Hello! Another chapter!
Message : I'm going to move out from where I live so I don't know whenI'll have internet and thus, when I'll be able to post the next chapter.
Chapter Warning : mention of animal abuse
Thank you to everyone who followed, favorited and reviewed! :D
LuxKlara : Sono felice che hai piaciuto il capitolo, spero che piacerai questo capitolo! ;) É une grande passo per Kijime! :D
Krisia : Good weird or bad weird that you felt inside? XD I'm not sure about stopping, I mean, on mys ide, it' feels pretty good when everyone is squealing about Kijime! ;D I personnaly listened to "You raise me up" (the Celtic Woman and Lena Park versions especially) but I let everyone imagine their fvaorite romantic song! ;)
TamashinoSuzume : The adorableness is on overflow and will NOT stop flowing! ;) I hope this chapter was up to your expectations! ;D
Houshikun001 : Ahah, fluff and heartwarming are the main words to describe Kijime's relationship - with "cute" as well! ;) I really loved writing last chapter, but also this one as well! ;) We have a good insight on Kiku's life! :)
AnimeViolinist001 : AHAH! I'm so happy you loved the chapter! There is more cute and pure moments ahead! ;)
AmericanNidiot : Well, sign me up if it means seeing Hajime in kimono. :3
Reader fan: I'm so happy you loved last chapter! :D Don't worry, when I'm ovewhelmed I describe things the hinata-way too! ;D
Shy Guest : You dream of Hajime taking off his clothes and I dreamt that I was yelling at Ushijima while instead of a volleyball competition, there was a war going on... it was weird. Your Enlgish is very well! It's the first time I can talk with someone from Poland! :D It's so great! Eeeh... I had to actually check but no, they never found out what happened exactly when Kijime went off after the bullies - they only know that they went to the cinema but that nothing in particular happened (also, Oikawa found out afte investigating that they had eaten ramen - he had asked the ramen-lady someday and she told him that Hajime and his girlfriend had dropped by so he could connect the dots)Well the ONE time we saw Kunimi smile was during the first match Seijou VS Karasuno -even Kageyama had a freak-out is part of the scar, yes. :) I'm glad you felt fuwa-fuwa reading last chapter, and I hope you'll feel like that for this one as well! ;D
pinkdoughtnuts : Well, Iwaizumi not shy is a lot to hope for because he loseshis mind whenever he's around Kiku! ;)
Aquafin : I'm updating as soon as I can, I hope you didn't have to wait too long! ;)
sxs1000 : Ahah~ I'm glad~ I think the most confusing sentence I've ever read in English was something along the lines of "Englihs is complicated but you can get through thorough thinking though" or something XD I love the comparison of Oikawa to a radioactive rabbit! XD I always made me laugh when I read that! ;D
Digidestined10: Well, Iwaizumi DID confess - evenn though, Kiku was asleep and didn't hear, it's still half-way through it... Also, she kissed his cheek. ;)
FANFICTION
HAIKYUU! : QUIET VOICE
CHAPTER XXII : Kindness
"Because one believes in oneself, one doesn't try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn't need others' approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her."
― Lao Tzu
"Sometimes people are beautiful.
Not in looks.
Not in what they say.
Just in what they are."
— Markus Zusak, I Am the Messenger
"Beautiful is the woman who knows people, places and things don't define her. She is defined by her acts of loving kindness and a generous heart."
— Michael Chatman
"I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him."
― Stephenie Meyer, Twilight
"The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in."
— Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie
"How strong you are, to go through Hell on Earth, and still smile and carry yourself like you're in Heaven."
— Maxwell Diawuoh
"It's not fair. People claim to know you through the things you've done, and not by sitting down and listening to you speak for yourself."
— Hannah Kent
"Some people bring out the worst in you, others bring out the best, and then there are those remarkably rare, addictive ones who just bring out the most. Of everything.
They make you feel so alive that you'd follow them straight into hell, just to keep getting your fix."
— Karen Marie Moning, Shadowfever
"If you have been brutally broken, but still have the courage to be gentle to others then you deserve a love deeper than the ocean itself."
— Nikita Gill
Two years ago, during their first year at Aoba Jousai…
Iwaizumi entered and quickly looked around the first-years' class three of Aoba Jousai.
"Iwa-chan~! Wait for me~!"
He ignored his friend's call from somewhere in the hall and found who he was looking for when Hanamaki Takahiro stood up, his height standing out in the middle of relatively short first-years. Hanamaki wasn't a giant but he was taller than average – just like Oikawa or another of their recent friend, Matsukawa Issei. All four were on the volleyball club and had hit it off almost immediately.
Oikawa came running in, several girls whipping around and gasping in awe as the setter caught up.
"Makki!" He called happily.
The first-year turned around and noticed his teammates, keeping his hands in his pockets:
"Oi, I told you to stop calling me that…" He muttered, but he was starting to get used to it – it was almost fun how Oikawa kept giving nicknames to everyone he got close to.
"Hanamaki, you wanna have lunch with us? Matsukawa is coming too," Iwaizumi said, pointing at the door.
"Sure, just let me go to the restrooms first." He said, grabbing his bento and following the two.
As they walked past the racks for books, bags and other material at the very back of the classroom, Iwaizumi noticed a vase with a bouquet of flowers in it. Colorful tulips, adding some light and life to the boring classroom.
