- Chapter 11: Complexities and games -
The keys in front of her had never seemed so foreign to her than at this moment. It was like meeting an old friend who you were so close to at some point, but now are like strangers to each other.
Sanae shifted her eyes towards her left wrist, confused of its nakedness. It had been two days since the doctor had taken off her bandages and given her the okay to play music and move on with her life. You would have thought she would have jumped right into filling that part of her she was missing so dearly. Alas, she didn't.
It was like her mind kept playing tricks with her by making her believe she wasn't strong or capable enough to catch up with all the work she missed. It felt like fear had made a home of her heart and masked every courage she could feel, making her anxiously procrastinate her come back.
In all, she was lost.
– I'm no expert in the matter, but I'm pretty sure the keys won't play by themselves if you just stare at them.
Tsubasa's visits were so common by now that she didn't even jump in surprised like she normally would. His voice always had the ability to calm her, not startle her.
Sanae looked behind her and saw Tsubasa leaning on the door frame with a smile so charming It made her feel glad to be seated. His hair was damp, and his uniform was a bit wrinkly because of his usual morning practice. She gulped, trying not to blush.
– I thought you said if I believed hard enough in something, I could do anything I wanted. – she joked back. – Well, I'm trying really hard here.
– Very funny, missy. But I don't think that's how that works. – Tsubasa chuckled and came to sit by the piano next to her. She scooted to the side to give him space.
Taking time to pause and ponder his next words, Tsubasa softly touched the A key in the piano and the sound echoed throughout the room in a peaceful melody, almost calling her.
– I told you to believe in yourself. – he said quietly. – You are stronger and braver than you think, Sanae. You are so afraid of failure that you don't even allow yourself to try and see the amazing things you can accomplish.
Sanae joined his hand on the piano touching the D key this time, harmonizing with the boy next to her. Trying to process everything he said, she took a deep breath before contributing to the conversation.
– I understand that. – she whispered. – In theory, I do. It's just that everything feels so overwhelmingly daunting, like I'm being pulled from different directions, and I don't know where to turn first. I take a lot of responsibility in my work and want to be there for everyone who relies on me. I just don't want to let anyone down.
Noticing Tsubasa kept his gaze on her, Sanae tried to take a deep breath to calm her rapid beating heart. However, there was a stubborn wrinkle between her eyebrows that demanded to mark its place on her forehead.
Listening carefully to his words, she felt a sparkle of electricity and a sense of security as Tsubasa brushed his hand on hers. A contrast of what was going on in her head.
– If you don't believe in you and your work, no one will. Anyone who thinks they're perfect never try their hardest to better themselves or what they do. This a path we need to take like any other. – Sanae dared to look up to his smiling features. His eyes had a kind look that almost hypnotized her with the glint inherited. – We have the rest of our lives to take on that journey, everything else is out of our control.
Her brain tried to analyze every word and expression Tsubasa gave her to look for flaws or ways to counter back. Not to defy him, but to prove to the negativity department of her brain that it was right. Alas, she couldn't find one. Was that a failure too?
Not being able to produce coherent words, both from the struggle inside her brain and the captivating look Tsubasa was giving her, Sanae just nodded slightly, smiling the best she could back. She recognized Tsubasa knew her well enough to realize she wasn't fully convinced of his undoubtedly helpful pep talk, but she wasn't expecting or even prepared for what he would ask of her next.
– Play for me. – Tsubasa said with a confident grin, breaking into laughter when she looked appalled at him. – Oh, c'mon! How many times have I listened to you play by now?
– Not willingly! – she countered back, remembering all the other encounters with a light blush on her face.
– Oh, please, you make it sound like we tie you down and force you to play for us. – Tsubasa said rolling his eyes playfully.
– Might as well. – she mumbled while crossing her arms.
– Don't tempt me. – she heard him chuckle softly and blushed even harder than she already was.
He gave her a gentle bump on her shoulder and an encouraging smile. She felt her heart melt a little bit and a few of the bricks from the wall she built around her start to break.
