This year's Christmas had been really nice and rowdy. As usual.
She bought gifts the day before as last-minute shopping and secretly wrapped them in her room. She had to stay up late so she can sneak in the gifts under their Christmas tree and the triplets' socks by their doors, making sure to eat the snacks and drink the glass of milk that Hitori prepared. Christmas greeting at midnight with Satsuki and Koushi helped her stay awake. And on the 25th, she received greetings from the Kageyama family via their house telephone. It was Reika-san who called and her mother had quite a long talk with the Kageyama matriarch.
Hitori and Kirin had raced downstairs for their other Christmas gifts at the living room after being delighted and an exclamation that "Santa-nii came". Especially when their grandparents in Russia, their father's parents, delivered them an international box. Whereas Sawako met up with the third-years at the nearby park to exchange gifts with them. She got Koushi's and was not surprised to receive a small box. That lad knew that she's not entirely fond of extravagant things much less extravagant gifts.
Only then did she realized that it was planned when she found that it was full of Kageyama-kun's pictures that fell on her lap. She had to hid it before her family can see what she received. Especially Suzaku, he developed a habit of sneaking into her room. She also heard from Koushi that the team had their own small Christmas party and exchanged gifts at the clubroom. She found herself laughing at Tanaka-kun and Nishinoya-kun desperately trying to receive Kiyoko's gift. And that, they apparently crucified Asahi again.
At lunch, they visited the Ukai household until it went dark and they stayed to sleepover.
"All right, let's do this!"
Sawako tightened the knot of the cloth for the lower part of her face. Her hair pulled up in a bun and her head was covered with a white cloth. "Yeah, let's do it."
All four of Harukaze children faced in all directions. North, facing the kitchen was Sawako. West, facing the garden and wooden gates was Hitori. East, facing the end of the hall was Kirin, and south that was facing the stairs to the second floor was Suzaku. All of them had white cloths on their head, and lower part of their faces, as well as, aprons and gloves. For it is general cleaning day for the Harukaze household before the year ends.
"Kicchan, the toilet, washing area, and laundry. Torin, the garden, and the gate. Succhan, hallways, upstairs, and electronics. And I'll take over here." She ordered.
"Osu!"
"Okay."
Hitori raised a hand not a moment later.
"What is it?" She inclined her head, pausing when she was about to leave the spot she was standing just now.
"Can we play some music while we're at it?"
Sawako blinked then nodded. "That would be nice." She approached their speaker at home and plugged in her phone. The sound of the electronic being turned on echoed in their house. She looked up at her siblings. "Any recommendations?"
Hitori, being the person who suggested the idea, came up to her and grabbed her phone to type the title of the song. Then, the music played.
Onabe wa guragura okama wa shuushuu, mana ita wa ton to ton.
O-tougu furufure, tamaga wa buruburu, nattou wa nebaneba
Kirin smiled. "Nice song."
"No." The youngest interfered.
"EH, why? It's a good song!" The oldest of the triplet defended.
"No. I insist mine."
"Huh?" Sawako couldn't help but be surprised at his participation and let him have her phone to type.
Then it played. The electric guitar resonated throughout their home and due to its loud sound, and because she's nearer, Sawako immediately covered her ears, lowering its volume.
Fumikomu ze akuseru kakehiki wa nai sa dou dayo
Yoru wo nukeru
Nejikomu sa saigo ni sashiki zero sa sou dayo
Hibi wo kezuru
Hm? It sounded familiar. Hearing it felt like she was brought back to a memory lane full of childhood memories. The blurred image of a grinning blonde-haired and brightest blue eyes in orange jumpsuit passed through, with mops of black, pink, and silver in blue, red, and green.
"Wow. I didn't know you listen to rock, Succhan." Kirin blinked at her brother.
"I think I've heard of that before…" Sawako mumbled.
The only male turned to her. "Oh, you do, nee-san. It's Naruto's opening."
