The Ties that Bind [Rindou x Reader x Kakucho]

Part 2: Chapter 9

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It was pure luck that today of all days, Mrs. Tamura was absent from teaching. I was beyond relieved when I walked in and she wasn't there. A few minutes later a substitute teacher showed up instead. They said they had trouble finding the correct class, and thank God for that.

As the school day was ending, my phone chimed with a message from Akane letting me know that there was a meeting for new members of the volleyball team tomorrow. Getting ready to head out, I began to stuff my school supplies into my bag. I was still feeling excited from this morning. Not being able to wait to share the news with my parents. I wondered if I should stop by and treat myself to a sweet reward on the way home, or maybe Akane would want to join me.

I headed towards the direction of her class to ask. "Shinazugawa!", I stopped and turned around to see Yuto walking towards me. "Oh, hey Ito—", I began, "Ito?", he cut me off, "I already told you it's okay to call me Yuto." He smiled at me. "But you call me by my last name, I figured it's only formal to do the same to you." He softly let out a laugh, "Well, actually I—", I then realized what he was implying, "Were you waiting for me to tell you it's fine to call me by my first name?" He scratched the back of his head nervously, "Uh yeah , sort of", he said, "I didn't want to start off on the wrong foot you know?"

I laughed a bit at the scenario in front of me. "I'm sorry," I smiled at him, "It's fine. You don't always have to call me Shinazugawa." He looked at me for a few seconds and proceeded to smile, "It's all settled then." I nodded in agreement. "So, where you heading? Home?", I looked over my shoulder and back to him, "Yeah, but I was on my way to Akane's class", I continued, "I wanted to see if she'd like to accompany me to a café or something for an after school treat."

"Oh, that sounds nice." , he replied. I nodded, "Yeah, sort of like a mini celebration." I said, "I actually made the volleyball team." He looked surprised at my news, "Wow, that's awesome! Congrats!" He softly clapped for me. "Thank you." , I smiled, "I hope I'll do my best as a new member." He nodded immediately, "You'll do great. I guarantee it." He continued, "You can count on me being there to show my support at any game.", he said with a big grin, "That is nearby of course.", he added.

"Haha, of course." We stood there quietly for a few seconds. "Alright well I'll leave you then. To you know.. go celebrate." He said signaling towards Akane's class. "Uh sure", I nodded, "See you later then." He nodded, "Congrats, again, Y/N." I thanked him and he smiled as he proceeded to turn back towards wherever he was originally heading.

He really is a nice guy... guess he counts as my first guy friend? Well, besides the guys in Toman of course. Speaking of them, I pulled my cellphone out to send Draken a message. Letting him know about the big news I had today. He'd be sure to let everyone else know. As I finished sending him a message, I heard Akane call out to me. I turned to greet her. "Hey, I was heading to you to see if you wanted to come along to celebrate the big day.", I put my cellphone into my school bag. "Y/N, I wish I could. Really. However, Yumi has other plans with Coach Matsuo." She gloomily said to me with a disappointed look.

"Oh, no. Don't worry it's fine", I began, "It's understandable since you're basically the assisting captain to Yumi." I gave her the biggest reassuring smile. "We can celebrate tomorrow after the meeting if you'd like?", she almost pleaded. "Yeah, that sounds fine," I smiled, "Seriously don't beat yourself up about not being able to today." Akane sheepishly smiled at me and gave me a comforting hug, "Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then." I nodded and we bid each other bye.

Walking outside the school I figured I could always stop by and treat myself alone. "I Can still celebrate on my own anyways it's fine." I heard my cellphone go off. Message from Draken.