Thanks for the previous chapter's reviews -and the questions-!
Enjoy!
Chiharu knew something happened the moment she stepped inside the halls of the school. People are staring, and worst, pointing at her. She ignored them and strode to her classroom. Along the way, she heard it. Whispers.
"Is that her?"
"-no way, she's-"
"Waah, she's pretty-"
"It's not true, right?"
"Oikawa-san, he-"
"—courts her-"
"Ah, it was about Tooru's declaration, huh?" she thought absentmindedly as she enters her room. The students already present dispersed from their groups and acted like they too hadn't been indulging in gossips. Well, they knew full well what happens when Chiharu is angry.
She sat and waited. Sure enough, Akari approached her.
"Chiharu-chan," she started, "there's something you should know.." Akari glances from side to side.
"It's-"
"Chi-chan!" Mei entered the room still wearing her bag. She slammed her hands on Chiharu's desk, "Is it true? Did you really reject Oikawa Tooru?" she shouted excitedly in Chiharu's face causing her to wince. She started jumping around, "And, did he really said he's going to court you? Did he?" Mei asks without an ounce of preservation. Chiharu rubbed her forehead, sighing, then she noticed the silence that pervaded after Mei's outbursts. She glances to the side and saw all her classmates looking at them plus a group of students watching and listening at the classroom's doors.
Chiharu returned her gaze back to Mei who remained ignorant at what she'd caused. The girl remained expectantly waiting for an answer, only this time, she's not the only one eagerly waiting. Chiharu suppressed another sigh.
This is troublesome. Too troublesome.
"Well," Chiharu started and she paused, hearing multiple intake of breath around the room. Her eyebrow's twitched in annoyance. "Ugh, let's get this over with," she thought, wishing she could rub her head as a headache made its presence known. One thing though, should she respond with the question regarding her 'rejection'? No, it's too complicated to explain especially with a lot of people listening, maybe she can explain when it's the two of them.
"He did say he wanted to court me.." Chiharu trailed quietly, cheeks pinkish at the reminder. Mei gasps and like a signal, the whole room bursts into incomprehensible conversations. Chiharu plugged her ears at the barrage of loud exclamations and disbelief, her mouth turning grim, and eyes narrowing. As the noise increased in volume, Chiharu stood, patience at its peak at the students who suddenly lost their sense of discipline. Her classmates, especially those who'd witness her temper first hand, abruptly quieted and returned to their seat while those incognizant of the danger looming before them continued to gossip and whisper at the door.
Ah, she recognizes these two girls seemingly absorbed in their chitchat. Chiharu's eyes trailed to the side, recognizing a group of friends as well.
"Why don't you use your time to study than to gossip, Hassai-san, Fumikuchi-san? I'm sure you needed those to pass the final test next month considering that you've been getting below-average grades," Chiharu interrupted smoothly, smiling as the two girls paled, "I'm sure it's fine," Chiharu's eyes turned sharp, "when you're not planning in going to a university that is." The two girls backed up then excused themselves, stammering along the way.
Chiharu turned to the group and gave them a bright smile. "Hello, first years, did you know Sakabe-sensei hates it when her students are late?" she looked at them worriedly. "The bell will ring so-", before Chiharu could finish, the group disappeared in a flash. She smirked, "Hurry up or the devil-witch will chew your ears off," she whispered.
"Waah, you successfully drove them away, Chi-chan!" Mei chirped behind her and Chiharu sighed. She turned to the bubbly girl and patted her head.
"Let's talk later, Mei," Chiharu muttered and her friend nodded, eyes sparkling with naivety. She waved her goodbye as she runs out of the room and into her own. Chiharu calmly went to her seat all the while feeling eyes glued to her. She propped her cheek and gazed at the blue sky outside as she sat and waited for their homeroom teacher.
"Tsk, I'm too tense.." she muttered a moment later. Part of the tension, she guessed, is that she didn't do her run this morning. It always does its job of preparing Chiharu of the new day ahead, warming her body and releasing the tension in her muscles. To be deprived of that exercise had put her in a cold state of mind before coming to school and with the addition of that annoying event, Chiharu is none too pleased with the start of the day. Well, it couldn't be helped that she avoided running this morning, she is trying to avoid him.
"But why do I have to sacrifice my daily routine just to avoid him?" she complained, and her mind supplied, "You know, you could just not avoid him, that way it's a win-win situation."
