Date: 12/05 12:12
To: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: On the way…
Hello, Kageyama-kun. How are you?
Koushi and Daichi hoped you arrived on time.
Date: 12/05 12:14
From: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: Re: On the way…
Hi. I'm fine.
How about Harukaze-san?
I arrived on time.
Date: 12/05 12:15
To: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: Re: On the way…
I am well, thank you.
It's lunch break here. Hope you do well.
Date: 12/05 12:18
From: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: Re: On the way…
Same here.
You too, Harukaze-san.
Sawako smiled at the screen of her phone. She pushed a button and the screen turned black. She took her packed lunch inside her bag, sensing Asahi, Daichi, Koushi, and Kiyoko's presence getting near at her table.
It has been weeks since she met Reiko-san's, Kageyama-kun's mother, and when their mothers met. That encounter was a surprise and unexpected but it turned out nicely. Because after that, she would hear her mother talking to Reiko-san over the telephone at home. On the days that followed, she swore her mother went to trim her hair with Kageyama-kun's mother to Kageyama-kun's older sister, Miwa-san, who apparently works at Sendai. She never knew he had an older sister.
In accordance with that was having a newfound penpal in the form of Kageyama-kun himself. Actually, they just started last night.
She can still remember that morning months ago waking up with Koushi's mail. Inside were details of Kageyama-kun's contact information – mail and phone number. She saved it immediately due to profound excitement and unexplainable joy.
However, she was not aware that Kageyama-kun got a hold of her information as well. But of course, the answer would always point to Sugawara Koushi, her chaotic, cunning friend that hid behind that gentle and angel-like face of his. That guy was devious.
Her world stopped when she received a mail from him last night. If it weren't for the saved contact information, she would wonder who on earth has sent her a message. But she did anyway.
Date: 12/04 19:28
From: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: (No Subject)
I got your contacts from Sugawara-san.
Date: 12/04 19:29
From: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: (No Subject)
Is it okay to send you emails? I'd like to keep in communication with Harukaze-san.
A first step.
A beat.
Thus, that began her mail exchange with the dark-haired lad.
When she received the message, she wondered how he looked while typing his honesty. Also, the fact that there was more than a five-minute interval in his messages. Sawako was aware that she was nervous about their exchange. She didn't expect that Kageyama-kun's the one taking that step.
She smiled at the memory. But it quickly fades away upon seeing Daichi's brooding face. Her eyes blinked in succession at a memory of his flaming hot temper earlier in the morning. It wasn't obvious but they can't hide anything. They've been friends for years. A minuscule of change is enough for Sawako to tell that something happened, whether it's good or bad. But taking consideration of his attitude earlier, she guessed that it was leaning on the latter side.
"So, what made your pants antsy?" Her eyebrow raised at the hand that casually subtracted her number of rolled eggs.
The two other males glanced at Daichi while Kiyoko silently opened her bento.
Daichi sighed. "Hinata…" He started. "I don't know what goes on his mind. I seriously felt like my blood pressure rose earlier."
She turned to the two, not catching the drift of what the volleyball team captain was saying all the while beginning to eat after mumbling a quick thanks.
It was Koushi who answered. "Hinata invaded the training camp at Shiratorizawa."
Sawako choked on her rice.
"I'm almost envious of his courage."
"Why don't you be like that, Azumane?"
The aforementioned shook his head. "No way. I don't want to get yelled at."
Hinata-kun, she learned as she drank her water, apparently overheard the conversation between Yamaguchi-kun and Tsukishima-kun last night. The tallest of the team was the only one who has been invited to participate in the mock intensive training camp whereas Kageyama-kun has to go to Tokyo for his. Learning that he wasn't invited at either, he chose to show up uninvited to the camp with a possible least punishment. Thus, the Shiratorizawa invasion earlier.
