Tobio blinked at the bundle in hand. It was a bundle of eight notebooks tied in a plain red ribbon. After untying and setting aside the red string, his blue eyes checked the brand, the first pages each notebook had, and there was handwriting that looked so familiar. He slowly looked up at his female company. His lips opening and close, like a gaping fish before forming into a pout.
Her face blushed. "What? You're staring too much."
His eyebrows narrowed.
English Pointers
for Kageyama Tobio
Year I
Japanese History
for Kageyama Tobio
Year I
Modern History
for Kageyama Tobio
Year II
And so on. It was when he remembered something. Something very important that if it wasn't for that, he wouldn't be able to experience that unforgettable summer with the powerhouse schools. Something like a certain notebook with his name on the front that Harukaze once gave him on a lunch break. And he couldn't believe it.
"It was you?! The one who wrote that reviewer?" He gaped at the young lady in front of him.
Harukaze-san paused from tucking a strand of hair behind her hair and nodded slowly. Then suddenly, she blushed. There was something in her that flashed and he almost missed it. "I-I am."
"Why?"
Why indeed. It happened a long time ago and he didn't see any reason why she would such a thing. Although, it was something that helped him (and Hinata), what was her motive? It was something that made him curious.
Her face turned into a brilliant shade of red. "…Koushi called and told me of your situation. Thought I lend a hand and yeah…"
So, it's like that.
"Why?"
She reached out for his face and was surprised that she pinched his left cheek. "He knew you'd like it if you pass the exam."
In other words, …
"That guy knew of what I felt."
… She already liked him then. And that was a long time ago. To think that she was already feeling that way for him for a long time made him feel so… so… happy. He grinned. "Thank you, Harukaze-san."
She perked up and smiled, mirroring his. "You are always welcome." And patted the cheek that she has just pinched.
Always.
He has always loved volleyball and will forever be. Placing the bundle of notebooks at the side, he looked at the person with him. She looked so beautiful. She was smart and very feminine. But at the same time, flexible in situations that she can vibe with him. Her smile will always be a killer and her hands will always be gentle. Her eyes will always look at him and her heart will always be his.
He will always love her, would and forever be.
"What do you want for snacks, Kageyama-kun?"
He blinked, baring his thoughts, and looked at her. "Anything is fine."
She smiled. "Okay." And headed to do the kitchen work.
It was Friday and has been two days since the third-years has graduated. It has been days as well since he and Harukaze-san started their relationship. The few days wherein he entered in a relationship where that white lie became truth. Before he knew it, his mind wandered back to how their confession went, and how casually they agreed after acknowledging that what they felt is mutual.
His neck warmed at the memory of his slip-up and how it affected her. He almost lost her. Ever since he learned it was her exams for college, he had been restless. Thinking of the days wherein he will no longer see her in every inch of the town was painful. He just got used to seeing her whenever he can. Her being far away would be a gap in his day and heart.
That was why he accompanied her. He went there with her. While she took the exams, he took some time to think of what to do with his feelings. That was why he sought out Sugawara-san after receiving a bento and chocolates. From then on, he was anxious, edgy, and his heart just won't stop racing. He tried to convey his feelings to her and he had failed miserably, and unintentionally hurt her. He may have been two years younger than her – two years behind from Harukaze-san yet he didn't mind waiting. He wanted to be assured. And she did just now. The notebooks were proof that it was mutual.
He could see her bloom like the cherry blossoms in their yard that made his heart swell and the fact that she has been very generous to him all this time finalized his decision that he would just tell her in person. He loves her that much like how he loves volleyball.
If someone would ask him what he loves the most about Harukaze-san, he would say it would be her hands. Because they were gentle to him. Or he would say it'd be her eyes because it was very pretty and transparent. She didn't look at him with those scornful, envious eyes. But he could say it'd be her heart because it was big that she accepted everything he threw at her. Then again, he loves her as a whole.
He looked up and saw Harukaze-san's back that worked diligently at their kitchen. The apron hung on her neck and tied on her waist. She was about to make something as he could smell the sweet anko.
His phone vibrated in his pocket, breaking his eyes away. He flipped it open.
Date: 03/22 14:39
From: Sugawara Koushi
Subject: Birthday
Hey boyfriend, have you bought a gift for Sawa?
He raised a brow.
Date: 03/22 14:40
To: Sugawara Koushi
Subject: Re: Birthday
Gift for Harukaze-san?
Date: 03/22 14:40
From: Sugawara Koushi
Subject: Re: Birthday
You didn't know? How come you don't know?! Her birthday will be on Sunday.
His eyes widened in surprise. H-Harukaze-san's birthday?!
Last time on his birthday, she was there for him. This time, it will be her turn of celebrating another age and he knew that he has to do something about it.
Date: 03/22 14:42
To: Sugawara Koushi
Subject: Re: Birthday
Sorry. I'll think of something.
He will. He could ask the triplets for it. But damn, he almost forgot. The three were out today. Miki-san was also out for she still has seminars to attend today. The other girl went to the library while Harukaze and Hitori went for their tennis Spring Camp. Thus, leaving Harukaze-san the only one at home today and he was invited to come inside for the second time.
Aside from that, he didn't have any contact with the other Harukaze family. He sighed. He's going to ask Harukaze-san directly what she wants then.
"… Something bothering you?" He flinched. Her back was still facing him, the sound of bowl and plates clanking reached his ears. "I can hear you from here."
He stood up from their sofa and approached her. "Harukaze-san." He started. He's really gonna ask her. She hummed and he took it as a signal to continue. "W-What… What do you want for your b-birthday?"
She paused, almost losing hold on the plate. "Hm?" She whipped her head to him. There was a taint of pink on her cheeks. "That… T-That would be…" She looked up at the ceiling as he stood beside her. He raised a brow at her passive face despite the obvious color.
"Would be?"
