This is one of the three stories updates! About Yume and Nijimura, yeah, I figured it would be cute interactions! Since Nijimura is a senpai unlike the rest, there're some scenes that only fits with the two characters. After the tests, and few more interactions, I'm planning to write the gakuensai or Cultural Festival in Teikō for few chapters. Is that a good idea?
Pairings : Undecided
Warnings : Teikō Middle School Days.
Disclaimer : I own only the OCs.
Chapter 16 - Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow
Another day of school passed by, and it's almost sad to say that it's the 'usual' day where Yume had lunches together with the basketball group, then a meeting with two people from the lunch group.
Even now she can still hear those murmurs behind her back, some pointing fingers at her. All because of Akashi's and Midorima's, 'This is more practical.' reason.
That's right. It's all because the two insist on going to the Student Council office together, then the rest of the basketball group ended up going along until before said destination's door.
And, voila! Now Yume is the centre of attention within her own school. Her 'peaceful' school life had went to a place with no return. The basketball group is just too eye-catching that she ended up being dragged into the spotlight.
Where is the school life she dreamed of? Where she can read books after books, depriving Teikō's library of their knowledges, and save money with her part-time works? It's seems so far-away now, so out-of-reach for one Manai Yume.
Another sigh escaped her lips for the umpteenth times. While Yume has to admit that she is starting to enjoy the companies of the basketball guys she initially refused knowing, she still can't say they worth all the troubles, and needless attentions that came along.
Akashi, Midorima, Murasakibara, Aomine and Momoi are just too amazing that they attract eyes wherever they go, be it for their exceptional appearances, or their inherent talents. The above mentioned and the peace Yume dreamed of just don't come hand-in-hand.
Which is why, this kind of time where the brunette can spend a leisure time of quiet and solitude is truly necessary for her. With Momoi and the guys in the Basketball Club, she is free to walk home by herself, her much needed 'away from public's eyes' time.
Or at least it should be.
"You are Manai Yume, aren't you? I have something to talk about the Choir Club's budget proposal." a girl spoke in a confident and oppressive tone, standing firm in the middle of the hallway to show she means business.
If the 'Choir Club's budget proposal' is any indication, then Yume has just found herself in a predicament the redhead had likely foreseen. "Yes, I am...and you are?" she managed hesitantly.
"Oh. Excuse me for my rudeness." The girl made a curt bow, before a smirk wormed its way to her lips.
"My name is Miyazawa Ayumi, a 1st year from 1-D, also the acting President of Teikō Choir Club. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Manai-san." she smiled pleasantly, although it felt otherwise.
Yume almost cursed inwardly. It's just one thing after another! Why can't she have her peace for just half-a-day? This has to happen when Momoi is not here, too! With how Akashi specifically warned her to keep away from the girl who is now before her, the brunette can't help but be overly cautious.
"Can we talk now, Manai-san? I believe it's your job as the Student Council Treasurer to consult students regarding their Club's budgets." Miyazawa smiled again, patiently waiting for positive response from the dumbstruck girl.
With the issues of her Student Council's position brought up, certainly Yume can't just flat refuse Miyazawa's approach for discussion. It's undeniable that it is her job, which is probably why Akashi warned her so as not to meet the girl, because she would have no way out if she did.
"Manai-san?"
Another call is heard, and Yume flinched. But this time, it's not Miyazawa Ayumi. There, in the shadowed half of the hallway stood a dull-looking male with blank expression of indifference. He walked closer to the two girls who were startled at his sudden appearance.
"K-Kuroko-kun.." Yume noted with a slight sigh of relief. The boy just got ways to surprise her whenever they met.
Miyazawa eyed the boy with annoyed gaze. She doesn't like it when someone disturbed her, and this boy just did. 'Who is he anyway?' she internally grumbled with distaste.
"Manai-san, Yamada-sensei is waiting for the Student Council documents you're supposed to submit today. He is looking for you." Kuroko informed, while Yume raised her brow at the obvious lie.
If it's not for the fact that Yume doesn't know of such documents, she wouldn't be able to tell if the stoic boy is lying or not. All Student Council documents are submitted through Satou-sensei, who then brought it to the Teachers Meeting and, or, the School Board Assembly.
