A/N: You know, I thought I was crazy for saying I can get two chapters out before the year ends. But now, here I am, with 18 days left in the year. Which means, plenty of time to get the next chapter done! This is sort of a set up chapter, but lots of important things that are constantly happening! Anyway, I hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 25: Transition
Fuka sighed in relief as the medical assistant cut off her cast. She felt like she could breathe easier. For weeks, she's had to lug her foot around on crutches. The brunette has been counting down the days for today's appointment. As the medical assistant pulled apart the plaster apart, Fuka winced slightly. There was an awful odor coming from within and her ankle still had some residual swelling and bruising.
But it looked better than it did 4 weeks ago.
"Well, that's one nice healing ankle." The MA smiled at Fuka, and the brunette returned the grin.
"Healing. Not healed."
Fuka's smile dropped as her mother spoke with a sharp tone behind her. Matsui Haruko stood behind her, hands crossed around her chest, piercing dark brown eyes staring the medical assistant down with a glare. The medical assistant fainted a smile and nodded. Fuka inwardly groaned. Her mother didn't even want to be here. She had tried getting Fuka's dad to come instead, but he had an important lunch with new investors that took precedent.
She would have preferred her father. He wouldn't have been patronizing her the entire ride here or make her feel like an imbecile because of her injury. No, her father was much more understanding of the situation and often encouraged her. Despite his cold demeanor, Matsui Daiki was actually a very loving man. Because of the ferocity in her mother, her father often wasn't one to challenge her. It was always him agreeing with her mother.
He only stood against her when she was being completely overbearing on Fuka.
"I will let the doctor discuss her healing process with you. He will be right in." And the medical assistant walked out of the room, leaving Fuka alone with her mother.
The room was silent as Fuka's eyes roamed the room. She was looking at all the posters on the wall, the different models for the knee, hip, and shoulders. If she wanted to be a doctor, orthopedics seemed like it would be very challenging, but also rewarding.
"Honestly, wasting my time being here right now." Her mother muttered, Fuka knowing she wanted her to hear her. Fuka decided to ignore her and focus on something else.
"If only you hadn't injured yourself. Then, we wouldn't have been here."
Closing her eyes, Fuka took a deep breath to help calm her nerves.
"Complete waste of talent."
Enough.
Fuka whipped her head, eyes glaring down at her mother. It was almost like her mother was surprised at the sudden reaction.
"It was an accident. It's not like I meant for this to happen. Do you really think that I would purposely hurt myself?"
Her mother seemed shock for a moment, shocked that Fuka would even dare to speak to her in such a tone. Like mother, like daughter, Fuka's glare resembled hers very closely. And it was like looking into a mirror with these two.
Her mother narrowed her eyes further.
"How would I know? Maybe you did."
Instead of anger, Fuka could only scoff as a small, incredulous smirk fell on her face. She was continuing to stare at her mother, laughing at the words that came out of her mouth.
"I have worked my whole life in gymnastics, pushed myself to above my own limitations just to please you! You think that after all this time, I would just hurt myself just to spite you?" Fuka laughed again, shaking her head. "You know, I love gymnastics. Despite the insane amount of pressure you place on me, I love it."
"It's the only thing in this life that is stable. The only thing in my life where I know who I truly am." She turned away from her mother, anger bubbling deep in her chest. Fuka felt like she was going to implode. Her mother's spiteful and hateful words bringing out a side of her she hid. "I will not let you take that from me. I won't let you swirl into something that I absolutely hate."
Matsui Haruko did not get a chance to respond to Fuka because the door opened, revealing her orthopedist. He greeted them with a smile, and Fuka pulled a Kurata Sana, putting on her best grin.
"Ah, hello ladies. How are we doing today?" He sat down on the stool in the room and began to look at her ankle.
Fuka plastered her best smile. "Relieved to finally be getting this darn thing off."
He smiled. "May I?" He gestured towards her ankle and Fuka nodded.
After a few minutes of examination and him spitting out medical jargon she was not familiar with, he gave a promising smile that left Fuka hopeful for her recovery.
"So, everything looks great. Your ankle is almost completely healed. Like I said on your first visit, the fracture avoided your growth plate, so you won't have any issues with the continuation of your growth, or whatever you have left of it." He chuckled. Fuka smiled faintly at his corny joke.
"Now, we are going to transition her to a walking boot." He rolled back on the stool, leaning against the computer table. His eyes were moving between her and her mom. "That means, you will start weight bearing." Fuka's eyes lit like Christmas lights.
"But, only at 25%." Her eyes fell slightly. Well, 25 was better than nothing. "I don't want you to bear any significant pressure on your left side. You will walk with the crutches when bearing your weight. It won't be until you have no pain that I am going to let you walk without the walking boot and into a brace for stability."
"Soon, we will get you walking without either because I don't want you to lose range of motion of your ankle."
He turned to her mother and began to explain some logistics, and what he wanted from her. Fuka stopped paying attention to their conversation, looking down at her ankle. Despite the condition it was in, she was happy she was able to progress in a positive direction.