"Ah…" She blinked at him. "I… don't know. I don't know what I want right now. I'm just getting older?" She gave him a quick glance before softly sighing. "I'm already contented with what I have right now, actually."
His eyes blinked. He glanced at what she's preparing, ignoring how her words just made him feel happy. She was beginning to measure flour in cups after cracking the eggs. The egg white and yolk fell on the clean bowl with grace until there were three circular yellow staring at him.
"Is that…" A brow raised. "Pancakes?" For snacks?
She nodded. "Yes. You don't mind?"
He shook his head. "Can I help?"
"Sure. Wash your hands first and get the spare apron over there."
He did as he was told. He approached the sink, turning on the faucet and rubbing his hands against the water. When done, he patted them dry in a clean cloth that she pointed. Tobio took the apron from the hook and clumsily tried to tie the strings around his waist. But Harukaze-san has her back turn on him that he couldn't bother to ask her how to tie so he just left it as it was.
"What should I do?" He asked, appearing by her side.
"You can mix this."
"Okay." He received the bowl and whisk she had in her hand. There was a half-mixed flour and eggs, so he did it like how he'd seen her do it.
"Huh? Lemme tie this for ya'."
He stilled when he felt her fingers brushed his side. When he glanced at his shoulder, he found a mop of black hair and her tying what he left untied earlier. And without a word, Harukaze-san continued with the other task. She may not be aware but what she did for him made his heart just skipped a beat. But because he asked to help, he didn't expect that he would be having baking lessons with her as she began to instruct her what to do. He set aside the irregular beating of his heart and focused.
He added the sifted flour to the mix and he was left mixing them again. His blue eyes followed her figure as she prepared the pain, heating it over the store.
"Here." She said, giving him a ladle. "Scoop a mixture and pour over the pan." She instructed beside him.
"All of it?" He gestured to the batter in the ladle.
"Make two."
"Okay."
She hummed seeing the two small pancakes getting cooked. She grabbed a plastic spatula, bringing a clean plate with her. When bubbles appeared, he sidestepped and she took over his place. He watched her turn over the pancake, seeing the slightly orange-ish to brownish color. She repeated the process until it was cooked. And so was the whole process of their scoop and flip. It wasn't that long before they cooked all of the batters and decided to just let it cool for a few minutes.
Tobio washed his hands once more, feeling a little giddy at this new form of activity that he shared with her.
"Ah, it cooled down now, Kageyama-kun." She told him and he immediately went to her. She started to fill the pancakes with anko. His mouth watered at the texture. "Here." She gave him a saucer of a dorayaki with a fork.
He took the dorayaki from her. It was still a little hot. He cut the moist, fluffy texture with a fork, blowing the hotness before eating it. She watched him as he chewed and he couldn't help but think how cute she looked with an expecting face.
"How was it?"
It was hot, sweet, and fluffy. He really couldn't say much. The dorayaki tasted different when he helped how to make it than to the dorayaki that he just bought from a stall. He did well. "Delicious."
He saw her smiled and he heard her hum in content. As he ate one forkful, she proceeded to fill the rest of the pancakes with anko.
Pretty.
"Do you drink tea?" She asked and he nodded. "Okay, I'll prepare some."
She left his side and took a cup of green powder on a cupboard. Harukaze-san worked as if it's natural. Sort of like a habit. She boiled water, prepared cups, and scooped a ladleful of powder in a tea strainer. Then, she sifted the powder into a dry, empty bowl called matcha-chawan, swirling the small ladle around the strainer to ensure that there are no clumps on the tea. After doing so, she poured the boiling water on the teacup in a gentle manner. She picked up the chasen and began to whisk the texture in the teacup in a gentle circular motion.
Tobio blinked before she could notice that he had been staring. He took the plate full of dorayaki with him to the living room. He thought of gazing at their backyard for the sky was blue and the wind was cool, he thought it was a nice place to eat the anko-filled pancake. His feet brought him to the edge of their living room, to the engawa where he carefully placed the plate on the wooden floor and sat down beside it. His legs almost dangle, so he crossed his legs and sucked in the air that surrounded them.
She came where he was sitting with a tray of teapot and cups. She placed it beside the plate and sat. The tray with their tea and a plate of dorayaki was placed between them.
Harukaze-san offered him a matcha tea with a smile. Tobio gladly took it seeing its bright green color in foamy texture. He blew on its hotness and watched its seemingly vague smoke danced as they released heat. He took a sip, his tongue felt close to burning, and tasted its earthiness. Later on, the aftertaste kicked in and he tasted the sweet nuttiness before it faded away.
It tasted good and he sighed, pleased at the combination of matcha and sweet layer of red bean paste in semi-thick pancakes.
Looking at the garden, his blue eyes caught sight of pink buds that blooms on a large tree. Some of the Harukaze's floral bushes slowly bloomed, igniting a colorful image before him.
The breeze smelt nice.
"Ah… spring." Harukaze-san hummed beside him.
There and then was the start of their harmonious relationship, relying on nature and silence.
After giving so much thought to her answer, Tobio resulted in one thing: Bring nothing. So here he was, at the Harukaze household on a Sunday night, sitting in the middle of the silent Harukaze and the loudmouth Hitori.
There was a party for her – her nineteenth birthday and a farewell party for Harukaze-san, who will depart for Tokyo when the sun rises in a matter of hours. That's why the Harukaze house was crowded today. Her family that was already consisted of three blondes, the Ukai family (Coach Ukai, Ukai-san, and Ukai-san's mother), his volleyball retired seniors, and Aizawa-san, were either inside the living room-kitchen or in their backyard. It was usually the elders there, celebrating with barbeque and alcohol.
"Hey, hey, boyfriend. What're you spacing out for?" He turned to Sugawara-san that suddenly appeared behind him. "Eat more! Your girlfriend prepared for this, y'know." He blushed at that. "You, too, Suzaku!"
The annoying Harukaze turned to him with an annoying grin. "You still blush at the girlfriend word? Pft – uncool."
