Chapter 20: Euphoria

"He touched my soul long before I knew what his hands felt like."

― Nikki Rowe

Heading down to the changing rooms, where the rest of the regulars were going to meet up before going out to the festival, Wakamatsu pulled over his gym bag nonchalantly.

"Say, Sakurai when we go to the festival, later on." He stopped and really thought about what to say next before shaking his head. "Nevermind, you can forget it about."

Sakurai looked up at Wakamatsu observing his distant rather blank low gaze that seemed heavy.

"If you say so," he answered pondering if Wakamatsu had a lot on his mind. These days Wakamatsu was low in spirits, even if he didn't show it explicitly, Sakurai knew something was odd about his manner. It was weird. For Wakamastu would usually just be outward with his thoughts and always complain aloud about whatever was bothering him.

It definitely was weird.

"Hurry up, Miyuki!" Arata yelled over grabbing on to her hands. "The goodie stores will be empty at this rate."

"And here I thought you didn't want to go, Arata."

"I didn't, but this our chance to fully enjoy ourselves without anything holding us back."

Miyuki held onto her thoughts and shook her head. "Yeah, you're right. Just like before, with the two of us only, as it has always been since."

Arata flashed a bold grin at her best friend. Miyuki was back, at least the old one before the club drama happened. "That's right, that's the attitude we need Miyu!"

Miyuki bit her lips and fought back a tender smile, "Let's try that first, the dango sticks."

"Typical, but I'll beat you to it as usual Miyu," Arata beamed in a carefree way, bouncing to the stands.

"Welcome, which dango sticks shall I roll out for you?" The stand waitress asked, moving closer to Arata.

"Wow, there's so much more this time around," Humming to herself, Arata looked around the stall not knowing which flavour to order since they all had a pleasant taste.

"Then, I'll take this one!"

"Right," The waitress went around the stall to pick the ordered dango, "Oh, just to let you know these aren't too sweet like the original three coloured ones." The waitress added on, "But, they're just as savoury."

Paying no attention to the waitress extra comments, Arata noticed Miyuki was taking her time to the stand.

"Seriously that slow coach," Arata sighed holding on to her breath. "Oi, Miyuki Anzai hurry up!" She yelled waving her hands, "I've already chosen mine."

Miyuki perked up at the sudden bellow of her full name. Luckily, the area was already busy with people and students alike bustling along the stands. Speeding up her pace Miyuki rolled her eyes, "Alright, I'm here." She said high fiving her hands onto Arata's.

"I'll have the same one, please."

"Coming right up!"

Walking around the long path in between the hoard of people, both girls were reminiscing the old days when they both dreamed of attending this academy a little more than a year ago. Back then everything seemed so simple, and Miyuki wondered if there was any point in achieving a trivial dream.

"So many and yet so little," Miyuki mumbled, unaware of the changing skies above and the announcement from the speakers calling for the people's attention.

"We will soon begin the fireworks to complete this festival, in an orderly fashion please make your way to the fields."

"It's already ― hey, Miyuki wait for me. Going to grab a drink, since we've been walking for a good while," she glanced around the area, "I'll be back in a second."

"Wait, I'll come with you," Miyuki said holding out her right arm.

"I'll be back soon," Arata yelled jogging to the vending machines at the corner of the area.

Miyuki nodded her head and leaned over to the wall of the bridge. Arata will be back soon. Serenading a little against the wall, she breathed out to the evening breeze. The dozen of people walking past her, standing by the stalls and if she squinted a little further on, the fields were filled with even more people waiting for the bonfire to start.

She smiled to herself, a little relaxed to the calm environment surrounding her sphere. She missed the chill feeling where her heart was still and her mind was following the cool breeze. Despite the winter's air going around, it only added freshness to the atmosphere. A cool breeze with the smell of bakery and other food mixed in the air, Miyuki couldn't help but stretch out her hand to the soft wind.

She stood up straight and walked towards a bench at the corner of the long path. Barely sitting on the bench she continued to watch the people go past her all in their own little groups. Pondering if Wakamatsu was within the hoard of people in the campus, she froze then slumped down on the bench.

"Wakamatsu, huh." She mumbled, letting her thoughts cross her mouth. Even if he was here in the festival, it wasn't like she had anything major to say to him. Yet she wanted to see him, be with him and do all sorts of things with him, like she did with Arata. At the same time, every time she thought of him her heart would flicker, she'd be too aware of herself and feel crushed all at once.