He stopped, most students walking by him and the tulips without glancing at it twice. Oikawa and Hanamaki stopped and turned towards him curiously.
Iwaizumi had noticed that in every classrooms, at every beginning of week, someone was adding some flowers. Every classroom had only one flower in a vase – except for this classroom, class three, that had an entire bouquet. He knew it was the duty of the class responsible to sometimes, if they felt like it, add some flowers or something… but someone among the first-years was putting flowers around. It was a bit of a mystery and several had tried finding out the truth behind it, but in the end the accepted rumors was that it was the "Ghost of Flowers" depositing flowers.
"Why do you have an entire bouquet instead of one flower? Did someone add more flowers?" Iwaizumi asked, pointing at the bouquet.
Hanamaki seemed confused at his question then shrugged while Oikawa's eyes started sparkling:
"Ah! The Ghost of Flowers!"
Oikawa had been particularly excited about this story and all the rumors (which was why Iwaizumi knew about it), but he was starting to calm down and the hype was getting quiet. It was now normal for everyone to find new flowers every week in the classroom.
"No? Our class always has an entire bouquet rather than only one flower. Some say it's because the Ghost is from our class, but we never found out who it was. He also leaves some quotes about happiness and life and boring stuff…" Hanamaki answered, sounding bored.
He pointed at a piece of paper left in front of the bouquet and Iwaizumi took it to read.
"Always keep your eyes open. Keep watching. Because whatever you see can inspire you."
— Grace Coddington
"Oooh! I had only heard about the quotes but I never saw one! Maybe with the writing we can find out the Ghost's identity!" Oikawa exclaimed, taking the paper from Iwaizumi's hands.
"No, it's printed." He remarked, his friend pouting in disappointment – but he still tried to find some hidden clues, "You really don't know who it might be? This ghost?" He asked, turning towards Hanamaki.
After all, it seemed unlikely someone would be so unnoticed by his classmates that he could leave bouquet of flowers and quotes without anyone finding out the truth…
"Mmm, who cares anyway?" He answered with a shrug, rolling his eyes.
Iwaizumi was used to Hanamaki's laid-back and bored personality, so he didn't push the questions. Hanamaki had probably been as curious as Oikawa but had given up the investigation – like most of the school…
"Let's go, I need to pee!" Hanamaki exclaimed, stepping away.
"Do you have to say that so loudly?" Iwaizumi asked with a side glance.
"Ah! Makki! Iwa-chan! Wait for me!" Oikawa whined, running after them after leaving the quote near the bouquet.
They stepped out of the classroom but Iwaizumi stopped once again, his eyes catching the sight of long brown hair that shone like copper under the sunlight. He turned around to see who it belonged to but… there wasn't anyone. He blinked then shook his head, deciding to forget it. This story of Ghost of Flowers was getting to him – and not in a healthy way.
"Aaah~! What I wouldn't give to know the truth about the Ghost of Flowers~!" Oikawa exclaimed with a huge smile.
Actual time line, during their third-year…
Iwaizumi was staring, from his seat, his cheek on his palm, at the racks at the very back of the classroom. And a bouquet of lilac flowers with a little paper with an inspirational quote printed on it.
Over the years, the rumors of a Ghost of Flowers quieted down and no one noticed the flowers and quotes left in the classrooms. It was normal and it wasn't exciting enough. Whoever was doing this little act of kindness that no one had asked for, probably wanted it to go this way. Unnoticed. Like a ghost.
Kind and unnoticed… Like…
Hajime turned his gaze over to Kiku as she came back in the classroom during lunch time, followed closely by a very chatty Oikawa, and Hanamaki and Matsukawa close behind. They all gathered around a few tables pushed together to eat lunch.
Hanamaki was eating enthusiastically when he noticed Iwaizumi's lost gaze towards the bouquet of flowers. He put down his chopsticks and followed his gaze, staring at it for a moment, until Iwaizumi noticed it as well and turned towards his friend:
"You knew it? In our first-year? That it was Kiku's doing?" He asked in a low voice.
"Mm… I had my doubts…" Hanamaki shrugged with the exact same nonchalant roll of eyes from two years ago.
"So you do care…"
"Shut up…"
Hajime shook his head, a grin appearing on his face while Takahiro smiled as well, both knowing the truth but keeping the Ghost's identity a secret. Just like the Ghost of Flowers wished.
"By the way! Let's go to town after school!" Oikawa exclaimed – or rather, decided.
"Why?" Iwaizumi asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Why not?" Hanamaki shrugged.
"Aaah… I have to meet Mari-chan after school, but she'll be busy so I'll be alone for an entire hour!" Oikawa answered sheepishly.
Mariko, or Mari-chan as Tooru kept calling her, was the poor girl who had had the bad luck of crushing on the setter and being pretty enough to catch his interest when she had confessed to him at the beginning of the school year. Iwaizumi had only met her very quickly and thought that she wasn't as dull and boring as the previous ones (Oikawa was starting to get a little bit more picky with his girlfriends and Iwaizumi wasn't sure yet if it was a good thing) and she was actually some sort of math genius (Iwaizumi thought that part of the reason why Oikawa was dating her was to get her help). But the two had busy schedules and if Mariko often proposed to her boyfriend to go out, Oikawa was focusing a little bit too much on volleyball. They had already bickered about it and they had been dating for only three weeks – Oikawa had whined about it for three hours at Iwaizumi's place until he invited himself for a movie and a sleepover. Iwaizumi was used to it, unfortunately, as it always happened with Oikawa's girlfriends. He never cut out the time for them, they got tired of his pretty looks, realized his only love was volleyball, and broke up with him – unless Oikawa had gotten tired first and was the one to end their "relationship".