Positioning herself comfortably forward, Sanae composed her posture and placed both hands on the piano keys. As she scooted closer to Tsubasa to reach the right octave she needed, Tsubasa put his arm behind her on the bench.
For some reason the familiar heat enveloping her from behind didn't intensify her nerves or fears. Instead, the arm almost circling her waist field her with confidence and protectiveness, making her believe that she could ignore all the worries in her heart and just enjoy this moment she so anxiously waited for.
And so, she did. Her fingers moved through the keys in a confident matter, like the movement was a puzzle that was already imprinted in her brain. One that she could solve even with her eyes closed.
The music echoed throughout the room in a simple yet meaningful melody. It held all her emotions, articulated in a personal harmony that travelled from her heart to her fingertips. Sanae was almost afraid it also journeyed to Tsubasa, making these feelings more transparent than they already were, but she ignored that fear. Perhaps this was the only way she could find to truly transmit the dimension of her love for him.
As she brought the song to a close, she let the notes breathe before taking her hands off the piano. Placing them back on her lap, she hesitated to look towards Tsubasa at first.
Right as she gathered enough courage to take a glimpse of his eyes, Tsubasa's hand joined hers on her lap squeezing her right one tight. She smiled shyly as he caressed de back of her hand with his thumb.
– See, that wasn't so bad. – said Tsubasa looking sweetly at Sanae. – Not bad at all.
– Thank you, Tsubasa. – said Sanae in a low whisper.
Tsubasa had that same look he had that day in the locker room and for a moment her heart skipped a bit trying to process the feelings his eyes were evoking on her. His hand still laid on top of hers almost trembling with hesitation on how to progress the situation.
Then, with the same quickness the moment developed, it soon faded away. Tsubasa seemed to have some sort of realization that made the glint in his eyes disappear and his whole expression change into a frown. He also brought his hand back to his lap, rubbing his palms back and forth on his knees. She wondered if he was trying to get her touch out of his hands. She felt her heart wrench at that thought.
The awkwardness in the air was impenetrable. However, Sanae refused to let it ruin this moment and overlook the big step she made with his help. Still a bit unsure on what to say or feel, she decided to lighten the moment.
– Well, there's still a lot of work that needs to be done. I need to let these fingers looser, I'm still a bit too stiff. – Sanae said in a joyful voice, stretching her hands in front of her and wiggling her fingers. – It should be better in a couple of weeks.
She felt Tsubasa's gaze on her but refused to look at him fearing the look of doubt he had turned into something worse.
– What about you? How is that drive shot going? – it's not like she wanted him out of there by reminding him of his practice, but the feeling of not being wanted was getting too real for her. Was she too subtle or utterly blunt?
– Huh? Oh! Right, the drive shot. – thankfully, that seemed to have awoken Tsubasa, even if he still seemed a bit drowsy. – It's… going. I feel like there's something I'm doing wrong but I can't figure out what it is. It's frustrating at times.
The frown between his brows stubbornly appeared back on his features and she felt a little discouraged to continue on her task. Still, she persevered.
– I understand. But you should take your own advice. Just believe in yourself and continue to try your hardest just like you always do. You're an example of resilience and hard work. I'm sure you'll achieve it sooner than you expect. – Sanae dared to look at him and was thankful to see that a serene, almost surprised look was back on Tsubasa's face. She felt shy and looked back at her hands, adding in a small voice. – I believe in you.
There was a small silence after her statement, curiously with a lot less tension than before. She continued focusing on her lap, not expecting to hear the words Tsubasa said in the same lowness she did.
– Then that's all I need.
Sanae peeked through a strand of hair that was draping her temple only to see him smiling at her. She looked back down, afraid any of her actions brought back whatever feelings or thoughts he had moments ago. A sudden hand appeared next to her face almost startling her. She still didn't look up as he secured her strand of hair delicately behind her ear, simply letting the blush on her cheeks spoil how she felt.
