Thank you to everyone who favorited and followed! I didn't expect so many reactions so soon! :D
PaintCat : I hope you'll like this chapter as well! ^^ There will be a lot of 'observing' in this fanfic - from Oikawa, from Iwaizumi, from Kiku...
CocoaFirefly : Kiku IS doing some sports, but not volleyball - none of my OC do volleyball because it's too cliché. But it doesn't mean she doesn't know about volleyball either or never played! ;) Aaaah, thank you so, so much for these compliments, it made me very happy! :D
Riomi-senpai : Ahah, I hope it will remain interesting throughou the entire story! ^^
Millaby : Je suis contente que le début te plalise, en espérant que ce sera le cas pour la suite également! ;) Cette fanfic là ira beaucoup plus vite que Sowlmate vu qu'ils ne vont pas tourner autour du pot pendant presque un an. Ce sera un rythme d'évolution de relation 'normal' sans trop de drame et angst. Just du fluff~
Lomisstra : Déesse, plutôt! ;) MERCI TELLEMENT POUR DIRE CA! Pas de nouveau chapitre pour Sowlmate avant ton concours, mas j'espère que celui-là sera satisfaisant? ^^" Pour l'instant, on ne voit pas beaucoup de Kiku mais dès qu'il y aura un peu de réelles interactions avec Iwa-chan, on aura une meilleure idée de sa personnalité! ;)
santosedanicaa : Iwa-chan will only get cuter and cuter~
Lili : I hope you'll like the third chapter and all the ones that will follow! :)
FANFICTION
HAIKYUU! : QUIET WORDS
CHAPTER III : Curiosity
"Curiosity is, in great and generous minds, the first passion and the last."
― Samuel Johnson, Works of Samuel Johnson
"The public have an insatiable curiosity to know everything, except what is worth knowing."
― Oscar Wilde, The Soul of Man Under Socialism, and Selected Critical Prose
"Eh? Karasuno?" Hanamaki repeated.
"Never heard of it…" Matsukawa said.
Coach Irihata and Mizoguchi were looking at the Aoba Johsai's team after announcing that there would be a practice match against Karasuno High-school next week.
"Oikawa asked for this practice match," Irihata said, "It's where Kageyama Tobio went and I am curious about him as well. It'll be interesting and a good practice match."
"It's soon for a practice match. We're still at the very beginning of the year." Iwaizumi intervened.
"True, which will be a good occasion to see what sort of players our own first-years are. Be sure not to overwork yourselves, understood everyone?" Irihata continued, giving a pointed look at Oikawa who pretended not to have seen anything.
"Ooosss!"
The practice went as usual but this time, they mostly trained among the regulars for the practice match to come soon. The new members still had to get used to Aoba Johsai's team rhythm after all. Most of the team went away right after the end of practice but as usual, Oikawa and Iwaizumi remained behind for more practice.
Hajime practiced his serve a few times but glanced at his friend when he noticed that there wasn't any killer serve hitting the court on the other side. Oikawa had his forehead pressed against the volley ball, an incredible focused look on his face.
"Oi, what are you doing?" He asked, not knowing why Tooru, no matter as eccentric as he was, would be praying a volleyball god instead of actually practicing.
"Thinking," Oikawa answered calmly without opening his eyes.
Iwaizumi didn't answer, staring at him for a long moment.
"I will finally have a chance to beat Tobio-chan – even if it's only a practice match, I'll prove which one of us is the best setter." Oikawa continued with a determined smile, lowering the ball to get ready to serve.
"How is your knee by the way? You're practicing hard since the beginning of school but a few weeks ago you were still weak." Iwaizumi continued, glancing at the white knee supporter.
Oikawa turned to him with a smile.
"Iwa-chan, could it be that you are worried for me~?" He asked.
"Nope, I just don't want to hear your constant whining if you get hurt and can't beat Kageyama." Iwaizumi answered calmly, having expected such a reaction from his friend – Oikawa always tried to avoid the topic when it came to his knee or his body exhaustion from over practicing.
