chapter thirty!
GAUCHE
AUGUST, A MONTH OF SULTRY WEATHER.
Months like these were times when Mina couldn't bear to be outside. It's agonizingly hot and humid, that uncomfortable feeling of stickiness on one's skin, damp clothes and constant buzzing of cicadas. Mina could list down all the traits summer had that she hated but at the moment, she was simply trying to fend off the heat.
Here she was inside the Sakanoshita store, mindlessly biting into a slice of watermelon. It was her turn to watch the store again; not that she minded since everyone else was too busy tending to their own chores. The brunette had finished all the homework, read all books that could be read around the house and surfed what could be surfed on the internet. But it became too repetitious, nothing too interesting that could be found.
While she could hear the animated chatter of the television in the next room, the only source of entertainment she truly had was spitting seeds directly into a bowl in the distance. Aside from that repetitive— and lonely— game, Mina couldn't tell how many times she blanked out and stared off at nothing in particular.
The automated chimes of the door set off as animated chatters accompanied it. Her eyes falls towards the doors and much to her surprise, it was the Karasuno folks. They were a lively bunch, all colourful with such odd designs on their shirts. But it seemed like they just got out of practice, judging by the way some of them broke away from the main circle and drifted off to the cooler areas for drinks— well, only Nishinoya and Tanaka.
"Welcome," Mina gives a subtle bow as she places down her watermelon.
Heads turned to her, seeing the smile she had on. Daichi was the first one to approach with a mirrored expression, wanting to give his greetings but Hinata ultimately butts in with such an excited look.
"Lee-san, it's been a while!" He chimes in. "How is summer so far— ack!" The ginger haired male halts abruptly as he was pulled back by Daichi, whom surely wasn't pleased by that cut-off.
"Good afternoon, Lee-san," Their captain greets, still as well-mannered and pleasant as ever. "How are you today?"
Hinata was seen struggling from behind, wanting to move forward to talk with the girl but he was just casted behind farther by the other teammates who were busily doing their own thing. In the end, he was at the very end of the train, right beside Kageyama who unsurprisingly was frowning.
"Oh, good! Training is finished?" She queries, and Sugawara pops up from behind Daichi with a smile.
"About twenty minutes ago, yes," He nods. "We have a week off now to rest and enjoy summer break— oh! by the way, thanks again for coming to our game! It was really nice of you to cheer us on during the preliminary games."
Mina vividly remembers the event. Karasuno versed against two schools and if she could remember it, they were... Ohui? Ohgu— well, Oh-something Minami and Kakugawa. Quite the comedic story actually; Mina didn't realize there were two managers to the team. She was fumbling around, pondering on what flavour of tea she should try this time around when the blonde manager, whom introduced herself as Yachi, came along and offered her shy opinion.
A lot of stuttering from her and Mina wonders why she was acting so conscious [ Yachi who was caught up in her fantasies again in fear of being beside such a foreign beauty ] but nevertheless, it was nice to meet someone as nice as her.
But in credit to the newfound acquaintance and for the exciting game, Mina could only thank one person.
"No need to say thanks, it was good game! Tobio-kun invited me to game and soㅡ"
"T-Tobio?!"
Sugawara sputters, eyes wide like Harry Potter's circular specs. The whole team stops in their tracks, whatever snacks they scoured for or conversation held were halted and in return, eyes the blushing raven haired male instead.
"How... unexpected." Asahi blinks owlishly.
"They're on... first name basis?!" Nishinoya dramatic staggers, unbelieving to the fact that she had just said the first name of the grouchiest teammate in their team.
"Damn, I really didn't want to say this but Kageyama's got balls," Tanaka purses his lips like he admits his defeat all while admiring his underclassman. "If only Kiyoko-san would say mine..!"
Around the distance, their fellow second-years Narita, Kinoshita and Ennoshita eyed the comedic duo with a flat look, obviously used to and most definitely tired of their oddities. They slowly start to walk away, not wanting to be caught in the cult's episodes.
Right about the same time as well, the first-years are gathered behind and while Tsukishima being the tallest, eyed the girl from behind the mass before his eyes fell to the blushing raven haired male beside him. His lips curve in a lofty manner, amused at the events unfolding at the moment.
"Looks like His Highness has finally come down from his heavenly graces because of a commoner," The tall blonde gives a piece of his thoughts. "I guess Hell is freezing over."
"Hah?" Kageyama's glare lands on him.
"W-Wait, Kageyama, you're dating Lee-san?!"
Yamaguchi couldn't help himself anymore and jumps into the conversation. The sharp look the raven haired male held slowly melts, a frown still intact but he couldn't keep up with them, too flustered and surprised by the turn of events.
"W-Whatㅡ"
"No way— this Kageyama?!" Hinata's eyes nearly popped out of its sockets. "B-But— I thought it was Tsukishima who was dating Lee-san!"
Now, it was Tsukishima's turn to frown. He was dating Mina? That's some news. What the hell was he going on about—?
"Tsukki, you are?!"
His friend turns to him now. He couldn't deny, Yamaguchi was a little hurt by how his friend couldn't even tell him of such a thing. They're childhood friends but he couldn't even spare the details of his hidden love-life?
