A/N: Hello everyone! Omg... I'm so sorry I haven't posted anything in more than a month, but I'm very busy lately. I found a job! Well, only for six months, but it's something related to journalism, what I studied at university, so it's a good opportunity for me. Now I have to work in the morning and I have French and English clases in the afternoon. And I have to finish my university projects as well! As you can imagine, I have little time to write, that's why the updates are going to be really slow until I finish clases.
On the other hand, thanks to everyone who reviewed and followed this story in the last weeks. Thank you so much!
Luna: I hope you won't kill me for this. I agree with you, Noa and Asahi can be adorable, but they're awkward around each other. I won't spoil anything, but maybe you'll freak out with this chapter haha And I'm so glad everything was clear. It's so damn difficult to write a volleyball match, especially when I'm not an expert.
Areil408: Daichi and Noa will make up. I can't tell when, but it's sooner than you expect ;) I have everything planned and I think you're all going to love it.
lovelydasom: Well, the bickering is getting serious. Tsukishima and Noa are going to get in trouble and that's going to increase the tensión between Noa and Daichi. But I guess I'm not saying anything that you don't know already. Anyway, just tell me what you think when you read this chapter. And I'm sorry for the slow update, but, as I said, I'm very busy right now. I'll make it up to all of you in summer. I promise!
Melissa: Whao... Tsukishima and Noa? This is a new ship. But why am I not surprised? haha
Enjoy the reading!
I do not own Haikyuu or its characters
CHAPTER TWENTY
This is war
Noa stretched on her chair as soon as she finished her lunch. After the hard morning practice and classes, she was hungry, so it took her only a few minutes to eat her bento.
Yachi and Hinata looked at her astonished while Kageyama was focused on his onigiri.
"I-Is it good for your body to eat so quickly?" Yachi questioned.
"Not actually", Noa tapped her full belly. "But I was starving. Practice whets my appetite"
"How is the training for the Preliminaries going?"
"Fine. We played a practice match against Kinga yesterday", Yachi and Hinata leaned forward, wanting to know more about that. "We lost", she added proudly.
"Don't say it so naturally", Kageyama spat, frowning when he saw Noa's smile on her face.
"It's fine. I think it was necessary for the group", Noa leaned forward as well and raised her index finger to catch their attention. "We found out something really interesting. Now we have an ace up our sleeve for the tournament"
"What kind of ace?" Hinata asked.
"It's a secret", Noa winked.
"You aren't going to tell us!?"
"Nope"
"I'm sure she's bluffing in", Kageyama smirked as he took with his chopsticks a piece of meat from his bento.
"No. I'm not!" Noa beamed. "But we can't say anything. Not yet. It has to be a surprise"
"It doesn't make any difference if you tell us. We are not your rivals", Kageyama added.
Noa lowered her voice. "There could be spies around us"
"Spies!?" Hinata squeaked, but he realized that he had spoken louder than normal, so he covered his mouth with his hands.
"That's right, Hinata. Spies", Noa followed. "When time comes, we'll tell you. Besides, we don't know yet how it works. We have little time to get used to it. We'll put it into practice in the Preliminaries. But only when things are getting really bad for us"
"You're so weird", Kageyama mumbled, his mouth full of food.
Noa narrowed her eyes, getting pissed off because it wasn't the first time that Kageyama spoke while eating.
"It's like the pot calling the kettle back!" She finally chimed.
"Hey, Noa-san", Hinata made a pause, hesitating. He wasn't sure if he should ask or not. "I've heard some girls in my class talking about it this morning and..." Noa raised an eyebrow. "They said you are dating Tsukishima"
"WHAT!?" Noa yelled, making Yachi almost choke because of the question and Noa's reaction.
"Th-They were saying that they heard you talking about it to a girl", Hinata fiddled with his fingers, afraid of being the one who would get all Noa's anger.
Noa frowned, thoughtful. "Probably they heard me while speaking with Mayu..."
If someone in Karasuno was well aware of her personal war with Tsukishima, that was the libero. Although the second-year had warned her because she truly believed that it wasn't going to end well, Mayu seemed to be enjoying the whole situation more than she actually should.
"So it's true?" Yachi's eyes widened.
"No!" Noa grimaced. "We only studied together once. Once! And it's not going to happen again"
"Then you should clear up the misunderstanding. Now everyone will think that Tsukishima and you are dating"
Noa felt a shiver running down her spine when she heard Yachi's words. However, she was convinced that she didn't have anything to clear up. Because, basically, there was nothing. What's more, if she tried to clear up the misunderstanding, the rest of the high school would probably believe more in that stupid story. The better thing to do was forget about it, so people would think that there was nothing involving Tsukishima and Noa.
Noa put her hands on her desk and stood up.
"I feel like having something sweet. I'll get a milkshake"
"Ah!" Kageyama jumped a little bit. "I want milk yogurt!"
