It all started after the MSBY Jackals vs. Schweiden Adlers Match.
That one time when a little girl with black hair and a pair of blue eyes wearing a smaller size of the Adlers' jersey #20 suddenly called Kageyama Tobio her Papa. Repeatedly and seemingly chanting with pure glee, her small voice caught the attention of his fans that lined for his autograph and photo.
Someone took a video of that moment and uploaded it online. It was set in public that thousands, albeit the whole of Japan, have seen and watched the short clip that lasted for not more than a minute. And because of her cute face and striking resemblance to the Adlers' setter, it gained a huge number of reactions and shares accompanied by the speculation that Harukaze Sawako, Kageyama's known sweetheart, has given birth. Thus, concluding that the little girl was his love child.
Where, how, and when was kept to secrecy by the hospital of whichever hospital this couple went to during the times Harukaze Sawako was seen wearing a maternity dress. As far as Japan knows, they're still dating – boyfriend and girlfriend.
Until an article online and the rumor section of a magazine was published with the same content. The photo attached was not even blurred nor pixelated. It showed the face of the innocent Megumi and Sawako. They also did not crop Kageyama's face, it almost looked like a family photo. It was obviously a screenshot from the trending video with the intention of catching the couple's attention.
Sawako has received a letter of request to be interviewed regarding the speculation that circulated. Instead of accepting, she chose not to say anything and refused. It was not her reputation alone anymore but her husband's as well. As the supportive wife she is, she rejected the advancement of the media while waiting for Tobio's arrival from his training abroad.
Life, for some reason, was invaded by the eager lookouts who wanted a scoop of the truth from her. Even then, she kept silent and let the man of her household be the one to take the action. This went on for three months of 2019 until Spring came and he returned home.
[Err, Kageyama has not yet said a single word since this interview started…] said the interviewer.
The camera showed Tobio's reaction, blinking. [Ah, yes.]
[Kageyama, here is a question. Since the match of MSBY Jackals and Schweiden Adlers that was held last November, there was a video that became a hot topic. What do you say about it?]
The camera zoomed out, it showed also showed Hinata and Bokuto of MSBY and Ushijima, his colleague in Schweiden.
[Yeah, Kageyama. Sawa-sen waited for you to answer this whole time.] Hinata intervened before the questioned young adult could answer. [The wholeeee time.]
Bokuto laughed. [Who is Sawa-sen?]
[Sawako-senpai. She was a senpai in high school with Captain. Even back then, Kageyama was so in love with her, he even asked me how to write love letters. It failed a lot of times.] Hinata laughed.
[Oi.]
The camera went back to the host. [You're talking about the author Harukaze Sawako, right? She's Kageyama's girlfriend?]
[Yep!]
Bokuto turned to the Kageyama squashed between Hinata and Ushijima. [Heh. So, you have someone like that, Kageyama.]
[Many asked her as well but unfortunately, she never gave us an answer.] The host continued. [Are the speculations true about you and Harukaze?]
Kageyama nodded. [Yes. She is my wife.]
[Wife?!] The camera showed the surprise that marred Bokuto and the host's face. Ushijima was seen with a raised brow while Hinata nodded with arms crossed. There were uncontrolled gasps that came behind unseen by the rolling camera.
[They got married last year right after I went home from Brazil! It was a nice ceremony.]
[Seriously?! Did Kageyama wore the suit?]
[Nah. It's just traditional. Kimono.]
[Congratulations, Kageyama.]
[Thank you.]
The host leaned forward. [So, the baby in the video?]
[She is our daughter.]
[Her name's Megumi and she's one year old!]
Bokuto piped in. [I don't know about that video. Does she look like Kageyama?]
[When she pouts!] Hinata answered and Bokuto laughed. [There was even a time when me and Yama… ah, Yamaguchi. He's in our year. He was our captain in the team when we're third years…]
[That floater user, right?]
[Yeah, so, we were tryin' to make Megu talk, and didja know what she called me?]
[What?]
[Ke!]
[What does that mean?]
[Yama believes it's boke!]
Ushijima joined. [Boke? From photography?]
Kageyama was silent.
[It seems like Kageyama has frozen.] said the host.
Hinata's face suddenly turned to the camera, eyes widened and looking sorry as if he spilled a secret.
