The sound of a familiar laugh caused both Wakatoshi and Hamasaki to turn towards the source, even though Wakatoshi already knew who it came from.
Wakatoshi saw Yukina through the open door of the gym as she laughed at something Reika had said with Kazusa and Mitsuki looking on. Luckily for Wakatoshi, Hamasaki was turned towards the boys rather than the girls who were slowly approaching the gym but paused when they noticed Wakatoshi was doing his interview that he told them about earlier in the week. Wakatoshi's eyes found Yukina's and he nodded in greeting as she gave him a small, yet awkward smile that held only respect for her friend. Hamasaki turned back to Wakatoshi and he made no visible indication that he just focused on Yukina when she asked him that question.
"Romance is a distraction to my play." Wakatoshi said. "It wouldn't provide me with the results I need in volleyball so I don't intend to seek it out.
Hamasaki simply stared at him thoughtfully and nodded her head in acceptance towards the answer he gave her. "Okay, thank you Ushijima-kun and good luck to you in the competitions to come." Wakatoshi nodded and watched as Hamasaki left the gym with the few associates that came with her to Shiratorizawa. Hamasaki passed the girls, who didn't notice the look she gave to them as they spoke to the boys who greeted them happily.
"Oi, Ushijima." Reika said as she pulled Yukina towards the Ace. "Cheer this one up, she's in a pissy mood."
"Are you okay?" Wakatoshi asked Yukina as she was placed in front of him as their friends left to talk with each other.
Yukina frowned when she thought back to today's earlier events. "I'm fine, it's just Endo drama as usual."
Wakatoshi frowned at hearing Endo's name, remembering the first time he met the angry swimmer behind the pool where she physically attacked Yukina. "Did she try to hurt you again?"
"Not really." Yukina said, looking up to Wakatoshi who had her full attention. "She's been indefinitely benched now that she's injured."
"Seriously!?" Tendou shouted from the other side of the gym. He held a volleyball in his hands and was telling Reika of the details of Wakatoshi's interview. Yukina wondered how he was able to hear them from far away. Maybe he was a mind reader. "How'd that happen?"
"The idiot slammed her own hand against the metal locker." Reika snorted. "It was glorious."
"Yuki here planned out the entire thing." Kazusa said as she helped Shirabu pick up a few stray balls that were on the ground. "Our captain is quite devious when she needs to be."
Yukina blushed as Wakatoshi tilted his head, trying to figure the swimmer out. Wakatoshi placed his hand on the top of her head and patted it awkwardly, hoping that would calm her down.
"As long as you're okay, that's alright with me." Wakatoshi said, causing Yukina to flush an even deeper red which brought amusement to their friends. "You should not be dealing with such a trivial person before your competition starts."
Yukina shook her head, effectively causing Wakatoshi's hand to fall off her head immediately. "It's okay."
"Sorry if that was too much."
Yukina's hair was slightly messy as her braid was slowly coming undone from her shaking. "It's okay. It's not like it wasn't welcoming, 'cause it was. Not too welcoming but just enough, you know? Your touch was great, but not in the sense of – " Yukina put her head in her hands while Wakatoshi just watched the blushing girl in front of him, used to the rambling she always did ever since they first met. Yukina looked back up to Wakatoshi, a little less red than before. "You're right. We all need to be ready for our competitions."
"Of course." Wakatoshi said. "The Interhigh begins in a few weeks."
"And my birthday!" Tendou shouted as he, Reika and the others approached Wakatoshi and Yukina. Shirabu rolled his eyes at Tendou's usual enthusiasm, but looked amused.
"We know." Shirabu said. "You've been shouting it all month long and won't shut up about it."
"Don't be jealous because you won't become a magnificent eighteen until next year, Kenjirou." Tendou teased the younger setter, but as usual, Shirabu rolled his eyes at Tendou and ignored the third-year.
"Do you guys have any competition when it comes to swimming?" Reon asked the girls, wondering about their sport.
"In Miyagi, we don't." Kazusa said. "It's at Nationals where the competition is fierce and where everyone is fighting to win."
"Got that right." Reika said proudly, her chin tutted upwards. "We're the number one swim team in Miyagi and that hasn't changed at all."
