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The slamming of the door echoed, its resonance creating ripples that seemed to shake the very foundation of their shared space as if the apartment itself recoiled from the force of the closure.
"I can't believe you, Hajime," Oikawa's face painted with the vivid hues of anger, embodied a living fireball, radiating palpable heat. His fists, tightly clenched, fought against the urge to unleash a torrent of fury upon Iwaizumi.
"I've said it over and over, Tooru. It wasn't my fault!" Iwaizumi hesitantly followed after Oikawa, stepping into their shared apartment—a space now clouded with tension, thick and suffocating. The air crackled, a volatile concoction on the precipice of confrontation, ready to erupt if either one tipped over the edge of restraint. Iwaizumi's frustration, real and tangible, etched across his features, as he grappled with the futility of the ongoing argument, unable to comprehend the reasons behind Oikawa's directed anger.
Oikawa's anger wasn't just about the incident at hand; it was a tempest brewing within him. Iwaizumi, a pivotal figure in his life, seemed to view their relationship through the lens of their high school friendship. These lens overlooked the profound emotions confessed during their graduation, the emotions that birthed their current relationship, now appearing to lack its initial fervor. Oikawa, for quite some time, had yearned for the romantic gestures that never came; instead, Iwaizumi's demeanor mirrored that of a best friend, often resorting to name-calling, frequent scolding, and a noticeable absence of affection. These slights, usually brushed aside by Oikawa, now gained substance through Iwaizumi's recent actions, especially his increasing interaction with Akaashi Keiji, a fellow volleyball setter from Fukurōdani. The fact further fueled Oikawa's growing jealousy, a wildfire licking at the edges of his sanity.
In the weeks leading up to this moment, Oikawa had silently battled his insecurities, clinging desperately to the fragile threads of trust that bound him to Iwaizumi. However, this fragile trust shattered like delicate glass upon witnessing the vivid scene where Iwaizumi's lips met Akaashi's—a tableau etched in Oikawa's mind, playing on a loop like a haunting melody. As warm tears traced the contours of his cheeks, Oikawa fled with the speed of desperation, Iwaizumi trailing behind, returning to their shared apartment, now crackling with the palpable tension of a gathering storm.
"Oh, so my witnessing you kissing Akaashi right in front of me was simply a figment of my imagination?"
"I didn't kiss him; I told you—he kissed me!"
"But you didn't push him away, did you?"
"I was too focused on you standing there that I forgot to push him away!"
"That's the most inadequate excuse I've ever heard! For the past few weeks, he's all you've been expressing admiration for—you might as well have been dating him instead!"
"Oh, so I can't compliment people now?"
"It becomes problematic when all you're vocalizing is how adorable, beautiful, and amazing he is!"
"So what? It's not out of the ordinary—"
"Do not say that it's ordinary when I have never once received such sentiments from you! Throughout knowing you, all I have received are derogatory remarks, yet within the brief span of knowing him, he is showered with compliments. Seriously, Hajime?"
"..." Iwaizumi found himself standing in the sudden silence, a tempest of shock rendering him mute as Oikawa's words reverberated like an unexpected thunderclap. The truth hung heavy, a looming storm on the horizon, and Iwaizumi was caught in its downpour without a sturdy umbrella of rebuttal. He grasped the stark reality that crafting a counterargument was futile when Oikawa had unveiled an unspoken truth. The air seemed charged with unsaid sentiments, a thick fog of unspoken emotions lingering in the room.
He had never truly sculpted words of admiration for Oikawa. It wasn't an absence of appreciation but a complex ballot of emotions where every attempt metamorphosed into unintended insults. Each sincere intention was drowned in a parched silence that seemed to choke his words, casting shadows on the canvas of genuine expression. Though obscured from Oikawa's view, Iwaizumi held him as the singular constellation in his expansive universe, outshining every other star, even Akaashi. The struggle to articulate affection painted an uncharted landscape where Iwaizumi tread, navigating the terrain of emotions with unsteady steps.
"Yeah, that's what I thought." A look of disillusionment swept across Oikawa's features, tears becoming the dewdrops on the petals of his emotion-laden eyes. Swiftly, he brushed away the evidence of his emotional tempest, and with the force of a hurricane, slammed the door shut, leaving Iwaizumi standing in the wreckage of a fractured moment. The door sealed off an emotional maelstrom, and Oikawa departed without a set destination, guided solely by the desire to escape Iwaizumi's proximity. Unchased this time, Oikawa left behind a vacuum of emotions, and Iwaizumi stood frozen, a statue of shock amidst the ruins of what had just transpired.
