The bus ride home was quiet like this morning. But, not.. it was almost deafeningly quiet. I had gotten my seat back and was sharing with Hitoka. She was too busy focused on her game on her new portable gaming system to notice I was curled into myself trying to hide from what felt like everyone's gaze.
Hinata had boarded the bus and not said a word to anyone. This was completely abnormal for him because he's usually the loudest after a victory. They had probably also noticed we weren't sitting together either so had gotten some suspicions that something had taken place.
I stared out the window at the blue sky. Clouds scattered across the horizon.
What had I done to upset him? I mean it wasn't like I was asking Oikawa to flirt with me. And what was it any of Hinata's business who I talk to?
"Wait.." I thought to myself, "Why do I care so much that he's angry with me?"
After some time, I mustered the courage to peek over the seat in front of me to look in his direction. Our eyes met momentarily and we both ducked behind the seats.
I blushed, "Was he looking for me that whole time?"
~~
Everyone gathered their personal items and began breaking into different directions waving goodbye for the weekend.
I had just finished gathering my things when I felt a hand grasp my shoulder.
I smiled thinking, "Finally."
I turned and my eyes widened.
Tsukishima saw my reaction and burst into laughter, "Oh that definitely proves it!!"
"Tsukishima!! You startled me!!" I huffed.
"Oh don't worry, your lover boy is probably looking for you now," he teased.
My cheeks were burning, "I-I don't.."
"Listen, if you and Hinata, you know.. get together it's none of my business but I'm gonna go ahead and say it," he looked at me with a stern look.
"You kids always practice safe sex."
...
I smacked him in the chest and took off sprinting in embarrassment. I could hear his cackling and Yamaguchi scolding him behind me. He could be a jerk but Tsukii was a good friend. His words definitely took the edge off of my nerves.
After I had gotten a distance from campus, I slowed my pace and cut behind some building to take an alleyway as a shortcut.
As I walked, I heard some rustling behind me.
Probably just a cat.
The sounds turned to steps.
I tensed and stopped in my tracks.
"Okay, if I have to protect myself, remember. Always go for the throat punch and low kick"
I turned fists clenched ready to face what I thought to be my attacker -
At the sight of me, Hinata leapt into the air (it seemed almost higher than his usual jumps).
"Whoa whoa it's me!!" He exclaimed.
"Hinata!!" I snarled, "I thought you were some stalker!! I was ready to beat you to a pulp!! You scared me!!"
"Ahh.. I'm sorry.." he pouted.
Once we both had calmed down, that same silence fell between us.
"I... guess I should be going," I turned to start walking again, when suddenly Hinata slammed either hands into the wall behind me pinning me in place.
"H-Hinata what are you—?" I stammered.
He looked up and into my eyes. I knew his eyes were brown, but, in this light. They almost glowed: a smoldering ember.
My heart raced. I could feel his warmth radiating and felt color creep across my face.
He smiled and brushed a hair from my face. His gaze was so focused. Almost studying me. Trying to anticipate what either of our next move would be.
Then, he leaned in closer.
—