He threw a glare in her direction to shut her up. This girl spent so much time with Hinata. That guy might be exploiting his weakness to this annoying girl.
"Tease him like that and he'll get stuck even when they decide to make babies."
His face flushed, turning to his senior. "S-Sugawara-san!" What the hell?!
"Bet he can't do it even if he tried." Added the pink-haired senior. Another annoying female.
"Hey! Why're ya talkin' 'bout my Shawa's babiesh?!"
They all turned to the almost gibberish words of the only old man in the house. Tobio's eyes widened in surprise, suddenly realizing that one of the legendary figures in his volleyball world and Harukaze-san are related. The old man's eyes flickered to him and pouted. Tobio flinched when the attention swerved in his direction.
"Chibitaro's shetter."
He blinked. Who the hell is Chibitaro?
"I'll be 'round for my great-grandkidsh y'hear me? Make my Shawa cry 'n Imma throw y'ar arse to the shky." There was a finger pointing at him. "Got that?!"
I haven't asked her for marriage yet…!
"Are you drunk, grandpa?"
But the man didn't answer the question being asked by his grandson. Instead, the scary dark eyes of this strong man remained on his, and Tobio suddenly felt the pressure. He felt his sweat turned cold and he knew then that this person before him that he admired was serious in his words. And Tobio didn't want to be thrown into the sky. So, he nodded, ignoring the light blush that dusted on his cheeks at the meaning behind his words.
He thought, because he was younger, that the rest of her family would be against him. He was behind for two years and while he's sixteen and the night was young, Harukaze-san's age right now only added a gap in his reality. She's nineteen now and even if he would celebrate his birthday by the end of the year, it still won't close the gap between them. He will always be the one younger.
Surprisingly, he recalled the day he inquired of Harukaze-san's relation to Ukai-san. It was then that their volleyball coach has already given his blessing. It felt like it was a long time ago, too. Even Ukai-san's mother was glad that Harukaze-san finally had a time for romance.
His seniors didn't mind as well and were in fact, the so-called shippers that lent a hand for them. If it weren't for Sugawara-san's prying, he wouldn't be able to mail her and they wouldn't get this close. If it weren't for Sawamura-san's grateful words, he wouldn't be able to have the courage to take a look back at how he apparently made Harukaze-san happy by simply existing. And if it weren't for Aizawa-san's approach the day after Valentine's, he wouldn't be able to know that he made a mistake after getting cocky that he didn't mess up. If it weren't for them, he wouldn't be here inside, celebrating her birthday as the special person in her heart.
The Harukaze family was already okay with him and Miki-san has treated him like her son long before he recognized what he truly felt for her.
This already reminded him that everything about her accepted him.
So, as the guests ate the food prepared by the birthday celebrant (he heard that she protested when they told her not to cook but she insisted) and the other Harukaze girl, Tobio mustered up the courage to approach her when she's finally alone. They've been crowding her for a while and he admitted that it was annoying but at the same time, found it admirable that she was surrounded by wonderful people.
"… Harukaze-san?"
She looked up from drinking a glass of water and smiled at him. "Yes, Kageyama-kun?" She placed the glass on the counter.
He blinked upon hearing his name with her mellifluous tone. Somehow, it sounded so right and it relaxed him. It sounded so nice and – Ah. Oh right. "Happy birthday."
She smiled, there was a light tint of red on her cheeks. "Thank you."
Blue eyes looked to the side, glancing nervously and bashfully. "Sorry, I… don't have anything to give as a gift." Not tangible at least.
She shook her head. The swaying of her bangs looked adorable. "No, it's fine." And the flushed turned into an intense shade. "You being here on my birthday is enough."
Ah.
His heart turned to warm. Damn. This is okay, right? He reached for her hand, a little hesitant. But he swallowed his pride and gently touched the tip of her fingers, which twitched at his advancement. He looked at her, pouting while he slowly covered her with his own hand. Her fingers wrapped themselves in between his and clutched on it tight but his mind could only think of how soft and warm her hand was.
"Harukaze-san." He began again.
She was looking at their joined hands with a shy smile. "Yes?"
He bit his tongue. His heart was racing. After thinking of it for so long, this is the only thing that he could think of as a gift for the things she had done for him. Permission.
"N-Name…"
"Huh?"
"My name…" is…
She bit her lip, a little amused. "Kageyama Tobio. Right?"
He nodded. Right.
He was silent. He didn't know what to do anymore. What's next? She knew his name but how could he tell her exactly the words and intention he wanted to say? His seniors were usually bold and would use his name without his permission. So, it was just that. He got used to them taking the first step.
And now, he's taking the first step for this.
"What?" She inquired. "What's with this all of a sudden?"
Fuck this. He squeezed on her hand tightly. "P-PleasecallmeTobio." He blurted out. He saw her eyes widened in surprise and it didn't help that he just sucked on his nervousness to tell her without spouting nonsense and wording it wrong. "Ah… gift? If you don't mind… Oh, it's permission… yeah."
A pause.
Her fingers twitched and he loosened but didn't let go of her hand.
"Tobio-kun…"
His heart stilled. That sounded about right.
She smiled and began to twirl a strand of her hair with her free hand. "Call me Sawako, then."
He blushed, nodding. "S-Sawako-san."
"Yes?" She reacted almost quickly, in caught him in trance.
Her name rolled in his tongue as if it's an alien word. It somehow felt weird – the new kind of weird feeling, and it is new especially when she looked at him as if she was waiting for something entirely. He looked away, and couldn't stop himself from flicking her forehead.
"Nothing."
She let out a small squeak of surprise and instantly rub the spot in her forehead. Her bluish-green eyes stared at him. It made him feel uneasy.
"What?" He grunted.
She blinked. "You flicked my forehead."
Eh? "W-What of it?"
"Don't hesitate to treat me like how you treat Hinata-kun, alright?" She sweetly asked.