"That's mean, Iwa-chan! As Vice-Captain and best friend you should worry and be willing to help me go through such difficult and dark times with me!" Oikawa exclaimed, feigning to be hurt.
"Ask your girlfriend for that. Don't you have a new one?" Iwaizumi continued.
"Tch. You're not funny…"
"And you're avoiding the initial question. How is your knee?" He asked again, staring at Oikawa with crossed arms to make him understand he wouldn't buy another foolish answer.
For once, Oikawa didn't joke. Still holding his ball, he looked at the court before answering quietly:
"It's all right for now. Don't worry, Iwa-chan, I won't push myself… After all, I've promised to Ayaka-chan I wouldn't injure myself further and would take care of my knee."
"Mm… If you say so, I'll believe you… I have to go on ahead tonight, I'm leaving the changing-room's key in your locker – don't stay here too long, and don't strain on your knee, Trashykawa!" Iwaizumi exclaimed, starting to walk towards the exit.
"Aye, aye~" Oikawa answered cheerfully.
When Hajime exited the gymnasium, he heard his friend's powerful serve hitting the floor. And as surprising as it was, despite most students gone for a while now, he heard another, unexpected sound.
Tink, tink, tink
Hajime looked around but he didn't see any bicycle going by even if he knew he had just heard one. He glanced over at the entrance and saw a girl riding a bicycle, disappearing quickly. She had shoulder-length brown hair but he had been unable to see who it might be.
The next day, at lunch, 3rd year class 5…
"EH?! What do you mean you got hurt?!" Iwaizumi shouted, standing so suddenly his chair fell backwards.
Everyone turned towards him suddenly while Oikawa startled guiltily, standing in front of him. Hajime was aware that Akiyama made such a jump on her seat she dropped her chopsticks and almost fell over. But right now, the Ace was way too angry to think about the girl. He reached out from over his desk and grabbed Oikawa's front jacket, shaking him all the while shouting in rage:
"Didn't I say to be careful?! Why would you go and hurt yourself, you dumbass?! You're such a dumbass, trashykawa! I promised I'd care – MY ASS! You went overboard as per fucking usual! Dumbass! Shittykawa!"
"Iwa-chaaan! I get it, I get it!" Oikawa shouted, holding his friend's wrists to try and get him to let go.
Iwaizumi shook him a bit more for good measure then let go, almost pushing him away.
"What the hell were you thinking?!" Iwaizumi continued, still furious Oikawa had had the nerve to get hurt again from over practicing a week before a practice match against Kageyama's school.
He was so damn sure he'd hear Trashykawa's whining soon Hajime wanted to shake him and throw him out of the window already.
Trying to calm down as to not create more of a ruckus in class, Iwaizumi crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at his stupid ass of Captain.
Oikawa often felt scared around Iwa-chan – especially an angry Iwa-chan. But it was rare he actually felt his life threatened.
"I'm sorry, Iwa-chan…" He said apologetically, trying a smile even if he knew it wouldn't work.
"TCH! You piss me off, Assikawa! How did you get hurt this time?! Over practicing your serves?!" Iwaizumi hissed – the argument was now being ignored by most of his classmates even if the girls kept glancing worriedly at their oh-so-precious Oikawa Tooru~
"I know it's foolish to ask this of you with your anger issues–"
"My only anger-issue is you!"
"–But don't yell! I didn't even practice that much! I only slipped in the bathroom after my shower! I didn't fall but just catching myself hurt my knee!" Oikawa quickly explained.
"That stupid-ass reason makes me wanna punch you even more!" Iwaizumi continued berating.
"Don't punch me, Iwa-chan! I'm injured, remember?!"
"Not injured enough to my taste!"
"Iwa-chaaaan!"
"Stop crying!"
