Hey, hey, hey! :D Here is the new chapter! :D
Thank you to everyone who followed, favorited and reviewed! :D
forevertrash97 : Ahah, it makes me happy if you're into it~! :D Sometimes I need to take a psychological break when writing ebcause my heart is about to burst from how adorable these two are! :D
starrat: I hope you'll love what follows! ;)
xxjaelee : God job, catching up! And to the best chapter witht he confession! ;D The best part was Kiku shutting him up with a kiss, thankfully she took matters in hands. And yes, there will be smut later on! ;) Let's say that except two big events in their lives, they'll have a long and happy life together~! :)
mikohoshina : I think we were all the volleyball club cheering for them! XD
Krisia : How went you going back to school? Well I hope? :D Did you get over last chapter? XD The chapter is the reaction of the student body, indeed. And more! ;)
AnimeViolinist001 : Your review made me so happy - I was crying too when I wrote these two finally kissing anf confessing! :D There will be so much fluff~!
Aquafin : I'm pretty sure that everuone thought "FINALLY" when they learned! XD My heart too was about to burst from happiness when I wrote this scene~! :3
pinkdoughtnuts : Ahah, admit that it was fun that the girl was the one pulling him the boy to kiss him first. It was bold, but Kiku is braver and bolder than appearances lead to believe~! ;) It's not the first time she'll take matters in her own hands, if you see what I mean! ;D
spice : Nice pun, spice! XD They will spice it up, don't worry! ;) As for my posting schedule, theoritically it's every three days but at the condition I wrote another chapter, to keep the few chapters of advance I have. If not on the 3rd day, it'll be soon after! ;)
Lynnyfox : Ahah, I'm so happy you like my fanfic! :D I'm glad you find it well written - perfect, I don't konw, but I'm trying! ;D
FANFICTION
HAIKYUU! : QUIET VOICE
CHAPTER XL : Facing the World
"Together, we form a necessary paradox; not a senseless contradiction."
― Criss Jami, Healology
"Fuck it,' I hear him mutter, and the next thing I know he's taking hold of my hand."
― Samantha Towle, Trouble
"The truth is like a lion. You don't have to defend it. Let it loose. It will defend itself."
— Augustine of Hippo
"It takes great courage to see the world in all its tainted glory, and still to love it. And even more courage to see it in the one you love."
— Oscar Wilde, An Ideal Husband
"I want everyone to meet you. You're my favorite person of all time."
— Rainbow Rowell
"Everyone became better when they met her."
— Bruce Adler
"More than anything, all I have ever wanted is to be close to someone.
More than anything, all I have ever wanted is to feel as if I wasn't alone."
— James Frey, A Million Little Pieces
"Sometimes, the best way to help someone is just to be near them."
— Veronica Roth, Divergent
"Not everyone will love you. No matter how hard you try, you need to understand that in this life you need to care for and nurture the love you already have."
— Sara Francisco
"I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become."
— Carl Jung
"Your survival relies on your capacity in accepting your tragedy."
— Unknown
"The only thing I know is this: I am full of wounds and still standing on my feet."
— Nikos Kazantzakis
"Very little is needed to make a happy life: it is all within yourself in your way of thinking."
— Marcus Aurelius
"I find the best way to love someone is not to change them, but instead, help them reveal the greatest version of themselves."
— Steve Maraboli
"Respect is one of the greatest expressions of love."
— Miguel Angel Ruiz
"How you make others feel about themselves says a lot about you."
— Unknown
"Time doesn't heal emotional pain, you need to learn how to let go."
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Kiku woke up, startled and hair all around her face. She turned off her clock that was ringing and she quickly pushed her hair away from her face. She unlocked her phone and immediately went to the last message.
Good night, Hajime had sent her last night after she had told him the same words.
Heart beating excitedly, she bit on her nail, nothing had been said in the messages they had exchanged about what had happened the previous day. Did it really happen or was it a dream? Her lips still felt warm, she couldn't stop smiling and her heart was crazy. But did it happen? Hajime and she had confessed, didn't they? They were together now, right?
Unsure if it had been a dream or not, she sent him a good morning message. It wasn't the first time they were sending each other messages just after waking up, or just before going to bed, so it wouldn't sound weird. She just hoped he'd give her a clue on whether or not it had happened or it had all been a wonderful dream.
Her phone vibrated in her hand and she read his answer.
Good morning
"Hajime, thank you, but please read my mind and answer my question. Are we together or not?" She mumbled to the phone.
Her gaze attracted by something, she opened her curtain and noticed Hanamaki stretching in his bedroom, looking sleepy. If Hajime didn't give her any clue, Hanamaki would tell her what had happened.
She quickly got dressed, grabbed her bento and a fruit to eat on the way then she ran downstairs after a quick "have a good day" to her confused parents. She put on her shoes then ran in front of the Hanamaki house, knowing he hadn't gone out yet. She killed the time waiting for her teammate by hopping on the stones leading up his home. When the door opened, she looked up expectantly and Hanamaki approached her:
"You know, my sister saw you here and I was forced to hurry my breakfast down my throat to not keep you waiting – mom's order." He mumbled as he reached her, both turning to go to the high-school.
"For once, you'll be on time at morning practice, be thankful," she answered.
"I'm always on time at practice!"
"Whatever! More importantly!" She exclaimed, jumping in front of him to stop him from talking, or walking, "Did it really happen yesterday? Or was it a dream? I can't tell, I'm so happy!" She exclaimed with flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes.
He raised an eyebrow, not understanding what she was talking about:
"Uh? What happened yesterday?" He asked, confused.
"W-well! You know! Yesterday! The confession! Hajime! T-the k-kiss! A-and everything…! Y-you even said you'd have to… deal with it all the time now…" She said, voice slowly trailing off as she realized it had all been a dream.
"What are you talking about?" He continued.
"N-nothing… it… was just…"
She couldn't finish her sentence, heart heavy and shoulders dropping. She glanced up just as Hanamaki's lips tilted up discreetly. She shouted and punched him in the chest, making him laugh.
"You lied! You know what happened! You're just being! URGH! I can't believe I ask you of all people! You are so! So! Infuriating!" She exclaimed, throwing her hands to the sky and walking away as he continued laughing.
She kept frowning and cursing Makki for pretending he didn't know what she was talking about and making her doubt herself. But then, she realized that it had not been a dream and that at school, the Iwaizumi Hajime she'd see was the Iwaizumi Hajime she could hold hands with. And kiss. And stare at without having to be embarrassed.
A smile appeared on her face just as Takahiro caught up with her:
"Aaaww… look how disgustingly in love you are…" He mocked, a grin on his face.
She glared at him but even if her smile had dropped because of him, he wouldn't manage to ruin her mood any more.
Iwaizumi's apartment…
Hajime had gone to a quick run, alone, because Oikawa had already been gone by the time he had gotten up – which meant he had no one to ask whether or not the events of the previous day had truly happened or if it had all been a dream. Taking an express shower to not stink first thing in the morning, and especially when he'll greet Kiku, he was getting dressed when his phone indicated a new message.
Good morning, from Kiku.
"Kiku, come on, give me a clue! Was it a dream or not?" He exclaimed, answering to her and hoping it didn't sound strange.
He hurried to finish getting ready then he grabbed his stuff and ate a quick breakfast, his parents staring at him in bewilderment because they couldn't understand his strange behavior.
