"Are we seriously going to ignore the fact that Haru-chan was having a private session with the volleyball ace while we were gone?" Kyo-kun pants as we began walking back to the benches.
"Do you actually have a death wish, Kyo-kun?" I rasped out, my eyes narrowing as I take a step towards her.
Kyo-kun flinches and quickly hides behind Rin, who was unusually quiet this whole time.
"Harumi know her priorities," Rin sighs, making me anxious with what she's going on about.
"She knows what to put first and what she needs to do," She continues and begins walking towards my direction.
"If I see you getting distracted over unimportant and frivolous matters, I'll be the first person telling you to get your shit together, Harumi," Rin says as she deeply looks into my eyes with such intensity, making me look down and scratch the back of my head.
"It's nothing... Wakatoshi and I are just friends," I mumbled, getting frustrated with the heavy feeling setting on my chest as I say those words.
After a couple of seconds of silence, I look up and see the two girls eyeing me rather suspiciously. Suddenly, Kyo-kun mischievously smiles at me and starts walking towards me with her hands wriggling in a very odd way.
"Oh, does Haru-chan have a crush on the famous volleyball player?" She says as she slowly circles me.
Right then and there, I felt a vein pop on my forehead. I sigh and pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to calm myself down. Ignore her, I repeated to myself several times.
"Kyo either you really have a death wish or you get off teasing Harumi," Rin says as she begins walking to the changing rooms with gym bag with her.
"Hmmm maybe I do enjoy teasing Haru-chan, after all, she just looks so cute!" Kyo-kun laughs and begins walking towards her twin sister on the other side of the gym.
"I hate you, Kyo-kun," I grumble in annoyance as I follow after Rin.
"I love you too! " Kyo shouts back and waves at us as they leave.
—
"You're yet not headed home?" Rin asks as the two of us started exiting the gymnasium.
"I promised Wakatoshi that I would watch his practice match after training today," I mumbled, pointing to the gym right beside us.
Rin curiously eyes me and raises a brow. "Hmm... If your relationship with Wakatoshi is a secret, you do know I won't tell anyone, right?" she casually says and begins walking towards the other active gym.
"It's not like that!" I blushed and jogged after my friend.
When we were just outside the entrance of the volleyball gym, a very energetic Tendo jumped from the door and towards us.
"Haru-chan!" He shouts, skipping towards me.
"Hello, Tendo-kun," I said while waving at the man.
"Wakatoshi-kun asked me to come and get you," He said twirling around me but suddenly stops when he notices my companion.
"Oh, Haru-chan's teammate?" He asks and places an arm around my shoulder.
Rin eyes the arm on my shoulder but brushes it off as she steps forward and holds out her hand. "I'm Minako Rin, a close friend of Harumi," she says in a formal matter, earning a grin from Tendo.
"It's nice to meet you! My name's Tendo Satori" He says as he shakes Rin's hand with his free one.
"Alright, now that the introductions are out of the way, let's get this practice match over with shall we?" Tendo lets me go and nods at the both of us.
Rin shakes her head and points towards the gates, "I'm just here to drop her off. I'll be on my way now, please take care of her."
"Yet you didn't have to do that," I grumbled.
"Really? Last time we were at the mall, you got lost when you went buying cheeseburgers," Rin answers, earning a blush from me and fits of laughter from Tendo.
"You really are something, Haru-chan. And don't worry, Rin-chan. I'm sure there's someone in there who'll take good care of her," Tendo smirks at me knowingly as I stare at him in confusion.
I turn to Rin and saw that she was eyeing me. "What?" I ask, still confused with what Tendo implied. Rin sighs and shakes her head. "Text me when you get home!" She says and begins walking towards the gates.
"Lost because of burgers, really Haru-chan?" Tendo snickers at me.
I think I felt another vein popping.
I narrowed my eyes as I turn to Tendo, trying to hit his side but he was too quick for me when he jumped back, dodging my attack. "Don't be so violent Haru-chan! I still have a game to play," Tendo teases and begins to me towards the gymnasium.
When we entered the gym, the first thing that caught my attention was the invited team at the other side doing, what I assume, some serves. I don't know a lot about the sport but I am familiar with one thing- power. I watched in awe as the large man tosses the ball in the air and hits the ball with such strength. Cool...
I then surveyed the room looking for a familiar olive-haired giant. It was easy to spot him as he was talking to the coach. However, I couldn't help but stare and observe the way Wakatoshi looks at the moment. The man exudes an intense and focused aura that makes me admire him for his passion for the sport.
I stopped watching Wakatoshi when I saw Tendo mischievously eyeing me up and down.
