Chapter Twelve
"Oh my god," Ame gasps.
Misaki's wrist is swollen, a dark bruise slowly forms on her pale skin like an ugly stain.
"It's not as bad as it looks."
Ame rushes to her friend in the sick bay, forgetting about the boy who brought her here in the first place. Sitting on the bed, Misaki nods in thanks and quietly Kazuo leaves the two girls.
"What happened? Is it broken?"
"I'm fine."
"No, you're not!"
Ame fidgets around, her hands rise, then come back to her sides, clenching. She doesn't know what to do. Her eyes are locked on the swollen wrist. It must hurt like hell.
Misaki sighs. She knows her friend is worried but really, there's nothing to be done.
"I just injured myself during PE class. The nurse said it'll heal in three weeks."
"That's bad. Really bad. Do you want some ice? Bandages? Anything?"
"I'm fine, don't worry."
Ame sighs and rubs her forearm.
"Really, ou should stop saying you're fine. You can complain you know. Or even cry. I won't judge you."
"Who do you think I am?" Misaki snorts. "I'm not a frail thing you know. But if you want you can go and buy me my favorite snack. And do my homework."
"I think you're being too complainant now."
"You're right, you wouldn't even understand my homework."
"You're insufferable."
They stay in a comfortable silence before Ame asks, "What sport were you playing? I mean during P.E class."
"Is it that important?"
Ame sends her a knowing look.
"I'm curious."
"Running." Misaki replies with reluctance.
"Ah, I knew it! You really do have a problem with running."
"Oh shut up!" Misaki groans halfheartedly.
Since their first practice Ame has been shocked to find out that someone on this earth could loathe running more than anything. Jogging is Misaki's worst enemy (and she doesn't refrain from saying it out loud on the daily run her friend forces her into every afternoon and weekend).
Ame sits on the bed next to her.
"Does it hurt?" She asks more seriously.
"Yes. But it's alright, I'm strong," the setter says as she puts on the splint just like the nurse taught her. It'll be annoying for the next three weeks, but at least she didn't hurt herself on her dominant hand.
Ame shakes her head.
"You always tell me to take care of myself. It's really weird that I get to be the one to scold you for once." She smiles.
"As if," Misaki glares.
Ame chuckles. Suddenly she realizes she's also been giving advice to another boy who overworks himself. I really have a thing with setters, she thinks. They are like lost cats in the streets that she has to take care of. Maybe she should consider to open a shelter for them or something. A setter shelter sounds fun, but she digresses.
"Three weeks, uh?"
"Yeah" Misaki muses. "Sorry about practice. I suppose it's too late now, we should call the coach before he starts to get a panic attack."
Her friend laughs at that and Misaki keeps thinking.
"You keep training, I'll try to do something else not to slack off. Maybe I'll work on strategies or I'll think about what we can improve and prepare for the new team. Ah, and the spring Interhigh is in less than ten days. Maybe we should go and see what the enemy looks like."
"Wow, you sound exactly like a vicious war commander."
The setter gives her a wolfish grin.
"Thanks."
Ame smiles. She reminds herself that even if her friend may lack endurance for running, when it comes to volleyball Misaki is the most dedicated player. She can always count on her. They're forced into three weeks of break, but it won't go to waste.
"You gotta be kidding me. It's almost over and none of them seem worn out." Misaki mutters.
"Their game is fast and clear-cut," coach Amano notes, "just as expected from the best female team of the department."
He agreed to come to watch the plays with his students, because he knows there are a few things the two girls can learn here.
"Amazing" Ame whispers.
The whistle blows and a deadly silence takes place for Niiyama's server, a silence that predicts the pain it'll do to the opposite team.
The girl musters a perfect jump serve, and after being barely saved by the opponent the ball comes back to Niiyama's side of the court. Its path is particularly twisted, but the libero saves it easily like it's not a big deal. Quick to react, the girl in the front sets it up for another girl who spikes it through the block. The ball cuts through like a knife. Niiyama win their ticket to their last match before the Nationals.
The crowd erupts in cry and claps. With their burgundy uniforms, Ame and Misaki are completely lost in the mass of Niiyama's student, it's as if their team has put the entire room in a complete frenzy in their powerful racking of points, for their match can hardly be considered anything else. The opposing team had no chance from the beginning.