"Hajime, for your birthday…" Umeko started.
"Ah, yes! Fuck–"
"Language, young man," she said, eyes narrowed.
"I forgot, I'll tell you tonight!" He exclaimed, swallowing the last of his food and getting up, "I gotta go!"
Both his parents stared at him suspiciously before he spun around:
"Ah! Uh, about my birthday! I don't want a gift, just money! Thanks, mom! Thanks, dad!"
He was about to go before hesitating and turning around once again. He quickly went to their side and kissed his mother's cheek and putting his hand on his father's shoulder.
"I love you, you're the best parents in the world," he told them, thinking back on Kiku and how important family really was.
They seemed surprised by his sudden outburst of love but smiled tenderly as he walked away, grabbing his bag.
"What do you intend to do with this money? It's a lot of money for your eighteenth birthday, Hajime," Umeko continued curiously.
"Getting married?" Takashi teased with a grin.
"Adopting!" Hajime answered, disappearing from their view to put on his shoes.
His parents' smiles dropped and they glanced at each other, not sure if he was joking or not. Takashi opened his lips to say something witty but Umeko interrupted him, raising her hand:
"Nope, I am not ready for grandchildren."
Hajime smiled to himself, amused by their reaction after hearing his mother's comment. As soon as his sports shoes were on, he stepped towards the door just as it opened and hit him in the face. He gasped, almost falling over and immediately covering his nose.
"What the hell?!" He exclaimed.
"Iwa-chan! I'm so sorry! I didn't think you'd be waiting behind the door!" Oikawa exclaimed when he understood what just happened, "You're usually still eating breakfast at this time, why are you in such a hurry?"
"Is everything all right?" Umeko asked from afar after hearing the commotion.
"Everything's fine!" Hajime answered, blinking and checking that he wasn't bleeding, "Is there a mark on my face?" He asked his friend.
Oikawa stared at his red nose then shook his head no. Hajime rolled his eyes, knowing there was a mark but praying it'd go away by the time they'd reach high-school. He gasped suddenly, startling Oikawa, then he spun around, grabbing his shoulders:
"Oikawa! Yesterday! What happened! With Kiku? Was it real or did I dream it all?!" He exclaimed, fingers tight on his friend's shoulders.
Oikawa stared at him, a little scared about his reaction depending on the answer. It was rare Iwa-chan was so… flustered.
"Um… which part? Breaking her heart by saying you would never date her? Then going after her and trying to confess until she kissed you? The actual confession? Your lovey-dovey eyes during the entire practice? Accompanying her home?" Oikawa said with a smile.
Hajime's shoulder slowly relaxed and a smile appeared on his face:
"It was real… it really happened… It wasn't a dream…" He whispered to himself, letting go of Oikawa.
The Captain pulled at his sleeves to get rid of the wrinkles that had appeared:
"Yes, it did, and another thing…"
He looked up at him in confusion.
"If we don't leave around… well, now, the others are going to be stuck outside the changing-room." Oikawa said.
"Oh, right. Let's go."
They exited the apartment, but before they could make three steps, Iwaizumi whipped towards Oikawa with wide, slightly panicked eyes:
"Wait! What will I tell Kiku when I'll see her?!" He suddenly exclaimed.
"Oh lord, it's starting. How about you ask me questions about the perks of dating on our way to school?" Oikawa said, making his eyes big in fake exasperation as he pushed him forward.
"What am I supposed to do now that we're dating? If I hold her hand it's going to be weird! And what about coach?! And the classes?! What if people noticed – what would happen then if they know? And what am I supposed to do? Like, my role as boyfriend – what's the quotidian of it? Wait, wait, wait! If we go now at this speed, we won't meet her at the gates – but can I meet her now that we're dating or would it be more natural to see each other at practice? Or–"
"Remind me why I wanted you to get a girlfriend?" Oikawa mumbled to himself, not having expected his friend to turn into a panicked rabbit at the perspective of dating.
Iwaizumi's steps slowed down until he came to a stop, narrowing his eyes at Oikawa, staring at him suspiciously:
"…You tell me? Why did you want me to get a girlfriend in the first place?" He asked, knowing how shady his friend's intentions were.
Oikawa came to a stop as well, eyes wide and knowing that if he gave all of his reasons, his friend would not be happy by any of it. There was a moment of silence, Iwaizumi staring at Oikawa who stared in front of him, nervous sweat rolling down the back of his neck.
"OH! Look at the time! We're going to be late! Let's hurry!" Oikawa suddenly exclaimed, continuing to walk forward.
"Oikawa…!" Iwaizumi hissed, stomping after him.
But Oikawa would remain too stubborn and wouldn't answer or he'd avoid the question. Iwaizumi stopped pestering him but he wouldn't let go so easily. His annoyance vanished the moment they arrived near the gates in the same time as Kiku (and Hanamaki). The moment the new couple met eyes, they both flushed and grinned giddily.
"G-good morning…" Hajime greeted her.
"G-good morning… but we already… said it, didn't we…?" Kiku answered, thinking back on their messages.
"Oh, right, sorry…"
"No, no, I-it's me! Just – good morning!"
He was about to blabber another "good morning" when other members of the volleyball club arrived and greeted them. The entire group started walking towards the changing-room, Kiku and Hajime staying close to each other but not daring to do or say anything unusual. After practice, the boys took a quick shower and were changing clothes.
"I'm glad that nothing got weird on the team now that Iwaizumi-san and Akiyama-san are dating!" Watacchi exclaimed, the other second and first years nodding.
"Eh? What do you mean?" Iwaizumi asked.
"Iwaizumi, you're dating Akiyama – you remember, right?" Mattsun teased.
"I know that! But why would it be weird?" He asked, turning towards the second and first years.
"Well…" Yahaba started hesitantly, "The manager dating the Ace… we were a little scared both of you would lose your focus, and distract us all as well but… you're acting normal with each other, as if nothing had changed."
Iwaizumi stared at him, frowning a little – not at them, but thoughtfully.
"You mean… we don't act like a couple?" He asked.
"Rather… you've always acted like a couple…?" He hesitated, the others nodding.
"I thought you were already dating," Kindaichi intervened, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Eh?"
"Mizoguchi too." Mattsun added.
"What?"
"I'm pretty sure the whole class was having their doubts as well!" Makki continued.
"Really?!"
"You're not very discreet, Iwa-chan~! Your feelings are obvious, get over it~!" Oikawa exclaimed, arranging his hair in the mirror.
Everyone seemed to drop the topic and Hajime wasn't sure if he was satisfied by that or not. It was embarrassing that everyone had thought they were dating before, but it didn't help him about what he was supposed to do. Kiku was shy, he didn't like showing off too much – would it be fine just holding hands? What if people changed behavior towards him? Towards Kiku? Kissing her would be too embarrassing in front of people – yesterday had been an exception because they were taken in by the confession but… would Kiku be okay with all this?
"Stop overthinking, just act like you usually do and you'll be fine – both of you," Makki said with a shrug when he noticed him being lost in thoughts.
"I suppose…" He mumbled before looking at Hanamaki and Matsukawa, "You two – were you collaborating with Oikawa to push Kiku and I together?"
"I was so against it at the beginning – but then, you really seemed happy together, you were getting annoying with this endless pining so I ~helped out~. You're very welcome." Makki answered, the middle-blocker nodding.