"So, I'm going to get my medical assistant on in here and get you going with your boot, okay?"
"Before you leave, how long until gymnastics again, do you think?" Fuka knew not to be so hopeful, but she was really wanting to get out on the mat again. Watching her teammates and coaching them was fun, but it was nothing compared to being out on the mat. Even Sana, who had stopped competing forever ago, seemed like she was having a good time.
He sighed. "Well, now that your bone is almost healed and were getting you transitioned, a lot depends on you and how well you take care of it." Fuka nodded in understanding. "Still, with how severe the fracture was and how much stress gymnastics puts on your ankle, I want to say another 2 months or so."
Sighing in disappointment, she bit down on her lip and leaned her head against the wall. Fuka knew there was still some time left before she could return. But she had a small glimmer of hope it could be sooner. Still, 2 months wasn't too far away. She would be able to compete in the spring season.
"Alright kid, my assistant will be right in, alright?"
He padded her knee and walked out the door, leaving both her mother and her alone in the room again. They didn't speak to one another during the rest of the visit. After the medical assistant fitted Fuka in the boot, they were cleared to leave. Feeling a bit daring, Fuka attempted to bear very minimal weight. She had a sharp, rising pain in her foot that was both similar and different to the pain in her foot when she fractured it in the first place.
"It's going to sting at first." Her doctor noted as he watched her attempt to walk out the office. "Remember, you haven't put any weight on this thing in a month. It's going be like learning how to walk again."
Fuka sighed, not liking the analogy he used. She didn't want to learn how to walk with her foot again. She wanted to be able to walk right away. Though, Fuka knew that was too idealistic. The brunette was starting to sound like Sana with hopeful thinking like that.
They said their goodbyes and Fuka scheduled her follow up for four weeks. It would be right before her birthday, aka Christmas. She was hoping things would progress pretty well, considering how stubborn she was and how hard she usually pushed herself.
The ride home was completely silent.
Fuka refused to speak to her mother. There was nothing else she needed to say to her. Though, it seemed like her mother also had nothing to say to her also. Fuka didn't refute her mother often, but she was really pushing her these last few weeks. Ever since she broke her foot, Matsui Haruko had been absolutely insufferable.
"You had no right to speak to me like that, Matsui Fuka."
And the devil finally spoke.
She sighed, leaning against the window pane of their car. Fuka had half a mind to reply, but decided against it.
"It was rude and disrespectful. What would have people thought if they saw it?"
Fuka gritted her teeth, loathing the condescending tone that escaped from her mother's mouth; her words were always dipped in poison.
"And what of it?" The brunette snapped, going against her better judgment. "God mom. You care too much about what people think of us."
"We have an image to uphold, young lady." Her voice was cold as ice. "And you breaking your damn foot berates us in front of the entire gymnastics community."
"No one knows this more than I do, mom." Fuka glared at her mom, her words laced in anger. "You continue to remind me every day how much of a failure I am. And how I continue to ruin your image. But not once, not once, did you ever ask what I needed, how I was feeling. You just cared about your own stupid reputation!"
In her anger, Fuka finally saw what Sana and everyone else saw in her; a selfish, ignorant girl who only ever cared about herself. God, how could anyone ever have been friends with her? She felt like she was staring in the mirror while looking at her mom.
"Matsui Fuka." Her mother's voice turned sharp, and the brunette knew she was about to be reprimanded for her own words. But at this point, Fuka didn't care.
"No, mother. I will not hear it. I'm done listening to your condescending tones and patronizing words. No matter what I do, I am never good enough for you. Never." Fuka was breathing hard, her chest rising frantically. Her mother's grip on the steering wheel was white and she could see the glare etched into her face.
"Like I said," Fuka started again, sitting back against the passenger seat, "I actually love gymnastics. And I will not let you ruin that for me."
And that was the last thing said between the two as her mother parked the car into their driveway and the brunette hobbled out of the car, slamming the door behind her. Thank God her father was home because she didn't think she could sit in the same room as her mother any longer on her own.
"Oh hey! You two are back!" Her father, ever so cheerful and trying to be positive, saw the fuming glare on her face. His smile dropped as Fuka crutched her way through the door.
"Did things not go well at the doctor's?" Hands in his pockets, eyes traveling down to her boot, he raised a brow. "Hey! They got you out of the cast!"
"Yeah, big whoop." She responded. He frowned, not understanding her negative attitude.
Fuka trailed off, without even giving her father another word. She could feel him staring her down as she walked to her room, slamming the door shut behind her.
She could hear her father greet her mother. They were talking to one another, though Fuka couldn't make what they were saying. But she was sure that her mother was cursing her to the end of the world. And while she loved her father dearly, she knew he stood no chance against her.
Fuming to herself, she fell against her bed and covered her face with her pillow. She screamed against the pillow, feeling tears prick at her eyes.
I hate her.
I hate her and everything she makes me feel.