Basically… Oikawa's love life was everything Iwaizumi didn't want for his own. Which was why he had been so reluctant about dating until now even if he had some girls after him… Hajime didn't want to date without knowing the girl first, he didn't want to date a girl on a whim simply because she was to his tastes, he wanted to crush on her (but all of his crushes until now had had a crush on Oikawa), and he wanted to fall in love and build a real relationship.
He glanced at Kiku, flushed then focused on his bento, deciding not to think too much about the words dating and Kiku in the same sentence… It was too embarrassing… How could Oikawa and Hanamaki have so many girlfriends – the whole process was so embarrassing…?
"Also! Coach asked me to accompany Kiku-chan to buy some sports gear!" Oikawa added quickly, glancing at Hajime who instantly looked up.
"H-he didn't ask you to accompany me… s-simply to indicate to me what I should get…" Kiku corrected, embarrassed.
"Weird, he asked Oikawa and not Iwaizumi? He's more trustworthy." Matsukawa remarked.
"Mean, Mattsun!"
"Not with his niece, no, he's not trustworthy with her." Hanamaki snorted, making both Kiku and Hajime flush terribly.
"W-what sort of sports gear do you need?" Iwaizumi asked the girl to change the topic.
"J-just some pants because in the cheering-club I had a different outfit and uncle Nobuteru would prefer that I wear the volleyball team's colors rather than the school pants…" She explained, "I have the manager jacket but the coaches don't have the pants. I told them I could go buy it on my own to not order so late something so trivial but then… 'Oikawa will give you the details' he had said," she continued, frowning and making her voice rougher to try to imitate Irihata.
The others chuckled at the lame imitation.
"That's how it is~ We have to accompany Kiku-chan in town!" Oikawa concluded.
"How did a couple of advices turned into all of us going in town to help her choose sports gear?" Hanamaki sighed while his chopsticks reached for Kiku's bento.
Hajime frowned at this but Kiku didn't react to it – probably used to the spiker invading her space and she was done eating her bento so she put it in the middle for the boys to eat what was left. If Makki, Mattsun and Oikawa jumped on it hungrily, Iwaizumi stubbornly ignored it because it was too embarrassing to eat something made by Kiku. The others understood and grinned at him teasingly, making him flush, making sure to give loooots of compliments about how tasty it was to make him cringe.
"Y-you don't have to… I can do it on my own… I just need the reference… I'll go in town alone, really…" She continued with a sheepish smile.
"Why do you want us away from you, Kiku-chan? Do you have a secret boyfriend to meet?" Oikawa asked teasingly.
Hajime frowned but when Kiku blushed and glanced down at the hands on her laps, he whipped to her with wide, panicked eyes. The others blinked as well, not believing what was happening…
"N-not a b-boyfriend… b-but I-I have… to meet… a friend and go somewhere…" She mumbled in embarrassment.
"Because you have friends?" Hanamaki asked with wide eyes.
She kicked him from under the table and he held back a scream, falling over on top of the table while she glared at him.
"Yes, I do."
"With this behavior! I can't believe it!" He hissed, holding his painful knee, "How did you even reach me when I'm so far away and you have such short legs?!"
"It's not my fault your legs have the length of a broom!" She replied, crossing her arms over her chest and glancing away.
"Fuck you!"
"I'd rather–…"
The boys all glanced at her as Kiku slowly blushed and bit on her lower lip, avoiding all of their gazes while she prayed for a hole to suddenly take her away from them and mostly Iwaizumi…
"Not…" She added in a whisper.
"Pffrr…"
They glanced at Oikawa who was trying to smother his sudden laugh by covering his mouth with his hand. Not only the situation was funny but Hajime's face was hilarious! Slowly, Mattsun and Makki joined in the laugh, then Hajime and Kiku chuckled as well.
From another side of the classroom, several people glanced curiously at the laughs they heard and started staring – mostly because Oikawa Tooru was laughing and he was so handsome and adorable and perfect and all the girls (and a few boys) sighed at the sight…
A guy, a classmate of Hajime and Kiku, blinked then elbowed his friend before nodding in the direction of the group.
"Look… Akiyama… she's smiling and laughing…" He said, totally bewildered.
"Yeah… it's…" His friend answered, taken aback by the sight.
"Refreshing…" He finished with a light flush on his cheeks, ignoring the stunned look his friend gave him.
Some hours later…
The five students of Aoba Jousai exited the school grounds, unaware – or ignoring – the way a few people (mostly girls) whispered and chatted among themselves about who was the girl in the middle of the four gods of Seijou. Kiku noticed it but tried her best to ignore it, looking away and pulling at her hair to hide her face. They took the train and arrived in town quickly, finishing the few minutes of walk that would take them to the sports center of Sendai.
"We should take the opportunity of buying this month's material for the club," Oikawa remarked, "This way we won't have to come back next week-end like we usually do, right, Iwa-chan?"
"I'm on it," the Vice-Captain answered, already holding the list of material they need to buy this month.
Oikawa and Makki glanced at the list curiously, commenting on it while Kiku turned her head around and walked off to the women sports gear. When the boys looked up once again, she was already several dozens of meters away.