"...Why am I suddenly dating her when we barely speak to each other?"
"Because you guys are in the same class and you two were acting all friendly outside the halls!" Hinata chimes in with his thoughts, looking like he had laid down an impenetrable evidence.
Kageyama would deny it but he had been curious for the longest time. All these nonsense the ginger haired male was spouting that he actually fell for— his frown deepens at the thought.
"Just when I thought your brain has hit rock-bottom already," Tsukishima sighs, clearly peeved. "You're way dumber than I thought. Is Volleyball all there is inside your brain?"
Hinata grits his teeth like a wild animal despite his flustered appearance. "W-What! So you two are having a little something then!"
"We're not dating, you doltー"
"Everybody shut up and get the hell out!" Ukai roars the moment he steps inside the store, all the rambunctious noise flapping from mouth to mouth has been a huge inconvenience for anyone who lived around the neighbourhood.
FIREWORKS, HUH.
Sugawara suddenly brought it up before they could even leave the shop.
Well, she had never gone to an authentic Hanabi before; all just viewed from photos or videos that circulated online. It would be a lie to say that she's not excited when a toothy smile was evidently blooming from her features. And as she told Ukai's mother about her plans, merely about to walk out of the door with those casual clothing, the woman shrieked and pulled her back inside all while saying, "Dress for the occasion!"
As a final result, she stood by the genkan all dressed up for the fireworks show. Obasan couldn't have looked more proud while she stared at the girl— garbed in a kimono in a shade of tuscan sun that had flecks of cherry blossom petals, Ajisai and Ume. Mina's usual hair was also tied into a messy bun with a Himawari ornament attached to it. To say the least, the woman had put all her effort into this since she never had dolled anyone up, having to raise an only son.
"You're so beautiful, Mina-chan!" Obasan cries out, doing her final touch-ups for the girl's makeup. "Gosh, you're going to walk around town breaking people's hearts."
Mina's smile heightens with a chuckle bubbling in her throat. "Thank you so much, Obasan."
"Thank me for what? I'm more thankful to you for letting me experience what it's like to have a daughter," The woman counters, eyes softened. "Now, you have a wonderful time, alright? Fully enjoy the festival and remember to get the best view of the fireworks! That's the most important part."
She sends a subtle wink and Mina tilts her head with a confused expression.
"Well, nothing to worry about right now. Go, go, go!"
The brunette immediately slips on the geta and bids the woman farewell. Once she was outside and now fully aware of her footwear, Mina wobbles a little from the way it tilts forward without her even trying to. Like the newborn Bambi, she struggles and stumbles, slowly approaching the outside gates and when she does arrive, the forepart of her foot scuffs the ground.
"Woah-!" Mina immediately closes her eyes to brace the impact.
But there was no harsh pavements. Just the sensation of someone's arms circling around her as she falls into their sturdy chest. An oof escapes their lips and Mina couldn't help but do the same thing as well.
"Y-You alright?" The brunette could feel the reverberations in his chest as he spoke.
Smells like laundry detergent, Mina mulls unconsciously. It's a nice scent.
She looks up, only to have Kageyama's face a mere inches away from hers. It was so instantaneous, so unexpected that she was unable to comprehend their distance. But Kageyama's breath hitches as she stares at him with that doe-eyed look.
"Sorry!" Kageyama helps her up, cheeks flaring.
"Oh, thank you," Mina sheepishly smiles as she fixes herself up. "Kinda hard to walk in geta."
Her lips were moving, words coming out of them but he couldn't hear it— not when he was staring at her so blatantly. What his imagination could only generate and now reality sets in, for Mina had stood in front of him wearing a yukata. She looked liked a beautiful summer dream, radiant and breathtaking. Kageyama couldn't formulate such words to describe her but could only feel his heart pounding immensely. His Adam's apple bobs quite heavily and he turns away to hide any expression painted on his visage.
"But why you alone, Tobio-kun?" She queries. "I thought we all watch fireworks together."
"Suga-san insisted I pick you up," He grumbles, scratching the nape of his neck. "He said to just meet up at the entrance."
Mina hums as the reply settles in. The two start to walk now, a little slowly to match the girl's pace.
"I see. You look good in yukata, Tobio-kun."
She smiles, glancing over to see the deep blue outfit he had on. It complimented him quite well, a pair to match his eyes. Even she couldn't help but stare at him for a good few seconds.
"Stupid," He reflexively responds but unlike the times he says it to Hinata, it didn't sound as harsh. "... You're the one who looks good."
"Hm?" She leans a little to his side to hear him better but he immediately turns to her with those cheeks that resembled ripe tomatoes.
"I said you're pretty, you-!" He barks out from embarrassment.
Mina merely blinks from surprise and takes in how red in the face he was. Not a few seconds longer and she bursted out in a fit of chuckles, his expression slowly softening into that of a befuddled one.
"Thank you." She says, pink cheeks prominent from that toothy smile. Mina couldn't say much, not when her heart skipped at his words.
Such an odd thing, the way the heart works.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
has anyone watched
hospital playlist?
gosh i love it they're all
literally my friendship goals