"Then, you stand up and go", Noa stuck her tongue out playfully. "Do you want anything?" Noa asked Hinata and Yachi.
"Milk yogurt is fine too", Hinata smiled.
"I want some tea"
"Okay! Let's go, Kageyama!"
"Really, why do I have to go?" He demanded.
"Don't be so grumpy", Noa took him by his uniform shirt and pulled him, almost dragging him out of the classroom. "You shouldn't let a girl carry everything all by herself"
Yachi sweat dropped while Hinata yelled at Kageyama how selfish he was.
"I can't tell if they get along or not..." She hummed, watching them leave.
Noa liked teasing Kageyama sometimes, but not at the same level as Tsukishima. She got along well with the setter, although people might think that it was otherwise. They didn't need to talk much nor seeing each other frequently. And, although they were just the two of them -it didn't happen quite often-, both were comfortable in each other's company, even in silence.
"It isn't fair that I'm the one who has to go with you", he was muttering the whole time until they reached one of the vending machines.
Noa rolled her eyes. "There, there". Noa got on her tiptoes and tapped Kageyama's top of his head. "You should feel grateful because you are escorting a beautiful girl"
"Huh?" Kageyama raised an eyebrow, but he suddenly whined when Noa's fist went straight his ribs.
"Pretend at least that you love the idea!"
"Why would I do that!?" He put his hands on his side, still hurting.
"Courtesy, Tobio-kun, courtesy", Noa smiled at him, a dark aura surrounding her, what made Kageyama shivered.
After buying the drinks, the two of them went back. However, when they were going upstairs, Ono-sensei's face leaned out of one of the classrooms.
"Ah! Furihata-san! You are free. I need you to help me"
Noa turned around. It was weird that her teacher was only addressing to her, but then she noticed that Kageyama was nowhere to be seen. As soon as he saw their teacher, he had sneaked away to get back to classroom. He had left her alone. Was Kageyama now a ninja? That moron, she hissed.
Noa sighed and agreed to help her English teacher. Her chocolate milkshake should wait.
"Can you carry this box to the third floor?" The man took the box full of papers which was on his desk and dropped it in Noa's arms.
Despite of being only papers, it was heavier than she thought.
"Be careful", Ono-sensei chuckled when he saw Noa staggered until she managed to keep her balance. "Put them in the classroom which is at the end of the hallway, please"
Using her right foot Noa opened the door and left the classroom. She climbed upstairs carefully, trying not to trip due to the fact that the box size didn't let her see what was in front of her.
She tried to concentrate on anything else instead of how heavy that damn box was. She was carrying it for a few minutes, but her arms were already shaking. But, then, the weight disappeared from her arms and the box rose over her head. Noa blinked, confused. Someone was carrying now the box for her. She looked up and, finally, Asahi's face appeared behind the box, smiling gently.
"A-Asahi-san!" Noa squeaked loudly. She hadn't seen him since the previous day, not after what she had said to him. "I can do it!" She lied, trying to snatch it from him.
"I've seen you lurching on the hallway", Asahi chuckled. "Why are you carrying this heavy box all by yourself? You can hurt your back"
"Ono-sensei asked me. And it would have been easier if that stupid Kageyama hadn't left..." Noa muttered, clearly pissed off with the first-year setter.
"That's not good", Asahi sweat dropped.
"He's really going to get it..." Noa raised her fist, but, when she looked up, she realized that Asahi was looking at her puzzled. She giggled nervously and flushed. Why did she always have to behave like a child in front of him? She felt stupid.
Noa walked next to the Ace in an uncomfortable silence until they got to the end of the hallway.
None of them was courageous enough to look at each other, so they glanced anywhere but them. What were they supposed to say? Once Asahi would put the box on the table, they could take different paths and the discomfort they were feeling would disappear.
However, when they left the classroom, both stopped in front of the door. Noa fiddled with her fingers, feeling how her cheeks were burning. She was almost willing to run away at any time, especially if that way she could prevent Asahi from noticing her blush.
But he spoke.
"Th-Thank you for yesterday's breakfast", Asahi stuttered. "I couldn't thank you properly". Noa looked up. He was rubbing the back of his neck, embarrassed. "I'm not used to having pancakes for breakfast, but they were delicious"
"Really?" Noa's eyes sparkled.
Asahi nodded. "Yeah. Suga liked them too. You should make them again". He went silent for a few seconds until he started to stutter uncontrollably. "I mean... You know... It's not an order. Far from that! I-"
Noa burst into laughter. "It's fine, Asahi-san". He might have the look of a tough boy, but the Ace turned out to be adorable. "You can come to our house whenever you want. I'll make them for you"
Asahi smiled shyly and nodded. Without any of them noticing, both started to walk together again, this time to get back to their classrooms. But, although the third-years' classroom were in the third floor, Asahi insisted on walking with her towards her classroom since he didn't have anything better to do.