Fuka allowed herself a few tears, overwhelmed by her mother's derogatory tone and lack of motherliness. She wished she never broke her foot. She wished she never thought about Kurata Sana or Hayama Akito when she injured herself. She hated herself for blaming them, but also wished that those two would have just continued hating one another.
-O-
"Ah ha!" Sana was clicking away at her laptop screen when she abruptly jumped in her seat. There was a face splitting smile on her face as her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. Both Tsuyoshi and Aya looked up from their study materials as the hazel eyed girl turned her computer towards them.
"Here's the invitation for the middle birthday party I'm throwing!" Tsuyoshi and Aya both looked at the computer screen of this detailed and eccentric looking invitation that Sana had created. Tsuyoshi looked back at Sana and raised his brow.
"Middle birthday, Sana-chan?"
The girl nodded as she turned the computer back towards herself. She couldn't help the growing smile on her lips as she put the finishing touches of her invitation. She nodded to Aya's question, cracking her knuckles. "It's when you celebrate two birthdays!"
Aya wasn't following and her confusion grew. "You've decided to go through with it, Sana-chan?"
Sana nodded to Tsuyoshi's question. "You find the middle date between two birthdays and throw a party!" Understanding crossed the young Sugita's face. She looked back at Tsuyoshi, who Sana had obviously discussed this with.
"And yes, my dear Tsuyoshi-kun! Significant progress has been made! And I don't think he will completely hate it!"
"Wait, who is doing this middle birthday, Sana-chan?"
She grinned ata Aya once more. "Mine and Hayama's."
The sand-brown haired girl's eyes went wide as the Hayama named rolled off her tongue.
"As in... Hayame A-"
"Hayama Akito!"
Her eyes went wider as the name of the sibling she least expected left Sana's mouth.
"Hayama... Akito?" She asked again, assuring she got the right sibling.
The auburn-haired girl nodded again with a curt nod. Aya looked back to Tsuyoshi who gave a strained smile. There was doubt written all over the sand-haired girl's face.
"Will... will he even attend?"
"I think he will!" She gave thumbs up, that grin once again splitting her face.
"You're so confident he will?" The young girl asked again, surprised at how confident she was. For as long as she has known Hayama Akito, Aye knew him to not be one for public outings or crowded events. He always kept a small circle of friends around him, other than when he was involved in his gang related activities when they were kids.
Sana tilted her head to the side and scratched her head. Then, she smiled. "Yeah, I have a good feeling."
Aya was stumped. Hayama Akito was the epitome of anti-socialness. He strayed away from the big crowds and preferred solitude over friendship; at least, these days he did. Ever since his mother's passing (and yes, she knew of the tragic event that took their mother away), she had seen such a change in his already stoic demeanor.
They weren't close, nothing like he and Tsuyoshi, but Aya still considered him a friend.
The two spoke frequently, especially when she and Tsuyoshi first started dating and her love was going through his family affairs. They shared sincere conversations in those moments, and he was surprisingly quite good at giving advice.
She giggled at a memory that came to mind. It was way back when they were in elementary school and one of the first real bonding moments between her and Hayama Akito. Aya was trying to put together a gift for Tsuyoshi's birthday. He took her aside and recommend his favorite cookies, explaining just how Tsuyoshi liked them.
For Aya, it was a strange interaction back then. Most girls in the class really disliked him because of his attitude and the way he blackmailed all the teachers. The two hadn't interacted much before that meeting, so she was quite unsettled when he approached her.
Hayama Akito wasn't as aggressive or callous or hostile as people made him out to be, how he made himself to be. He was kind in a strange way. Aya thought it to be strange after that encounter for Akito continue acting like a fool when he was in actuality quite intelligent.
"What are you giggling at?" Tsuyoshi asked her, and she pinked at her being caught. Both Sana and Tsuyoshi were staring at her in confusion.
"Oh! Nothing, nothing. Just... thinking about how you are going to coerce Akito-kun to attend this middle birthday party."
Sana smiled once again. "Well, I have good faith that Hayama will come. Call it a feeling in my bones."
The couple sitting across from her chuckled at her strange phrasing.
"But also!" She pointed a finger to the sky, her voice increasing a few volumes. Aya's eyes went wide, wondering what else this new friend of hers had planned. "Fuka's birthday is on Christmas Eve. So, it's not just a middle birthday! It's a triple birthday!"
"So, how does this help your case?" Tsuyoshi continued to question. He knew more than anyone that Akito wasn't going to nip at this party. Not without a bride at least. And even then, he may not listen to a single word.
"Because my dear Tsuyoshi-kun!" Sana reached forward, eyes bright and glinting with the lighting of the study room. "If it was just Hayama, no way he would even think to come! Me and him? He'd be hesitant, but maybe consider it. Most likely still wouldn't come. But, with Fuka, Hayama, and myself, the attention is split and he would have less eyes on him."
