Hey, guys! Sorry for the late update. Great news, I got a new job! It's at a hospital, but that also means I have a VERY busy schedule. Please be patient with the updates and I thank you for the support. In the meantime, this is the new chapter. I hope you like it.
Arriving at the Gala with my parents, I change my expression from irritation to one more suited to the event. Over the years it's become second nature to hide my true feelings during such events. If this is what my life will be like for the rest of my life, then I might as well get used to it.
"Remember Yuko," my father abruptly whispers to me. "Be on your best behavior."
"Of course," I quickly reply in a demure tone. "Only the very best."
"Atta girl."
As the three of us walk inside, I feel my phone vibrate, but I ignore it. Whoever is texting me can wait until I'm in a better mood. In the meantime, I admire the beautiful layout of the party.
The Gala is being held at the National Art Center in Tokyo. The architecture itself is a spectacular display of creative ingenuity, but the decorations for the Gala only help the art pop out in various natures. Even the guest have gone all out to be seen as the best dressed like acts of modern artwork. Sadly, I'm still here with this ugly gown. At least I don't have to worry about any suitors that my parents might want to throw at me. One look at me and they'll run in fear. Thankfully, I don't look like a complete trainwreck thanks to Miwa's graceful hands and amazing skills.
Nevertheless, as we fully immerse ourselves in the party I feel my energy drain as we mingle with the guest. Even my earlier hopes go down the drain as I notice the number of adults trying to sell off their own bratty sons to me. For example, this is how the conversations usually go. Many of my parent's coworkers start with questions about my schoolwork and awards which spirals into a full-blown questionnaire. Then as they are 'dazzled' by my achievements they show off their children, an excuse to express how amazing their kids are compared to the rest of the Gala's attendees. Then they suggest I spend time with their kids (most of them are males a year or two older than me), and in return, I gently redirect the conversation. The last thing I want is to spend my life with an old man in a seventeen-year-old body.
To be honest, I don't know what to expect from love. The only person who ever came close to the word was Kunimi, but we broke up. Mother, always discussed the issue as having a contract with an ally and becoming partners in terms of marriage. Miwa said it's a fuzzy feeling while dizzying at the same time. A feeling only one person can give you and you'll know it when it happens. I don't know if any of that is true, but the two did mention something that sounded similar. Both unknowingly agreed that if you can describe the person you want to marry in the future, then most likely you'll find that special person. If that's the case, then none of these boys are worth my time. I want a thrill-seeker! Someone to go on adventures with for the rest of my life. A man who enjoys the great outdoors, not the numbers on a computer screen. My future husband has to be full of energy and expressive. A person who is willing to go against the odds no matter how stacked the cards are against him. Yet, all of these boys are pampered with silver spoons while following the steps of the higher-ups. Definitely not my type even if I'm technically in the same boat as them. Thankfully, it seems my parents aren't impressed either by the display of man-children.
"Well, if you would excuse us," my father interrupts his long-time coworker. "I promised Aguni-san that I would introduce my daughter to him."
"Yes, of course, old friend," Nakaya-san agrees, moving along to the next family he sees with his own not too far behind him.
"Come along, my sweet," mother calls to me. "It's time to meet Aguni-san."
I nod my head as we make our way through the crowd. Right in the middle of the crowded room, I spot the older man who my parents hold a great amount of respect for. He's older than my parents, with gray hair throughout his head and wrinkles at the corner of his eyes. However, instead of the cunning smile with vicious eyes, I'm used to seeing from people within the business world, Aguni-san has a gentle nature to him. However, he still carries an air of sophistication and strength that can not be denied. When I approach the older man, I notice Aguni-san with his wife, son, and daughter-in-law. Although it takes a considerable amount of effort, I force another smile onto my features as I greet the man and his family.
"Ah, the Kageyama's," Aguni-san grins at us. "I am happy to see all of you here."
"As are we, Aguni-san," my father replies as their wives begin to converse. "And as I promised, this is my daughter, Yuko. Yuko, this is Aguni-san, the CEO of the company."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Aguni-san."