"How can she be so fast? I didn't notice her walking away?" Matsukawa asked because he hadn't even been distracted (just sleepy).
"We shouldn't leave her alone, she's just a girl alone in a shop," Iwaizumi said with a frown.
"She's a year older than us, remember?" Makki said, rolling his eyes at the Ace's over-protectiveness.
"Well then! I just remembered I need some strapping for my knee, I'm taking care of that!" Oikawa exclaimed, taking the list from Iwaizumi's hands.
"Oi! You're the one supposed to help Kiku to begin with!" Iwaizumi barked but he was ignored.
"Mattsun! With me! Makki – do whatever you want!"
The two were already walking away, Iwaizumi rolling his eyes at Oikawa's foolishness.
"It's probably the first time he's so enthusiastic about shopping for the club – he never takes it seriously…" He mumbled while Makki started following the two, "You! Don't! Leave me alone with Kiku…" He grumbled, grabbing his collar.
Hanamaki sighed but follow the Ace anyway, trying to find Kiku into the foreign and unknown world of women aisles… The two young men knew almost by heart this sports shop – but they had never put a foot in the women side and they felt out of place…
"Where has she gone you think?" Hanamaki asked while turning around to look at a girl walking by.
"How am I supposed to know?"
"I thought you were in love with her? Can't you like, sniff where she is? Follow her pheromones or whatever?" He asked.
Iwaizumi decided to not react at the stupidity of his friend, but he couldn't hold back a roll of his eyes. Just then, he caught sight of Kiku standing in the middle of an aisle full with sports pants of all sizes and shapes and sorts. Mostly flashy shades like pink or green – why did girls always wear such brightly colored sports gear? Hanamaki pretended to be blinded by it but Iwaizumi ignored him as they reached Kiku who was taking out her manager jacket to check the color.
Unlike the boys who had white pants and jackets with light turquoise lines, the manager wore turquoise pants a shade darker than the boys' and a white jacket with dark turquoise details – among them a leaf on the chest.
"It seems to be the right color," Iwaizumi remarked when she compared the jacket and pants' colors.
"I'll try it on, then!" She exclaimed, grabbing several sizes to find the best fit.
They followed her from afar as she ran excitedly towards the changing stalls. Iwaizumi and Hanamaki stood there, a little awkward because there were only a few girls around glancing at them curiously.
"…Let's go open Kiku's curtain while she's changing to embarrass her," Hanamaki suddenly said, stepping towards the stall.
"Wha– NO! You don't!" Iwaizumi exclaimed, grabbing him by the shoulder.
"You're not fun!"
"You're a pervert!"
A few girls heard that, gasped and hurried away from the two boys who glanced around with a mix of worry and anxiousness because what if one of the girls went to say that two perverts were lurking around the girls' changing-stalls?
Iwaizumi immediately glared at Hanamaki and started scolding him even if he didn't listen.
Some time later, Kiku walked out of the changing stall, wearing her school uniform and blinked when she saw Iwaizumi, furious, shaking Hanamaki like a tree, who was grinning like an idiot.
"U-um…" She hesitated.
Iwaizumi froze, still holding Hanamaki by the collar, both turning their heads to the girl who was holding up the pants of her choice.
"Y-you're done already?" Iwaizumi asked.
"Y-yeah… I'm quick to take off my clothes," she answered with an innocent smile.
She stiffened as Hajime opened wide eyes and turned a bright shade of red. Takahiro turned a sly smirk to him.
"I-I mean, to p-put them back on too… I'm quick… I-I mean…" Kiku stammered awkwardly, blushing as well.
"O-of c-course!" Iwaizumi exclaimed very loudly, letting go of Hanamaki who snickered, "I-if y-you're done! Let's go find the others!" He continued, turning around.
Kiku stumbled after him, hurrying to keep up with his fast pace. They had only walked less than ten meters than Iwaizumi's phone rang. He stopped, Kiku walking into his back. They both flushed as she stepped away from him and massaged her nose, looking up at him sheepishly while he focused on his phone.
"Makki has disappeared…" She noticed, turning around but not seeing him anywhere.
You guys were taking too long so Mattsun and I finished already with the shopping for the club! I'm off to see Mari-chan and Mattsun is gone too~! See you tomorrow!
Hajime clenched his teeth and the hand around his phone, knowing very well that some part of this message was a total lie and that Oikawa, Matsukawa and Hanamaki had ditched them so that Iwaizumi would end up alone with Kiku.
"TCH."
Kiku glanced up at him, a little worriedly as he threw his phone in the depth of his bag and decided to punch his friends later for leaving him alone with her.
"Something wrong?" She asked hesitantly, tilting her head on a side.
"Nothing. We're on our own. If you're done, let's move." He mumbled because he knew that somewhere his friends were spying on them and he wanted to put as much distance between them and Kiku and him as possible.
Kiku nodded and after paying for the sports pants, the two exited the sports shop. Even if Hajime glanced around suspiciously, and angrily, he didn't notice Oikawa, Matsukawa and Hanamaki hidden behind boxing bags, people glancing at them curiously.
"All right~! That's one thing that went well~! Now that they're alone let's pray Iwa-chan will make a move!" Oikawa exclaimed, clenching his fist in victory.
"Your plans are so stupid, it was so obvious you set it all up. You don't even have to see your girlfriend, I'm sure." Mattsun mumbled.