"I'm sure that it's an Asian Kung-Fu Generation song." Hitori shot back, bitter lacing the tone of her voice.
"It was. It's also used as an opening song in Naruto." He insisted. Oh yeah, that's it. It was Naruto. The anime she used to watch with Suzaku and Keishin long ago.
"Eh? It was?" Kirin questioned.
But her question fell on deaf ears when Sawako stood up. "Okay, we'll leave it here and better start cleaning."
"Oh, yeah."
"Succhan, please manage the playlist." She ordered and received a nod.
"Does that mean that you prefer Succhan's, Sawa-nee?" Hm?
"Why, it sounds nice actually." A little melancholic, too. She said, making her sister glare at the brother. He ignored his older twin, irking her and making Sawako sigh at their one-sided banter. "Com'n Torin, we better start cleaning."
And that's how the general cleaning went. Sawako was able to finish first, having been doing it for years, she decided to cook and prepare snacks for the three once things settled down and they're done.
Kirin, assigned to the toilet and washing area, made the place spotlessly clean. The meek blonde also did their laundry, hanging their clothes and cloth on the backyard that Hitori left cleaned. Suzaku never failed to scrub their hallway, clean their rooms and even the walls. Additional to that was managing all the technical stuff. Whereas, being hyper on getting dirty, Hitori stayed under the sun cleaning their garden, the shed, and the wooden gate. She literally managed the spots outside their house and painted their wooden gate new.
It took five large black bags and two boxes that were an accumulation of a year's worth of trash. The unusable were placed on a cart. They were usually delivered to orphanages.
"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday, Daichi." She sang in English.
There was a laugh. [Thanks, Sawa. I appreciate it.]
"Which is? My voice or the song?"
Another laugh. [And the effort.]
She grinned.
[Oh, by the way, we're planning to visit the shrine tomorrow morning. And I know you planned on going there with your family but want to tag along?]
Sawako nodded. "Sure. Who's coming?"
[Suga, Asahi, Shimizu. Your usual set of friends.]
"You made it sound like I have no other friends."
[What? No, I did not. You got Aizawa, too.]
She hummed, not buying his response but letting it go. She talked to Daichi until they decided to hang up and meet tomorrow. He said that he has to greet Hitori and Kirin for their own birthdays. And it was true when the house telephone rang and she heard Hitori's cheerful voice.
Right after the phone call, Sawako began to prepare food for tonight's birthday celebration, Hitori and Kirin's, and tomorrow's, Suzaku's sixteenth birthday. Add the fact that it's basically New Year's Eve and according to their mother, the Harukaze and the Kageyama family will meet up to go to the temple together.
"Please behave and don't run off on your own there, okay?" Their mother reminded as she drove, her eyes lingering longer on Hitori.
The first blonde stiffened and nodded, sinking deeper on the seat beside Sawako. "Yes, mama." The girl squeaked.
Sawako lightly squirmed at her seat. Their mother may have already told them of the New Year's plan days ago, after their general cleaning, she couldn't shake the fact that her family and his family are going to pray together felt too much for a dream. Too much for strangers, too much for acquaintances, and… too much for her.
Sawako knew that she would be a total bundle of nerves later but at the same time, she knew that she can do just fine. Perhaps it was the idea that she's meeting the rest of his family with hers that made her feel this way. Who wouldn't? It's not like they're dating, though, she would love to but how about Kageyama-kun? Is it okay for him for this kind of arrangement that their mothers planned?
It's not her first time to meet Reika-san and Miwa-san per se, but Kageyama-kun's father? That's different. She met Miwa-san on coincidence when she went to do some groceries. And it was then she recognized her immediately as Kageyama-kun's older sister because of their facial features. More like, her recognizing me. For some reason that she didn't bother to ask.
Now, his father.
She shook her head. It's basically that way, meeting his family. She sunk further at her seat, feeling bad. I'm sorry, Kageyama-kun's future girlfriend. That is if he's interested in a relationship, and he's not interested in her but in someone else.