What.
He could only wonder what's wrong with her mind. All the things he did to Hinata – grabbing his face, punching, kicking, throwing the short lad in the air, rubbing his knuckles on the head, calling him shit and dumbass – there's no way he'll do that to Harukaze-san.
"Why?" He asked.
She surprisingly pinched his nose. It caught him off guard. "Show me your true colors. You're cute like that, didn't you know?" He blushed, making her laugh. "You're so adorable!"
Wa–!
He spent the night at the Harukaze, with the permission of his mother. He and the third-years borrowed extra futons and slept in the living room. They said they wanted to bid Harukaze-san farewell on her departure. Aizawa-san and Shimizu-san apparently slept in her room that night, leaving him with the graduated young men.
The Ukai family went back to the house that was connected to the shop late at night. They were thankful that the drunk Coach Ukai passed out. It was said that the elder man would cause a ruckus if things won't go well according to his plan especially when he drank liquor and absorbed by it. It was said the older man has the tendency to be an annoying relative – or that, he was an annoying relative in the first place.
So, when morning came, Tobio woke up early as if he slept on his own bed. He sat up from the futon he slept and rested, seeing Sugawara-san kicking Azumane-san on the face and their retired ace looked troubled and hugged their previous captain from behind. If he didn't know any better, he would think that there's something going on and that they're into that kind of stuff.
He looked at the grandfather's clock through the dim room. Longhand pointed to four and the shorthand almost pointed to the number six. The sound of its ticking reached his ears and it only occurred to him that any moment now, the sun would be up. Come then, morning.
There was the sound of footsteps and his eyes landed just in time to see the person awake.
"Good morning."
And he was right.
"Good morning, Tobio-kun." She looked at him owlishly. Her lips formed into a smile. "You're up early."
He nodded and stood up. He glanced down at his sleeping seniors. "They just slept like a log."
She laughed softly. It bore a nice ring. "I'm going to prepare breakfast. Wanna help?"
A nod. But first… "Where's the bathroom?"
"Ah. It's just at the end of the hall. The door in the left."
"Thanks."
He heard a small huff from her before she left to look for the bathroom door that she talked about. His feet trotted silently on the dark hall. Eyes analyzing how the wall looked so bare he almost felt claustrophobic. But the light under by the floor on his right gave him an inkling that the other end was what was supposed to be another engawa. He followed through, thanks to the moonlight, and immediately found the door on the left.
After doing his business, he helped her make breakfast. He didn't actually cook but did most of the cutting and placing pots and pan on the stove. He would watch her mixed the measured seasonings and saute the meat and vegetables, as well as observing and learning how to know the rice was cooked. How she worked brought him to a memory lane of his Valentine's special.
Her fingers and palm worked automatically and even though he just watched her work, breakfast was over right when all had woken up from their slumber.
Sugawara-san and Aizawa-san teased them that they're acting like a newly-wed couple. He got to see Harukaze-san get flustered when even Miki-san joined the bandwagon. He really didn't get why did would jump to marriage when he and Harukaze-san have just started. They haven't been together for a week yet!
He later learned that it was centuries ago when physical labor was so highly valued, the groom would live with the bride's family and would donate his labor for a period of time. But back in the 14th century, it was replaced by the custom of the woman instead of marrying into the man's family. And their situation in the kitchen apparently looked like that – marriage life. Which led him to wonder if that's exactly how their life after marriage would look.
Still, the idea of marrying Harukaze-san has not been in his mind yet. With her family nudging him and dropping hints that they should get wed, the idea began to implant in his mind, and considered it. After all, it is Harukaze-san. He couldn't see himself with someone else other than her.
It wasn't the rowdiest and the most crowded breakfast he ever had. The one at the training camp last summer still stood at the top. However, despite lacking the unnecessary noise and banter from what he got used to, the breakfast with the Harukaze felt really warm.
Tobio was able to learn some things on that day. For one, Harukaze-san makes a cup of instant coffee for their father.
"Oh, this is our father. Nikolai. We call him Nik sometimes and he was a pilot. He really liked instant coffee because it's not time-consuming. He gets up late when he slept and he would rush to his office in the city immediately. Other times, he would just bring himself a traveler's mug and coffee sachet when there's no time." She giggled. "He was not really good in time management and Mama would scold him."
Was. That was the keyword.
"Where is he now?" He always wondered after seeing the huge family portrait. But somehow, he knew.
She stilled beside him and her eyes looked as if it drifted somewhere far that he couldn't reach. Then she smiled. "Somewhere peaceful."
Two, she originally planned to study in Kyoto – in which he learned from Sugawara-san that it was far than Tokyo, and that was where their father grew up, according to Harukaze, and where their parents met, according to Kirin, the other girl. But Harukaze-san changed her mind at the last minute for reasons unknown to him, even to her family.
Third, she already packed two days before her departure. Her luggage and some boxes (four big boxes) were waiting to be lifted to Miki-san's car. What's inside those boxes was stuff that he had no idea of. But all he knew was that it was heavy.
But despite the heaviness, four, she can lift. He saw her carry one box as Harukaze took her luggage to the car but Sawamura-san took it from her arms, insisting that men should do the lifting. The third-years carried each and he carried the last box, trailing behind them.
So, she can lift and has strong arms.
Fifth, he is her first boyfriend.
"That girl?" Sugawara-san chuckled. "She was too focused on academics and family that she didn't give herself the luxury to have a crush on someone." Then, his senior leaned closer to whisper. "But I swear, she liked Ennoshita long ago."
"Eh?" Ennoshita-san?!
"No need to fret about that. You can ask her if you want to know. But if you'll ask me how I see her, it'd be how she was pretty boyish back in primary school." Sawamura-san gave him a pat on his shoulder. "I don't know if I should feel sorry but know that I'm happy for the two of you." And like Sugawara-san, he whispered. "She gets really physical when she's overwhelmed. Keep your defense tight, Kageyama."