"How about no," she stubbornly replied, "Well, then, suffer the consequences."
"Ah, I hate myself," Chiharu muttered.
Their homeroom teacher entered carrying with him a pile of papers. The class stood and greeted him, doing the respectful routine before he nodded, giving his signal for the class to sit.
"Good morning everyone. As you may all be aware of, next month will be the schedule for this term's final test. I have faith that all of you will pass all of your subjects, some with flying colors, no doubt. Nevertheless, continue to work hard." He paused, then he held a piece of paper, "This is your last year in high school and I know all of you have plans in the future. As such, the school would like to know your career plans in detail," he started handing the papers methodically, starting from the first row to the back and proceeding to the back of the second row up to the front and so on.
As he stops to hand the paper to Chiharu, he told her, "Aikawa, after finishing this, go to the director's office. Secretary Shimizu is in need of your help."
"Hai, sensei."
"Thank you very much, Aikawa-chan," Yuki gratefully said, handing a set of folders to Chiharu's waiting hands, "Don't worry, you only need to give these folders to the teachers I've listed in the sticky note at the top. I was supposed to hand them over yesterday but a lot of things came up and I can't afford to waste my time on such a small errand," Yuki reasoned with a regretful sigh. Chiharu smiled at her, seeing the piles of paperwork waiting to be inspected by her on her desk.
"It's fine, Shimizu-san, I'm actually quite happy I have something to do other than sit in class. It was becoming boring, you see."
"Well, I'm glad someone's finding this fun," Yuki smiled, "Okay then, back to work." She returned to her desk and resumed typing.
"I'll report back after finishing," Chiharu said at the door. Yuki looked up and nodded with a smile.
True to Yuki's word, the errand was small and Chiharu finished it just in time for lunch. She hummed, feeling jovial to have the time to walk around and do something outside the class. It was perfect for dispersing her earlier tension and foul mood, making Chiharu less likely to spew scathing words. She skipped lightly on her feet, walking the hallway leading to the administration building. As she was nearing a corner, Chiharu heard a pair of familiar voices.
"…lists of third years staying in the volleyball team, huh?"
Chiharu froze in her steps, recognizing Hajime's voice.
"Yep, ugh, why am I the one sending these papers to the teachers' office?"
Chiharu can almost see the pout Tooru is wearing as he said those words.
"Tsk, you're the team captain so of course it's your responsibility."
Chiharu panicked, the voices are increasing in volume which means they are nearing her location. She sweats, glancing from side to side to find an escape route. She's in the ground floor of the building, surely there is somewhere she can hide! Turning to run back, Chiharu glimpses an open window and without hesitation, she jumped, landing on the building's decorative bushes. Perfect!
She lowered her knees and crouched, eyes watching the window. Chiharu controlled her breathing, hearing the footsteps nearing her spot. Oh, she can see the top of Tooru's head already, then Hajime's. She gulped, sweat rolling down her spine.
"Oomph! Ah! The papers, grr.." she heard Tooru wail.
"Tsk. What's wrong with you baka? So clumsy, I won't help you gather those." Hajime's tone bore annoyance.
"So mean. It's not my fault to trip, you know. Jeez, it's like someone's telling me to stop," Tooru whined.
Chiharu sweats even more, the time they spend staying near her increases the chances of her being spotted.
"Go on, don't mind me," she chanted inside her head, willing for the duo to disappear quickly.
Then, a hand appeared on the windowsill, followed by a propped elbow, and then Hajime's hair as he glances up the clear blue sky. He paused for a moment before his head turned. Everything happened in slow motion inside Chiharu's head but in reality, it only took a mere second for Hajime to turn and lock his eyes to hers. His surprise at seeing her crouching beside the bush and on the dirt consisted of a slow blink.
"Oi, Oikawa," he called and Chiharu panicked, eyes glancing from side to side. Hajime's lips twitched, seeing her face in distress.
"Hmm, Iwa-chan?" Tooru hummed in the background. Hajime pushed away from the window and said, "Hurry up, lunch will be ending soon," walking away from the window and from Chiharu's hiding spot.
"Hey, wait, Iwa-chan, jeez," Tooru complained, running after Hajime, "What's so funny, Iwa-chan? Did you see something?" Tooru's fading voice asked. Chiharu waited another minute before releasing a sigh. Looks like Hajime is on her side. Chiharu stood, dusting away the dirt on her knees. She quickly jumped back inside the building, glancing from side to side, and then running to the administration building, her hands trembling along the way.
