Info
3rd year
Index
(B/n): older brother's name
N/n: nickname
⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀TITLE*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾
❀The 𝐵𝑒𝒶𝓊𝓉𝓎 in her 𝐸𝓎𝑒𝓈❀
F/N'S POV
I'm on my way to the gym. I was asked by the coach to draw the team's promotional poster. I was going to decline m, but my club advisor recommended me. So I couldn't back out. I don't want to get involved with them. No offence to any of the players. Oikawa's fangirls are wild.
"L/n, I'm glad you could make it."
"It's nothing, coach. I hope my art will be satisfactory."
"I trust your skill."
He gathers the boys. They all introduce themselves. Oikawa's in-my-bubble behaviour receives a hit from Iwaizumi.
"My name is L/n F/n. I'm here on behalf of the art club. I'll be in charge of completing your promotional poster."
"Make sure I look pretty, N/n-chan," Oikawa says, winking. I nod, a little uncomfortable.
"I'll give it my all. Uhm can I take pictures? I need some references for my work."
"You can have all the pictures you want, N/n-chan! Ow! Iwa-chan, that hurt!" He whines.
Iwaizumi smacks him again. "I apologize for him. Take all the pictures you need."
"Thank you."
I take my shots while they practice. I get amazing shots for all the players, except Oikawa. His shots are the worst.
"Oikawa, can you please be more natural? You're trying too hard."
He changes himself up and his shots come out a lot better. I can get started. I bid farewell to everyone and head for the clubroom. I found a decent-sized sheet of paper. I roll it up and place it in my holder. I put on an apron and start sketching away on the blackboard, looking through their pictures.
The soft scratch of chalk against the board echoes in my ears. I'm zoned in. The club room door opens but I pay no attention to it.
"N/n-chan is so good!"
"What do you need Oikawa?"
"You're just gonna ignore my compliment like that?" He says, astonished.
"Thank you. What do you need?" I reply dryly.
"Our practice ended not too long ago."
I wipe my hands. "What's keeping you here then?"
"Let's walk home together."
I roll my eyes. "I won't fall for your ploy so easily. But do come here for a second."
He does as told. I hold his face in my hands, moving it around, taking in the small details. I turn back to the board to complete his sketch. "That looks better. Thanks for the help Oikawa."
I take some pictures, clean up and get ready to leave. Oikawa is still frozen in place. "Are you coming, Oikawa?"
He jumps back to life, wearing his usually flirty grin. "Can I have your number too?"
"What are you planning?"
"Eh, I can't have N/n-chan's number?"
"Will you stop whining if I give it?"
He nods excitingly, cheering when we exchange numbers. He takes a picture of me for the contact. It doesn't go as well for me. "Stop smirking idiot. It looks fake."
"It's not. I'm being genuine here!" He exclaims.
click
"That's better."
Oikawa blinks a couple of times, before prodding over to see the picture. "Take another one. It's not pretty enough!"
"That's why it's perfect," I say, flicking his forehead.
TIME SKIP
"What's the progress on the poster, L/n?"
"I should be done tonight. If not, then by tomorrow afternoon."
"That's wonderful. Keep up the good work."
"Thank you, I will."
This is now my daily routine. Wake up, go to school, watch the boys practice and work on the poster all night long.
I'm starting to get used to everyone.
"N/n-chan, can I see the poster?"
Almost everyone.
"You'll see it when it's done. Just like everyone else," I reply, not looking up from my phone. I'm looking for pens to line my art. My best pen gave up on me last night. It was a sad moment.
"Can't I take a peak?" He pleads, practically sitting on me. He's so close! I push his face away. "I already said no—Hey! Give me my phone back!"
Stupid height of mine. There was no way I'm reaching it. He casually scrolls through my things. His face lights up with a smirk. "Are you secretly a fangirl? You have so many pictures of me. Oh, a lot more than the others," he says, flipping my phone to display the numerous pictures I had of him.
"They're for reference," I say in defence. "If I tell you I'm taking pictures, you never play at your best."
"What do you mean?"
I jump, yanking the phone out of his hand. "Natural beauty... A rose can only look so radiant surrounded by its own. Out in a field at the break of dawn, lightly glazed in dew."
I can tell Oikawa didn't catch a peep of what I just said. I shake my head. "Never mind that. You'll get it when you see the poster."
He rejoins the boys and there's something different about him. I'm almost amazed watching him play. When practice ends, I help them clean up and head for the gates.
"Are you sure you're okay walking alone this late?" Iwaizumi asks.
"No need to worry. My brother's picking me up."
"Do you want me to wait with you?"
I smile. "It's okay. You worked hard. You deserve to go home and rest."
He nods, sending me a smile. "See you tomorrow then."
"Bye."
I scroll through my phone still looking for art supplies. You can never have too many art supplies. I scream at the cold air that rolls down my neck. Oikawa is standing behind me with a shit-eating grin. I punched his arm. "What's the deal with you!?"
He sulks. "I called your name several times but you didn't answer," he says, rubbing his arm.
I sigh. "I'm sorry. Just don't sneak up on me next time."
"I can't promise that," he teases. I can feel the pulsing of the veins in my forehead. I'm not going to get annoyed. Not this time.