"The pleasure is all mine. I am most delighted to meet you after all of the stories your father has told me about you. He even told me you are an excellent student. At the top of your class!"
"Yes, I take my studies very seriously."
"That is a superb quality to have. Many children at your age forget their studies are critical and instead choose unimaginable goals. Kageyama-san, you must be extremely proud of your daughter."
"Indeed, I am."
As the conversation goes on, I feel myself grow numb despite the compliments. To these men, I'm nothing more than a doll. Someone to be played with until they reach their selfish goals. It makes me sick to my stomach.
"However, it must be lonely for you, Yuko," Aguni-san's wife, Kaori-san mentions as she snaps me out of my inner thoughts. "Being the only child, that is."
"Only child? No, I have two siblings. A twin brother and older sister. Technically, I'm the middle child."
"What?" she inquires, turning quickly to my parents. It's at this moment, it comes to my attention that no one is aware I have two siblings. I see my parents from my peripheral vision, and I feel the venom they wish they could spit at me for my blunder.
My parents are going to kill me, I think to myself. I am so screwed!
"Kageyama-san is this true." Aguni-san quietly inquires, and my parents stiffen. "Where are your children now?"
"Well," my mother begins, taking a step forward to save the day. "My eldest is a rather private individual while my son is busy with a project. Distractions are not allowed so close to the due date, or he fears his goals will not come to fruition."
"Ah, I see then."
"Yes, now, Yuko, give us a moment with an Aguni-san. I recall a conversation you had with your father about viewing some of the artwork while we are here."
"Yes, mother," I agreed with the lie, bowing to my elders before removing myself from the group.
Crap, I think to myself. She is definitely pissed off right now!
Even as this thought brushes past my mind, I can't help but focus on something else entirely. A part of me is enraged that my parents lied about my siblings, even if it's to be expected. I'm positive they want to save face in front of their associates about the embarrassment their children are to them. Although, another part of me is selfish and relishes in the thought of being the golden child.
When I was younger, Miwa did all she could to get away from our parents. Just like us, Miwa wanted their attention in the beginning, but when she noticed they're more interested in their own gains rather than our happiness, Miwa left the family as soon as she could. Effectively disowning herself at the tender age of eighteen. This was rather easy when my grandfather was alive since he always paid more attention to Miwa and Tobio. My grandfather supported the two through all of their endeavors, even if it meant turning a blind eye to me. So naturally, my parents took me as their personal project since I was the only kid left. As a child, I liked the attention since I had no one else who understood me. Tobio clung to our grandfather for the majority of our childhood until the end of elementary. So I clung to our parents and mistook their attention as a form of love. Now? Now I realize it's nothing other than greed on their part. Still, this is the grave I dug myself long ago, and now I must lay in it. Even if it means sacrificing my dreams. It should be easy, right? I already gave up the soccer tournament without a fight. I broke up with Kunimi for Tobio. I became my parent's muse for Miwa. This is it for me.
"I need some fresh air," I muttered to myself. "It's too stuffy in here."
Leaving the ballroom behind, I journeyed out to the roof to enjoy the city skyline. As I looked out into the city, I feel my phone vibrate once again in my clutch. Deciding now is the perfect opportunity to read the messages; I pull out my phone.
New messages from
:p pretty people chat ft Iwai-chan
Thing 1
Miwa-nee
Hinata
One by one, I begin to read the messages. Each one brought a smile to my face; however, it's the one from Hinata that interested me the most.
Hinata: Hey! Thanks for the birthday message earlier!
Sent 8:00 am
Hinata: Btw, Natsu says hi!
My mom also said hi.
And for some reason wants to meet you...?
She's weird, so don't mind!
Sent 9:00 am
Hinata: Sorry if I'm bothering you!
Sent 9:30 am
Hinata: You're probably busy, so I'll text you later.
Sent 9:35 am
Hinata: Unless you want to text me first?
Sent 9:36 am
Hinata: I should stop texting you now, huh?
Sent 9:37 am
Laughing at the message, I decide to send him a text.