Man, who knew hiding from Tooru could be so nerve-wracking?
Chiharu knew it was a coward's way to run around and hide but she's not ready for the onslaught of feelings Tooru will no doubt ensue in the course of his courtship. She had accepted the fact that she's feeling more than friendship, if it is love, she has to make sure. Besides, she doubts she'll be able to survive his romantic advances, especially when she's aware he's doing it for her. She'd probably turn into a tomato every time they interact. So for as long as it takes, she'll avoid him, until he gives up? Probably. But thinking of that buffoon giving up on her weighs heavily in her heart. It's as she's wishing for him to fight with all he's got. To not back away from this challenge.
She wonders, when he finally wins, will she say I love you, too? Or will she realize she doesn't feel the same way?
So many questions. This love is truly confusing.
Chiharu suppressed a sigh at the direction of her thoughts. Well, it couldn't be helped, being in such a dark place could induce self-reflection in her. She leaned on the door, focusing in her current situation. The past week had been hectic for her, as most of it consisted of running at the mere hint of Tooru appearing or escaping blatantly in front of him. Take this moment, for example. She'd been preparing to go home when he suddenly made an appearance outside her classroom. Ah, now that she remembers it, Chiharu tried not to giggle. He was unbelievable, that idiot. She didn't know how he persuaded all her classmates to lock her up but he did. Now, she understands why her classmates were all in a hurry to get out of the classroom. Unfortunately, during that time she didn't mind the commotion, although it was a great shock to her to hear the doors slamming shut and the lock clicking in place.
When finally, one of the doors opened, it only revealed a smirking Tooru, his whole body blocking the only exit of the room.
"Yohoo! Chi-ha-ru-chan, in a pinch?" he asks then twirled a set of keys in his index finger. It didn't take long for Chiharu to put the two together.
"You're persistent," Chiharu grumbled, backing towards the window. Tooru smiled, "Chi-chi, you're not going to jump, are you? We're on the fourth floor of the building. You'd die if you jump, and I don't think you're that desperate to escape me," Tooru sang, happy that he finally gets to corner her after a week of frustration and guesses of where she was.
Of course, Chiharu knows she'll face a certain death if she dares to jump out in this height but that doesn't mean she'll allow him to come near her. Chiharu's resolve might weaken if ever he gets to touch her again, not to mention his voice. His husky voice when he effing whispers!
Seeing Chiharu retreats as he advances, Tooru pouted and his eyes water, "Chi-chi, am I that horrible for you to avoid me? Is the thought of talking to me so abhorrent that you'd rather exhaust yourself running away than face me?" he asks sadly, his eyes downcast.
"No, I just hate it when my defenses are being shut down," Chiharu answered quietly, although there is a growing guilt inside her while she stares at Tooru's grief-stricken visage. Chiharu shakes her head, "Don't be fooled," as much as she hates to admit this, she knows the fool is having fun like she does –unfortunately- in this game they inadvertently put themselves in. Oh she really knows because he wouldn't enter the room grinning like a Cheshire cat if he's feeling otherwise.
Her back bumped into the window and Chiharu clicked her tongue, her options dwindling by the second he's nearing. She glances outside and to her surprise, she found Tooru's friends, namely Takahiro, Issei, Hajime, and an unfamiliar face wearing striped black dye at the sides of his blond hair. Takahiro waved at her and Chiharu saw them holding what seems to be a cloth. She raised a brow at the strategically effective placement of the four.
An ideal spot to jump.
Chiharu grins and without thinking, quickly opened the windows and jumps.
"Chiharu!" She heard Tooru's horrified shout, and she looked back, seeing him reaching out his hand in a futile effort to catch her. Chiharu prayed and at the same time, thanking the gods for the shorts she's wearing, hoping the boys don't get an eyeful as she fell. She closed her eyes and hugged her bag to her chest. It felt like an eternity, the falling. The fear, exhilaration, it all mixed in and Chiharu can feel the curdling of her insides
"What if they couldn't catch me?"
She safely landed with an 'oomph' on the cloth and slid as they tilted it downward.
"Whew! That was too fast." Takahiro sighed, sweat dripping from his forehead.
"Man, are you suicidal?" Hajime muttered, tightly grasping an edge of the cloth.
