"Good luck, Sawa-chan."
"Thank you, Kaede-san." Sawako slid the door gently when she left the shop.
Faced with the setting sun and some of her schoolmates going home, Sawako sighed and took steps to go to their house with her arm holding a paper bag full of three cartons of milk, three cups of yogurt, two bags of chips, five bars of chocolate, and three bananas.
Upon reaching their homey abode, she slid the door opened and mumbled, "I'm home," despite knowing that no one was, beside her, inside. The triplets, especially Hitori and Suzaku resumed training while Kirin stayed behind for club duties. Their mother has lectures and meetings at the university and was expected to go home late at night.
She passed by the lonely living room and headed upstairs. She went for her room and changed her clothes from a school uniform to simple long-sleeves and shorts. Once done, she opened her bag, took her notes, and began to review. The National Center Test was coming nearer and she has no time to waste.
At her board was a newly printed picture of her and the Karasuno team. It was taken on that day. As much as she'd like to cover her face, as they placed her standing beside Kageyama-kun, she still was unable to shake those feelings.
Karasuno's match against Nekoma, the first-ever official Battle of the Trash Heap, gave her mixed feelings. Right from the very start, there was already a long rally. There was a time that she felt like wailing when Asahi had to jump and spike thrice for the first set point. It was agonizing and she can feel the strain on his knees and legs even when she's just a spectator. And the opponents were making Hinata-kun make errors. It was heartbreaking due to those rollercoaster-like rallies.
But her heart would leap in joy every time Hinata-kun scored. His smile was like a sun, it shone so brightly, almost like a virus, that she teared up whenever he soared high in the middle of the court. Add the fact that Kageyama-kun never failed to amaze her with his point-line serve and terrifying setting skills.
That match was basically between students and teachers. It was inspiring even for a non-athlete like her. It was all about growth and Sawako swore that despite the teams playing for an official match, she got the feeling that it wasn't the same way for the players.
It was when she remembered that Kageyama-kun mentioned to her the name of Nekoma a long time ago. It only occurred to her that they had plenty of practice matches during their training at Tokyo starting from last summer. Of course, they also had the one from the Golden Week, too; adding to the long line of historical practice matches of the crows and the cats starting from her grandfather's time.
Nekoma's may be intense and tiring to the point of emotional breakdown but when the team was against Kamomedai on that afternoon, it was suffocating.
The team practically struggled. Yes, they put off a fight – Hinata-kun versus Hoshiumi Kourai-san especially, but in the end, it was defeat. They may have pulled off another series of total defense, and Asahi may have been revived after being cracked by the opposing team's block, but what she couldn't forget the most was when they found out one heartbreaking reality that had a huge impact on the team – Hinata-kun caught a fever.
Their defeat was devastating but nothing can be done. It was her friends' last official match, too. As much as she'd – they'd – like for them to play until the very last day of the tournament, Kamomedai was a high wall that was not enough for them to defeat.
Despite that, there was no regret. They had their share of plays and they went back home after the closing ceremony, relieving of what happened as a preparation for next year. But the damage has a greater impact on Hinata-kun. What happened was a reminder, a reference, a memory to not forget.
It was an unforgettable spring.
Three days after the closing ceremony, the third-years retired. Daichi made Ennoshita-kun the new captain, and Yachi-san became their full-pledged on and off-court manager. They had to wait for three days, taking note of the emotional situation of their team. Aside from defeat, there was the third-years graduation as well. It just meant that there won't be matches alongside their dependable senpais anymore.
Sawako sighed and placed her pencil down. She arched her back, cracked her neck, and stretched her fingers. Her bluish-green eyes raking over at the photos on her bulletin board that was filled with memories. Her eyes lingering particularly on the photos she shared with Kageyama-kun when they were at the photo booth together on his sixteenth birthday.
She propped her elbows and placed her cheek on her palm.
Kageyama-kun. She smiled sadly.
The moment that she realized that she chose to study in Tokyo rather than in Kyoto, Sawako immediately processed her requirements for admission. She weighed down the pros and cons of studying somewhere far. It was where their father grew up and studied, where her parents met. Sawako would like to experience that, too. But it was far from home that she'll have to get a dorm or rent an apartment for that.
Although the same thing could be said as studying in Tokyo, Tokyo was definitely closer than Kyoto. Should she feel homesick, she can go home anytime without worrying about her classes for tomorrow.
