Hey, hey! I'M BACK! :D
I'm sorry for not posting earlier, but as you know, I didn't have internet and then, I was absent on an archeological site. Here is the new chapter! :D
pinkdoughtnuts : Picking a career is so hard, and society puts so much stress on children's shoulders to figure it out and make it happen even when it won't decide of your WHOLE life.
Aquafin : I'm glad you liked it, I hope what follows won't disappoint! :D
LuxKlara : L'amicizia di Iwaizumi e Oikawa è una dei più bellisime cose di Haikyuu! Mi piace scrivere la loro amicizia!
AnimeViolinist001 : You are totally right about "nothing is ever set in stone", especially whenn it comes to choosing your carreer! :)
Aradhey : I hope I wrote the compeititon right for the few next chapters. And the results will follow the manga/anime, indeed. The only thing changing is the addition of Kiku but that's it. :)
Krisia : Choosing your future career is hard, but when it's sports there are so many other aspects you have to consider - getting injured not being good enough etc. It must be even harder and takes even more bravery for these boys.
Minki : I don't know if you read up to 25th chapter, but I'mg lad you liked what you read! :D
Yurei-san : I loved your review, it was so funny to read! x)
forevertrash97 : Thank you for reading my fanfic and reviewing! I hope you'll like what follows! :D
FANFICTION
HAIKYUU! : QUIET VOICE
CHAPTER XXVI : No Regret
"People forget they have options. And they forget that those things don't really matter. They should concentrate on what they have and not what they don't have. And by the way, wishing and dreaming doesn't mean concentrating on what you don't have, it's positive thinking that encourages hoping and believing, not whining and moaning."
― Cecelia Ahern, If You Could See Me Now
"There is a primal reassurance in being touched, in knowing that someone else, someone close to you, wants to be touching you. There is a bone-deep security that goes with the brush of a human hand, a silent, reflex-level affirmation that someone is near, that someone cares."
― Jim Butcher, White Night
"Maturity is when you stop complaining and making excuses, and start making changes."
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
"You are not the victim of the world, but rather the master of your own destiny. It is your choices and decisions that determine your destiny."
― Roy T. Bennett
"There comes a time in your life when you have to choose to turn the page, write another book or simply close it."
― Shannon L. Alder
"That was our friendship: equal parts irritation and cooperation."
― Ransom Riggs, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
"There comes a point in your life when you realize who really matters, who never did, and who always will."
― Unknown
The following day…
Iwaizumi closed the door behind him and glanced at the Oikawa family doorway. Should he go in? Should he ring? Send a message to Oikawa? They always run together in the morning but since the previous night, Oikawa hadn't contacted Iwaizumi despite his usual midnight nonsense and Iwaizumi had been too proud to send a message and talk things through. He wasn't quite sure if they had argued per say but… there had been some tension.
"Ah, Hajime!"
He looked up and saw Oikawa's mother exiting the apartment, she smiled at the high-schooler.
"You missed Tooru, he left some time ago for his run – I thought you were with him?"
"Ah uh… overslept…" Iwaizumi answered awkwardly, looking away.
If Oikawa had left for his run without contacting Iwaizumi previously, he was probably still annoyed at him for the previous night – for everything Iwaizumi had said, for his doubts about both their careers…
After saluting Oikawa's mother, Iwaizumi started running, music resonating in his head without quite listening to it. It wasn't unusual for him to run on his own, but it never happened in the morning on a week day. Hajime was so lost in thoughts, thinking about his friend and his future career that he didn't notice he was reaching the end of his run – the timer on his ipod stopped and he slowed down, panting. He checked the time and realized he had enough time to not have to hurry to go back to his place, take a quick shower and go to morning practice.
Looking up, Hajime stiffened and blinked, realizing that, unconsciously, he had run in Hanamaki's neighborhood but mostly… Akiyama Bakery. He had been so lost in thoughts, he had run right to Kiku – if it wasn't a proof that even when he wasn't aware of it, he was thinking of her, he didn't know how to explain his arrival there… He should go straight home, he didn't have Oikawa to waste time with, he didn't have his friend to go bother Kiku at the moment… She was probably still sleeping – it was early, after all but… Hajime still walked to the bakery, glancing around a little nervously. He remained in the front of the bakery without daring to enter, mostly because he couldn't see who was in the bakery at the moment. It had opened only a few minutes ago and most of the shelves and displays behind glasses were still empty. But there was a sweet and warm scent coming out of the bakery, making his stomach rumble…
He didn't notice a little truck arriving just in front of the bakery and Shouta coming out of it and glancing from afar at the boy awkwardly standing by.
