Chapter Text
- How come you’re still not ready?
- Ahhhh I’m sorry! I’m almost done I swear!!
You lean on the doorframe as Natsumi rushes down the stairs, texting furiously on her phone and trying to finish dressing up. A little smile blooms on your lips. You watch her run around quickly brushing her silky long hair, at the same time looking for something around the house, her dark eyes scanning every corner. She disappears into the bathroom.
Natsumi Komi used to be your dearest friend when you were kids, before a few years ago your dad had decided that your family had to move to a small town in the Oita prefecture, where he used to live as a kid. He had imposed on you his decision, as he’d always do, not caring about your complaints. It had been the start of middle school, and you still remember how sad you and Natsumi had been when you had to say goodbye.
Life in the countryside had been quite lonely for you, and being a shy only child of course hadn’t helped you feeling less alone. You were younger then, wrapped around your selfish ways, and you hadn’t realised that your mum was just as sad as you, that she hadn’t chosen that either. Still, you never thought of talking about it to her, and just like that years had passed, with you feeling like no one could really understand you. How dramatic.
Then, a few months ago, your parents have officially divorced.
It hasn’t been a surprise to you, a part of you is actually relieved that all the fights and the shoutings have stopped, but still that doesn't mean that you haven't cried a bit in the process. Luckily enough, amongst all the ugly things that those kind of separations bring, coming back to Tokyo after almost six years is a good little one. Natsumi is definitely another, you’re so grateful that you and her have managed to keep in touch despite how much time has passed.
That’s especially true now: you’ve quickly realised that living only with your mum can be quite a lonely experience, even if it's a different type of loneliness. To be fair, you’re quite accustomed to it, to the point that now you don’t mind it too much, even if you’d like to spend more time together with her.
She works in an office, doing silly long shifts: sometimes you wouldn’t even see her when she’d come back home, being already in bed, and a whole week might pass before you can just sit and have dinner together.
At least now you’re back to school, so you have plenty do to on your end as well.
After brilliantly passing a rather tough test, you have started your last year of high school at Fukurodani Academy, where of course to everybody you are “the new girl”.
Everybody but Natsumi, that is.
It feels so nice to have someone you know to tag along with, for once. To be fair, her twin Haruki seems also very happy about the fact that you are back, and sometimes he likes to hang out with the two of you. Speaking of which…
- Humpf. I’m sorry Aki, I’m afraid we need to do a little detour.
She’s standing in front of you, finally ready to go, but you notice a small frown forming on her forehead as she stares at her phone.
- What detour?
- That idiot of my brother has forgotten his keys again, and is asking me to pass by wherever he is to drop them. I swear, I must have gotten all of the brain when we were born …- she adds rolling her eyes and slipping into her shoes - He shouldn’t be too far from the shops tho, so if it’s not too much of a problem for you…
- Yeah, of course, no worries.
- Cool! Let’s go then.
She quickly sends another text and then off you go.
It’s a quiet Saturday afternoon. Despite the occasional tourists, that area of Tokyo has always had a nice, slow pace. It’s good to see it hasn’t changed much trough time. The small park where you used to go to play as a kid is still there, and so does the little bakery at the corner, run by the same old lady that used to be there ages ago. She still even has the same fat cat, which is now lazily enjoying a sunbeam on a chair near the entrance. Watching him giving a big stretch makes you smile, revelling into the nice feeling that you’re home.
Six years to finally feel like that again.
When you get to the fast food where Haruki is, you spot him sitting at a table in the corner with some friends. He waves at you with a smile, and you reciprocate the gesture. All of the other guys already know Natsumi very well, they usually hang out together when she's not with her other girlfriends, so their greeting is very friendly. You decide to politely wait a couple of steps behind.
Natsumi tosses the keys to his brother, pretending to be very annoyed about all of that.
- Here, you idiot.
- Oh Tsumi, you’re simply the best - he says, catching them mid air with a smile.
- Yeah, yeah… you always say so, instead of actually remembering to take them with you. You're such a pain.
Haruki dramatically brings a hand to his chest, looking at his twin with puppy eyes.
- Ah, why do you hurt my feelings like this?
Natsumi rolls her eyes, unimpressed. Given the others' expressions, you realise that the whole routine must be something that happens quite often.
- I'll stop when you'll finally remember to take your keys with you, instead of making me going around like a carrier pigeon.
- Okay, okaaaay... I can buy you something to eat as a thank you, if you like?
At those words, Natsumi annoyed acts drops a bit. You can tell that she's clearly tempted, it’s not that often that his brother is so generous.
- Does your offer include Aki as well?
- Yeah, of course.
He clearly can't back up now, but he truly doesn't mind paying for your food as well.
- What do you think? Shall we stay here for a bit? - she asks, now looking at you.
