26

I'm posting this early because I was just super excited to get this out! It's short, but kinda important?

Disclaimer: I don't own Haikyuu or any of its characters.

Mei POV:

We can run away
We can take flight
We don't need a reason
We can ride all night
Don't worry, the world won't break down
Don't worry, just make your escape
We can disappear
Fade into the starlight
Never looking back
Somehow it's alright
Don't worry, I don't care what they
We can run away
Run Away-Anthem Lights

Wiping a fresh towel across my forehead, I slip into some pajamas and kick aside the clothes I stripped of. Damn, my head hurts like hell… "It was one heck of a day, wasn't it, Mimi?" I coo, stroking the silky fur of my golden retriever. "Wow, I can tell Ji-chan's been slipping you come of his dinner, hasn't he? Look at your big belly now!"

Mimi nuzzles her head on my lap in reply. I laugh and affectionately rub her head, causing her to make a calm noise I can't really describe. But as long as she sounds happy and healthy, I suppose I shouldn't really care.

I flick off my lights, as it's well past midnight and I really should be getting some rest for tomorrow. I even forgot to ask what time we're supposed to meet….hopefully it'll be a bit later since it's the finals and the third/fourth places have to be decided too. I slump onto my bed, rearranging the blankets and making floor space for Mimi to sleep at its foot. Sticking in my earbuds, I lie on the comforter and focus on the soothing classical music. What? Judge me if you will, but classical music is very calming and actually helps you sleep.

But in minutes, my eyelids pop open once again. I can't seem to concentrate. Tsukki keeps reoccurring in my mind. But seriously? He was the last person I would expect to confess to me. I can't believe-this is just so weird…so unreal. In all honest, I assumed he hated me and just stuck it out because I was his coach and he had no choice but to listen to me. How he developed such feelings for me after always trading our usual sarcastic, mocking taunts-I have no idea.

Of course, I can't accept his confession. I could never do that to him-and myself. That's the last thing I would ever do: betray my own feelings.

We all know how that ends.

I shift onto my back and look up. Colorful glow-in-the-dark stars dot the span of the ceiling, shining with all they have. My favorite's the little blue on in the corner. It always had been. Ji-chan even allowed me to put it up there, even though this room used to be only a storage room no one used. But then Tobio yelled at me because I put in a spot where it's isolated from all the other stars.

Everyone doesn't want to be that star, the one separated from the others. But I wish I'd be there sometimes. Wouldn't it be nice to just be far, far away from people you used to care about? Wouldn't it be nice to be independent, forever alone, but forever happy? No worries about the past, different love interests, and stupid volleyball teams? Far, far away, away, away from here.

OOO

Tap, tap. Tap, tap. Tap.

"Bloody hell," I mutter. If it's that bushy-tailed squirrel again with his little acorns, I'm going to scream. I glance over at the clock on the wall. 3:24. I roll over and face the wall, but the tapping proves persistent.

Heaving a groan, I get to my feet, wrapping myself in a blanket to protect my bare skin from the cold. Well, it's a bit stuffy anyways. A little fresh air wouldn't hurt. On my way to the window, I nearly trip. Mimi stirs, her brown eyes blinking at me.

"Aw, poor dear." I quickly scratch her back. "Sorry, didn't mean to wake you up."

With something that looks like a shrug, she turns away, returning to slumber. I hold back a chuckle before finishing my walk to the window and pushing it open. It's on the sticky side but I jam it open after much vain attempt.

"Finally!" cries someone. "It's pretty damn cold out here."

I look straight down. "Kuro?!" I exclaim before I can stop myself.

"Shh," he hisses, "your Ji-chan will hear you, stupid."

"What are you doing here at this hour?"

"Didn't you get my text?"

My gaze flickers to my completely dead phone on my polished dresser. "My phone died on me and I forgot to charge it."

"Figures."

"You mind hurrying this up? Remember? I have finals?" I urge him, my patience wearing thin.

"Run away with me."

I raise my brow. "Excuse me?" Did I hear him right?

Even from a great distance, I can see the annoyance in his expression. "Run away with me. You know, leave Japan, screw volleyball."

…You would think I would jump at this chance. I thought I would jump at this chance. But, I don't feel happy when I hear his words. "You know I can't, Kuro," I say.

"Why not? I mean, you're not with Oikawa and when Karasuno's through with finals, their future is set," Kuro pushes.

"But that doesn't mean I don't have people I care about here!"

"Look, just think about it. It doesn't have to be today, okay?"

I lean against the window sill to look carefully at the boy-no, man before me. Unlike a certain somebody, he really has changed. Volleyball changed him. He's no longer a playful cat, doing as he pleases; he's becoming a full-grown panther. Well, I suppose he still does what he wants, but still. "Are you proposing to me or something?" I joke, laughing.

"Maybe I am." He gets on one knee, much to my amusement. "Will you, Kageyama Mei, run away with me and leave this sick world of trouble?"

"We'll see, Kuro Tetsuro," I reply.

"You know what, Mei?" Kuro gets back on his two feet, his chin upturned so he can look directly at me.

I tilt my head to the side. "What, Kuro?"

"I think you're a masochist."

"I think you're a sadist."

He waves it off indifferently with his right hand. "Everyone knows that, silly. All volleyball teams have a sadist."

"Well, all volleyball teams have a masochist as well. Tell me why I'm a masochist. I'm very interested."

Kuro rolls his eyes. "I think you secretly enjoy being surrounded by all these problems, hmm?"

"Kuro," I say with a sigh, "I was happier when you told me to run away with you. And now, I'm just going to go back to bed." With that, I slam shut the window, much to the surprise of the alarmed Mimi. The large dog runs over to me and I caress her head. "Shh, it's okay, girl."

What a liar I am. It's never okay, is it? There's always something up.

…damn, not only am I a masochist, I'm also a pessimist. I might have to take up Kuro on that offer. That's the closest I can get to killing myself.

What am I even saying? I must be delusional due to lack of sleep. Hopefully I'll be better in five hours.

But that's just hope.

Short chapter, I know. But there's one more to go! I have it written already, so if you want it sooner than let me know! If not, then I'll just post it next Saturday/Sunday-ish.

Much love, animeflufflife xx