Hajime was actually lifting up his fist when he heard a frightened squeal. At first he thought it came from Oikawa but the sound didn't come from the right direction. He glanced down at his left and saw Akiyama Kiku, hands in front of her face. She had just stood up, trying to walk past Iwaizumi when he had moved a little too suddenly for her easily-scared nerves.
"Sorry, Akiyama…" He said, lowering his fist.
"Why do you apologize to her and not me?! You threatened to kill me, Iwa-chan!" Oikawa overreacted again.
Akiyama didn't look in Iwaizumi's direction and quickly ran behind him to hurry out of the classroom. He followed her with his gaze, feeling a tiny bit guilty about scaring her…
She was very easily scared.
Hearing nothing but silence from Oikawa – which was terribly strange – Iwaizumi looked back at him and instantly felt pissed off. Not only Tooru wasn't talking, but he was also staring intensely at Hajime with a weird smile on his face – Hajime didn't like the smile, it was the "Oikawa's bad ideas' smile".
"The hell you're staring at?" He growled, frowning at Oikawa who instantly startled.
"That was Akiyama Kiku-chan, wasn't it?" He asked quickly.
Hajime blinked in disbelief. He felt like punching Tooru for changing topic. He decided otherwise – if he was following his instinct of punching him every time he said or did stupid something, imbecile or annoying, Iwaizumi wouldn't have any fists anymore.
He still felt his fists trembling to hit on his friend's stupid-looking smile, though.
"Your point, Trashykawa?" Iwaizumi growled.
"N-nothing!" He hissed, startling, glancing at the door before speaking up again quickly, "Ah, by the way, Iwa-chan – considering I probably won't be able to participate to the practice match next week, I count on you to reduce Tobio-chan to pieces – also, I'll leave the team to you, you'll be Captain until I'm back on my feet! Have a good day!" Oikawa exclaimed before swiftly making for the door.
He would have run if he hadn't been trying to be so careful on his knee.
"OI! Trashykawa, don't leave like that!" Iwaizumi shouted.
He tried running after Oikawa who avoided him swiftly by turning on himself and escaping the door. What Iwaizumi had not noticed with Tooru doing his weird spinning was that there was someone else behind him. Hajime tried to stop but taken forward by his momentum, he hit the person who fell hard on the floor while Shittykawa went off without even glancing behind.
"That shit he walked away at this time on purpose!" Iwaizumi hissed, leaning down, "I'm sorry, are you all right?"
Akiyama Kiku glanced up at him, eyes filled with unshed tears while everyone started whispering in the class.
Crap, she's crying! Hajime thought, starting to sweat nervously because there was nothing more frightening than a girl in tears in front of him.
"Uuh… You're… uh… ok? Akiyama-san?" He called, offering his hand.
But when he did so, she jumped away from him and quickly looked away.
Hajime felt his heart sinking, his entire body stiffening guiltily when he realized that, once again, he had hit her and that once again, he had scared her. Perhaps Trashykawa might be a little right about him: he had to do something about his anger-issues.
Kiku stood up slowly and he straightened as well, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Eh… uh… sorry about that?" He repeated.
Kiku glanced up at him from behind her hair that was falling to hide most of her face. Even for the shortest of time, she observed him so sharply Hajime felt his heart miss a beat – was it worry he felt? Was it fear? Was it incredulity that for just this one second, this one gaze, Akiyama Kiku – shyest girl to be – had looked at him as if she was looking right into his soul?
As quickly as this light had appeared in her dark eyes, it disappeared. She gave a quick nod before walking past him, back to her desk.
Hajime looked over his shoulder at the girl, still a little astonished by the strength he had seen in her eyes. It reminded him of how Oikawa often looked at teammates or opponents when he was analyzing all of their moves, registering their habits in order to understand them to the deepest part of their souls.
She was observant.
Her eyes were dark blue like the night…
The next day, for morning practice…
Despite his injury, Oikawa had decided to come to see what the others were doing – observing was always a good thing as a setter and teammate. Plus he could notice things or habits that he wouldn't while playing. Iwaizumi was at his sides, yawning from the lack of sleep while the setter kept talking on and on about this and that. He didn't really need Hajime to talk – Tooru could make a conversation on his own.