It wasn't fair.

She sighed and in a glum manner continued to gaze over the horizon. Where the evening sky was starting to turn to a light shade of orange and pink accentuating the prominent green field that scattered over the scope.

She spotted her classmate from yesterday that confessed to her in front of everyone. He stood there with his own group of friends waiting for the festivals firework show. At first, he didn't realise Miyuki spotted him, but one of his group friends nudged him signalling his attention to her.

He flexed his shoulders and nudged his friends back, holding back a chuffed smile he walked towards her.

Miyuki closed her eyes knowing the outcome of their eye contact. Damn. Maybe he'll go if she was to suddenly run away unknowingly. Or maybe not. She perked up from her slumped position and sat on the bench in an unnatural stiff way.

"Hey, Anzai-san didn't think you'd be here." He declared glancing around Miyuki's surrounding, "Alone."

She scowled at his extra unwanted comment and turned away from him. Really, the way he gave off himself clearly showed his apathy towards her, or the confession was probably a big joke to him.

"Ah, sorry. It's just I want to accompany you," He stepped forward with an aglow smile, "If you don't mind."

Initially, she wasn't sure if she wanted to be with this guy any longer than a second but with the way he beamed at her so easily she ran her hands through her hair, and let time decide for her. Both her rational and spiritual side within her had no clue on what to do next.

"Say since we're not doing anything worthwhile, let's go walk around before the fireworks start." He said bringing out his hands to help her get up from the bench.

She shrugged her shoulders and didn't know how to respond to his favour. She peeked up at his glowing eyes, and then at his strong hand waiting for her response.

"It's alright if you don't want to." He pulled back his hand and clenched it, knowing he was being a little bit too eager with someone that clearly wasn't interested.

She really wanted to snap back and attack in the sense of a chess piece movement, but he was being so nice to her and being rude wasn't going to solve her question.

"Sure." She replied back getting up from her seat.

"Really?" He beamed back, "I'm glad."

"Don't get the wrong idea...I just want to know why me." She murmured.

"Hey, isn't that Anzai-san."

Humming to himself, Wakamatsu shrugged his shoulders at his team members and continued walking past the vibrant stalls. If there was anything he was glad about Anzai was her anxiety flipping to a side of confidence where she was now open to talking freely with other people. Thinking of her not being awkward around people anymore, a small smile crept onto his face.

Things were fine like this.

The members shrugged their shoulders too and walked along with him. He was acting weird. For someone whose girl was talking to another guy, Wakamatsu was sure aloof and whatever about it.

Sakurai was sure something was up with him. It was for definite now, Wakamatsu was acting strangely out of it. It's almost as if he was excluded or cast away from something important.

"Lost or he got dumped." Sakurai pointed out then quickly took it back and apologised when he saw Wakamatsu glare at him.

"Sorry, it just came to me. I'm sorry."

"Besides what gave you that idea," Wakamatsu blurted out shoving his hands in his pocket aggressively.

"That's because you're acting odd." Sakurai whimpered walking behind Wakamatsu.

Strutting along the sideways, Arata stood by the vending machine humming a bountiful tune. Who knew taking part in the festival was actually going to be fun. She then placed her index finger on to the vending machine and slowly goes down the many options. Shuffling her feet she bent down and clicked on the soda button.

"A-Arata."

The Captain of the netball team stuttered, walking towards her.

"Ah, Captain...I mean Hanai-san," Arata replied standing back up. "Hi, I guess."

"You should return, to the club Arata."

Arata continued to shuffle her feet and kept quiet. Hanai was only saying this because she wanted to leave the club in good hands, or at least in a good state before graduating.

"I'm sorry, and honestly we don't blame you... at least I don't. So, come back to the team. If there's anyone that going to lead this team right now. It's you, Arata."

Arata rubbed the back of her neck, "Sorry, Captain. Maybe next time."

"Arata please."

She shook her head and quickly stumped past Hanai. "Sorry."

Miyuki complied with the guy's request and walked around the area with rest of the people. For one she wasn't listening to whatever he was saying. Something about the festival mood being his kind of thing ― liked the homely feel of the community and all.

Even though he didn't directly state why her, Miyuki sort of figured this guy personality. He was too keen and exaggerated a lot of his remarks. Most importantly unlike him, he wasn't thoughtful nor tender, he wasn't overly loud like him either. He was just there, a basic forgotten bishop piece.

He wasn't Wakamatsu, so then why?