"I see you're laughably confident, Reika-chan." Tendou said. Reika frowned and grabbed the front of Tendou's shirt, bringing the tall middle blocker to her level.
"Don't make me hurt you, Toothpick." Reika warned Tendou, eventually releasing the redhead as he massaged his chest lightly. Jin just shook his head at Tendou, wondering if he'll ever learn.
"I can't wait for the Interhigh!" Goshiki shouted. "I'll crush all the competition and become the best ace!"
"Good luck with that." Wakatoshi said, earning laughter from his friends as Goshiki blanched in embarrassment.
"I haven't become regular for nothing!" Goshiki said, just as enthusiastic as before.
"Congrats, Gosihiki-kun!" Mitsuki said, nodding her head in excitement for her classmate and friend.
"Don't sell yourself short, Mitsuki." Kazusa said. "This one here just got a regular position on the team as well."
"So cool, Kuga-san!" Goshiki said. He ran from his friends and grabbed a ball out of the cart, ready to spike and show off for the girls. "I'll show you all how an Ace can succeed!" Goshiki warmed up quickly and spiked the ball as hard as possible. It hit the net and fell onto his side of the court, causing Goshiki to turn red in embarrassment at his friend's laughter.
"Well, that was . . . interesting." Mistsuki said.
"I'm guessing that wasn't good." Yukina asked Wakatoshi, as she was confused on what just happened.
"No." Wakatoshi said. "That would result in a point for the other team."
"I'm surprised you didn't know that." Semi said. "I know you focus on swimming, but you should know a few basic moves and penalties from volleyball. Right?"
Yukina averted her eyes and Yamagata frowned. "You have been to a volleyball game, right Kurosawa?"
"No." Yukina admitted. She looked back up to Wakatoshi who seemed somewhat shocked (well shocked enough of what would be shown on his usual neutral expression).
"Wait." Tendou said, pulling his hair in shock. "You've never been to a volleyball game?"
"No." Yukina said, blushing in embarrassment. "I usually focus on swimming, so volleyball isn't the first thing on my mind."
"How is that possible, Kurosawa?" Reon asked. "I don't think I've met anyone at the school who hasn't been to at least one volleyball game. Whether it's ours or the girls' team."
"Does watching a recap on tv count?"
"No." the boys said in unison, shaking their heads at Yukina words.
"It's not like the girls ever went to a volleyball game!" Yukina said, gesturing her hands towards Reika, Kazusa, and Mitsuki who stood around, smiling in amusement. "Right?"
"My cousin plays volleyball at Teiko Middle." Kazusa said. "I've been to two games."
"I saw one of Shiratorizawa's matches when I was in elementary school." Mitsuki said. "I think that's when I first heard about Ushijima-senpai."
"I've watched a junior team play before." Reika said.
"That junior team consisted of your brothers and their friends play volleyball in your backyard." Yukina argued. "When we were twelve. And that's an excuse."
"It's not an excuse if it's the truth."
"Reika!"
"I'm sure that Kurosawa-senpai is going to cheer us on!" Goshiki said. "Right!?"
"I'm sure a certain someone would be better at persuading Yuki-chan to come to our games." Tendou whispered into Semi's ear, who just smirked in amusement. "Hey Wakatoshi, what do you think?"
Wakatoshi looked up from some documents in his hand and towards his friends. "I don't mind, but its Kurosawa's choice. None of us can force her to go to our games."
All the boys but Wakatoshi turned to Yukina with a look, but Tendou gave her a sly smirk which caused the swimmer to turn red and look away.
"Even if I did, I'm pretty sure our competitions schedule clash with one another." Yukina admitted. "Our competitions start early in the morning and it takes forever to check in."
"Are those excuses, Yuki-chan?" Tendou pouted. "Do you not want to come and see us win all the matches?"
Yukina blushed heavily. Before the swimmer could say anything, a phone started to ring. Hearing the familiar ringtone, Yukina ran to get her phone, but Tendou was faster. Tendou grabbed Yukina's phone from the floor where the girls left their bags and jackets. Seeing a name on the screen, Tendou frowned when he realized it was a guys' name. The middle blocker didn't want anyone getting in the way of his OTP.