Asahi-san nervously chuckled in the background. "I don't really know her that well before high school but uhm… basing from how she was, well… I'm happy for the two of you."
And by their words, Tobio was assured that they've approved of their relationship. He felt so warm then, standing outside the house with a funny stomach, happy face, and abnormal heart rate.
Harukaze-san would be away after this. She would be far from his sight for days, a week. Although he proposed mails and phone calls and she has plans to go home every weekend, this separation – of long-distance was starting to creep in again. All it'll take was for Miki-san to drive her to the apartment he heard that they rented and he'll have to wait for Saturday to come.
Ah. It was scary.
His eyes flickered to the approaching young lady – his girlfriend – and stared.
"Hi."
She started and he looked down, unable to stop himself from controlling this feeling. She softly sighed and reached for his hand. He found himself wrapping his fingers around her slender ones and held them tight. Harukaze-san didn't say anything afterward. They stood beside one another, waiting for Miki-san to park the car in front of Ukai-san's shop. It's like she knew what he was feeling. Because yes, she obviously felt more intense in this situation.
His breath hitched at the sight of the car that appeared. His ears buzzed at the honking sound and became aware of the signal. She'll just have to go inside now and he will have to tell her to take care and keep in touch before disappearing from the town.
"Tobio-kun." He glanced at her smiling face.
He tried to smile back but he couldn't. Instead, he nodded at her and they began to walk towards the car.
The Ukai family, the rest of her family, and his seniors were already there. He let go of her hand and she took it as a signal to approach the people that stayed over to bid her farewell for this moment. He heard the murmurs, the choking sobs, and words, promises of the predicament. Amidst all that, he stayed quiet behind her and couldn't bring himself to say anything similar to them.
Hold on.
It was too soon. He was prepared for this. But no. Just when they had just got together and he was able to see a side of her that he wasn't able to see months prior, the day of her departure has to arrive.
Miki-san's hand rested on the top of his shoulder and he flinched at the contact. Immediately, he darted his attention to the older woman and saw a familiar smile on her face. It was then that he noticed Miki-san and Harukaze-san looked like one another when they smile.
"Would you like to tag along, Tobio-kun?' The woman asked.
A blink. What. "T-That's…" He stopped. He didn't know what to say. Is it alright? He'd love to.
"I originally planned to help Sawa-chan unpack but I have a meeting to attend later." She said, "Do you mind helping her in my stead?"
A chance.
He nodded in affirmation, eyes glowing in delight at the opportunity this person gave him. "I don't mind."
Miki-san clapped her hands in delight. "Good. Thank you, Tobio-kun." And she whispered. There was a playful grin on her face. "Take your time. And please do tell me when do you plan to propose. I'll help you, alright?"
He blushed at her words but nodded nonetheless. "Thank you, Miki-san."
His blush only intensified when Harukaze-san faced him. For some reason, he couldn't look away.
"Com'n, Sawa-chan, Tobio-kun." Miki-san called.
He nodded, not going to answer the confusion on his girlfriend's face. But she seemed to have got the message and turned to the triplets.
"Be good." She said, probably a number of times already.
Hitori hugged her. "I'll miss you, Sawa-nee." Then, the other girl.
Harukaze nodded at his older sister. "We'll be fine." Then turned to him. "Take good care of her."
He nodded at that. "You can count on me."
And with final wishes, Harukaze-san entered the car, sliding over to the passenger seat.
"No sleepover, Kageyama." Ukai-san told him before he could hop in at the back.
He nodded in response, unable to understand why would he result in such. Then, he sat inside and closed the door.
"Let's go."
His blue eyes glanced at the rear mirror and it locked on her bluish-green eyes. Harukaze-san smiled at him and this time, he smiled back.
The sixth thing that he learned about Harukaze-san was confirmation. When they went to Sendai, he noticed that she liked watching the scenery as they were moved from one place to another in a vehicle. Seeing her through the side view mirror looking at the trees, fields, and buildings passing by from their sight, confirmed the fact that she was indeed watching the scenery with interest.
His eyes looked at the side, watching the scene, too. He remembered riding Saeko-nee-san's car with Hinata. It happened a long time ago but he can still feel the sickness of his stomach and an urge to vomit.
Tobio sighed. Miki-san drove like a proper driver the whole time. Her driving skills were consistent, unlike Saeko-nee-san. He laid his head against the mirror. He'd love to lay on the space as he was sat behind but he didn't want to be that cozy just because they're in a relationship now.
It didn't take that long before sleep visits him as it's going to be a long ride.
His eyes fluttered open when he felt the growling of his stomach. It felt funny and he wanted to eat. But he didn't have anything to munch on and quickly sat upon realizing that he fell asleep on the seat. He wiped his face, suddenly conscious of a possible trail of drool.
"Oh, you're awake." Miki-san smiled at him through the rear-view mirror.
"I…I'm sorry." For sleeping in the car.
The matriarch shook her head as if she was saying no. "It's alright. Sawa fell asleep, too." Her brown eyes darted to the side and he followed.
He pried to look, surprising himself when his face suddenly faced too closely on her sleeping face. A small gasp of surprise as he backed away, ignoring the soft giggle of amusement from the Harukaze woman. Tobio looked closely and suddenly found himself admiring how her bangs were swept to the side while her forehead was almost bare and blank. He couldn't look away at the lips that parted as she exhaled breath in her sleep. It was as if she was telling him that she didn't snore and it was…
…cute.
His stomach growled, making his eyes widened. Blue eyes immediately met the brown eyes that twinkled in amusement. Tobio suddenly became shy, looked away, and sat properly. He could hear Miki-san's giggle and it was making his ears warm. Then, there was the sound of plastic. He looked back to see what was going on and was just in time to catch a whiff of food.
His stomach growled louder.
"Here, Tobio-kun." He gladly took the pack of soft senbei and Konjac Jerky from her hand. "I'm sorry. That's all I have in the car."
