Hello my little balls of sunshine,
as the Coronapandemic continues I'm still stuck at home. Anyone I personally know is still unscaved and we are enduring quite well.
I finished the next chapter already and am working towards the end. My husband got me a new drawing program as well, so I'm actually reworking Tamiko's design.
(Might add the finished version here later)
I hope you and your friends and families are all still healthy.
Hardcore readers might also have noticed that it is Tamiko's birthday today :) Since the new chapters made it possible to calculate the characters birthday down to the year I can actually say that Tamiko would be 26 years old today. Ushijima is still 25 since his birthday is in August. What is also weird for me; Tamiko would be the youngest in my school year and Ushijima would be a year below us.
Anyway I'm not gonna go on any further, so enjoy this chapter.
starrat: Thank you :)
Stefnato: Ja, ich bin deutsch. Beim englischen musst du dir nicht unbedingt um die Grammatik Gedanken machen. Englisch ist da nicht so streng. Geboren wurde ich in Niedersachsen aber wohnen tue ich in Baden-Württemberg. Ich bin sogar in der nähe der betroffensten Gegend in Baden-Württemberg. Schön, dass dir das Kapitel gefällt :) Bin gespannt was du zu diesem Kapitel sagst.
Ranighastly: Oh no, I hope you had tissues close by. I hear that a lot that people know someone from Germany or whose family came from Germany. oh no another band geek xD what do you play? I play violin and guitar. I've actually visited the birth house of Bach before. Sending the good vibes back at ya :)
whiteanddark: Glad that it made your day alittle better. It will probably take most of the year until all is back to normal. Although Germany has a high number of recuperated patients. Its stillvery contagious so it will be a while. I hope a vaccine comes out to. Stay safe!
YoshiBaby: You too dear reader!
JustAnotherCrazedFangirl: Hope you've come far :)
Chapter 54 - A new start
"Do I have everyone's email address?" the professor asked.
Tamiko nodded along with everyone else in the lecture hall. While she waited for the professor to continue she fiddled with the pen between her fingers. Her eyes wandered over the back of the heads of all her new fellow students. There were a lot of girls, but there were some boys as well. None of them she knew. Only a tiny fraction knew each other as well. They all came from around Miyagi prefecture and nobody from her own school had signed up for this course.
Amongst all the students Tamiko had chosen the middle of the room. From there she could see the board very clearly and felt like she could concentrate purely on the lectures. Proper lectures would only begin tomorrow though. The professors all wanted to assess the class, tell them what topics they would tackle and what books they would need. One or two she had at home already.
"Alright, you can all go," the professor said as he packed his own bags. "And don't forget to pick up your student ID cards at the reception."
As quick as she could Tamiko packed her belongings, shoved her ID card into her pocket when she received it and raced to the car park. As she drove to Shiratorizawa academy the first day at the university raced through her head. She always kept to herself in her school days, not gaining many friends in her own class. Maybe now was the time to jump over her own shadow and grow. Yes, she would try to talk to her seat neighbours. What could go wrong?
"Yes, this is my year," she whispered to herself. "Oh yes."
When she reached the academy feeling as motivated as she could be she got changed into her manager tracksuit, tied back her hair and met up with the coach in the gym. Today was the first day of training for the first years. It still gave of a weird feeling that she had actually played a heavy role on the selection. She had also been present during the interviews. There was also one student among them, who she had selected herself, convincing the coach to accept that student into the team. Although that student didn't know that she watched him. Her gut had told her that this particular first year was going to grow beyond their expectations. When she had told him, Ushijima had also been sceptical.
It had been a week since Ushijima had departed to Tokyo with all of his belongings. He had moved back with his mother a few days before he went down to Tokyo. Along with Tendou, who was also staying in Sendai, she had help packing. The weekend before Ushijima moved down to Tokyo she had slept over. Those two days had been so refreshing and quiet. Ushijima's mother had then organised a small transporter for the move. Tamiko had hitched a ride along and was dropped off at her home and he went further south. She missed him. It was difficult already. She was proud but also a little lonely. Since he had left they had a telephone call every evening. There were a lot of things she wanted to tell him about today but first, she had to go through this training session first.
"I am Kageyama Tamiko, the manager of the club. If there are any problems you can come to me."
The first years nodded, some a little flushed. She glanced over to Shirabu. After Ushijima he became the new captain of the team. He was still getting used to the new responsibilities. Now he was in his third year which was also new for him. Shirabu shifted on his spot, making Tamiko give off a goofy grin. When he saw it, he frowned. He introduced himself as the captain and then the training session went underway.