And it was because of the fact that she wanted to be like their mother, a widowed woman who made a good reputation because she's an alumna at the University of Tokyo. The university that backed up her mother's profession, a woman at that, was terrifying and intimidating for men.
Sawako wanted to be like that kind of person.
No matter what, she truly has to leave the town. She'll be far away from home and from him as well.
Last spring.
That was what was left for her. A lot may have happened to her and Kageyama-kun, but there's only minimal changed. He used to be a stranger, a lad with enchanting blue eyes that turned to an interesting first-year that made her heart wild at the sight of him, and to a person that she likes. The days left were basically robbing her slowly of meeting, of encounters, of days to get to know him deeper than what she already knew.
And it's making her sad.
Graduating and studying at a university was what she originally planned. A romantic relationship wasn't exactly what she desired to have. Yet it only took one encounter that she wanted to change the order of her priorities.
Like her mother, Kageyama-kun was actually an intimidating person. He excelled in his field – volleyball – and was slowly, steady even, already making a name for himself even as a first-year. She adored him, liked him, admired him, and she had no intention of falling behind.
She has to make a name for herself in her own field, too. Even if it means she has to bid goodbye and only has to relieve of her moments with him that took place months ago, she has to do it no matter what.
Should I tell him? She tilted her head. I might get rejected.
Sawako heard the sound of their main door being opened. Soon, it was followed by the noise she knew so well from a one-sided banter. Standing up from her chair, she left her room to greet the youngsters.
Should I? But there are things better left unsaid.
Nine days before the examinations, Sawako found herself sharing lunch with her four friends.
"I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die. I don't wanna die."
She stared blankly at Koushi as she placed her bento, in exchange for her reviewer. "Move your head, Suga-san-fight-o. And no one dies from studying, only getting stupid."
"HUHH? What the hell was that? My brain isn't the same as yours, and are you implying that you're getting stupid? You're a study bug, love, don't forget that." He snorted, lifting his head from their adjacent table, and hid away his own notes.
It was free period, but it didn't mean it was free. They had to study.
Her cheeks went red. "I'm not! My point is that you can't die from studying. That's impossible. Im-pos-si-ble." She stressed the word in English.
Koushi just shrugged but with a smirk before placing a fist at his eyes. He sighed.
"I envy you. But good thing, I'm over that." Asahi glanced at them, eating the egg roll Sawako just placed.
"What're you talking about?" Daichi looked at him. "We still have finals to think of."
"You're lax, Azumane."
"I thought we're talking about the entrance exams? Why do you suddenly gang up on me about finals?"
Sawako looked up and let Koushi stole two rolls. "Simple. You're being lax." She and Koushi chorused.
Asahi pouted. "I was not."
They ate their lunches in silence after that. Asahi and Kiyoko went back to their classrooms and both Daichi and Koushi began to review on their own both for the finals and entrance exams.
Instead of doing the same, Sawako took a packet of wipes and tissue on her bag. She left and headed to the comfort room, answered the call of nature, and washed her face. She left for her daily fill of milk right after doing her business.
The walk towards the vending machine appeared to be slow. Her legs were long, her time was short yet everything slowed down. The hallway and the stairs suddenly showed ghosts of her from months ago, from a year ago, and from two years ago when she was still a first-year. The younger versions of her, the naïve yet competitive versions of her that ran back and forth to the class to the faculty offices to the literature club with their own different agenda, different burden, and different tasks in mind.
She suddenly felt so nostalgic. The fact that she won't be able to walk on these same hallways and stairs for less than two months made her want to turn back in time.
Upon reaching the machine, Sawako placed her coins, pushed a button, and bent down to pick her drink. She walked back to the same path that she took earlier to her class.
Apparently, fate wanted to play coincidence at that time when she came across Kageyama-kun, who looked like he was inside the gymnasium. No matter what, nothing can stop that lad from being with volleyball. It never failed to make her heart soar as she admired his dedication.
He really loves volleyball. Her feet immediately halted as she paused in surprise to see him coming over where she was at the moment.
The lad nodded at her, and she did the same. Sawako remained glued on her feet even when he bought his own drink and was prepared to return on wherever he's going.
It seems like they had a silent agreement, it made Sawako amazed at their odd progress. A look seemed to have it all, and she already got what he meant. It's like he just told her that they should get going when he finally approached her place, with a carton of milk in hand. Her feet moved and then, they began to walk.
