Like the summer, September came and went. It was October and National Qualifiers were in a short couple of weeks. My suspension got lifted and I was allowed to join the team again. Practice was going into overdrive. The boys were putting 120% of themselves into every game and practice.We had taken a couple of trips to the Kanto region to train with the other teams in Tokyo. I had been thinking more and more about the prospect of transferring to Nekoma. My parents were on board seeing as Nekoma had overall better testing averages as well as students transitioning into university life. Hedge was happy for me and said it made sense knowing I wanted to go to university in Tokyo regardless. Aiko was overjoyed thinking that we'd be able to be roommates. But there were still two people that had to know before I started the paperwork. "Babe, I have to talk to Tob about it before I say yes. I'll go now."
K: And get his blessing?
"Stop. It's not like that."
K: You don't need anyone's permission to transfer to Nekoma.
L: (P/N)'S TRANSFERRING TO NEKOMA?
B: NO WAY, (P/N), AS YOUR BACKUP BOYFRIEND I WANT YOU TO TRANSFER TO FUKURODANI INSTEAD. SOMEONE HAS TO KEEP AKAASHI COMPANY.
K: WELL IT'S A GOOD THING I'M HER ACTUAL BOYFRIEND, BECAUSE SHE HAS TO WATCH OVER MY IDIOTS AND KENMA.
"GUYS, STOP. Look at what you just did." They turned around to see my boys staring wide eyed.
A: You didn't tell them.
"I didn't get the chance." I walked over to the team who was still quiet and analyzing every move I made. I smiled "He-
N: HEY, HEY, THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY.
E: Noya relax
S: Just give her a chance to explain.
N: WHAT'S THERE TO EXPLAIN. YOU WANT TO LEAVE, YOU WANT TO TRANSFER THAN GO.
T: NOYA RELAX MAN.
H: (P/N), do you really want to go?
Y: Kageyama, are you okay?
K: I'm fine. You guys have no right to be mad at her. If she wants to transfer, let her. It's her choice. I've got to go.
Tobi threw down the volleyball he had an iron grip on and walked away. "TOBI WAIT."
D: Let him go (P/N), one battle at a time.
"Listen up, all of you. I'm not going anywhere, at least not yet. I was going to talk to you all about this. I was going to tell you before someone blew up my spot, but nothing is set in stone. It was just a thought. I haven't even started my paperwork. That day I went to visit, I just kind of fell in love with the school and the teachers, but I knew something was missing and that was my crazy, unbalanced, crackhead kids. We're a team and I could've never left without you guys supporting it."
N: Well I'm not supporting it so you can't go
E: Noya, apologize.
N: SHE'S NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE. WE'RE ON THE EDGE OF SOMETHING GREAT.
A: NOYA STOP IT.
"Ashai, it's okay."
A: NO IT'S NOT. Noya, in the time that you've known (P/N) has she ever done anything for herself. She sat besides us and supported our dreams. She brought me back and helped me face my fears, don't you think she deserves the same respect. We're a team, and if transferring is going to make her happy, we should support her.
D: (P/N), we're on your side no matter what you decide.
"Thank you, all of you, but there's one person I need to talk to."
S: (P/N), not right now.
Kiyoko: Give him some time to process.
Yachi: You know him better than anyone else. He needs time to clear his head.
So I did. I gave him time. But the hours turned into days and the days turned into weeks. The qualifiers were next week and Tobi still hadn't talked to me. At practice he was "in the zone" and couldn't be bothered. When I went to his house, he was practicing. When I saw him in the hall, he turned the corner. When I waited outside his class, he was "studying." That's where I drew the line. I used Daichi's phone and told Tobi to meet at the gym to talk, but to use the back door. He saw me and for the first time he couldn't avoid me. I was blocking his path to the door.
K: I'm sorry, but could you let me through.
"Oh so he speaks."
K: Daichi's waiting for me.
"No, he's not. It was me. STOP. Don't turn around. Don't walk away. You can't keep avoiding me. We have to talk about this."
K: What's there to talk about? You're leaving and I'm not standing in your way.
"Tobi stop-"
K: I TOLD YOU IT'S OKAY. I'M NOT AVOIDING YOU. I'M JUST SETTING YOU FREE. I'M GETTING USED TO LIFE WITHOUT YOU, BECAUSE YOU'LL BE GONE AND I'LL BE HERE.
"STOP IT. ARE YOU LISTENING TO YOURSELF?"
K: NO (F/N) ARE YOU? You're my best friend and if this is what you want, I'm going to support it. You've given up so much for me. Your friends, your clubs, Shiratorizwa, how can I ask you to give up on your happiness too. It'd be selfish and I can't be selfish with you, not any more. (F/N)-
Tobi stopped talking after I engulfed him in a hug. He didn't know it, but he was crying and that broke my heart. "Tobio Kageyama, you really are an idiot. If you had stopped to listen to me you'd known that I was just thinking about it. I haven't made any moves to start the process."