Misaki and Ame slowly make their way out of the sports hall. Both girls are oddly quiet. The coach turns to them.
"So, that's it for the day. I believe we've seen all there is to see. What do you think about what they're capable of?"
"They're outstanding." Ame says. "I knew they were strong, but seeing them for real is another thing. They're monsters." She chews on her cheek.
"They're on another level," Misaki agrees. "Hell, they demolished the other team. No wonder they go to nationals every year."
The man smirks.
"Do you chicken out?"
"No" comes the immediate reply. He crosses his arms, satisfied.
"Good, because next year we'll do everything to win against them. You'll be the ones on the court and I'll make sure you stand your ground. Don't worry, you'll definitely stand a chance. We'll work on that."
"I can't wait" Ame beams, although she knows it means practice will be harsher. She's so excited about it.
"Good. Get some rest, and be prepared for practice tomorrow. I hope you're ready to taste blood, because you'll do at the end of the day."
"You're creepy, coach" Misaki comments.
"Yeah, that's so dramatic." Ame chuckles, even though she knows she won't tomorrow.
"Whatever kids. Don't stay out too late. Eat veggies. See you tomorrow."
"What a lunatic," the blond girl mutters once he leaves. "Are you going home now?"
"I don't think so," Ame stretches. "There's something I need to see."
"You mean someone" Misaki replies knowingly. "Going to see the seijoh princess again?"
Ame snorts at the nickname.
"You should stop calling him that, it's not really nice."
"Whatever. Is he playing today?"
"He should have almost finished now."
"Let's get it over with then."
"That was a good game!" Ame holds out her fist as Iwaizumi comes out, his white jacket and duffle bag on his shoulder. He smirks and bumps his fist against hers and behind him two other first years come out and do the same.
"Uh?" She tilts her head.
"Uh?" The one with black hair repeats.
"Oh, we thought you came for us, but turns out you're here just for Iwa. Such a shame. Here I thought we had a personal cheerleader", says the other.
Ame chuckles.
"I don't know who you guys are, but I like you already."
"Why is it not surprising?" Misaki snorts to herself.
"They're my teammates, Matsukawa Issei and Hanamaki Takahiro." Iwaizumi introduces.
"Nice to meet you! I'm Kozuki Ame. And for your information, I'm not a cheerleader, I'm a player! Well technically I'm not, I'm not even part of a club anymore because they shut our gym after I was suspended, but I guess the most important thing that defines a player is the spirit right? That and hard work. And the will to win."
Hanamaki and Matsukawa stare at her, completely lost in her rambling.
"That's a long story," she ends up waving her hand.
Ame then eyes her friend, the only who hasn't introduce herself, who stays silent. Don't be rude, she screams mentally. Misaki rolls her eyes.
"Fine. I'm Fukuoka Misaki. Not a fan of your team, I'm just hanging out with this idiot, no offense."
"None taken" Matsukawa replies.
"Hey! I take offense!"
The two girls start to bicker on their own while the boys just watch, amused.
"Is it just me or she has something of an Ice Queen?" Matsukawa says about the taller girl.
Iwaizumi shakes his head. Hanamaki flings his arm around his shoulder.
"Forget about it man, she's out of reach."
"So, where's the star we're all waiting for?" Misaki asks with impatience.
"Like always, he takes ages to get ready."
"You mean Oikawa? Expect him to come out in three hours." Hanamaki kindly signifies.
"Maybe we should get something to eat and come back later." Ame suggests.
"Aw man, I think we could eat and get a night of sleep then come back."
Ame chuckles, not in the least disturbed by the way Matsukawa called her.
"Good idea. I'll be off right now" Misaki turns around.
"Wait!" Her friend grabs her tshirt. "Stay, it'll be fun."
The tall girl doesn't have the time to protest because the hero of the day makes his great entrance, one worthy of an award ceremony with red carpet and everything. How he manages to do it, simply dressed in a tracksuit, no one knows.
"You're late" Ame notes.
"Yeah."
"We've been waiting for hours." The others follow, although it's not been ten minutes.
"It takes time to look phenomenal, you know." Oikawa shares a blinding smile.
"You look like shit."
"Iwa-chan!"
Everyone chuckles.
"So, what do we do now?" Hanamaki asks.
"What about ramen? I'm starving."
"You didn't even play" Misaki notes.