"I'll go help dad!"
Hajime froze when he heard the familiar voice of the girl he liked, a voice sweeter than any smell coming out of the bakery. He turned around just as Kiku arrived from the side of the bakery, probably a back-door. She froze, eyes widening upon seeing him here.
"I-Iwaizumi-san…?" She asked, blinking in disbelief.
"A-ah, g-good morning…" He hesitated, glancing around and finally noticing Shouta approaching.
The tall baker was already standing behind him and putting his hand on his shoulder, making the high-schooler startle.
"Isn't it Iwaizumi? What are you doing out here in the early morning?" He asked enthusiastically.
"Uuh… I went for a run…" Iwaizumi explained.
Father and daughter took in his gym clothes and sweaty appearance. Hajime didn't usually feel awkward when he was sweating – he was doing more sports than average, he was sweaty and stinky more often than not… but it did feel weird when he was being stared at by the girl he liked and her father.
"Y-you shouldn't run in the morning without a jacket, you'll catch a cold…!" Kiku started, shaking herself out of her shock, "A-and also, you should rest with your wrist…"
She stared worriedly at his hand and he quickly shook his head with a smile to reassure her:
"I'm fine, it doesn't hurt as long as I don't use my hand, and my wrist feeks much better, I'll be back to practice soon!"
"You're still not wearing any jacket," she scolded with a pout.
"Ah, well… we're almost in June?" He said with a little shrug.
She didn't seem satisfied with this excuse and Shouta smiled to himself when he saw the two interact:
"Why don't you take him inside before he catches a cold, then, Kiku?" He proposed, making both teens look up at him, "And feed him while you're at it – he's so frail-looking he's trembling after a little run! AHAH!"
"Ah, uh, no! I'm fine! I was about to head back to my place anyway a-and!" Iwaizumi exclaimed while trying not to feel insulted for being considered "frail" – also he was trembling because he was so close to Kiku and didn't know what to do with his body.
"Your stomach made a growling noise earlier, you're hungry. Just go eat some food, boy – or you'll never grow up!" Shouta exclaimed, tapping his shoulder enthusiastically.
Hajime glanced away, bitterly reminded that he was so damn short compared to this giant of a man – and the entire volleyball team…
"I'm not hungry…" He mumbled.
Just then, his stomach decided to betray him – the smell of sweet and warm bread in the early morning was too tempting and it growled loudly.
He flushed while Shouta laughed and Kiku chuckled before taking his hand softly. Hajime blushed even more and glanced at her curiously as she guided him gently – not into the bakery but on a path on the side, guiding them at the back of the house. There was a door which was probably the access to the dwelling parts of the house rather than the business part. As expected, it wasn't any part of the bakery, instead, there was a small entry where they left their shoes and climbed stairs. Hajime recognized the part of the house he had been to the time he had visited with his friends. Kiku took him into the kitchen where a little table was still covered with the family breakfast. Hajime blinked when he saw Kiku's two birds – Birb and Pip if he recalled correctly – on a bird perch.
"Say hi, guys, don't be rude," Kiku told the birds when they stared for a long time at Hajime.
"Hi! Hi!" Birb exclaimed enthusiastically, bowing his head excitedly while Pip turned around to ignore the high-schooler.
"…Hello," Hajime greeted which pleased Birb.
"My mother is baking at the moment so it's only us," Kiku told Hajime as she put away a few things from the table.
He blushed and looked down at his feet while she cleaned as fast as she could and prepared him a plate with patisserie and breads and a cup of tea.
"T-thanks but… I don't have money on me, I probably shouldn't–"
"Nonsense, just eat to your heart's content!" She exclaimed, pushing him to a chair and forcing him down, "You'll need energy for morning practice!"
"Y-yeah, but I don't play so…"
"Iwaizumi-san, you don't have to be so shy with me, you can eat considering both my father and I invited you in…" She said with a soft smile.
Hajime glanced up at Kiku then smiled back, gladly eating and enjoying the warmth of Kiku's smile as she gave some cut fruits to her birds and finished cleaning everything.
"It's surprising to see you without Oikawa-san, though – don't you always run together in the morning? Why are you on your own?" She asked curiously, turning to him.
Hajime's face darkened and he glanced down at what was left on his plate, not feeling hungry anymore… Realizing there was something wrong, Kiku turned completely to him.