Months ago, Sawako never thought that she'll walk with him at her side. It was a ridiculous decision and foolish action of her to avoid him when she thought that she was getting crazy because of him. She chose to ignore the attraction that she felt at that time, unaware of what happiness it'll bring her.
It was foolish. She was like a fool who fell into a king's trap as she fell in love. Despite being that kind of fool, it was a great feeling. Sawako knew that she's passed by crushes yet she knew that she still looked at him in the same way. She likes him, yes, and she's still crushing over him. It's like a cycle. Never-ending.
Sawako glanced at the lad. Her eyes widened when it caught his own blues. The straw on her lips escaped, remembering again that he developed a habit of looking at her nape. Miwa-san, you might be right.
Out of instinct, her hand immediately flattened and her fingers tightened. It made contact at his surprisingly hard side, it was somehow painful but Sawako was satisfied to see him clutching at his side, surprised at her physical attack.
"W-What…" He stammered, a mixture of pain, irritation, surprise, and blush were evident on his face. It was an odd combination but amusing nonetheless. His hand gripped his milk, careful not to spill any contents on the clean floor.
"Kageyama-kun, you're not being discreet at all." She told him, having her own share of the flustered face. She tauntingly glared at him. "You like necks."
His face suddenly looked dark and she saw him biting his lip. He looked away and casually placed the straw back on his lips, taking a sip. As if nothing happened. "No, I don't."
And Sawako couldn't help but laugh. No matter how much time has passed, she was still given unforgettable moments that she can take with her to Tokyo. One of them was his various moods and as usual, Kageyama-kun's poor lying skills never fails.
"You are a terrible liar." She told him.
Perhaps someday, Kageyama-kun.
The following days seemingly became a routine. She'll wake up early to prepare for school, help Kirin and Suzaku with kitchen duties, make coffee for their father, go to school together, attend class, lunch breaks with her friends, vending machines with Kageyama-kun, going home early, studying and reviewing, dinner, and then lastly, sleep. She hadn't been exchanging emails with the lad since they went back from Tokyo. But she knew that the team was back in training and once in a while, the three seniors would drop and join them.
This time around, Sawako woke earlier than usual, staring blankly at the ceiling.
The day has come. The day has come.
The long-awaited day for her future was here. The reason for her preparation, the process for all of it to bear fruit, was here. For some reason, Sawako doesn't feel nervous. She stood up normally, took a bath normally, no dozing whatsoever, and went downstairs with her bag feeling like she just wanted the day to pass.
"Ah, Nee-san, good morning." She looked up, seeing Suzaku wearing an apron and cooking. Kirin was absent.
"Good morning." She placed her bag on the sofa and took an apron.
"What're you doing?" She faced her brother, confused. He was glaring at her for some reason. "I'll do it. Leave me alone here."
"That's surprisingly new and rude from you." She blinked but returned the apron on the hook. She looked at him in time to see his bluish-green eyes widened and lowering his head in embarrassment.
"I mean… please go over your reviewer one more time and leave the cooking to me."
Sawako smiled. "I'm kind of getting sick looking at the same pages every time I chose to study." She told him and took an instant coffee sachet. "Besides, I have a good feeling today."
She poured hot water on the cup, stirred the powder and liquid before placing the cup and saucer in front of their father's picture gently. Her fingers lightly traced his face before she flopped down on the sofa. Sawako laid her head, glancing at the ticking fingers of seconds, before sitting up properly. She decided to just skim over her notes once more despite what she told her brother.
Soon, breakfast was cooked and the rest of their family were wide awake. They ate their breakfast in silence and it was over quick. Doing the dishes and other chores, time flew past by. Before Sawako knew it, she was checking over her bag again, in case she missed a thing or two.
When satisfied with its contents, seeing that she has her admission slip with her, Sawako nodded to herself. "Okay, I'm good." She took her bag and headed to the genkan.
She heard three pairs of footsteps.
"Sawa-nee, are you sure you don't need a ride? Kei-nii can give you a lift."
She turned, shoes already on her feet. "Nah, I'm good." She picked up her bag and patted each of their heads. Tall. "I'm off."
The three nodded, a thumbs-up of three were thrown at her and it was then that she became satisfied. There was no trace of nervousness on their faces, rather, they looked relaxed at her incoming battle. Because she's not the only one who prepared for this whole ordeal. Her whole family was. They thoroughly supported her, despite not telling them the reason why there's a sudden change in her tertiary plans.