Chiharu laughed, although her limbs are trembling at that experience. Issei smirked, though he too is sweating profusely. If they hadn't reacted faster, Chiharu might have met the earth with a splat.
"You could give us a signal next time, though," he said, "that is, if we are around next time," Takahiro chuckled.
"I know, coincidences don't happen twice," Chiharu replied, playing along, "who knows, maybe next time, you won't be conveniently bringing a wide cloth with you," the three third years grin at her statement while the other member quietly stands.
"You idiots!"
They heard Tooru shout, and they all looked up, seeing a fuming Tooru on the fourth-floor window.
"Chiharu, stay there!" he commanded and quickly disappeared from their view.
"Uwaa, Oikawa's angry." Takahiro whistled.
"I'll go hide," Chiharu said, paling, she knows it's her fault this time. Hajime watched her look around, and feeling pity for the panicking girl, pointed at a shed beside the club building which is also a short distance away.
When he saw her close the door to the shed, Hajime turned to Kentarou, "Thanks for the help, you should go now. It'd be bad if you'll be thrown in the crossfire as well," Kentarou nodded before walking away, leaving the three to bear the brunt of Tooru's wrath. Takahiro rubbed the back of his head while Issei folded the cloth, and Hajime waited with crossed arms. Finally, Tooru walked out of the building, glaring at them as he neared.
"Sorry," Hajime said without waiting for Tooru to speak. Tooru scowled, "You better be," he growled. The other two also said their apologies and Tooru accepted with a frown on his face.
"Where is she?" he grumbled, inspecting the sidelines and worry evident in his eyes.
Hajime sighed and pointed.
Chiharu sat, hugging herself on the floor. In this dark place, with no room to move around, Chiharu finds herself thinking of his reaction. He was justified, really, to be mad at what she'd done. But in her defense, she wouldn't have done it when she knows no one is going to catch her. Then again, maybe she should have let this one encounter pass, should have let him do what he planned. It's not like she really wanted to let him go. Chiharu sadly smiled. He might stop altogether because of what she did.
Chiharu squeaked when she felt something hard hitting the door to the shed.
"Idiot. You're an idiot!" Tooru nearly shouted the last part, causing Chiharu to wince. She turned and put a hand on the surface of the door.
Tooru is on the other side.
Chiharu couldn't find the will to be annoyed at the trio for pointing out her hideout, rather, she is silently relieved that they'd correctly directed him instead of misleading him someplace far from her. Unfortunately, Chiharu can't find her voice to speak up and explain.
Another bump on the door, this time it's a little weaker.
"If you think you've successfully driven me away with that stunt, you are greatly mistaken," he said heatedly, "this only proves you need a guy in your life to keep you from doing idiotic things", Tooru continues then he whispered, "like jumping from a high story building."
Chiharu felt her eyes burn.
"And the only one willing to go through with all your shenanigans is me, do you understand?" Tooru declared confidently and Chiharu doesn't even have the strength to roll her eyes, her mind completely agreeing with him.
"So, bring it on, Chiharu. I'll take every challenge you'll throw at me," his words no longer held anger, but conviction.
"Just….just don't do that, don't use your life like that," he whispered, the voice muffled in her side. Chiharu leaned her ear on the door, waiting for his words.
"It hurts." Tooru admitted. Silence greeted his confession and he sighed, "I'll be going now. I think today is enough, I'll be bothering you after the weekend though," he chuckled, "and I'll be waiting for you every morning. Always."
"Gumi, I think I overdid it today," Chiharu greeted after Megumi picked up her phone call. Chiharu rubbed her eyes, her red puffy eyes, as she waited for Megumi to say anything. She went home pretty much with that kind of look. Thankfully, no one noticed her appearance when she arrived. Chiharu quickly went to her room to hide.
"What did you do?"
"I jumped from a building to get away from him"
"What? Were you hurt? Oh my gawd, Aichi, you're already petty and lame, don't add crazy too,"
"I'm already regretting it," Chiharu muttered, sighing.
"What's wrong?"
"I think I'm second-guessing my tactic right now," she confessed, hugging a pillow as she lay on her bed.
"Well, you should. It's quite harsh for Tooru's part especially when the term is ending. I mean, your final exam is next week, right? And after that is summer vacation which we have plans so he wouldn't even have the time to court you, much less be at the same location as you," Megumi said, then she excitedly added, "Oh, and speaking of summer vacation, I found a perfect destination for it," she giggled. Chiharu smiled lightly.