– Well, there's still some time left before class. I should head back to practice a bit more and do as my manager says. – said Tsubasa in the same joyful tone she used a while back. – Can't look lazy next to such a hard-working lady now, can I?
– I'm sure that won't be hard for you. – she tried to smile through her nerves and confusion over the sudden change of emotions in Tsubasa.
The boy got up and headed towards the exit of the room. She watched him curiously as he stopped by the door, turning towards her with a mischievous smile on his face.
– Can I at least ask for an encore?
– Don't push it, mister. – Sanae laughed softly with him.
Tsubasa paused and nodded lightly at her, finally leaving the room and a very disorientated and unsure Sanae behind.
. . . . . .
– Tsubasa-senpai! You can do it!
Kumi's voice reverberated the air, filling the atmosphere around her with a strange feeling in her heart. The day had passed in a haze but that twinge of uncertainty over Tsubasa's actions still lingered in her brain. Why was he stepping back all of a sudden? Did she do something to make him resent her? Nevertheless, if that was the case, how could he still act kind and soft towards her? Did he pity her?
So many questions and no answers in sight.
– Sanae?
Yukari's voice brought her back to reality and she had to force her mind to acknowledge where her body stood.
– Huh? What is it? – she asked trying to maintain a natural tone. By her best friend's reaction, a fruitless action.
– What do you mean 'what'? – asked Yukari looking worried. – You've been acting a little strange today…
– I-It's nothing… – Sanae lifted her hand up in defense, stuttering her words. – There's nothing wrong!
– Are you sure? – Yukari pressed, getting close to her with a hushed voice. – Did something happened with Tsubasa?
She knew her too well.
– Nothing happened. – that wasn't necessarily a lie. Either way, she wasn't ready to admit anything she was still so unsure about. – Let me go check if everything's ready for the next drill.
Hurrying away from the questioning eyes of her friend, Sanae walked towards the side of the field where the materials were. Truthfully, she didn't need to double check anything since she had been the one to prepare everything the boys needed. But no one needed to know that.
Sanae was so absorbed in her own thoughts she failed to notice the body that walked right past her and stopped in front of her. By the time she saw him, it was too late for her to stop, so the two bumped into each other with the poor boy falling to the ground like a piece of paper. Was she that strong?
– I'm so sorry! Are you okay? – she couldn't tell who the boy was, but considering he was still wearing the school's uniform, he wasn't part of their club.
– Ouch… I am not okay! If something happened to my camera I… – his words seemed to have been caught in his throat when he looked at her and she could have sworn his cheeks suddenly turned red. Was there something on her face or was he running some sort of fever?
She stood there with an apologetic look on her face not really knowing what to do. As the boy stood up, offering his hand to help her, a particular set of eyes was fixed on the two.
– Well, it's not like my camera would break that easily. – Kanazawa said shyly looking at Sanae.
– What's wrong? Who's this? – asked Yukari coming to see if she was okay. – Oh… It's you, Kanazawa-kun!
Did her best friend know every single person in this town?
– What are you doing here? Classes already ended. – asked Yukari with her hands on her waist.
– Do I look like I'm digging for potatoes? I'm here for my club! – his attitude with her friend was completely different from before. His words were sharp and his voice stable. What was up with him then? – Besides, there's a contest coming up and I haven't been able to take good photos.
– That's right, you're in the Photography Club. – remembered Yukari.
– Oh! You know him, Yukari? – if she was being honest, she didn't feel very comfort with the way he was pointing the camera at her, but she tried to ignore it.
– Kind of.
– I'm Nakazawa Sanae. Nice to meet you. – she politely bowed her head towards the boy, but quickly got up in surprise upon hearing the boy's next request.
– Could you be my model? – he asked with a contrasting determined face.
The two girls looked so astounded with the boy's words that all they could do was stare at him with their mouths slightly opened. Yukari was able to recover first, though.
– No way, Kanazawa-kun! It's too sudden… – said a faintly flushed Yukari.
