After that deep, heartfelt talk, the two continued their study session for a bit longer, only deciding to go home once their plate of finger snacks are finished and the sun had long since gone down.
Worried for her safety, Sousuke insisted on walking her home. Besides, there are a lot of things he wanted to talk to her about other than math and his problematic shoulder. He felt like he had talked too much of himself today, and he wanted to hear more from her, especially the things going on with her stalker. She didn't say anything, so is everything alright again? Or is she just holding it back for his sake?
Sousuke looked at her from the corner of his eye. From his height, he couldn't see her face clearly as they walked side by side. He foudn their height difference cute but at times like these, he wish he could just see her face, know what expression she's making, because usually its a dead give away to what she is thinking.
After a while, he decided to ask her.
"(Name)," he cleared his throat, "how have you been?"
His question was met by a pair of confused (eye colour) orbs. "Um.. We have been together since a few hours ago, but I'm fine thanks for asking."
He couldn't help but let a smile slip to his lips, "Sorry, I just wanted to make sure everything is alright on your side. I've been talking too much about me today, and not enough about you."
"O-oh.." (Name) smiled at his thoughtfulness, but it soon faded when he realized she had to tell him of the email.
"Actually," she started, "I.. Got another email earlier today. In class."
Sousuke felt himself grow concerned, his fists clench and unclench at this side, "what does it say?"
"I haven't opened it. I was too creeped out and it was in class. Do you want to see?"
He nodded in response, and (Name) took her phone out. She opened the mail and showed it to Sousuke, who bent down slightly to read it together.
I love you past the moon
and miss you
beyond the stars
She heard Sousuke curse under his breath as soon as he finished reading.
(Name) dared a glance at Sousuke, he had composed himself again, and his expression went back to being unreadable. Sousuke had a lot of things running in his mind, but a big portion of it was on how to keep her safe.
"I'm definitely walking you home today. He may be back to mails again but that does not make me any less worried."
His sentence made her heart flutter, but she did not let herself rejoice for too long. He probably sees me as a friend, that's all. Besides, she didn't think it will work out, not with her secrets, and not with the possible outcome of him leaving because he felt betrayed after she tell him. But she promised she would, because he deserves to know that much.
She nodded in response and they continues walking, but this time, Sousuke was a lot closer to her than before, and a lot more tense too.
(Name) was about to ask him something when he voiced his question first, "Did you come to the cafe alone earlier today?"
"Um... About that.." she fidgeted nervously, "Makoto and Haru seemed troubled today, and their mood was not all that good and I can see tension between the two. I let them have some time to sort things out between them."
"Hm? Thats new," Sousuke frowned. He could see the train station ahead. It was rather quiet since there are less commuters at that time. "Is something wrong with them?"
(Name) could hear in Sousuke's tone that he genuinely cared this time, Perhaps that watergun game Gou told her about mended the strain in his relationship with Haru? "Well, today we were distributed some future career form. We had a week to fill it.."
As they stood waiting for the train, (Name) told Sousuke all about the day's events, how Haru had only written free in his form, how Haru had seemed unhappy after the principal told him about the scout, and Makoto's worry when he stayed behind to watch over his friend. She told him not to blame any of them because it was her choice to leave first and get to the cafe on her own.
Sousuke understood she meant well, but still..
He sighed, but he could not stay upset at her. Even when the decision she made was poor in his eyes, he knew she did it for what she considered to be the greater good. Nevertheless, he still wish she could be more selfish.
"And I'm guessing you haven't told anyone in Iwatobi yet.' not a question.
A brief silence ensued before (Name) replied "N-not yet."
The train finally came and slowed to a stop to let passengers in and out. They both entered side by side.
Despite the minute amount of people on the station, the train was packed enough that it left no space to sit, other than one chair. He gestured at (Name), letting her take a seat while he stood in front of her, gripping on the handholds which dangled from the poles on the roof of the train.
The doors soon shut and the train began moving, he watched (Name) silently.
"You look like you wanted to say something more before the train arrived," he said, his eyes never leaving her face.
