The rest of the evening was sat in silence. I couldn't bring myself to answer him honestly. I knew why I'd come. But, I couldn't admit that to him. Kei Tsukishima would have an absolute field day.

Vanji Kageyama, cousin of The King of the Court, and ex-girlfriend of Ninja Shoyo, coming to him for help sorting her petty feelings.

We finished dinner and once we got back into Tsukishima's car we both couldn't look in the other's direction. As I stared out the window, I realized we weren't headed in the direction of Hinata's apartment.

"Hey.. um.. Shoyo's is back that way." I reminded.

"I know." he stated mildly.

"Soo... why are you going this way?"

"Uh my place is this way?"

"Wait!" I argued, "Hell no Tsuki! Take me back!"

"And what then? Have you continue to drag me along in you and Hinata's little pathetic game of house?" he growled.

"That's bullshit and you know it!!" I shouted back.

He turned glaring daggers at me, pulled the car over and parked us at the curbside:

"Vanji!! It's exactly what you do!!"

Before I retaliated, I caught a glimpse of his eyes. And, I saw.. genuine pain.

"Tsuki.. I-" I began.

"You think all those times I came to be beside you were coincidence?" he chuckled darkly.

"I-" I bit my tongue.

"All those times we all hung out together. I watched. Whether it was at school, practices. At first, I despised your little attitude. Too much like the King. Runs in the family I suppose,"

I crossed my arms over my chest mildly annoyed while he continued:

"But, I saw that headstrong determination and that raw energy behind that look of yours. And.. I couldn't help but feel drawn to you.. but.. apparently I wasn't the only one. Before I knew it, I watched him place himself into your world.. somehow Hinata broke through your defenses like they never existed. I saw something I hadn't seen before. Your smile. Your laugh. The way you looked at him. I hated it... that damn brat already had everything.. talent, friends, and he gets you too?"

"Tsuki, you don't just get to wait all this time and suddenly confess you've got a crush on me!"

"Oh but you can be sleeping over at Hinata's, doing god knows what, and the minute you start doubting yourself, run back to me?" he spat.

His words stung.

"When did we get this way, Vanji?" he asked.

"Kei... I.." I began.

"Don't call me that!" he snarled.

I winced at the harshness of his tone.

He turned away from me, "You don't get to.. you aren't.. mine.."

I quickly reached for the door handle and rushed out of the car and started in a random direction without even thinking. After I'd gained some distance, I turned back to see if he'd followed me. But.. he was nowhere to be found. I couldn't even see his car anymore. And I had no idea where I was...

Fantastic Vanji... you've royally screwed up AND now you're lost.

I felt something cold land on top of my head. I looked up and saw gray clouds blurring the skyline. Then, began the down pour.

I shrieked and ducked under the nearest building covering. But, it was too late. I was already drenched and freezing. I searched through my pockets and was able to fish out my cell. (Thank goodness for my waterproof protective case)

* 5 Missed Calls- Shoyo Hinata*

I practically slammed on the redial button and waiting anxiously for the dial tone.

He picked up instantly, "Vanji! Are you okay? You've been gone for hours. I was so worried!"

I sniffled hearing the comforting sound of his voice, "Can you please come get me?"

"Of course baby! Where are you?"

"Umm.. to be honest.. I have no clue.. but.. I'll send you my location."

"Okay! I'll be there soon. Stay put!"

"Okay.." I sighed.

I sent my location to Hinata and realized he was only 10 minutes away. I sat down on the nearest bench and brought my knees to my chest. I buried my face and felt my chest shake and began sobbing. Releasing all the pain, confusion and desperation I'd allowed to fester over the past year. I was so sick of being the damsel-in-distress. When did I allow myself to become so weak and depend on others to the point of helplessness? I felt defenseless. And I hated it..

"Hey what's a cutie like you doing crying all alone in this part of the city?" a voice cackled.

I lifted my gaze and a strange man stood in front of me far too close for comfort. He was wearing glasses that had fogged due to the rain and a heavy trench coat so I couldn't make out his eyes or other discerning features.

I quickly stood up, wiping my tears and turned away, "None of your business. Just leave me alone.."

"Aww.. come onn.. Did a little boy toy break your heart?" he pressed further, "Why don't you let a real man show you a good time?"

He reached for my arm and grabbed my wrist. I instantly recoiled and shoved him to the ground.

"I said back off!" I hissed and stormed off in the opposite direction.

~~~

Hinata found me in a disheveled, puddle of tears, soaking wet in the rain. He instantly sprung into action and wrapped me in a towel and turned on his vehicle's heated seats so I could warm up during the ride home.

I didn't tell him about the encounter. At this point, I was too emotionally exhausted to even consider the fact that some random stranger had basically harassed me. My thoughts were elsewhere.

Once we were safely inside in his apartment, he drew me a hot bath and helped me get cleaned up and into more borrowed clothes from his wardrobe. He carefully tucked me into bed and, without saying a single word or pestering me for explanations, he quietly held me in his arms, stroking my hair and occasionally placing chaste kisses on my cheek or forehead.

I closed my eyes. I was here in Hinata's arms.

Yet, why did I feel like I was miles away? Why does it feel like my heart was ripped out of my chest? Why do I feel so small?

Hinata shifted beside me and, pulling me by the waist, he brought me into a spooning position with him.

He rested his chin on my shoulder and sighed, "Vanji.. I know you went to talk to him."

I tensed, "Are you angry?"

"Honestly," he began, "Yeah, I am..."

The blow of his reply made the wind escape my lungs, "Will you leave me?"

~~~