The cold wind brushes his cheeks as he shivers in response. It's been a routine to eat lunch outside with his friends but that may come to a stop once winter sets in. Dismissing that fact, Hinata is always happy to get free lunch, especially if it is from Oboro. He can't get enough of the navy haired girl as her every glance seems to make his heart tickle his chest in excitement. However her attention is divided for his best friend, Takumi.
After missing for seven years Takumi popped into his life again and Hinata was glad he did. The boy was an important piece of his past, saving him from bullies, a great partner in kendo, and the best friend he could ask for. If anyone ask him what he thought Takumi could be he'll gallantly say 'a hero'. That was how much he admired the boy. Even now Takumi is Takumi in his eyes but he's welcoming the changes appearing in the friend.
For one, Takumi never spoke much about anyone nor express so much absentminded behavior in the past. It is a rare treat for both Hinata and Oboro to see him, the ever diligent, be in a good mood while wandering in his thoughts. Hinata also notice that Takumi look more well-rested and happier in a sense. Maybe it was because a certain someone he always see his friend with.
Hinata could tell that Oboro was on to Takumi and definitely knew the reason why. The courtyard that they are eating at is empty due to the cold. A perfect place to talk freely.
"So Takumi...," Oboro starts to catch Takumi's attention from his sandwich. "Did something good happen, aside from being able to resume practice at the kyudo club? You're humming."
Hinata could only smile at the blush covering his cheeks then keep smiling when Takumi retorts, "I was not humming. And nothing else happen."
Oboro raises an eyebrow at Takumi and Hinata, a partner on this side, pressures him with a teasing smirk, "Whatever you say ;)"
Takumi refuses again, "Really Hinata there is nothing else."
"It couldn't be," Oboro gasp suddenly and Hinata can see how startled Takumi is. It's been a while since he seen his friend make a panic expression. Oboro continues on from his reaction, "I was right. Something making you real happy."
"No, it's just good to go back to the bow." Takumi set his sandwich down and crosses his arms. A visible stance of power that could've work if it wasn't Oboro.
Hinata knows something is up since Takumi never does this unless cornered. Still, Oboro will have a word with him if he lets this rare opportunity to go, "That's impossible Takumi. You'll even practice in the mountains just to train."
The boy with amber eyes shakes in head in reply and explains, "Not this time, the captain refused to let me join until she said my hand was injury free."
Hinata who is in the kendo club knows the kyudo club's captain's reputation, as well as the sparking rumors of Takumi's entrance. Takumi really is awesome. Without holding back his excitement he asks, "Yeah what was that? I've been hearing the cool display of a 'transfer' student getting the famed Captain Setsuna's personal approval circulating around the sport clubs."
"Though it's well expected from one like Takumi to make a big impression," Oboro adds on. Takumi cheeks redden in embarrassment while he frowns and Hinata recognize what will come next.
"Come on its nothing that serious. Personally I think the Captain is a ditz. I mean once she walked into the shooting range to grab her arrows while everyone else was shooting." Takumi smoothly deflects their compliments and complain to purposely move to a different topic.
Oboro plays along but ask worriedly, "Did she get hurt?"
"No, actually she smirked and said it was a wonderful experience," Takumi looks dumbfounded before adding, "I can see why the club members always let her slack off or have her use the range alone."
Hinata surprise at this states, "Really?! I've always heard how she's been winning competitions since she entered archery in high school."
"If I hadn't seen her skills, I wouldn't had believe that claim," Takumi could only sigh before picking up his sandwich. He takes a few bites before Oboro starts a new conversation.
"I've recently heard that your class president won the chess tournament," Oboro slyly mentions before picking a piece of cutlet up with her chopsticks. Takumi, a very excited Takumi bounce up at her words, "Yeah he did! It was too bad I couldn't go watch him."
Hinata smile pitifully at the fact Oboro had tricked him into speaking. She normally doesn't do this but it seems like today is the day. At first Hinata was worried why Oboro pushed Takumi so far when she's usually docile but he guess she was also pushing herself. Hinata loves both of them and if he had to choose-
"Stop smiling," Takumi frowns before taking a bite of his lunch. Hinata is slightly surprise to see the sweet, unyielding smile Oboro has decorating her face. Is it wrong to say he was relieved?
"Do you romantically like him Takumi?" Oboro asks but to Hinata it was like she was telling his friend the obvious truth they all know.
"No way in hell do I am in l-lov..." His friend hastily answers before quickly whispering, "With that nerd."
Oboro frowns and Hinata knows why. She doesn't want Takumi to be like her, having a unquenched love without trying. She presses on, "You shouldn't lie to yourself. You even said you wanted to see him play."
At this point Takumi is blushing as hard as a tomato and admits, "Fine! You smoked me out! Yeah I-I think he's l-li-likable... But I'm sure he's not into men..."
As he finishes his words, Hinata can see the recognizable pattern of dread filling his face before cooling to a pale color. His face falls just like how Oboro used to do. But that isn't the face the two friends both want on Takumi's, so she chuckles, "Takumi you're a wonderful person and you still are. I'm sure you can ask for his preference when you meet him."
Hinata can feel her pink eyes on him but he knows already that he can interfere, "Yeah that's right Takumi! There's nothing wrong in doing that. Though I'm not good with words I still think you're always someone we both love and admire. I'm confident he sees you in the same way."
Takumi remains silent before turning his head downward and whispers, "Thanks Oboro. Thanks Hinata."
Then a question dawns onto Hinata which of course he'll ask, "Oboro how did you know about the chess tournament? I thought you paid no attention to that?"
"I remember Takumi mentioning it ever so often so I looked into it. I found that, Leo de Nohr participated. You know, that blond we see Takumi talking to in class," she answers loudly so both Hinata and Takumi can hear.
"Leo is his name? The mystery guy that Takumi mentions sometimes in every conversation we have together," Hinata deduce innocently. If it's that guy it'll be alright, cause even he can see the lingering eyes the other had for Takumi when they come get him for lunch. Oboro must had caught that as well or else they wouldn't even be having this conversation.
"Uh..." Takumi quietly says before standing up abruptly. "Lunch is about to end we should go back."
Hinata couldn't see his face but could tell that he's in a hurry. Not understanding why, Oboro giggles and packs her stuff and Hinata followed. They all left the courtyard and enter back into the building. Hinata and Oboro waves at Takumi before splitting from him. When they were finally alone Oboro slips her hand into Hinata's and he whispers, "Are you okay?"
"Don't worry. You're a keeper," she squeezes his hand in reassurance. "I'm alright now, oh and Hinata?"
"Hm?" Hinata hums in question as they still walk hand in hand.
"I love you."
Hinata smiles and leans in close and whispers, "I love you too."
Author's Notes:
You must be wondering, "Where the ship I was on?!" Well...
Haha I promise the next chap will have them. I promise!