Tsuyoshi didn't reply immediately, and Aya pondered on the thought. But Sana made a good point. Attention divided was better than sole attention on himself. There was still some doubt, but the auburn-haired girl clearly put sincere though into this.
"And again, I just have a feeling he would come."
A lot of Sana's confidence for Akito attending came on faith. She had a lot of faith he would show up. It made Aya wonder how close those two have grown considering that they were actually friends at this point. Now that Aya thought about it, those two had been spending quite a bit a time with one another.
"You have a lot of faith, Sana-chan." The doubt was etched in Tsuyoshi's voice as he leaned back against the chair. But Sana's smile never faltered. If anything, her grin grew more confident, more assertive.
"It'll work out!"
And that was the last thing said before the trio packed up. Sana waved her goodbye as she headed home and Aya was left standing with Tsuyoshi. He usually walked her home, but she could tell he had something on his mind.
"What is it, Tsuyoshi-kun?" Aya asked gently as she intertwined her fingers with his.
The glass eyed boy blinked, then looked back at her with a short smile.
"Oh nothing. I'm just thinking."
But Aya knew better. They had been dating since 6th grade. If anyone knew him other Hayama Akito, it was her.
"You're lying." Tsuyoshi sighed, scratching the back of his head with his other hand.
"I guess I just can't help but be a bit jealous." Aya rose a brow, surprised by his comment. Tsuyoshi was one to be envious, but only when it concerned her really.
"Jealous of what?" The sand haired girl asked, squeezing her hand tighter around his.
"Sana's relationship with Akito." Aya's confused must have been evident because Tsuyoshi chuckled in embarrassment. "It's just, after our fall out, we haven't been the same. And while I haven't tried as hard as I should have, seeing Sana wiggle her way into Akito's life has been somewhat disheartening."
"Disheartening how?"
The brown-haired boy gave a strained smile again. "Because I feel like I've just given up on our friendship."
Eyes sullen and voice somber, Tsuyoshi gripped her hand tightly. Aya watched as her boyfriend of 5 years took a deep breath, obviously trying to hide his frustration and emotional despair. Aya knew that the fallout between the two boys hit him hard. She had seen the results of their broken friendship first hand. His hidden smiles, the dropped shoulders, the worried eyes.
Aya wished she could take that pain away from Tsuyoshi.
"Hey, hey." She turned to stand in front of him, stopping him in his steps. The sand-haired girl put a hand to his cheek, lightly caressing.
"Don't think such thoughts, Tsuyoshi-kun." A loving smile crossed her lips. "Despite the fall out between you and Akito-kun, you have been an amazing friend towards him. You have been by his side despite the negative and condescending things said about him. You were there when no one else was."
"Until I wasn't." He interjected quickly and Aya took a deep breath. Tsuyoshi looked down at her with those sad, brown eyes of his. "I let him down and I don't think he will ever forgive me for that."
"Look at me, Sasaki Tsuyoshi." Aya grabbed him by the cheeks and forced him to stare right into her light brown eyes. "What happened back then already happened. You can't change that. But what you can do, is change the future."
"Sana has done an incredible job in having Akito-kun open up. She has made him much more approachable and has helped melt the ice around his heart." Her hands landed in front of his chest, her right-hand padding down over his heart. "But you, you are his best friend, whether the two of you believe that or not. And the bond you two created isn't so easily broken. You have such a big heart, Tsuyoshi-kun. That is your strength. And you can use that to repair your friendship."
A loving, affectionate smile crossed his lips, his eyes full of adoration for the girl in front of him. He grabbed Aya by the shoulders and leaned down to kiss her. The sand-haired girl squeaked, cheeks turning bright pink at the sudden sign of affection.
"I love you, you know that?" He leaned forward and placed another kiss to her forehead. "I would be lost without you."
Aya giggled slightly as Tsuyoshi crushed her into a tight hug. As silly and corny as their relationship may have been, it has worked for five years. The joy of a relationship starting at the end of elementary school/beginning of middle school was the growing pains. They had grown individually but also together. She had watched a shy and nervous boy grow into a confident and loving man. No longer was Tsuyoshi an anxious, squeaky voiced wreck.
"I love you too, honey." They shared another kiss and she squeezed his hand tightly.
"Now, let's go pick up Anko-chan, shall we?"
-O-
"You want to do what?" Fuka asked with a louder voice as the girls prepped for their first gymnastics meet of the season. She and Sana were in the dance locker room, Fuka watching Sana as the girl threw on her outfit.
"SHH!" Putting her hands over the brunette's lips, Sana covered Fuka's mouth completely, indicating for her to be quiet. "It's a secret! Can't be revealed yet!"
Fuka grabbed Sana's hands and pulled them away from her mouth. "So, what? You just want to throw a huge birthday party?" Voice notably lower. Sana was grateful.
The auburn-haired girl nodded with a jubilant smile. "Yes! Do you remember when I wanted to do this with you when we were in middle school?"
"Yeah, and I shot you down. Yet, here you are again, proposing such a ridiculous idea." Fuka was shaking her head, hand at her forehead. "Who would you even be doing this middle birthday with? And when would it be?"