Hajime wasn't used to argue or banter with his best friend, or with anyone, he was pretty easy to live with and when he did argue with Oikawa, it never lasted and one or the other, whoever was at fault, would apologize pretty fast. But never before, there had been an argument that had ended up with Oikawa walking out and ignoring him for more than twelve hours. He was the stubborn one who ignored Oikawa for days when he was being too much of a pain in the ass.
"We… kinda argued last night…" He admitted, not quite knowing why he was saying that to Kiku.
Kiku stared at Hajime before sitting down in front of him, she was only a meter away, so close and yet so far away. She wanted to comfort Hajime but she didn't know if she could stop if she touched him this time… not when he looked so hesitant and distraught.
"…I could never imagine the two of you arguing…" She murmured, lips thin.
They were always throwing insults (mostly Iwaizumi), bantering and bickering but it was always playful. Imagining the setter and Ace on cold terms was just… so… unnatural. But if it felt so strange for Kiku – it must felt awful for Hajime… and Oikawa, both of them were probably feeling lost at the moment.
She leaned forward, her hand reaching for Hajime but stopping before she could reach his skin. If he noticed her move, he didn't say a thing and continued to stare at the plate, his eyes stormy with thoughts.
"Do you want to talk about it…?" She asked with a kind voice.
Not quite surprised by her gentle tone, but still warmed up by her presence and the simple fact she was willing to listen to him, Hajime looked up to Kiku. He noticed her hand stretched out to him, her kind and saddened gaze, her lips tight in worry… He wanted to hold her hand but he didn't dare move even when his fingers trembled. He clenched his hands together and shook lightly his head.
"It's fine… I said things I shouldn't have and I didn't listen to his advice, I'll apologize and we'll settle things later. It was just…"
He shrugged and sighed.
"Strange, I guess. Perhaps Oikawa is finally becoming mature and a mature Oikawa is an Oikawa I don't know how to deal with…" He admitted, his heart feeling lighter after saying what was really making him feel so strange.
It wasn't the act that Oikawa was moving forward, that he didn't seem to need his help, but that for the first time in his life… he wasn't quite sure whether or not he could understand his best friend and it frightened him.
"You'll be fine, both of you. You've been friends for years it won't change now just because of a petty argument. You're both more mature than that and… you care too much for each other to give up on each other." She said, her words instantly cheering him up.
And even if he had argued with his best friend, Kiku was comforting him and he couldn't help but smile.
"A friendship that has lasted more than seven years will last forever, right?" He said, remembering what she had once told him.
Kiku seemed to recall this moment, back when they had been studying for their History paper at the library. It felt like so long ago, so many things had happened between them since then… She smiled and his heart sped up to a peaceful and comforting rhythm.
"Thanks, I feel better now I've talked about it with you…" Hajime murmured, flushing lightly as she smiled, "Perhaps… perhaps that's why I came here…"
His voice trailed off and he glanced at his hands resting on his thighs then back up at Kiku. She stared at him with a flush on her cheeks, probably wondering if she had heard right… Hajime had felt down and he didn't realize he was going to Kiku until he was in front of the bakery. Her presence and words had comforted him… perhaps it was why he had run here this morning. Perhaps his heart had guided him.
Hajime glanced quickly at Kiku's hand still resting on the table, as if reaching for him and he moved his hands. He approached his hand to hers, his green eyes diving into her dark blue ones, as if asking for permission. He knew she knew what he was about to do but she didn't pull away and it only encouraged him. His fingers brushed her skin and she turned her hand around so they'd hold han–
A ringing sound made them both startle and pull away hands, hiding them on their laps and looking down at the table with blushed cheeks. Then, Kiku stood up suddenly.
"S-sorry! I-it's m-my p-phone! I-it's time for me to start getting ready to go for school!"
Hajime glanced at the time and gasped, standing up quickly as well.
"Damn it! I didn't see the time! I have to go or I'll be late!"
Even if he wasn't practicing he was still the one with the changing-room's key – if he was late, the whole practice would be late. He'll have to run back to his place, grab his stuff then hurry to Aoba Jousai.
A panicked hurry made them both look around even if it made them waste time – Kiku had enough time to not panic but Hajime frantically hurried to help her clean even if she insisted he left turned them into a blushing mess. He looked around to find the exit in this place he didn't know, Kiku following him.
"Will you have enough time? Do you want me to ask my father to drive you back?" She asked as they both went down the stairs and he started to frantically put on his shoes, but his bandaged hand slowed him down and he winced at the pressure on his injury when he pulled a little too strongly.