Sawako turned to her daughter that began to gnaw on his volleyball. A habit that made Reika-oba and Kazue-oji very happy. Miwa-nee laughed when she found out and even took a picture. It was very endearing and adorable to look at, she couldn't believe that her daughter, Sweet Megumi, has learned to say an insult Sawako has heard a long time ago.
This is what she feared exactly. Megumi learning such as word so young. I hope she won't pick up the curses soon. Looking back at the television screen that has moved on from the video, her eyes zeroed on her husband's figure that she has to talk about this. Based on his reaction, he already knows of the first thing they'll have to talk about.
But today's interview of Tobio with Shoyo-chan, Bokuto-san, and Ushijima-san, ought to stop outsiders from their made-up theories about her family. Kirin, who was staying in Tokyo and using the apartment she and Tobio once used, Hitori, who was staying in Russia with the relatives from their father's side, and Suzaku, who was in Nagoya to study law were amused at the turn of events in their growing family. Bearing the Harukaze name has caught wind of some who are near and even asked the triplets. But just as she reacted, they never gave the curious minds the answer they all wanted.
"Peace at last." She mumbled and took the volleyball away in exchange for the strawberry-filled bread she just made.
Days have passed it turned to weeks and a month. Outside the town where everyone knew one another, people began to recognize her as his wife and the mother of his child whenever she's in the city or in Tokyo for the book fair, visiting Kirin, and shopping with Miwa-nee.
Due to Tobio's update of their relationship, Sawako began to feel confident going out with Megumi as well. There are some who would flock at the baby, recognizing the child as Kageyama's and it became not a surprise to her. After all, she's married to a well-known and well-loved volleyball athlete.
"Puddin', pudding'~" A year and a half-year-old Megumi skipped in her strong, little legs. Now used to walking, Sawako let the toddler on her own and preferred to watch in the content on how such small human used to be a part of her two years ago is now walking without assistance.
She smiled. "And jelly."
The child beamed and hopped. "Jewwy, jewwy~"
The two of them came from the Ukai house. At old age, the previous coach of the Karasuno Volleyball Club continues to coach. Despite the number of warning the doctor and his family has told him, no one could stop the old man from doing what he has been doing for years until they let him be as long as things are done in moderation. Much to this old man's joy, he was able to see his great-grandniece's growth. Sawako would bring Megumi to Ikkei's whenever to pass time with the retired coach.
Today, before going home, they decided to stop by in Sakanoshita to buy their afternoon snack. Spring is never complete without pudding and jelly.
She looked up and saw the familiar figure of her husband. The man was looking at something in the corner, looking tense with his shoulders squared.
"Tobio-kun, welcome home…?" She tilted her head, confused at the direction and intensity of his gaze.
He immediately turned, his narrowed eyes slowly calming at them. "I'm home."
"Papa, welcom' hom'!" The little girl trotted and stretched her arms upwards. Huggie, it means and Tobio immediately understood. With ease, his bara arms picked up Megumi, much to the child's delight.
"Why are you two outside?"
Sawako raised the bag she carries for him to see. "Snacks." She smirked. "And we didn't buy you anything."
Megumi laughed. "Dident!"
He pouted. Casually, he placed a hand on his waist like a model he sometimes is. "'s fine. I'll have the strawberries all to myself then."
"'chigo!"
Straw…
"And here I bought condensed milk as well."
Sawako stood still. …berries!
Seeing her reaction, it was his turn to smirk. It made her pout. He huffed, boasting how she failed to taunt him with what they bought and went outside with Megumi. He left her there outside, contemplating whether to follow them or buy more pudding and jelly.
She chose the latter despite knowing that they'll share anyway no matter what words they said.
It was when she's going inside this time that she could feel eyes in her back. The hairs on her nape stood up, she paused from opening the wooden gate. An intense faze that almost rivaled Tobio's – she has never felt this way before. The town is peaceful and she has never known someone who could look like that with a different intent. She felt goosebumps.
Sawako remembered Tobio looking at something in a direction where she felt the gaze came from. She was sure that someone was glaring daggers in her back just now. No one seemed to be there but a stray cat that passed. A little shaken at the oddness, she hastily went inside.
There, she found her husband and daughter already dipping the strawberries he bought in condensed milk placed in a small bowl. They're in the living room and the television was on, showing a cartoon called Chibi Maruko-chan.
"Mama, 'chigo!" Megumi waved a strawberry. The condensed milk splayed, making Tobio yelped when a drop landed on his face.
"Don't wave it like that."
