As a new week unfolded, Y/n found herself strolling towards her classroom, the echoes of students filling the corridors. Unexpectedly, Bachira, her cheerful and energetic friend, came bounding up to her.
"Hey Yn! mind if I walk with you?" Bachira grins.
"Of course not Bachira, let's go." Y/n smiled softly.
As they walked side by side, Bachira, in a playful mood, linked arms with Y/n, adding an extra layer of camaraderie to their stride.
As Y/n and Bachira approached their classroom, they noticed Rin walking ahead. Y/n, with her usual warmth, decided to greet him.
"Good morning Rin." Y/n greets Rin.
Rin, acknowledging her with a nod, returned a muted "morning."
Y/n follows Rin "Kumi's not here today, and I don't have a seatmate, want to be my temporary partner for today?".
There was a brief pause as Rin considered the unexpected invitation. His reserved demeanor softened slightly "Okay".
As the class commenced, Y/n, having stayed up late the night before studying, couldn't ward off the fatigue that crept up on her. The hum of the classroom and the gentle drone of the teacher's voice created a lulling ambiance that proved too much for her tired eyes.
Unbeknownst to Y/n, Rin, seated beside her as her temporary seatmate, observed her struggle against the urge to sleep. He noticed the subtle signs—a yawn here, a slow blink there. As Y/n finally succumbed to the exhaustion, her head gently rested on her folded arms, and the rhythmic rise and fall of her breathing indicated a peaceful slumber.
Rin, despite his usual reserved demeanor, found himself captivated by the serene sight of Y/n asleep. He couldn't help but let his gaze linger on her features—the soft curve of her lashes, the tranquil expression on her face, and the gentle rise and fall of her chest.
As the lunch break approached, Rin noticed Y/n still lost in the embrace of sleep. Realizing she needed to wake up, he gently nudged her shoulder.
"Y/n it's lunch break, you should wake up." Rin wakes Y/n up softly.
Y/n, stirring from her brief slumber, blinked sleepily and looked up at Rin."Oh sorry, I didn't mean to doze off." Y/n rubs her eyes as she stands up.
As Rin and Y/n walked towards the cafeteria, the aroma of various dishes filled the air. However, Y/n seemed unusually reserved today. Rin, observant as always, noticed her hesitance.
"Is everything okay Y/n?" The hint of concern was heard from Rin.
Y/n smiles, "Yeah just not feeling like eating much today."
Rin, sensing something more, decided to offer a thoughtful gesture
"Alright, how about a beverage then? my treat."
Y/n, appreciative of Rin's consideration, nodded in agreement, they entered the cafeteria together, and Rin guided Y/n towards the beverage machine.
"What would you like?" Rin asks, looking at the options.
"Just a canned coffee, please." Y/n responded.
Rin pushed the coffee button, and as they waited, a quiet understanding passed between them.
Seated at a corner table in the bustling cafeteria, Rin and Y/n found a momentary respite. Rin quietly enjoyed his meal, occasionally glancing at Y/n to ensure she was comfortable. The atmosphere was serene, punctuated by the low hum of conversations and the clinking of utensils.
As Rin and Y/n settled into their quiet lunch, Isagi, Bachira, Nagi, Reo, and Chigiri, sensing the camaraderie, decided to join them. Pulling up chairs, they gathered around the table.
"Mind if we crash the party?" Reo grins.
"Not at all" Y/n gestured to them to join her and Rin.
The group exchanged pleasantries, and the cafeteria table transformed into a lively hub of conversations. Rin, typically reserved, found himself engaged in the banter, the presence of their friends adding a layer of warmth to the lunchtime gathering.
As the lunch break came to an end, the group made their way back to the classroom. Y/n, Rin, and their friends took their respective seats, preparing for the afternoon lessons.
As Y/n settled into her seat, Osamu approached her quietly.
"Hey Y/n, are you okay? You seemed tired during class" Osamu says as he lowers himself to face Y/n.
Y/n smiled, "Oh I'm fine Osamu, just didn't get any extra sleep."
Osamu nodded, satisfied now that he knows the reason why she was off today. Before returning to his seat, Osamu reached into his pocket and pulled out a brightly colored lollipop. With a friendly smile, he handed it to Y/n.
"Here, maybe something sweet will lift your energy a bit."
"Thanks Osamu, that's really kind of you." Y/n grateful accepted the candy.
Rin rolled his eyes after the interaction, resting his chin on his left palm.
Y/n, seated beside him, couldn't help but steal a glance at Rin's relaxed posture. What caught her attention, however, was the subtle reveal of his veiny forearm, a detail that triggered an unexpected warmth in her cheeks.