K: But you visit-
"Yeah, I did, but that was mostly because I wanted to cut class. Lev's big mouth got the best of him. He wasn't listening and neither were you. So do me a favor, and listen now. Tobio Kageyama, I love you. You're my best friend in the entire world and no amount of distance between us could change that. The "friends" I lost associating with you, who cares? They didn't matter, because they weren't you. Tobio, you're worth more to me than any random face in the crowd. Shitatorizwa and Sejoh included. I chose Karasuno for you, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat, no matter how many times I was asked. Tobio, you're important to me. More important than ranking and numbers and I don't care who knows it. I don't care because my happiness doesn't stem from stupid things like that. The biggest part of my happiness stems from being your best friend. Tobio, you've given me so much joy, and by helping me find the volleyball club you've amplified it by a billion. You are the least selfish person I know so please stop crying Tobi, because my best friend doesn't do that, not when I'm around."
K: So you're not going to Nekoma.
I shook my head. "No. Besides, I promised to help you beat that turd for brains Oikawa and get to Nationals. Whatever it takes, remember?"
K: Whatever it takes.
N: KISS HER ALREADY, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
Tobi and I turned around and both said "HUH??????" We both looked at each other and quickly broke apart with red faces to see Daichi punch Noya in the head.
K: WE'RE JUST FRIENDS.
"I HAVE A BOYFRIEND."
Tsukishima: Looks like the King and his Queen finally made up.
"You arrogant little, WHAT ARE YOU GUYS EVEN DOING HERE?"
S: We still have practice.
"Oh, right. Let's do that." As everyone was walking in Tobi pulled me aside.
K: Oikawa, have you told him?
"No, but there's no need to now. I'm not going, I just have to find a way to tell Tetsu."
K: You're sure?
"Home is where your heart is, and for a couple different reasons, that's here in Miyagi with you and the guys at Karasuno."
K: (P/N)?
"Hmmmm?"
*blushes*K: I- I love you too.
Tobio said those three little words that got my heart racing. As he ran into the gym, I had to remind myself that it was only as a friend. I walked home exhausted after another hectic practice. "Babe I'm telling you, we're going to nationals for sure."
O: That's hard to believe seeing as Iwa and I will be the ones going.
"Hey Tetsu, I just got home, I've got to-
*GRABS PHONE AND HOLDS IT ABOVE HEAD* O: Kuroo, always a pleasure. What (P/N), didn't tell you that we were friends again? That hurts my feelings. Better behave, wouldn't want (P/N) to have to dump you because of those rage issues. What? Oh, I see. *Forced smile* Well congrats to the both of you. I was here dropping off my Ace, but I think I'll hang out for a bit before I go. It's only fair, seeing as you keep sweeping her off to Tokyo and all.
"GIVE ME THE PHONE TOORU." I was jumping up and climbing on him trying to get to my phone. "TETSU, IF YOU HEAR ME I LOVE YOU. HANG UP." Tooru handed me back my phone after I heard a click. I sighed in relief and climbed down.
O: You're no fun, monkey girl. You really are Iwa 2.0.
"I've been told different."
O: Kuroo didn't seem too happy to hear from me.
"Yeah, thanks for that by the way. I told him I'd block you after you kissed me, but here you are making my life crazy. I'm going to have to clean up your mess again. I don't know why the two of you can't get along."
O: Good thing it'll be one of the last times.
"HUH? ARE YOU FINALLY GOING TO START TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ANTICS?"
*Forced smile* O: I believe congratulations are in order. I hear you're transferring to Nekoma.
"Who told you that?"
O: Iwa told you mean you were thinking about it, but I guess you made your decision after talking to Kuroo. I just can't believe you're the type of girl to move your entire life around someone guy.
"He's not just some guy. He's my boyfriend and I love him."
O: For how long? That heart of yours, it's as fickle as a light switch.
"Excuse me."
O: You loved me for about two minutes, so how long is going to be for this poor fellow, before you turn it off.
SLAP. "Don't say another word. Don't even breath. I'm going inside. Come back to me when you're ready to listen. Actually, don't. Just stay out of my life like I told you to the last time."
O: (P/N), I
*Scoffs* "Let me guess, you're sorry. You're always sorry. Have you tried NOT BEING SORRY. HAVE YOU EVER TRIED THINKING AND NOT SAYING THINGS JUST TO HURT ME? I GET IT, YOU HATE MY BOYFRIEND, YOU HATE MY BEST FRIEND, I GET IT, BUT TOORU, YOU'VE GOT TO LET ME LIVE MY LIFE. I LOVED YOU, PAST TENSE, AND THERE WILL NEVER BE A FUTURE TENSE, YOU SAID IT YOURSELF, SO LET ME GO. LET ME BE HAPPY. Set me free, whether it be here or at Nekoma."
O: You're really going?
"No, I'm not. But if you had bothered to ask you'd know that. I decided today. I was waiting to tell Tetsu face to face. "
O: (P/N), I
"Save it Tooru. I already know. I've got to go, I'm really tired. I'll see you later." The next morning I woke up to a knock on my door. "Come in" I mumbled and snuggled closer to the pillow. I shot up when I felt something land on me. Clothes."Hedge? Tooru?"