The grin grew, splitting Sana's face in half. "You, mine, and Hayma Akito's."
Fuka's eyes grew wide as the name of her crush flew from her mouth. Sana rolled her eyes, but the smile never left her lips.
"So, the date between mine and Hayama's birthday is Christmas Eve, which also happens to be YOUR birthday." Fuka's jaw dropped, still trying to wrap her mind around this silly idea of throwing a birthday party for the stoic boy.
"I don't know if you have any plans already, which I hope you don't, buuuuuuuut, I would really like for you to be one of our guests of honor!" Her voice rose, and began to echoed around the room. Some of the girls turned to the pair, others ignored her. After about a month, the girls had adjusted to Sana's eccentric attitude and her strange friendship with Fuka.
"You want to throw a party for Hayama Akito?" She nodded again.
"The stoic, reclusive boy who hates the world? And hates crowds?" Sana nodded again, her darn smile still gleaming so bright.
"You're serious?" Fuka unstrapped her boot, massaging the ankle after a rather intense session of physical therapy. She wasn't one for parties, but with everything going on at home lately, Fuka didn't foresee the Matsu household being jolly for the holidays.
"Of course, I am. I'm always serious about festivities!" She pumped her fist, twirling in the air, and landed with a peace sign. Fuka doesn't think she has seen Sana this energetic about something since their middle school days when she was always out on her jobs.
"And how do you propose to get Hayama Akito to a party? Where he is the guest of honor? What makes you think he will even go?" The questions spewed from her mouth, not really giving Sana a chance to reply. Her best friend put a finger to her lips, silencing her.
"I am pretty confident that Hayama Akito will come to this party. After all, all the work I put into that boy better pay off! Also, I just have a good feeling that things will work themselves out, even if he is a guest of honor."
Fuka was not convinced. She pushed Sana's finger out of the way, narrowing her eyes at her.
"You're putting this all on faith?"
A hard nod and again with that beaming smile of hers. Didn't that girl ever get tired of smiling?
"Yep! Faith, trust, and a little pit of saw dust!"
Fuka groaned at the corniness of her joke, face in her heads as she shook her head in embarrassment. "It's pixie dust, Sana." She muttered but by the looks on the girl's face, she didn't care.
"ANYWAY, will you come?" Big, puppy dog's eyes as she leaned forward, inches away from Fuka. She shone her pearly whites as she begged with her eyes for Fuka to attend this extravaganza.
The brunette pushed her away, head tilted to the side.
Fuka didn't like big crowds, especially with parties. But, as selfish as it may sound, she did like being center of attention. Which was why gymnastics was the perfect sport for her. All eyes were always on her when she was competing. She wouldn't deny liking the spotlight on herself.
With her mother's more recent hostility and loathing, she doubted they would be doing anything for her this holiday season or her birthday. Rather than sitting at home and hating her life, it wouldn't hurt to attend a birthday party, especially when it was celebrated for her.
Not only that, she would be sharing the night with Sana and Akito.
Speaking of Akito, she has felt like their friendship has somewhat improved in the last few months. Where he used to be so hostile and cold towards her, his attitude has changed to more passive. He actually talks to her now, instead of grunting or scoffing.
His demeanor didn't seem so chilly these days.
Since the realization of her confession, she hadn't really acted on her feelings. Fuka had been trying to find stolen moments here or there. But, either he was already gone before Fuka could make her move or he was surrounded by Kurata Sana.
She knew that the strange amount of time they had been spending together was due to their project, but Fuka knew Sana. She knew that Akito's change of behavior wasn't him deciding to be kinder, more open. The brunette knew it was a direct result of Sana's influence. And that made her a bit envious.
As far as she knew, Sana didn't hold any feelings towards Akito. Even when she asked, Sana was adamant on denying there being any type of relationship between the two. But, Fuka couldn't help but feel insecure when looking at the both of them. Despite their constant bickering and quarreling, their opposite personalities were quite compatible.
Even if something were to happen, it was her fault for not saying something sooner. She hadn't told Sana yet of this newfound revelation. Fuka knew her future would include something along the lines of "I told you so."
"Hellooooooooo. You still in there?" Sana knocked on the side of her head, like knocking on a door.
Fuka glared slightly and pushed her away.
"Yes, I will come to your party."
Sana's eyes grew tenfold, the smile piercing and eyes luminous and glistening under the fluorescent lights of their changing room. Her mouth opened, and she jumped into the air, cheering so loud now that all eyes were on her.
"You will?!" She continued to cheer so loud, people continued to look.
"Shhh! Don't you want to keep this a secret?"
She shrunk her shoulders and whispered a quick "oops" while she giggled. Fuka rolled her eyes but giggled along with her.
"Alright perfect! Now, just one more guest of honor to go."
Fuka was curious to how Sana would persuade Akito to come, but she guessed anything was possible with her.
"Now! We have a meet to get too!"