It only occurred to Sawako that despite being a ball of sunshine, Hinata-kun is a dangerous fellow. Again, she's been reminded that even Koushi is cunning behind his gentle face, Daichi is childish despite looking mature, and Asahi is soft despite his built. Even Kageyama-kun is an awkward boy hiding behind his scowling face.
Sawako couldn't help but feel sorry. Hinata-kun risked himself in going to Shiratorizawa for the purpose of getting stronger. Besides, he has still an ongoing rivalry with their first-year setter. With the tall boy excused for a week for training camp, for the National League at that, Hinata-kun has simply no plans in dilly-dallying by getting left behind. Even if it means lowering down whatever left of his pride.
Circumstances like that will surely make someone strong but at the same time, destroy them. As she ate the rest of her food, she assumed that Hinata-kun will be stronger by the end of the week, as he was a force to be reckoned with.
Date: 12/05 19:39
From: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: (No Subject)
Attachments: See attachments
Training ended.
It was a shaky and blurry photo of what seemed to be his dinner.
Date: 12/05 20:01
To: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: Re: (No Subject)
That looks delicious. How did your training go?
Date: 12/05 20:03
From: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: Re: (No Subject)
Everyone is skilled. I don't know some.
How about Harukaze-san?
What a curt answer.
Sawako glanced at the clock.
Date: 12/05 20:04
To: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: Re: (No Subject)
All is well. Usual studying.
As for the team, Koushi has just told me that they started practicing serves.
Oh, do you mind if we switch to a phone call?
Date: 12/05 20:07
From: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: Re: (No Subject)
Phone call?
Date: 12/05 20:07
To: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: Re: (No Subject)
Koushi gave me your phone number.
I'm calling?
Sawalp buried her face onto her pillow as soon as the message was sent.
They had just started yesterday night. How bold of her to request a phone call conversation. She was afraid he'd turn her down. But there was no answer. Looking at her phone, she took note of a three-minute gap in his response to her request.
Did I ask too much? She guessed that he was taken aback. She groaned at the thought. There was still no response from him and five minutes already passed. She couldn't help but raise her eyebrow in confusion. Then, her lips parted slightly. Could it be…?
Blinking, her fingers swiped her phone screen and entered the contacts application. She did not waste any second and dialed a phone number. Slowly, she placed the device by her ear, hearing the sound of its ringing from the other end of the line.
The sound felt like it's been ringing for so long. It was loud and was beating alongside the rhythm of her heartbeat. She noticed. Sawako checked her free hand and saw that it was shaking. She exhaled.
For a moment, she decided to end to dial and typed an excuse as a follow-up. But she didn't. Not when the call was answered did her breath felt like it was robbed of air.
There was silence.
But she can hear the sound of someone breathing. She found hers hitching.
Oh my, kami-sama.
[Hello…?]
Her face felt warm all of a sudden.
[Harukaze-san…?]
She opened her mouth to speak, ignoring the blush on her cheeks and the shaking of her hands.
"Ka–"
[Toot.]
She froze.
She blinked.
"Hm?'
Sawako checked the screen of her phone, seeing the list of call logs. There, at the top was…
Kageyama Tobio 12/05
Outgoing 14s
Sawako rubbed her eyes, squinting at the screen of her phone. She couldn't believe it. So, she chose to stare. Then, she chuckled. Her eyes lingering on that one name at the top and the most recent.
He hanged up on me?
It was cute. He was being cute. Sawako sighed, unable to stop herself from smiling. Shaking her head, she clicked his name and dialed once more. She placed it again by her ear with the intention that this time, she'll speak before he repeats on doing the same thing.
Her eyes widened slightly in anticipation when it was answered.
[Hello?]
"Kageyama-kun." She spoke.
There was silence at the end of the line.
[…Harukaze-san?]
"Yes, it's me." She smiled. "Why'd you end the call earlier?" She couldn't help but to ask.
[Oh… I didn't know it was… you.]
She's still smiling. Hmm?
[Sorry.]
A sigh. "It's alright."
Silence.
Okaaaay…
Silence.