Sawako smiled. She looked at the two lovingly while Tobio wiped the mess their daughter created. A soft sigh managed to escape her lips, easing away the tension she recently felt. Approaching, she patted Megumi's head as she sat down by his. She placed the bag of puddings and jellies where Tobie took the products out and neatly folded the paper bag.
Her hand began to reach for a strawberry, dipping it on the milk before taking it whole to her mouth. Her tongue found bliss at the mixture of tastes while her bluish-green eyes focused on the flat-screen television in front of them. But despite the comedic act in the series being played, she couldn't help herself but think of the lurking eyes.
Tobio seemed to notice her quietness. He opened the jelly for Megumi and for her, which she gratefully accepted before opening a cup of pudding for himself. He took a spoonful while he began to stare at the side of her head.
She's already used to his gazes. Being the awkward teen, he used to be, Tobio preferred non-verbal communication in selected times. This was apparently to avoid misunderstandings he might cause as back then; he was still restricting himself to be just himself. However, with the time changing and people as well, he slowly began to speak his mind and didn't hold back himself anymore with a mouth apparently so colorful with curses when irritated.
Sawako ate the jelly in silence and when finished, she glanced at the open engawa. He followed the direction she looked before nudging the side of her shoulder with his own.
She raised a brow. "… So, you knew."
He didn't answer but ate the rest of his pudding.
"You saw their face?" Her brows narrowed.
"No."
She frowned, not liking how things are going.
"They've been… following me since I left for training."
Ha? Sawako's eyes widened in surprise. She couldn't believe what she has just heard. "You knew and you… didn't do something about them?" She didn't even realize that she already raised the tone of her voice if not for his eyes that began to narrow at her response.
"What?"
She bit her lips. "You do know that person knows where you're living now."
He blinked, the crease in between his brows was gone.
Ah.
Sawako sighed. The heat that slowly rose in her mind began to deflate at his reaction. "You led them here."
"Oh."
"Oh, my ass." She leaned her shoulder against his and ate a new cup of jelly.
She saw him pout, brows narrowing once more as he began to brood whereas she eyes the engawa with a dubious look. She watched her daughter licking her first cup of pudding in the spoon before turning to Tobio that almost immediately, has met her gaze. She resisted showing the blush that began to creep from the close proximity of their faces.
"Your face…" She began.
He raised a brow and her heart just beat fast.
Seven years and I'm still like this.
Suddenly, there was a small blush on his cheek, making her wonder what he's thinking while he kept his gaze. It didn't help, she couldn't control her own blush. She sighed, capturing his cheeks in both hands that caused his blush to burn brighter.
"Gosh. Why are you so handsome?" She let his cheeks go, ignoring the disappointed look on his face, probably expecting she'll kiss him but she didn't. She won't as long as Megumi is in her field of vision.
She took another strawberry, dipping it. Doing so, she thought of that person probably still standing outside their house. She couldn't help but be bothered. Later at night, will that person still be there? Tomorrow, are they going to follow Tobio-kun again? For how long are they going to do this? What is their motive?
If that'll happen, she'll have to take any action as the wife and new mother of the Kageyama family. With that in mind, she found her resolve to protect the family she has right now.
On the second day that followed, Tobio went home once more with a person tailing him all the way home. This decision of his has pissed her off, but they couldn't just call the police officials when that person hasn't done anything wrong. Bothered at the discomfort that person brought to her and her family, prevention is better than cure. But who knows if they're a fan who couldn't muster up the courage to ask for his signature? By going as far as following him at home? Perhaps, they happened to have the same way home? Really?
They might be mistaken, so she let it slide and decided to observe.
It was the same on the third day. Sawako and Megumi coming from the Torono Nursery, enrolling the toddler there., when she noticed the figure behind him wearing the same thickness of trench coat. Sawako welcomed him home in the same manner, smiling so warm at the tired young adult.
But on the fourth day, she became alarmed and became more bothered at his tail.
It was a morning of blue skies, white clouds, and warm sun, it's hard to believe that it's spring. The old Sakura trees have bloomed their pale pink petals that the streets of the town looked ethereal. That day, Tobio left with Shoyo-chan, Kindaichi-kun, and Kunimi-kun picking him up to play beach volleyball.
Sawako decided to leave Megumi in the living room, playing teacup set her Grangran Reika bought while she set to bake in the kitchen. She has her back turn, trusting nothing will go wrong while she mixed the flour and eggs. But suddenly, Megumi wailed.