She sighed, and leaned her head to the window, careful not to ruin the hairstyle that Hitori bothered to play and style with. She jolted when the car came to a stop and sighing once more. Sawako held her square handbag tight. She opened the door and carefully placed her sandals on the snow-piled ground. She breathed against the cold. Her siblings also went out, Miki being assisted by Suzaku.
"It definitely feels like New Year's. People are wearing beautiful stuff." She heard Kirin mumbled behind her. the lass was looking everywhere and at everyone outside the temple.
"Our kimono's beautiful, too." The other female twin responded and Suzaku huffed just beside them.
Their family sported their own kimono for the event, as well as haori. Traditional, as usual. Sawako straightened her cobalt blue kimono. It was decorated with Sakura blossoms on the hems and lightly touched her bun. Simple but elegant, as what her brother used to say.
Outside the parked car and by the foot of the stairs was the waiting Kageyama family. Like them, they also bothered to wear their traditional kimono. Sawako's cheeks felt hot as soon as it landed on him.
Is winter supposed to be hot?
Her family approached his family. Sawako smiled at Reika-san, then introduced to his father, Kazue, and greeted Miwa-san before it landed on him, her nerves acted already. "Happy new year," she bowed.
Flustered, he bowed as well. "H-Happy new year."
"I hope we can get along again." in the coming years, as well. She mentally added, hoping.
"Ah, likewise."
Both of them raised their heads and she swore Kageyama-kun gasped at her. He immediately looked away, his nose, cheeks, and ears turned red. Sawako knew that she might be in the same state as him.
It's the cold. Yeah. It's the winter. It's winter.
At her sudden realization, a very late one at that, she instantly remembered that snow last February. He was just a stranger to her then. With a tall height, dark hair, blue eyes, and a different school uniform. Now, he's a kouhai with a taller height, same dark hair, same blue eyes but livelier, and has their school uniform. Then, she's with him on the way to pray for another year.
Sawako knew that she wasted waiting in the first months. And she hid the bitter smile that crept as she began to think of next year… the year once the time turned midnight and the year on their phone's calendar turned 2013.
Last spring…
"Harukaze-san…"
Her head looked up, not noticing that she's been looking at their sandals. "Hm?"
His eyes still didn't dare to meet hers. "You… um… looked good."
She blinked, surprised. Her face getting hotter. Did he just… She decided to look at his nose instead of looking away. "Thank you. You looked good, too."
She heard an "Osu."
Silence. What a cute nose. It was red. She mentally giggled. Rudolph. Kageyama-kun won't make a good reindeer but he'll be cute.
"Hey, you whippies, let's go." Kageyama-kun's older sister, Miwa-san, called them. It only occurred to her that the others already went to form a line with the other visitors.
AH. She got distracted. "S-Sure."
"…"
She quickly glanced at him before they began to walk at the stairs. Kageyama-kun wore a blue kimono and beige hakama. He looked good actually, and it was such a rare sight to see him wearing something that was not their schools' gakuran, training attire, and team jersey. She deemed herself lucky to see him like this.
The Harukaze and Kageyama family fall in line for their turn to pray. Sawako was quiet most of the time and only then she would speak when asked. There are times that she would find herself staring at the tempered youngster's figure, which was beside her the whole time, and their eyes would meet. His eyes would look away and once she's not looking at him anymore, she would feel someone's eyes on hers.
She was also beside him when finally, it was their turn to pray. The adults – her mother, Kageyama-kun's parents, and Miwa-san, went first. This time, it was their turn alongside the triplets. She clapped thrice before clasping together and bowed a few times. She prayed.
Thank you for the wonderful year. I pray for my, my family's, and the team's health. Please take good care of me again and guide me in my studies.
After that, they all bought omikuji. Sawako opened hers.
[半吉 (han-kichi): Half-blessing]
She blinked. "Not…bad." I guess. She whispered to herself and kept the paper in her handbag,
"What did you get, Sawa-nee?" Kirin approached her.