Oikawa ventured out into the town, seeking solace amidst the urban life, hoping to weave a distraction from the threads of the recent argument. However, his attempts proved futile as an unexpected downpour of tears obscured the vibrant cityscape, turning it into a watercolor blur. Lost in the emotional tempest, he inadvertently collided with an indistinct figure, their shadow looming over him. As he looked up from the dampened ground, wiping away the traces of his emotional storm, a sudden realization unfolded—
"Ushiwaka?"
"Oikawa...you're crying. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, don't worry about me."
Oikawa attempted to navigate past Ushijima, yet the threads of fate intervened, transforming the collar of his shirt into an unexpected anchor that forcefully pulled him backward. "Oikawa, wait."
Regaining his composure, Oikawa shifted his gaze towards Ushijima, unleashing a piercing glare that communicated his impatience with any meandering diversions. "What is it?"
"Do you want to talk?" Ushijima extended his arms wide, as though inviting Oikawa into the comforting folds of a metaphorical embrace. After a brief hesitation, Oikawa succumbed, rushing into the haven of Ushijima's arms, where tears flowed freely, the emotional downpour finding solace in the delicate embrace. They maintained this position before opting to settle on a nearby park bench, where they would exchange their thoughts with one another.
"So, what transpired between you and Iwaizumi?" With gentle inquiry, Ushijima maintained a steady gaze on Oikawa. In response, Oikawa averted his eyes to the ground, fingers fidgeting with an evident sense of unease.
"He and I engaged in an argument about the excessive time he spent with Akaashi; it's not a significant issue," In a hushed murmur, Oikawa voiced his concerns, harboring a fear that Ushijima might overlook the significance of his insecurities regarding Akaashi, a fear rooted in the echoes of dismissiveness he had felt from Iwaizumi.
"Well, has he?"
"What...?"Abruptly, Oikawa raised his gaze from the ground, pivoting his head toward Ushijima with an expression of startled surprise, locking eyes with him.
"Has he spent an excessive amount of time with Akaashi?"
"I mean... Yes, but don't you think I'm overreacting?"
"I may not possess extensive knowledge in matters of relationships, but I do understand that your feelings are valid if your significant other neglects you in favor of spending time with another male."
"Wow, if only Iwaizumi could recognize that." Oikawa cast his gaze downward, a wistful smile gracing his lips, yet Ushijima tenderly redirected his head, ensuring their eyes met with a gentle guidance.
"If he fails to appreciate you and takes you for granted, he doesn't deserve someone like you."
"Do you truly mean that?"
"I acknowledge our current relationship may not be optimal, Oikawa. But I genuinely find you to be a delightful individual, and I believe Iwaizumi is missing out."
"Thank you...I appreciate that, Ushiwaka. You aren't so bad yourself. Tendou is indeed lucky to have you as a partner." They shared warm smiles, a silent language of mutual respect, basking in the tranquility that enveloped them, accentuated by the delightful cadence of their amiable conversation. The ambient rustling of autumn leaves added a natural symphony to the serene atmosphere, and the approaching footsteps from behind went largely unnoticed until an abrupt interruption shattered the peaceful interlude.
"Tooru," echoed the call, a sudden disruption to Oikawa's contemplative moment. Swiftly, he pivoted, only to be met by the formidable figure of Iwaizumi standing before them. The air around Iwaizumi crackled with palpable agitation, his breath hung heavily in the charged atmosphere, and his fists were clenched with a restraint that hinted at a tempest within. The sharp glare he directed at Ushijima was a lightning bolt, striking not only its intended target but causing even the indomitable figure to register a subtle tremor of intimidation. In that moment, if glances could metamorphose into daggers, Ushijima would have found himself unwittingly cast as the canvas painted in the hues of Iwaizumi's wrath.
A sudden realization struck, and an internal exclamation of dread echoed: Shit, I'm done for.
Iwaizumi roamed the town's streets, concern etched across his face, a manifestation of the worry about Oikawa's whereabouts late into the evening. Anxiety painted scenarios of potential harm – what if Oikawa had encountered danger, been kidnapped, lost, or injured? Guilt began to pool within him as he reflected on the argument, acknowledging Oikawa's valid concerns. Perhaps the time spent with Akaashi was excessive, a point he should have clarified before matters escalated. Determined to set things right, he intended to offer a sincere apology and find a resolution.