"You know what to do?" the coach asked.
"Yes sir," she said.
For two hours she watched the new members do their thing. They did runs, spikes and practice matches in trio teams. During break she passed around towels and water bottles. Goshiki also approached her eagerly. The now proud Ace of Shiratorizawa was embracing his new title with pride. Yet he was still a little bitter about the fact that he had missed his chances to beat the previous Ace.
"Kageyama-san, how is Ushijima-san doing in Tokyo?" he asked.
"He's busy with training," she told him. "What did you expect to hear?"
While Goshiki tried to formulate an expectation he was quickly shut down by Shirabu. Tamiko could hear him tell him off since asking about Ushijima would remind her how far away he is. But that fact was with her constantly so it didn't matter in her eyes. It embarrassed her a little that the boys could see that it was eating away at her. They knew her as a strong woman and that image was what she wanted to keep.
After the training she sat together with the coach and evaluated her data. She had collected a few pages worth for each player. For the first day it was promising. All of them had played since before junior high so all of them had their fair share in experience. Now all she needed to do was enlarge the library of data. Finding a habit needed time.
"I guess we just have to see in the next few weeks how they do," she said. "Once they are settled in we should see a change."
"And then we need to assign their numbers," he told her. "They need new jersey's before the first official match."
"Yes, sir."
"Good," he said. "Then we'll continue tomorrow."
She gathered her papers when coach Washijo turned to her.
"I forgot to ask. How was your first day at the university?"
"Eventful," she said. "There are a few books I still need to get."
Tamiko left for home, elevated with joy. Everything went so well today. University seemed fun and she did all her chores at training meeting the coaches expectations. It had been a while since she had felt so proud of herself. Normally she would share this with Ushijima but since he was now in Tokyo she could only share with her brother, or with the other members of the family.
"I'm home," she called as she closed the door behind her.
"Welcome back," her mother called back from the kitchen.
She appeared right after, with an apron and a towel, drying her hands. The smell of curry reached her nose.
"I can cook as well, you know," she offered.
"I know that," she said. "But you had a big day today and I want you to concentrate on yourself and not on making dinner. That is my job."
"Thank you."
Somehow it felt like a heavy weight was lifted off her shoulders. Although her mum was temporarily off work since she was still visiting the therapist, she was still getting paid enough to keep her kids going. Hiyori was trying hard and it was paying off.
"How was your day?" she asked after a while.
"Good," she said. "Uni looks like a fun place. The professor's seem nice. And the club welcomed the first years today. Quite a few of them, too."
"How wonderful," Shiyori smiled. "But don't strain yourself, okay?"
"I wouldn't," she promised and walked upstairs.
"Dinner will be ready in 15 minutes," she called after her.
Tamiko used that time to call Ushijima. They had agreed to call each other every day. At least for a little while just to update the other. Tamiko had a lot to say. This first day at the university, where she didn't know anyone, had been very exciting. For Ushijima it had just been another day of training. Nothing too exciting. He did voice his concern that he was a hopeless cook and that he hadn't really managed to keep his diet straight. It was easier with the school providing the meals. Tamiko offered to tell him some simple meals that he could easily make himself, even without cooking.
"Next time we see each other, I'll give you a cooking course," she announced.
"I'd like that," he said.
When her mother called for dinner she finished the call and joined her family in the kitchen. Now it was Tobio's turn to ask about her day. It was a merry dinner with a fews laughs. It became more and more relaxing to sit together as a little family trio again. Shiyori even tried her best to push her daughter into the direction that would bring her joy.
"Didn't you used to do sports, Tamiko?"
"Yeah, I did judo in middle school," she remembered. "But since I got into high school I had no time between my studies."
"Why don't you join a dojo again?" her mother asked. "I think it would do you some good if you have some physical activities as well."
"I don't have time, mom,"
"Of course you do," she said. "You don't have to do any house chores anymore, that is my job. Enjoy yourself, Tamiko. I'll give you all the time you need."
Tamiko stared at her mother. Was this really happening? Was she really getting the freedom she had wished for for so long? A side glance came from Tobio.
"Thank you, mum," Tamiko said.
Shiyori smiled and continued to eat. After dinner Tamiko sat down with Tobio and her mother to play some games together. It was a lot of fun and after a nice warm bath she went to bed. The next morning she packed her old judo clothes along with the standard things. The lectures couldn't pass any slower. She was almost vibrating with excitement and impatience. This was noticed by the girl sitting next to her.