"Half-blessing. Yours?"
Kirin smiled. "Curse to come."
"Not bad… I guess?"
Kirin nodded. They turned to the other female triplet, who was looking down while clutching the fortune very hard it wrinkled. "Is something wrong?"
The girl looked up and they're surprised to see her eyes looking teary. She didn't answer, instead, she showed them the content.
[大凶 (dai-kyo): Great Curse]
The ladies of Harukaze shared a look and couldn't help but pat the other's back in comfort. Kirin immediately aid her twin and accompanied her to tie it to a tree.
Sawako turned to her brother. "Watchu got?"
"Great blessing." He said with a 'V' sighed. Sawako clapped.
She turned to Kageyama-kun beside him. "Half-blessing."
She blinked. The same as mine. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Suzaku whistling as he left. Then, she began to hear Hitori yelling why Suzaku got the exact opposite of her fortune. While she stared at her underclassman in wonder. A coincidence. She assured herself. They just happened to have the same fortune. Is there a meaning when you share the same fortune with the guy you like? She's sure that such a thing didn't exist.
Exactly a year ago, she received a "Great blessing". The year that followed was too nice. The third-year lineup of the volleyball team reunited, their mother achieved her doctorate degree last summer, and the triplets studied at the same school as her. A win-win situation for the family. For Sawako, it's too good and life was going well. Even though it was not connected to her personal gains and desires, it still felt like those were part of her great blessing.
She glanced at the lad beside her. He's part of my great blessing, too. She blushed, unable to stop feeling it.
And now, it's reduced to half. It was still good but what does it mean? Now that she realized that her great blessing, in the form of the awkward human bean named Kageyama Tobio, Sawako couldn't help but thank the gods. She remembered all the good things that she shared with him and all of it has made her heart happy. She guessed, this time, this year, it will be a true challenge. She likes him. A lot. And she intends to see more of him but it won't be easy. She'll be far away as he stays in this town.
Half-blessing.
She sighed and looked ahead, catching another glance from Kageyama-kun, who instantly blushed when their eyes locked. Sawako couldn't help but ask. It has been bugging her and he has been doing it incessantly. "Is there something on my hair?" She reached at the back, lightly patting her black locks.
"No." He answered. "Nothing." And he went to her brother's side.
She wondered what he meant. She knew that there's something. Koushi told her beforehand that Kageyama-kun was a bad liar. But for some reason, she felt like he's telling her the truth despite what his face says.
"I think Tobio has a neck-fetish."
Startled, Sawako turned to find his older sister, Miwa-san, looking at her with her arms crossed and a grin full of amusement.
"What do you mean, Miwa-san?"
"He's been staring at your neck for a while now. In case, you didn't notice."
Sawako immediately touched her nape. "But I…" There's nothing in my neck. Her face flushed immediately when the information sank. Fetish?!
Miwa-san chortled.
Both families parted after sharing pleasant farewells. The Kageyamas visited their humble abode for the osechi. It was their mother's decision. It was also a little celebration for the triplet's birthday. The whole time, Sawako chose not to mind Kageyama-kun's possibility of having a neck-fetish, as told by his sister and shrugged the idea. There was no way that the sweet, cute, and innocent Kageyama-kun would know of fetishes. That, there's nothing special on her neck.
She was able to properly waved him goodbye when his family left.
Hours later, after a good rest, she left at another shrine visit with the third-years. This time, instead of wearing a kimono, she opted to wear casual clothes. She played the role of company perfectly – watched them as they pray, talked about their fortunes while roasting Asahi's curse. That, she also sang the cursed lad a happy birthday song in English.
Sawako felt nervous and excited for the team going to Tokyo to participate in the nationals. She can still remember the adrenaline rush on the bleachers and the pressure at the lobby that was packed with players when she was younger. To think that the same team led by her year, was actually going there once again for a comeback.
She was unable to contain her excitement. Tomorrow, Saturday, she's going there and watch their first match.