– I'm not talking to you, Yukari. – Kanazawa didn't sound remorseful at all with his words. She felt bad for her friend. – Could you please, Nakazawa-san?
Call it post-traumatic stress from the latest events with Kanda or just the overall unwanted attention from a guy who was not their captain, but, in her gut, Kanazawa's request didn't sit right with her.
– What kind of photos? – she asked with an unpleasant look on her features. – Are you some kind of pervert?
– P-pervert?! No! Nothing wrong, I swear! – the boy looked so appalled she almost felt bad for giving him a hard time. Almost. – I t-think you got this all wrong. I just wanted to take a normal phot of you. It's my idea, as a photographer, to take a photo of a beautiful person in a normal setting.
He made a pause, and the crimson color came back to his face.
– Although, I would like to try taking some artistic nude photos someday…
Sanae felt an urge to release the Anego in her and show this guy he had no right to insinuate something that vulgar from her. However, before she could do anything, Kanazawa looked behind her with a terrified look on his face.
– No, no! I was just joking. – the boy stumbled back a step and threw his hands up waving them back and forth. – I was just babbling things out of my mouth.
– Let's hope so.
Sanae finally turned to see what frighten the boy so much, only to see a quite innocent looking Tsubasa walking towards them. Although if she was being honest with herself, the tension on his lips and coldness in his eyes didn't fit the inoffensive vibe at all.
The tension in the air could be cut with a knife and she was at a loss for words and couldn't figure out what to do to change it. The last time she saw Tsubasa emit such a strong presence was every time Kanda tried talking to her. But this guy was nothing like him and giving the events of this morning she was confused over his actions.
– Good grief! You haven't changed much, Kanazawa-kun. – said Yukari, trying to lighten the mood and prevent Tsubasa's anger from getting worst. To be honest Yukari was having quite fun with it.
– You're right. I'm just stupidly honest. – the smaller boy said with a hand on his head. She giggled at his actions and noticed Tsubasa divert his gaze towards her. – That's my personality, really!
This last statement seemed to have been more directed to Tsubasa, who was still not pleased over the discussion happening at that moment. The other boy was either brave or stupid to press on despite the captain's stand.
– Sanae-chan… U-Uh I mean, Nakazawa-san! Can I just take one photo, plea-
– Sanae, do you know where the spare cones are? I need more of them for the next drill. – said Tsubasa interrupting the boy and ignoring his helpless expression.
– Huh? Oh, of course! They're in the storage room. I'll go get them for you. – she turned back to the other boy one last time. – Sorry, Kanazawa-kun. I'm quite busy at the moment. Maybe Yukari can help you with your photos. See you later.
Sanae ran back to the storage room to get the items Tsubasa request, albeit a bit confused over the reason why he wanted them. She always added extra ones in case they needed them, and she was sure he knew that. Perhaps he forgot. After all, his mind seemed to be full lately.
As she walked out, she was surprised to see Tsubasa standing by the door waiting for her. Shouldn't he be preparing the next exercise by now?
– Oh, you're here. I just got the cones you ask-
– Are you going to do it?
His question seemed so out of place and sudden she was having trouble figuring out what he was talking about. Unfortunately for him, the familiar tense line his lips were creating at that moment gave him away. Still, she pressed.
– Do what?
– Are you going to be his model? – he asked in a low tone.
How long had he listened to their conversation? Surely long enough to know the intentions of the other boy. Now the reason behind his actions seemed clearer. Or was it?
– Huh? Oh, you're talking about the photos! – she said looking down embarrassed for no reason. – Of course not. I don't even know him to begin with. Besides, I'm not comfortable with things like that. I only do it when my brother asks me to.
She saw Tsubasa looking curiously at her, but decided to ignore him. She was already talking too much.
– There are so many prettier girls in our school. I don't even understand why he would want me to do it.
– I do.
Tsubasa's voice was low again, but Sanae was sure she heard what he said. Her eyes shot up in shock to meet his surprised ones. I guess he either thought she wouldn't hear him, or the words came out before he could stop them. Either way, her heart was looking for an explanation.
