I'm more than excited to be meeting up with the guys tonight. I haven't really seen anyone since I graduated high school. It's been what 4 maybe 5 years. Since becoming a legal adult, I must admit time flies. I work for a youth center year around, but I also did play on the Olympic volleyball team last summer. I smile just thinking about all that I accomplished. I worked very hard to get where I am. I walk inside the bar dressed casually in some jeans and a tee shirt. I still have my hair cut the same way as I did in high school. Why mess with success. The first person I see is Kindaichi waving me over to a table in the far corner.
"What's up?" he asked. I chuckle.
"You dragged me out on a Friday night," I reply. "Don't what's up me." Kindaichi laughs lightly.
"Whatever super star," he jokes. I glance around before sitting down.
"Did you invite everyone?" I ask carefully.
"I did but I'm not sure if everyone will show up," he replies. I breathe a sigh of relief not sure if I can handle seeing him.
"Hey guys!" calls out Matsukawa. "I thought I was late."
"Nope," I reply. "You are just on time." I pick up a menu getting comfortable. I look over the drinks as Matsukawa and Kindaichi catch up. Our server finally shows up just as Yahaba and Watari join us. Great turn out for sure.
"Oikawa, we barely see you," states Watari. I shrug.
"I'm super busy at the youth center," I reply. "I do run the programs there, so it keeps me busy. They are getting more people wanting to sign up their children knowing an Olympic team member works there."
"That's a good point," replies Watari. "I know I would be bragging for sure if you could help increase business profits." I wouldn't call it bragging but okay…..
"I never thought you would be working with kids," says Yahaba flagging down the server.
"I watched my nephew all the time," I reply. "I don't like dealing with little little kids. I can handle 10 years and up."
"Tell me about it….." groans Kindaichi. He is the only one out of all of us on the old school team that has a kid. He knocked up his college girlfriend on accident of course. Now they are married with their one child. Some days I feel bad for him because you can tell he doesn't love her. He is only with her because they have a child together.
Nope, not me," says Yahaba. "I make sure to wrap it up and that the girl is on birth control." Yahaba quiets as the server takes their orders. He waits until the server is done to continue. "Like seriously I don't want any kids right now."
"Of course, not Mr. Playboy," I chuckle.
"Oh whatever," laughs Watari. "I know your ass isn't talking all the women you were with." I roll my eyes because sure I flirted like crazy in high school but only one person ever had my heart.
"I never kiss and tell," I reply glad to see my drink arrive. I would rather not discuss my pass relationships.
"How else were we suppose to learn?' asked Kindaichi. Is he serious right now?
"The internet?" I state. "You guys are full of shit." They just like to gossip. That is why I never tell them anything. I refuse to have them put my business out there in the streets. Especially with the current status I have. I listen to the guys talk until the one person who I want to see and not see at the same time comes walking in. He looks good in his suit and tie looking a lot like himself but more grown. He is loosening his tie as he reaches the table.
"Hey guys," greets Iwaizumi. I smirk to hide how I really feel.
"You look rather dressed up," says Kindaichi. "What do you do again?"
"I work for a bank," says Iwaizumi rolling his eyes. "You can clown me if you want to but I got everything I have ever wanted in life….well almost everything." He stares as me. I glance away not wanting to blush. I won't let him get to me. I can't.
"I can't argue with that," says Yahaba holding up his drink. "How are things at the bank?"
"The usual," says Iwaizumi finding a seat. I'm so glad he didn't try to sit near me. I know for a fact I would not be able to handle that. "I have to oversee everything. It's a lot to worry about."
"You're a manager?" I question. The last I spoke to Iwaizumi he was just a part teller. I had no idea he had become a manager. He glances at me smiling seeming to be happy I asked him a question. I almost regret showing interest.
"I have had 4 promotions actually," he replies.
"Holy shit…" murmurs Watari. "Sounds like your hard work is paying off."
"You have no idea," replies Iwaizumi. The server walks up and he orders straight whiskey.
"Glad things are working out for you," says Kindaichi.
"Are you really?" questions Yahaba. He has always been one to see through bullshit.
"Yes," says Kindaichi sounding agitated grabbing his drink.
"Un huh," says Yahaba as if he doesn't believe him.
"What's been going on with you guys?" asked Iwaizumi.
"Nothing new to report here," replies Watari. "Just adulting life." I chuckle.
"That's a good way to put it," I reply.
"Well not all of use are lucky enough to make it to the Olympic team," states Kindaichi. It was hard as hell. I was an alternate. I got brought in because some failed a drug test. It was not released to the public, so no one knows this.
"We don't get paid," I replied. "It is all for the love of the game and to honor our country." You mostly make your money from endorsements. This is something people don't know unless they ask someone who has been to the Olympics. It is not something that is talked about.
"And that's why I dipped out," says Yahaba. "I loved playing but to do all of that for nothing. No promise of endorsements. No thank you."
"Right," says Watari.