"You teased and made things embarrassing, rather." Iwaizumi mumbled to himself, "But do you know why Oikawa decided I needed to have a girlfriend? I'm sure there's another reason than just my happiness."
They glanced at each other then shrugged.
"He never told us."
"But we could guess he had other reasons," Mattsun added.
Oikawa – who hadn't heard any of that – came back, humming to himself and taking the cream for his hands in his bag, starting to apply it. Sensing gazes on him, he turned around, his humming turned into a questioning tone – wordlessly asking them why they were staring at him.
"Why did you push Kiku and I together? You still haven't answered my question," Iwaizumi started, crossing his arms over his chest.
Oikawa gasped, trying to avoid his gaze but knowing that, eventually, he'll have to answer his friend.
"I only ever wanted your happiness, Iwa-chan~!" He exclaimed.
"…I don't doubt it, but I'm also pretty sure you had other reasons. What were they?"
"I really don't see what you're referring to–"
"Oikawa."
Oikawa glanced away, then back at the Ace who was staring firmly at him. He would not get out of this changing-room until Iwaizumi had his answers.
"You're going to say I was acting selfishly BUT it was not the case, I only ever acted to ensure your happiness, to both you and Kiku-chan!" He exclaimed, showing his hands in a defensive manner.
Iwaizumi didn't answer, waiting for him to continue:
"I… might have had other reasons, indeed, but…"
"Just spill the beans, Oikawa, I'm used to your shenanigans anyway… I just want to know what you were thinking when you started this whole thing…" The Ace sighed, tired of the setter trying to avoid the topic.
"…It was because of Yuuna-chan. Partially."
"Yuuna… Sato Yuuna? Her friend? The one who kept rejecting you?" Hanamaki asked, raising an eyebrow as Oikawa startled, not appreciating to be reminded of this one girl who never wanted of him.
"W-well… not long after we started school – and by the way, you had already noticed Kiku and I could tell you had a crush on her so I really didn't push you to anything, you know, you weren't forced, I just gave you a light nudge in the right direction–"
"I remember the day we saw Yuuna at the school entrance, and you recognizing her."
"…I also might have had a light crush on her and you know… she had always rejected me…" Oikawa continued, pouting a little and glancing away.
"Yeah, and?"
There was a moment of silence, then Hajime gasped when he connected the dots:
"You didn't–!"
"I'm sorry, Iwa-chan! But it was a golden opportunity for me!" He exclaimed, hands pressed together to apologize.
"You didn't actually push me and Kiku together so you could get Yuuna to date you?! What were you thinking?!"
"I just wanted to get close to her, make her realize I was worth it!" Oikawa exclaimed just as Iwaizumi grabbed his collar.
"I can't believe you thought it'd make her change her mind," Hanamaki said, shaking his head desperately.
"At the very least I needed to know why she's always rejected me! And now I know and understand and I'm sorry it made you fall in love and get yourself a cute girlfriend, Iwa-chan, but I'm over Yuuna! It's true I wanted a girl of my own at first, but eventually I realized you really liked Kiku-chan and you two would only be happy together and I honestly supported you for your happiness and nothing else! I remembered afterwards where I knew Kiku from and you won't believe me if I'd tell you everything I know!" He continued frenetically, raising his hands in front of his face to protect himself.
Iwaizumi – who had been shaking him to express his annoyance to be used for his love life – stopped and narrowed his eyes at Oikawa:
"What the fuck were you thinking?! I don't care about your reasons! You can't just decide of my love life, and especially not for your own sake!"
"I… also thought that if you had a girlfriend your frustration and anger-issues would stop and you'd be nicer to me…" Oikawa added in a small voice.
Iwaizumi stared at him with wide eyes then started shaking him all over again, both screaming – one begging for mercy, the other shouting insults.
"Well, no need to get all worked-up, you knew he had had selfish reasons to begin with." Matsukawa said, putting a hand on Iwaizumi's shoulder to calm him down.
"I also wanted Iwa-chan happy! I didn't only have my selfish reasons as motivation!" Oikawa whined.
Iwaizumi let him go with an angry snort, turning around and crossing his arms over his shoulder.
"Yeah, well, I don't see how my frustration has anything to do with having a girlfriend or not!" He hissed.
"Girlfriend means fucking, so, less sexual, overall frustration. I actually get why he'd wish for that," Hanamaki intervened with a shrug, "You'll see when you'll fuck Kiku, it'll–"
"DON'T! Say the word 'fuck' while talking about my g-girl… my girlfriend!" He exclaimed, blushing terribly – not only at the suggestion of his friend but also at saying outloud that Kiku was his girlfriend.
"And in the end," Matsukawa continued, "Oikawa isn't dating Yuuna, so his selfish reasons would have been for nothing. You're with Kiku, and you're happy – isn't it what matters most?"
Slowly, Hajime's anger against his friend went away and he sighed in relief, nodding, cheeks flushed.
"Y-you're right… it's all that matters…"
They took their bags and exited the changing-room, starting to walk towards the main building for the day of classes.
"You could at least thank me, I am the one who said from the beginning that you were a good match!" Oikawa mumbled to himself, pulling at his sleeves and arranging his uniform now in disarray after his rough treatment – he didn't realize the others staring at him and mostly, Iwaizumi's glare, "Even before the school year started I could tell Kiku would be the one for you!"
"I am not thanking you when two out of the three reasons of you intervening in my love life were for your own sake – and especially considering you didn't do much and I almost hurt Kiku more than I could forgive myself." Iwaizumi grumbled, holding himself back from hitting him again.
He huffed, looking away before he hesitated and glanced over his shoulder, back at Oikawa:
"What do you mean 'before the year started' – we didn't know Kiku before she and I became classmates."
"But she's been in love with you for three years now, didn't she?" Makki intervened.
"I didn't recognize Kiku-chan at first either, and I had forgotten about her, but after finding some class pictures of the previous years I remembered! I had noticed her because she was always staring at you from afar! I had already noted that she was your type so when I gathered all these elements – it was the perfect love story! Kiku-chan was your classmate, and already in love with you so there'd be no problem on her side! You had a crush on her and she was your type! She was friend with the girl I wanted back then so it'd be a perfect opportunity for me to get close to Yuuna and seduce her! It'd calm your anger-issues and we'd all be happy and with the girls of our dreams in the end! It was the perfect plan!" Oikawa exclaimed, fists to the sky.
Then, his shoulders dropped and he made a pathetic whine, eyes closing when he thought back on how it had turned out.
"But it ended up differently… well you got the girl, but Kiku-chan ended up being more complicated than that, your story was all messed up, and you both cried so much…! But you're happy, it's what matters. If only Yuuna would have accepted to spend more time with me – or rather, if only I was her type but of course the only girl who ever rejected me and treated me as an equal had to be in love with another! What were the odds, really? That the girl I had a crush on is in love with the girl you had a crush on! Ahah! Well, now we're just friends and happy so, there's that, I suppose…"
Hajime's lips fell open. Makki and Mattsun opened wide eyes and all three stared, thunderstruck, at Oikawa who just shrugged casually, not realizing what he had just revealed.
"…what?"
"Come again?"
"What did you just say?"
He blinked at them, confused about their confusion. Then, realized what it was all about. His hand came in front of his mouth, lips making a 'o' form.
"…Oops…"
"Yuuna is gay?!" Makki shouted, realizing the girl he had seen for years was in love with Kiku!