"Megu…?"
To her horror, the little girl wasn't in the living room she last left her. Panic washing over, she forgot to was her hand and began to look for her crying child. Judging from the direction of the voice, it came from outside. Her heart ached at the sight of Megumi sitting beside her Mama's floral bush and she immediately approached with alarms ringing in her mind and heart. With her heart almost popping out due to the stalker issue, she checked if there's something wrong.
To her horror indeed, she found Megumi's small wrist bruising. It looked like a hand-print of someone who probably didn't know enough not to hurt the youngest member of the Kageyama. What's worst is the faint red scratch marks on Megumi's chin.
Oh no.
"M-Ma… Mama!"
"W-What happened…?" Her eyes began to glare at the marks, protectively hugging the child as she checked their surroundings. Unfortunately, there was no one unknown for her to put the blame which scares her even more.
Tears began to spring from her eyes at the mere thought that a stalker was in the area when the person being stalked in the first place was not even at home. With this feeling, Sawako picked up the toddler and went inside. She placed Megumi on top of the counter, shakily and hastily washing her hands before washing Megumi's. She began to tend the scratches on the chin, shushing the child to calm down with a smile. It was an assurance to herself to calm down as well and the child paused, the snot clogged her nose.
Sawako took the tissue and placed it between Megumi's nose. "Here. Do chiiin."
Sawako didn't forget to take photos as evidence.
This bruise… The size is big for a child and no animal could do this. Especially the markings on her chin. Blood rushed to her head and the heat began to take over. She's getting angry without a doubt. To think that a woman… a woman is stupid to hurt her child because of her stupid fanaticism with my husband.
She sighed, realizing she is getting angry. There's no use letting the rush go to her head and let anger cloud her rational mind. In an attempt to calm herself, she tended to her daughter's needs, making her feel safe in her arms as she sang a lullaby her mama Miki used to sing for her. That person shouldn't have touched Megumi.
"Megu…" She called and the child looked up. Sawako smiled and caressed her head. "Can you tell Mama who hurt you?"
The child sniffled, blinking her teary big, blue eyes which she wiped with her thumb. "Bad way… scratsh Megu! 'was scary!"
A woman… She was right. "Why?"
Megumi pouted. "Dunno." And hugged her arm.
"What… what does this bad, scary lady wants?' She pried for information, picking up the child, and went to the living room.
"Papa…"
She paused. Tobio…kun? Her eyes widened. "Your papa?"
A nod.
Just what is that woman wearing beneath that trench coat?!
Her stomach churned at the possible thought, having done such a thing before for fantasies and mood setting. But she knew. She knew very well how it natural it feels to get attracted to a man just as how she is to Tobio years ago. But it's been weeks since that live interview of when Tobio answered the question about her and Megumi, wouldn't Tobio be off-limits now because he's no longer available?
Or do they think it's alright no matter the status?!
She felt sick.
They went to the living room and turned off the television. Megumi, still scared, wouldn't let go of her arm and has no plans to be left alone. Sawako has to bake and with the idea of someone hurting Megumi again, she's on edge as well. She helped the child keep her toys back in the Toys' Box. When done, they decided to bake together.
This act with a female mini-Tobio has brought her back to a day of Spring that she made pancakes with her boyfriend-then-husband. The memory managed to keep her mind away from what happened earlier. But the cutely designed band-aid in Megumi's chin won't shake away the dread in her stomach at the stalker who made a move beside stalking. Sawako became more anxious at the next move that person would do. She has no idea and that's already scary enough.
She notified Tobio and Miki about this immediately to talk about the topic at the dinner table after eating their meal. The regular family meeting has become a habit for them to conduct, to practice open communication with each other. That way, they don't have secrets, lies, and problems kept all to themselves. it's meant to share it all together as a family.
"A… stalker…" Her mama Miki grimly uttered.
Sawako nodded. "Today's the fourth day."
"This is serious…" The older woman said and glared at the screen of her phone that showed the photos she took from Megumi's bruises and scratches. "She doesn't have to hurt your child."
Tobio scowled. "We should tell Sawamura-san about this."
"That should be right."
Sawako turned to him. "I'll talk to him then."
Miki nodded in agreement. "She wants Tobio-kun you say?"
"That's what Megumi said."
"And how do you feel about that, Tobio-kun?" Her mother turned to the sole male in the house.
"I don't like being touched by someone other than Sawako-san."