"Oikawa does have an endorsement," says Iwaizumi clearly puzzled. I can feel all the eyes shift to Iwaizumi. Is he reading every article about me online? What the hell?
"Are you serious?" questions Kindaichi before glaring at me. All eyes are on me now to confirm what Iwaizumi just said.
"It just happened a few days ago," I replied. "It's not a big."
"Not a big deal?" questions Watari. "How much money are we talking here?"
"I don't discuss my finances," I reply folding my arms. Yahaba is already on his phone.
"He's the spokesperson for the company that made our volleyballs in high school," he explains to our table of friends. "That's pretty fucking cool."
"It's okay," I reply blushing.
"Did they say how much money?" asked Kindaichi. Jesus. Is that all he cares about? He would have never made it in the Olympics if all he cares about is money. You have to truly live breathe volleyball.
"Undisclosed," replies Yahaba before chuckling.
"I'm still here," I hiss in annoyance. Watari laughs.
"Sorry man," he replies. "We are just curious."
"Can we drop it please," I request. The server walks up with Iwaizumi drink.
"Can I order another round for this whole table," he replies.
"Fancy," says Watari before chuckling.
"This is a celebration," replied Iwaizumi. "Oikawa, I'm so proud of you." He stares into my eyes before drinking from his glass.
"Excuse me a moment," I reply sliding out of my seat. I hope they don't think I am being rude. That isn't it at all. I head towards the door rushing outside to get some fresh air. I'm so glad when the air hits my face. I breath in and out trying to calm myself down. This is ass. I begin to pace back and forth fighting my arousal. I hate how he always does this to me. He left me! He dumped me! All because he wanted his fucking parents to take care of him. I run my hand through my hair before feeling a tap on my shoulder. "What?" I turn around seeing Iwaizumi. I swallow hard trying to hide how I really feel. "What are you doing on here?" I say calmly.
"I wanted to check on you," he replies with much concern in his voice. I shake my head.
"You don't get to do that," I reply.
"Just because we broke up doesn't mean I don't care about you," says Iwaizumi. I scoff.
"Are you fucking serious right now?" I ask him. "You were my best friend. I fucking loved you and you just…" I stop talking remember I'm outside for anyone to hear my conversation. Iwaizumi looks hurt.
"Toru…."
"No," I reply pushing past him before he has me fucking crying out here. He got me upset instantly. This is one of the many reasons I dislike being around him. The memories are too much for me. So much history, so much love…ugh. I walk back to the table seeing my shot on the table. I drink it down feeling the burn before sitting down.
"Holy shit….." mutters Yahaba. "I guess you really must want to get buzzed."
"Not really," I reply. "I do need to make it home after all." I see Iwaizumi walking back up to the table. He takes his shot.
"Where is the server," he replies annoyed. "I want to order another round."
"Really?" questions Watari. "I thought you were mister golden boy." I know this comment hit a nerve with Iwaizumi as his cheeks turn red but the anger in his eyes is well felt. "I'm kidding man. It was joke." Iwaizumi turns away from him. The once excitable air at the table is now tense. I sigh lowly rolling my eyes. Talk about a transfer of energy. The server shows up and Iwaizumi does exactly what he said he was going to do. Everyone but Kindaichi brought rounds.
"I'm done," I reply sitting my glass down.
"You light weight," says Kindaichi before finishing his drink. I give him the middle finger before sliding off my stool. I stumble a little. Kindaichi laugh is well heard.
"Fuck you," I hiss.
"Are you heading home?" asked Yahaba. "I'm not sure if you should really be driving home."
"I'm fine," I say standing up straight tossing my hair off my forehead. "I just lost my balance."
"I think you should have someone drive you," says Watari. "I mean what if by chance you get into a wreck. Your career could suffer…..jail time….."
"Whatever," I reply deep down knowing he is right. "I can catch a cab."
"Do you really want to take that chance?" asked Yahaba. Oh my god they are getting on my nerves.
"You offering to take me home?" I ask.
"I got him," replies Iwaizumi sighing his receipt. I snap my head in his direction.
"Just like old times," says Kindaichi standing up. "I remember you guys use to go off together all the time."
"No, we didn't," I defend. Yahaba chuckles.
"Actually, you did," he replies. "We know you guys are best friends. No big deal." I'm stunned at the fact that we were not as slick as I thought we were. I didn't want anyone on the team to think we were always together because well…
"Come on," says Iwaizumi.
"Ugh," I reply as he walks around the table.
"It was nice seeing you guys," replies Iwaizumi. "We should get together again soon."
"Totally," agrees Watari. "Soon as we can get this guy away from the wife and kid." Kindaichi growls hearing that. Iwaizumi chuckles.
"It will be okay man," says Iwaizumi patting Kindaichi shoulder. "Oikawa, ready?" Hell, no I'm not ready. I could barely handle dealing with him for the past 2 hours now he has to take me home. I wave my hand to our friends as I walk away. I know it is rude, but I hate the fact they have Iwaizumi taking me home. "Oikawa, wait up."