-O-
Sana was breathing heavily as she finished up the last part of her routine. A strained smile and she felt like her chest were going to cave in. Wow, time really got away from her if she was so out of breath. The crowd applauded around her and she continued to smile. She bowed and made her way off the floor. Her teammates were padding her back and giving her hugs, but Sana just continued to feel overwhelmed.
She figured it was due to having not done any of these maneuvers in 2-3 years.
And everything else that followed after. Doing gymnastics again, performing in front of people like this, it brought back such a familiar feeling. When all eyes were on you, every step you took, every word you said. While all this was so nostalgic, she couldn't help but feel somber.
"Well, color me impressed, Kurata Sana. You've been practicing on your own, haven't you?"
Fuka teased lightly, but Sana gave her the thumbs up anyway. She was the last gymnast to perform today. So, the nerves had definitely been building up the entire meet. Honestly, Sana didn't care what her score was. She just wanted to see if she could get back out there.
"Well, would you look at that. Not a bad score for someone who hasn't been on that mat in 3 years."
She looked at her coach, who gestured at the scoring meter and found a 9.203. Her eyes went wide. She was happy, but wow, she was shocked! She turned to Fuka, who wriggled her eyebrows and nudged her with her elbow.
It was announced that Jinbou High School won the meet and everyone cheered, happy with the results. All the girls gathered around the coach and gave a victory yell. Before Sana and Fuka could head back to the dance locker room, she was surrounded by her friends.
"Wow, Sana-chan! You made it look so easy out there!" Tsuyoshi raved with glee in his eyes. He smiled with his mouth open, jaw hanging ine xcitement.
"We were cheering the entire time!" Aya added and Sana smiled, thanking her friends as she rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment.
"Oh, you guys! You flatter me too much." She looked back towards Fuka, who had winked at her. Sana could only imagine what the girl may be feeling. This is probably hard for her, seeing everyone cheer for her and not Fuka. Fuka was usually the last one to perform, the last one to pull that final point to pull her team ahead for the win.
She must have hated being in this position.
"You really kicked some butt out there, Sana-chan! I almost forgot that was you out there!" That was when Ayame made her way in between the couple and looked at her in admiration.
"Meh, maybe you can try a little harder to not be so good next time, huh?"
And that was when Hiro walked up, green eyes twinkling and his charming, boy smile spread on his lips. His hair was messy, face sweaty, and he was in a Jinbou high school basketball uniform. Sana waved her hand in front of her nose, crinkling her nose and making a face of disgust.
"Eww, you stink."
He laughed, ruffling the top of her head.
"Good job, Sana." And there was that dazzling smile again. Every day, Sana finds herself admiring that smile of his. Again, no feelings there, but he was still nice to look at.
"Ah, whatever you big lug." he pushed his hand away, smirking, teasing him as they always do. This was their relationship with one another. It was fun, easy going. Sana never had difficulty talking to him, and felt like they shared a lot in common.
Though, she could tell the girls at the school weren't particularly happy with their friendship from all the stares and glares.
"So, where should we go to celebrate?" Fuka asked, surprising almost the entire crowd.
The brunette was smiling, the crutches close to her body. She was no longer in that blinding white cast. They had transitioned her into a boot and she was absolutely elated to get the plaster off. Since then, Sana has noticed a change in Fuka's attitude.
She was cheerier, more laxed, and not so hostile all the time. She had lightened up and allowed herself to be more open. It reminded Sana of the days Fuka was dating Yuta. That was when she had seen the brunette at her happiest, liveliest. She was glad that Fuka was much more involved these days.
"Hmm, what about the usual? Mimi's café?" Tsuyoshi suggested. The group had nodded, agreeing with the brunet's decision.
"Alright! Well, give me a sec to change and then I'll be right out!" Like a football team, there was a quick break from Sana and they agreed to meet at the outside gates. Sana grabbed her stuff from the floor and made her way towards the entrance of the dance locker room.
That was when she caught site of Hayama Akito sitting on one of the bleacher seats. He was staring right at her, his eyes so direct and forward. While slightly surprised, she smiled and ran over to her new friend.
"Hayama!" His jaw locked, and he straightened up. "What the heck are you doing here?!" She was leaning against the edge of the bleacher, eyes looking up at him. He refused to meet her gaze now. Huh, that was strange.
"Just wanted to see if you were all talk and no show." Sana turned her head to the side, confused at first. But she then realized that he meant to come watch her performance. Her mouth opened slightly, shocked at the words that left his mouth. He still wasn't looking at her.
"Wait, you came to watch?" She asked again, clarifying.
He didn't say anything and turned further away from her.
She took his silence as a yes.
Sana was touched.
"D'AWW!" Sana could do a flip in the air right now she was so happy! She leaned further at the end of the bench, her grin so jubilant. "I knew you were a big softie underneath that broody exterior!" She poked at his arm and he immediately turned his head, eyes narrowed.
Huh.
His eyes didn't seem so frightening anymore.