With a confident smile, she left the house and took short strides towards the wooden gate. Exhaling, Sawako pulled the wood so she can leave before pulling it once more when she reached outside. Her eyes widened in surprise at the uncanny familiar figure of the lad with dark hair and blue eyes.
"Morning." He greeted, nodding.
She nodded back. "Morns, Kageyama-kun." She clutched at the strap of her bag and placed strands behind her ear. Then she turned into a succession of blinks. "H-Huh?! W-What are you doing here?" She looked at his outfit – casual that consisted of a black jacket, saturated red jeans, blue scarf, and white shoes. "Why are you…" not in training?
He stared back at her and Sawako has to mentally calm down her nerves. "I heard that… today's your exams from Sugawara-san." She nodded in affirmation. "I just thought…if…" He averted his eyes, pouting. "CanItagalong?"
"W-What?"
He darkly looked back, his pout looking like a scowl. "Don't make me say it again, please." He muttered.
And she couldn't help but smile a little. What is this? It was truly unbelievable. "But what about training?" She looked at him as she started to walk.
He followed her movements, walking beside her. "No training."
"Personal training?"
"No training," He repeated. His hand slid inside his jackets' pockets. "I'm on a break. Ennoshita-san told me to take a day without volleyball."
"Oh." She nodded in understanding. That sounded right. Resting is part of training, too. And her nod also meant that she was alright with his unexpected company.
She saw him sigh, as if in relief, and tilted his chin up with a small dorky grin. Sawako couldn't help but smile, mirroring his as together, they walked towards downtown for the bus stop. It wasn't until he held out a hand with an expecting face. That dorky grin was for all her eyes to see, he actually looked like the child in him.
"Oh… I'm fine. It's okay."
He frowned. "I insist."
"It's just a small bag, Kageyama-kun."
"Still."
She narrowed her eyes at him. What's making her bag a big deal? It only has her wallet, phone, an umbrella, a notebook, and pencil case. Nothing heavy, just light stuff. "You're stubborn."
His eyes widened slightly in surprise yet he didn't say anything back at her. His hand still waiting to get a hold of the strap of her bag and Sawako looked at it. She had no intention of giving her belonging to him, as there's no need. They probably starting to look like idiots having a stare showdown in the road. Kageyama-kun, with his hand out, tight-lipped, and a dark face against her, wearing the same facial expression but looking amused at their predicament. It didn't take that long before Sawako gave up.
Is he trying to be chivalric now? She averted her eyes and sighed with red slowly rising on her face. She loosened her hold on the strap and placed it on his expecting hand. "Fine." She said, looking away in time to see the victorious look on his face. Her face heated up some more at the sight.
Ugh. That's cute.
She didn't understand. Her mind, too absorbed in textbooks, couldn't think of any reason as to why he was outside their house on a Saturday wearing casual clothes. Of course, she knew that her friends tipped him off about the entrance examinations for Kageyama-kun admitted it to her, but no matter, she still couldn't fathom his reason behind his action today. Nor his actions on their previous encounters.
Tagging along? Really? The Kageyama-kun who was being meticulous in his training insisted to carry her bag? Nevertheless, she appreciated his gesture. It was really sweet of him.
She noticed that lately, his deeds made her blush. It was… manly, and he's treating her like a woman. Sawako looked at the side, covered the lower part of her face, as an indescribable warmth growing in frenzy in her being.
Kageyama-kun was quiet the whole ride. Unlike before that he insisted on standing that she had to pull her down beside her, he willingly sat this time. He doesn't seem to be unfazed at the seating arrangement by the look of his calm face. But a twitch on his brow and the tightening of his jaw gave it away for Sawako to know that this was a big deal. Yet despite reading him, she still couldn't understand why he's doing the things he did.
As a woman, Sawako noted how gentle he was. He let her go inside first, he let her take a seat first, he let her go out of the bus first, taking note of the side she walked before nudging her to go on his right and carried her belonging. Chivalric. Traditional. Those are the words that first came to mind when she decided to describe his actions.
It was admirable and really… sweet. He's making things to make her love him more than ever.
Ah. Love. Yes, she loves him. It was love.
When they entered the station, Sawako had to get her bag to reach for her wallet. The gentleman he was, let her get it and was even the one who zipped her bag open. She thought she could retrieve her bag from him but he didn't. Sawako unintentionally rolled her eyes at this and he returned it with a glare. Scary. But she didn't let it fazed her.