"How... How was your practice match?" Asahi asked when he remembered the conversation both had a day ago.
"Great. Although we lost"
"Really?" Asahi seemed surprised. "Michimiya-san, Nagano-san and Niimura-san seemed happy and excited for the Preliminaries"
"Seriously?" Noa smiled. She didn't know the third-years were looking forward to competing. They had improved a lot as a team since they had met. "That makes me very happy. Now, more than ever, I think when can qualify for the Spring High tournament, you know?" Noa scratched her head and giggled. "Although maybe I'm being too presumptuous"
"It's not that bad", Noa stared at Asahi. He was looking forward, a soft expression on his face. "You just have a good feeling about it. I wish we could go to Nationals too"
"Of course!" Noa beamed. "You'll go to the Nationals, Asahi-san! I believe in you!"
"Th-Thank you", he mumbled. He scratched his cheek, nervous. "Hey, Noa-san... About what you told me yesterday... I-"
"A-Ah..." Noa cut him off. She was hoping that he had forgotten about it, so she didn't even know how to explain herself. "Huh" She didn't know what he was going to say, but she was sure that it was going to be embarrassing for both of them, so she didn't want to hear it.
Suddenly, the school bell warned them that the classes were about to start. Noa felt especially relieved because she didn't have to reply immediately to whatever Asahi wanted to tell her. At least, not yet.
She thanked him for his help and his company and she entered her classroom without looking back, so she wasn't able to see Asahi's face. He looked around and sighed, feeling relief. No one seemed to have noticed how anxious he always was around Noa's presence.
...
It was official. Tsukishima Kei hated Furihata Noa.
Well, actually, it wasn't a secret that they hated each other. But, in the last couple of days, all the bickering between them had increased significantly.
She was the one who had started a war that none of them knew how to end it. She was the one who had caused a series of misunderstandings which had cost him more than a talk – in fact, very embarrassing talks – at home.
That's why he decided to counterattack. The fact that she had left her sweater in his house after studying in his room made things easier for him. He had shown up in her house and he had made her go through the same humiliation he had experienced with his mum and brother because of her. It was all her fault.
It could have ended like that. They were at peace. Yet, Furihata Noa, as stupid as ever, had still gone too far.
When Tsukishima had arrived home the previous night after spending the whole afternoon practicing, the sweet smell of baking delighted him as soon as he opened the door. He was excited, imagining his mum baking a cake, so he took off his shoes and walked towards the kitchen. But, without a doubt, he wasn't expecting to find her there.
Furihata Noa was wearing an apron and she was decorating some shortcake with his mum. Apparently, she had shown up in his house to surprise him. And, well, she definitely did it. But not in the way his mother believed. According to her, Noa wanted to prepare something special for him, so his mum had taught her how to bake shortcake, his favorite food.
Tsukishima had to bear with all cheesy stuff she had forced him to do. He whispered to her, when his mum wasn't paying attention, that she was going to pay for it. But she didn't quit. In fact, she challenged him again to keep trying.
And, to top it all, some classmates, people he had never talked to since classes started, had approached him to ask him if he was dating Furihata. Tsukishima didn't know where that stupid rumor came from, but he preferred not to pay them attention. At least, for the moment. His blunt response had seemed enough for them to stop asking him about it.
So he had to think and prepare something great, something that could end that stupid war and make him win it once for all.
He then realized that the plan he needed to win was in front of him. And he hadn't noticed until that morning, when he left the restrooms and saw it with his own eyes.
Asahi and Furihata were speaking in front of the girl's classroom.
At first, Tsukishima wondered why Asahi was talking to her. But then he watched her curiously and that's when he noticed her body language. Flushed cheeks, trembling legs, stuttering... Tsukishima smirked. How didn't he notice before? That explained many things. For example, the fact that the only person Furihata addressed properly was Asahi. She was concerned about what he might think about her.
The only thing he needed now was the right moment to act. And, definitely, it was his lucky day because things were going smoothly for him. Maybe too much. But, who cared?
"TSUKISHIMAAAAA!"
In the locker room, Nishinoya and Tanaka jumped almost on top of him.
"What are you doing?"
"What are you thinking, Tsukishima!?" Nishinoya yelled.
"Noa-san is Daichi-san's precious little sister!" Tanaka pointed at him in an accusing way.
"Stepsister", Ennoshita corrected.
"Stop making a fuss!" The captain scolded them.
"You too?" Tsukishima rolled his eyes.
"Shouyou told us", Nishinoya pointed at Hinata, who hid behind Yamaguchi.
"It's not what you think", Tsukishima replied, taking his sneakers out of his sport bag.
"I... I didn't know you get along so well" Asahi mentioned while he finished fixing his hair.
Tsukishima felt like grinning, but he held it, keeping his stoic expression.