"Actually! I do have to see Mari-chan~! So I'm letting you guys handle it from here~!" He exclaimed with a wave of his hand as he walked away proudly.
Hanamaki narrowed his eyes at their Captain walking away just as Matsukawa lowered his gaze on the paper in his hands – the list of material to buy for the club…
"The bastard got us…" He mumbled.
Hanamaki sighed because of their scheming Captain – without Iwaizumi, the Vice-Captain, it was on them that the shopping duty fell…
"Rock-paper-scissors?" He proposed to Mattsun to decide who would go through the whole ordeal.
"Rock-paper-scissors."
They played it but when Makki lost he sighed once again and glared at where Oikawa had been standing a moment ago.
"How about we just ignore it and give the list to these two tomorrow? They'll have to take care of it eventually and it'll serve them right, trying to use us for their jobs."
"I like how you think. Fast-food?" Mattsun proposed with a grin.
"Fast-food." He nodded.
Iwaizumi and Kiku walked for a while and when he started to feel in a less murdering mood, he slowed down and waited for Kiku who was staring at her phone with a pout on her face.
"…My friend can't make it in time today…" She told him.
"Oh…"
Knowing that they had no more reason to stay together now that all the shopping was done and that both had nothing better to do but go home, they stood there sheepishly, neither saying a thing… Hajime rubbed the back of his neck, trying to think of something to say. Kiku might feel down if her friend wasn't coming but he had no idea how to comfort her… and let's be honest… he didn't want to leave her side yet, and if he wasn't seeing what he hoped for, she didn't feel like leaving yet either…
Kiku glanced up at him shyly then seemed to have a sudden idea, blinking and hesitating. He raised an eyebrow and it was the sign for her to speak up:
"Y-you like animals, right?" She asked with a smile.
Hajime startled and flushed before glancing around nervously, praying that no one had heard. But thankfully, no one paid any attention to them… For a moment, he wondered how she knew that before remembering that he had given her a secret about going to see baby animals…
"Y-yeah…" He mumbled with a nod.
"Then! I know somewhere we can go! I-if you want… o-of course… Iwaizumi-san…" She hesitated, playing with her fingers and flushing.
He would follow her to the end of the world but he was worried his friends might follow them and not only find out his embarrassing secret but spread it. The teasing would have no end…
"I-it's um… it's sort of… it's like a job, I suppose…" Kiku added hesitantly.
Hajime stared at her, eyes widening a little. He had had no idea she had a job… or that it involved animals… but he wasn't really surprised. If he was going with her to her job, he had a good excuse, right? He'd just accompany her, have a look at what she does then leave her… This way, he'd learn more about Kiku, spend more time with her but he wouldn't have to worry about his secret hobby revealed…
"I'd uh… I'd love to," he said with an eager smile.
Kiku bounced happily then turned around, guiding him as they went to her part-time job. Or so Hajime thought because they went into a part of town that wasn't what he had imagined. There were less people, less shops, mostly houses or buildings and the more they went away from downtown, the more confused he was…
"Uuh… what sort of job is it, exactly?" He asked, tilting his head on a side.
He saw a group of guys that didn't seem very friendly and he was suddenly worried about Kiku going to such a place on her own.
Instead of answering, Kiku smiled to him and just then, she stopped and pushed open a door. It rang and Hajime followed, blinking when he saw the name of the place: Nippon SPCA. He didn't say a thing and followed Kiku, the familiar smell of animals of various species invading his nose.
"Kiku! How are you doing, today?"
Hajime turned upon hearing a masculine voice and saw a young man, in his twenties, leaning over a counter and smiling at Kiku. Immediately, he felt sparkles of annoyance and worry in his heart, his protectiveness towards the young girl making him frown lightly – or, as Oikawa would say 'jealousy'.
"I'm doing good, Hayato! And you?" She asked with her usual bright smile.
"Good, good! We have a newcomer since this morning, I'll introduce him to you later – but I didn't expect you to come so early…"
"I had nothing better to do so I came early, I hope you don't mind…"
"Not at all, it's always a pleasure to have you here!"
Hajime frowned a little more and he had to hold back a frown while Hayato and Kiku continued talking as if he wasn't here:
"And the little buddies love you so much… I could be jealous, you know, I spend more time with them than you but they only think of you."
Little buddies…? Hajime thought, his lips pursed together in an involuntary pout.
But Kiku chuckled adorably, a little flush appearing on her cheeks. For a moment, Hajime wondered if this Hayato was this friend of hers that had made her blush during lunch… no, this friend had canceled… right? But what if he had canceled seeing her in town in order for them to meet at this job? Earlier? No, Hayato had said he hadn't expected Kiku. Then why is she smiling so much around this guy? Who is this other friend of hers? Why the hell did Iwaizumi feel so irritated?!
While Hajime was rummaging in his corner, imagining crazy things, Hayato took notice of him, glancing curiously at the high-schooler.
"Friend of yours?" He asked curiously to Kiku who blushed.
Hayato smiled in a knowing way, immediately understanding who it was. But instead of teasing (for the moment at least), he waited for Kiku to answer, while she was glancing at her feet shyly.
"H-he's m-my… classmate… I-Iwaizumi Hajime…" She said in a low voice.
Hearing his name, he looked up and realized he was now stared at by Hayato with sparkling, amused eyes, while Kiku glanced at him every once in a while, too embarrassed to maintain her gaze.