"I'll be fine if I run, don't worry," he said, standing up and almost knocking her off.
Hajime turned to the door but turned around, Kiku stopping just before her body could collide with his.
"Thank you for everything!" He exclaimed with a quick bow, making her startle backwards.
He opened the door and stepped outside, Kiku following with the same frenzy but he gasped and turned around once again – this time, she bumped into him and he caught her by the shoulders before she could trip. She wasn't clumsy and hadn't been able to fall at all, but he had acted on instinct and he didn't dislike the fact that she looked up at him in awe at his fast reflexes. They were so close, so, so close it was driving him mad but his mind kept screaming "you're going to be late! You're going to be late! You're going to be late!" so he didn't get to enjoy their proximity.
"One last thing! Can I ask something of you?" He asked quickly.
Kiku blinked but nodded instantly as he made his demand, hands joined together. She smiled and his smile was even bigger.
Hajime ran all the way to his place, grabbed his stuff for the day then ran all the way to Aoba Jousai. Some of his teammates were here, waiting at the changing-room as he ran up the stairs and looked for the keys in his bag – of course, they were in the deepest, hidden parts of his bag.
"Calm down, we're still in time," Mattsun commented.
"Oikawa isn't here?" Iwaizumi asked, still looking through his bag.
He threw his jersey at Mattsun and his volleyball shoes at Makki but it didn't help him find the keys.
"Nope, he sent a message saying he'd be late – he didn't tell you?" Mattsun continued, surprised while Iwaizumi kept emptying the contents of his volleyball bag while keeping under his other arm a brown paper bag.
"You're going to hurt your wrist if you keep moving around so much, Iwaizumi-san," Yahaba remarked just before receiving the paper bag so that the Ace could use both hands.
He lifted up the bag on one knee, not understanding why the keys had disappeared from his bag – he couldn't have forgotten considering he always left them in his bag to not lose them.
"Where the fuck did they go…?!" He grumbled to himself, pulling when he discovered a hole in the lining of his bag – thankfully it had slipped in the lining and not out of the bag.
He heard the familiar clicking of keys, starting to pull them out victoriously after this long battle just as Hanamaki spoke up:
"So, are you late because you spent too much time with Kiku?" He asked with a knowing, teasing smirk.
Iwaizumi made a strangled sound that was a mix between a gasp and squeal, his cheeks turning red just as he took out the keys from his bag – but from his sudden move and embarrassment, the keys escaped his fingers and flew off. The high-schoolers watched the keys fly off and down the building of changing-rooms then all bent over the railing to look at where they had landed.
Makki turned a devious smirk to his friend who glared at him.
"How do you even know that, damn it?!" Iwaizumi mumbled, still embarrassed by being caught and acting so strangely.
"I saw you run out of her house this morning – did you spend the night? You enjoyed it? How was it? Did you two do it? I want the details!" Hanamaki started, smirking as Iwaizumi turned redder at every word.
"Eeeeh?! You spent the n-night with our manager, Iwaizumi-san?!" Kindaichi exclaimed, flushing.
"N-no, I didn't!"
"I didn't know you were finally dating! Congratulations!" Yahaba exclaimed.
"We're not!"
"So lucky, and moving so fast!" Mattsun added.
"We– will you listen to me?!" Iwaizumi hissed, making his friends smile teasingly and chuckle at his embarrassed reaction.
To hide his embarrassment – but he failed – he got his stuff back and put it into his bag angrily.
"I just ran to the bakery and she invited me in – that's all! Don't go say weird stuff in front of her! Or the coach!" He exclaimed his explanations, everyone just smiling.
"Hey, guys!"
They all looked down to Oikawa who was holding the keys up:
"I think you dropped something," he continued, throwing them upwards.
Iwaizumi grabbed them with one hand, the two friends glancing at each other quickly. Oikawa was the first one to smile, acting the same as usual as he turned around to climb up the stairs – by the time he arrived, Iwaizumi had opened the door and everyone had filled in.
"Ooss~! Good morning everyone~!" Oikawa greeted before Iwaizumi could say a thing.
"Oosss!"
They changed and went to practice just in time when coach Irihata and Mizoguchi arrived. Oikawa was acting so normal that no one noticed any tension between the setter and Ace – and as for Iwaizumi, they took his grumpy looks for the embarrassment and annoyance from earlier.
While Oikawa was leading the warm-up, Iwaizumi went towards Irihata, Kiku entering the gymnasium and saluting everyone in the same time.