"You're annoying." He scoffed, moving her hand away from him. She just continued to smile.
"Well, I appreciate it. It means a lot to me that you came out." She watched as Hayama's jaw stilled again; she could see him swallow and he turned away again. He grabbed at the nape of his neck, hiding the rest of his body away.
"Yeah, whatever." He mumbled, and Sana couldn't help but be filled with joy. She was so happy! The happiest she had been in so long! Even though he refused to outright say it, he came to support her. And that meant the world to her.
"Don't you have to get going, or whatever?" He asked her, and she gritted her teeth, hitting her palm against her forehead.
"Oh shoot! I forgot! They are all probably waiting for me!" Sana didn't have her phone with her as she left it in the locker room. Fuka was going to yap her ear off for making them all wait. She then had an ah-ha moment, hitting her fist against her other fist.
"Hey! Why don't you come with? You never come out with all of us as a group!" She asked, hoping that he would take a bite at the bait she had set up for him.
"I have other plans."
Well, that sucked.
He didn't take the bait. Infact, she felt deflated. He built her up and put her in such a good mood, then popped her bubble of joy with his inability to socialize with all their friends. One on one, her and Hayama had significantly improved their relationship. When it was just the two of them, she felt like they had been friends forever.
Now, as a group on the other hand... not so much.
She was actively working on getting the entire group out together. It was always small parts of the group, but never a whole. Though, she didn't really expect Hayama and Hiro to hang out. She felt like that would be quite awkward.
"With who?" She couldn't help but ask.
"That's none of your business." He grabbed his school bag and slung it around his shoulder. Sana pouted at his response and crossed her arms in front of her.
"You should get going." Hayama urged her again as he stood up. The blond took a step down.
She pouted again, waving her hand in front of her. "Fine, fine."
A light bulb went off in her head.
She and Hayama were alone save a few scattered people across the gym. She knew that her friends were already waiting for her, but they could wait a little longer. Because this was the perfect time to execute her ultimate plan.
"Hey, Hayama." She stopped him in his step and he looked back at her, eye brow raised very slightly.
She brightened her smile to a grin and leaned forward, humming to herself as she thought of the best way to ask him this simple question.
The slightly raised eyebrow went up higher as he turned his body towards more towards her. Confusion crossed his knitted eyes brows. "Why are you acting weirder than normal?"
Well, that was rude.
She thought to herself but shook her head. "I'm going to ignore that because I have more present matters."
"ANYWAY, how would you feel about a middle birthday party?"
Now he was looking at her like she grew something on her head with the perplexion that covered his face. He opened his mouth slightly, eyes narrowing as he almost squinted at her.
"A middle birthday? What the hell is that?"
With the amount of times people have asked her that, Sana felt like she would make a million bucks. Couldn't people just put two and two together?
"It's when two people celebrate their birthday at a half way point between both!"
He seemed less than enthusiastic at her explanation. In fact, he still looked completely cautious and guarded.
"Okay….?" Sana smacked the middle of her head.
"Fine. I'll just have to spell this out for you." Her heart racing slightly, Sana put her hands at her waist and looked at Hayama with a confident gaze. "I want us to celebrate a middle birthday party!"
Sana could already see the fast work of his eyes, the concentration at the crinkles, and his mouth getting ready to move, to say no.
"NOW!" She jumped on the bench and put a hand to his face, to prevent him from refusing her amazing proposal. "Before you get all reclusive and broody and say no, let me just explain, okay?"
The blond closed his mouth very hesitantly, knitting his brows together. He didn't need to say words. Sana already knew what he was saying.
Alright, explain yourself.
She could already hear him say.
"Word has it you haven't exactly celebrated either your birthday or Christmas in some time. So, I wanted to kind of knock out two birds with one rock, you know?" She could still see the mind turning, the eyes calculating. She really was just putting all this on faith. Sana was acting confident, assuring everyone else that Hayama would come to this party.
When in reality, she had no idea. All she could do is try her damn hardest to get Hayama to come to this gathering.
The mouth was opening again, and the knitted eyebrows were not a good sign. The auburn-haired girl could already hear the no coming again. She refused to hear it.
"Ah, ah! Before you say no!" She put her finger to his lips and he glared now. "Before you say no, I just want to let you know that this a shared birthday party not just between you and I. But, also Fuka! Her birthday is on Christmas Eve! So, all the attention wouldn't be on you!"
He removed her finger from the front of his mouth.
"Out of all the days, the middle of our birthdays is Christmas Eve?" He said, voice not sounding so against the idea. She could still make out his hesitation in his voice and eyes, but, they were getting somewhere.
"And what were you going to do on Christmas Eve anyway? Besides sit at home? Might as well do something productive!"
He still had his eyes narrowed at her, mouth in a tight line.
"Why not take this time to enjoy the holidays for once with your family and friends?"
Again, his mind was working. She didn't know exactly what ran through his mind, but she could see him thinking about it. But that was why she felt so confident about him saying yes. She just had a good feeling about this.