"What are you so excited about?" she asked during lunch.
"I'm rejoining my old dojo today," Tamiko explained when she noticed her chance. "Oh, I'm Tamiko."
"I'm Himari," the girl answered. "Nice to meet you."
Tamiko grinned and both girls hit off in a long conversation. At the end of the lectures they even exchanged phone numbers. Tamiko clutched her phone tightly as she headed for her car. This was turning out to be a great day so far. Not to waste any more time she raced to the Dojo she had been a member of three years ago. It surprised her that the Dojo was run by an entire new master whom she had never met before. She had to introduce herself all over again.
"Do you have any experience in Judo?" the Dojo master asked after he had asked many questions.
"Brown belt," was all she answered.
"Really?" he gasped. "And here I thought I would have another beginner join. Welcome to the Dojo."
After a brief transfer of information she got changed and joined the others. She had to admit her movements were a little stiff at the beginning but half way through she felt far more comfortable. It even started to be fun again. At the end she was sweating a little and couldn't wait to have a soothing bath at home. The said bath was the most refreshing one she had in a long time. Volleyball training had gone very well and the call with Ushijima had recharged her as well.
The week passed by at a steady pace. After a joint breakfast Tobio went to school and Tamiko to university. During break time she hung out with Himari and some other girls who had joined the group. After uni she headed to Shiratorizawa academy for volleyball training. On two days when she had less lectures she went to judo before heading to the volleyball club. When she got home she read in her psychology books, reviewed the lectures of the day, had dinner and then went to bed after she had called Ushijima.
"Ah, my birthday is on Tuesday," Tamiko noticed when she glanced at her calendar.
The weekend she spent with Izumi. She had moved out to live in the student dorms and Tamiko couldn't wait to visit her. Izumi showed her around her campus and her sketchbook. She even had ideas for her first manga which she couldn't wait to share.
"A love story with a judo girl and a volleyball ace," she grinned.
Tamiko rolled her eyes but then laughed. Izumi herself was still together with her boyfriend although luckily he was close by. A new start was filling them both with new energy. The topic of her birthday soon popped up and Izumi tried to tickle a birthday wish out of her. But Tamiko wasn't so sure either.
"You know, I don't think I want anything. I'm happy with my life," she said. "Although I would love to see Toshi-kun."
"I understand how you feel," Izumi said. "Long distance relationships are hard. You just have to keep in regular contact."
"Don't you think it would annoy him after a while?"
To that Izumi grabbed her shoulders and shook her.
"Kageyama Tamiko, I can't believe what I'm hearing. He loves you. He misses you just as much. And compared to you he doesn't know anybody where he is now. You still live with your mum and brother and manage the volleyball club of our high school. He is alone in a huge city in a completely new team living on his own. Don't you think he feels more lonely than you?"
Tamiko's body grew ridgid. All her life she had tried to change herself and look out for her brother. Now that all the pieces had fallen into place she thought all was fine. She thought she could now concentrate on her own happiness. But no matter what, there were still other people in her life and whom she had a great impact on. Shane swallowed her up.
"Happiness can hide sad things," Izumi told her. "Just don't forget him."
"Never," she managed to say. "I call him every day."
"That's good."
Sunday and Monday came and went. Monday evening she went to bed early. Even the daily call with Ushijima was shorter than usual. She slept like a rock and when she woke up the next morning she took her time getting ready. Downstairs a surprise was waiting for her.
"Happy birthday, my big girl," Shiyori cheered.
Tamiko blinked a few times before she was gently embraced by her mother. Tobio was there too ready to give his big sister a big hug. Breakfast was already on the table, along with a small box. Failing to hold back her excitement she opened her present. Inside was a brand new phone with a little eagle hanging by a thread.
"It's the official Schweiden Alders mascot keychain," Tobio explained. "Since Ushijima-san is playing for them I thought he might give you luck."
"Thank you, Tobio-kun," she said. "And thank you mum for the phone."
"Look in the box again," she urged.
Inside the box lay an envelope with her name on it. Inside was a coupon for the most ridiculous hairdresser in Sendai. Not only did they offer all sorts of haircuts but also pampering beyond your imagination.
"I noticed that you check yourself in the mirror often and inspect your hair," her mother explained. "I thought that a little TLC would be something you'd enjoy."