"I only helped Furihata-san with something"
"Are you going to continue studying together?" Daichi raised an eyebrow. He hadn't spoken to Noa about it. In fact, it had been a long time since the last time they had talked. But he was certain that the situation had gotten worse between those two in the last couple of days, when Noa studied in the middle blocker's house.
"I'm afraid we are not", Tsukishima replied honestly. "Furihata-san needed help with other things I can't do anything about"
"Tsukishima you bastard…." Nishinoya looked daggers at him.
"Once again, it's not what you think" The blond frowned.
"Then speak clearly!" The libero put his hands in his hips.
"Ah~ I don't know if I should tell you~" Tsukishima looked away, pretending to be uncomfortable.
"Tell us what?" Tanaka, Nishinoya and Hinata approached him, feeling curious about it.
"It's very personal. She could get mad at me if any of you find out"
"Then, that means it has something to do with us!" Tanaka jumped a little bit.
"Maybe~"
"Just say it!" Nishinoya beamed.
"Well... Furihata-san asked me for advice because she doesn't know how to get closer to a certain boy"
Everyone went silent until Tanaka and Nishinoya burst into laughter. Tsukishima narrowed his eyes.
"Why was she going to ask you for advice?"
"She wasn't obviously going to ask you", Tsukishima furrowed his brow.
"Oi! Don't be so mean", both second-years muttered.
"And who is he?" Suga demanded.
"Since when are you interested in this kind of things?" Daichi asked.
"I'm just curious", the setter smiled innocently, but Daichi sweat dropped. He knew Sugawara well enough to know that he was up to no good.
"Okay. Stop it", Daichi added. "That's part of Noa's privacy. I'm sure that the last thing she wants to happen is for us to know"
"She told Tsukishima!" Nishinoya protested.
"Ma-Maybe she likes one of us!" Hinata jumped a little bit. "Maybe it's Kageyama!"
Everyone turned around to look at the first-year setter. Kageyama raised both eyebrows, without understanding why everyone was staring suddenly at him.
"Noa-san has forced him to go with her to buy together some drinks for lunch!" Hinata added.
"Ooohhh", the rest of the team said at unison.
"Oi!" Kageyama furrowed his brow. "What are you talking about!? She always does the same!"
"Oooohhh"
"It's not Kageyama", Tsukishima said, catching everyone's attention again. Using the setter for his own purpose was interesting as well, but, knowing how clueless Kageyama was, it was better to choose a different target.
"So... Noa-san likes other boy who isn't Kageyama?" Asahi scratched his head.
Tsukishima sighed. "I think it's pretty obvious who it is. I shouldn't even say it"
"Say it!" Nishinoya and Tanaka yelled at the same time.
"Asahi-san", Tsukishima glanced at the Ace. "Haven't you noticed that Furihata-san treats you differently?
"M-Me?" The third-year blinked, confused.
"Oh my~", Suga punched him in the ribs making Asahi whined in pain.
"Hold on a second, Tsukishima", Daichi spoke, trying to put some sanity. "Are you suggesting what I think you are suggesting?"
"Well", the blond shrugged. "She's always nice with Asahi-san. Besides, she usually doesn't use the honorifics; she always says that she doesn't know how to use them well. But the fact is that Asahi-san is the only exception"
"And she made him breakfast yesterday~" Suga added.
"W-What!?" Asahi squeaked. "That's not true!" The boy tried to defend himself. She had prepared it for everyone, right? The Ace looked at Daichi, who was staring at him with his arms crossed over his chest. "I-It's not what you think! I... I wouldn't approach Noa-san that way!"
"Then you should talk to her, Asahi-san", Ennoshita suggested.
"You think so?"
"Be a man, Asahi!" Nishinoya tapped his back, making the third-year smile awkwardly.
Tsukishima smirked, leaving the locker room and heading towards the gym without no one noticing.
...
Mayu chortled as she walked with Noa through the campus towards the library after finishing their afternoon practice.
"So someone heard us talk about it this morning?"
"Yes", Noa huffed. "People in this high school are idiots. They should mind their own business!"
"This is getting out of hand"
"If that stupid four-glasses thinks that I'm going to lose against him, he's wrong!" Noa raised her head, arrogant. "Studying with him was a mistake. I just wanted to bother him and make things clear for Akiteru-san. It's impossible for us to be more than one minute without fighting. But things got complicated and there's no going back right now"
"At least you could ask Yoshino-san for help instead of me". Both girls entered the library, lowering their voices to not disturb the people who were already studying. "She is the best student in the team. Her grades are perfect. She has always helped us when we didn't understand something"
"I know. But I don't want to bother her. She had to study for her exams. She wants to go to a good university"
Both girls took a seat in a table near the shelves and then they took their books out of their bags to do some homework. After what had happened with Tsukishima, Noa asked Mayu if she could study with her from now on and the libero didn't complain about it.
Mayu wasn't a bad student, but she wasn't excellent either. She just didn't stand out. She usually passed all her exams, but, as a student, she was unnoticed. Yet, she was hoping that she'd be able to solve all Noa's doubts.