Their mother laughed. Sawako blushed at the brutally honest answer that escaped his lips.
Suddenly, her mother sighed. "Isn't this because there are still people who couldn't believe that you're married?" A pair of brown eyes zeroed on the ring pendant attached to a thin black string hung around his neck then to the similar smaller ring that was on her finger.
"That's stupid. I already gave my statement." Tobio answered.
Sawako nodded, making the elder woman sigh once more.
"Isn't this because you're too lax as his wife?"
Why are we pointing fingers? What? I am?
Even Tobio raised a brow at her.
"What?" I am?! "Huh?"
Neither of the two answered.
"I… am?" She turned to Tobio, desperation crossing her face.
"Hmm…" He hummed.
Oh my gosh… I'm lax?
Miki sighed. "I'll call Daichi-kun then while you think of measures against that woman. No way she's going to lay a hand on my granddaughter again."
With that, the woman excused herself to make a call, dismissing the family meeting at once. Sawako turned to Tobio that was still looking at her. It made the blush in her cheeks to deepen with a shade she didn't want to find out despite the small tantrum she wants to throw at his answer to her question.
"What?" She asked.
The raven-haired looked away and stood. "I'll take the bath." He smirked. "Want to join?"
She immediately rolled her eyes, standing up as well. She looked away, hiding the blush he already saw from his naughty invitation. "Pass." Then heads to the sink to wash the dishes.
She heard him hum before there's a small laugh that escaped his lips. The sound faded as he left. That was really cute of him. She narrowed her eyes at the door where he disappeared and began to do the dishes, still waiting for her to work on.
While doing so, she couldn't help but think about what happened. Her baby was hurt by that woman. Her baby was scared because of what that woman did. What will that woman do next? Is she going to be attacked next? But no matter what that'll person does, they're going to jail for sure. And Tobio… there's no way Sawako will let that woman lay a hand on her husband.
[Isn't this because you're too lax as his wife?]
Sawako was sure she's doing the normal life of a wife. Temporarily, she's yet to work as a teacher. Although she already has a teaching license, Sawako couldn't bear to part with Megumi. Not when it's her first child. She plans to apply once she sees fit that it's okay for her and Megumi to be away from each other for half a day. But for now, she'll do what she can do and teach her child as long as she can.
But that's being a mother…
Being his wife… nothing really changed much since they wed. They're lovey-dovey pretty much when they're together, especially in bed. It's hard not to go as far as a goodnight kiss when hormones are at their peak. They're still… the same. The love is there. The affection is there.
Sawako blinked.
If she can't accept the truth, I have to show her then?
She sighed. She's not really fond of public display of affection. Rather, she's not used to it. But if what she has in mind can make that person go away and stop her stalking, she'll gladly do it. She supposed it's time to spice things up and do something different as public display led by her. As far as she could remember, they never held hands in public; except for that kiss that took place on the balcony of the apartment she used to rent in Tokyo.
Sawako threw the trash after washing the dishes. That's when she knew it's not right to be picky about what she should do.
It was already late. Despite the fact that there are streetlights, some areas are dark enough to give someone a chill. Sawako was used to it. She lives here. She knew the area at the back of her head and she can walk alone at night, feeling safe without thinking that someone will harass her.
But tonight, it was different. She was already scared by what happened to Megumi and it made her alert. Going outside made her wary, she began to look to her left then to her right. Yet like any other night, it was just her. The hair at the back of her nape stood up. There was a tingling feeling at the back of her head as if there's someone piercing through it. She turned, eyeing a corner, and found no movement. Slowly, her bluish-green eyes widened. For the first time, she does not want to stay outside for longer than she wants and quickly threw the black bag of garbage.
She rushed herself, locking the gate upon entering before her legs would give out at the nervousness that began to creep in. She locked the doors and the windows, goosebumps all over. She even rushed to take a bath, shuddering the whole time inside just so she can hurry and receive the warmth where she is sure she's safe.
Thus, laying between her two beloved people.
Sawako sighed, pulling the blanket close to her chin. Tobio blinked at her and his hand began to reach for her cheek, in which she immediately leaned in on his touch.
"Your hair's still wet." He said. She looked up. "You're making the pillow soaked."
"Ah." She didn't realize.
His brows narrowed. Sawako sat up and he did the same. She immediately glances at the white pillow, touching it to find that she, indeed, is making the pillow wet. Her lips parted to apologize, not noticing how absent-minded she get from rushing things when he stood up and left without a word.