"Who's Hishikawa Satoshi, Yuki-chan?" Yukina's eyes widened and she attempted to grab her phone from Tendou's hands, but failed due to his height.
"Tendou, I need my phone." Yukina said. "Now."
"Tell me!" Tendou started to run around the gym and Yukina was forced to chase him. Wakatoshi and the others just watched, but let out a sigh since Tendou wasn't going to stop now. "Who is he?"
"Just give me my phone!" Yukina shouted, shocking Tendou. Wakatoshi saw the irritation that swept over Yukina's face, forcing him into action. Wakatoshi gave Jin the papers he held in his hand and walked over to Tendou, plucking the phone out of his hands and placing it into Yukina's. She gave him a look of gratitude before accepting the call and putting the phone to her ear.
"Yes, Satoshi?"
"Yuki-nii!" a childlike voice shouted.
"Yuki-nii?" Tendou asked. He turned towards Reika who just shook her head at his previous actions. The boys all looked towards Reika since they knew she would have the answers they wanted.
"Little brother." Reika said. She turned away from their questioning looks and just watched Yukina carefully as she talked to Satoshi.
Tendou frowned, not liking that that was the only answer he got, but when he noticed the careful expression on both Yukina and Reika's faces, he wisely held his tongue for the first time ever. As Yukina spoke on the phone to Satoshi, the rest of the girls helped the volleyball boys clean up from their earlier practice. When they finished, they left the gym, but when Reika noticed Wakatoshi staying behind to watch over Yukina, she smirked in amusement.
"I told you we didn't have to do anything." Reika gloated, earning smiles and a few bits of laughter from the group except for Tendou as they walked outside to get dinner at the dining hall.
"I need them to hurry up and date." Tendou pouted, not liking the development of how is OTP wasn't accelerating enough for him.
"This isn't some weird shojo manga that you've read, Tendou." Semi spoke up as he looked at his teammate, wondering if his friend thought Wakatoshi and Yukina's relationship would develop that fast. "I mean, seriously, did you think they would fall in love first sight?"
"No, but come on!" Tendou shouted, surprising the group as he turned around and gave them all a rare, yet serious look. "Wakatoshi needs to get some love in his life."
"It doesn't mean it has to be Kurosawa." Yamagata remarked. "Plus, why do you care so much?"
"Why not?"
"Maybe because from what I've seen, Wakatoshi likes his life private." Jin said. "He's not just going to tell anyone his life story."
"Why do you care so much?" Reika asked, pressing Yamagata's question even further and staring at Tendou hard. "Why can't you leave them be?"
Tendou sighed and stared so intensely at Reika, it caused the girl to step back. "Wakatoshi-kun loves volleyball, but what happens when he plays in the future and gets injured? He'll be by himself and nobody will be there to take care of him. He'll be alone and angry with nobody by his side to love. Excuse me for looking out for my friend!"
"Tendou-san, that's a bit dark." Shirabu frowned, not liking how the middle blocker thought about Wakatoshi.
"Yuki isn't Ushijima's pillow." Kazusa commented. "I'm pretty sure he can take care of himself and she can take care of herself."
"Back off, toothpick." Reika warned, gaining back some confidence after Tendou's revelation. "Just leave them alone and they'll figure it out themselves."
Tendou snorted, causing Reika to narrow her eyes at him. "That's rich, coming from you Reika-chan."
"Excuse me?"
"You want them to date as much as I want to!" Tendou shouted. "Don't be a hypocrite!"
"Tendou!" everyone else shouted, stepping back a bit as Reika and Tendou got ready to spar.
"I'm not trying to force a relationship down their throats! Reika fried back, her eyes ablaze in anger at Tendou. "Ushijima himself said he doesn't want to date and Yukina isn't someone to seek out a relationship."
"Why not!?" Tendou's height seemed to dwarf over Reika as he leaned over the swimmer who stepped back once again. "Yuki-chan is more than attractive and I'm kinda surprised why she hasn't dated anyone before."
"That's none of your business!" Reika said. "Has anyone ever told you that your persistence isn't attractive, but annoying?"
Tendou was about to shout at Reika, but he smirked instead. "So, you think I'm attractive?"