Why… do I feel like this guy is similar to Oikawa? I don't want to deal with a number two… He thought to himself under the curious and burning gaze of Hayato.
"U-um… hi…" Iwaizumi greeted hesitantly, giving a sharp nod while the young man seemed to be about to burst in laughs.
"Hi! I heard a lot about you, Hajime!" He exclaimed with a huge grin.
"Hayato!" Kiku squealed quickly, blushing even more.
"Ah, sorry, Iwaizumi – everyone call each other by their first name here! I hope I didn't embarrass you?" Hayato continued, totally ignoring Kiku.
"That's not the problem here!" Kiku continued, trying to look angry but her tiny fists and adorable frown wasn't enough to make either of the men feel threatened.
"It's not?" Hayato questioned, blinking innocent eyes even though it was obvious he knew what he was doing.
Yep… Oikawa all right… That's why Kiku can handle him so well… she's used to this type of guys… Iwaizumi thought, holding back a sigh before stiffening. Wait – how even does she know this Hayato? How close they are? How long have they known each other? What if he's her boyfriend? What if she likes him? What if–
"So! What brings you here, Hajime?" Hayato continued.
The young man startled, his line of thoughts cut while Kiku huffed and walked around the counter to put down her bag. She pretended to read a notebook all the while glancing at Hajime and listening to the boys' conversation.
"Uh, I just, I came because Akiyama… san, proposed it to me. We were in town together when our friends ditched us so…" He explained, approaching the counter.
"Do you like animals?" Hayato asked, while Kiku sent him a harsh look that Iwaizumi didn't quite understand.
"Yeah… I do…"
"You heard of us?" He continued, nodding around the room.
It was a sort of welcoming hall for people, or rather a tiny room with the doorway, the little counter that could barely contain two people behind, and another door leading somewhere else. There were a few signs with written 'Nippon SPCA' and of course, Iwaizumi had heard about it.
"I know it's an organization to protect animals… I don't know the details, though… I didn't know Akiyama-san was working at a part-time job until today and… I didn't know what it was."
"It's not really a job, I'm more of a volunteer helping out when I have some free time," Kiku answered with a sheepish smile, "I said a job earlier but… well…"
She flushed and looked down at the notebook. Hayato glanced between the two with a huge smile before speaking once again:
"Well! You're right – we protect animals. We take care of animals who had been abandoned or injured, we take care of them and try to find them a home. Even to this day, abuse of animals is way too common and unfortunately, Japanese people aren't aware of how cruel they are to the animals. Our country has poor animal welfare and rights – Japan ranks second in the world in the number of animals used in experiments…" Hayato explained with a dark expression.
He gave some more information to Iwaizumi who couldn't help but feel concerned – he had always had a soft spot for animals and even insects, he couldn't understand free cruelty to innocent beings. He had never actively tried to get information about the animal welfare and rights in Japan, or in the world (he vaguely knew about Greenpeace and some endangered species that he saw on tv but that was it) but the numbers and information Hayato was giving him were sickening.
"Nippon SPCA is a rescue system mostly acting for abused animals and for the protection of the environment. We promote social education to make sure people are aware of the right treatment of animals and what is done against them." Hayato continued, listened carefully by both high-schoolers even if Kiku knew all of it.
"This… it's great… doing all that… I wasn't aware of how messed up it was in Japan, the way animals are treated… I thought… we were more evolved than that…" Iwaizumi said, sighing a little, his heart clenching as what he had just heard.
Hayato smiled, a little sadly to him, then glanced down at Kiku:
"I'm going to introduce to you to our new buddy; Hajime, you can come as well and have a look. Most of our animals have been abused, abandoned and some are still on their way back to health. Don't be scared if they feel threatened by you, or if they don't let you approach. Of course, if you prefer staying here…"
Iwaizumi shook his head and left his bag next to Kiku's before following the two behind the door. There were bars showing animals – mostly cats and dogs – sleeping or sitting. They had cushions, little toys, space, food and water… but it was obvious they weren't happy. Some glanced at him warily, some cats hissed and some dogs walked away.
Iwaizumi wasn't violent with animals (only with Oikawa at times but he was an entirely different species) and he usually got along well with them, they loved him, he loved them and he disliked seeing traumatized animals who had done nothing wrong. They had only suffered meaninglessly because of the cruelty of humans…
While Hayato and Kiku moved to the end of the hall, Hajime stopped near some bars and crouched down to see a down who was laying on his tummy, his muzzle just going past the bars. He approached his hand hesitantly and the dog immediately rose, sniffing his hand from in between two bars then starting to lick his skin. Hajime smiled and scratched the dog behind his ears, the animal obviously loving the attention as his tail started wiggling happily.
He didn't realize when Kiku came to him and crouched just next to Hajime and the dog. She glanced at the animal then started staring at the high-schooler with a soft smile. Her heart felt warmer at the sight of Hajime's smile and his green eyes sparkling… He glanced quickly at her then some red dusted his cheeks, his smile faltering before it came back, brighter than before just to see Kiku's beautiful expression.
"He likes you…" She remarked quietly.
He is right to do so… She added to herself.
"He's a good little fellow… what's gonna happen to all of these animals?" He asked, glancing around.
Kiku approached her hand to the dog who licked her joyfully as the two gave him all the cuddles he wanted.