She jolted in surprise. He noticed?
(Name) hesitated a bit, but nodded. "Do you also get those future plans form in Samezuka?"
He sighed, already expecting the question.
"I did."
(Name) perked up and their eyes met, the unspoken question hug in the air, awaiting his answer.
"I'm not sure, honestly," He chuckled lowly, "With my shoulder and all, I have no idea. I wanted to be an Olympic swimmer but, if.. If its not possible, then I'll go down the path of sports medicine. Maybe I can even be a coach."
"Coach Yamazaki," (Name) smiled, "I like the sound of that."
(Name) tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and looked away.
Deep in her heart she wanted Sousuke to stop, to take a break, because that was logically the best thing he could do. However, after hearing his side of the story, his passion, his hopes and dreams...
She understood how he felt. Like him, even with an injured leg, she couldn't keep herself away from performing on stage. The fun and feelings she get from that stage is always worth it, as if she could for a while forget her injury, and even pretend it does not exist.
That is... Until the show is over. Before her leg healed this much, it would usually throbbed painfully after a concert, a reason why she took a break in the first place. Did he feel the same?
Before she realized it, the weight of her thoughts and the day's exhaustion had caught up to her, and her eyes started to droop, blinking slowly, sleepily. She decided to look out the window, at the scenery outside.
The train slowed to a stop at a station. There were still about seven
more station to get to her place. A lot of people got off on this station, leaving their carriage with more room, and the butterfly swimmer took the seat beside her.
Sousuke had spent a lot of time with her that day but he still felt like he couldn't get enough of her. Her home was still a few minutes walk away from her station but he felt as if he wasn't ready to part ways with her yet, even though they both have school tomorrow. The corners of his lips curled up slightly as he watched her yawn, her eyes glued to the window behind her as she watched the lights emanating from the houses that lined the view.
"You tired?"
(Name) nodded, rubbing her eyes. She didn't get that much sleep last night because she had been catching up on her homework.
She tensed when she felt his arm snake around her and pushed her head toward his shoulder, letting her lean on him.
Her eyes travelled up to his face questioningly. She saw that Sousuke was looking straight ahead, anywhere but at her, a slight pink dusting his cheek.
"Go to sleep. I'll wake you when we get to your station."
(Name)'s heart thudded faster in her chest, she wanted to sit up straight again and tell him she's alright. But her exhaustion was doubled once she felt his warmth against her cheek. Her eyelids grew heavier with each breath she took, along with traces of his scent. He smells so nice, despite the faint tinge of chlorine mixed in.
Soon enough, her eyes closed completely and she dozed off, leaving a flustered Sousuke seated beside her. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. What was I doing? Why did I..
He turned his head to look at her. She was already breathing steadily as she leaned her head on his shoulder, sound asleep.
Despite his nervousness, he smiled at the sight. She always looked so peaceful.
He could no longer deny it. He definitely has feelings for the (hair colour) haired girl asleep beside him. This time, he let himself lower his head to rest on top of hers.
There will a Summer festival this Saturday, you should ask (Name) to come with you. Sousuke's lips twitched as he remembered Rin's words. It was after their small almost-argument, right as they walked past a poster announcing the festival.
How am I supposed to even do that?
Uh.. Just man up and ask her? He groaned softly, remembering the smirk that played across Rin's face as he said it.
He straightened up and looked at (Name) again. Maybe I should try.. But what if she...
Just ask her to come as friends, it should be fine.
Yeah right, Rin. Nationals is coming.
You have a week before that, and you can't be practicing 24/7.
He looked at her again as he snapped out of his thoughts, admiring her form. Rin said it as if it was so easy.
Sousuke stayed frozen and silent all the way to the station nesr her house. When they got there, she gently shook her awake and helped her up, carrying her bag in his hand.
She thanked him with a blush and was about to take her bag again when he held it further from her reach, insistjng he carry her bag for her.
They bickered as they walked but in the end, (Name) gave in and simply walked beside him.
They were silent this time. The two were generally quiet by nature so they have no problem enjoying the silence between them. Unknown to her, however, Sousuke's mind was racing. How should he ask her?
