It was a quiet night tonight, besides the minimal street noise down below, other than that it was pretty peaceful. Allowing for sense of tranquil thought, on your part at least. That didn't settle the rippling troubles still printed with you. Besides the thing about Ikuya, that was more like a prickle in the side, having gone to his school a few times upon Hiyori's request...guy still left an unsettling feeling with you. That smile of his rose goosebumps instantly on you. Even when he touched you, your skin instantly ran a cold shiver. It was painful hiding it, but you did with grace and kindness. When he smiled you instantly smiled back. What was more those watchful eyes of his that seem to follow you...carefully. Breathing became hard to do.
Besides that, it was kind of nice seeing Ikuya again, even if he wasn't really...well the same Ikuya you remember knowing back in junior high. Guess people change. Cause from some of the old photos you managed to find (the day after meeting him) back then of him and the others, though it warmed you, it set knot in your stomach. Those pictures of Ikuya...where to you..the real one. Despite his shyness.
Everyday...you thought for a moment, stopping gripping some of your folded clothes in your arms for the open suitcase you had on your bed. Back then, in class Ikuya…
The memory came as quickly as the thought itself. You'd pop your head right in eyes scanning around for that turtle of a friend. Finding him right in the corner...as always. Moody. While your face lite up gripping what you held behind your back. Step in a smile bright on your face and voice like the sun call his name, loud enough for others to hear and turn to you. Ikuya though would cringe and sink further, but that didn't stop you. Boxed in. There was never really no escape, something you enjoyed. The second you reached his desk, hear a low growl from him and a sharp look. That just feel to deaf ears with you, smiling present to him what you had behind you back.
It was always a treat, of his favorite flavor. Pistachio. Whatever it was you could make that flavor into, mostly it was pudding. Or some puff filling thing. Either way he accepted it, eating it for lunch. It always...brought a smile to his face. It was a small jester that held a lasting effect. One he appreciated, back then...now you weren't sure really. Always tempted to make something for him, thought against it instantly.
By the way he was, it became clear the sentiment was not really there. He did talk with you every now and then, though it was mainly Hiyori who did most of the talking. Whatever happen to the Ikyua who would...allow you to jump on his back for no reason and give you sort of a piggy back ride. Before the two of you fell down together. Ending with you sitting on his back or the Ikuya that would share an understanding laugh with just eye exchange or the Ikuya that promised...
Each thought and question your lip trembled. Biting it preventing it from quivering any further, from the anger rising against the others. They didn't tell you (that was another ripple in your mind) about him. About the situation going on, a situation you didn't understand really, as to why Ikuya was the way he was. What happened when you left, why...things fell apart. Made you wonder...was it because of you...when you left...if it was then you'd take full blame..if it wasn't..then what was it? What happened? It seem no one really wanted to tell you, it was bad enough Asahi pointed an accusing finger at you for fraternizing with the enemy.
Enemy? Unsure what he meant by that, asked, he didn't tell you. With no answer or anything only spewed the fire blazing between you both over it. No one seem to give you a straight answer, not even Haru. Who, seem bothered...daunted? Maybe, you weren't sure. But, there seem something different about the ways his eyes seemed. Cause he didn't really meet your eyes when you talked to him. There felt like some sort of secrecy between him, Mako, Asahi, and to your surprise Kisumi. You didn't need that from them, when you had bigger things to worry and focus about.
Fine. If they didn't want to tell then, your nostrils flare just thinking about it. Stomp a heavy foot on your floor send cracking pain through it. Regret it right away. Rub the soreness away. Set what you held down on your to get it out. After mellowing the pain a bit, pick up your clothes and put them in the suitcase. More like shove them, still thinking about the guys.