Yuko: Sorry for the late response.
I was busy getting ready for the gala.
Sent 8:43 pm
Hinata: That's okay!
What's a gala?
Sent 8:45 pm
Yuko: It's a social event lol
you wear dresses and suits while bragging about stupid things.
Sent 8:47 pm
Hinata: You're wearing a dress!
Sent 8:48 pm
Yuko: Yes...? Is that the only detail you latched onto?
Sent 8:48 pm
Hinata: ANYWAYS... Can I see?
Sent 8:48 pm
Yuko: A picture of the gala? Sure, I guess. I'll take a picture as soon as I can and send it to you.
Sent 8:49 pm
Hinata: I meant a picture of you, lol!
Sent 8:50 pm
Yuko: Oh! Be more specific next time.
Sent 8:51 pm
Hinata: So can I see the dress you're wearing?
Sent 8:51 pm
Yuko: No.
Sent 8:51 pm
Hinata: Why?
Sent 8:51 pm
Yuko: It looks hideous lol XP
Sent 8:52 pm
Hinata: I bet you look great! Please!
Sent 8:52 pm
I won't let anyone see it!
Not even Kageyama.
Sent 8:53 pm
Yuko: Idk
Sent 8:53 pm
Hinata: Think of it as my birthday present!
Sent 8:55 pm
Yuko: Lol, okay!
*Sends selfie*
Sent 8:56 pm
Hinata: What are you talking about, Yuko? You look great!
Sent 8:59 pm
Yuko: No, I don't! XD The dress is horrendous, and the color washes me out.
Sent 9:00 pm
Hinata: I don't know what that means, but if we hate the dress, then we hate it.
9:00 pm
Yuko: Yes, we hate it!
9:01 pm
Hinata: Well, now I got a question?
9:01 pm
Yuko: When don't you?
Lol, What is it?
9:01 pm
Hinata: The thing is, you don't seem like someone who likes fashion, so why do you know so much about it?
9:02 pm
Yuko: Ah, that's because of my sister. She's a hair, and makeup stylist, remember? In High School, she had a complete 180 about career choices, and fashion is the main reason for that. When she did spend time with me, she would teach me about it.
9:04 pm
Hinata: Is that why you like painting your nails?
9:04 pm
Yuko: Nah, I merely think they look better that way. Especially with a dark shade!
9:05 pm
"Is that your significant other?" a voice called out from behind me. Being startled, I nearly dropped my phone over the ledge to look at the man standing a few feet behind me.
"Aguni-san!"
"Forgive me, dear Yuko. I did not mean to frighten you."
"It's fine, Aguni-san," I breathed out once I steadied my heart. "Oh, and Hinata-kun is a friend from school. Nothing more than that."
"I see," he murmurs before waving a hand to the space beside me. "Can I join you on this beautiful night?"
"Of course."
As the two of us stared into the night sky, I became increasingly unnerved. Although I did a miraculous job of keeping it off of my face, my heart, on the other hand, is beating too fast for my liking. Still, it's not like I can tell the man to go away.
"So, you have two siblings?" Aguni-san inquires.
"Yes."
"What are their names?"
"Miwa, my older sister, and Tobio is my twin."
"I feel as though neither desires this profession. Would I be correct in assuming so?'
I hesitate with my answer but decide to tell the truth. I doubt this information can hurt my parent's reputation. If it does backfire on me, my parents might think twice about inviting me to social events. "My sister is a hairstylist, and my brother wants to be a professional volleyball player."
"What about you?"
"Me?"
"Yes, you. Who does Kageyama Yuko want to be when she grows up."
"My parents want me to follow in their footsteps."
"Yes, that much is obvious..."
Silence reigns between us, but this one feels different from the last. Almost as if Aguni-san is disappointed at something. Were my answers not to his liking? Maybe I should have something else?
"Tell me, what do you know about my son?"
"He's the next in line to receive the company. He graduated at the top of his class at the age of 22. Also, he funds many organizations around the world for the needy."
"All of that is true, and I am exceptionally proud of my son. However, did you know I have three other children?"