She gulped. What to say next...?
Silence.
[Harukaze-san.]
At the call of her name, she sat upright. "Yes?"
[Why do we have to switch into a phone call?]
She scratched her cheek Her eyes looking at every corner of her room. All of a sudden, she was lost for words. Her eyes landed on the clock on her headstand. She remembered the reason.
"I… I'm afraid, I might fall asleep in the middle of texting… that's why…"
[Why?]
Blink. "Because I normally sleep early? As much as possible."
A brief silence.
Sawako bit her lip. "What time do you usually sleep, Kageyama-kun?"
She began to be painfully aware that she might be disturbing his free time. After all, it's past eight in the evening. As far as she's aware, there is no time difference between Tokyo and Sendai.
[Nine.]
Another blink. "Oh. I hope I didn't disturb anything…" That's quite early.
[No, not at all.]
Silence.
[…Your voice…]
Sawako glanced at her feet that reached the floor. "What of it?"
[… it sounds like Harukaze-san.]
She was caught in a succession of blinks. Then she giggled. "I am Harukaze-san." She decided to lay on the bed. "Is this the first time you ever have a phone call with someone?" She was too late to reconsider her words then. Only realizing that it was rude of her to say such a thing.
She was about to apologize when there was a noise in the background. [No. Ukai-san called me before.]
A pause.
[… you're the other someone.] He said in a small voice, she barely heard him at all.
She cupped her mouth and fought a blush. Sawako was speechless, unsure of what to think. Does this mean that aside from her and Keishin, he didn't receive phone calls often? She doubted that Koushi and Hinata-kun would bother when Kageyama-kun never missed a day to train. And after meeting his mother the other week, Reika-san appeared to be the mother who trusts that her son is well the whole day.
She knew that he's socially awkward who happens to be sporty and participates in team sports. What about his friends in primary and middle school? His friends in class? She began to doubt their existence and their relationship knowing Kageyama-kun's attitude.
"Oh." She does not know what to say. But she felt sad for him.
Silence.
[Hey… I mean… Harukaze-san…]
"Hm?"
[… phone calls sound nice.]
She blinked. Her heart tugged. She clutched her chest with a red face.
They didn't talk much on the call. Their time was short and awkward but it was still understandable. Having to learn the reason behind his intimidating façade, she took note of his effort in attempt to keep the conversation going. Despite having a normal social life, Sawako failed to be normal when she talked to him. They had brief silences in the middle of their conversation. Nevertheless, it was decent and was rather… formal.
But it was typical of Kageyama-kun. Sawako knew that it was because of the hierarchy and order of their years that he talked to her as if she's his superior. He never called her Harukaze-senpai before. It was always Harukaze-san.
A giggle escaped her lips. What an obedient child.
She blinked at her thought. After all that has happened, is it still appropriate to label Kageyama-kun a child? Her mind drifted and reminisce all of her encounters with him. From the way, he stood tall in that athletic built of his all the while sporting an almost permanent scowl on his face. Sawako realized that lately, she hasn't seen his scowl.
There was a change.
She remembered the shade of red that coated his ears and cheeks whenever he's flustered or embarrassed. His eyes were color blue that gleamed every time it was hit by a ray of the sun and light of the moon. Even that odd face of his that was full of passion whenever he got a hold of a volleyball.
Her head cocked to the side when a sudden question appeared to mind. How old is Kageyama-kun anyway?
The vibration of notification in her skirt took her attention away from going further with her thoughts. Grabbing the phone, she discreetly opened a new mail from the person she was just thinking of. Even now, Sawako can't still grasp the fact that he can actually initiate a conversation, even if it's in a virtual world.
He's actually normal on selected occasions.
Date: 12/06 11:49
From: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: (No Subject)
Harukaze-san, what do goody two little shoes mean?
Her eyebrow raised as a small laugh managed to escape her lips. She typed her response after eyeing the person at the front of the class, careful not to be caught by their Calculus teacher.