Her phone buzzed from the table and she reached out for it. Once on her hand, she touched twice to open the mail.
Date: 1/4 10:15
From: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: No subject.
We're here in Tokyo.
Her heart fluttered. Sawako grinned, then another message came.
Date: 1/4 10:18
From: Sugawara Koushi
Subject: Tokyo
Hey, when are you coming here?
She rolled her eyes and typed her replies.
Date: 1/4 10:19
To: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: Re: No subject
Don't get lost.
Date: 1/4 10:20
To: Sugawara Koushi
Subject: Re: Tokyo
We talked over this the other day. I'm going.
Date: 1/4 10:20
From: Kageyama Tobio
Subject: Re: No subject
I won't.
She smiled.
Date: 1/4 10:24
From: Sugawara Koushi
Subject: Re: Tokyo
We did? Want me to pick you up or have Kageyama do the honor?
She bit her lip, feeling her cheeks turning warm at the mention of the unaware lad's name.
Date: 1/4 10:25
To: Sugawara Koushi
Subject: Re: Tokyo
I can perfectly manage tomorrow, thanks.
Date: 1/4 10:27
From: Sugawara Koushi
Subject: Re: Tokyo
K. Give me a call when you do.
Date: 1/4 10:27
To: Sugawara Koushi
Subject: Re: Tokyo
This is why they call you, Sugamama.
.do.
Date: 1/4 10:30
From: Sugawara Koushi
Subject: Re: Tokyo
You can be stubborn, daughter. Just update and I won't worry.
Date: 1/4 10:30
To: Sugawara Koushi
Subject: Re: Tokyo
K.
She decided to ignore the new vibration and not to respond Koushi's latest reply. With an uncontrollable short laugh, she placed her phone back at the table and leaned at the cozy leg of their sofa. Her legs were hidden beneath the kotatsu.
"Is that Koushi-nii?" Kirin asked. Hitori broke her eyes away from the television at the mention of her friend's name.
Sawako nodded and stretched her feet, curling her toes under the kotatsu. "Yeah. They arrived in Tokyo moments ago."
"Are you going? Can I go with you?" Hitori scooted closer to her side.
Sawako pinched her cheeks, smiling at her sister. "Sure, but you have to ask permission to Mama first."
"I'm going, too," Kirin added and scooted on her other side.
"Can we have a girls-out after the match? Minus Succhan, of course." The first triplet requests, a smug look plastered on her face.
"I won't apologize to be born as a male."
Sawako shook her head, amused. "Sure, sure."
"But, Sawa-nee," Kirin started. "Does that mean that you won't watch the second day there?"
She blinked. "It's going to be on Sunday. I have to ask Mama again for that. She might be interested to go there."
The youngest girl grinned. Sawako looked at the growing boy with an eyebrow raised.
"I'll go if mother will," Suzaku said, not looking up from the book he's reading.
"Stop trying to act like a baby, Succhan. It's not making you cool."
He narrowed his eyes at Hitori. "I don't need to try to be cool. And I'm not the baby."
"Yes, you are. Mama's boy."
"Snot-nosed brat."
"WHAT?! Have some respect, I'm older than you!"
"For an hour only."
Sawako sighed and shook her head with Kirin as the oldest and youngest of the triplet had a stare showdown before there was a kick under the kotatsu. She knew because she felt it. It was her feet whom Hitori had kicked, unfortunately, which made the only lad snicker and making Hitori annoyed. She had to reprimand the two to stop before they'll hit the heater. It immediately ended with Suzaku listening to her, turning his attention back to his book and Hitori, glaring at the television, angrily eating the chips she kept.
Miki approved of their plans tomorrow and allowed them to go without a male company. Suzaku chose to stay behind and hang-out with their newly-released (again) grandfather at the Ukai household.
Sawako woke up earlier than her alarm the next day. She was only able to finish preparing herself when it went off.