"Some will be adopted, like this dog. He likes people and children so he'll find a home easily. Others… are too injured, or too old and people don't want of them. Especially if they are traumatized. They'll stay here and perhaps they'll find a refuge to go to… otherwise, they'll spend their lives behind these bars. Some others are so injured and in bad shape when they arrive to us than veterinarians don't even try to save them and they end their suffering." She explained with a voice darkening little by little, "I… can't do much for any of them, unlike Hayato, I don't have the right to take care of the animals directly. He's their caretaker but I'm just here to help. So… I do what I can to help Hayato, or our little buddies, by giving them all the love they deserve and need." She explained with a soft smile.
Hajime stared at her, his heart beating a little stronger, in awe of her infinite kindness… She wasn't paid, nothing was asked of her, but Kiku was still willing to offer her free time to take care of animals in need…
"I think… that's a lot already…" He murmured, his voice trembling a little.
She glanced up at him curiously and he continued with a little, but honest smile, his gaze softening as it rested on Kiku:
"You say you can't do much for these animals but… giving them love is… it's everything for them after what they've been through… It's a lot to do, and you're… incredible… amazing, so… kind and brave to do this…" He said, cheeks burning when he admitted how much he admired the young woman.
Kiku kept staring at him, cheeks blushing lightly, but then, she smiled and glanced down out of embarrassment. She sighed lightly, and her shoulders dropped a little, relieved to hear these words. Relieved to know that what she was doing was worth something, everything he had said, for these animals…
After a comfortable moment of silence, Kiku glanced back up at Hajime who hadn't stopped staring at her softly… For once, he didn't have to worry about anyone teasing him for that, the only one who would know how much he liked her would be Kiku but he didn't mind it if she knew. He hoped she knew how much he liked her. He prayed she realized how remarkable she was…
"What is your favorite animal?" She asked in a low voice.
"I don't… have a favorite animal…" He shrugged, blinking.
She smiled then touched hesitantly his right hand – it was still covered with his splint but Kiku intentionally, delicately brushed the skin. Totally forgetting the dog who barked happily, Hajime stood up after her and followed Kiku as if she was an angel ascended on Earth – she probably was, he was certain of that. She wasn't holding his hand, but he didn't pull away his hand from her touch, it was magnetic, driving him closer, keeping them connected. Her fingers were a little cold, but so soft, he was sure he could feel the strong pulse of her heart through their skins – or perhaps it was his own heart resonating in his entire body, as if reminding him that he couldn't have enough of Kiku.
You like her, you're in love with her, just hold her hand and kiss her~ You like her, you're in love with her~ She's everything you've ever wanted~ You like her~ You like her~ Was the melody sung by his heart. Who was he to deny these words? It was the absolute truth. He was head-over-heels for Kiku. He was too far gone into his blinding love and admiration for her to ever stop or think about going back…
Kiku guided Hajime to the back of the hall where there were cages for animals other than dogs and cats – he saw a few birds, rabbits, lizards and even two snakes, these ones were in special cages made of plexiglass (best not to have snakes sneaking out even if these two seemed very well where they were – he wasn't an expert on snakes but he was pretty sure they were napping).
"Look at the one who arrived today…" Kiku said.
She let go of his hand but he didn't have time to regret it because she showed him what animal she was referring to. Hajime's eyes widened slightly and, as embarrassing as it was, he squeaked as he leaned forward.
"He's so cute!" He exclaimed, flushing in embarrassment.
But Kiku chuckled and nodded eagerly, leaning down so they would be on the same level, staring at the lizard in the cage. He had sandy and brown colors and Hajime immediately noticed the little bandage around the tip of his tail.
"He was found by a woman in her garden, we don't really know what happened to him, he probably escaped from some place. The tip of his tail was injured but the veterinarian said he would be fine. Isn't he pretty?" She explained, glancing at Hajime who nodded.
"What sort of lizard is he? How old is he?" He asked eagerly.
"He's a bearded dragon, less than two months… It's probably best to let him rest for today but… you could come back to see him, if you want? That is… if he's not adopted before that but he'll have to stay with us for some time, until his tail heals…" She mused to herself.
"If he finds a good home, that's what best for him… He's so tiny…" He whispered, thinking that the tiny little thing, not bigger than fifteen centimeters could fit in his hands…
Kiku smiled and she showed a few more of her favorite animals to pet. They had gone back to the dog who loved them both, Kiku letting him go out and after a few jumps and runs around, he came back to them. Hajime and Kiku were sitting on the floor, and the dog came to put his head on top of Kiku's laps while his tail wiggled as she petted him, she was smiling softly at the animal and the dog was overjoyed.
Hajime stared for a long moment at the girl he liked so much, realizing that he had never seen her so peaceful with anyone before. She had never looked as happy as in this moment, giving love to this dog who could only love her back…
"Can I ask you something?" He broke the silence, curious despite himself.
"Mmm?"
"Why do you do this?" He asked, shaking lightly his head despite the awed smile appearing on his face, "Taking care of animals despite having a busy schedule already… that's not something high-schoolers do, erh, that's not something people in general do… Is there a reason why you're doing this?"
Kiku glanced at Hajime then pondered for a long moment the question, thinking carefully about her answer. He waited patiently and just for the expression on her face when she found the answer, it was worth it. A beautiful smile appeared on her face despite a sad light lingering in her dark blue eyes.