"It seems that you are busy. I can't keep you here then, Manai-san." Miyazawa turned to smile at Yume. "I will find you at a later date. Please excuse me."
Miyazawa walked away with such poise and grace that the brunette almost admire her manners if not for Akashi's warnings and the way her eyes glinted with hidden motives.
"A-Ah, y-yes.. until then, Miyazawa-san..." Yume muttered after the leaving girl. When Miyazawa is no longer seen, she let out the sigh she's been holding.
Yume slowly turned to Kuroko, a grateful smile on her face. "Thank you, Kuroko-kun." she bowed as the male nodded.
"It's nothing, Manai-san. It's just a coincidence." Kuroko explained indifferently, as if he didn't just do someone a favour. "I only happened to see you looking troubled when I was on my way to the teachers room."
Yume smiled shyly, a slight tint colouring her pale cheeks. "Nevertheless, you helped me, Kuroko-kun. If there's anything I could help you with, p-please don't hesitate to tell me."
Kuroko nodded slightly. "I understand, Manai-san. I will be going then." he inclined his head as he excused himself, disappearing into the dark part of the hallway.
"Mm. S-See you, Kuroko-kun.." Yume stuttered with a small wave of her hand. If it was a week ago she wouldn't even consider using the words that implied her next meeting with said boy.
However, it seems Kuroko is a tolerable boy after all, much more than Aomine and the rest of the guys she was 'forced' to know. Next time, Yume decided to behave nicely when she met the babyblue-haired male. Maybe they can even talk about books, seeing as he seems to hold quite an interest in them.
It will be awkward for sure, but Yume finds herself wanting to be friends with the quiet male, feeling similarities between them. Kuroko does seem the mild-mannered and rational kind.
Not having Momoi with her might have done her good this time.
The next morning came in a quiet and refreshing manners like it always does, and our heroine welcomed the day with a small smile, grateful for another day.
For Yume, she always loves mornings best. At this point of time, there's no need for explanation as to why. Simple and quiet have always been her favourites.
With the 20 minutes of leisure time as she walked to Teikō, Yume let herself ponder over the recent events that have happened in her life.
In her first year of junior high, Yume made friends for the first time. And while they aren't always as enjoyable and agreeable as she was under the impression of, they are good people she can relate to most of the time.
Momoi is definitely Yume's best of friends, one that makes her most comfortable and have most fun with. It helps that she is a girl just like her, although their mannerisms might just be a polar opposite.
Aomine is probably her second-best, as he is the person she spends most time with after the pinkette female. While he is crude, brash and the rebel-kind of student, he is nice and interesting to be with.
As for the other three who invited themselves into her social circle, Yume has no pleasant words in her mind just yet. It was just so sudden and unwelcomed, that she really doesn't know what to say.
Yume shuddered as she recalled Akashi's smiling face that seems strangely threatening, Midorima's deep scowl etched on his expression, and Murasakibara's dead glare whenever something he dislikes were brought up.
The three images she conjured towered over her head, as if looking down on her with ominous dark clouds in the background, despite how the morning sun is shining brightly in actual reality.
As of now, whatever positive feelings Yume has for the three boys are heavily pushed by the other less pleasing feelings instead.
It seems like it will be long before she could actually welcome their existences into her school-life, seeing how the three boys aren't being nearly cooperative.
"YUU-CHAN!"
The frantic cry ruined whatever peace there was when a familiar pinkette lunged herself at Yume, almost toppling the latter over. And this unfortunate event occurred just few steps away from Teikō's gate.
Yume tried to speak after what air she had was forcibly pushed out of her lungs, but Momoi still got her words out first, loudly, too.
"IS IT TRUE THAT MIYAZAWA AYUMI CONFRONTED YOU YESTERDAY?!" Momoi continued to holler, with her dead-grip set on Yume's shoulders.
With the incredible volume of voice, and squeezing pains almost reaching her bones, Yume could only manage a weak nod, her limegreen eyes unfocused.
Momoi's eyes widen as she shook Yume back and forth vigorously, making said girl's eyes spin. "Why didn't you tell me?!" she demanded.