He opened the plastic wrapper, careful not to waste inside. "Ah, I don't mind. Thank you, Miki-san."
The woman smiled. "I still have some senbei here in case you want some more."
"Yes, thank you."
As he ate the rice crackers, a soft salad that was seasoned with oil and salt, his eyes peeked over to check on the sleeping beauty again before leaning backward, munching on the food.
The scene changed when he looked outside. Tall buildings, houses that were usually two to four-story tall, minimal fauna, and what looked like to be an almost suburban area entered his vision basing on what he could see through the window. It looked like they are closer to their destination and he couldn't stop himself but feel a little edgy on the seat.
Harukaze-san was asleep the whole ride and he knew that she's exhausted. It was just her birthday yesterday and now she's going to spend the night here and the nights of tomorrow.
Soon, the car pulled to a stop. He looked up from his fifteenth crackers. Blue eyes landed on the dull green gate that emits a cozy ambiance. Then to the dull blue wall of a three-story building. It has quite a number of rooms on each floor, quite big that Tobio instantly knew that the building before them would be where Harukaze-san's going to stay. And he must say that it looked fine. There was a garage and a flower pot.
It didn't look different from the ones he saw around the town. The building was just bigger in his opinion.
"We're here."
He nodded and placed the wrappers on the small trash bin that he found inside. Fingers sliding over the car door and with a flick of his wrist, it opened. He slid outside as Miki-san woke Harukaze-san. Soon, the woman gestured that he could open the trunk and he immediately worked on it. He found himself staring at the luggage and the four boxes that they carried earlier.
He heard her yawned and Tobio gently closed the compartment behind the car after taking the boxes out.
"Oh, Tobio-kun." She mumbled. Her bluish-green eyes looked down at the boxes. "Lemme help."
"Ah…"
He wanted to do the carrying in the first place but she was too quick to carry a box. Tobio remembered Harukaze-san Fact No. 4: She can lift. So, he just shrugged it off and let her. He carried two boxes and became bothered at the last box and luggage that was on the side. But Miki-san was there, talking with another woman that seemed to be the landlady. The matriarch smiled and nodded at him. Tobio mumbled his excuses and followed the recently woken-up Harukaze-san.
Third floor. And she opened the first door.
Tobio went on his merry way towards the stairs. When he finally reached where she entered, the box that hid his vision was gone and taken by Harukaze-san.
"Thank you." She smiled and led him to a one big, bare room. "You can place it here." She bent down and placed the box beside the other on the floor.
Tobio did the same and immediately went after the last box after seeing her quickly disappear in the corner. Apparently, it seems that Harukaze-san wanted to carry her things for herself.
"I'll take that box." He told her when she carried the last one.
"No way. Get the luggage." She insisted.
"No. Let me."
"Only if you start calling me by my name."
Oh, that caught him off guard.
While he stood there with a slowly blushing face, Harukaze-san took the opportunity to walk past him and leave him there with the luggage. He couldn't bring himself to be annoyed as he found truth in her words. Despite what he asked of last night, he still couldn't use her first name like how casually she started using his. But damn.
Sighing in defeat, Tobio grabbed the luggage and walked inside.
When all of Harukaze-san's belongings in her room, he turned to the older woman who stood by the door. Miki-san smiled at the two of them. Harukaze-san stood beside him.
"I will go ahead now," Miki-san said, before turning to him. "Will you be okay going home alone, Tobio-kun?"
He nodded. He brought his wallet and phone anyway. "Yes, ma'am."
"Okay. I won't worry." She smiled. "Update us, Sawa, okay?"
And with Harukaze-san's nod, Miki-san patted their heads. His chest warmed at the familiar gesture and he couldn't help himself but give a glance to the young lady beside him.
"I'm leaving."
He nodded at the woman.
"Take care."
He found himself in chorus with Harukaze-san. Blinking, he shared a look with her. He could hear Miki-san's giggle and they looked at her. With the elder woman waving, they watched the door closed.
Once again, his eyes met hers. Her bluish-green eyes twinkled and a smile adorned her face. He could only watch as to how her face slowly turned to look at something behind her. He followed her gaze and it landed on her packed belongings.
Ah.
"Now then…" She stretched her fingers and huffed.
That's about right. He agreed to replace Miki-san and was going to lend a hand. He opened a box. Lo and behold! No wonder it was heavy… He scanned the titles, feeling dizzy at the various topics of the books that Harukaze-san brought with her. He took them out before folding the carton and kept it on the side. Tobio opened the boxes while Harukaze-san managed the items – clothes and personal documents in folders – that were kept inside the luggage.
She was quite the whole time as she placed and hanged the clothes that she took from the third box that he opened. But man, she surely did own a lot of books. They all ranged from academics to fiction, and non-fiction. Tobio took the liberty to arrange them on the lone wooden shelf in her room.
He discovered the rest of her belongings. Aside from books (which took two boxes), she has a photo album, a corkboard with pins, notebooks, a box of what seemed to held stickers (he took a peeked), pen holders, two big pencil cases, footwear, and… and… picture frames.
His eyes twitched and his cheeks reddened when he saw the picture taken on New Year's.
Nee-san… He knew it was his sister's doing immediately. Even now, it was still a mystery to him how her sister and Harukaze-san met. But he placed the picture frames he found on the shelf. It had a family portrait, Harukaze-san on her graduation, the third-years, the team picture after the match against Kamomedai, and the rest were his photos with her and him alone.
His heart bubbled with happiness at the extent of her love for him. Grinning, he placed the frame gently on the table.
It was noon when finally, Harukaze-san turned to him as they just chose to laze around the open veranda. Feeling the breeze on the open area, his eyes were closed as he leaned on the railing. Blue eyes looking down to see the pots that he saw earlier and the entirety of the neighborhood. From where he stood, he could see the huge building of dull orange that he knew was the university where she'll attend.