"I love animals, and I hate seeing people mistreating them when they are innocent and so full of pure love and…"
She glanced down at the dog sprawled over her thighs, her expression turning even more tender than before as she let her fingers massage softly the dog's head…
"And animals… they never abandoned me, they only love me and I am so grateful to them for that…" She murmured.
Hajime stared at Kiku, his heart suddenly heavy at the girl's words. She said it with a smile, but her gaze held so much sadness and hurt… what had she gone through to look so sad and yet, have such a bright smile?
People didn't see her, ignored her gestures of kindness. They left her alone, mistreated her, bullied her… She was so alone, so sad, so hurt by people and yet she still tried to brighten their days by putting flowers and quotes all around. She offered her help and attention to everyone without any prejudice. She had hold his hand for reassurance when she thought he was scared of the dark. The reason why she went through years of lonely mistreatment in the cheering club was because it made her happy to see people's smiles and to encourage them… She had tears in her eyes when the abuse of animals was mentioned but she still took the time to come to this refuge and help these animals by giving them love…
Everyone judged her and mistreated her, but she was so pure and full of love, Hajime felt like crying…
"It's so unfair…" He breathed, his heart feeling hollow.
It was beating hard, as if trying to reach out for Kiku who glanced up at him hesitantly… Fear and hesitation flashed in her eyes before she looked down at the dog once again, seeing in Hajime's eyes all of his thoughts…
"It's not fair that people don't see how kind and beautiful you are, you are so…" He started, but his voice broke and he was unable to find anything else to say.
How could he express with mere words the depth of his admiration and love for her?
"That's… all I have… so… If I can make people smile, or these animals happy… it makes me happy as well…" She said with a trembling voice.
For a moment, Hajime felt just as shaky as her voice because her heart was so big and she gave love and kindness so freely to everyone he was overwhelmed by the brightness of her soul… but then he realized that the reason why her voice had trembled was fear… She was scared of getting attached to people, to be left alone once again, to reach out only for her generosity to be used against her…
It's not fair… It's not fair!
Realizing his eyes were tingling with tears, Hajime suddenly moved, partly to hide his reddening eyes, and partly to offer Kiku comfort. The comfort and love that she deserved as well, the reassurance that she wasn't alone… That he was here now…
Hajime leaned forward, surprising Kiku who didn't have time to move as he wrapped his arms around her. It was a very awkward hug, with space and a dog between them, his head next to her but not daring to touch her hair or skin. He didn't dare hold her too tightly but he hoped his warmth would reassure her because she just kept giving warmth from her heart but she needed love too.
You're not alone… you're not alone… you're not alone… you're not alone… Was what his heart was singing desperately, so hard he was sure she could feel the heartbeat through their light contact.
Kiku stared at emptiness for a long moment, too shocked to react, totally frozen. Hajime's hair tickled her cheek, he was breathing a little hard and she could perceive the rise and fall of his chest, his arms weren't crushing her but they were here and she felt warm and…
Her heart missed a beat and tears filled her eyes. A sharp intake of breath shook her completely as her trembling hands rose and held onto his shirt lightly, shyly… Silent tears rolled down her cheeks, totally overwhelmed by Hajime, his scent, his warmth, his kindness, the attention he was giving her, the love he was giving her…
Don't let go… don't let go… don't let go, please… don't let go… She thought to herself, not wanting this moment to end.
She wanted time to freeze so they could remain like this forever, in a cocoon of warmth and love and peace…
"I'm… not letting go of you until you say so…" He breathed, his voice so low she wasn't sure she had heard right.
But she had heard what she needed to hear and it took everything she had not to crumble under the weight of her emotions and feelings. He made her feel so much. So much good. So much. So much… life… She felt so alive when Hajime was here.
"Thank you…" She whispered in a broken voice.
And perhaps she imagined it, but Hajime held her a little closer to him, a little closer to his warmth and heart. A little closer was all she needed to close her eyes and enjoy the moment that felt like a glimpse into eternity.
Concerning Kiku's outfit: we don't know Seijou's manager outfit but the "darker shade of turquoise" I'm talking about is the shade of the "RUle the court" banner Aoba Juosai has which is darker than the turquoise the boys wear. Also, I intiially imagined it totally turquoise but I saw some official products for the cosplay and among them, the Seijou outfits and there was a jacket I had never seen: white with turquoi details and a leaf where the heart is and I thought "oh, it'd be perfect for the manager! Plus, it'd sort of fit the 'canon' if ti's an official product!" You can see the jacket I'm talking about if you type on google "aoba johsai jacket" it's among the jacket we know.
Concerning the animal abuse I talked about in this chapter: Nippon SPCA actually exists and all the numbers and information I used, concerning Nippon SPCA and/or the treatment of animals in Japan are true (source wikipedia or the site of Nippon SPCA). I could have changed Nippon SPCA's name considering it's a real agency for a non-real fanfic but I thought it was a matter important enough to use the real name to make people aware of this sad reality. (contrary to most of the sports companies/brands I created for Sowlmate)
As I said up-there, I don't know when I'll be able to post the next chapter, it might take a few days for me to have internet back, or a few weeks... The situation is a little complicated and I can't know for now. As soon as I can, I'll post though. I'll have to post another chapter on Sowlmate to share the information for the ones who don't read Quiet Voice though. I'm sorry to make you wait for a while until next chapter...
NEXT CHAPTER : THE AKIYAMA FAMILY! (chapter title might change) (cute moments ahead)
Yours Truly,
May