"Does Kiku know?!" Mattsun exclaimed.
"Yes! And no! I don't know! I'm not sure I was supposed to talk about that! But! I-Iwa-chan…?"
They all turned to Hajime who stared at emptiness with wide eyes, realization hitting him hard. The first time he had talked with Yuuna, she had basically told him to keep his hands off Kiku. Every time they had exchanged words, directly or not, she had been terribly bitter, even mean, against him. She didn't think he was good enough for Kiku. She was overprotective of Kiku. But not for the reasons he had assumed.
She was in love with Kiku.
"That's why she's always hated me? I thought… she just didn't like me…" He mumbled.
"Well you were hitting on the girl she liked – it sounds so weird, I never thought I'd ever say that. OH! Come on! It's too good to be true! Yuuna is in love with Kiku! You could have a threesome!"
"Why are you immediately thinking of this option, you pervert?!" Iwaizumi hissed at once.
"Because I am a very simple man with very simple needs."
"You've got only one brain functioning, and not the right one," Mattsun said, smirking.
"As if you're any better."
"OI! Can we go back to the fact that Yuuna is in love with MY g-girl… my g-girlfriend…?!" Hajime exclaimed, blushing when he stammered.
"You're going to have to sound a little more convincing if you want to go on a fight against Yuuna for Kiku – remember, she's known Kiku for years. She knows all of her secrets and things Kiku probably never told you. She probably saw her naked." Hanamaki said, rather calm but eyes gleaming with teasing.
It had the expected effect – Hajime gasped and stepped away, suddenly feeling like he had years of catch up to do. Oikawa decided to intervene:
"Makki, Makki! Stop teasing him! Iwa-chan, don't worry about Yuuna-chan! Kiku is in love with you and you're her boyfriend – Yuuna isn't any threat to you or your relationship!"
Hajime hesitated, glancing at his friend then nodded.
"R-right… you're right… I'm her… she's my g-girlfriend…"
"He almost didn't stammer. Miracle." Mattsun mocked, earning an embarrassed glare from the Ace.
"Just join her in the classroom, be all lovey-dovey and it'll be fine~!" Oikawa said as they exited the changing-room to go to the main building.
"R-right… wait! When I'll see her again, what do I do?!" He exclaimed, panicking once again about the whole boyfriend-girlfriend stuff.
"Kiss her in front of everyone. This way, everyone knows she's yours and they'll keep their hands off Kiku." Makki suggested, making the Ace flush.
"I-I can't do that in front of people!"
"It's not like any other guy is interested in her, anyway," Mattsun said with a shrug.
"Right, you should worry about girls being interested in her!" Makki exclaimed, laughing.
"Hanamaki! I'm being serious!"
Just then, they arrived at the classroom and Hajime glanced inside, his heart missing a beat when he noticed Kiku. He sighed at the view, overwhelmed by his love for her.
"She's so beautiful…" He whispered.
Mattsun and Makki growled loudly while Oikawa laughed good-heartedly, and pushed Iwaizumi inside the classroom.
"Deep down, you know what you're doing, Iwa-chan. So relax~!" He murmured in his ear, giving him a push.
Hajime stumbled forward then looked back at Oikawa for pushing him. He waved at him to keep going and the Ace relaxed a little. He didn't push him inside the classroom. He didn't push him to go after Kiku the previous day. He didn't push them together. He just gave him a nudge in the right direction.
He smiled to his friend, a real, thankful smile and even if he was still a little overwhelmed by becoming a couple with Kiku, and still a little annoyed at Oikawa's reasons for acting the way he did… he was grateful to him for what he had done. He got to feel this bubbling happiness inside of him everytime he glanced her way.
The moment Kiku looked up at him and smiled softly, he realized he had no reason to worry about the way he acted around her. The way they had been until now was perfect, with even more perfection whenever they'd hold hands or get to kiss.
The day went as usual, Hajime and Kiku slowly relaxing and their nerves disappearing. Their hands brushed during lunch and even if at first they pulled away, after a glance her way, Hajime ended up taking her hand in his under the desks, slowly brushing circle with his thumb over the back of her hand. Shinobu observed them closely during the whole exchange, their sparkling gazes never leaving each other. Discreetly, she gave a little nudge against Oikawa's leg, attracting his attention and they leaned towards each other so she could talk in his ear:
"They're together? Finally?" She asked for confirmation.
He nodded with a big smile. Shinobu turned towards the couple to congratulate them but stopped when she noticed a group of girls, and among them Muraki, glaring at Kiku for getting all of Iwaizumi's attention. And it wasn't just these girls, but other classmates glanced, a little confused at how close the two seemed to be. It wasn't the first time people were curious about the nature of their relationship, no one imagining they could be in love, and even less a couple – the respected Iwaizumi-san had better taste than that, after all! – but some were definitely more against it than others.
Shinobu didn't say anything outloud and Oikawa followed her gaze, understanding what she was thinking about. He kept his lips thin, hoping Iwaizumi's fangirls wouldn't ruin things for the adorable couple. It was bound to happen eventually, Muraki had already acted – but it was worrisome. Especially with how kind Kiku was, and she and Hajime were too far away on planet love to realize some people were glancing their way – or glaring.
At the end of the day, the group of third-years went towards their changing-room – except Kiku who had remained behind to change – but because a lot of students were turning around and whispering, they curiously stopped. Just as someone appeared in the middle of the crowd of students who were going to their club activities or leaving school grounds.
"Iwaizumi!"
The four friends had been too stunned to see Sato Yuuna approach them to react before she called for him. Most students stopped and watched curiously, wondering what a girl from another school wanted to one of their top students. If it was a confession, then they were even more curious and rumors would start to spread soon, it was exciting~!
"Sato… I… haven't seen you in a while," Iwaizumi said, blinking to see her.
"Yeah, yeah, I know – I wanted to see you for a while now. Kiku told me everything."
"Kiku? Akiyama Kiku?" A student whispered.
"Isn't it that weirdo? The one who sits next to Iwaizumi-san?"
"She knows this Akiyama?"
Hajime glanced around, not quite knowing how to interpret Yuuna's sudden arrival.
"By everything you mean…?"
"Everything – she told you her past and secrets and–"
"Could you… keep your voice lower…? Please?" He requested, trying to shush her down as more and more whispering erupted all around them, but she didn't seem to care about his wishes.
"Why would I? Don't tell me you're ashamed of your relationship and you want to keep it a secret!" She exclaimed, a few people gasping to hear such a thing.
"W-wait–"
"I told Kiku to stop fantasizing about you because really, she deserves better than a grumpy-looking guy like you! But she was too stubborn to listen to me, she revealed everything to you and now she sent me all these happy, confusing messages! I'm sure you can guess what I'm getting at, by now, Iwaizumi-san."
"Fantasizing? What is she talking about?"
"Akiyama is in love with Iwaizumi? Pfff! Who does she think she is?"
"Poor Iwaizumi-san!"
Hajime kept his lips thin, his friends glancing around, knowing that it wasn't going in the right direction.
"Uuuh… no, not really, but–"
"It's simple, really! Are you dating my Kiku or not?" Yuuna asked loudly, hands on her hips and staring straight at Iwaizumi.
FUCK. He thought to himself, lips thin and cheeks blushing while everyone gasped – their whispers had turned into actual, shocked conversations.