"Alright." She yawned and grabbed her bag as she left her room not without smiling at the newly-added photos on her board.
One was taken during Kageyama-kun's birthday. They're inside a photo booth and most of the pictures that were taken were him with eyes closed and wide in surprise and confusion. The second was recent, at New Years'. Miwa-san sent her the photo and she printed it. True to Miwa-san's words, he was looking at her neck after being egged on to stand beside her when the photo was taken. They were just in their living room when it happened.
Just because she has to leave early for a spectacular match doesn't mean that she has to stop with her routine. But as soon as she reached the foot of the stairs, she's surprised to see Suzaku and Kirin huddled up in the kitchen wearing aprons and preparing breakfast.
"What are you doing?" She asked, dumbfounded.
The two looked up from their work. "Good morning." They greeted in chorus.
Sawako placed her bag on the sofa and joined them at the kitchen counter. "What is this?"
"From now on, Sawa-nee…" Kirin looked up, washing her hands thoroughly before placing them on her hips with an authoritative look. "You are relieved from your kitchen duties."
"What?"
"Starting next academic year, you'll be in Tokyo. No one's going to do these chores aside from us." Suzaku said without looking up from cutting onions. "Hitori's culinary impaired to expect her to do this."
"You can count Succhan and me on this, Sawa-nee."
Sawako felt like crying. Nodding in understanding, she accepted their decision and decided to make their father his daily instant coffee. That was the only thing that they didn't bother to take away from her. The everyday pour of boiling water on a cup and mixing the strong and rich coffee mix has been with her when she was younger. Although, someone had to replace her to do this once she left.
She placed the cup and saucer by the photo frame and lovingly touched the glass to protect the photo. A smile dawned on her face, partially knowing that her brother and sisters were doing fine.
How long has it been?
How long has it been since she was forced to mature and learned to maneuver their house? She was seven when she watched their mama broke down and the triplets were yet to attend nursery. Someone called and someone came over to tell them the news. She was seven when the plane crashed and the Ukai family offered their full support to help them stand. She was seven when she first saw her grandparents cry, her father's family, and her mother's parents, and the first time they stayed at the house longer than three days. They wore black for the ceremony. She was seven when watching her strong mother gripped on their father's portrait with dull, sad eyes and a broken heart. She was seven when she knew death.
A decade. Ten years.
She smiled and left to sit down on the sofa.
All is well, Papa.
They're all growing. Each has its own pace. She had her share of forced maturity as a child as the eldest and to help their mother get back on her feet. Now that they're stable, and all of them began to think of what lies ahead in the future to the extent of preparing steps ahead.
Well then…
She looked at her phone. There was a reminder that's yet to snooze. Her future was there as well.
"OMG. Is that what I think it is?"
"I never thought it could be that big in person…"
Sawako chuckled. They just arrived in Tokyo finally and were on the bus to the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. She notified their cousin of their plans before leaving the house and decided to go on their own, separate from Makoto-kun and Yusuke-kun. She blinked and pressed the button beside Hitori. "Come, we're getting off."
She heard a chorus of "Yes" and two towering blondes followed her movements as they got off at the bus stop near the gymnasium.
"Woah, it's packed!"
"They're seriously playing here? Gosh, I'm nervous."
"AH, my eyes! Too colorful!"
"You're exaggerating, Torin."
"It's a form of expression, Kicchan. Form. Of. Expression."
"Oh, you learned something in class."
"Of course!"
While the two girls chattered and giving comments on the spectacle outside the gymnasium, Sawako pulled out her phone and typed a message.
Date: 1/5 7:53
To: Sugawara Koushi
Subject: Nationals
Here, here with T and K.
She closed her phone and turned to her sisters. "Let's go inside."
And like puppies or more like ducklings, they followed her. Hitori raked her neck in every corner, excitement flashing freely on her face. Kirin remained neutral, or that's how she looked, but Sawako knew that excitement was obvious in her face. But it was too packed despite on its first day that they couldn't find themselves seats.