"Why are you still here?" He asks.
"My brother is picking me up. I need more supplies to finish the poster."
"Do you mind if I come?"
I shrug my shoulders indicating he could. My brother pulls up a couple of minutes later.
"Who's the guy? Boyfriend?"
"Your humour has yet to be entertaining, brother."
He laughs, looking at Oikawa in the rearview mirror. "What's your name kid?"
"Oikawa Tōru."
"Isn't he the guy you always talk about?" My brother says. I facepalm. Of all things, he had to say. It had to be that.
"You talk about me, N/n-chan? I'm flattered," Oikawa says. I click my tongue in displeasure.
"If you call a rant about how you're the most annoying person on earth "talking about you" then I suppose you're correct."
"I'll take it anyways," he replies, smiling. Not smirking, smiling.
We arrive at the shop and I run out of the car, away from the two idiots I'm unfortunately stuck with. I buy pens, more markers and some sketchbooks. Because why not have two more sketchbooks when I have 10 waiting for me at home.
My brother and Oikawa chatted the entire time. About what? I haven't a clue.
"Oikawa is spending the night," my brother announces, starting the car.
"Wonderful."
"That's one nasty look you have on your face," he points out.
"All the better for you to see my incredible distaste for your existence in the present time," I hiss.
My brother whistles. "You're improving. Almost hurt me with that one."
I hear Oikawa chuckle in the back. "So this is what you're really like," he says. The corners of my lips twitch up into a smile. "What do you mean? I've always been real around you."
"Have you?" He asks.
"Have you?" I counter. He looks pensive.
"Eyes are the window to the soul. Your eyes have yet to shine the light of a bright day," I tell him.
"There you go with your poetic garbage again." My brother yawns. "You're such a grandma."
"I love you too, (B/n)."
"Please don't," he replies dramatically. "I'll throw up."
I giggle. "I hope you do."
Oikawa laughs. I smirk. "What's so funny mister Oikawa?"
"You're funny, N/n. Why aren't you like this during practice?"
I move my hands up, shrugging. "You're too preoccupied with impressions. You tend to miss the little details."
"But I always pay attention during practice," he says, with what I have to admit is the cutest pout I've ever seen.
"You pay attention to what your eyes can see. Not to what your heart can feel," I tell him. I look back at his shocked face. "I notice when you're trying and when you're playing, Tōru."
"Are you two going to kiss or something?"
"I'm going to tell your girlfriend that you're being rude again," I say with a piercing stare. He shivers, recoiling into his seat. "Forgive and forget?"
"No."
"Damn it, brat."
"You're mischievous, F/n."
"Oikawa, you haven't seen half of it."
"Call me Tōru!"
"No."
We keep mindlessly chatting until we get home. My brother forcibly drags Oikawa around the house to show him every speck of dust in existence. I block his access to my room. "The poster is there. You're not seeing it until it's done," I remind him.
He smiles and playfully winks my way. "I know. I promise I won't peek."
"You don't want to go in there anyway," My brother warns him. "It's a literal jungle."
I jab my elbow into his side. "You just can't appreciate the beauty of things."
He flips me off for the hit and drags Oikawa away. He's older here. Let me remind you of that detail. I close myself inside my paradise. The poster is displayed on an easel. I have my pencils littered around on the ground and my trusty little flowered window.
There's a sort of container, right in front of my window from which delicate vines grow. They have small flower buds that sprout along the way. I asked (B/n) to put an extra layer of plastic fencing on the wall so they have something to grow on. They partly dangle off the edge of the fence. Half the wall around my window is covered. Hence the jungle comment from my dear brother.
I sketch until I'm called for supper. I promptly ignore my brother's call and keep sketching. I'm almost done anyway. A couple of minutes later, my brother comes barging in. "Did you not hear me? Oh, looking good sis."
"I heard. I'm just not hungry."
*cue stomach growling*
"And your stomach is eating itself. Come eat."
"I'll be there soon. Give me five more minutes," I say, not looking away from the paper. The door clicks shut. It's once again just me and my art. A few minutes later, there's a knock at the door. I'm assuming it's Oikawa. I cover the poster before letting him in. "What brings you here, Oikawa-san?"
"Your brother asked me to 'go check on the hermit upstairs'," he replies.
"I need to finish the poster," I groan. "I'll eat something later."
"Promise?"
I give him the most confused look. "Are you okay Oikawa? You're acting weird," I say, putting a hand on his forehead. "You don't have a fever."
"I'm fine, F/n."
"No, something's up. You usually called me N/n."
He shrugs, looking around my room. "Just thinking, I guess."
"Don't think too much. You might use up all the air in your head," I tease.
"You wound me F/n," he says in mock hurt. I laugh, pushing him out. "No more coming into my room."
"Promise you'll eat something?"
"I promise, Tōru."
His face brightens at the sound of his name. He leaves with this weird flowery aura around him. Is it weird that my heart lit up as well? I return to my art. This is going to be beautiful.
TIME SKIP
I'm eating some fruits in the kitchen. It's maybe 3 in the morning right now. I didn't want to make too much noise, so cold food it is. Good thing I went shopping for snacks the other day. I turn to meet my guest. "Why are you up so late, Oikawa?"