"No, I didn't know that," I responded in shock. "What happened to your kids?"
"Nothing at all," he beamed at me. "My eldest daughter wished to live a simple life with the man of her dreams while my eldest son wanted to become a doctor and support impoverished countries. My youngest child, my last daughter, desired to study abroad and make a name for herself. Only my middle child decided to stay."
"Are you upset with them?"
"I am sad to have them far from me, yes. Still, as a father, I have never been more proud of my children."
"But, only one is following the family business."
"Yes, but their lives are not mine. I gave them life, and now they must choose how they wish to live their lives."
"What if you can't choose for yourself?"
"Yuko, you seem like a bright child, so I ask you to humor an old man such as myself. Nature is all around us. Just as the river chooses its path, man can not change it."
"But man can stop it by building a dam."
"Can they? Perhaps it seems as though a man can alternate the river's pathway, but even then, they can not. The water will flow through the dam through an opening man is forced to leave. Then it creates energy through the built pressure and gravity, but it will flow regardless of what man has decided. If man tries to stop it completely, the water will claim victory. Even the test of time will attest to that as the water breaks down the walls that once tried to hold it back."
"But I'm not a river..."
"But all living creatures hold water. Meaning we can pave our futures to our liking just like the river," Aguni-san stated, placing a finger beneath my chin. "Whatever life you choose, I pray it leads you to happiness."
With that parting statement, Aguni-san leaves me to stand alone on the rooftop while I contemplate my life's choices.
Later that evening, when we returned to the apartment, I went straight to my room to get ready for bed. My parents already fussed at me the entire ride home, so the best thing I can do is give them some space. Luckily, they know nothing about the private conversation I had with Aguni-san. Speaking about the older man, his words still echo throughout my head, reminding me of my deepest desires. The older man might be right. Just because I made choices as a child doesn't mean I can't make new choices as a teen and one day an adult. I shouldn't have to bear the burden for my family, and I'm allowed to make my own decisions, not only with my parents but with my siblings as well. With that final thought in mind, new hope sprouts in my heart.
The next day, I returned home from Tokyo. I decided not to talk to my parents about my new stance in life until I'm ready to face them. I'll have to come up with a convincing argument if I want to stay in soccer. Until then, I have something else in mind.
I drop my belongings in my room and run out the door before Tobio can say hello. I know if I speak to Tobio, he'll only try to stop me from what I want to accomplish.
Running down the familiar path, I come to a halt when I reach a park. I used to go to this park now and then as a kid. Miwa once told me a kid proposed to me at the swing set, and it was the sweetest thing Miwa has ever seen. In all honesty, I can still remember that day as if it was yesterday. Even if I can't remember the boy, I hope wherever he is right now, he's doing well. In the meantime, I need to channel that kids' spirit to do what I have in my heart.
Continuing down the path, I run until I find myself at a familiar door. Knocking on the door twice, I wait until a familiar face opens the door to greet me. I notice the shocked look on his face, and before he can speak, I take hold of Kunimi Akira's face and kiss him. At first, he's too stunned to move, but after a moment, he follows my lead. My heart wildly flutters as Akira brings me in close. It's about another moment or two before we separate from the kiss, but not from one another.
"I don't understand," Akira murmured, gently holding onto my face. "Why- I mean I'm happy, but...?"
"Listen, I know I messed up," I finally admitted. "You guys had every right to bench my brother. I allowed my loyalty to him to blind me, and in the end, I hurt you. Still, if you're willing, then I hope to make it up to you."
"What about your brother?" Akira asked hesitantly. "Does he know about this?"
"I'll deal with him. So, do you want to try again?"
"Yes," he whispered, bringing me in for another kiss.
It wasn't for another couple of hours that I returned home to my confused brother. As soon as I make it up the stairs, I see my brother there waiting for me.
"Where did you go?" he asked me, motioning to my belongings. "You didn't even say hello."
"We need to talk, Tobio."
Surprised by the sudden change, he nods his head and follows me to my room. As I unpack my belongings, I recount the details of the Gala to him with great detail. However, I focus more on the conversation between Aguni-san and myself more than anything else.