H: Get up, we're going on a run.
"Practice?"
H: Yours isn't til 1 and ours isn't until 3 so get up.
O: What do you say (P/N), you got three miles in you?
"Hell yeah." Our run was magical. We were joking about who would win and what life would be like. We're having fun. I set the pace for our first mile and Hedge for the second. I was dying by the time Hedge's mile ended and was begging Tooru to slow down.
O: We could walk this last mile. All you have to do is say the magic words.
"Please."
O: Please who?
"Tooru."
O: Tooru- senpai
"No."
O: Oikawa- senpai
"Absolutely not."
O:Tooru or Oikawa the Great.
"I'd rather die."
O: Have it your way.
We sped up even more leaving me absolutely drenched in sweat when the mile ended. We made it to my house by 12:00. "I hope you choke on that water."
K: That's not nice baby.
"Tetsu? TESTU." I ran into his arms and gave him a kiss. He chuckled. "What are you doing here?"
K: With Qualifiers next week I knew I wouldn't be able to see you so I wanted to surprise you. Hajime, good to see you.
O: Ah, Rooster Head I see our little conversation spooked you. Don't worry, I'm taking good care of my little Iwa Jr.
Tooru wrapped his arms around my head which left him wide open for a punch to the ribs. "I TOLD YOU TO STOP CALLING ME THAT, AND GET OFF OF ME."
"Babe, I love that you're here, but I'm just on my way out. I have practice at 1."
K: I know. *smirks* I'm here to do some reckon. I'm coming with you. I left Kai in charge of my idiots for the day.
"Okay! LET'S GO BEFORE WE'RE LATE."
O: WHAT?! YOU'RE NOT EVEN GOING TO QUESTION THAT.
"NOPE. BYE."
H: Have Fun.
"Thanks Hedge! Work hard today guys, I don't want an easy victory." We ran to school and had a wonderful practice. We wrapped up at about 4pm and went home to shower and get changed. I met Tetsu at his grandparents' house and picked him up for a late lunch/ early dinner. We had some barbeque and went for a walk around town to relax our stomachs. We spent the day laughing and enjoying each other's company. The sun had hit him just right and I was admiring him when I suddenly heard a meow."
K: Well meow to you too Kitten.
I slapped Tetsu's arm. "That wasn't me you dork."
K: If it wasn't you, then who was it?
We both looked around and saw the most adorable looking kitten in the world. "AWWWWW. IT'S SO CUTE. CAN WE KEEP IT? PLEASE?"
K: Baby no. Look, it has a collar, which means there's someone missing this little guy.
We called the owner and patiently waited at the park for him. While we were waiting, I fell in love with little Meowth. The way he stretched out on my leg and the way his little hands played with my finger I just couldn't bear to see him go, but when the time came we said our goodbyes.
K: I'm sorry Cutie, but I promise after you move to Tokyo, I'll get a kitten for my kitten.
"Nah, it's okay I'm more of a dog person. Meowth was just one of a kind." Tetsu chuckled.
K: How about some Boba? My treat?
We walked into a little cafe to grab my drink and Tetsu's dessert. I grabbed us a table and waited for him to retrieve our goodies. "Watch my stuff I'm running to the bathroom." I got back as quickly as I could. I didn't want to keep Tetsu waiting especially since we had to go to the station after this. I was going to be cute and cover his eyes, but then I noticed something. "What are you doing with my phone?"
K: What is Oikawa doing calling you?
"How about we pick up the phone and find out."
K: I thought you blocked him.
"I did."
K: For 24 hours?
"More like 48. Tetsu, stop, come on it was just a joke. Where are you going?" Tetsu had gotten up and walked out of the cafe. " I already told you he's complicated."
K: How come everytime you have to pick between what I want and what he wants you always pick him? Why are his feelings more important than your boyfriend's? Do you even love me!
"Of course I do! How can you even say that? How many times are we going to keep having this fight?"
K: AS MANY TIMES AS IT TAKES FOR YOU TO BE ON MY SIDE! How many times do I need you to ask to choose me?
"I DO. EVERYTIME. TETSURO I LOVE YOU."
K: I LOVE YOU!
??: HEY MORANS WE GET THAT YOU LOVE EACH OTHER BUT GO HOME.
We both turned around to see a stranger motion us to go. I sighed. "I can't keep doing this. I can't keep having this fight."
K: So what, do you want to break up?
"No that's not it. I just want you to trust me." I hugged him and he rubbed my back. I started to softly cry.
K: Shhhhh, it's okay baby. I know. I trust you okay, it's just him that I don't trust. It'll all be okay, let's go get my stuff I have a train to catch.
At the stop, we both said goodbye. We departed with a hug. "I love you Tetsu."
K: I know.
"You didn't say it back."
K: I've really got to go, we'll talk later okay. Get home safe.