She waited for him to tap his pass, still carrying her bag over his shoulder. Sawako couldn't help but admire his beauty. From his dark hair to the light wrinkles on his forehead. From his thin dark eyebrows to his piercing blue eyes. From his nose to his scowling lips. His face was admirable, enchanting, like a work of art. Even his adam's apple and muscular shoulders and arms that hid beneath his jacket. The long, muscular legs were covered by his jeans.
At sixteen and in the middle of puberty, Kageyama-kun was a striking beauty. She couldn't help but think that her eyes had been enchanted at this human form of art and heart-loving this person. But it was not his physical characteristics that have made her heart wild and shaken her lone human development. It was for who he was from his mature aura and aloof face to his real self of sensibility and childishness. From his straightforwardness, self-discipline, hardworking, and perfectionism to his shyness, hard-headed, lack of awareness in his words and innocence. Adding the fact that even though he's not talkative, she would be caught in surprise at herself for understanding him with just a few words or on some occasions, none at all.
Sawako shyly smiled when he approached her. His scowl faded.
They walked together to the platform and climbed inside when the train stopped. Even inside, he willingly sat beside her. It was when a thought struck at her.
She turned to the lad beside her. "By the way, Kageyama-kun…" He lightly turned his head, indicating that he's listening. "Where are you going to stay during exams?"
He blinked. "Ah."
She tilted her head. "Hm?"
"Ha?"
"Eh?"
"Tch."
"Huhh?"
That sounded confusing.
Sawako never imagined her life to casually speak a different language that was neither Japanese, Russian, and English. She never expected of the time, a quick catch-up that she'll actually be able to speak on the same language as Kageyama-kun. What has transpired just now was an understanding that the lad has no idea where he'll pass the time, as he insisted that he'll accompany her until her exams were over.
And neither did she. If she did, she could've prepared for him.
As Sawako looked through the glass that allows her to see what was outside, her mind raced back to the location outside the main gate of the university. She tried to remember the establishments in the area, having been there once when she submitted her papers.
"Do you have pocket money?" She asked the blue-eyed lad, facing him as they stood outside the main gate. Across them was a convenience store that they both agreed he'll stay in the meantime.
"I do. Why?"
She grinned. "I'll be up there for three or four hours." She said, fishing for her phone that vibrated as soon as she gestured at the intimidating university. She skimmed the messages, reading words of 'Good luck' and 'Do your best'. "You might get bored and there's an amusement park when you turn on the right cor–."
"No." She blinked and watched his cheeks slowly redden. "… I'll wait for you there."
Sawako was left without a choice but to nod, aware of the same hue that was growing on her cheeks. "Okay."
His hand held out the strap and she gladly took it from his grasp. Awkward and red, he nodded his head, silently telling her that he'll be fine before crossing the street. She watched his young, broad back for a moment, assured that he'll really do just fine, and spun her heels to face her future.
She sighed and her worries gone. The only thing she had in mind was the battlefield before her very eyes.
She presented her school ID and admission to the security guard. And they allowed her to enter, stepping on the school grounds. Sawako was very assured of the fact that Kageyama-kun didn't turn to look back earlier and went on his merry way inside the convenience store.
The examination room was already filled with students. Despite its large mass of student body, it was surprisingly quiet, tensed, and even if she wasn't able to feel it earlier for herself, she can feel the nervousness that oozed out from these fellow candidates.
Sawako found herself a seat at the very front that was surprisingly vacant. With a sigh, she closed her eyes after dropping her bag beside her.
Studying and making reviewers has what took most of her time after and before class hours. It kept her busy on the break and managed to ease her worries regarding her future. Simple favors such as helping the two simple-minded first-years to survive their supplementary exams, as well as her sister, were just a quick review of what was already been engraved in her mind for years.
Because studying has what she normally did, Sawako was confident that she'll pass. After all, she didn't fail to accommodate herself with that information and never failed her tests. She's been diligent and can proudly claim that she's good at it.
That was why the entrance examination felt like a spring breeze.
Fleeting. Short-lived.
It's like… it just passed by.
Sawako was the first person to stand up in her seat. Her exam sheets and the exam booklet were in her hand as she approached the proctor to leave her answers at his desk. She can feel the eyes that bore on her back, on the side of her head, and on her face when she picked up her bag after the proctor approved and allowed her to leave. The door felt like a kilometer.