"Let's just stand, Sawa-nee. We're okay." Kirin assured her.
"Kicchan, don't be slow. Our sister wants to sit somewhere close to Kageyama."
She blushed at the remark. "Torin…"
"Oh, sorry, Sawa-nee." The youngest girl faced her.
She shook her head and pinched Hitori's cheeks without a word, she sighed. "There must be three empty seats somewhere around here."
"Sawa-nee, we're fine. Really."
"And this is closer to the team. Court C, right? Wait – there's the banner! WOAH."
"Ah! Seats! Let's go!"
"HEY! There's Makkun and Yukkun!"
"Eh?!"
Sawako couldn't help but smile at the two. She was about to respond when they heard the team of crows.
"Let's have a good game!"
The three looked at each other, eyes widening.
"Hurry, hurry!"
Sawako couldn't help but smile.
"AAAAH! What the heck?!"
"Goosebumps…"
Sawako laughed. The freak quick just vow that the setter-middle blocker pair released took the crowd by a storm. For first-timers to see such an attack, one would react to it with disbelief and amazement normally. Even Sawako was shaken when she first saw it. Hitori's reaction was justified.
"Kageyama's a freaking monster! I can't believe Sawa-nee's dating that guy."
Her face immediately flushed. "I'm not dating him, Torin." She denied.
There was a blink. "Oh, you're not?"
"No, we aren't."
Hitori grinned. "Lemme rephrase it then." She faked a cough. "Kageyama's a freaking monster! I can't believe Sawa-nee's gonna date that guy."
"Now, you're being sarcastic." Sawako sighed, shaking her head.
There was still a blush on her face as the two grown men patted her back in comfort. Kirin giggled beside Makoto-kun. It didn't help her case. Fortunately, two of her seniors showed up – Tashiro-san when she was a first-year and Kurokawa-san on her second year.
Pleasant greetings aside, they focused back on the game. It was really different when she watched the match with their grandfather and Yachi-san. Her sisters, Hitori particularly, Makoto-kun and Yusuke-kun are so open at their thoughts. Her ears buzzed the whole time.
"Kageyama's a son of a bitch."
"Yeah, I'm kinda pissed, though."
"Asshole."
"Language."
"When Kami decided to pour talents through rain, I must've been sleeping. Why's he that good? It's unfair!"
"I know, right? He sets, gives solid receives, tall, and can block properly."
"He's just dumb-dumb in studies."
"Torin, you're dumb, too."
"Wah – I'm yo sis! Support me!"
And then, Hinata-kun appeared to receive in the middle of an amazing rally.
"Kyaa! Go Hicchan! You're cool!"
"He received it on his chest! That hurts..."
"Show 'em the power of us being dumb."
"Oh, Torin. You just admit you're dumb."
Then to their surprise, Tsukishima-kun, who always wanted to go average but was actually really smart, tossed.
"I feel like crying."
"Kicchan?!"
She smiled. Sawako placed her elbows by the railing and let her chin rest on the top of her palm. She looked down at the court. They have grown. Suddenly, she felt someone staring at her being. Conscious of that fact, her eyes darted to the side. She cocked her head in confusion.
"Hm?"
"What is it, Sawa-nee?" She turned to Kirin with slightly widened eyes.
"Oh… nothing. I was just… wiping some fallen tears." Her excuse as she wiped the tears threatening to fall. Kirin, thankfully, bought it and even gave her a tissue. But in her mind, she felt like she knew that person. She swore she saw that face somewhere in an animated movie about bees.
The match between Karasuno and Tsubakihara came to an end. The team of black won and their squad cheered in victory. Kirin and Hitori's squealed in delight, too proud of the outcome. Kirin shared classes with the two childhood friends – Yamaguchi-kun and Tsukishima-kun, and she's too happy to see such growth in them. Hitori shared classes (and brain cells) with Hinata-kun. Her first time watching her friend play was indeed a spectacle.