All too soon, they reached her house and Sousuke gave (Name) her bag so she could search for her keys.
"Uh.. (Name).." He started in a small voice, his hand rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
She turned, curiosity in her eyes while her hand held the key already fitted into its hole. "What is it, Sousuke?" she asked, tilting her head.
Geez he loves it when she does that.
"D-do you.. Uhh.. Have you heard of the Summer festival?" He asked cautiously.
"Oh the one with fireworks?" Sousuke watched her lovingly as her eyes lit up like a child. She absolutely love fireworks. The explosion of colours never cease to amaze her.
He chuckled, walking over to lean against the wall right beside the door. "Yeah that one." He noticed his nervousness ebbing away slowly.
His teal eyes never left her as he spoke his next words very carefully and gently. "Would you like to... Uh.. Go to the festival with me?"
(Name) looked up at him, her head slightly tilted as if trying to read him. She seemed to get the message because soon enough, (Name) could feel her cheeks grow hot.
"A-a-as in.. A d-date?" her voice was barely above a whisper.
Sousuke's breath hitched. He had to shove his hands into his jacket pockets, otherwise he would uncontrollably pull her towards him in a desperate embrace. She looked so cute and the urge to do just that was strong.
It was funny how one girl could have so many effects on him.
(Name) was still waiting for a reply, hee body leaning closer towards him, anticioating his next reply. His eyes then settled on her lips, those pink, perfect, lips.
"I-if you want to then su-"
Before he could even finish his sentence, her front door opened. This made (Name) stumble back in surprise while Sousuke reflexively took a stand in front of her protecrively.
"Oh, (Name), you're home."
The (hair colour) haired girl dared herself to peek from behind Sousuke's wide shoulders. To her relief, it was just her cousin. She completely forgot that she gave him the key to her house, already used to the regular visits from him no matter where she is.
"(Cousin's Name)! Geez you scared us!" (Name) huffed, glaring at him.
"Ah.. Sorry. Was I interrupting something?" he smirked. (Name) wanted nothing more than to smack him right there.
"No. You did not. Sousuke was just about to leave, right?" at her finak word, she turned to look at Sousuke.
"Oh!" She realized she never introduced him to her cousin.
"Sousuke, this is (Cousin's Name). He is my cousin and he occasionally would come to keeo me company. Sometimes with my aunt, sometimes alone due to a business trip. And Cousin's Name, this is Yamazaki Sousuke."
She hesitated, wanting to say more, but kept quiet. He's my friend. She hates that word now.
"Ahh nice to meet you, Yamazaki-san." her housin stuck her hand iut fir a shake, which he soon got, "thank you for watching over (Name)."
"It was no problem," Sousuke chuckled and looked at (Name). He had a smile on his face but it did not quite reach his eyes.
"Well, I should get going. Thanks for today, (Name), and Good Night you two." He stated as he gave them a polite nod and turned to leave.
When he passed her, however, he gave her a gentle smile. "the offer still stands, (Name)."
(~_^) (ŏ_ŏ )(｡･ω･｡ )
- Author's Notes -
Assembling 26 letter combinations into words and arranging words into a comprehensible statement is NOT easy when you're half alive and running on 4 hours of sleep HAHAHAHAHAHAH but i enjoy it dont worry. I love this fic too much :')
A lot happened in a week. I rushed my projects, I printed an assignment twice because mistakes, caught a cold, and went to visit my aunt's grave. And right now, I crave that specific brand of milk i drank in ny childhood. BUT THE CHAPTER IS DONE SO YAY
Thank yoy for your endless support and for akways being on the other side of the screen reading and voting on this story. You guys always made my day. This story almost reached 4k reads and im SHOOK
Anyways, I shud sleep soon, got more classes tmrrw jfdbjsksjjska. Ill write and uodate as soon as possible, I cant wait to get this festival arc over with. Because something special awaits at the end of this arc mwahahahahahahha
^ me being the shameless trash that i am
Oh and the poem is found in google, written by "JmStorm".