"I know you don't feel the hype at this moment, I understand," Megumi said after receiving no response from Chiharu.
"Sorry," Chiharu apologized, "he's just in my mind right now."
"Hmm, Aichi-chan, why don't you let him? There's no harm in his endeavor at all," Megumi advices softly, "Indulge, Aichi-chan."
"Okay…"
"I did say I'll indulge but it's easily said than done," Chiharu thought that morning, first day of the week. It was instinctual, to run and avoid him. She doesn't know how it evolves to this. Maybe it's her body's defense mechanism, or maybe the thought of avoiding him has been fully ingrained in her system. Whatever the case, it's starting to trouble her.
"Nee, Chi-chan, I want to eat outside," Mei suggested in front of her. It was lunch time and per usual, Mei arrived in her room beaming with her bento in hand. Chiharu thoughtlessly agreed, her mind preoccupied on what she's going to do with Tooru. She agreed the night before that she'll not avoid him any longer but her body says differently. It feels afraid.
Chiharu rubbed her upper arms, following behind Mei while she hums a happy tune. Chiharu's eyes turn downcast, her spirit confused, her path undecided. Mei gradually slows down then coming to a full stop on the steps leading to the gym.
"We are here," Mei happily presented, her hands on the door and Chiharu raised her eyes. She winced, her eyes momentarily blinded by the sun's rays. Mei took that moment to grasps Chiharu's elbow and forcefully pushed her inside.
"What?" Chiharu's unbidden gasps resounded inside the empty gym. Her eyes frantically looking around. She sighs, thankfully, the gym isn't dark even though it's closed, some packets of light coming from the second floor its source of illumination.
"Bye, bye!" Mei's farewell sounded muffled behind her and Chiharu turned then blankly stared at the closed door. "I'll be returning before the bell rings so, have fun!"
"What just happened?" Chiharu asks, her head tilted, and she scratched her cheek, trying to determine what she'd done to be locked like this. But it doesn't seem that she'd done something bad, after all, Mei did say to have fun. The question is, how? When she's all by herself in this hollowed space.
"You can't escape now, Chiharu-chan."
Chiharu tensed, sensing a presence behind her. Then, she relaxed, recognizing the voice and the familiar aura he oozes. Chiharu remained unmoving on her spot, waiting for him to make his move. As she waited, Chiharu listened to his breathing, to the sound of his beating heart, her hearing heightened in the reigning silence.
So, Mei led her to him. Chiharu's eyes softened and she clutches her hand, her relief evident with the releasing of a sigh. Then she quickly turned to face him. Tooru's eyes widened and he freezes, his firm chest bumping with Chiharu's soft mounds. He blushed at the accident, eyes darting from left to right as his world spins.
"Tooru,"
He refocused his eyes into Chiharu's bright ones. The pair of orbs shines even brighter when a ray of light hits them. The green tints even more pronounced as she stares directly.
"I'm sorry."
Two words. They hit him squarely in the heart.
Tooru's eyes burned.
"Are you rejecting me?" he whispers.
Please.
Don't.
A/N: I wanted to stop here
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.but on second thought, nah. Continue reading. ^_^
Those sparkles falling from his wide eyes.
Droplets.
Tears.
Tooru is crying.
Because he thought she's rejecting him.
Chiharu raised her hand, wiping the stray tears with a gentleness she rarely showed outside her immediate family.
"Idiot," she started, "have faith in my feelings," she softly whispers.
"Then, what is the sorry for?" he asked, trying to stifle the sniffle.
"It's for yesterday. For the jump. For the scare," Chiharu smiled wryly and Tooru rubbed his eyes.
"Oh."
Then, he sent her a look of accusation.
"You ruined the mood."
Chiharu stared at him blankly.
"Why am I being blamed?" she replied in disbelief, "You're the one who started crying!"
"That was sweat. This place is too warm so I started sweating," Tooru reasoned confidently. Chiharu's eyebrow twitched.
"Sweat, eh? From your eyes? Really?"
This guy is too much. Just. Too. Much.
"Will you please explain what branch of science you've studied to support that reason?" Chiharu insisted, not letting him pass this time.
"Anatomy and Physiology."
Chiharu opens her mouth to protest, wanting to argue the matter further. Suddenly, she missed their verbal fights. The arguments, the disagreements. Chiharu realized she'd stopped doing those things. Instead, all she did was avoid him, not facing him head on as she had done in the past. Maybe this is what she needs, not to run away from him, but to face him, talk to him. Communicate. That is how a relationship is developed, right? That is what courtship is all about, right? To get to know each other.