But right now Kiku's best friend, who was in love with her and was, technically, his rival, was facing him about their relationship. He didn't have time to think about what people thought of it – he needed to stand firm and strong and prove to Yuuna that he wouldn't give up Kiku so easily.
"Yes, I do," he answered with a strong voice, frowning at Yuuna.
"What?!"
"Iwaizumi-san is dating Akiyama?!"
"Why?!"
"It's not fair!"
"She's so ugly and fat! Why her?!"
"I don't understand!"
Iwaizumi glared at the crowd, everyone startling at his scary look before they went back to their relatively quiet, but stunned whispers. Half the students were already on their phones, typing the information to everyone they knew, news spreading around the high-school.
Yuuna ignored them all, her entire focus on Iwaizumi. She looked a little surprised by his firmness, though.
"What are you going to do about it? Keep me away from her? Threaten me? Good luck with any of that," he continued, gaze unwavering.
"I… I still don't think you're right for her. You don't know her the way I do!"
"Then I'm going to get to know her! You don't have to come and act all mighty to tell me I don't deserve Kiku! No one has the right to tell me anything! I choose to date whoever I want and it's Kiku! Whether you like or not, doesn't matter to me!" He exclaimed.
He looked straight at Yuuna but everyone knew his words were for the entire crowd. Yuuna stared back, jealousy and sadness shining in her eyes – he knew why, because she liked Kiku. For far longer than he did, and yet, he had arrived and in a few months, he was dating the girl she's been in love with for years. He couldn't imagine seeing Kiku with another person. It'd hurt too much. He was almost feeling compassion for Yuuna when a voice they recognized spoke up in their back:
"Yuuna!"
They all turned towards Kiku as she ran to Yuuna, hugging her happily and a bright smile on her face.
"It's her…"
"Seriously…?"
"What is wrong with Iwaizumi…?"
Sensing that the atmosphere was tense, Kiku pulled away, glancing between Yuuna, Hajime and the crowd. She looked confused then looked back at Hajime.
"W-what's happening?" She asked hesitantly.
"Nothing…" He answered.
He took her hand then pulled her towards the gymnasium. She blushed, and glanced over her shoulder knowing that people were recording it and spreading the news to all their contacts. Soon, all of Aoba Jousai would know that the second most popular guy was taken. By her. Akiyama Kiku. The messed up girl, the fat and ugly one…
It wasn't that they had wanted to keep their relationship a secret. They hadn't even talked about it. But Kiku… didn't want people to know so they wouldn't look at them this way. So they wouldn't look at Hajime like they were now – worried, confused, wondering what was wrong with him… He was the admired Ace – she didn't want this to change but she was tarnishing his reputation, she was burdening his life and his fame. She knew he wasn't the type to care about any of this but… she did. She knew his worth and didn't want people to think less of him because of her.
The other third-years followed, a little sheepish by the turn of events and not knowing if they should say anything. They hadn't intervened earlier because it had been a showdown between Iwaizumi and Yuuna but…
"What happened? Y-Yuuna is… why did she come?" Kiku asked, glancing over her shoulder to try to catch sight of her friend but she had left already.
"She wanted to know if we were dating," Iwaizumi answered.
Kiku flushed and looked up at him, silently asking him what he had said. She knew that whatever he had answered was the reason of the crowd's whispers against her. She already knew the answer but she hoped… he had thought twice before speaking.
He looked down at her and shrugged:
"I said yes…"
Her shoulders dropped, and she glanced away but nodded anyway. It wasn't like he could have lied. She just had hoped she'd have had time to get used to their new relationship before people knew about it.
"O-okay…"
"Are you… is it okay for you?" He asked worriedly, squeezing her hand.
"It's fine, I don't mind people knowing about it, it's just… sudden…" She answered.
"They'll get used to it, eventually," he answered matter-of-factly.
She nodded just as Makki coughed to attract their attention, pointing at the gymnasium.
"Um… I think you triggered an uproar, though."
It wasn't rare for some students to come watch their practice, mostly for Oikawa, or for Iwaizumi's biceps… but today it felt like half the school had suddenly gathered there. To catch a glimpse at what they had heard about – was it true? The Ace of Aoba Jousai was dating the socially-awkward and calamity of society AKA Akiyama Kiku? Everyone needed a proof, and now Hajime was starting to regret saying anything.
"…I made a mistake, didn't I?" He asked his friends with a stern voice.
"Probably. Though if you're the one who'll pay the prize, the whole team or if it's Kiku… not sure yet." Hanamaki answered, patting his shoulder.
The team changed clothes, trying to ignore the inevitable whispers and crowd. When practice started, and nothing happening between Kiku and Hajime (they were following their duties, duh – what did these idiots expect?), most observers walked away, deciding that the rumors were false. Of course, even more discussions happened on various clubs, group of friends and classes. By the time the activities of the day were over, everyone knew the rumors that Iwaizumi Hajime might be dating Akiyama who-is-this-girl Kiku.
By the time the practice ended, Iwaizumi was free to accompany Kiku home with any trouble. He kissed her cheek goodnight then the night went by, both hoping things would be smothered by then. Morning practice came, nothing particular happened but the morning was always quiet.
"People got used to it – I knew it wasn't such a big deal!" Iwaizumi exclaimed as they were changing.
"I think you're underestimating the viciousness of jealous fangirls," Hanamaki said.
"I don't have a lot of fangirls, anyway," he said, shrugging casually.
His teammates all stared at him as he put on his tie, not quite believing he believed he didn't have many fangirls. Granted they were more of the calm type, and they weren't constantly confessing the way Oikawa's did (mostly because they knew Iwaizumi would reject them, in Oikawa's case there was always the tiniest of hope he'd be fickle again) but they were here. Most of Oikawa's fans also appreciated Iwaizumi as well, without him knowing it – which was why the girls tried to trap both in a crowd, but the Ace had mastered the art of escaping them. They appreciated him from afar, but they were no less jealous when a girl confessed to him, or if he showed any interest to anyone. Also, he had an army of fanboys looking up at him for how strong and reliable he was.
"You're underestimating your popularity, Iwa-chan. Not that you'd ever reach my popularity level, obviously–"
"What Oikawa is saying is, don't let your guard down," Mattsun translated.
"You'd better keep an eye on Kiku – if Muraki threatened her to keep her hands off you when you weren't even dating, imagine what she could do to her now." Hanamaki added.
"They wouldn't go as far as hurting Kiku!" He exclaimed vehemently.
"You know words can do as much damage, if not more…"
"And are you forgetting that time Kiku-chan was bullied by your classmates before she joined the team? When you escaped for an entire afternoon with her?" Oikawa added.
Iwaizumi looked in front of him, at his open locker, without quite seeing it…
"People can't be that cruel…" He mumbled to himself, all the while knowing they were.
The others glanced at each other before Hanamaki put his hand on his shoulder:
"You're spending so much time with Kiku, you're starting to sound like her."
Iwaizumi glanced up at him, then he smiled sheepishly, his gaze softening.
"She's so kind and good-hearted, how can I not be inspired by her? She makes people better once they let her touch their souls."
"You're so in love with her I don't even know what's holding you back to ask her hand in marriage right now." Mattsun mumbled, rolling his eyes when the Ace blushed.
Everyone smiled or chuckled upon seeing this adorable reaction. Once everyone was done changing and had their bags, Iwaizumi locked the changing-room and the third-years went towards the building. The waves of students who didn't have club activities in the morning were filling the court and the halls. Almost everyone glanced in their way, which wasn't unusual considering the attention Oikawa (and sometimes the three others) usually got – but wherever they went, heavy silence or stunned whispers followed.