The eldest Harukaze was able to breathe properly once she's out of the room. It just occurred to her that it was suffocating inside and the fact that she only felt it right after she's ready to leave was a surprise. She's been focused on what she knew and getting impatient at the fact that someone was waiting for her that other variables aside from the entrance examinations were invisible.
Exhaling, she looked at her palm. It was shaking. Her legs felt jelly. And three hours almost passed.
Three hours but it felt like an hour. The questions that ranging from core subjects such as English to Mathematics looked like they just went through her brain. She couldn't remember answering those questions but it felt like she did. All those stock knowledge in her seemingly drained and hidden when she submitted her booklet and answer sheets.
I've done it.
She clenched a fist.
It's over.
She looked up and headed to the exit.
There were a few who lingered and roamed around the campus. Sawako was being reminded of the time she met Kageyama-kun for the first time. It has the same feeling of pressure, being inside a new learning facility with a new atmosphere, as well as the feeling of anxiety.
She blinked and held her palms close to her face. Bluish-green eyes stared at the slight shaking. Nervous. I'm nervous.
Now that she'd done it, get over it, it just sank to her that she's nervous about the outcome. Sawako was confident that she'll pass. She has faith in her answers and her knowledge that she's not scared of turning into a rogue. What makes her nervous was the fact that once she passed, she's really leaving. That dreadful feeling of separation was creeping to her up again.
Sawako looked up as her feet came to a stop. It landed on the convenience store right across the street. Cars and motorcycles passed by, taking away a consistent view of the person inside.
A smile made its way on her pale face and looked at the light. Green. And after confirming that it's okay to cross, her long legs took stride closer to the store. Her hand immediately reached for the door handle and pushed it. The sound of chime reached her ears as soon as she did so, her eyes looking at the blues of the lad that she kept waiting for hours. She found herself calming down and relaxed.
A shy smile made its way on her face, holding her hand up and meekly waved, "Hey, Kageyama-kun."
He stood up, almost rocking over the store clerk that was managing a section. He quickly apologized and she approached. "Harukaze-san," He breathed, towering her with his tall figure. Then he fell into a succession of blinks. "Huh? You're done…?"
She nodded. Her eyes quickly glanced at the long table, particularly by his seat, and found no signs of trash. "Hungry?" He shook his head but she heard a low grumble. "Oh." She covered her mouth with her hands at his blush of embarrassment, trying not to smile. Liar. Another small sound of growl erupted and Sawako placed a hand in her stomach, feeling the grumble.
She couldn't help but be flustered, ashamed. He, too, tried not to look as he controlled his own. She looked down at his hand. They're both hungry. It's natural to eat, even so after taking an examination that has drained her mentally.
So, she bravely grabbed his hand, feeling its roughness against her own. It immediately caused a startled reaction from him but Sawako shrugs it off and quirked a smile. "Let's eat."
She tried to ignore the racing of her heart and the slight twitch of his hand against her palm.
For lunch, they ate in a rice-all-you-can family restaurant that offers a 10% discount for university takers. The food was great anyway and they're able to save quite an amount of money because apparently, Kageyama-kun was hungry that he deprived himself of food earlier at the convenience store. He said, "I was not done waiting so, I'm not going to eat." That, he apparently has this sort-of plan in mind to finish things first before moving on to the other and he apparently couldn't wait and eat at the same time.
The notion that he chose to wait for her rather than eat alone made her heart ached. Precious.
Sawako was a big eater as well, and somehow, it turned out into a silly competition on who can eat the boiled pork stew on their first bowl. Kageyama-kun was that competitive and she gladly accepted his challenge. Though it was her who provoked him that she and Daichi used to compete when they were children, it sparked something in Kageyama-kun.
However, no one won. They have to consider their pocket money the moment they realized that they're on their third bowl.
"You sure do eat a lot."
Eh? Sawako tore her eyes away at the wallet, her hand placing the bill and their money as she looked at the lad in surprise. "You… surprisingly didn't filter that one." She was not offended at his words. Although, others would think he meant that she was getting fat or fat.
His eyes slightly widened and pouted. There was a tint of pink. "H-How should… I mean…" He sighed and showed her the back of his hand. His other hand gripped the other wrist. "How come you don't get fat with that appetite?"
Oh
She looked at her wrist and imitated him. Despite that appetite, her wrist remained the same – small and bony. "No idea."