Reika's face turned red and Tendou laughed until she punched him in his side. "Eh!?"
When Tendou could breathe once again, he laughed while Reika cursed in anger. "It's okay, you don't have to lie to yourself."
"Shut up, Toothpick!" The others just stared dumbfounded, all wondering how Tendou and Reika could quickly switch from arguing about their friends and now too each other. Reika turned towards Reon who just smiled in amusement at the angry swimmer and the middle blocker. "How the hell are you all friends with this fool!?"
"That's a story on its own." Reon answered, laughing as Tendou grinned confidently at his friends. "We won't have time for that tonight."
"These two are idiots." Kazusa said, shaking her head at how fast the conversation turned.
"Instead of those two fighting over Ushijima-san and Kurosawa-san, they should just date instead." Shirabu said, stoic as usual.
"It'll be a cold day in hell if that ever happened."
"When are you coming home?" Satoshi asked. "I miss you!"
"I'll come home soon." Yukina said, hoping that would reassure her younger brother. She didn't hear anything on the other end but shuffling feet, so she assumed that Satoshi was just rushing around the house. "Shouldn't you be doing your homework by now?"
"I don't have any!" Satoshi protested, his voice slightly raised higher which indicated he was lying. Yukina missed Satoshi's usual antics which were divided when he wanted to play pranks on her.
"I find that very hard to believe."
"It's true!" Satoshi said. "You're never gonna guess what happened today!"
"What happened this time?"
"Dad and I were at the grocery store today to buy Mom's favorite sna–" Yukina's smile dropped as she attempted to focus on Satoshi's story, but a wave of anger seemed to wash over her. Yukina was rigid as the hand that held her phone squeezed it so hard, she had to force herself to relax so she wouldn't harm herself. Or break her phone.
"Satoshi." Yukina said, trying to get her brother to stop talking.
" – and then Dad grabbed some apples before we left to pay –"
"Satoshi. . ." Satoshi still didn't stop.
" – the entire mountain of apples fell down and rolled all over the floor!" Satoshi's laugh was loud and carefree, but Yukina was not enjoying the conversation anymore.
"SATOSHI." Yukina's anger rose and as much as she tried to control it, she knew she would snap soon.
"Dad was so embarrassed he paid for all the apples that fell and Mom laughed at him when I told her what happened!"
"SATOSHI!" Yukina shouted. Her voice was so loud at that moment, it echoed throughout the entire gym and she let out a breath of relief, until she realized she snapped at her naïve little brother. Satoshi was completely innocent in everything and he was just being a loud child without any reservations. A truly, innocent child.
"Satoshi. . ." Yukina said softly, hoping her younger brother wasn't going to cry. Despite being a child, the boy could control his emotions quite well and knew that unnecessary tantrums weren't something she or her family took at all. "I'm so –"
"You do this all the time!" Satoshi shouted, causing Yukina's eyes to widen in shock. "Why are you so mean to – Ah!"
"Satoshi, is something wrong?"
"He's being cut off to do homework and go eat." A woman's voice answered, which caused Yukina to smile softly at the familiar voice. "Go and help your father, Satoshi."
"But – "
"Go!" Yukina smiled lightly at her brother's expense. No doubt the young boy was pouting in a corner or groaning about the fact that he had to do his homework. Even if he was a kid, Satoshi was too high-spirited most of the time and preferred to play with his friends and teammates from the soccer club than sit down and study. When Yukina heard Satoshi's retreating footsteps, the woman spoke up again.
"Hello, Yukina."
"Hi, Mom." Yukina said, with a touch of sadness in her voice. Noticing how quiet it was in the gym, Yukina turned around to see only Wakatoshi standing alone, both of their bags in his hands. When Yukina's eyes searched the gym to find where the others went, but Wakatoshi just mouthed dinner, causing Yukina to nod in acceptance. Wakatoshi was about to wait outside, not wanting to disturb Yukina speaking to her family, but Yukina shook her head. Wakatoshi just watched her speak instead.