"I'm such a coward while you've been strong," Chiharu sighed, taking a step back, "I've come to realized that now."
Tooru gazes down at her, seeing her act vulnerable. His strong Chiharu. Tooru took a step closer, grasping her chin as he stares at her intently. Tooru smiled briefly before he softly said, "At least you've only been a coward for weeks while I've been a coward before the day I fell in love with you."
Chiharu's blush climbed higher and higher until her whole face sported a shade of red. She deliberately coughs, her fisted hand covering her grinning lips. Well, she can't deny that those words made her a little bit happy inside. Tooru boyishly grins and he cheerfully reaches for Chiharu's hand.
"Hungry?" he asks, pulling Chiharu to a nearby staircase, "I've set up our lunch on the second floor since it has good lighting."
Tooru looks back at her, smiling widely, "That way, I'll get to see your cute face while you're eating your favorite dish," he ended with a chuckle, lips seemingly tilted upward permanently.
"I guess indulging wouldn't be so bad after all," Chiharu thought, returning his smile with one of her own.
Chiharu yawned, stretching her arms up after that grueling session ended. She stretched lightly from side to side, her muscles protesting as she finally moved them from their immovability while the exam was going on. She laid down her head atop her desk, the side of her face gazing at the window. The sky is turning a soft orange hue, indicating that the day is almost over. Soon, today will end and tomorrow will begin.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow will be the last day of the exam. The day after that will be the weekend and come Monday, the official day for summer vacation starts.
"Quiet down class. In a moment we will begin your last subject for today."
When Monday comes, the countdown for seeing him again, begins.
"Chi-ha-ru-chan!" Tooru called her name, leaving the set-up of equipment to his teammates at the gym as he quickly put on his outdoor shoes, chasing after her when she walked out of the building. Issei shook his head, carrying two volleyball balls in both arms, while Takahiro shouted, "Oi! Coach will get mad if he will not see you practicing."
"Don't worry, I'll be back," he shouted, raising an 'ok' sign without looking back.
"Uwaa, what an abrupt change," Takahiro muttered thoughtfully. Issei butted in, "Hmm, he was busy bossing around a minute ago but when Aikawa-san appeared, the atmosphere suddenly switched to angels and hallelujahs."
"Flowery fields and white lights," Takahiro added, nodding with fervor.
"Tsk," they heard Hajime clicked his tongue, "Really, what an idiot."
"That idiot's going to proudly share how easy sociology is," he shared as the duo asked him with a stare.
"What do you mean?"
"That it's all thanks to Aikawa's tutoring."
Issei and Takahiro shared a look.
"But isn't that one of his favorite subjects?"
"Exactly."
Chiharu raised an eyebrow at the beaming Tooru in front of her. Is it just her or is there flowers floating around the dolt? Hmm, probably an imagination.
"So, can you tutor me again? On a different subject. I just need to clarify something," he asks nicely, rubbing the back of his head while reddish tints adorn his cheeks.
"Sure," Chiharu agreed. He's faster to catch up anyways, so it wouldn't be a trouble at all when she spares an hour or two to teach him. Besides, she already read all the materials for tomorrow's exam so she has plenty of idle time. Best to turn it into something useful, she guessed.
"Then, wait for me at a bakery shop two blocks east of the school."
"O…kay," she trailed, watching his back as he jogs to the gym. Then, Chiharu giggled, finding his attitude cute.
She's been finding it cute for the past few days, actually. After that lunch at the gym, Tooru had started acting more cheerful, not the childlike cheerfulness, but joy coming from within. He'd been oozing that aura and Chiharu finds herself smiling because of it.
She clutches her bag and smiles. This week is almost perfect.
"I arrived just in time, I see."
Chiharu froze, her raised foot pausing in mid-air before silently returning to its pair. She stood ramrod straight, raising her eyes to meet the girl's steel-gray gaze. She narrowed her eyes.
"Why, long time no see, Sadashi-san," Chiharu greets, voice devoid of the warmth she felt a while ago. Nozomi smirked.
"You're a hard woman to find, Aikawa," She replied. Nozomi flicks a black stray tress before that same hand grips her hips.