In her rush, she forgot things. It was her desire to be assured that no one, not even that person, could touch her whenever she's with them. In her rush, she forgot to blow her hair dry but was able to lock what needs to be locked.
Tobio went back to her side, the hair blower in his hand. She watched him plug it in the nearest socket and she turned her back on him as soon as she heard the buzzing sound that came from the appliance he has. His knee touched her bottom and Sawako raised her knees for her chin to lay on top of it. She remained in that position as she let him do the honor while they're in the futon. Her mind is still in haywire, her thoughts invading her mind.
But when she felt the heat that blew her hair, she couldn't help but relax. Even more so when the tip of his fingers touched her scalp to divide the hair while doing so. She leaned on her back, to his chest and her arms wrapped themselves on his waist after turning a little. Sawako closed her eyes, preferring his body heat with the gentle strokes he's making on her head.
Naturally, blowing her hair dry would make her sleepy. But not today. She's still thinking of that person that is still probably lurking outside and waiting to strike once they're all asleep.
Sawako looked up at Tobio. His pout was absent, he had a serious look on his face. His hand continued to dry her hair and he met her gaze unfazed at the buzz-buzz from the hairdryer.
Years ago, he told her of the time he was invited to the Youth Camp for the first time. Such a great opportunity, she was very happy for him. that was then that she felt threatened of how bright he will become if he continues. But she likes him and she adores him. She wants the best of everything to make him happy. Even though she knew that it'll lead him far away from her. The Rio Olympics and his training in America for example.
It was fine. It is. As long as she is by his side and no one else.
However, that already has manifested itself. Somehow along the way, Sawako realized that going out and dating is not enough. She has dreams, goals, she's sure of the profession she aims and still… she chose to be with him despite there are others even more suited to stand with him.
Even so… I do not want to know myself as someone who gives up. There's no way she'll give in to the fear and let that person touch this precious soul blow-drying her hair.
The buzzing sound was gone, and he was done. Sawako remained in the same position, looking at his face as if it's her first time seeing it. Her hand began to reach, touching his forehead to brush off his bangs. He kneeled still, letting her do as she wants with his gaze on her. Sawako traced his thin brows, caressing the eyes that would close, then to his cheek contoured with his cheekbone. Her bluish-green eyes fell on his lips, her thumb lightly tracing his softness.
Her heart leaped, racing on its own when he parted them and felt his kiss on her thumb. Her eyes burned at his blue, almost missing the fire that began to grow when he leaned and planted a soft kiss on her lips.
She blushed and he left to return the hairdryer back to where he took it. Sawako just watched him, has his back turn to her, and when he finally faced her once more. With red coating her cheeks, without a word, she took his return to the futon as an invitation and met his lips halfway.
Thus, another passionate night was done in silence as not to wake the sleeping toddler in a separate futon.
Nothing happened on the next day, making Sawako on edge at the lack of action from the stalker. It made her wonder if that person decided to stop her plans. They probably realized it was a bad idea to do such a thing on her little girl. Perhaps, this was a plan all along by that person to make her anxious.
Because she is!
Sooner than later, Keishin found out. As per Sawako's request, what happened was kept in secret not to make the elderly, particularly Ikkei, worry. They have faith this stalking parade will end soon when the police force started to patrol in their area frequently early in the day, afternoon, and late at night. No matter how much they want to pummel that person, they couldn't. They have professions to take care of and decided to trust the matter to the authority.
The stalker, whoever she is and wherever she lives, should be caught if found lingering in the area. That, Sawako is assured but it doesn't mean that her anxiety won't go away because they have help.
The silence continued on the sixth day. She won't stay still even if that person hasn't been found. She still couldn't lower her guard down while letting the other people in the house do as their regular days. Tobio focused on the league training and doing interviews like a celebrity, Miki continued teaching and decided to go home early for assurance, and Sawako began to write to ease her anxiety. She found interacting with fans in FF a refreshing feeling that she sometimes forgets of the problem they're facing.
Not until on the seventh day.
She woke up very early, finding Megumi sleeping to their futon. The little girl above her head while Tobio's face snuggled on her shoulder, sleeping soundly like a log. Squished between the two blue-eyed Kageyama, she couldn't go back to sleep.