– I-I mean… I'm just trying to make sure that guy's intentions were… good. – the way he was stumbling with his words made him look adorable and that more attractive. – I don't doubt you would be able to do it. My brother already told you what I think. You're beautiful, Sanae.
He added that last compliment in a whisper only meant for her to hear. She couldn't interpret the look he was giving her, but her instincts told her to embrace the emotions her heart was giving out and let go of the walls they both built between them. His eyes seemed to scream words she couldn't comprehend, but before she could say anything, his look shifted, and it felt like they were back in the music room again.
– Well, enough babbling. – he chuckled without humor making it seem like his last words had no meaning. With a twinge in her heart, she wanted to tell him they meant the world for her. – I should get back to practice. See you later, Sanae.
With a small, almost sad smile, Tsubasa went back to the field under the curious eyes of his teammates. Behind, he left a disappointed Sanae still holding onto the needless extra cones.
Practice continued without another incident or interruption. Tsubasa seemed to regain his focus, attentively instructing the team, and delivering skills throughout the rest of the afternoon. She noticed with sadness, he didn't look back in her direction again.
The sun was setting behind the clouds as the whistle from the coach echoed throughout the field.
– All right, that's enough for today!
Most of the boys fell to the ground looking exhausted. The National Tournament was reaching them faster than they expected so, naturally, trainings had been rougher and challenging for the team. However, knowing them like she knew them, it was nothing her boys couldn't handle.
– Today was rough too… – said a breathless newbie.
– I'm going to die! – breathed out Ishizaki, the eternal drama king. She rolled her eyes.
The girls headed towards them with clean towels and fresh water to appease their drained state. Whilst Yukari distributed some water bottles, Sanae and Kumi handed them the towels and words of encouragement. She saw Tsubasa was one of the few still standing, looking quite peaceful despite the environment around him. As if on cue, Tsubasa turned to her and smiled at her, preparing his hand to receive her towel. However, seemed like someone had other plans.
– Here you go, Tsubasa-senpai! – said Kumi in a very loud voice.
Instead of her plain blue club towel, in Tsubasa's hands stood a lovely burnt yellow towel with a beautiful embroidery of his name. The contrast in both girls' actions for their captain spoke volumes to her and Sanae felt embarrassed for her hand still in mid hair with that stupid towel waiting to be held.
– T-thanks… – Tsubasa looked equally embarrassed, not knowing what to do. Not that he needed. Kumi practically shoved the towel into his arms.
– Hey, what's with that towel? – asked Izawa looking both curious and confused.
– It's different than ours! – added Kisugi comparing his towel to Tsubasa's.
She didn't know why this simple gesture made her feel so angry. Sure, it didn't feel good to have someone getting close to the boy she loved. But, on the other hand, it's not like Kumi wasn't allowed to do it either. If she was being honest, it was a nice move. One she didn't dare to do, but still nice. Tsubasa wasn't hers, so why should she get angry with such a trivial thing? More so, by the looks of it, it felt like he didn't even want to be.
– I stayed up all night and made it for you, Tsubasa-senpai. – Kumi's eyes were so full of hope and admiration, Sanae felt bad for feeling angry. How could she be upset at her for loving him when she felt exactly the same?
– You can tell she's playing favorites! – said Ishizaki in a jokester tone earning a laugh from the guys around him.
Upon hearing the word 'favorite', Tsubasa looked immediately to Sanae with a smile. However, the feeling of jealousy and uncertainty was still very vivid in her heart making her turn her head sharply in the opposite direction of him. She didn't even register the meaning of the smile Tsubasa was giving her nor the way it faded upon her actions.
She strolled back to the storage room with the plain towel still in her hands and a set of eyes still fixated on her. Despite that, she didn't turn back.