"How do you always know it's me?" He asks. I point at his feet. "You're light on your feet unlike (B/n) who stomps them wherever he goes."
"You're observant," he notes, leaning against the counter.
I threw him a strawberry. "Only for my art. I'm pretty oblivious otherwise."
He chuckles, eating the fruit. "I've noticed that at least."
I flick his forehead. "At least I'm able to admit it. Unlike a certain brunette, I know."
"I would admit!"
I hush him to be silent. "Are you trying to wake up my brother?" I whisper harshly.
Oikawa deadpans. "There's no way he could've heard me."
As soon as he stops talking, my brother rounds the corner with a fierce glare. "Who's the idiot who was yelling?"
I point at Oikawa without a second doubt. "You know I'm too quiet to make noise."
He gives Oikawa a warning look and goes back to bed. I smack Oikawa on the head. "You're good at getting in trouble."
"I don't always get in trouble," He defends, poking my side. "Iwa-chan is just onto me."
A giggle slips past my lips. I don't know why it did. I guess I'm happy around this annoying goofball. I yawn while cleaning the plate I used. Oikawa looks at my every move. "Something on your mind?"
He scratches his head. "I guess, your words from earlier stuck with me."
"Still confused?" I ask. He nods. I wipe my hands dry and bring him to my room. "Now that I'm done. I can unveil it."
I remove the cover, letting Oikawa bask in it. Meanwhile, I water my plants. "Do you like it?" I ask him.
"It's magnificent," he replies, breathless. It had the effect I wanted.
"You can feel what you see right?" I say, turning back to him. What I did wasn't your conventional poster. Instead of showing the team at their best, standing with no flaws like a photo shoot, I showed them in the heat of a game. When they're sweaty and tired but with unrivalled fire in their eyes. Some spiking, some receiving and Oikawa in the center setting. The only colour present was on their jerseys and in their eyes. It was meant to show passion and devotion to the sport. And judging by how speechless Oikawa was, I think I did pretty well.
I wave my hand in front of his face. "Earth to Oikawa, are you still here?" He snaps out of his trance and smiles. The purest smile I ever witnessed.
"You're more amazing than I first thought, F/n."
"I try to make lasting impressions," I say, covering the art. "Now off to bed you go. Volleyball boy needs his rest."
"Can I stay?"
"Sure," I accept without thought. Oikawa looks just as surprised as I am.
"Finally warming up to me?" He teases.
I playfully push him.
"Maybe you're not as bad as I first thought."
He suddenly holds my hand. I don't pull away. His hand is warm. I kind of like it. He delicately rubs my fingers with his own. Again, I don't resist. "Why are you doing this?"
"Your hands are soft."
"I can't say the same about yours," I reply, giggling. Oikawa's eyes shine. I place my free hand on his face. He leans into it.
"Your eyes are alive. They're shining," I whisper.
"I finally understand. The beauty in your eyes," he replies, leaning his forehead against mine. I never thought we'd reach this point. I don't hate it. I'm comfortable. I don't want him to move away.
"The word is lovelier now, right?" I ask, still staring into his eyes. He chuckles.
"I don't know about the world. But I love the view I have right now."
My face heats up and I think he takes notice. I avoid his gaze. He smiles, saying goodnight.
"Not staying after all?" I ask, secretly hoping he would stay.
"Miss me already?" He replies. I playfully push him out of my room. I'm about to close the door when his hand stops its motion. "If I told you I like you. Would you believe me?"
I think about it. "I suppose I would."
He looks satisfied with my answer, not losing any of the glow in his eyes. "Goodnight N/n."
"Sweet dreams, Tōru."
I went to sleep that night, with the best feeling ever. The most peaceful sleep of my life.
AUTHOR'S POV
The next morning, F/n presents the poster to the eager team. They're all in awe just like Oikawa had been the night before. After multiple thanks and compliments for her work, it's time for F/n to part with the team. She no longer has a reason to stay and watch now that her work is done. Oikawa knows that all too well.
"Will you still come by?" He asks her.
F/n twirls around. "I always will. To see the beauty in your eyes. See you later, Tōru."
"Bye F/n!"
"Stop flirting and get back here!"
"I wasn't flirting, Iwa-chan!"
When practice ends, he's graced with a text.
HE RECEIVED A MESSAGE
FROM F/n☀️
F/n☀️
You played beautifully today
T🔹ru
You were watching?
F/n☀️
Look up
He looks and she's there. She sends him another message before waving him goodbye.
F/n☀️
I want to see all the beauty you have to give
T🔹ru
Are you flirting with me?
F/n☀️
Maybe
T🔹ru
F/nnnnnnn
F/n☀️
See you at lunch Tōru
A subtle laugh emits from the captain. This girl is doing something to him and he loves her for it.
"Why are you smiling like an idiot?"
"I guess I'm just happy, Iwa."
The rest of the team looks at him in incredulity. Iwaizumi shakes his head, knowing why he shined brighter than usual.
"Take care of her," he tells his team captain.
"Planning on it, Iwa-chan."