Forget Me Not

Seventeen | 十七

Seventeen

Walking into his classroom in the morning, Iwaizumi noticed that Oikawa's seat was once again empty. Oikawa had been absent for three days straight, locking himself at home, in his room. Iwaizumi had privately informed Hanamaki and Mattsukawa of the sudden change of situations. Naturally, they were concerned. However, they figured that Oikawa should be given some time alone.

Even his juniors – Kindaichi, Kunimi, Watari – were all worried for him. They tried their best to keep their heads up, trying to hold on even without the guidance of their trusty captain. However, no matter how strong they were trying to stay, a team could never be complete without their captain.

Iwaizumi sighed, folding his arms on his table before leaning his head against it. He barely caught onto any sleep and it showed on his face, paler complexion with dark bags under his bloodshot eyes. He looked out to the skies, which was slightly different from the one Oikawa looked up to three days back.

[Name] had lost her memories once again. She recognized her mother and Sakura, but had no recollection of both Iwaizumi and Oikawa. Of course, they knew at the back of their minds that there was a possibility that they would be forgotten. She did lose her memories of Kimi right before their very eyes previously. But, even if you can see the ball coming right at you, it doesn't change the fact that the impact would hurt.

The third years were quiet as they made their way back home. They were both still in shock, still unable to fully grasp reality. Although it as the same old street they take everyday, it somehow felt further and a much tougher road.

Iwaizumi lingered his gaze at Oikawa. The captain seemed to have lost himself. His shoulders slumped down, like it was being weighed down by the weight of the universe. He wore a blank face the entire time. He was robbed of his emotions, his ability to express pain was no longer there. His head tilted down in a slight angle, his dull eyes stared at the tarred road as he walked on. His lips had been in a tight line for an incredibly long time, the longest Iwaizumi had seen it closed.

"Hey, Tooru..." Iwaizumi begun, finally speaking after the longest time. Although he wasn't quite sure what he should say at that moment, he felt that he couldn't allow Oikawa to end his day like this.

"I really do love her." Oikawa stopped in his tracks and his childhood friend followed. He tilted his head up a little, looking up to the sky. It was a rather cloudy day, hints of the sky peeking by the edges of the clouds. The color of the sky was starting to turn pink-orange; the sun was ready to set.

"I know." Iwaizumi nodded. His hands in his pockets were tightened into fists. He remembered that Oikawa had told [Name]'s parents the same thing when they were explaining to them just the day before. "You explained what happened and I was listening."

"No, Hajime." The captain said. He took a shaky breath, shoulders trembling slightly. "I love her."

Iwaizumi didn't know what to say in return, hearing the sincerity and silent cry of agony in his voice. His brows knitted, feeling and sharing his pain just by the sound of his voice. "I know, Tooru. I really do."

--

"Tooru," Oikawa's mother knocked onto his door softly. "Hajime-kun is here to see you again."

Receiving only silence as a reply, she sighed, hugging herself. She covered her mouth with her hand, trying her best to hold herself together. Iwaizumi noticed that she looked exhausted, as if she had trouble sleeping for the past few days. Her shoulders seemed smaller and she looked frail. However, Iwaizumi felt a sense of relief to see that she had looked better. At least, better than she was a few of days ago.