Noa's idea of studying together took her by surprise. The libero accepted because she truly liked the first-year, they got along well.
Mayu looked up and glanced at Noa, who was engrossed by some Math problems.
They were friends.
That thought had crossed Mayu's mind more than once. They had met not long ago, only a few months ago. Noa was even a year younger, but Mayu had shared more experiences with her than with anyone else, especially her classmates. They understood each other well just by staring at each other. That's why she had been considering sharing with her things she hadn't confessed to anyone. But she was afraid of being rejected. What if Noa wasn't as kind and thoughtful as she thought?
Under the table, Noa could feel one of Mayu's foot moving, as if she was nervous about something.
Noa looked at her and raised an eyebrow.
"Mayu-san, you are getting on my nerves", she finally whispered when the second-year didn't notice her stare.
"I-I'm sorry", she tried to hide her sweaty palms, but it was already too late. Noa clicked her tongue. Mayu was worried about something.
"Are you okay?" She asked. Noa had noticed that Mayu was acting weird during the last couple of days. She could be laughing, talking about anything, but, suddenly, it was as if Mayu changed her mood in the blink of an eye and then she was serious. On the other hand, there were times when she seemed a jumble of nerves. "Is it about the Preliminaries?"
"What?" Mayu seemed disappointed, but Noa couldn't tell why. "N-No. It's nothing"
Noa went silent for a few seconds. Maybe she shouldn't insist on the matter if Mayu didn't want to speak about it. If the libero wanted to tell her, she'd do it when she was ready.
"Fine", the libero left the pencil on the table. Noa raised her gaze again and raised an eyebrow. As easy as that was it to make her talk? "I have to tell you something"
"Okay", Noa put the pen on the table, ready to pay attention to whatever her friend wanted to tell her. "I'm all ears"
"You are the first person I'm telling this", the libero fiddled with her fingers. "I... I want to tell you because you are my friend. Well, at least that's how I feel and... I mean... If after what I'm going to tell you, you want to stop being my friend, I'll understand it"
"What the hell are you talking about?" Noa frowned. She was starting to get a little bit scared, to be honest.
"I... Huh... I..." Mayu was sweating. Even she went pale. "I like girls", she finally confessed, closing her eyes, afraid of seeing Noa's reaction.
During a few seconds, Noa's expression went blank, but, at the end, she shrugged.
"Okay"
And, then, she took her pen again and continued doing her Math exercises as if nothing had happened.
Mayu opened one eye. She couldn't believe it. That was all? She opened and closed her mouth, astonished by the first-year's reaction.
"You... You aren't going to tell me anything?"
"Why would I do it?" Noa kept writing on her notebook. "You like girls, so what?"
Mayu giggled nervously. She grabbed her history book and hit Noa with him.
"Ouch!" She whined loudly.
"Shhhhhh"
"Sorry", she whispered to apologize. "What the hell is wrong with you!?" She gave Mayu a death stare.
"No. What the hell is wrong with you!?" Mayu frowned. "I've spent many days feeling anxious. I thought you were going to stop being my friend because of this!"
"Why would I stop being your friend because you like girls? That's absurd!" Noa massaged her itchy arm, right where Mayu had hit her with the book.
"I'm... I've never been good at making girl friends", Mayu blushed. "When I was in school they avoided me because they found me a tomboy. So I thought... I thought you'd be scared. I thought you were going to misunderstand what I was saying and... Well... That you were going to think that-"
"You like girls. So what? Were you really worry about it because you thought I was going to think that you were in love with me or some shit like that?" Noa shook her head no. "Mayu, I'm your friend because of who you are. You are kind, funny, sensitive, and more talkative than what people think... I like playing volleyball with you. You are the best teammate I could ever wish for. And the best senpai. Do you really think that the fact that you like girls would matter to me?" Noa smiled gently. "Mayu-san, you are my best friend. You helped me a lot when I arrived to Japan"
Mayu's eyes watered and Noa chuckled. No one, ever, had told her that she was her best friend.
"Does everyone know? The rest of the team, I mean"
"No! You are the first one to know about this. So don't tell anyone, please!" Mayu panicked. "If they find out, maybe they won't react like you"
"Yeah. I get it", Noa smiled. "Your secret is safe with me"
Mayu nodded and smiled back.
Although she tried to get back to her homework, she was incapable of concentrating; Furihata Noa was a great person. And she was her friend. Her best friend.
Now she felt a little bit stupid for doubting her. For days, Mayu had been fighting with her inner self. But she finally managed to get over her fears and now she felt relieved. She felt free. And it was a fantastic feeling.
Yet, she was still feeling uncertainty because now that Noa knew her secret, she couldn't guess how things were going to be between them. Noa could have told her that it didn't matter, but Mayu thought that she should wait to make sure that it was true.