"What?"
He grins at me and places his hand under his chin, pretending to look as if he was thinking. "You suddenly interested in volleyball, Haru-chan?"
Then and there, I couldn't help but blush being caught eyeing Wakatoshi. Immediately I looked away and covered my face when Tendo started laughing maniacally once more.
I uncovered my hands and glared at Tendo, trying my best to look unfazed. "I don't understand what you mean, Tendo-kun."
The redhead man suddenly leans towards me and whispers, "Don't worry I'll keep it a secret, Haru-chan"
My eyes widen at his proximity but before I could retort back, a low voice interrupted us. "Tendo," Tendo-kun and I turn towards the voice and saw a glaring Wakatoshi walking towards us.
The man beside me then jumped backward and began running in the opposite direction. "Hope you enjoy watching us, Haru-chan! And don't worry, your secret is safe with me!" He shouts, leaving me with the taller male.
That man doesn't know personal space, I thought to myself as I exhaled and tried calming my nerves. I noticed that Wakatoshi was in front of me looking at me worriedly. I close my eyes and wave my hand "I'm fine, Wakatoshi. Tendo-kun was just teasing."
Wakatoshi continued staring at me before giving out a soft sigh and nods towards one of the benches.
The invited team then starts doing a routine-like play. I slowed down a bit, watching in awe as one of the men tosses the ball to the other player near the net, the other player returns it allowing the first person to hit the ball with such power.
I was so intrigued and amazed, I didn't notice Wakatoshi stopping and standing right beside me, watching the play as well. "They seem intense, Wakatoshi. What school are they from?" I asked.
"They're from a college school just outside Sendai," I gasp in amazement, looking up at the taller male in surprise. Now that he mentioned it, I notice that the group does look older than a regular high school student. "You guys practice with college students? That's amazing Wakatoshi!"
Wakatoshi's eyes slightly widen then smiles at me. He then gently pats my head making my eyes widen as well. We both stared at each other before a voice interrupted our little bubble.
"Ushijima-san, we're about to begin," Shirabu said walking towards us.
When Shirabu noticed my presence, he stopped walking and bows his head. "I'm sorry for the rude introduction we had, I thought you were one of Ushijima-san's fans." He said before leaving me and Wakatoshi.
"Oh, you have fans?" I said smirking at the olive-haired man. He shakes his head and walks towards the court. "Give em hell, Wakatoshi!" I shout, the man slightly turns to me and nods in response then walks towards his teammates.
—
I never watched the matches of Shiratorizawa except, of course, when it comes to basketball. I never really bother watching anything else.
I was always watching Aomine-kun play basketball since he always drags me to his matches. That idiot always makes sure that I get to sit in front as he showed off. I slightly frown, I miss that blue-haired Aomine-baka. We barely talk anymore since our fight and he's been avoiding me ever since.
I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard the whistle being blown.
I have little knowledge of volleyball but there's one thing I know. Strength, power, and jumping abilities are important to the sport. What's amazing is that Wakatoshi radiates just that.
I watch in awe as he hits the ball with so much strength that the other team couldn't receive the ball properly. "Nice serve, Ushijima-san!" His teammates shouted as he goes to the back to serve once more.
When the other team was able to receive the ball and return it to the other side, Shirabu passes the ball to Wakatoshi, "Ushijima-san!" I gasp in amazement when Wakatoshi hits the ball with so much power it bounces off the floor and lands to the second floor. Cool! I thought to myself as I continue watching them play displaying the epitome of core strength, power, and teamwork.
—
When the match was over, I saw Tendo-kun running towards me. "Haru-chan!" and tackles me in a hug. "So, how were we?" He said as he lets me go and sways side to side.
I shake my head and close my eyes, maybe I could get used to this guy. I look up and place my hands on my chin pretending to think. After a while, I look at him and notice that excitement was evident in his eyes as he patiently waits for my response.
"You guys were amazing, Tendo-kun!" I said, genuinely smiling at him. Tendo-kun then dramatically gasps and places his hand on his chest, "Haru-chan you're so cute! And call me Satori from now on." I laugh at his silliness and enthusiasm.
"Alright, Satori," I said, smiling at the man exuding excitement and giddiness.
"Ah! Haru-chan, you know how to make a man's heart flutter!" He exclaimed loudly and does a little dance, earning another laugh from me.
"Harumi."
I turn and see Wakatoshi walking towards us, looking unfazed as if the match didn't bother him. "Oh, it looks like it's my turn to leave," Tendo teases and walks to his teammates.