"What does that have to do with me?" Tobio asked, and I couldn't help the irritation that crept within me. Still, I kept my composure as I sat beside him on my bed.
"Tobio, there have been many things we've both failed at in the past few years. I admit I should have been more vocal about my feelings instead of lying, but... I didn't."
"Yuko-"
"No, I need to say this... I kissed Akira today."
"Your teammate?"
"NO! Kunimi!"
"Oh! Yeah, that's fine."
"What?"
"I mean, he's not my teammate, so it no longer affects me."
"But that's not what I meant."
"Don't worry; I'm not upset. Well, I'm going to order some takeout. You're probably too tired to cook. I'll be back later."
I was too stunned to speak as Tobio walks out of my room. A part of me wants to run after him, but I allow him to leave with a defeated sigh.
So much for standing up for myself, I think to myself as I hang my head in shame. Oh, well. Some say the first step is always the hardest. Maybe this is what they meant.
Nevertheless, I don't allow this to weigh me down as I prepare for the upcoming week. Maybe this isn't the progress I wanted, but no one said progress is linear. I'll have to keep at it!
Regardless, I am happy to rekindle my relationship with Akira. The first thing I'll have to do is let my close friends know, so there isn't any confusion during the upcoming tournament when I cheer for his team. I text Oikawa and Iwazumi but hold off with the others. They'll probably ask me when I see them tomorrow at school. A moment later, I received a text from my favorite group chat.
:p Pretty People chat ft Iwai-chan
Yuko: Kunimi and I got back together!
Sent 4:00 pm
Kawa-kun: What?!
Sent 4:10 pm
Iwai-chan: How did this happen? What happened to the gala?
Sent 4:11 pm
Understanding their confusion, I quickly explain everything to them.
Yuko: So that's pretty much it.
Sent 4:12 pm
Kawa-kun: Way to go, Yuko!
Sent 4:12 pm
Iwai-chan: I don't know about this. It doesn't seem like Tobio understood what you were trying to tell him.
Sent 4:13 pm
Kawa-kun: -_- that arrogant child is dense. It's gonna take some time for it to get through his thick skull. Plus, you're forgetting the upside about this Iwai-chan!
Sent 4:13 pm
Iwai-chan: Which is?
Sent 4:14 pm
Kawa-kun: the upside is Tobio no longer sabotaging the relationship.
Sent 4:14 pm
Iwai-chan: Still, Yuko, don't you think you're rushing things?
Sent 4:15 pm
Yuko: Not at all!
Sent 4:15 pm
Kawa-kun: I'm with Yuko!
Sent 4:16 pm
Iwai-chan: Hoes such as yourself can't speak. As for you, Yuko, if this makes you happy, then I guess it's okay.
Sent 4:16 pm
"Yuko!" I hear Tobio yell my name. "Come on!"
"Coming!" I yell back. Quickly, I text the boy's goodbye and rush downstairs to see my brother.
The next day at school went much better than I anticipated. The girls were super supportive of the situation and cheered me on when I told them how I plan to stand up against my parents. The only part that I lost them at is Akira.
"You harlot," Mori-san said with a smirk. "I never knew you swung that way."
"Hey, for Yuko, I'd go all the way," she laughed. "By the way, I'm a high-maintenance chick, so don't hold out on me, Yuko."
"Ha ha ha, you're hilarious," I roll my eyes good-naturedly. "You know who I'm talking about."
"Don't pay attention to them, Yuko," Fuji-chan said before a smirk appears on her face. "Kira is a sweetheart deep down. Buy her chocolates, and she's putty in your hands."
"Fuji-chan! Don't tell her my secrets!"
The whole team begins to laugh, and I can't stop the smile that appears on my face. Afterward, we spend the rest of our time practicing for the next tournament before the first bell signals the start of school.
Sorry for the short chapter, but I rather put a short chapter than no chapter at all. In any case, let me know what you think. The next chapter will jump straight into the boys' volleyball tournament. See you next time!