A/N: Hi everyone! I'm very excited to share this fanfic with you~
I have also made visuals to my OC, feel free to check out my profile for it~
"Ah, everyone, this is Noriko Yajima. She will be joining us today as the club manager." Joujima-san proudly introduced me to all Yamanami Water Polo club members.
"Pleased to meet you!" I bowed my head in front of them. We were all standing by the pool where they did their usual practice. I saw their big smiles as they studied me from head to toe.
"S-she's so cute!" I incredibly felt nervous when Ejiri-san suddenly complimented me. My cheeks turned beet red, and I looked down, feeling uneasy. I didn't know what to say. Should I thank him or pretend I didn't hear that?
"A-aa, I'm sorry, I didn't mean..." He apologized as if he was sensing my uneasiness.
"I-it's okay! I-I'm looking forward to working with everyone." I ended the introduction so they could begin their usual practice.
"We're glad to have you here, Yajima-san." Oka-san smiled. His eyes were sparkling and gleaming. I smiled in return. I felt that he was someone I could get along with quickly. Immediately after, Joujima-san told everyone to change to their swimwear.
Everyone turned and went to the changing room except for Kiyomizu-san, who stayed behind. He stared at me as if he was looking for answers. I turned away because I couldn't be able to keep eye contact with him. Could he possibly remember me?
"You look really familiar...I felt like we met before, but..."
I placed my hand on my chest that felt like bursting from pounding. Could it really be that Kiyomizu-san remembered me from that one time? It was a brief meeting, but I could never possibly forget it.
"...but I may be mistaken. Forget it." Kiyomizu-san turned away and followed the other team members. I saw a hint of slight blush, but maybe it was just my imagination.
But...what's with the cold attitude? The Kiyomizu-san I knew was cheerful and lively. Oh right, a lot could happen in 3 years. After all, he had forgotten about me.
Our 6th grade year had just ended, and it was time for summer vacation. With my personal maid and two bodyguards, I went swimming at one of Dad's pools. I had a blast. Because I spent so much time by myself in our private pool, I'd always wanted to visit one that was open to the public. Dad finally agreed after much pleading from me.
When I first arrived at the pool resort, I was giddy with anticipation, but that soon faded into gloom. There was a group of boys and girls of my age playing there. They were all seemed acquainted. As a result, I was once again left on my own in this place. It was like when I was in our private pool. I didn't know that it was sadder to be alone in the presence of other people than when you were all by yourself.
I found myself sulking in the corner when Kiyomizu-san approached me and asked, "Do you play water polo?"
I lifted my eyes and saw a handsome boy my age. His face seemed shining, and his smile lighted up my world in an instant. I knew I fell in love at that time, but I didn't understand my feelings back then. I had read about water polo, so I knew the rules but never actually played it. I was never athletic, and I spent most of my time just reading books. However, I lied and said that I played water polo because I wanted to spend time with him.
I joined his friends, and it looked like he asked me because they lacked one member to begin the game. Other girls were playing in it too. I was so happy that I could finally make friends. The afternoon that day was full of laughter and a casual play of water polo. I helped my team strategize a play based on recalling it from the books I read. Kiyomizu-san heartily supported my suggestions. We won the game, and I saw his smile that reached his ears.
Before I left, I asked Kiyomizu-san a question. "D-do you like someone?" I knew it was a careless question, but I was ready to accept however painful it was.
"I know we just met, but I think I like you." That caught me off guard. I was so flustered that I immediately covered my face. My mind was telling me to confess the same when he added something.
"I always like a girl who is knowledgeable in water polo." I took a step back. It was true that I was knowledgeable in water polo as I did read some popular books about it. Our family estate had its own library, where I stayed almost all the time. Since then, I swore to study and be an expert in water polo, not as a player but as a coach someday.
I snapped back to reality, and I realized I had been daydreaming for the past few hours. I didn't realize that the other team members left. I only saw Kiyomizu-san still in the pool, training. Does this mean the two of us are alone here? I stood up and gathered my things. I was preparing to leave. When I was about to head out, Kiyomizu-san got out of the pool. "Yajima-san."
He called out to me. I felt a slight shiver on my skin. The way he called me was different. It had a familiar ring to it.
"Yajima-san, as I thought, we had already met before." He remembered me?!