When Wakatoshi was in front of me, I look at his olive-green eyes and smile "You were amazing out there, Wakatoshi." He nods at me and softly smiles as well.
"I had no idea what was happening the whole time but you all looked so cool," I said as I stare at him in amazement.
"I could teach you next time."
I gape at the man beside me and thought for a moment. It would be a good break from basketball, and I could help Wakatoshi train as well. It's a win-win situation!
"Alright! Just make sure to go easy on me. I think my arms would break if I try catching the ball!" I said, excitement filling me.
"Receiving."
"Excuse me?" I tilt my head in confusion.
"When you try catching the ball, it's called 'Receiving'. One of the basics," He said nodding to one of his juniors who were still practicing.
"I don't like terminologies..." I grumbled out, watching the people he was referring to.
"You don't like memorizing terms nor do you like complex processes," He retorted back, making me gape at him in astonishment.
"How did you know that?!" I said, surprise evident in my voice.
"It's very noticeable whenever we have science and mathematics in class" He answers, and turns to me with a teasing smile on his face.
"Not true!" I acclaimed as I try looking for ways to defend myself.
"Every time you ask me what class we have next, and I answer either math or science, you make a certain expression." He said standing up to stretch his arms and back.
Did he notice? Feeling slightly touched, I smile at the man and stand as well.
"It's quite funny," he said, turning to me with yet another teasing smile, although it's not that noticeable, I could tell. Huh, so there are things we notice about each other?
I was about to retort back when I heard another voice call out his name.
"Wakatoshi, it's getting late." The man walks up to us and proceeds to look at me.
"Hello, my name is Yamagata Hayato," He smiles at me and shakes my hand. I smile return, "I'm Kazuko Harumi."
Yamagata-kun curiously looks at me and suddenly gasps, "You're the ace of the girl's basketball club aren't you?"
"I guess you can say that. Some people even call me the 'basketball freak' but I don't really know why," I chuckle, as I scratch my chin in embarrassment.
"It's because you have promising skill, Harumi," I turn to look at the tall man standing beside me. "Thanks, Wakatoshi," I smile and he smiles back at me as well.
"Well, it's nice meeting you, Kazuko-kun. Wakatoshi, the coach wanted to speak with us about the game," Yamagata-kun nods at us and heads towards his other teammates.
Wakatoshi nods back at him and turns to me, "ah it's okay, Wakatoshi! You're needed. Now, shoo shoo" I tease him as the tall man shakes his head and leaves me to my own
I then got a text from none other than my brother.
@Itsuki_baka [9:02 pm]
You're not yet home and what's more, it's hella late. Tomorrow, during training, you're doing drills 2x than the rest. Love, your dear brother :PP
My eyes widened when I saw both the message and the time. Damn, it's already that late?! I sigh in annoyance and mentally kick myself for not texting him beforehand.
@Kazuko_Harumi [9:03 pm]
There's a new fried chicken place near our house... wanna have dinner there? My treat...
I sighed as I sent the text, hoping my little bribe would help me.
@Itsuki_baka [9:05 pm]
The aCe oF sHiRatOriZawA iS bRiBinG tHe cOAcH? How deceitful... I want spicy flavor btw.
@Kazuko_Harumi [9:05 pm]
How long did it take you to type that? Lame.
@Itsuki_baka [9:05 pm]
Okay, 2x the drill plus 10 extra laps around the court!
@Kazuko_Harumi [9:06 pm]
How many pieces do you want? :))
@Itsuki_baka [9:07 pm]
A dozen. Now hurry your ass home, loser!
I closed my eyes and relaxed a bit, happy my bribe actually worked. But that means I do have to find the chicken place and spend my own money. Better than 2x the drills though!
I look back up and saw Wakatoshi heading towards me with his bag on his shoulder.
"Thank you for inviting me, Wakatoshi. I enjoyed watching your game!" I said as we both left the gymnasium.
"Thank you for coming, Harumi." The olive-haired man turns to me, before nodding and heads towards the gates, "Now let's go."
"Woah! Wait up, Wakatoshi," I said catching up with the tall male. He expectantly looks at me, waiting for me to continue. "You don't have to bring me home. I think I can make it on my own," I said trying to convince him but also myself as well.
"Think?" He said with such a stoic expression that for no reason made a vein pop on my head. I wave my hands and tried laughing at what he said. Although, it was obvious I was forcing it.
I then turned around going behind Wakatoshi and started pushing his back. However, the giant man would not budge at all. "I will go home on my own, Baka-waka," I said, pushing the persistent male.