Once she started to stay calm, Mayu took her pencil again to continue doing her homework. However, she noticed someone moving. Behind a shelf, Azumane Asahi was watching them. Mayu blinked, confused. When the third-year noticed that she had seen him, he jumped a little bit and tried to hide behind some books without much success. Mayu raised an eyebrow, puzzled by her senpai's behavior and glanced at Noa.
"Noa", she whispered, leaning forward. The girl raised her gaze. "I think someone has come to see you"
Mayu pointed with her head towards the shelves. Noa looked in that direction and blinked confused when she saw Asahi waving sheepishly his right hand at her from behind a shelf.
"I think he wants to speak", Mayu added.
"With me!?" Noa's eyes widened. She was starting to panick. She had already seen him during lunch. Why did he want to talk to her again!?
Noa looked at Mayu, pleading her. She didn't want to be alone with Asahi. It was uncomfortable for both of them. But what could she do?
"Go", Mayu started to put away her things for her. "Besides, it's already late. If Azumane-san is here, that's because he has already finished practice"
"Y-Yeah... That's true", Noa put her books in her backpack. "But, aren't you coming with me?"
"He wants to talk to you, not me"
Noa flushed and, then, Mayu realized what was actually going on. She smirked.
"It's not what you think!" She warned her.
"Your panicked face says otherwise", Mayu giggled. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine"
Noa sighed and stood up. "See you tomorrow"
"Yes. See you tomorrow"
Mayu watched Noa approaching Asahi. They looked at everywhere, but them, what made Mayu held a laughter. They were adorable. However, she was curious to know what a third-year had to talk with a first-year, so she put all her things in her backpack as well and started to follow them discreetly. Noa wouldn't get mad at her if she didn't find out, right?
Meanwhile, Noa walked with Asahi in silence. The first-year could feel her cheeks burning because she could imagine why Asahi was suddenly interested in talking to her. She was sure it had something to do with her invitation to eat together one day. And it wasn't as if she wanted to. Well, she couldn't say she actually didn't want to. But everything was too complicated for her and she was afraid Asahi could misunderstand the situation. The only thing she knew it was that she felt nervous around the Ace presence.
"How... How was practice?" Noa asked in a tiny voice, hoping that uncomfortable silence between them would end as soon as possible.
"Ah... G-Great!" Asahi rubbed the back of his neck. He seemed even more uncomfortable than her. He was looking everywhere, as if he was being consumed by something.
"Is something wrong, Asahi-san?"
"N-No! Why would be something wrong?"
"Because you never come to pick me up after practice"
Asahi stopped in his tracks. She had a point. Noa walked forward a little bit until she stopped as well. She turned around, facing him.
The sun had already set. The sky was clear and several stars could be seen that night. The autumn breeze blew between them, stirring Noa's long hair. She managed to grab one rebel lock of hair and she put it behind her ear as she stared at Asahi. He pressed his lips in a thin line, feeling his heart in his throat.
Finally, he spoke.
"You are a good girl, Noa-san", Asahi stuttered a little bit, not knowing how he should continue. "And I thank you for all your interest in me, but, but I..." He rubbed the back of his neck, uncomfortable. "Y-You are Daichi's sister and... That's... Well... That's not right"
"Wh-What?" Noa wasn't sure if she had heard well. Was Asahi really turning her down without her even confessing? What the hell was happening?
"I...I don't want you to feel bad about this. I mean. You are beautiful, like a lot, and nice and I like spending time with you"
Wait. Had Asahi just said her that she was beautiful!?
Asahi giggled nervously. "Aaahh... Maybe I shouldn't have said that... Because it's confusing and... And I..." He seemed about to collapse.
"Wh-Why?" Noa's voice trembled. "What is this?"
"I..." Asahi seemed confused, as much as her. To be honest, he wasn't even sure why he was saying all those things. It didn't feel right. "You are Daichi's sister and... Volleyball and high school are important to me. I just want to be focus on that"
Well, at least, he was really proud of his reasoning. Asahi smiled, but all his confidence vanished when he saw Noa's expression on her face. She looked pissed off.
She took a step forward. "You are an idiot!"
She punched him several times in his chest using her tiny fists. Asahi tried to protect himself because, as much as she was much smaller than him, she was hurting him.
"You-You are hurting me!" The Ace whined.
Noa stopped immediately. She looked daggers at him. Was it really a problem, that she was Daichi's sister? They weren't even blood related!
She turned around, walking away from him. Asahi startled, but he realized quickly that he should do something because he didn't want her to be mad at him.
"I'm sorry, Noa-san!" He apologized, catching up with her pace. "I'm sorry, but I was worry about you since what Tsukishima told me"
Noa stopped on her tracks, but she didn't even look at him. She stared forward.
"I just hope we can still be friends because-"
"What did you just say?"
Asahi felt a shiver running down his spine when he heard Noa's sweet voice.
"That... I hope we won't stop being friends"
"Not that", Noa stared at him.