Going to your dresser get a few more things and shove them in, nicely, in a certain way. Their little...club you didn't need it! Not now! Not with what you had going on, what you mind seem to be unable to focus on. Shoving a little harder, all you had to do was create something wonderful...capture the perfect...perfect picture. That bloomed beyond anything...better than others. Better than yourself, it just...had too. Professor Yama was expecting this from you, you couldn't let him down. To get that spot...to be there would be...your talent and skills they had to be...better than better. Even though some of the pictures Professor Yama liked, one being of the girl and her mother on the train you took. Even of the simple flower from Ikuya's school, even one of an older man feeding birds in the park with a serene smile on his wrinkled lips ...heck he even adored some of your older ones from years ago. Even one of you and April, when she was ten and you where eight. Another one when you were ten and she was twelve. The one he seem to love the most was the picture of you both in kimonos for the festival. And the picture you took of sunset from the beach.
But, those where just simple. that was all. Anyone could take them, if that was enough, your journalism writing class was slightly dragging. Your professor returned your latest column you submitted for grading and it below your normal grading. That you had to see her after class. Ms. Iko wasn't pleased, comparing it to the last few that were almost along the same lines. It was like as she said...'it was worse than a chopped salad.' Expected more, considering the course.
Sighing, she was right. Thinking about it, it was bad. You read over them, the wording and format was like a fifth grader wrote a simple descriptive writing just by looking out the window.
You'd do better, you told her. But, so far it didn't seem like that. For some reason every time you came to the screen your mind just went blank and still. It wasn't really writer's block, no, it was something else.
Maybe it was a good thing you were going to this years swimming camp Sosuke invited you to. Iwatobi would be there along with Samezuka and another. It was going to be great to see everyone and get your mind away from all this...pressure. Heat. To see everyone again, Gou, Nagisa, Rei too. Aiichiro and yes, even Momo. And the rest of the team.
Smiling at the thought, continue packing. Humming to yourself. I'll stay the whole time,you thought planning it. get in some good pictures. I can't wait to see how much Nagisa and Rei have improved! Aiichiro and Momo too! I should bring some of their old photos to compare them.
Done with clothes go to the bathroom to get your toothbrush and toothpaste. Stop for a moment, feel joy bubbling over inside. Couldn't help but express it in a light laugh, that just broke into a laugh. One that felt so bliss and free. Of the memories and feelings just thinking about the others gave you. Tears almost rolled down.
It was going to wonderful to see them again, all of them. Walking back to the suitcase open an area for your toothbrush when your phone rang. "Who could be calling at this hour?" you thought going over, pick it surprised at who it was. "Maron?" The café shop? Why was Akane's family shop calling you. "Hello?" You answer.
"May!" Akane on the other end.
Smiling still surprised she was calling you. "Hey Akane, this is umm, a surprise. I didn't expect this." Laugh a bit sheepishly, she chuckles on the other end. "Is everything okay? What's up?"
"May," her voice was filled with excitement for some reason beyond you. "I've got something great to tell you! What are you doing in two days?"
You were leaving for the training camp. "Just going somewhere, why?"
"Well, do you think you can make some time before you go? Come and stop, my husband wants to talk with you. I told him about you and he'd like to meet you. Does 9ish sound good?"
That was around the time you had to catch the bus, but you could miss and get the next one. "Sure, that's sounds great. I'll be there."
"Great, okay well good-night, see you tomorrow. Oh bring some of columns, okay? Alright, bye."
She hangs up.
Her husband, that's right he was report or something. A sport journalist, pretty much in the same area as yourself. Folding your arms a bit over your chest ponder the reasoning behind this, whatever it was it seem like a good thing. And also Akane went to all this on your behalf, you had to at least show up and see. Guess you'd have to move some things around, going back to your phone scroll through contacts find Sosuke's number, send him a text. With that set your phone down and continue packing.
The next day just like Akane said, meet at Maron, she was in there with her infant son whom you greet sweetly. He coos with a smile at you. Then accidently because of his joy kicks you in the face. Strong kicker, rubbing your nose laugh it off. Akane laughs of course and sets him down. You take a seat at the bar.
"So glad you came." she said, putting on her apron. "My husband should be here soon. I hope you don't mind waiting."
You give a passive smile. "Oh, no I don't mind."
"Great, so where are you going for a bit? Hmm?" She inquires with a look to match. Reading behind her raised eyebrow, shake your head laughing a bit. "I'm just teasing, I mean if you do go something like that," she shrugs her shoulders. "have fun."