For some reason, Kageyama-kun looked dangerous, muttering something about body types, genes, weight management, healthy diet, and metabolism. She wanted to laugh. He was being quite an intellect in the physical and health area, especially relating somehow to sports but people slightly back away at his aura and Sawako had to drag him outside the restaurant. He was unintentionally scaring people.
Their bill was fully paid.
Rough.
That was the first thing that would cross her mind as soon as her hand gripped his hand. As he is a volleyball player, Sawako wasn't surprised to feel such texture. It was warm as well, and it was stiff in her hand. Just like him. She tried to maintain her composed face the moment his hands started to get sweaty. But she couldn't hold back the blush that won her face as it was a fact that she's holding his hand.
They were now outside the restaurant when she felt him squeezed her hand. Yet as quickly as it came, he quickly retracted his hand, instantly placing it on his nape.
"A-Ah. Sorry." Sawako shyly tucked a stray strand behind her ear.
"Uhh… I… I'll… At… Um…" He sighed. "Okay."
The rest of the day gave her a chance to spend with Kageyama-kun. It's like Sendai all over again but set in Tokyo. As usual, they spent their time at the gaming center. They thought of skipping watching a movie today instead, they entered the world of the famous Tokyo Dome and spent the majority of the time on the rides. Sawako thought that Kageyama-kun would challenge her, but he was surprising lowkey doing it.
There was no bargain or prize involved.
And he somehow looked down which left her to wonder if she did something wrong. It made her feel that she shouldn't have held his hand earlier or reject his desire to accompany her. She was quite torn. Oftentimes, she would catch a glimpse of him to see his eyes looking at her hands. Maybe she was wrong on that account. She immediately thought he had a fanaticism, like with her neck. But he proved her wrong.
It happened when they're on the way home. Because it was exhausting for the both of them, Sawako especially as she had exams earlier, passed out during the ride home inside the train to Sendai.
She didn't remember falling asleep with her head on his shoulder but remembered Kageyama-kun dozing beside her. She could barely hear the sound of the announcement of their arrival at the Sendai station but heard his voice that called her name.
"H-Harukaze-san… Oi. Harukaze-san."
But she was sleepy and her head almost hit on the metal when he tried to stand. If it weren't for his hand, it would hit and would hurt. And it happened too fast, it later sank.
"Harukaze-san, please wake up."
She was awoken at the urgency of his voice. The voice of the announcer on the intercom repeatedly saying that they have reached the station, and him waking her up. She wanted to sleep but followed nonetheless. Then his handheld hers and tugged her outside.
It was late when she noticed that she was being dragged. That's what she thought, as they got off the train and barely made it out before it closed its doors.
On her mind, it was that rough hand again that gently held hers. Now fully conscious, she gripped back on the hand that held volleyball at a very young age, as they left the platform before receiving a response – a squeeze – from him.
She didn't say anything on their way home. And let him feel whatever he was feeling when he didn't let go of her hand even as they rode on the bus back to the town.
OMAKE
When Tobio came home on that day, he was surprised to find his mother home. She seemed to have been waiting for him by the genkan.
"SO?"
"So?" He tilted his head to the side, confused at her sparkling aura.
"So, what made your face so red and grinning like an idiot?"
If his mother told him that he was red, perhaps, he turned even more red at the question. There's no way he would answer for the answer lies and points to his senpai whom he just held hands with earlier and woke up with her head on his shoulder, his head on her head.
"I just… sort of… went… accompany… or some sort… Harukaze-san…." His mother blushed, making him embarrassed. "I'lleatlater." And excused himself.
When he's finally alone in the comfort of his bedroom, Tobio couldn't stop himself from pumping a fist at his boldness earlier. There was an unerasable grin on his face.
Date: 1/19 15:42
From: Harukaze Sawako
Subject: Today
Thank you, Kageyama-kun.
note:
Hello! Thank you so much for the reviews on the two previous chapters. I am so sho happy that you felt the way. I was too ecstatic I almost couldn't believe what I was reading. Had to reread them again before squealing hehe.
bbymojo: How? SOON! I also like the part that he lied to hehehe
Kageyama lover: OMG YOu nailed some parts I planned for future events. I commend you for that. Which, hehe, SOON!
The second term will be over tomorrow, and I have to prepare for Term 3. It sucks being a third-year. But I can't wait to graduate next academic year. It's ECQ Season 2 here in my country. Frustrating to be honest. How are you all coping up with your studies/work?
Until next time!