"Watching is tiring" Ame pouts.
"Ramen it is, then. Shittykawa, you're paying for everyone."
"What? Why me?" Oikawa whines.
Ame puts her hand on his forearm.
"Oh, just be a gentleman for once."
He looks down at her and says with a charming smile, "I always am a gentleman."
She snickers.
"No you're not."
"Biggest lie ever."
"That wasn't believable at all."
"Have you all decided to league against me?!" He wails and crosses his arms on his chest. "That's so mean. Especially coming from you, I feel betrayed, Ame-chan."
She just laughs and he proceeds to try to look hurt while refraining a grin. Her face sparkles when she smiles like that, and that would be lethal to him one day. Although he is one of the smartest people he knows, Oikawa doesn't mind acting like an idiot if it amuses her.
"Is he always that insufferable?" Misaki asks.
"Yes, you have no idea" Iwaizumi answers.
"Please someone makes him move, or we'll stay here all night."
Matsukawa's prayer is heard and at last someone gets the six feet tall child to move.
"Come on, that last dump you did was so cool! That deserves a treat. Let's go!" Ame grabs his arm and Oikawa lets her drag him. The others follow suit, eager to finally get something to eat, eventually for free. With a bit of luck, the girl in red will even make Oikawa pay the bill. She looks like she can make him do everything she pleases.
"I'm glad you're tagging along" Ame says as she walks next to her friend.
"Of course, I wouldn't let you hang around rowdy sweaty boys on your own."
"Aww, you care so much about me Misaki, you're adorable."
The setter slaps her shoulder with her other hand, the one that isn't disabled. Ame grins.
"Isn't there a word for people who use violence and deny when they fall in love? What is it called again? Tsundere?"
"Shut up!"
The neon lights of the room flash while the unceasing music fills the room.
"Do you guys come here often?" Ame asks as she eyes the arcade games.
"If we're not at practice or eating ramen, we're usually here." Matsukawa answers.
"Don't you have homework to do?" Misaki notices.
"Cool kids don't do their homework."
"Exactly" Ame nods.
"Hey, are you best friend with Matsun now Ame-chan?"
"Yeah maybe" she chuckles. "Let's play!"
After a few games they head towards the basketball game.
"Not that one again," Iwaizumi groans.
"Eh? Why?"
He stares at Ame with a painful look on his face.
"I hate to say something good about Shittykawa, but there's a reason he's a good setter. He naturally has a good aim."
"Really? Well I suppose that makes sense."
"Do you want to challenge me Ame-chan?" He uses her head as an armrest. "Let's have a bet to make it funnier." He grins.
"Kozuki, don't." Iwaizumi warns.
She shrugs.
"I can't turn down a game."
Oikawa's grin widdens.
"What do you want to bet?" She asks. She wonders what she'll make him do if she wins. Something ridiculous and embarrassing for sure.
"I don't know yet. Let's decide later. We'll do it in two sets."
"Fine. Be ready to get wrecked."
"You, be ready to get wrecked." He says with a mischievous tone.
"That won't end well" Iwaizumi shakes his head.
"What?!" Ame yells.
Next to her Oikawa throws his hands in the air.
"Yay!" He cheers.
The others sigh behind them.
"Why isn't this surprising?"
"He doubled her score."
"She's completely busted."
Ame turns to them with despair.
"Hey, why didn't anyone told me he was an expert at that game?"
"Iwaizumi told you" they sweat drop.
Oikawa throws his arm around her shoulder.
"You can give up now Ame-chan, there's no point in embarassing yourself with a second set."
She drawls away.
"Never!" She cries.
She turns to Misaki.
"That was pathetic" she sighs as the boys snicker.
"I know" Ame says with a tragic voice. "That's why you have to clear my name and get my honor back."
"No."
"Please! Only you can do that. I know your left wrist isn't completely healed, but you won't have to use it much."
"Still no."
"Pretty please. I thought we were friends! Friends are supposed to protect and get revenge for each other."
"Your idea of friendship is overdramatic, but I won't even comment. Listen, I'm tired, just get it over with and let him win."
Ame looks horrified.
"No! I don't want to own him anything. And that's not even the main reason."
Misaki lifts an eyebrow.
"Have you seen his face right now?" Ame explains further. "It's so smug, don't you want to slap him?"
"I think it's his natural face."