Fun was not the word you wanted to cross your mind right now. "I don't plan on going anywhere too soon."
She raises one brow a bit surprised. "Really? What about the person in the other country? What's his name, I saw you text him a few times and answer his call too. Maybe once," she gives a quick thought. "video chat. What was his name."
As she thought of it, feel your body temperature rise, it slowly started to stain your cheeks. They popped when she said the name. "Rin! Yeah, that's his name." She noticed your redden expression and laughs harmfully. "Aww, how cute."
"He's just my...a good friend." your words come out carefully. Coughing a bit.
Akane's brow knotted for a moment wearing a smirk that made it hard for you to look at her. "A friend? Okay."
You continue to defend yourself. "Yes. A friend. We've known each other since elementary days." Doing your best to keep your voice from high-pitching. It was a strain as much as finding the right words. "One of my best friends. Just like Mako and Haru. We're just keeping in contact since it didn't really happen when we were younger. Just making up for it."
"But, you were manger of the swim team he was on?" she questions. Leaning a bit forward. "Didn't that give you enough time to make for it? Then?"
Stalled at what she said, your mind gears cracked. Unsure what to say, someone comes in. Thank goodness. "Sorry I'm late." A male voice spoke.
You and Akane turn to it, her eyes lite up lovingly at the person. Who you instantly pieced together it was her husband. The man had sort of a mellow and friendly appearance and vibe about him. From his grey flat cape down to his large green jacket to his small black goatee facial hair and dark brown eyes. He seem humble. You smile at Akane and her husband, something came over you and next thing took a picture of them.
The sound of your shutter going off, he turns to you and smiles. Holding out a hand. "Hi, you must be May O'Neil. I'm Kurimiya Kon. I've heard so much about you."
Extending your hand shake it. "Hello, Mr. Kurimiya. A pleasure to meet you. I've heard so much about you as well."
"Wow, well aren't we well versed in manners." Kon said looking to his wife who smiles getting some drinks ready for you both. Kon takes a seat next to you. Setting his bag he had on down. "I hope I'm not to forward but I was told that you're in purse of sports journalism?" You nod. His small smile widens a bit. "That's great, I was also told you had an expectational skill in photography too and writing. Those are two very important key parts. Do mind if I read some of your columns?"
Time was pressing. "Umm, sure, yeah." you reach down and get your bag. Bringing it up, open it and take out what you had. Hand it to him, Akane comes back with something to drink. "Thank you."
Kon takes a look a few. "Well, these are..."his smile seem to slowly drop. "You've got talent." He finally said, setting them aside.
Your eyes follow, the way he sat them down a few inches behind him, though he smiled it was in his eyes that you wanted to know what it was. "And..."you inquire slightly dragging it out.
He scratches his facial hair with a finger, giving it a thought. "And..."
And it was nearly hours after Sosuke arrived and the swimming training camp started. There was no word from May, why she was running late. Normal she would have been here by now. He didn't get her bus number or train number if she was taking that. Looking at his phone, again, see nothing. Not even a text, it was nearing on four p.m. She was to be here by ten this morning. He didn't want to think much of it, then again he did tell Aiichiro and the others she'd be here. Now, he wasn't so sure.
With no other choice he calls her number, just as he does Aiichiro and Rei come out. They both knew what he was doing. Waiting for the rings to pass, Sosuke gets a voicemail...again.
"Hey May, it's Sosuke just calling to see if you were still coming. It's nearing 4:30 and I haven't received and details on your bus or train. So if you could just-" He sighs hanging up.
Within a second after he did, gets a text from her. He opens it surprised at first but smiled a bit at it. "What is it?"Aiichiro asked walking over.
Rei remained quiet to hear. Sosuke turns around to them. "She won't be able to make it." He tells them, both Aiichiro and Rei eyes fall. "She's a bit busy." He tucks his phone away.
"Busy with what?" Rei asked just a bit concerned. Sosuke looks to him, it took a moment but Rei saw it and smiles to himself. Pushing his glasses up. "Well, alright then. "