Kiku exited the girls' changing-room and after just a few steps, she felt a few people's gazes on her and conversations going silent. She lowered her head, using her hair to hide her face. She grabbed her bag and used it as a safety net, holding onto it tightly.
"Akiyama!"
She looked up, seeing Hanamaki, and all the others approaching her. And mostly… Iwaizumi… He smiled at her, whispering intensifying.
"It's her…" Someone whispered as they reached her.
"The girl who is dating Iwaizumi-san…?"
"Yeah, and did you know…"
Kiku stopped listening to them when their voices blurred together, she looked up at Iwaizumi and he sensed her silent call for help. She immediately looked away, as if she didn't want to be seen with him – not that she didn't want to be with him, but she just wished people would stop pointing at her and saying how terrible she was for Iwaizumi.
Her field of vision was suddenly invaded by a hand, opened for her. She looked up, stunned, at Iwaizumi who was flushing and didn't dare meet her gaze, too embarrassed. But he offered her his hand, his support. Smiling, she took it and they started walking through the halls, ignoring the whispers and mocking laughs following them. It became easier, as long as Iwaizumi was holding her hand, as long as she felt his presence, she felt safe.
"Did you know she's adopted?"
Kiku went to a stop, Hajime and the others, who had heard, looking up as well, stunned. They were the only ones knowing about Kiku being adopted and her past – but only Hajime and Oikawa knew the exact details.
They were in the hall for the third-years' classrooms, and rumors were more vivid here considering these students knew Iwaizumi and Akiyama better. That they had seen them interact together. The news that they were dating had been a shock, but it came without a surprise – it was other rumors that had spread during the night, though.
"Yeah, her own parents had tried killing her, didn't they?"
"Poor thing, it explains a lot about her!"
"Abandoned as a baby…"
"Maybe that's why he's dating her?"
"Yeah, he must be pitying her."
"There's no other explanation."
Kiku started trembling, memories filling her mind. She suddenly pulled away from Hajime and covered her ears, trying to smother everyone's voice but it was too late – they knew. They knew the truth. They knew how despicable she was, how everyone had always hated and rejected her. They thought that the reason why Hajime was holding her hand was because he had taken pity on her – she would believe such a thing as well if she didn't know Hajime so well… She had always kept it a secret, the truth about her past. Being abandoned at birth, abused by her foster family, adopted times and times again… it was something she couldn't talk about easily, she only told people she absolutely trusted. It was her darkest secret, her awful story. She didn't want people to look at her with such pity, she just wanted them to see her as a human being. The idea of people she didn't know, the whole school knowing what had happened at her hit her like a train. Her heart started beating frenetically, panic filling her veins like ice, freezing her where she was. She couldn't see clearly, she couldn't hear anything else but their words mixing with memories coming back. The only thing she felt was panic – she was lost and confused. How could they know? How would they act towards her now that they knew? What was she supposed to do? How would she handle it?
Hajime looked at Kiku helplessly, knowing damn well she was panicking but not knowing what to do. Even if he'd yell at people to shut up, the wrong had been done. How did they even learn about it?! Only Oikawa, Hanamaki and Matsukawa knew and they would never spill anything to anyone! Just seeing their shocked expressions was enough to prove they were as stunned to hear these words as Hajime and Kiku were.
"Kiku… Kiku, don't listen to them…" Hajime started, shaking her shoulder lightly.
She didn't listen – no, she didn't hear, eyes wide and staring in emptiness. Tears of panic had filled her eyes and he could only imagine how she felt. Her heart slowly squeezing in fear, stomach knot and making her feel sick, throat tight as sobs and tears threatened to shake her body…
"Kiku!"
He grabbed her shoulders to force her to look at him but just as she reacted, taking a deep breath and bravely tilting her head upwards to look at him, to look forward, someone's bitter voice resonated.
"Just go back to your dumpster! That's where you come from, don't you? If your own parents didn't want of you, what makes you think Iwaizumi-san would want of someone like you?!"
"OI! Who said that?!" Hanamaki shouted.
Everyone turned silent – it had been a girl's voice, but impossible to pinpoint whose and where it came from. Many glanced around, trying to find out who it had been because even stunned people, or jealous ones, wouldn't go that far. It was way too much saying such a thing.
The reaction from Kiku was immediate. Her shoulders shook and she covered her face with her hands, biting hard on her lower lip to keep herself from crying. She was breathing heavily and–
She startled when someone suddenly started touching her. She looked up, shocked and for a moment, clear-minded, as Hajime forced headphones in her ears. He clicked on his ipod and immediately, music started blasting in her ears. It filled her head, covering everyone's voices around, all the sounds, even the memories. Hajime grabbed her shoulders and he looked, worried-sick, straight into her eyes, saying soothing words she couldn't hear.
Just breath, it's going to be fine… He had said from what she read on his lips.
He took a deep breath. Unconsciously, she followed his example and her heart calmed down. Her breathing calmed down until it followed the steady rhythm of the music in her ears, cutting her off from the world. Except Hajime. He was the one holding her hands, looking into her eyes with worry and love and care. He was the one protecting her, like always.
Once she had calmed down enough, he surrounded her shoulders with his arm, pulling her tight against him then pulling her for a quick walk to get away from the people. He made sure she wouldn't made eye-contact with the gazes filled with pity and Kiku closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, taking in his scent. He smelled of sweat and a little of his shower gel but it wasn't disagreeable. It was exactly how she had always imagined he'd smell like.
A few minutes later, all five were hidden in a dark hall, away from people. Kiku was sitting on the floor, music back into Hajime's pocket but she kept her face hidden into her knees, nails digging into the side of her legs brought up. Hajime was crouched down in front of her, gently tying to distract her, to keep her from bad thoughts. Hanamaki was leaning against the wall the furthest away, gaze turned away, arms crossed and watching the hall to make sure no one undesirable would come.
Now that Kiku had kept her panic attack away – thanks to Hajime's intervention – she was haunted by questions.
"How did they find out…?"
"Unfortunately, with the social networks, whether we want it or not, we're all connected…" Matsukawa muttered, leaning against the wall casually, currently checking what the few groups of the high-school were up to – Iwaizumi's adopted girlfriend was the most popular and shared information of the moment.
"And it's the sort of information that would spread like wildfire. Getting Kiku's name known by saying she's Iwaizumi's girlfriend, then revealing that." Oikawa agreed.
"Then who was the one to find out? Someone must have put it on the school groups…! How could they do that…?" Kiku whined, looking up helplessly.
Hajime brushed her elbows softly, looking at her sadly. He couldn't shrug off his guilt – if he hadn't felt necessary for Kiku to open up to him, she wouldn't have done so. He wouldn't have shared her story and she wouldn't be so shaken up right now.
"It's easy to find out." He said, making her look at him, "You never told anyone except me. And I only told you three." He added, standing up and staring at his friends, a little more darkly than intended.
Mattsun looked up from his phone, raising an eyebrow while Oikawa stopped breathing out of shock.
"Are you saying it's us? How could you say that, Iwa-chan?!" He exclaimed at once, feeling betrayed he'd have so little faith in him.
"I'm just saying, only the four of us knew! It has to be one of us! Maybe one of you accidentally told someone who then revealed everything!"