She stood there for a while trying to control her emotions, keeping herself busy by gathering the materials that were left behind. She understood that their relationship, or whatever it was, had a reason for being stagnated, even if she didn't know the problem or even the solution for it. But what left her more confused was the way Tsubasa kept giving her what seemed like encrypted signs or clues and just when she was about to figure them out, he would completely flip the table and change the game leaving her with no cards left to play. What was his deal? Was he playing with her? Surely not. He wasn't like that. He wasn't like Kanda.
Between this hurricane of emotions, she noticed through the window that Tsubasa was the only one left in the field. It looked like, despite his tiredness, he kept practicing his drive shot. It still astounded her how perseverant he was with his goals. She felt pride in the way he never gave up on what he wanted to achieve, and she wished she had that same stamina when it came to her feelings towards him.
Feeling the anger start to come back, Sanae acknowledged Kumi beside him, diligently passing him balls at his request.
– Okay, one more! – she heard Tsubasa say with a determined voice.
Sanae felt a new wave of embarrassment appear around her. How could she feel so discouraged over something so small and simple when the person she was trying to confess to showed so much resilience? Even if their relationship was meant to stay a small flower with barely any petals, it didn't mean she had to sit back and watch other seeds being thrown at them. After all, she was ok with how they were.
Hurrying back outside, she stood in front of Kumi ignoring Tsubasa's curious look.
– Kumi-chan, you must be tired. – Sanae said with a smile, gently taking the ball from the girl's hands. – I'll fill in for you.
– Sanae! – maybe she was kidding herself, but it sounded like there was more energy added to Tsubasa's voice and the glint in his eyes.
– Here you go, Tsubasa! – said Sanae with the same glint in her eyes and smile.
It seemed like Tsubasa's newfound energy passed onto the boys watching the scene from the locker room window. Almost without even noticing, the field around them quickly became full of boys eager to continue playing football. Even if she was glad their spirits continued to stay high and their desire to get better motivated them to work harder, her eyes and attention still focused on the boy next to her who looked the most determined out of them all.
It was small moments like this that made her feel like all of her hard work and the dedication was worth the wait and confusion over her feelings. Maybe this was enough for him. And if that was the case, then it was enough for her too.
After a while, they decided to finally wrap things up and go home to rest. The group quickly gathered all of their things and proceeded to leave the school, a happy sound of laughs around them. Sanae walked quietly beside them, still pensive, alas not as grim as before. A mixture of a worried and curious Tsubasa unknowingly walked behind her, his eyes hooked on her.
The sound of a click from a camera brought her back from her trance. She looked around for the culprit of the sound, only to feel a sudden breeze pass past her and Tsubasa's muscular back in front of her, blocking her view.
– What do you think you're doing? – said Tsubasa in a stern voice. The somewhat coldness in his tone brought her back to the many encounters between him and Kanda and she had to suppress the urge to grab his arm and pull him back from the situation.
Instead, she walked to his side, keeping a short but safe distance from him.
– Huh? Kanazawa-kun? – She asked confused looking at the boy who was hiding behind the street lamp.
– Uh, it's nothing. The thing is… – poor guy. He was so flustered all he could do was stutter. It was quite humorous, really.
– Wow, that's a nice camera you got there! – said an excited Ishizaki.
– Of course, he's part of the Photography Club! – Sanae explained to the rest of the boys who still didn't know who he was, smiling. She noticed Tsubasa didn't look amuse. She turned back to the smaller boy. – Right?
– Oh, perfect! – said enthusiastically Ishizaki, completely unaware of the tension growing around them. – Could you take some pictures of us?
– Yes! We could send them to Wakabayashi and Misaki! – added Morizaki.
Kanazawa didn't look as thrilled though.
– B-But… I only take artistic photography…
– Hey, come on, don't be like that! – insisted Ishizaki walking over to the helpless boy with the rest pf the group, leaving Sanae and Tsubasa behind.
– Artistic photography my ass… – said Tsubasa in a low, dangerous voice.