"Wakamatsu, ah." She whispered to herself.

She suddenly looked back and detected Wakamatsu from afar, standing with a group of people at the end of the vast field. She quickly turned back and shared a second glimpse at the classmate who was waiting for her to continue walking.

"I... My friend returned. I-I'm sorry!" She said, quickly bowing in apology and dashing back to the open fields behind her.

Running to where she thought she saw Wakamatsu, Miyuki squeezed herself through the long bustling crowds that covered the long path to the wide green field. She halted on her track and flashed to her right.

The festival lights were popping up each minute, in a way aiding her to view the field. Orange, yellow and a red glow twinkling onwards.

She looked to her left.

The crowds were starting to accumulate more than before, blocking her view even further.

Wakamatsu wasn't there.

She stared down at her empty hands and sighed. He wasn't there, shaking her head Miyuki decided to let her hair out from the loose ponytail.

Besides, why was she running to find him in the first place? She didn't want him to get the wrong idea. A sudden guilt crossing her heart. It's not like she cared about what he thought of her, she did but the idea of him misunderstanding and maybe leading to him backing off away from her ― scared her. She didn't want him to stop being friends with her, yet she wanted him to care.

Walking in a heavy-footed way, where her gradual movements lacked energy she bumped into something, no someone. Ah, it was him again, the ace of the basketball team with the pretty girl manager.

"Oh, it's you. Anzai-san! I feel like I haven't seen you in such a while. How are you doing?" She was being too overly forward in her face and Miyuki stunned couldn't help but pull back a bit, slightly rubbing her forehead.

"Satsuki, calm down."

"But, I am calm~ " She whined stepping forward with a pair of cat ears and other goody sweets.

"I'm fine... it's just, have you guys seen Wakamatsu?"

Momoi frowned and then shot back up, "I know, we were going to find the team right now. You should come with us."

Miyuki bit the inside of her cheek, not sure if she actually wanted to go with them. It all sounded clear and seemed way better in her head. Going to Wakamatsu, going to Wakamatsu and doing what exactly? She gave up aware that she could always improvise the rest when it came to it.

"If you say so. But are you sure, I'm not part of your club."

"You're so cute! It's totally okay," Momoi insisted clinging to her arm and then tiptoeing a little so she could place the band over Miyuki's head. "Miyu-chan!"

Miyuki scanned the field searching for Wakamatsu who was on the far side of the field huddled with his team members.

"There they are!" Momoi said pointing to the backfield, where Wakamatsu was chugging down some water and was waiting with the other team members.

"Hey, everyone. Did the fireworks start?" Momoi asked making her way to the centre of the line.

"No, but it should be starting anytime soon." Imoyashi began placing his phone back in his pocket. "Just when I thought you went off with him, you came right on time."

"Eh, that's because there are far too many people here and besides Aomine was taking his time," she retaliated back.

Momoi sensed Miyuki standing beside Aomine with an unnatural stillness to her posture. She looked as if the world was closing on to her. Thinking of a way to help her poor senior, Momoi decided it would be best if the two were standing together for starters.

"What's up with Momoi, she's giving off an intimidating aura."

Aomine raised his brow, "She's probably scheming some stuff, beats me." He replied pushing his way past the basketball members.

"Showing up now," Wakamatsu huffed glaring at the ace. "You've got some nerve."

"Is that so, tell me something I don't know," Aomine sneered snatching a piece of dumplings from Sakurai.

Just before he was going to exasperate another retort to the fouled mouth snarky ace, he flicked his hand in front of his nose in an attempt to compose himself in front of her. What was she even doing here? It was almost as if she appeared out of thin air, behind the haughty junior, with the same endearing gaze that checked him before and was she wearing cat ears?

"Hey, Wakamatsu..." She managed to wave a smile while keeping a safe distance away from him.

It was hard, now that he was there all her mental planning amounted to nothing. She really was going to have to improvise the rest and let things flow naturally from now on. It was the only way, at least for now, until her quivering heart relaxed.

"Ah, Anzai-san," he blurted turning his gaze to the curious peeks of his teammates.

"She came with us, something about wanting to see you," Momoi added noticing the rather odd tense aura hovering over them.

Just before Miyuki was going to explain herself a booming resonate spark whipped the shadowed sky, startling the crowds below. It's coloured sparks varying from white, orange and a flashing red that disappeared with the wonderous gasps.