Tamiko thanked her mother again, this time with a hug. This made her mother cry a little with joy. Both siblings then got ready to head out. Before she reached the ledge in the foyer she peeked into the livingroom and to the pot by the window. She could see it from afar. The freesia she had planted with Ushijima was blooming in the most delicate white. She smiled to herself.
The day went by slowly somehow. Some students, who had looked over the students list in their own time congratulated her but otherwise lectures went on as always. Himari was a little offended that she hadn't shared her birthdate with her. It was always like that when a new term started at a new place. She was always one of the first to have her birthday which meant less time to make friends to celebrate with. At training coach Washijo and the rest of the team congratulated her. The third years even gave her a small gift. It was the volleyball team sports bag. She thanked them and after she got changed back into her casual clothes even put her manager tracksuit into her new bag. It was very fitting and with a big smile she went home.
"I'm home," she called.
"Something came for you in the mail today," Shiyori told her. "It's in your room."
Tamiko couldn't believe what she was seeing. On her desk stood a vase with the most overblown bouquet she has ever seen. The roses were a deep red and the added greenery made the colour stand out even more. When she finally managed to rip her eyes away from the flowers she spotted the large plush toy on her bed. It was Adloo, the Schweiden Adler's mascot, but in big. A giant White eagle was sitting on her bed.
"Mum?" she called with a little panic. "What is this?"
"It came with a card," was all she called back.
The said card was next to the vase and it had her name on it. When she read the card tears began to seek in her eyes. How could someone like Ushijima write such heartfelt words about what she meant to him? But somehow he had. Not only that, but he had very clear handwriting or he just put a lot of effort into this card. The last sentence was a demand to call her as soon as she had read the card. That's what she did.
"Hey," she said without her voice breaking.
"I love you," came straight away.
"Toshi-kun," she said, her voice shaking.
"I hope you can see it," he said.
"Yes, Toshi-kun, I can but that is far too much."
"You don't like your presents?"
"No, I do," she quickly interjected. "But now I just want to hug you so bad it makes me miss you even more. It hurts."
There was a brief silence at the other end but she could hear his breathing.
"I'm sorry," he finally said. "That was not my intention."
"I miss you."
"I miss you, too."
"The bouquet is beautiful,"
"And your Freesia?"
"It's blooming," she told him. "It's beautiful."
"Good," she heard him say.
"I want to see you," she said, swallowing a lump in her throat.
"So do I," he answered.
"I hate this distance," she grumbled.
"One day it will be over," he promised.
But when would that be? Ushijima was already making a decent income for himself but she hasn't completed any form of education for a well-paying job. She could work as a cashier but that wasn't her goal. She wanted to work with kids but she didn't know in which form or what age group. And what course should she do? Psychology was a little step she wanted to take to find the right way. It was helpful for her current part-time job anyway.
Every now and again she tried to find some interesting courses in Tokyo. The problem was that Tokyo was huge. If there was an interesting course that sounded like fun it was too far away from Ushijima's place. Maybe she had to find her own place there but at least they would then live in the same city and could see each other more often. She didn't want to live on her own though. Her heart heavy with those thoughts she took a deep breath and went to speak with her mother about her troubles.
"You actually want my advice?" Shiyori whimpered, close to tears.
The advice wasn't half bad either. She suggested making a list of all the possible places where she could work with kids and then actually visit those places to get a taste of it. Shiyori even offered her to help out in her search. Together they started to collect some ideas. Tamiko was amazed at how supportive her mother was. She didn't sneak in her own recommendations but just wanted to know what her daughter wanted. It felt so refreshing. She shared her future with another person who was thinking about his future recently.
From: Osamu
To: Tami
An onigiri shop would be cool. Imagine an onigiri stand at every volleyball game in Japan.
Tamiko smiled. Since the glasses incident they had sometimes messaged each other. It had always been about volleyball but at some point it has shifted to private topics. He had told her about a quarrel he had with his twin about the future. Since then they had discussed what they would do after high school. There was a slight possibility of the two standing on the same court in Tokyo should both Shiratorizawa and Inarizaki play each other again.
From: Tami
To: Osamu
That sounds like a great plan. You already have a college you've set your sights on?
While she waited for a reply she lay down on her bed. Her glasses she placed on her bedside table. Since graduation she had ditched her contact lenses and kept to her glasses. It made her look older and more mature than she actually was. She was also thinking about that haircut. Changes for a new start.