"Coach," Iwaizumi started, attracting Irihata's attention on him, "I wanted to know if I could talk to you… concerning next year…"
Irihata blinked, surprised by the sudden topic being thrown so suddenly… He knew that both Oikawa and Iwaizumi had been noticed by sponsors and would probably continue volleyball for a professional career but… he was still surprised when the Ace came to him for guidance. He was usually so confident.
"We can talk now in another room if you want."
Iwaizumi nodded and followed the coach outside the gymnasium, Kiku overheard this and followed the two leaving. While Mizoguchi was screaming at Kunimi and some other kouhai to be more active even if it was the morning, she had a quick look at the boys and realized they didn't need her help yet. She turned around and followed her uncle and Iwaizumi until she was just behind the door, listening to what they were saying.
Inside the room, after Iwaizumi told his coach about what he wanted to do, and whether or not it was a good idea, Irihata blinked, a little thunderstruck.
"I'm surprised you and Oikawa wouldn't follow the same path, you've always been together."
"That's… why I want to go somewhere else. I want to know if I can be anyone without Oikawa as my setter. He's such an amazing player and he always manages to bring out the best of his teammates but what if he's pulled out everything he could from me? If he did then I'll never make any progress. I want to try new things, a new team, a new setter…" He explained.
"Mmm…"
Irihata put his hand over his chin as he thought of it. He could understand why Iwaizumi would feel the need to grow as an individual player before going back with Oikawa. But he had seen these two work together, polish their skills and practice together for three years. He knew that they were best working together than apart. Still, change was the best way to evolve and get better – it would be a good thing for both of them to become independent and stop relying on each other so much.
"I understand… I'll give a few calls to some people I know if you want. But don't worry and think about it carefully – you still have some time before taking your decision and don't forget that even if you choose volleyball professionally… you need to study something else on a side. To ensure your future and make sure that you'd have a second option." He said with a smile.
"Thanks, coach…" He answered with a respectful bow.
"Right now, focus on the Inter-High. We'll discuss this more deeply once the competition is over."
Kiku walked away from the door before the two could come out, wondering if it was the reason why Oikawa and Iwaizumi had argued – their future careers.
Iwaizumi and Irihata came back, their absence barely noticed by the others as they practiced hard. It went as usual and they all moved to the showers – even Iwaizumi because he hadn't had time in the morning with his hurry. The third-years all started walking towards their classes, Makki and Mattsun making most of the conversation, Oikawa occasionally adding his remarks while Iwaizumi remained silent.
"I'm going to the toilets, see you later!" Hanamaki exclaimed, waving at the others.
"I'll try to nap before the first class starts," Mattsun added, walking away as well.
Iwaizumi and Oikawa ended up alone together, they glanced at each other and Oikawa opened his lips to say something but his friend suddenly pushed a brown paper bag against his chest, forcing the setter to grab it. He glanced down at the bag from the Akiyama Bakery, then glanced up at his friend. There was curiosity and surprise on his face by the sudden gesture but then, it turned suspicious as he checked the contents of the bag, a relieved and joyful expression appearing when he recognized milk bread.
"Milk bread! What for?" Oikawa asked, already grabbing one to munch happily.
"To say sorry for what I said yesterday… I don't regret what I said but I shouldn't have gotten angry when you're just trying to make sure I won't make a mistake in the future." Hajime started, hands in his pockets.
"Mmm… And I shouldn't have tried to force my opinions on you. If you don't want to continue volleyball – even if it's a terrible waste and I know you'll regret it – I can't force your choice. It's yours." Oikawa answered, lowering the paper bag of milk bread and smiling to his friend.
"I… think I'll do volleyball – I'm still considering my options, though but… that's what I've wanted to do for years. It's been my dream. Playing volleyball on the National team…" Iwaizumi said with a smile, remembering that moment, years ago, when they were still children and wanted to become pro-athlete.
Now, this dream was within reach. As Oikawa had said… it'd be a waste to let go of this opportunity. They just had to make the right choices and think of every possibility to not have any regret.
"Iwa-chan! When we'll be older, we'll both play on the National team and we'll be the best setter and Ace the Japanese team has ever known!"
"Whatever we decide to do next year, whatever choices we make in the future… we'll always be friends." Oikawa said, looking into his best friend's eyes with a smile.
Iwaizumi huffed then smirked.
"Of course we'll be. Even if you're a pain to deal with." He said, trying to sound annoyed but a relieved smile on his face.
"AH! Mean, so mean, Iwa-chan!" Oikawa whined but he was smiling.