"Baka-waka?" He said and turns to me holding both my arms. "Yeah, that's your new nickname! Baka-waka!" I said leaning closer to his face and continued pushing him.
When I got a bit tired and stopped pushing, I didn't notice how close we actually were. His eyes widened in surprise and when he lets go of my hands I jump back trying to hide the blush forming on my cheeks.
He sighs and looks at me with soft eyes. "I brought you home at this hour before, there's no difference if I bring you home now," He said defiantly and begins walking to the gate once more.
I can't win against this guy, I thought and sigh, following the stubborn giant.
"Oh but there's one problem..."
Wakatoshi tilts his head at my response. "There is?" He asks visibly confused.
"Spicy Chicken."
—
Wakatoshi and I were patiently waiting at the bus stop but I couldn't help but notice how quiet we both were.
I turn to the guy beside me and saw that he was doing some of his school works as we wait. Feeling even more guilty, I sigh and gently push his shoulders with mine. He pauses at what he was doing and looks at me.
I pout and look away, "You really didn't have to go with me, Wakatoshi." His eyes soften and he just pats my head before returning to what he was originally doing.
Jeez, I can't understand this guy sometimes. I thought as I tried calming my racing heartbeat.
—
As we were walking in my neighborhood, with me carrying the spicy chicken, I could tell that Wakatoshi was more tired than usual. We were still casually talking but I could tell that the fatigue was getting to him.
It was already past 9:40 pm when we arrived at my place.
"Thanks, Wakatoshi."
"Anytime, Harumi," The olive-haired man said before leaving.
When I was about to enter my house, I looked back and hastily started walking to his direction and calling him.
"Hey, Baka-waka!" I said trying to catch up with him. Wakatoshi turns to me and his eyes widened when he saw me practically running up to him. "Is something wrong?" He asked this time worry evident in his eyes.
I tried breathing properly because I was already tired and I could already feel my need for sleep. "Your phone number," I breathed out, looking up to him still trying to catch my breath.
"I didn't ask last time but give me your number and text me when you arrive at the dorms," I said while taking out my phone and handing it to him.
Wakatoshi simply stared at the phone on my hand before he gave me a low chuckle. "Alright," He said and takes my phone inputting his number.
After he was done and returns me his phone, I nod and wave at him as I began walking backward. "Be safe, Baka-waka!"
Wakatoshi nods at me and continued walking back to school.
—
After being scolded by my brother and eating dinner, I went to my room and got ready for bed. I then texted the number Wakatoshi gave me telling him to be safe but I didn't get a reply in return.
I cleaned myself up and did some homework that I couldn't finish at school. When I was done, I checked my phone and saw that I didn't get any text back. I look at the time and saw that it's already 10:05 pm.
I then placed my phone on my desk and started pacing around my room, worried that something might have happened to the stubborn guy who insisted on bringing me home.
Did he get kidnapped or something? I jump when I heard my phone alerting me I got a message.
I practically ran towards my desk and saw that Wakatoshi finally texted back.
@Wakatoshi_Ushijima [10:10pm]
Just got back to the dorms.
@Kazuko_Harumi [10:10pm]
Great! For a second, I thought you were kidnapped or something :((
@Wakatoshi_Ushijima [10:11pm]
Highly unlikely.
@Kazuko_Harumi [10:11pm]
I know, but it was really getting late
@Wakatoshi_Ushijima [10:12pm]
I fell asleep on the bus.
I frown at his reply and felt even more guilty. This guy could've just let me go home on my own, I thought as I began getting comfortable in my bed.
@Kazuko_Harumi [10:13pm]
See! Baka-waka shouldn't have brought me home :(( Now you're tired. I'm really sorry, Wakatoshi. We even had to buy my brother dinner
@Wakatoshi_Ushijima [10:13pm]
It's your dinner as well. And it's alright, I enjoyed your company today. Thank you, Harumi.
@Kazuko_Harumi [10:15pm]
Jeez, I should be the one thanking you here. Alright, we have to gain our energy back!
Goodnight, Wakatoshi :PP
@Wakatoshi_Ushijima [10:18pm]
Goodnight, Harumi.
—
And with that, the two athletes fell asleep holding their phones close to their chest with tired bodies yet warm hearts.
—
Author's Note:
Hello Everyone!
I apologize for the late update. I had a hard time with where this story was going and I wanted to have a break. But thanks to the messages you guys have been leaving me, I was inspired to open my laptop and continue writing again!
You don't know how many times I tried continuing writing but I just felt so unmotivated, my bad!
However, I am back! And stay tuned for more :))
As always, thank you for your support! And I hope you enjoyed this chapter :))