"I feel vexed."
Everyone ignores Oikawa.
"You just shouldn't have made the stupid bet."
"Please Misaki! You're a setter, I'm sure you can perfectly pinpoint."
"Dumbass, it's basketball, not volleyball."
"Ah? Did I hear someone talk about a duel between setters?"
He finally manages to catch her attention back.
"Yes Oikawa! Misaki'll kick your ass, then I'll win!"
"Can't we just go home?" Iwaizumi yawns.
"Please" Ame gives her friend a pleading look.
Misaki glares back.
"I don't think Fukuoka-chan wants everyone to see her lose" Oikawa grins. "She doesn't seem like the type to play unless she's sure to win."
The girl turns her scowl to the smug prince of Seijoh. Dealing with Ame's teasing is one thing, but Oikawa Tooru, a perfect stranger and annoying kid? There's no way she'll let that pass. (She convinces herself she's not upset because he's ridiculously good at reading people and he just hit on a sensitive nerve.)
"Put the coins in" Misaki storms towards the machine.
"Oh shit" Matsukawa says.
"Wouah, girls are creepy" Hanamaki whispers.
"Go Misaki!" Ame cheers. "You're my favorite setter!"
"You just triggered a hurricane," Iwaizumi sighs. "And it's too late for running to hide."
Ame beams at him. "At least Oikawa'll be the first to get shred."
He snorts. "Did something happen between you too? You look more angry than usual."
"Iwaizumi, are you saying I'm a fury?"
"What? N-No, I-"
"Because you'd be right to think so."
She smirks and cheers her friend on. The said girl takes the ball from Oikawa's hands and makes a perfect shot without touching the hoop.
"Just step aside and watch, Oikawa-chan," she says mockingly.
"Oh no, you only needed one more point" Ame sighs. "I guess I really own him a favor then. Ugh, I'm sure he has something sneaky in mind."
Misaki frowns and kicks a pebble, like an angry emo kid.
"Hey don't be so sad! You did well!"
"I'm not sad" she hisses.
Ame blinks and hugs her friend.
"You're such a bad sport! He would have lost if he didn't get a warm-up with the first set you know. Don't worry I'll comfort you."
Honestly she's not certain of that at all, but if it can lift Misaki's spirit up. The said girl throws her away.
"You're too clingy with me, I'm afraid the princess will get jealous." She smirks.
Ame chuckles and turns around to the boys behind them.
"That's nice of you to walk us home."
"You can thank me later Ame-chan" Oikawa winks.
She rolls her eyes playfully.
"You never stop, don't you."
"Don't listen to that idiot, we wouldn't let girls walk by themselves at night."
"Ah! I always knew Iwaizumi was the good guy between you two."
The boy turns his gaze to the side, a light blush on his face.
Oikawa draps his arm on Ame's shoulders. The others keep walking and soon the two of them are left to linger behind.
He slouches until his mouth is next to her ear and speaks in a low voice that only her can hear.
"Have you decided to make me suffer today?"
She shivers at the sudden proximity.
"What do you mean?" She asks faintly.
He looks at her, slowly gauging.
"You're cruel, you know, keeping me on my toes like that. I'm starting to suspect you're still mad about what happened the other day."
The nerve he's got! She thinks to herself. But he's right, as always. I confessed to him and he didn't answer me... that was cruel.
"I'm a petty person." She admits. "I said earlier that Misaki was a bad sport, but I'm even worse than her. You upset me. So what if I want to get back at you?"
Again, a side on which they are so similar. Oikawa knows he's petty and childish, he knows what it's like to not be able to refrain himself from doing stupid things he would never do in other circumstances. The only difference is that he'll never admit it out loud.
He removes his arm and puts his hands in his pockets.
"Revenge isn't very graceful you know. Most times you lose more than you win."
"Do you think I'll lose you?"
He's taken off short at the sudden question.
When he doesn't answer she just grins.
"Don't worry, I won't. And I won't lose to you either. Remember, I said you'll fall for me."
Satisfied, she leaves him to catch up with the others. They are already in front of Misaki's house, waiting for the two latecomers.
As Ame approaches they say something to her and her laughter erupts like a chime in the night.
Although he won at most games at the arcade tonight, Oikawa feels like a sore loser. She is right, he can already feel he is losing. Oikawa frowns.