Date: 12/06 11:50
To: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: Re: (No Subject)
You mean, "goody two shoes"?
It means a person who do everything right and follows rules.
Did someone call you that?
She quickly hid her phone and grabbed her mechanical pen. She wrote down her answer to question number nine when she felt another vibration on the pocket of her skirt.
Date: 12/06 11:51
From: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: Re: (No Subject)
Yeah. Is it a compliment?
She bit her lips and glanced up at the board. It was about lunch break and the teacher was already cleaning his desk. Sawako decided to wait for his dismissal before she can reply. She began to slowly clean her desk.
What Kageyama-kun's message rubbed her off for some reason. He said someone called him such and that idiom's meaning depends on the implication. It may sound like a compliment. However, it could also be an indirect insult for the reason that the person may have made the other party uncomfortable.
"Well then, questions 10-30 will be your homework." The sensei turned to her. "Harukaze-kun, please collect the notebooks first thing in the morning and bring them to my desk."
She nodded, taking the order tucked inside her head and noting to place it on her reminders list. "Yes, sensei."
With that, the class was dismissed with a few minutes to spare before the bell rings for lunch.
Is someone insecure of Kageyama-kun?
She took her phone and sent her response.
Date:12/06 11:57
To: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: Re: (No Subject)
I'm not sure. You should ask that person what he meant.
Date: 12/06 11:58
From: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: Re: (No Subject)
Okay.
"Watcha' smilin' at?"
A voice from behind her surprised her. She saw Koushi leaning over her shoulder, peeping on what her phone screen flashes. She glared at her friend when he gave her that annoying all-knowing grin. "So, he finally messaged you, huh? Good for you, Sawa." He pinched her side that she returned it to him immediately with a slight flush in her cheeks.
Daichi appeared and rearranged their table. "I thought I told you to leave them alone."
"They were taking it really slow, y'know. Who knows what's the two of them gonna be acting at this point of time if it weren't for my help?"
"Probably still shy and just stealing glances."
"Exactly!"
"Fair point. Just assist when they need it."
"'Kay."
Sawako rolled her eyes and brought out her bento. She sighed. "Hello, I'm here."
Koushi sat on the chair beside her, grinning. "We know. It's on purpose."
She just narrowed her eyes at her friend but smiled at the two new-comer: Asahi and Kiyoko. She tuned out the amused pout that Koushi was giving at her direction. However, in her mind was that she was grateful at his nosiness. There was a change in her relationship with Kageyama-kun. She no longer watched him from afar with the feeling of uncertainty and feeling shy. Technically, she still watches him from afar but this time, they both acknowledged each other's existence with less awkwardness. They're no longer the person they were on their first encounter.
They're….
She looked at her bento with two pairs of chopsticks fighting for an egg roll. She chose to stare blankly at the two lads she called friends over the years and decided to give the egg roll to the silent Kiyoko instead. This caused Daichi and Koushi to looked at her with surprise before turning to steal Asahi's octopus instead.
Sawako took out her phone and clicked the camera.
Date: 12/06 12:17
To: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: Lunch break
Attachments: See attachment.
She ignored the confused look she received when they saw the camera pointing at them and smiled to herself.
"Y'know, I've heard the good news."
Sawako looked up from her reviewer to let her pink-haired friend know that she's listening and has caught her attention.
"Suga-kun told me that you've got yourself a boyfriend. Is this true?"
Her eyes widened. She stared.
The two of them decided to visit their club and check if things are fine with the remaining Literature club members – a group of five second-years and three first years, including her sister, Kirin. She and Satsuki chose to retire last June as college preparations became a top priority.
Today, after class, they're now inside the clubroom filled with books and papers, inks and printers, as well as cute underclassmen of the Literature Club. The moment the word "boyfriend" left Satsuki's lips, Sawako swore that the already silent clubroom became more silent that she could hear their breaths being on-hold for some reason. It was obvious that they're listening and Satsuki must've done it on purpose just so she can't evade the topic.