"That's because I don't want to be found," Chiharu responded, not moving an inch from her spot, "What do you want?" she asks with indifference. Nozomi sighed, rummaging her bag to produce an envelope, its plain surface and single logo calling a memory of long ago. Chiharu knew already what it's all about before Nozomi stopped in front of her and held the letter.
"Waah, coach dismissed us early," Tooru cheered, quickly buttoning up his school uniform in their clubroom.
"Well, our performance in class is important too," Takahiro replied, combing his pink hair. The door to the room opened, revealing Hajime.
"Oikawa, Aikawa is still outside. Did you tell her to wait for you?"
Tooru paused, hands on his hair. He glanced at Hajime with furrowed brows, "Hmm, no, I told her to meet up at a bakery." Tooru increased his pace, "Maybe she chose to wait? Waah, got to hurry up!"
"Bye," Tooru shouted quickly. He grabbed his bag, leaving Takahiro behind who sighed, "I wish I have a girlfriend." Hajime smirked, "Hurry up or we'll leave you behind too."
Tooru stopped listening any further to the banter, excitedly running down the stairs and to the direction of the school gate. He slowed down when he saw Issei at the gate, seeming to observe something on his spot.
"What's wrong, Mattsun?" he inquires, switching to a walking pace as he nears his teammate. Issei continues to stare, his hands on his pockets while Tooru tilted his head curiously before following his line of sight. Tooru felt annoyance the moment his eyes landed on Chiharu and he frowned, sending Issei a suspicious look, failing to notice the girl Chiharu is having a heated conversation.
"Why are you-"
"That uniform is from Niiyama Girl's High, isn't it?" Issei cuts Tooru and the latter furrowed his brows then returned his gaze to Chiharu, finally seeing that it wasn't Chiharu Issei was looking at but at the other girl who is indeed wearing the Niiyama Girl's High's school uniform. Tooru narrowed his eyes, not liking the expression the girl produced in Chiharu.
"They just started arguing. A moment ago when I arrived, they were calmly talking but it seems the girl said something Chiharu didn't like, and the conversation exploded."
"Hmm," Tooru hummed, grasping his chin as he ponders.
"Hey, what's going on?" Takahiro butted in, wedging himself in between Tooru and Issei, at the same time hanging his arms on their shoulders. Hajime stopped beside Tooru, crossing his arms as he too watched the interaction from afar.
"We don't know, oh, the girl is leaving," Tooru said as the girl inserted the envelope she's holding on Chiharu's bag while the latter remains unmoved. After doing her task, the girl didn't utter another word, instead, she turned and walked away. Tooru came up behind Chiharu, his worried eyes scanning Chiharu up and down. Even in his presence, she remained indifferent, her hands fisted to her side and her hair partially covering the upper portion of her face. The other three followed Tooru and are standing not far behind him. They were curious at what had transpired and at the content of the envelope the girl left behind.
"I'm sorry, Tooru, I can't help you today. I'm not feeling well." Chiharu suddenly said still not facing him. Tooru reached out a hand but before he can grasp Chiharu's shoulder, she started walking. This leads to the envelope falling to the ground, its initial position not secure enough to avoid the fall. Chiharu didn't notice, or a more apt term, didn't care about it.
"Chiharu, your letter," Tooru called, bending to retrieve the envelope. Chiharu paused but didn't look back.
"Do whatever you want with it. I already know what's inside," she said before continuing on her way. Tooru watched her lengthen the distance between them, his hand clutching the letter while his other hand fisted.
Loneliness.
It was the silent scream of her footsteps.
Pain.
Chiharu shouldn't be alone right now. She needs him, Tooru realized.
"Iwa-chan, throw this in a garbage or whatever," Tooru ordered, throwing the paper to the trio, "I'm going to follow Chiharu," he said seriously, mouth set in a line of determination. Seeing his look, Hajime nodded as he caught the envelope. Then, he smiles as he watched his best friend run to Chiharu. Thinking that the dork doesn't need to be reminded anymore because it looks like he's finally listening to what his heart is saying.
"Can we read that?" Takahiro asks curiously.
"Why?"
"Well, it looks interesting."
"And it has the Japan Volleyball Association logo." Issei pointed out. The three shared a look.
"Oikawa did say to do whatever, so.."
"Hmm, we'll throw it after reading what's inside."
My longest. Lol.
Anyway, all thy questions/suspicions in regards to the crush will be answered -finally- in the next chapter. Don't forget to review!