Iwaizumi shook lightly his head while they shared the milk-breads and advanced towards their classes.
Kiku was pretending to read a book but the moment Hajime entered the classroom, saluting Oikawa who walked further away, she slammed the book down and turned around. She looked up expectantly with sparkly eyes at Hajime. He stared back before smiling, he reached in his pockets and handed the money he owed her.
"Thanks for trusting me and letting me have some milk-breads from your bakery. Here's the money for it."
"I-it's fine, I don't–"
"Stop it, you've done enough for me already, let me pay for the milk-breads. I told you I'd pay you later, right?" He said, forcing the money into her hands.
He took the opportunity of keeping both his hands around hers for a little longer than necessary… Her hands were small but fit perfectly in his, her skin was soft against his rough ones and if he leaned down just a little bit he could smell the scent of her cream for the hands – lavender. Sweet, soft but powerful – just like her.
But he couldn't keep her hands in his – not when they were just teammates – and pulled away regretfully, Kiku's gaze still shining from his tender touch.
"Thank you, for giving me warmth and comfort this morning, for listening to me and for giving me the opportunity to reconcile with Oikawa…" He said with a beautiful smile.
Kiku's lips opened and closed, as if she wanted to say something. She seemed to finally realize their proximity and suddenly, she looked away and stepped back towards her desk. The spell was broken, he didn't smell her lemon shampoo and lavender hand-cream… he didn't have her warmth anymore and Kiku sat at her desk, avoiding his gaze. She couldn't look at him in the eye at the moment – not when he looked so heartbroken and disappointed, almost guilty without knowing why. Not when her heart was so desperately beating for him, not when she had been about to lean towards his lips, not when she could still feel the touch of his hands around hers…
"You're welcome." She said with a trembling voice, looking as far away as she could.
Hajime forced his gaze to stop staring at her, he could see how uncomfortable she felt at the moment from his staring and his touch. He had done too much, too suddenly… He sat at his desk, worried things would go sour but fortunately… at break, Kiku smiled at him as if nothing had happened.
If she reacted like that from holding hands… how was he supposed to confess to her and ask her out?
Come on, Kiku… give me a clue… He thought to himself, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.
She was doodling on her notebook, in a corner of it and he wondered what precious little drawing and words he'd find… But he was too far away from her.
Yet again, Hajime was reminded that no matter how close they felt, no matter their connection, there was still a terrible distance between Kiku and him. A distance he didn't know how to cross – a steady walk, a crazy run, a desperate jump? Where would he land? Would Kiku even stand on the other side waiting for him?
He opened one of his notebook, following whatever instruction their teacher had given the class, but he found the brackets for the Inter-High. Like a cold shower, he was reminded that he needed to focus on the Inter-High – as soon as he was cleared by the doctor to go back to practice, he'd have to practice and this time, for sure, they'd beat Ushiwaka.
It was Kiku's turn to glance at Hajime from the corner of her eye, trying not to think of the distance between them as he intensely stared down at the brackets. She could see in his gaze the burning determination to win every single game and go to Nationals. She had always wanted to see him win… but this time, she felt so much more involved with the volleyball team and their results. They deserved to win after all the efforts they had put in it.
At the end of the week, after a visit at the doctor, Iwaizumi's sprain was cleared and he could go back to practice even if it was only one week before the Inter-High and that both Irihata and Mizoguchi kept reminding him to take it slow and be careful. He listened to them, of course, but the one person who seemed to be his voice of reason was Kiku who insisted on massaging his wrist at the end of every practice – he was too blushing and happy to say no despite the others' teasing.
Finally… The day of the Inter-High preliminaries arrived and Aoba Jousai's volleyball team lined up in front of their high-school in the morning.
Kiku checked yet again, for the fifth time since she woke up, that she had everything in her bag and she stood next to Oikawa, the rest of the boys to his left. They all faced Irihata and Mizoguchi in front of the school.
"We're counting on you!" Oikawa exclaimed, bowing down to their coaches.
"WE'RE COUNTING ON YOU!" They all echoed, following their Captain's lead.
The Inter-High preliminaries, Oikawa and Iwaizumi's last chance to defeat Ushiwaka and win the Inter-High, begun.
Considering the most important part of the stry (Hajime and KIku) didn't move much, I might post another chapter soon, like in a few hours, or tomorrow.
Tell me what you tohught and once again, I apologize for not posting earlier!
NEXT CHAPTER : INTER-HIGH (I wonder what's going to happen...)
Yours Truly,
May