"The only one who ever revealed anything is you! You're the one who kept repeating to whoever would listen! You told Oikawa, then Hanamaki, then me!" Matsukawa exclaimed, frowning at the Ace.
He then turned towards Kiku who was looking at the boys, frightened by how it was turning out.
"If you want to blame anyone, blame your boyfriend because he was the first one who couldn't keep his mouth shut!"
"The first one?! Does this mean you couldn't keep it shut as well?!" Iwaizumi exclaimed, voice rising.
"Guys, calm down!" Oikawa said, stepping forward but Iwaizumi shrugged him off.
"I don't give a shit about this story! Why would I tell anyone?!"
"You're the one who said the social networks would be the best way to reveal anything!"
"It doesn't mean I would reveal anything! Why are you so quick of accusing me and not saying anything to your best friend?! Oikawa is the one who can never shut up or keep a secret, anyway!"
"Why are you accusing me?!" Oikawa hissed when both turned around, "I wouldn't say a thing, Iwa-chan! Don't you trust your best friend?!"
"The best friend excuse, right away! You think I'm not his friend, perhaps?! I wouldn't say anything, I'm quiet, you! You can never shut up about anything! As long as you have the attention on you, you're glad! You planned everything for Kiku and Iwaizumi to get together but then, you realized you could also get a good fun out of it so you revealed everything to one of your many contacts!"
"I would never do such a thing! I'm not the kind of person who would use others for my own fun!"
"Come on! That's the biggest lie you could possibly give us! You're the only one who would do that out of all of us!"
"What is that supposed to mean?!"
"You're a fucked up sociopath! You admitted the only reason you wanted a girlfriend for your friend was so he'd leave you alone and so you could get yourself a girl! How is that not for your own sake?!"
"I never meant to hurt anyone!"
"SO you're admitting it!"
"NO! I didn't reveal Kiku's past to anyone!"
Kiku tried to speak up but their argument was raising higher and higher and she couldn't. She glanced at everyone, these four friends who would go through any shenanigans together and were now arguing about who was responsible. Because of her. Because of her past – she kept hurting people she cared about. Powerless tears filled her eyes.
As soon as the two shut up, Iwaizumi looked up, staring straight at Hanamaki who hadn't said a thing and hadn't moved from the beginning of the conversation.
"You're awfully quiet, Hanamaki…" He said in a low voice.
Oikawa and Matsukawa immediately turned to him, narrowing their eyes as he remained still.
"That's right – you've always tricked and teased Kiku-chan! You're the one who would do such a thing!"
"Sounds just like the type of fun you'd have, you love making her cry, don't you…" Mattsun added, the two now teaming up to accuse Hanamaki.
Takahiro slowly turned around, staring straight at them, almost dangerously.
"Really? You think I'd go as far as revealing her trauma to make fun of her? Instead of accusing me, you should think about what people said – her parents trying to kill her? Abandoned as a baby in a dumpster? I didn't even know these details! It can't be me!"
"Right… me neither, so…"
They all turned to Oikawa who startled. Almost at once, his shoulders dropped and his eyes became teary – they really thought he would betray them all, and especially Kiku by saying everything…
"D-don't you trust me…? I'm… I'd never do that! Iwa-chan, you know it!" He exclaimed, almost pleading.
"…Look, even if you told someone you thought you could trust–"
"But I didn't! Why don't you believe me?!"
"You always lie…" Matsukawa muttered, glancing away with thin lips.
"I-I wouldn't lie about such a thing!"
"Tooru!"
Everyone turned around and saw Marika suddenly appearing, she sighed in relief to see him and she hesitated when she felt the tense atmosphere.
"Marika – not now… please!" Oikawa exclaimed, before sighing.
She opened and closed her lips before speaking up anyway:
"I was looking for you – your coach is looking everywhere for you or Iwaizumi-san… he…"
She glanced at the crouched figure of Kiku, and she immediately looked away, biting down on her lip.
"He wants to find his… niece… or… he's not really her uncle but…"
She took a shaky breath and looked down.
"I… I'm coming…" Kiku spoke up, standing up.
"Wait – no, you're not going anywhere on your own. I'm coming with you!" Iwaizumi exclaimed before turning to the others, "We'll figure it out later!"
"It's already figured out, though," Mattsun said.
"I'm telling you it's not me!" Oikawa exclaimed.
Marika turned around, her message given but before she could go, Hanamaki blocked her way, arms crossed.
"Marika, you don't seem very surprised by this revelation. I mean, everyone else is pretty shocked to know the truth. Even we are shaken up that people know, but you're… very calm." He stated.
"I… I don't see what you're talking about…"
Iwaizumi let out a heavy breath then turned towards Oikawa.
"You told her… I… I told you because I thought I could trust you!" He exclaimed, connecting the dots.
Oikawa opened his lips, but Marika bit on her lower lip and whipped around.
"It's not him! Oikawa-san didn't… tell me anything…" She said, immediately glancing down guiltily.
It took a moment for everyone's minds to keep up with what she was saying. Oikawa stared at her with his mouth hanging open, not quite believing she'd dare do such a thing – how she had found out didn't even cross his mind at the moment. The boys were all too shaken up, after riling each other's up, to think clearly at Marika's words. So it was Kiku who approached and spoke up calmly:
"How did you learn the truth then?" She asked softly.
Marika hesitated then her shoulders dropped:
"I… the day Iwaizumi-san came to talk to Tooru… I… I was there."
"But you left, you left us alone! You weren't here!" Oikawa exclaimed before he let out a heavy sigh, "But you listened to the door, didn't you…?"
"I! Iwaizumi-san was so shaken up! I thought it wouldn't take long so I decided to wait for you to be done talking outside your bedroom! When I heard him sob and when he started telling everything he had learned about Akiyama-san…! I-I ended up listening to the whole story but… I'm not the one who revealed it all!"
"Then, who did?" Hanamaki asked darkly.
Marika looked down, guilty tears appearing in her eyes.
"I-I don't know… I tried finding out since the rumors started but… all the people I told it to wouldn't reveal it to anyone so I–"
"How many people did you tell?" Iwaizumi asked, stunned.
"T-two or three… or four… o-or maybe five…"
Oikawa let himself fall against the wall, covering his face with his hands while Iwaizumi stared hard at Marika.
"I-it was such an intense, heavy story! I couldn't stay quiet! I needed someone to talk to and Tooru just… kept everything to himself!"
"There was a reason why I did so!" He exclaimed, hands to the sky.
"Perhaps if you weren't always off practicing or doing the gods-know-what instead of being with me!"
"Don't bring in volleyball in this! You know damn well you shouldn't have told anyone such a story! But you couldn't keep yourself from talking about it because it was such an interesting gossip! One of your friend must have revealed everything or told someone who did!"
"Whoever it is won't admit it, though," Matsukawa said.
"I can't believe it's my fault… if I had known…!" Oikawa started, hands in his hair.
"No, it's my fault, I shouldn't have just showed to your place and said everything like that…" Iwaizumi muttered, clenching his fists guiltily.
Kiku looked up at all of them, turning around until she sighed loudly, attracting their attention.
"You guys are making such a fuss out of it…" She started, looking exhausted, "I-it's true that I hate the idea that people know the truth but… now they do and I can't change it. Knowing who is behind it will do nothing to settle the problem."