The brunette would have answered if she could, but Momoi is nearly unstoppable when she's into something, her peach orbs on fire. "What happened? Did she do anything? No way... Did she threaten you?! What did she say?! That Miyazawa!"
Thankfully, even with the loud commotion caused by the lone teenage girl, the morning is still early and thus not many students are present in the scenes. Although, there are indeed few interested spectators by the sides.
"B-Bre-Breathe...! I-I n-need..a-air...!" Yume staggered, her lungs constricting painfully for oxygen Momoi deprived her of. Finally aware of the harms she caused, the pinkette quickly let go, looking guilty.
Yume ignored her surroundings as she focused on breathing in and out, stabilising her respiratory system as Momoi looked on worriedly. When she is settled, she opened her eyes to meet a concerned pair of peach orbs.
Despite the pain her friend has put her through, Yume smiled to ease the girl's mind. "I'm fine, Sat-chan. I really am." she assured softly, holding Momoi's hands as she sent a gentle squeeze.
"..and no. Miyazawa-san didn't do anything. Nothing happened, Sat-chan." Yume continued with a soothing smile. "I'm fine." she repeated.
After gazing through the brunette's honest limegreen orbs that has a strangely pacifying effects, Momoi calmed down. She heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness..." her shoulders slumped forward.
The sight made Yume giggled a bit as she found it amusing. It made her happy that her friend is worried for her, but she didn't really appreciate said girl's death-grip that could really have brought upon her death.
The momentary silence after the commotion also made Yume realised that they had been on the receiving end of curious stares and murmurs from the students, and some passersby around. The fact hit her hard that she blushed and quickly pushed her gaze to the ground.
"S-Sat-chan.. L-Let's go somewhere else...!" Yume squeaked as she squeezed Momoi's hands rather roughly in her anxiety.
The pinkette took the clue almost immediately and nodded with a small smile before she pulled her friend towards the school buildings, ignoring the loud chatters behind them. They ran as fast as they feet could take them.
When the two girls finally find their peace in their empty classroom, they broke into fit of giggles before laughing together in harmony. They seem happy with each other's presence, just happy.
It looks silly to those who happen to witness them, but it's a moment of bliss for the two teens. Certainly, both girls are known to be level-headed, rational and calm-minded people who's unlikely to behave childishly.
However, things change as Yume finds 'companion' in Momoi, and vice versa. Things that they found silly or unworthy of doing turned fun and fulfilling in the presence of each other.
It's not the karaoke that the bunch of girls found so entertaining. It's not the game consoles that the guys found very interesting. It's the companies of the people they are with.
Singing in a karaoke box isn't as fun as with people you are happy and comfortable with, and so are with games. Having friends can be annoying with their prying gestures and meaningless conversations that gets absolutely nowhere.
But doesn't it always leaves a smile on your face when you returned home and recalled at how silly they were being?
Sure, it's not always happy times with laughters all the way, there are sorrows, lies and even betrayals. However, they stay. Whatever reason they may have, they stay despite what else they could be doing and who else they could be with.
It's like finally finding someone that completes your soul. That's how the two girls feel for each other. They have been waiting for so long, and they've finally met.
If the guys can have bro-mance and the girls worships them, why can't girls have sis-mance and the boys worship them the same way, as weird as the wording was?
Aomine Daiki is sulking. He is slurping his carton juice with loud noise as his brows are slanted along with angry glares. It's the period in school that he actually loves; lunch break, but he is still in a bad mood.
"...What happened to him..?" Yume asked warily, avoiding eye contact with the tanned teen as she questioned the childhood friend who sweat dropped and smiled sheepishly.
It's no big secret that rather than childhood-friends relationship, the two neighbours are more of a mother-and-child relationship. The frivolous son is just so reckless that he needs his same-aged mother to watch over him even at school.
To keep out said boy from troubles, the pinkette even took it upon herself to wake the guy every mornings for school, and tutored him for upcoming tests that he never bothers listening to.
It's just so normal for both of them that when Momoi actually rushed to school as soon as she opened her eyes, passing out her regular duty, Aomine didn't wake up on time and had to stand on the hallways with two buckets filled with water just below the tips for him to hold, and a chalk-board eraser on top of his head to balance for 2 periods straight.