Sawako fought the blush, embarrassed. "O-Of course not!" She hissed. "He's not my b-boyfriend…" She raised the reviewer to hide her face, feeling her friend's face leaning nearer to hers.
"Who?"
Sawako averted her eyes behind the notebook and caught sight of expecting gazes from the other students inside the room. Her eyes caught the questioning and surprised bluish-green eyes of her sister that Sawako began to hide her face in her hair. She was grateful her hair was loose today as she cursed the name of her nosy friend.
Koushi!
"Secret," Sawako answered with red cheeks.
Kageyama. Kageyama-kun is an underclassman that was on a different club. He was being taken good care of by her wonderful friends, particularly Sugawara Koushi. To Sawako, he is an underclassman and… penpal?
A… a… a friend.
Somehow, that label makes her sad. Kageyama-kun's her friend? She was happy for she's no stranger to him anymore. At the same time, her heart clenched, hurt. She wanted to see more of his blushing face, his rarest kind of smile, and the feeling of how soft his silky hair against her palm.
Huh? Does this mean she wants more of this odd relationship of theirs?
Well yeah, she likes Kageyama-kun as a person. He's a weird, trying-hard child but is actually well-behaved. He just happened to have minimal social interactions, he sometimes messed up on his language and attitude. She likes his face, too. It was too good for a person that can be violent, emitting a scary aura when he's insulted, and a mouth that knows curses but sticks to one insult. And he's too honest. She likes that part of him. Though, there are times he does not know how to bar his comments.
But a relationship – a romantic relationship with Kageyama-kun?
Sawako blushed.
According to Koushi, the training camp ends in five days. Meaning to say, tomorrow at Sunday, lunch or afternoon, the three adorable first-years would return after being absent and excuse on the team's training.
It was the fourth night and she was talking to Kageyama-kun about how Karasuno was doing while he's gone. She included the fact that Hinata-kun followed Tsukishima-kun at Shiratorizawa, in which he muttered…
[Dumbass.]
… as lowly as possible but she heard it anyway. However, what happened to Hinata-kun was still a mystery even to the team. The only one who knew and was there who can recount their strongest decoy's tales was Tsukishima-kun. Yet, the kind of lad he certainly finds no reason why he has to update the team regarding Hinata-kun's activity. But aside from their tallest middle blocker, her cousin knows what was up as well. Sawako chose not to ask for any details.
They were talking when there's another voice at the end of the line.
[Are~ Who y're talkin' to, Tobio-kun?]
[Ah. Harukaze-san.]
[Harukaze? Who?]
[A senpai.]
[From your team?]
[No. She's friends with my seniors.]
[She? Didn't peg ya to have a romantic bone. And to someone older at that.]
She blushed. Hold on, did he forgot that the call's ongoing and that, I can hear them talking?
[Romantic?]
[What's her year?]
[Third.]
A whistle. [You have a picture of her?]
[None.]
[Bummer. So, she's going to the nationals?]
[I haven't asked her.]
[Oh, you should. I wanna see her.]
What?
Narrowing her eyes at the screen and the prolonging time of the call, Sawako listened.
Apparently, that person was Miya Atsumu. The same person who called Kageyama-kun a goody-two-shoes the other day. Miya-san wants to see her face? But for what reason? Bothered, Sawako checked the calendar on her phone, the voices of two setters echoing in her dim room. The information from Keishin stated that the Spring Tournament will start in the first week of January. The event is set to have its opening ceremony on the fifth day.
Naturally, this will be the first time in a long-time appearance of the Karasuno in this national tournament. And Sawako decided to show her support especially when it's from her batch and they're her friends that's going to be there.
The call ended as soon as Miya-san left. It was also past nine and Kageyama-kun seemed to have realized that they were not done talking, he immediately muttered a number of apologies. After reassuring him that it was fine and that he has to go, the call ended.