"I'll be home soon, I promise." Yukina said, hoping that would reassure her mother. "I'll see if I can try and make it back before the competition starts." Before either mother or daughter could say anything, a beeping sound came on Yukina's phone and she looked to see that her phone was about to die from low battery. As it cut off, Yukina just stared at the darkened screen in thought, not realizing how Wakatoshi watched her carefully.
Before either could say anything, Yukina silently walked towards Wakatoshi to grab her stuff and wait at the door as the Ace made sure everything was put away before he locked the gym doors. As Yukina and Wakatoshi were walking back to the dining hall to join their friends for food and talk, the air was heavy around them. Wakatoshi walked behind as Yukina purposely kept a distance between, but Wakatoshi's stares started to unnerve Yukina, making her stop in place as Wakatoshi stopped and waited for the swimmer to turn around face him.
"Yes, Ushijima-san?" Yukina asked, but her back was still in front of the Ace, rigid and unmoving to face Wakatoshi whose concern wasn't entirely unwelcome, but Yukina wasn't in the exact mood to talk.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Yukina said, ignoring the oblivious topic that he was referring to. "I told you that Endo is taken care of. She won't be a prob–"
"As much as I approve of Endo not being able to harm you, I'm concerned about you right now." Wakatoshi said. "You were tense when you talked to your family and you're still tense now. Do you feel unsafe or uncomfortable at home?"
Yukina's eyes widened slightly at Wakatoshi's kind words, silently praising him for his concern. Although at the same time, she did not feel comfortable sharing her entire life story with the volleyball Ace that she just met at least a month ago. Wakatoshi wasn't Reika, a positive figure that's helped her through the darkest moments in her life so far. In his defense, Reika was also someone who happened to be at the right place at such a dark time in her life.
Yukina finally faced Wakatoshi, but just like Wakatoshi himself, she had a neutral expression on her face that hid how she truly felt now.
"Maybe one day I'll tell you about my life, Ushijima-san." Yukina said. Wakatoshi noticed that she was still rigid, but only slightly relaxed. Wanting to change the topic, Yukina immediately thought of the event that would be coming up in a few weeks. "Speaking of life, when are you going home for your mother's birthday?"
"The weekend after Tendou's birthday." Wakatoshi answered. Yukina noticed that this time, he was the one in thought while she was observing the Ace carefully. Yukina saw how well his expression was put together, barely showing animosity or happiness that would signify his thoughts of returning home. Yukina concluded that Ushijima Wakatoshi is a riddle that will be hard to find out. "When I come back, the Interhigh will begin and I'll be playing then."
"Are you happy to go home?"
"I suppose." Wakatoshi said, with the usual neutral expression on his face. Yukina just nodded in acceptance. "Some relatives and work associates will come over to the house and we'll talk, wish my mother a happy birthday, eat and they'll return home. Nothing too much."
Yukina simply accepted Wakatoshi's words and both captains decided they were out late enough and continued their walk to the dining hall to join their friends. The dark mood above them lifted and the distance shortened, but Yukina didn't drop the neutral mask she wore. Yukina's lack of emotion was clearly on display for the others, but they didn't comment on it and just spoke about the upcoming Interhigh and Swim Prefectural. As Jin was telling everyone a story about an incident that happened at last year's Interhigh, Wakatoshi and Yukina were in deep thought, wondering how the other could throw on a mask and not let any emotion show for anyone, and not even themselves.
The masks we wear, Yukina thought.
A/N: HELLO AGAIN! I'm sorry for not updating in the past month. I recently moved into a new apartment and classes started back up for me at university, so updating wasn't on the top of my priority list. Since i'm back in school now, updates will be random so please look out for them. Follow the story to keep up when i update so you'll get that notification in your email. In order for you all not to wait so long for another update, i'll post an Author's Note and warn you if there'll be a temporary update. It'll be replaced with the actual content, so look out for that. Also, i noticed that people were having trouble identifying some characters, so i'll go back and change that. They'll be some minor changes in the story when i go back to fix that, or anything else that was troublesome to the readers or myself. I'll let you know in the next update what's been changed, so look forward to that. A major change in the overall story is that i'm changing the rating from T to M. There will be explicit content in the future, but i'll warn you from now on when that happens. Please remember to review so i can get your opinion on what you thought about each chapter!
NEXT CHAPTER: Hello and Goodbye