"But, Kiku…" Hajime started sadly, "People will… they've always been so mean to you… what if it gets worse…?"
"I'm… used to it. I've always wanted people to appreciate me for who I was, not out of pity because of what had happened to me…" She answered, looking down, "I kept it for myself most of my life, I never talked about it. I… I only revealed to Yuuna because she was my best friend. I couldn't even tell my neighbor I had known for so many years I was adopted…"
Takahiro glanced up but she continued, smiling sadly and staring at the ground:
"Trusting you was… so difficult but… in the end it didn't do any bad. I thought you'd leave me but… you didn't. None of you did…"
She took a deep breath then looked up, forcing a brave smile on her face:
"I let my past be a burden by not talking about it, it was like a taboo I never mentioned and avoided thinking about, facing people with the truth was as frightening as looking at my scars. But… but perhaps it's time I face my demons…!" She said, voice a little shaky and tears in her eyes.
They all looked at her, a little stunned by her decision to face the people who had bad-mouthed her for being adopted. It was the girl abandoned at birth in a dumpster, it was the girl who went from foster family to foster family, who was covered in scars for years of abuse… She had let her trauma rot away her trust in people, but she was still standing. She was facing the man she had fallen in love with, the man she had trusted more than anyone when she needed it most. She was facing her friends who had accepted her despite her dark past. She could face the people she had run away from for years.
Oikawa, Hanamaki and Matsukawa stared at her with proud smiles. Hajime… he kept staring at her with his mouth hanging open. It was hard to believe it was the same girl who barely managed to tell him "good morning" when they had started their third-year. But so much had happened, so many things had changed – they were a couple and more importantly… everyday Kiku was more and more who she should be, showing everyone her worth. The strong woman she ought to be, that she really was.
Getting emotional, unable to find words to describe how proud and in love he was at the moment of this strong, beautiful woman, Hajime suddenly grabbed her face and leaned down, crushing his lips against hers. Shocked by his sudden kiss, Kiku gasped against his lips before closing her eyes and leaning in against him.
The others politely glanced away, embarrassed by the intense kiss they were sharing. Except Matsukawa who was recording it all on his phone, grinning to himself until Oikawa made him a sign to stop.
Pulling away for air, Kiku looked up, cheeks a bright red and her hands over Hajime's. Blinking, still a little shaken up in the best way by this breathtaking kiss, it took a moment for Kiku's mind to function.
"W-what was that for…?" She asked, but a happy smile on her face.
"I-I… I just, you're so incredible… I couldn't help it – you're such, you're such a breathtaking person and I'm so in love with you…" He said in awe, blushing just as much as she did.
They stared at each other with giddy smiles until Hanamaki coughed, embarrassed to be viewing such a scene. It reminded the couple they had a public and they pulled away, avoiding looking into anyone's eyes.
"Not to break the mood, but class will start in like three minutes. It's barely eight in the morning, I can't face such passionate declaration of love or so many emotions, it's too early, okay?"
"I need a nap…" Mattsun muttered, already planning how his morning would go: napping.
"Before that…" Kiku started with a sweet smile.
She hit Hajime in the ribs so hard he bent over, letting out a heavy gasp. Before he could recover, she hit Oikawa as well then kicked both Matsukawa and Hanamaki one after another. They all gasped and started massaging what had been hit.
"On your knees, now." Kiku ordered with a hard gaze, pointing in front of her.
Oikawa was the first one to obey, the others following his example, looking up sheepishly at their manager. She looked down at them, hands on her hips and frowning, a fire from hell surrounding her.
"What were you thinking, you idiots?! And I'm looking at you especially, Hajime!"
He startled as his girlfriend started scolding him:
"Why would you think one of your friends is the one who had betrayed you?"
"B-but, how was I supposed to know–"
"I don't care! You all started accusing each other, arguing and riling each other's up! Do you have any idea how terrible it was? How frightened I was that because of me, your friendship would be ruined?!"
They all glanced at each other guiltily, knowing she was right and they had all overreacted and let the situation take the better of them.
"The strength of Aoba Jousai's volleyball team is the trust you have in each other! Trust! You can't let anything get in the way of your friendship and the absolute trust in one another, is it understood?"
"Y-yes…" They all mumbled.
"You're punished! No practice for you tonight!" She decided.
"Wha– you can't do that! You're only the manager! We're the core of the team, we cannot not practice!" Oikawa exclaimed.
"We'll see about that." She answered, unwavering, "What sort of core are you, if you don't trust each other?!"
"We never had any problem before…"
"It was just one argument…"
"You demon…"
"You're painfully right…"
They all looked at Iwaizumi who looked down guiltily.
"I… was the first one to mistrust you guys, and spread suspicion among us… I'm sorry. I shouldn't have doubted you."
"I would have done the same." Mattsun shrugged.
"We did do the same, actually," Makki added.
"You were all so mean to me…" Oikawa whined, looking away.
"It was because of your girlfriend in the end – you should have made sure she was away from your door!"
"Agh! How was I supposed to know?!"
"Let's calm down, okay?" Iwaizumi mumbled, holding out his hands.
"You're playing it cool because it's your girlfriend's order."
"Oi!"
Kiku sighed then turned towards Marika who startled guiltily, expecting to be hit or scolded.
"Don't worry about this, okay…? I don't blame you or your friends." Kiku said with a kind smile.
Marika stared at her, stunned she'd forgive her… she looked down gratefully.
The boys stood up and followed their manager. Even if Kiku's walk was a little hesitant, even if she had a hard time keeping her head up. Even if she fought against the reflex of hiding her face when people glanced her way… The moment Hajime put his hand on her shoulder, silently reminding her she wasn't facing this alone… it wasn't so scary anymore. She looked up, she didn't cover her eyes, she didn't cover her ears, she didn't stay quiet. She faced the world.
BONUS
[This day's practice, after classes…]
"I've heard everything about Akiyama-senpai, it's terrible but… what happened exactly?" Kindaichi asked, sounding confused.
"Don't ask me, I'm as lost as you are," Kunimi answered.
"Ah… you mean about the senpais?" Yahaba asked when he overheard them.
They nodded and all three glanced at a corner of the gymnasium where there was an unexpected view: Iwaizumi, Oikawa, Hanamaki and Matsukawa were all sitting miserably on the floor, stuck against one another by the club's banner that was surrounding them tightly.
"…What are they doing here, not practicing?" Kindaichi asked.
"What are they doing wrapped up like a giant sushi?" Kunimi added, narrowing his eyes at the vision.
"They're… punished." Yahaba answered hesitantly, looking away from the brooding pouts on his senpais' faces.
His juniors looked confused and he pointed at Akiyama who was taking notes in her manager's notebook, looking unphased by her boyfriend and the rest of the third-year regulars's sudden transformation into a sushi. Both coaches were at her sides and seemed just as casual.
"I don't know the details, but Akiyama-senpai couldn't find a "get along shirt" big enough for all four of them so… she forced them into the "get along banner". Something about trusting each other…" He explained sheepishly.
They looked back at the group of third-years who were just staring at the practice, looking bored, annoyed and ashamed.
"I think it's working." Yahaba remarked with a shrug.
So, everyone knows... everything.
Tell me what you think! ;)
NEXT CHAPTER : HAPPY BIRTHDAY ACE! (we'll pretend the timing fits with his birthday date, sorry for mesisng it up a little :x )
Yours Truly,
May