"You mean that Tsukishima was the one who told me?" Asahi hesitated.
"Tsukishima did what!?" Noa tried to stay calm, but she could feel the anger raising.
"Well", Asahi rubbed the back of his neck. Tsukishima had told them all that without Noa's permission. He was hoping that she wouldn't get mad at the blond.
"We were joking before practice about the fact that he was spending some time alone with you, so he told us that, actually, you asked him for help regarding to one of us. But he didn't want to tell us! Tanaka, Nishinoya and Hinata were really tiresome about it, so he told me that… Well… You were interested in me"
Noa's jaw dropped. She clenched her fists furiously and, then, she broke out. Tsukishima had gone too far that time. Who did he think he was to do that!?
Without adding anything else, Noa turned around and ran away. Asahi stretched his arm as if trying to reach her, but he wasn't sure if that was the right thing.
Oh crap, Mayu thought. She had been hidden behind one of the trees of the campus, eavesdropping their conversation. She came out of hiding and started running as well after her friend.
"Azumane-san!" Asahi turned around. A short-haired girl was running towards him. "We have to stop her!" Asahi blinked confused. "She is going to kill Tsukishima!"
The Karasuno's female volleyball team libero ran past him. After several minutes processing what had just happened, Asahi shrieked and started to run as well. He immediately understood that Noa must be furious at Tsukishima and, knowing her temper, nothing good was going to happen if they didn't stop her.
Noa ran through the campus willing to kill with her own hands that four-glasses. From afar, she started to see the gym where the volleyball team practiced. The lights were still on and she was able to hear the sound of squeaking sneakers against the wood floor.
"Where is he!?" She demanded, sticking her head into the gym. Hinata, Yamaguchi, Kageyama and Yachi, who were still putting away the equipment, jumped a little bit. Noa was breathing fast and her eyes were bulging. "Tsukishima! Where is he!?"
"Tsu-Tsukki has gone to change", Yamaguchi answered, frightened by Noa. She looked like a demon.
Noa nodded and disappeared in the blink of an eye. The four first-years remained standing, unable to move, still staring at the gym door although Noa wasn't already there. A few seconds later, Asahi ran past the gym and, then, a short-haired girl appeared after him. The four first-years exchanged looks. There must be something huge happening, so they left the gym as quickly as they could, towards the locker room.
It didn't take Noa long to arrive to the locker room and she opened the door kicking it with her right foot. Kinoshita squeaked when he saw de the girl and he tried to cover his naked chest with his backpack.
But Noa was searching for someone in particular and he spotted a certain blond at the back of the locker room.
"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!"
Like a lion with its prey, Noa leaped on Tsukishima. She tried to slap him, but her fingers only rubbed his cheek. Someone had managed to stop her before she could hit him. However, her long nails scratched a little bit his skin, making Tsukishima click his tongue because of the slight pain.
"Let me go!" Noa tried to defend herself, but Tanaka had been faster. Sugawara had rushed to help him as he was having some trouble to control her.
"What do you think you are doing?" Tsukishima touched his cheek, but, fortunately, he wasn't bleeding.
"No! The question is what you are doing. Are you stupid or something!? What did you said to Asahi-san!?" She demanded.
"Noa-san, stay calm", Suga whispered.
"I can't stay calm! I've been humiliated!"
"What have you done?" Nishinoya put his hands in his hips and looked at Asahi, who had arrived followed by the rest. The libero raised an eyebrow. "I told you to be a man!"
"I... I... I'm so sorry, Noa-san!"
"Don't apologize!" Noa seemed more relaxed. Tanaka stopped holding her, although he still had his hand on her back in case she tried to hit Tsukishima again.
"It was his entire fault!" Noa pointed at the middle blocker using her index finger. "Whatever he had told you, it's a lie!"
"Then, you are not interested in me?" Asahi was puzzled, but Noa didn't reply. She was focus on Tsukishima instead of him.
"You have crossed the line, moron!" She barked.
"Just like you!"
"It's not the same!" Noa was furious. "You are involving people from school! You have involved Asahi-san!"
"You wanted me to play your game. And that's what I've done", Tsukishima frowned. "But now you don't like what's happening in a war you started in the first place. You are like a child"
"The only child here is you! You didn't have the right to say to Asahi-san something like that!"
"Oh come on..." Tsukishima rolled his eyes. "It's pretty obvious that you like Asahi-san. What surprises me the most is that no one realized before. You're always blushing when he's around. And don't make me talk about the honorifics"
Noa couldn't believe what she was hearing. Let alone the rest of the team -including the poor Mayu who was standing behind Asahi, watching helpless how Noa was getting more and more frustrated by the situation.
"Besides, why are you so angry?" Tsukishima added. "If it isn't true, you could have just explained Asahi-san that it was a misunderstanding", Tsukishima smirked mischievously and leaned forward. "Are you mad at me because I tell everyone one of deepest secrets?"