His voice had been so low and slightly dangerous, that she was still having trouble figuring out if what she had heard was right. And if she did, what did he mean by that? Why did the presence of that harmless boy made him feel so angry all of a sudden?
Sanae tried looking at him, searching for answers on his behavior only to find him rolling his eyes with an almost pout on his lips. The resembles to Daichi was so vivid it made her chuckle. He looked adorable.
The sound of her giggles seemed to tone down the wrinkle of annoyance between his brows. He turned towards her with a curious and knowing smile on his lips, one that she used to believe was reserved for her. Sanae kept her focus on the wall behind him to control her blush.
– What's so funny, missy? – asked Tsubasa crossing his arms in front of his chest, smirking at her. Why did he have to be so handsome?
– Nothing, nothing. – she urged back, giggling again as he tilted his head and slightly lowered his torso towards her. He look so endearing. Damn her heart. – I just feel bad for the poor guy.
The look of irritation came back to Tsubasa's features upon hearing Sanae's words. He rotated his head to look at Kanazawa. His eyes looked threatening.
– He's lucky this is all he gets.
Losing count on the amount of times Tsubasa left her speechless that day, Sanae stared once again at the handsome boy in front of her. To be honest she didn't know if she should feel angry or enlightened by his words. Truthfully, she was honestly getting tired of the constant unsureness in her heart. But then again, how could she stay mad at him?
– What are you two doing standing there? Let's take a group photo! – yelled out Ishizaki breaking their moment.
The group was already gathered around so they simply positioned themselves at the back. Everyone was busy laughing or trying to strike the best pose, so only few managed to notice the way Kanazawa was looking at Sanae, completely enamored.
On her hand, Sanae's mind was still repeating Tsubasa's words in her mind, trying in vain to decipher the meaning behind them, so she failed to see the admiration the boy behind the lens had in his eyes. Beside her, contrary to her, Tsubasa was very observant and did not look happy over the attention the smaller boy was giving Sanae.
Before she heard the click of the camera, a hand wrapped around her waist a pulled her towards a strong, muscular body, so familiar to her, simultaneously pulling her away from the jigsaw puzzle in her brain.. The sudden warmness emanating from him and his sweet scent both surprised and calmed her, allowing her to produce a beautiful smile for the camera.
She was so engrossed in the moment, she didn't notice how angry and ready to walk towards to them Kumi looked, only to be stopped by Yukari, who had a knowing smile on her lips.
She heard her friends ask for one more picture, apparently they wanted to make a silly face on this one. Sanae didn't really care to be honest. She dared to look up at him only to see him already looking at her. His eyes were no longer cold or narrowed. Instead, a glint and softness covered them and a small, nostalgic smile graced his lips.
The sound of their friend's laughter seemed to tune out and the only soundtrack accompanying that moment was the sound of their breathing and unspoken words. Even if some tension was still present among the two, the memorable, safe and sentimental aura was stronger. Sanae felt like she could lose herself in those dark brown eyes if she wasn't careful. She didn't even know if she wanted to.
As their friends started to scatter from their positions, Tsubasa lightly squeezed her side before letting go of her waist, keeping their eye contact for a while longer. Sanae tried to give him a reassuring smile back, hoping to tell him that she validated whatever it was he was feeling, knowing that she would always be there for him. Whatever way it would be.
Hello, everyone!
Going back to writing this story has been a peaceful journey. I can shamefully say I forgot how happy and focused I get every time I came back to it. Earlier this year, adjusting to my new professional life was not easy when it came to managing my time and I let my tiredness rule over my creativity. Alas, I came to the conclusion that the last is essential for me to feel productive and it didn't feel right to keep this character's story, who I hold so dear in my heart, unfinished. On the other hand, I've got to say that the frenzy over the World Cup also helped.
To be honest, I'm not quite sure whose comment I answered last, but thank you to everyone who took time to comment, like or follow my story. It motivated me a lot to came back to this world and every word means a lot to me. It feels great to know that I can create something that brings joy to other people.
I'll try to continue doing it the best I can.
Have a lovely day!