That night, before she slept, she thought of Kageyama-kun's face. When she woke up the next day, her mind raced to imagine his face and wondered what will happen now that it was his last day in Tokyo. Tomorrow on Monday at school, things will go back to normal.
Tomorrow… I'll see him tomorrow.
Their virtual talk through mail exchange and phone calls felt so long yet so short. She was able to overcome the shyness that she felt as they continuously converse five-night straight.
But the difference of reality and virtual hits different. Even if she broke free of her shyness virtually, what about being shy in reality? Can she act the same thing as she was on phone calls? What about Kageyama-kun? He's awkward in person and in emails. It's as if there's no barrier that hinders him. Sawako's unsure if he'll the same as he did after their exchanges.
Seriously… I shouldn't worry.
"They were taking it really slow, y'know. Who knows what's the two of them gonna be acting at this point of time if it weren't for my help?"
She remembered Koushin saying those words and he's right. Months of nothing but awkward encounters could lead them to a year of the same routine. And she's a graduating student, it couldn't go on for two years. There's a limit to their interaction for she has to leave the town soon for college. While he'll be stuck in here for his second and third-year until he decided to pursue whatever he set for his future.
If she really wanted to be more than they already are, they have to advance. And knowing Kageyama-kun with his history of human interaction and social culture, leaves her the option that she has to initiate things. Setting the first mail exchange aside, Sawako opted to do it for them.
Only if we are on the same page.
She sighed and headed downstairs. It's still early to think of future worries. Her focus right now should be reviewing for the entrance examinations.
It was past two on Sunday afternoon. The triplets were lazying in the living room each on different agenda. Hitori was very focused on what she's watching on the television, Kirin was beside her older triplet also watching the same show but with less enthusiasm. Suzaku sat cozily on the floor while drinking black tea like an old man. The three of them have their space on the kotatsu. Whereas, Sawako prepared to leave for her date with Satsuki.
"I'll be home by dinner." She announced as she wrapped a scarf around her neck by the hallway.
"Stay safe!" She heard the three chorused.
She sat on the genkan and wore her boots. Once she wore her jacket, she left the house and immediately was faced with the same view of the world outside but with a colder atmosphere. Sawako exhaled and closed the cold wooden gate.
Both she and Satsuki agreed to go out today to have a girl time at Sendai. The girl complained that Sawako's too conscious of the approaching examinations for so long that they barely had time to bond. Even when they're together, her nose was always on the book and notes. That, the only time her nose was out of those pages, her attention would shift to Kageyama-kun. How did Satsuki learned of his name was obviously Koushi's doing.
She rode the bus to Sendai and walked towards the train station. It was where they both agreed to meet. The pink-haired young lady told her beforehand that she attended cram school at Sendai on Sunday.
Date: 12/09 14:57
From: Aizawa Satsuki
Subject: Girl Time
I'm here at the entrance.
Why the train station out of all places? She wondered. She didn't reply anymore at the recent message and took strides towards the place of rendezvous. She's supposed to see a mop of pink upon her arrival but there was no sign of the rosette. Sawako raised a brow at the post and the area but she was sure that there was no Aizawa Satsuki around.
Date: 12/09 15:12
To: Aizawa Satsuki
Subject: Re: Girl Time
Satsu, I'm here. Where are you?
She waited and stood patiently outside. Every now and then, she would follow the back of the people who passed by her. Workers, students, couples on a date, individuals who mindlessly walked around the city or was going somewhere, mothers pushing a stroller for their babies or carrying their babies, the vendor from the small stall that sells corndogs, and there was herself.
Two minutes, five minutes, ten minutes…
I wonder what happened.
She opened her phone and decided to make a phone call. Sawako concealed a shudder through stifling a yawn as she listened to the incessant ringing on Satsuki's end. But it only kept on until the call ended, telling her that it cannot be reached.
