Chapter 8: Worry

The day after the "incident" we were forced to explain what happened, after members of the student council saw the state of their room. Haru told them what happened, and because of it I was excluded to 2 days to 'think about my actions.'
The girl who tied Atobe up was expelled, and Atobe's family were in the process of considering a law suit. Haru was let off the hook though, since he didn't do anything of a violent nature.
Atobe was told that he had to say bedridden until he felt 100%.

So, I always say that I hate school, however with nothing to do, it's even worse. I sat in my office, piles of manga on the floor. Reading manga was the only thing I could think of doing, and Haru had a sufficient amount to keep me occupied for a long while.

After reading several volumes of various manga series, I decided to study- which was something I didn't do very often. Or at all, in fact. The teachers had given me various worksheets and revision booklets for any surprise tests my class was given whilst I was excluded.

I really regretted hitting that girl on the head.

Another three excruciating hours later, I called Atobe. There was no answer. Great… I thought sarcastically. I then called the Atobe household, instead of Atobe's cell phone. Fortunately, there was an answer, and I was going to visit after Atobe ate lunch.

Waiting, then more waiting.
If only I was more patient.

In the end, I snapped, called again, finding that Atobe was refusing to let anyone in. Idiot… I thought to myself. Rage building up inside of me, I sent Atobe a saying:

'Hurry up and eat lunch, already, Ahobe!'

Now that I think about it, I doubt Atobe understood why I sent such a text.
Thus far, I had just waited, and waited some more. This continued until I was memorizing formulae for maths. Yes- I was that bored.

I read some more books, this time about horses. The maids wouldn't let me go to the stables, though. However, I was allowed to go to Atobe's house.

Maybe I was on the verge of dying from boredom, or maybe I was mentally deranged. I don't know why else I'd consider going to Atobe's house a good thing.

Once I arrived outside, thoughts of turning back were swirling inside my head. Is it too late? I wondered.
Then the car left, leaving me no choice but to go inside.

"Sorry for the intrusion." I smiled as best as I could, now wishing that I'd worn something else. Unless, of course, leggings and a white hoody is something you wear out (no offence to those who do.)
"Atobe-sama doesn't want to see anyone at the moment."
"AHOBE, COME DOWNSTAIRS NOW! I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR TOO LONG FOR YOU TO DECIDE THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE ANYONE!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the building.
I then heard laughter. Atobe's laugh, and several of the maids laughed also. It was as though they were all mocking me (I have no idea why they'd do such a thing!) Then there were footsteps. Atobe leaned against the banister, as if nothing wrong had happened.
"Ore-sama's poor, poor neko-chan." His said sinisterly. I cringed, making him laugh again.
"Hikari-chan, if only you had told Ore-sama you were coming."

I looked up, noticing something different than usual. His hair was messy, still wearing pyjamas, Atobe looked suspicious. He looked… normal. Though his forehead had a plaster from where he had been hurt, and his wrists were bandaged.

"I did, idiot." I retorted, looking at the floor. Even without looking at him, I could tell he was smiling.
Warmth came as a surprise as I felt arms wrapped around me. I smiled gently. "Ahobe…"
Suddenly, I heard a dog bark. "Beat, calm down!" Some maids panicked.

Dogs don't seem to like me.

"You have a dog?" I said, bending down to get a closer look. "Kawaii~"
There was a click of Atobe's fingers, and the dog was happily taken outside for a walk. As they walked out, someone walked in, dressed in the Hyotei uniform- though their tie was slackened and shirt was untucked.

"Hi, Hikari-chan, Ahobe-kun." He beamed. I laughed uncontrollably.
Haru walked inside, followed by the tennis club regulars, some of them starting to call Atobe 'Ahobe,' making Atobe frown.
"So you couldn't last a day without Ore-sama?" Atobe said, whilst running his fingers through his hair.

No one answered, most of the regulars either cringing, looking confused or laughing. After all, their beloved, 'strict' captain looked surprisingly normal. They most likely expected something more extravagant, like silk pyjamas, or for him to be dressed.

"Hikari-sempai, what are you doing here?" Chōtarō asked.

I explained the process of me reading, to studying, to texting, to calling- to eventually anger. Honestly, you'd expect them to be more understanding, but no- they laughed.
I wish they'd take me more seriously once in a while.

"We brought playing cards." Haru said, grinning. It was like they just knew I'd be there.

Instead of asking Atobe questions such as 'How are you feeling?' or 'What happened?' we played bullshit, otherwise known as cheat. It was such a fun game. Though the maids did find it weird when we yelled it at the top of our voices. Card games are stressful.

Eventually, we got hungry, ate with Atobe, and then found out how he was doing. Slowly, but steadily, the regulars were slowly picking up the nickname 'Ahobe.'
I felt so proud.

We then went to my house, leaving Atobe to be examined by a doctor.

Unfortunately, it rained heavily- making myself and all the regulars drenched, oh – and my parents were back. Which, just in case you didn't know, is very bad. Very, very bad. My mother isn't pleasant to guests at the best of times.

"We're back." Haru said, trying to smile.
The maids curtsied, and took away the regulars' jackets and anything else they didn't want to keep hold of, as they exchanged them for towels.

Mother looked down at us smugly from the top of the stairs. "Welcome home, Hikari, Haru. Goodness, you all look dreadful. Who are the uninvited guests?"
"Friends." Haru explained, though he looked more and more annoyed by the second.
"I see. Do you honestly think that you're allowed friends over considering what happened yesterday?"

I looked down, trying to focus on anything other than my mother's leering glare. As the rain hit the ceiling, it felt like with every drop, my mother's impatience grew. Drip, drop.
"Answer me." Mother ordered, though no one said anything.
I clenched my fists and took a deep breath, almost as if I was scared that I'd be afraid I wouldn't be able to breathe.

Have you ever had that feeling that everything was going to end? That in one concise moment everything would end.

The feeling of complete nothingness. Well I felt that.

But unfortunately, I was too scared. So I ran.