As the final bell echoed through the corridors, signaling the end of the class, Y/n gathered her belongings with the familiar energy of anticipation for volleyball practice. In an unexpected gesture, Rin Itoshi, known for his reserved demeanor, rose from his seat and offered to walk her to the gym.
Approaching the gym doors, Y/n mustered a small smile, "Thanks for walking me, Rin."
He nodded in response, a gesture that carried more weight than words.
Before Rin departed for the soccer field, he reached into his bag and pulled out a small pack of gummy bears. With his trademark reserve, he extended the colorful treat toward Y/n, a subtle but meaningful offering.
"These might help," he remarked quietly, his stoic expression betraying a rare hint of consideration. The gummy bears, a gesture of support, conveyed a silent understanding of the energy required for volleyball practice ahead.
Y/n, touched by the unexpected gesture, accepted the gummy bears with a grateful smile. "Thanks Rin, I appreciate it," she replied.
With a nod, Rin continued on his way to the soccer field, leaving Y/n with a pocketful of gummy bears and a warm sentiment that lingered beyond the candy's sweetness.
Entering the gym, Y/n swiftly made her way to the changing room, the familiar sound of sneakers echoing against the floor. In the privacy of the locker room, she changed into her volleyball shorts and jersey, the routine second nature to her.
With the quick change complete, Y/n retrieved the gummy bears Rin had given her. The vibrant colors spilled out onto her palm, a pocket-sized burst of energy waiting to be consumed.
As the coach's whistle pierced through the gym, signaling the commencement of practice, Y/n's focus sharpened. The volleyball court became her arena, and every movement was a testament to her dedication. She moved with a blend of grace and determination, each step purposeful and every swing of her arm infused with intent.
Sweat glistened on her forehead as she tirelessly engaged in drills, spiking the ball with a controlled force that echoed the intensity of her effort. Y/n's spikes reverberated through the gym, leaving no doubt about the power behind each play. She dove and sprawled across the court for every ball, her defensive prowess on full display.
The repetitive sound of balls meeting palms and sneakers squeaking against the polished floor filled the air, creating a rhythmic symphony of effort and dedication.
With the final whistle signaling the end of practice, a collective sense of accomplishment and exhaustion lingered in the air. The coach, a firm advocate of discipline, announced that the team would be responsible for tidying up the gym before calling it a day.
Y/n, along with her teammates, grabbed brooms and began sweeping the court, erasing the traces of their vigorous drills.
With the last ball returned to its storage bin and the gym floor gleaming, the team exited the gym, not just as athletes who had practiced hard but as a collective force that respected and nurtured the space where their dedication flourished.
As Y/n exited the gym, the usual post-practice calm was disrupted by the distant sounds of excited squeals. Furrowing her eyebrows in curiosity, she quickened her pace to investigate the source of the commotion. As she stepped out into the corridor, she was met with an unexpected sight.
There, leaning against the wall with his customary reserve, was Rin Itoshi. The girls who had been squealing seemed to be huddled nearby, exchanging glances and covert giggles. Y/n, puzzled by the unusual scene, approached Rin with a questioning expression.
"What's going on?" she inquired, the curiosity evident in her voice.
Rin, with his usual calm demeanor, gestured towards the girls. "Seems like they're trying to get my attention," he remarked, his tone carrying a hint of nonchalance.
Y/n couldn't resist the urge to question his unexpected presence outside the gym.
"Why are you here?" she inquired, a curious furrow in her brow.
Rin, leaning casually against the wall, glanced at Y/n with his usual stoic expression. "I'm walking you home," he responded matter-of-factly.
As Y/n absorbed the unexpected reply, the surrounding girls couldn't help but murmur among themselves, the whispers carrying speculative undertones. "Are they dating?" some of them wondered aloud, the excitement palpable in their hushed conversations.
As Rin and Y/n prepared to leave, he cast a discreet glance at her attire and then calmly suggested, "You might want to change. Wearing shorts might attract unnecessary attention."
Y/n, momentarily surprised by the unexpected concern, nodded appreciatively. "You're right," she acknowledged, realizing the practicality of the suggestion.
As she headed back into the gym to change into more casual attire, Rin maintained his composed demeanor, unaware of the ripple of murmurs and speculative gazes from the nearby onlookers.
As they embarked on the walk home, the quiet streets bathed in the gentle glow of streetlights, Y/n couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Rin's unexpected company. Breaking the comfortable silence, she turned to him with a sincere smile.
"Thanks for walking me home again, Rin," she expressed, the words carrying genuine appreciation.
Rin, though reserved, nodded in acknowledgment. "No problem," he replied succinctly, his stoic demeanor softened by the subtle warmth of the gesture.
As they continued their journey, the night enveloped them in a quiet companionship, leaving the murmur of the city as the only soundtrack to their shared walk home.