"Tobio-kun…" She called.
He gave her a sideways glance, inclining his head to make her aware that he's listening. "Yes?"
"What do you want to eat for lunch?"
He blinked. He wanted to say he'd like to eat her cooking. But as soon as he saw the bareness of her kitchen, he changed his mind.
"Curry."
"With hard-boiled egg on top?"
He nodded.
"There's a curry house nearby. We can eat there." She pointed him in the direction of where the establishment was supposed to be before giving him a look. With a smile, she slowly left the veranda and entered.
He went to follow, finding her idly standing in the middle. He began to hear her mumble.
"Hmmm… We should buy kitchen utensils after lunch. An iron and iron horse, too." She began to list it down on her phone. "Cleaning brush, sweeper, and mop. Ah – potholder, too. A pot, a pan then… fridge? And a fan."
He peeked at the list. It was already quite long and suddenly, he felt bothered at the number of zeros it'll accumulate. But he still piped in, aiding her before she forgot the most important thing she needs. "Bedsheets, pillows, blankets, and mattress?"
Her eyes widened and swiftly turned to him. "Oh, that that…!" And quickly typed it on her already long list.
When Harukaze-san finalized the list, going over it, she quickly grabbed her purse with a very familiar koala. They both headed downstairs afterward. And for the first time, as it was, Tobio took note and tried to remember the establishments and buildings around and near the apartment. So far and so good, the block was complete with anything that a normal person wanted. A café, family restaurant, convenience store, pet shop, bookstore, and even a laundry shop.
The curry house that Harukaze-san spoke of was indeed nearby. It was just around the corner and near her university. It was beside the family restaurant they went to after her exams.
"Welcome!" The owner greeted them. "A table for two?"
Harukaze-san nodded with a smile. "Yes, please." And the waitress guided them to their table. Harukaze-san sat across him.
"I'll come back for your order." The waitress told them, with two menus in hand.
He murmured his thanks as he took it from the waitress's hand. Blue eyes immediately scanned the contents. Katsu Curry, Ebi Furai Curry, Chicken Katsu Curry, Karaage Curry, Beef Curry Udon, Vegetable Curry, Chicken Curry, Spicy Beef Curry, Natto Curry – with a sigh, he placed the menu with a final decision: Vegetable Curry and add a topping of hard-boiled egg.
When he looked at her, her eyes met his. And she stared. He stared back. Much to his surprise, she let out a small laugh.
"W-Wa… What?" He blushed. Did I do something funny?
She shook her head. "Nothing." Then she placed her chin on top of her palms. "You looked really cute when you're focused."
Ahck! He didn't saw it coming. The redness on his face deepened. "That's…!" Unfair!
Alas, the waitress came and took their orders. Harukaze-san ordered a spicy beef curry while he told the waitress hers. While waiting, they didn't talk. But he found himself getting weird out from her behavior of watching him with her chin on top of her palm being vocal of her affections.
She has been like that – being vocal since they confessed to one another. He could only roll his eyes or scoff at her in embarrassment and she would giggle to herself. He had no problems with it though because he was assured that it was reciprocated. He knew then that Harukaze-san won't leave him.
It wasn't that long before their order came and Harukaze-san refrained herself from talking on what-not as they ate. Lunch was over without some sort of competition between them. But he was full and contented with what they ate.
They went to the mall to buy electronics and appliances, what made up of her bed, the kitchen, and cleaning materials. As he was bothered earlier, the number of zeros was quite a lot. But it appeared that Miki-san provided her a huge sum of allowance for stuff like those appliances and necessities for the entirety of her college life.
How and where, it didn't occur in his mind. Miki-san has an intimidating title and heavy profession like his parents. It didn't matter to him any longer. But because they bought a lot, all the appliances will be delivered to the apartment.
Aside from the window shopping, which Tobio dubbed as Harukaze-san Fact No. 7, they walked around the block with the intention to memorize the buildings around. He was just walking, taking steps forward, moving his feet that synchronized with her pace.
It was slow. Harukaze-san walked slow but her strides were big because of her long legs. Tobio couldn't stop himself from staring at the person beside her. She wasn't looking at him nor the path they're taking. Clad in a long-sleeved shirt and long skirt, it took him a while to notice that it was spring. And she fit so perfectly with the season.
His eyes raked on her long loose hair. It swayed gracefully behind her back as she walked. But once in a while, her feet would stop so she could stare at a tree, fruits in a tress, flowers, or coo at some dogs that peeked over their owner's gate.
Her eyes, those bluish-green eyes, twinkled, it looked sparkling in his view, as she took in the kind of world Tokyo offered to her. Her lips – damn, those pink lips – would curve a smile and his heart would go wild at the sight.
Ah.
He really, really likes her. That smile… ever since it was directed at him some time ago, he thought that it was pretty. She was pretty. It captivated him. It took his attention. He understood her now. That forlorn expression on her face when they confessed was understandable. Because he knew that he wouldn't last without seeing her personally. Not when she's his, and he's hers officially.
Her desire, he shared it with her now.
Blue eyes looked up at the sky. The sun was lower and any minute, perhaps two more hours, the sky will be painted with orange.
It means going back home.
When he turned his eyes back to her, he was surprised to see Harukaze-san holding a box. He blinked in confusion, unable to grasp where it came from.
"Where did you get… that…" It slowly turned to a whisper as he peeked over what's inside. There was a small ball of fur and whiskers. "WHAT."
She smiled. "I heard him cry over there." She gestured at the narrow alley with a trash bin a few steps ahead. It was behind a laundry shop. "So, I picked him up. It was… pitiful."
Him? "Are you going to take care of… him?"
She nodded. "It's okay. Mae-san, the landlady wouldn't mind." Then she pouted. "And I'm alone. I might get lonely when you're all busy and I'm not."
His heart ached. She'll get lonely, too. Harukaze-san's all on her own after this. Waking up, cooking meals, going home, and sleeping… she would be alone in that apartment.