Aomine isn't in the teachers' best book with his tendencies to sleep on classes, forgetting homeworks, and even shirking class duties. So when an opportunity finally showed up, he got the well-deserved punishment, hard. And the news travelled fast, although it had missed Yume's delicate ears.
"I heard Godō-sensei was so happy that he skipped on his way to his next class." Akashi commented with a smirk as he watched the tanned teen twitched.
As Teikō is a school that favours talents and greatly rewards their students for having precious skills that helps the school's publicity and reputation, Aomine is given the beneficial treatment for his basketball talents, the sole reason he was accepted into Teikō other then his barely passing grades.
Simply said, he never got proper punishment that could have potentially disturbed his basketball practices after school, until today when he was late for the very first time since school started.
"Oh... He wasn't that mad when he caught me eating either.." Murasakibara added, recalling how unusually smiley the oni-teacher was being when he caught him eating on his class.
"Godō-sensei's next class happened to be ours." Midorima informed with a smart-aleck, adjusting his glasses. Even he can see how joyful the usually strict teacher was that he practically bounced with happiness.
At this, Aomine crushed the empty carton juice in his hands, looking furious as he wordlessly stood from where he sat. By now, Yume have assumed the gist of what had happened.
While she is not near as smart as Akashi and Midorima, Yume can put what and what together after noticing how Momoi didn't come to school with Aomine like usual, the unusual happy mood from the punishment-loving teacher, and to top it off, the tanned teen's foul mood.
"Satsuki.." Aomine hissed in a low and dark tone, looming over the flinching female as he gripped what used to be a carton juice in his hand.
Momoi started to cold-sweat. While Aomine is pretty carefree and laid-back, he is quite easily angered. It's normally settled peacefully since the boy would never do more than loud scoldings, but it would thinned out her wallet to pacify the boy's fury.
And how is he being late her fault? Shouldn't Aomine be responsible for his own waking-up to school? Well, she could have told him she can't wake him up this morning when she usually does...
"...I'm sorry. Sat-chan was just worried for me.." The apology came from Yume, who boldly met Aomine's heated glare. "..I was caught up with...something the day before. Sat-chan heard about it, and she rushed for me."
Yume didn't back down even when she knows she could possibly earn the boy's ire instead. "Please don't blame Sat-chan, Daiki-kun." she spoke clearly, not of pleading but firm tone. "..It's me." she finished weakly.
For a while, the brunette was locked in a staring competition with the tanned boy, neither willing to withdraw first, and the other boys looked on with interest as the girl was worried.
Finally, the other party conceded with a sigh of defeat. "..Got it... I'll forget it this time. You're Satsuki's friend, too, so I can't get worked up over that." Aomine looked away as he scratched his neck.
This earned Yume's immediate smile. "Thank you, Daiki-kun." she smiled sincerely as the tensions vanished from the air.
"...So, you okay?" Aomine eyed the girl hesitantly, looking awkward as Yume blinked innocently. "I'm asking if you're okay." he repeated with slight irritated tone.
Yume almost can't believe her ears, but nodded anyway. "Uh, yeah.. I'm okay..." she answered.
Aomine nodded slightly, turning his head away as he muttered incoherent words under his breath. Momoi swore she heard 'Good then..' or something along the line.
Momoi would have gaped if it's not for the fact that she knows her childhood friend will only deny his budding friendship if she did. She still can't believe that the proper and polite-mannered Yume would actually befriends the crude and mannerless brat like Aomine.
On the other hand, Akashi was more interested in the 'something' Yume claimed to be involved in, likely reluctantly on the day before and how Momoi reacted on it. He will get his answers later.
Midorima wanted to sigh at how ridiculous his school life turned out to be. He didn't plan to have this kind of school life, but now he actually finds them quite intriguing and enjoyable to be with. Not that he will ever admit.
And while Murasakibara couldn't care less of what is and what's not, he too feels satisfied with how things are right now. At least he's not bored since each of then are interesting and unique. He also hasn't got his treats from the brunette.
Author's note:
So yeah, how is it?
Read and Reviews~