Miyuki breathed out in relief, the fireworks saved me. Thanks to the fireworks bustling over the sky, she didn't have to find an excuse and explain to them. It was already nerve wrecking when the attention was on her for a split second before the fireworks started.

Watching in awe, another vibrant burst flashed over the sky, this time the colourful flickers furthered even more chained blooms twinkling against the dark evening sky.

Wakamatsu could barely focus on the firework show, other than the fact that it was exploding over deafening his ears with the short burst. He shifted his attention to Anzai who was also gawking at the fiery show, staring into her widened eyes and her parted lips he slowly stepped closer to her.

He held his breath and stretched out his hand wanting to grab her attention, but decided against that thought when he saw Momoi wriggling her eyebrows at him.

Just what was her problem? It wasn't like he was going to do anything that warranted that kind of weird look, Momoi was the weird one. He clenched his fist and remained behind Anzai, watching the blooming fireworks crossing the captivating sky. He rubbed a hand through his jagged hair, glanced down and mustered up his courage.

"Follow me," he whispered into her ear.

Miyuki flinched and touched her ear. Returning back from observing the spectacular fireworks and she was startled to see Wakamatsu behind her.

Did he really say that? She turned herself back round to him as if to double check she wasn't hallucinating and seeing images of him, from watching the bright sparks for far too long.

It wasn't a figment of her imagination.

He gestured his head to the side, waited for another firework spectacle to burst before walking ahead. If he was going to spend his time watching the fireworks with her then he'd rather do it without his team members.

Miyuki turned back around and squinted, collecting her composure and remembered the improvise-fake-it-till-you-make-it plan she thought of.

Improvise.

She followed his lead, making sure she didn't catch anyone of his teammate's attention. At first, she walked bit by bit readying her heart, mind and soul. Thinking of all the kind of possibilities that would play out just by following him, she spaced out. Until another blast glimmered over her snapping her out of it.

Wakamatsu was still walking in front of her at a leisured pace. Not wanting to trail behind him too much since the crowds were drawing in, Miyuki tugged his black jersey.

"Wakamatsu," she blurted feeling her insides quivering and her legs becoming restless.

At the mention of his name, Wakamatsu tipped his head back and realised his slight blunder. Perceiving the crowd that hovered around the field and then at Miyuki who was still holding on to his back jersey, he rolled his neck.

"Sorry I just...I thought I'd lose you in this crowd," Miyuki began letting go of his jersey.

"No! It's my fault for not slowing down," Wakamatsu stated, "I didn't think about that. So here," He placed out his hand and kept his focus on her.

Miyuki glanced down at his hand and then at his unwavering gaze. This time around, it was as if he was waiting for her answer. She nodded and took hold of his hand. Knowing that this was a sign of her improvisation plan that was working out just fine.

"Thanks."

They walk a little more and stop beside a vacant spot near the end of the fields. Taking a deep breath out, Miyuki continued to observe the fireworks with a ready heart and mind. Although her mind was still thinking about Wakamatsu and how thoughtful he was. She slowly scooted herself beside him, avoiding his curious gaze.

Feeling a sense of hotness emerging from within, she wanted to fan herself of this sensation of unrest. Ignoring the tingling vibe Miyuki peeked up again and managed to catch a glimpse at his wide eyes, staring at the fireworks with a sense of wonder, his lips slightly parted with marvel, all the way down at his hand that was still locked with hers.

Miyuki pressed her lips together and thought about how she ended up in a situation like this. She wasn't sure if Wakamatsu even liked her like that? They were friends, or that was what Miyuki believed deep down.

"I'm glad I got to know you," she reassured holding on to his hand firmly. "Really."

Wakamatsu lifted his brow not sure if he heard her right but was sure it was something since her grip was firm on his hand. Disregarding his thought, seeing her stare up at the sky with a softened gaze, Wakamatsu gritted his teeth and held back on to her, their gazes matched and both quickly darted to focus on something else.

"Me too!"

Wakamatsu couldn't help but smile at her cute reaction.

Ah, that was it.

Cute. He always found her cute, ever since that day back in class when even the smallest kind action would make her happy.

She pouted with a reddened face, focusing on everything but him, even though she was the only thing he was now focusing on. The fireworks working as a pretty painted background picture, silhouetting over their brief shared moment, with a fluttering heart it continued to blossom over them.

A/N: There was a lot of switching perspectives in this chapter, hope it wasn't too confusing to follow. Also, seems like both protagonists are finally on the same page.