"Oi! Iwaizumi! Oikawa!"
They both stopped and turned around when they heard Hanamaki calling for them. The wing-spiker was waving at them without hurrying to catch up. What surprised Iwaizumi though was to see Akiyama Kiku at his side – and they were talking, glancing at each other every once in a while. He was pretty sure it was the first time he was seeing Akiyama talking with someone.
"Ooh, Makki is with Kiku-chan!" Oikawa noticed with a smile and slight tilt of his head as he waved back.
"Why the hell is he with her?" Iwaizumi grumbled.
His friend glanced at him when he heard his tone but didn't comment on it, only kept his usual smile.
Once Hanamaki and Akiyama reached the entrance, they said goodbye and went their separated ways. The girl glanced shyly at Iwaizumi who was standing a few meters away from the two. She seemed hesitant before giving a short nod and quickly walking away. Hajime nodded in return even though she probably didn't see.
"Ooss," Takahiro saluted.
"Hey, Makki! Did you spend a good night?" Oikawa asked as the three walked towards the changing-room.
Confused, he raised an eyebrow while Hajime glared at his best friend.
"Uh? Not bad, why?" He answered with a shrug.
"Mm mm! Nothing, I was just curious~!"
They reached the changing-room where Matsukawa was already waiting. Iwaizumi opened the door and the third-years all entered, Oikawa taking a seat on a side while the others were changing. Not long after, second and first years started coming.
"By the way, Hanamaki," Iwaizumi spoke up, "Do you have a girlfriend?" He asked, glancing quickly at his friend.
"Not at the moment, why?"
"Noth–"
"Iwa-chan, are you jealous~?" Oikawa asked when he heard all that.
"What are you talking about?" Hanamaki asked while the Vice-Captain was glaring viciously at the setter.
Tooru opened his lips to answer but when he felt the threatening aura surrounded Iwaizumi, he startled and decided to save his life.
"No reason… I was just asking this… out of the blue… Right, Iwa-chan?"
"Uh. You'd better."
Sighing in relief to be saved – for the moment – Oikawa didn't say anything else, but he kept in a corner of his mind the question his friend had initially asked.
Hanamaki seemed confused but didn't add anything for a moment while Iwaizumi hid his relief – both that Oikawa hadn't added anything and that Hanamaki didn't have a girlfriend. Not that Iwaizumi cared. Not at all.
"Iwaizumi, are you asking me this because I went to school with Akiyama?" Hanamaki asked with an eyebrow raised.
The Ace tried to hide it but he startled lightly, pretending that the sudden move was caused by the way he took off his jacket. Before he could say a thing though, Oikawa piped up happily:
"Ah! So you DO know her! Who is she exactly? How do you know Kiku-chan? Makki, do you like her? Do you–"
"No, no, no! I don't like her at all!" Hanamaki exclaimed at once, the others glancing curiously while he grinned uncomfortably, "She's my neighbor and we just happened to walk to school together! That's it! Don't go imagining ridiculous stuff, Oikawa!" Makki exclaimed, glaring at the Captain, knowing damn well that he was the sort to imagine the most ridiculous scenario.
After a short pause, Hanamaki crossed his arms, looking over at the Captain and Vice-Captain.
"Why are you asking all that anyway? It's not like you care."
"How rude! I do care! You're my precious teammate, Makki!" Oikawa exclaimed, a hurt look on his face.
Ignoring the setter, Hanamaki glanced at Iwaizumi who shrugged nonchalantly.
"She's in my class. I was surprised to see her talk with someone, that's all." He explained.
It seemed to be enoughexplanation for the wing-spiker who shrugged as well.
"Well, she doesn't do well with people."
"How long have you known Akiyama?" Iwaizumi asked while Oikawa leaned forward curiously as well.
"We were playing together as children, but when we started school… Dunno? We didn't really talk anymore. I really don't know much about her. Why do you ask?"