Bothered, worried, Sawako called her friend once more. But she received the same "unreachable number" or "out of coverage area" as a response. Thrice, and five times, all bore the same results that she sighed, dejected. She struggled to come up with a decision as to what to do now. Sawako had an inkling of what's going on but she refused to believe it.
Well, she could stroll around Sendai, play a few games, and watch a movie on her own.
But her thoughts faded and was in a state of shock when her bluish-green eyes landed on a pair of surprised and confused blues. She blinked, digesting the presence of the tall lad before her in a familiar blue scarf and Karasuno jacket until her face coated with warmth and blood rushing to her cheeks.
Compose yourself!
"K-Kageyama-kun." She nodded, meekly.
He nodded back, having his own red. "Harukaze-san…. w-what're you doing here?"
"I'm supposed to meet Satsuki. Here. Outside." She answered, looking at her shoes. "You?"
"I just got back." He answered. Of course, Sawa. You supposed to have known that. "Sugawara-san told me that he's going to pick me up."
Eh?
She looked up and meet his eyes. It was odd. "Koushi?"
He nodded, showcasing the same confusion that she showed. "But he's not here?"
She blinked. "Did he told you that he's waiting for you already?"
He nodded.
"Satsuki told me the same thing."
"What is?"
"That she's waiting for me here."
As I thought. She scanned the area. No pink, no gray. There were no nosy and chaotic friends at sight. Despite their mails that stated that they were. Just as suspected. To think that the two are working together. It was such a perfect time as well. They timed it to Kageyama-kun's return and her free time.
Did they seriously believe that I would bite this opportunity?
She sighed for the umpteenth time. Her blush was still there when she raised to look at him. She gave the confused lad a smile, truly biting the opportunity that they've given her – them. As she mentally thanked their nosiness, she stammered, her heart pounding at the leap she's about to take.
"Can I… Can I be the person that's supposed to pick you up?" He tilted his head in further confusion, eyes narrowing. Sawako cleared her throat. "Um… well… Satsuki and I… we're supposed to do some girl-friend bonding today but you see…" She trailed, looking at the sky.
"I don't understand?"
She sighed. Sawa, be more specific.
She looked at his blues this time and it made her giggle at the sight of red that covered his nose. He was even standing tall, unmoving, and stiff. She released a breath, faint smoke escaped from her lips. She just remembered. If she wanted to make a change in their odd relationship, she has to put on her best foot forward and initiate.
Ah. The things I do for you. She paused, realizing. What… Her heart went wild and butterflies roamed around her stomach.
"Kageyama-kun."
Did you know?
"Yes?"
"Are you tired?"
I just found out why I'm so attracted to you.
A shake in the head.
You probably won't understand…
She grinned. "Care to join me to my girl-time?"
I thought it was because you're really pretty and adorable as a person…
"What?"
But no.
She grabbed on his wrist, ignoring his surprise, and gently dragged him to a nearby mall. "Come on, come on."
It's because my heart likes you a lot.
OMAKE
"Do you like movies?"
"Not really. I don't watch any aside from news and matches."
"Does that mean that you haven't been to a cinema?"
"Yes."
"Well then, let's go!"
"HA? Whe – Oi!"
-x-
"Try this Kageyama-kun."
"I don't play basketball."
"Just shoot 'em on the basket."
"And?"
"Shoot 'em as many as you can."
"Hey, time's starting. Hurry!"
"Hey!"
-x-
"You tired?"
"No."
"Okay. Hungry?"
"… No."
"… Okay."
"…"
"Wanna go home?"
"…"
"Kageyama-kun?"
"… Later."
"... Oh."
"…"
n o t e:
Ah~ progress, finally. One big step forward.
I don't know what to say, really. I'm too happy. Thank you so much for the favorites and follows! I thank you all with my heart.
Gosh. I can't believe how this story evolved. It was too far from the original Superfluousthat I wrote years ago. To think that I first posted the prologue last December 22nd, and now it's March. Oh gosh.
Please leave a review.