She began to walk. Tobio shortly followed. They went back to the apartment with a box of a kitten and there was a truck already parked outside. Harukaze-san immediately recognized it as what they bought earlier. With an old woman in her mid-forties, Mae-san, allowing them the men, and Harukaze-san guiding them. He helped in picking up the boxed appliances while Harukaze-san then signed the paper when all were inside the room.
Thus, began another unpacking session that lasted an hour.
Harukaze-san Fact No. 8: She like looking at her feet.
And the last part of the day was going home which was what he learned to hate as it meant parting from her a long time.
He watched her reached for his hand and he looked down at her fingers when it enveloped his, squeezing.
Harukaze-san Fact No. 9: She likes to squeeze his hand a lot.
"Be careful."
Blue flickered to her face.
"Don't fall asleep."
There was a small blush was on her cheeks.
He blushed, remembering the last time he was in Tokyo with her. How embarrassing. "But I wasn't the one who still want to sleep for the rest of the ride."
Ha.
But he clutched his side immediately, feeling the pain when she jabbed him at his side.
She gets really physical when she's overwhelmed.
An annoyed tick appeared, uncontrolled but disappeared when he saw her face. Ugh.
"I won't." His response came late. He swallowed and squeezed back on her hand. "I… I'll message you once I'm home."
She nodded.
He looked at her eyes and stared. She'll be alone after this… He bit his lip. Here it goes again. The feeling of doesn't want to part. The idea of Harukaze-san being alone for days when it looked like she'll do fine, makes his heart drop. His mind continued to chant that she'll be alone once he left, that she'll get lonely once he left, and that she'll have to stick with the almost bareness of the room for days.
No sleep-over, Kageyama.
But that's something he agreed.
Is it okay to send you e-mails? I'd like to keep in touch.
That, too.
Ah.
… If you can, it's okay. But if you can't… I'll come to… you.
"W-What… Why are you blushing?!"
Eh?
He vehemently shook his head. "Nothing."
He can't… He won't… tell. Her loneliness was enough. Adding his would be too much for her. The least he wanted was to see her break. He's not… He didn't… want… that… But didn't they agree on mails and weekend meets for this new situation? Why's he backing down now?
A squeeze.
"I'm scared, too, y'know." He blinked. "I lived my life for my family that… it's different this time… I'm going to live for myself to somewhere far." She smiled then frowned. "Aren't you the one who suggested you'll come for me when I can't?" She rolled her eyes and to his surprise, she pinched his cheek.
Damn.
"Oh, please… I'll come for you as well." And she let his cheeks go, smiling. "I will wait for you here, so please, wait for me, too."
His lips parted. He blinked. Shit. His heart was going crazy and this woman had just done it again. He was sure that his palm was sweaty now.
Shit.
He's happy. She'll wait for me. He's happy, indeed.
It's like the worries that he felt earlier were gone. She'll be fine. He'll be fine. They'll be fine. His fear that he won't last without her was replaced with hope. And Tobio smiled.
After the last unpacking, they rested for a while and tried the softness of the mattress they chose earlier. By rest, it means nap. The bed was very comfortable that he slept soundly. When it was time for the sun to set, after waking up, he decided to go home.
Harukaze-san smiled as she was standing in front of him. amidst the number of people outside the station, this young lady beside him stood out. She basically shone in his eyes and she's lovely.
He stilled. Strange. There was a feeling he had never felt before. The feeling called love has blossomed and seemed to go on endlessly in his heart. How many times will she make him feel this way? He couldn't get enough.
He felt her hand forcefully tugged him closer. Surprise at the sudden closeness, his eyes widened at the image of her pink lips. Those lips were curved into a smile and were getting closer.
Eh… Eh? We – HERE?!
Conscious at the display of affection, he didn't saw her amused face and felt her lips landing on his cheek. His face felt so warm he feared he might get a short fuse but her smile was so warm that it made him relaxed.
"Go now. Or else, Keishin would think you stayed for a sleepover."
And just like that, the spell was broken. His face turned into a blushing mess.
She pushed his back, making him face the entrance. "Always remember that I love you, Tobio-kun." She whispered at him.
His heartfelt like bursting. He turned. "I… know. Iloveyoutoo." With that, he just took a glance at her, getting shy at these verbal affections. "See you… Sawako-san."
She blushed when he used her first name and nodded. "See you."
It was a relief. He began to walk, away from her and Tokyo. One thing's sure, it's not a goodbye.
There and then was the start of their long-distance relationship.
OMAKE
He looked at the cat that hissed when they made eye contact. He turned to Harukaze-san.
"Then? You've got a name for him?"
"Hm… black fur, yellow eyes…" She looked at him. Suddenly, her eyes lit up. "Kage! Kage means shadow. Don't you think that he looked creepy with lights off? It's Kage then. Kage-chan?"
He clicked his tongue. "No." That ridiculous nickname again.
"Why not? Do you prefer naming him Tobio like yours?"
He blushed. "NO!"
"Aww… Why not? Must you raise your voice like that?"
"Ah, sorry." He bit his lip. "I should be the only Tobio that you should know. To share a name with a cat is… is…"
"But you asked me if I have a name. That's going to be Kageyama and Tobio."
His face went red.
"Arghh – Don't stare…!" Her face mirrored his own. "I'm going to name him Tobio whether you like it or not."
note:
And so, the third and final term of my third year in college started yesterday. I don't know how will I fare but I'm doing it. I got two literature subject this time! But ehh, and there there's research, so, this might distract me from revising the few chapters left.
Yeah, you read it, right. FEW. F-E-W. FEW. FEW. FEW.
(insert sobbing self)
Kageyama lover: OUOOOOH! THANK YOU! AND MAN, I DIDN'T KNOW THAT. That made my heart flutter.
- Reviews are greatly appreciated. Feel free to leave a short comment whenever.
Until next week!