"You're never going to let me hear the end of it if I don't go, are you?" Hayama asked, arms crossed in front of him.
"I'm hurt you would think I would do such a thing."
He scoffed, shaking his head. He continued making his way down the bleacher steps until he stepped on the floor of the gym. The blond looked back at her, shaking his head slightly.
"Christmas Eve?"
"Yup!"
Turning away from her, Hayama remained quiet. Sana stared at the back of his figure, wringing her fingers together, hoping her faith wasn't misplaced.
"... Alright."
Sana jumped, overwhelmed with joy and happiness as Hayama agreed to come to her party. She knew it! She just knew he would say yes! Although there was some hesitation and took some convincing, he agreed!
"WHOO HOO! I'M SO EXCITED!" And she continued dancing in her step, clearly embarrassing the blond-haired boy as he backed away and looked at her in discomfort.
"Why are you so weird?" He muttered as he shook his head, and continued stalking off.
"I'll text you all the details later, Lone Wolf!" Sana shouted across the gym, a beaming smile still on her lips. Hayama stopped walking, partially looked back at her, and nodded.
Being acknowledged like this was also very new and this just added to her cheeriness. Happy and satisfied, she ran back to the locker room, knowing full well she would be returning to a phone filled with text messages and phone calls, asking where the heck she was.
-O-
Sana has returned to gymnastics.
When she informed me, I was elated that my daughter would be participating in a sport that once brought her so much joy. But once I put more thought, I realized what amount of courage she had to put forward to return to the sport.
The memories that are associated with her career in gymnastics have rendered Sana before. They have left her crippled because of the emotional pain that was too much for her 12 year self to bear. As a mother, it was difficult to see my own daughter is such a state of pain.
It was a position I had not seen Sana since I had adopted her.
These past few weeks, Sana has proven to be better than the past I'm afraid will one day come and hold her down. She has come home with a smile on her face, dissolving any idea I may have had about dwindling resolve.
These days, Sana is upkeeping her jubilant and eccentric attitude.
A few days ago, she came home, ecstatic about a night out she had with the Hayama siblings. Sana had rambled on about the entire evening, clearly excited at the strides she and the young Hayama-san had made in their relationship.
I could see the excitement in her eyes. I could see how the young Hayama-san had preoccupied her mind lately. I am thankful, believe it or not. Thankful for this boy who has reignited her drive.
No longer is Sana coming home, fuming and frustrated about him. Every day, she tells me her stories about their latest development in their friendship. Every day, she is happier than the last because she feels like she has made even the smallest of differences in his life.
As for the young Hayama boy, he has been quit the anomaly to observe. Looking at the boy, he seems like a normal teenager. Yet, the moment you look into his eyes, you see the soul of a man who has lived 40+ years.
He and my daughter were selected to do a project together for their English class. When they first started this project, there were less than pleasing results for my daughter. There was constant hostility between both Sana and Hayama-san.
In the few times he has joined Sana at our home, I have observed quietly from afar. He is reclusive in his own right with a fierce honestly that burn's one skin. Eyes sharp as ice, but quite the intimidating presence in his wake. He guards himself with the drawback of his body language and the lack of socialization. The child also fails to show other forms of expression outside of the stoic demeanor he wears.
Well, mostly.
I catch him scowling at my daughter quite often. Though, cannot say it is not deserving. She can be quite the handful.
Hayama Akito intrigues me.
I can see why my daughter is so captivated by his person. Just like her, I do wish to learn more about the boy behind those golden-brown eyes.
But for now, I will simply observe.
A/N: I was looking at how many chapters I wrote this year, and I'll end the year with 9 (if I get this next chapter out soon). I feel a good sense of accomplishment there because that's like almost more than a third of the story so far. Next year will definitely more difficult since I start nursing school, but I am still determined to get it done. I am going to need some type of stress relief once it all starts haha.
But anyway, like I said at the top author's note, this chapter is a set up chapter for the next. The next chapter is already underway. I started part of it a few weeks ago when a certain scene came to mind and I just had to write it out! Next chapter is definitely going to be a long one. AND, it's the Christmas chapter! Some things similar to the manga/anime, some different. Definitely trying to create the same vibe from that part of the original story though! But, I'm really excited nonetheless!
I noticed that my set up chapters usually revolve around NOT Sana or Akito. Most of those chapters are focused on side characters. And it wasn't something I originally planned, but once I realized I was doing it, I just continued because I like to show what's going on around Sana and Akito as well. This chapter, I focused on Aya, which was fun because I have never really explored her character. And, then updates on Fuka because her story doesn't stop. None of theirs do. It's like I said, while this story focuses on Sana and Akito, everyone has their own contributions also.
As usual, reviews, criticism, and comments are always welcomed! I love hearing your thoughts on each chapter and the story! They keep me going and encourage me to continue writing!
If I don't update before Christmas, Merry Christmas to those of you who observe! I can't wait to see you before the new year!
Dark Waffle