After half an hour of fruitless searching, fatigue settled in, prompting Iwaizumi to pause at a park, recognizing the need for a brief respite. As he neared exhaustion, a peculiar sight caught his eye in the distance: two figures on a bench that bore a striking resemblance to Oikawa and Ushijima. Confusion mingled with disbelief, compounded by the sight of them sharing smiles and laughter. Unwittingly, Iwaizumi's perception skewed the interaction, interpreting it through the lens of romance rather than friendship. What is he doing with Ushijima?! A sudden surge of jealousy, an unfamiliar emotion, seized him. Determined not to lose Oikawa, he quickened his pace toward the pair, fueled by a fiery resolve.
Eventually, Iwaizumi reached his destination, abruptly halting in his tracks. He called out Oikawa's name in a dark, resonant tone.
"Tooru." Oikawa turned his head towards him, surprise etched on his face; he hadn't anticipated finding Iwaizumi standing there. The what-ifs lingered in the air, suggesting an impending escalation that was narrowly avoided by Iwaizumi's timely arrival.
"Hajime..." Oikawa nervously blurted out, swallowing a lump in his throat, keenly aware of the palpable fury emanating from Iwaizumi. Gently, Iwaizumi seized Oikawa's wrist, lifting him from the bench, and drew him towards his chest, wrapping an arm around his waist possessively. The gaze directed at Ushijima was laden with intensity.
"Let's go, Tooru."
"But-" Oikawa faltered, his protest halted by the threatening glare Iwaizumi cast his way. With a firm yet controlled grip on Oikawa's wrist, Iwaizumi pulled him away, the force of his movement akin to a river's current, denying him the chance to bid a proper farewell to Ushijima. Nevertheless, Oikawa managed a discreet wave and silently mouthed a "thank you" while Iwaizumi's attention was momentarily diverted.
Upon the closure of the apartment door, Iwaizumi relinquished his grip, turning to confront Oikawa with his arms crossed and a somber countenance etched across his features. "Tooru, I sincerely apologize for the way I've behaved. Dismissing your feelings was a mistake, and you had every right to feel uneasy about the time Akaashi and I spent together. I suppose I believed it was evident I would never prefer Akaashi, or anyone else for that matter, over you. Though my expressions may fall short, you mean the world to me, and I love you so so much—more than words can convey. Akaashi is a great guy, but no one can hold a candle to you in my eyes. Your adorableness, kindness, silliness, intelligence, hardworking nature, beauty, and overall perfection are unparalleled. I feel incredibly fortunate to love someone as beautiful and magnificient as you, and having you in my life has given it purpose. I wouldn't trade our love for anything in the world. You've touched my heart in ways no one else ever could, making my life brighter just by being a part of it. I know you deserve the best, and I never want to lose you. I promise to cherish you and love you right for the rest of our lives, so please don't leave me for Ushijima..."
Oikawa, raising his gaze from the ground, discovered tears streaming down his cheeks, which he delicately wiped away with a sweep of his hand. Upon noticing this, Iwaizumi immediately became alarmed, fearing he had misspoken, and commenced apologizing profusely for potentially causing Oikawa to cry once again.
"No, Hajime, I'm shedding tears of joy. I've never even heard the words 'I love you' before, so hearing them meant a great deal. Also, I apologize for not sharing my insecurities about Akaashi earlier. I believed I could manage it on my own until it erupted into a more significant issue."
"I don't want you to feel compelled to withhold anything or confront challenges alone, okay? You can always confide in me, and together, we can navigate through difficulties." Oikawa nodded, prompting Iwaizumi to step forward, cradling Oikawa's face in his hands and placing a gentle kiss on his forehead. "...Have I genuinely never said 'I love you' before?" Iwaizumi's eyebrows knit together, his lips forming a concerned frown.
"No, but it's alright; it holds no relevance now. By the way, Ushijima is dating Tendou, and we are only friends, for any concerns you may have had." Oikawa giggled, and Iwaizumi sighed with relief, reassured that there was no romantic involvement between Ushijima and Oikawa.
"So, you're still mine?"
"Always. You're stuck with me."
"Good, because I'll never want to let you go."
They exchanged sincere smiles before partaking in a tender kiss. Disengaging, they leaned their foreheads against each other, arms entwined tightly, lingering in that intimate embrace. Neither harbored the inclination to release the other, remaining ensconced in that moment, cherishing the connection they shared.