It was three in the morning and patrol has yet to pass by at four. Sawako decided to continue writing the chapter she's working on in the kitchen. She went there, going downstairs with her laptop. She made herself an early morning tea after washing her face and decided to make fried rice to eat while writing when right outside, of when the world is still asleep, was an odd noise that sounds like someone was trying to break in.
Surprised, bothered, scared, and fully awake, Sawako was thankful that she has yet to open the stove and heat the frying pan in hand. She carried it with her, turning off the light in the kitchen as she made way to the front door and peek through the curtains. There, seen through the gaps between the wooden gate, was a human wearing a trench coat picking on the lock she placed.
She felt stiffened, holding back a gasp that tried to escape, and shuddered in her spot. It was really dark outside but the streetlight was able to give her a shadow to know that there's someone indeed there.
If I… should I come out? But she would run… and catching her might be impossible. But if I wait and strike before she could open the door, there's a chance… She nodded to herself and eyed the pan. A hard swing would do and she hoped she won't damage the pan so much. Even then, she's thankful that they have an extra frying pan of the same size hidden in the cupboards.
Determined, Sawako stood by the door. Her hand shook as she gripped the handle tightly. Her legs trembled when she heard the lock was successfully opened and their yard was invaded by an unknown person. Sawako has to keep her voice when the sliding door was tried to open.
Naturally, no one could open it. The lock was inside. Sawako shuddered at the thought of a forced break through the window and she shook her head, not allowing such a thing to happen. Broken glasses are a pain to clean despite having a stock of loaf bread. So, she reached for the first lock, and silently, she unlocked it.
And there was a giggle.
Sawako wanted to cry. C-Creepy!
She fought back the fear that began to creep and overwhelm her. She unlocked the second one and prepared. For what seemed like a minute, the door was slowly open. Light from outside entered through the small space. Despite the darkness of the house, Sawako could make out a hand on the door. There was even a cackle and a voice she has never heard before.
"Kageyama house… a house Kageyama-kun lives…" A sultry chuckle. "Oh~ I am here, my Tobio~"
Her ears buzzed. She stood still. That person, a woman began to chant his first name, acting very familiar. That woman entered uninvited on her house is not a good sign. She changed her grip on the handle, her eyes widening at the disbelief crossing her features. Just hearing that woman say his name made her angry. How unladylike for this woman was being.
Who are you…
Tobio is not a property, but her partner. For this stalker to violate his privacy and going as far as invading the house in an unlikely hour, Sawako saw this as a chance, being the closest she got from this person.
And the door slid opened wide, a head popped in.
Angry, rather than scared, she swung the pan just in time for her to see a long, dyed hair and face of a desperate woman. Her ears heard the loud sound of impact from the poor frying pan hitting something hard. It resonated within the walls and a loud yelp of pain followed from that person.
"W-What's the hell's your deal?"
She glared at the woman holding her bleeding nose. Sawako faced her, placing the plan on her shoulder as if it's a baseball bat. She caught sight of the stalker's face, adding to the fuel of her anger at the sight of the thick, fake lashes and red painted lips. This woman… is giving me bad feelings.
She spat. "How dare you fucking call yourself a woman, bitch."
"B-Bitch?!"
She pointed the pan to the woman's nose, looking down on her. "What do you want from this house?"
A smirked.
Sawako couldn't stop herself from swinging the pan once more.
"Oh my god. Are you this violent?!"
"What do you want from Tobio?"
A huffed and the woman crossed her arms. There was a blush on the person's face, making Sawako's alert signals in her brain ring very loud, so wild. For some reason, she has an idea of what this person wants. She looked down and found no tights clinging to this person's legs. Which is very weird given the trench coat or that, this person has no taste in fashion.
Blood rushed to her cheeks and her mind began to imagine a very filthy image of Tobio with someone else in bed. Angry at what her mind created, she swung the pan with every fiber of her being. "Stop with your irrational plans already!"
Sawako has never been this violent. She never thought she could swing this hard that the woman has fainted before they could answer her question. Seeing the unconscious form of the hideous woman right outside the door, made her realize how she overdid it. The pan dropped from her hold and her legs wanted to rest, she gave in and fell to her knees.
"Sawa?! What's with the noise? Who are yo–" Her mama paused halfway with her words, gasping at her figure with the other woman. "I-I'll call Daichi-kun…"
She could only sigh upon knowing that the patrol picked up her mother's call. She slowly stood up and just in case, she picked up the pan. She glanced at the woman. She saw the blood trialing for the nose and the red mark on the cheeks from hitting her, she felt sorry. But after knowing what this person did to her daughter and to Tobio, she wanted to take that sorry back.