For Sawako, it was the fact that after two years of utter defeat, the three annoying lads finally themselves at the arena they've been dreaming of. Their performances are spectacular, too, that she couldn't help but be emotional. But she knew for sure that she's proud to say that Hey, they're my friends.
Tearful bluish-green met happy blues. She nodded at him as they left to gather their things.
"Go on, Sawa-nee." Kirin nudged her side, making her flinch at the sudden physical contact. But with her sister's words, Sawako instantly reached out for the bag she brought with her. There was a very special box inside.
She blinked. "What?" Then she blushed. "Okay."
She left to approach the team with Tashiro-san and Kurokawa-san. her hand clutched at the bag and they went downstairs. The two graduates immediately left her side and went to talk to the third-years.
She decided to leave them be and faced the approaching lad. Her eyes blinked fast when he stopped in front of her. And before her blush could overwhelm her being, she reached for the food container insider her bag.
"Here." She offered him an onigiri. She prepared it earlier even though it went against Suzaku and Kirin's wish.
Pink dusted on his cheeks, accepting it. "Thank you, Harukaze-san."
She nodded, tucking a strand behind her ear. "D-Don't mention it."
He was still for a moment until he decided to open the container filled with onigiri. Sawako's heart went abnormal as soon as she saw the delight in his eyes. Even more so when he ate one in one gigantic bite. He didn't say anything about the food but seeing him eating it was enough for her to feel good.
"Harukaze-san…" he called. "Are you going to… stay a little longer?"
"Wa–!" Surprised, she couldn't help but gape at him. She immediately composed herself. "Oh… um… I mean… yeah." She nodded. "After one or two more matches."
He nodded. "Do… Do… Do…"
Do… Do… Do…?
"D-Doyouwantsomesourveniff?"
"Eh?" Sourveniff?
His blush intensified and bit his lip. "Nothing!" And he instantly turned around to leave.
But before he can get further away from her, she grabbed his hand. "W-Wait!" Which reacted to them getting flustered on the sudden contact and let go. She hid the lower part of her face with the back of her hand. "I mean… sure."
Suddenly, she couldn't look him in the eye. But she heard him stutter. "O-Oh."
Silence.
"What does… Harukaze-san want?"
She blinked. She hummed. "Let's just buy it together." She looked at his face and she swore she heard the team howled at them. Sawako bit her lip to prevent herself from telling them to stay quiet.
OMAKE
Meanwhile, at the washroom, Hitori sighed in content. After the success of her natural release, she approached the sink, whistling the song that Succhan played during their general cleaning. She'll never admit it to her brother that she liked his music taste. Drying it, wiping it, Hitori left the washroom happy. Yet as she left, a tall lad around her age, wearing the red jersey of Nekoma appeared before her, passing by.
ENEMY FOUND!
Her bluish-green eyes met his bright green eyes and she thought, Woah. He's taller than Succhan.
Those green eyes blinked and his lips formed into a smile. Hitori, dumbstruck, was left standing outside the washroom as the grey-haired Nekoma player walked past her.
DANGEROUS! ENEMY!
It didn't occur to her that Hitori actually met the famed "Lev" that Hicchan told her during his storytelling about the team's Tokyo escapades.
n o t e:
We're in the nationals arc! Things would start getting serious business now. Though it's not like things weren't serious in the previous chapters, but I meant, Tobio and Sawako. Coz you know, after that match against Kamomedai, it's timeskip on the next chapter.
By the way, tomorrow, on the 24th, I turn 21. Happy birthday to me~ As much as I like the idea that I'm getting older, I still looked like a 14-year old that pipol would assume I'm a minor. Sucks, yknow.
regarding that smut: I'm done. It was fun and challenging. I just hope that you felt the same way I felt while writing and rereading the whole chap. I made it long. Because duhhh (HAHAHAHA)
bbymojo: thank you! i won't disappoint you.
Kageyama lover: OMG thank you. About Miya-san, we'll see about thattttttt