"Nothing, nothing at all. Just curious."
Oikawa got up and leaned towards his best friend so he'd be the only one to hear him.
"Curious, uh…?" Oikawa whispered.
"What do you want, Oikawa?" Iwaizumi asked, frowning at him.
"Nothing, nothing~ I'm the curious one, here~"
Hajime threw him a confused look but decided to ignore his antics.
"By the way, Oikawa, when you do that thing with your eyes – why do you do that? What goes through your mind?" He asked.
"The thing with my eyes? Do you mean, winking? I do that when–"
"Not winking, that creepy thing you do with your eyes!" Iwaizumi added, Hanamaki and Matsukawa snorting at the confused look on Oikawa.
The setter blinked and tilted his head on a side.
"I don't understand, Iwa-chan?"
"When you do that creepy thing with your eyes, when you look scary looking at people–"
"You're the one looking scary when you look at people, Iwa-chan! Not me! I don't do any creepy thing with my eyes!" Oikawa exclaimed, sounding almost insulted.
"Tch…" Iwaizumi continued, crossing his arms, "Sometimes, you look at players or opponents with a gaze with no light at all, you look like you're calculating how to destroy them. That's the creepy thing I'm referring to!"
"Ah, when he looks like he's possessed?" Matsukawa intervened, making Oikawa hiss.
"You mean when he looks like a demon coming straight from hell?" Hanamaki added, smirking.
Oikawa paled at the very idea that there were times when he looked – not just scary – but frightening! Like a demon! If anything, he was as pretty as an angel – but a demon was definitely not something he wanted to look like! The demon-looking one was Iwaizumi, not him!
"What do you mean, a demon coming straight from hell?!" Oikawa hissed in panic, glaring at his friends who snickered.
They chuckled at his insulted and frightened expression but before he could start pouting, Iwaizumi intervened once gain:
"When you observe people, what do you look for exactly?" He asked.
Oikawa huffed, still annoyed by being accused of looking like a demon, then glanced curiously at his friend. He observed Iwaizumi, frowning lightly.
"I'm really curious to find out why you're asking me something like that. But I'll answer anyway – because I am nice and definitely not a demon. I usually look for habits or little things that distinguish this person from others – the faster I can figure out someone, the faster I can find a way to beat said-person."
"That's such a creepy way of thinking…" Hanamaki murmured with Matsukawa nodding behind him.
"This isn't creepy! It's just analyzing!" Oikawa exclaimed.
"Analyzing?" Iwaizumi repeated.
"Yes, analyzing. Like… how can I put it…? You start understanding the person better, you know?"
Iwaizumi sighed, not understanding how his friend was functioning. Little habits, understanding the person better… Perhaps he had been wrong and hadn't seen the same look on Akiyama Kiku's face as Oikawa's. She was freaked out by people and shy – there was no way she'd be able to observe and analyze people the way an extrovert like Oikawa did.
"Ah, it's almost time. We should get going to the gymnasium…" Hanamaki noticed after glancing at the clock.
Iwaizumi waited for everyone to be out before closing the door, watching Oikawa arguing excitedly with the two other third-years regulars about him looking like a demon. Oikawa and Akiyama were completely different. There was no way she was anything close to Trashykawa.
Hajime chuckled just at the idea that he had even thought he had seen the demon-look on Akiyama Kiku's face. She was way too adorable to look like that.
The young man froze suddenly. Adorable? Since when was he thinking that?
"What the hell?" He whispered to himself, his heart fastening just a tiny bit.
Aaaaah, I hope it's not going too fast! " But like I said, unlike Sowlmate, there won't be much drama or angst, only fluff, and it'll go to a faster pace - they won't keep breaking each other's hearts for example... So... yeah... I'm trying my best... T.T
For the ones who don't read my other fanfic, Sowlmate, Kanemoto Ayaka is a friend/sponsor of Oikawa! ^^
Yours Truly,
May