Tobio appeared, she realized that she has woken them. Her husband was surprised, freezing, and blinking at her figure. He pointed at the pan in her hand. "Did you just used… that?"
She blushed and hid the frying pan behind her. She nodded.
"Unbelievable."
"Eh?"
Her mama appeared. "They're coming here any moment."
Tobio turned to her. "Thank you, mom."
The older woman sighed and waved him off with an amused look on her face. Miki turned to her, brows narrowing and finger pointing to the unconscious woman. "Really? This is the stalker? Why is she wearing a trench coat with no tights? She has no sense at all."
That's what I thought, too.
"Um…" Sawako's blush deepened and rushed to Tobio's side immediately when her mother squatted and began to unbutton the thick clothing. Flustered, she covered both of Tobio's eyes before he could see the skimpy outfit worn by the stalker.
"Is she planning to rape you?" Miki asked.
"What?" He tried to take her hands off.
Her heart raced and she hardened her cover. "D-Don't look!"
"Why?"
They ignored his question. Miki closed the coat back, which she was thankful for, buttoning it just in time for the siren to wail and the red-blue lights form the Police Force to arrive. Sawako was relieved. She felt like a thorn was plucked in her chest. Due to their involvement, they all went to the station to give their words and Megumi to add evidence.
"A freaking pan, huh? Are you Rapunzel?" Daichi chuckled.
Sawako pouted. "She is so not my Eugene." And glared at the woman, now conscious and giving them a look. The other police officer was annoyed at the lost attention, he almost wanted to snap at the cuffed woman.
The former hummed, sensing her daggers towards the stalker, and decided to drop it. He eyes Kageyama, which the latter nodded as if messaged conveyed. With that, Daichi excused himself and leave them alone. Her mama and Megumi have yet to come back from the convenience store nearby when he guided her head to his shoulder.
"I never heard you call someone like that before." Tobio started.
She looked up from her lashes. "Like what?"
"Bitch."
She raised a brow. "You were already awake that time? I curse like normal people."
He huffed. "You gave her a beating with a pan. That's not normal."
"Are you picking a fight? It's far from what I originally planned."
"No. What plan?"
She shook her head. "Secret." No way.
"What? Tell me."
She blushed, pressing his curiosity even further and she closed her eyes. She ignored the heat in her cheeks as her mind began to stimulate the original scenario of kissing Tobio in front of that stalker to back off. But things went to a different route and it's done.
The woman confessed, saying she wanted his babies. Her reason for obsession started on the chance encounter post-Rio Olympics interview. Apparently, the woman has ignored Tobio's status and became a fan to the point of going to all fan events Adlers' and the V. League hosted. When the video of Megumi was out, the articulates circulated, and Tobio's confession on the live interview, the woman went crazy and couldn't accept that Sawako gave him a baby. She, too, wants one which was her true motive behind her stalking. It was the reason behind her outfit.
"Sorry, but I don't like being touched by someone who is not Sawako-san."
And she got rejected.
For sure, the media will approach them once more to pry and ask about the details. Sawako hoped that after this issue, no one will attempt to do the same. She really did go overboard despite going against personal action towards the stalker. She hit the woman thrice it scared her. But Daichi assured her that it was an act of self-defense as the mother whose child was hurt and the wife whose husband was almost violated after stress-passing.
Tobio is pretty much barred and off-limits because of her act.
June 2019, two months after the stalking incident...
Sawako left the bathroom and went to the living room where her family was staying. She looked at Tobio then to her mama typing her students' grades in Excel. Her grip on the two white tests tightened and she gathered her breath to announce important news.
"I'm pregnant."
They all paused.
"Alright! That's two out of four grandchildren!"
note:
I apologize for the delay. A lot of things happened these past few days mainly catching up on my academic backlogs. Your author is gonna be a senior in college now once the new term starts. Gosh.
This idea came from a fan, aivenir. May Tobio bless your soul.
As you can see, the main story's over so I'm just updating this for special chapters. Well, I only have a special chapter left and I'll upload it by next week.
aivenir: I know right? I honestly don't want to part from Sawako and Tobio. It's making me sad.
bbymojo: Oh YES. FUSHIGURO MEGUMI. I couldn't help myself especially after finding out that Tobio and Megumi share the same birthdate, hair, and eye color.
See you and thank you for the support!