Noa opened her mouth and, then, flushed. "And what the bleep do you know, huh!?"
"Well, you challenged me and I accepted. That's all", Tsukishima grinned proudly. "We played a game and I think we already have a winner. You lose. Game over"
"Are you kidding me!?" Noa's face reddened, full of rage. What the hell was that four-eyes thinking? He thought he was smarter than her, but he was being an asshole. She tried again to leap on him, but Tanaka and Sugawara were faster to stop her. "I'll kill you, you idiot!"
"Stop making such a fuss. You are being pathetic", he mocked, taking his sport bag.
"STOP RIGHT NOW"
Everyone froze. Daichi had remained silent, almost hidden in a corner of the locker room, so no one had remembered that he was still there. Karasuno's captain preferred not to interfere in what was going on, but the situation was out of hand. He had to do something, especially when neither Noa nor Tsukishima were willing to yield in that stupid war.
He knew it. He knew from the very beginning. The bickering between those two wasn't going to end well. He knew as well that he was going to be involved and he didn't want to. So he was pissed off. Everyone noticed when their felt Daichi's gaze on them.
"Daichi-san..." Tanaka mumbled, stepping away from Noa.
"I won't allow this kind of behavior in the locker room", the third-year crossed his arms over his chest. He was serious, his expression was terrifying. He was mad. "You could be expelled if someone finds out about what had just happened"
Tsukishima opened his mouth to reply to his captain. It wasn't his fault. Noa was the one who had tried to hit him. However, Daichi glanced at him. And that was enough to not question him.
"I knew from the beginning that I had to intervene when you appeared in my house and stayed for dinner", Daichi looked at Tsukishima.
"He did what?" Suga raised an eyebrow. How much had they missed?
"I can't believe you've involved so many people", Daichi frowned. "Congratulations, both of you have lost more than won. You have showed us how childish and immature you are". Daichi made a pause. "Leave this locker room immediately. I don't want to see you around here for the time being"
Noa's eyes widened when Daichi stared at her while pronouncing those words. She pressed her lips on a thin line, willing to yell at Daichi. She wanted to tell him how much she hated him at that moment, although deep down she knew that she was going to regret it.
However, before all that came out from her mouth, Mayu took her arm gently and dragged her out.
"I'm so sorry, Sawamura-san", the libero bowed before leaving the locker room.
Noa pushed Mayu away and she turned around, leaving all alone the locker room. The boys stepped aside to let her go. But, before leaving, Noa glanced over her shoulder, looking daggers at Daichi. The captain gritted his teeth, but he didn't add anything else. He was certain that Noa's behavior was caused by her annoyance. Yet, he saw at that moment a part of her he didn't like at all. Despite of everything, Noa was grudging. And, if they didn't talk about what was happening between them, if they didn't find a solution, it would be too late.
It was then when Daichi realized about it. All progress they had done was going to be wasted forever if they didn't do something.
I hoped you'd like this chapter! I think this one is the longer I've ever written!
Next, other character profile. Let's keep knowing better Karasuno girls' volleyball team :)
CHARACTER PROFILE
HARADA AYAKA
Complete Name: Harada Ayaka
Date of birth: March 4th
Age: 16
Height: 172.01 cm
Weight: 63 kg
Appearance: Ayaka is one of the tallest members of the team. Her pale skin and blue eyes make her look like an innocent girl, but it's far from it –especially because she loves teasing and mocking people.
She has short dark blue hair. She has a twin sister and, although they look like exactly the same –they even have the same haircut–; Ayaka brushes her bangs to the right while Ayako brushes it to the left.
Personality: Ayaka isn't afraid to say her opinion, especially on something she is passionate about. Due to her hard-headed nature and stubbornness, Ayaka is very difficult to sway, and will put up a fight for her own right. Normally, she keeps her thoughts and problems to herself and keeps a poker face, and brushes off many problems keeping her carefree. Raising her voice in various situations is a regular -and has a very booming voice for a female like herself.
She's usually seen with a poker face or a large grin plastered on her features. She loves teasing people. You could say it's like a hobby. She knows how to read people, so she takes advantage of it to mock them. People normally try to get their revenge by doing the same, but it doesn't work. Ayaka doesn't care about almost anything. She will just shrug and let it be. That's why she hasn't got many friends as people tend to think that it's difficult to deal with her. However, she's much simpler than what people actually think.
Occupation: High school student (2nd Year, Class 2)
Team: Karasuno High
Number: 4
Position: Middle blocker
Favorite food: Sukiyaki
Goals: Improving her blocks. She wants to experience how it is to score a point just by blocking her oponent
Current Concern: Concern? What is that? Does that word even exist?
Statistics (out of 5)
Power: 3
Jump: 3
Stamina: 4
Strategy: 4
Technique: 3
Speed: 3
Next chapter: The orange string of fate
~ See you next time!