You think about it, your eyes on the group of guys sitting in front of you to which you still haven't been introduced. To be fair, anything that could improve your social life in this moment would be quite welcomed… Ultimately, this might be more fun than doing some shopping.
- Uhm, sure. I’d never turn down some free food - you reply with a shy smile.
At your words they all make room for the two of you, adding a couple of chairs while Haruki introduces you to everyone.
- That’s Konoha Akinora, then here’s Akaashi Keiji, Washio Tatsuki, Sarukui Yamato and Bokuto Kotaro - he says, pointing at each one as he names them - They are all part of my team. Everyone, this is Watanabe Aki.
-Nice to meet you Watanabe-san!
-Hey hey hey!
-Please, just call me Aki, really - you mutter, a bit overwhelmed by their energy.
Oh, yes, you remember when Haruki was talking about his volleyball team, and how he had played at the nationals twice already. You politely smile to everyone whilst taking a seat, of course your brain already empty of all of those names that have been thrown at you. Natsumi is still standing, her eyes carefully scanning the menu.
-What would you like, Aki?
-Just a coke, really.
Despite what you've just said about turning down free food, you don’t want to impose yourself, so you’ve picked the least expensive item on the menu.
-Are you sure? Since Haruki is paying we should ruin him… - she grins evilly, probably ready to order an embarrassing amount of food.
-Hey!
Natsumi ignores her twin’s protests.
-I’m gonna get you some food anyway, so you better just name one instead of risking my random pick - she says, reading through you. You sigh.
-Maybe some nuggets then.
-Nuggets it is!
-Thanks…
Haruki groans, even if just as a pose.
-Ah, women!
Natsumi happily walks away to get the food, and you realise that she’s left you there on your own.
Obviously, everyone’s attention is now on you.
- You must be the new girl! You’re a third year as well, right? I’m not sure I’ve seen you around, tho - says… was it Saruki? Or maybe Samuka?
You reply looking down at your hands, a bit flustered.
- You haven’t seen me much ‘cause it’s not like I know that many people to hang around with, it’s only been a week. Natsumi and Haruki are the only friends I’ve got, really - you admit, not even sure why you’re sharing so much already with people you literally have just met.
- I see… Which class are you in? - he asks in a friendly tone, no judgment whatsoever on his face.
This makes you suddenly feel more at ease. They don’t seem to think that you’re a massive looser.
- I’m in class 6.
- Such a nerd - comments Haruki munching on some french fries, teasing you as usual. You stick your tongue out at him, as you’d normally do.
- Wow!! So you must be very smart then! Just like Akaashi here! He’s a year below us tho…
You turn to face the guy who has just talked to you with such a loud tone of voice. Big amber eyes, very noticeable spiky light-grey hair with black streaks in it and an admired, friendly smile on his face. You can’t prevent yourself from thinking he looks rather handsome.
He’s pointing to the guy sitting next to him, whose deep blue eyes are set on the table with a serious expression. If anything, he looks slightly annoyed to suddenly be part of this exchange. Akaashi, okay, maybe you can remember that name. To be fair, he also looks handsome.
What do they feed Fukurodani guys with?
- What about you? - you ask back, desperately trying to recall his name. Baku… Boku… something? You’re a lost cause, seriously, you should just stop trying.
- Hehe I’m in class 1 - he says with a carefree grin - But I don’t mind too much about grades and studying, I’m gonna become a professional volleyball player anyway after school - he claims, as if it was that easy.
You admire his confidence tho, surely he looks very athletic.
- Are you that good? - you ask, curious.
He proudly puffs his chest, his bright gaze piercing through you.
- I am the absolute best.
It looks like he truly believes in what he's saying, but there is no arrogance in his words.
- Well, technically before you there are Sakusa-san, Ushijima-san… - Akaashi starts counting on his fingers.
At that, he instantly sulks.
- Urgh Akaashi! Why do you never back me up!?
Everyone look at them with matching grins, as if they’re used to this sort of dynamic, while Akaashi takes an unbothered sip from his drink.
Then, owlish two-toned haired guy here gets distracted by a sudden thought.
- Hey! Wait a sec! If you’re a third year then we’re all on the same floor! - he says enthusiastically - I can pass by to say hello one of these lunch breaks when Natsumi or Haruki are too busy! Whatcha think about that?
You are quite surprised by the sudden offer.
- Why would you even do that? - you blurt out, before being able to shut your mouth.
Honestly, that doesn’t make much sense. He doesn’t even know you, what is he trying to pull here?
You realise you’re being quite rude, but he doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, he looks more confused then anything.
- Because you said you don’t have many friends...? I mean, you didn't sound much happy about it...
Wait, is he saying that he wants to be your friend? You feel something fluttering in your stomach.
- Bokuto-san, wouldn’t it give the wrong idea if you went to her classroom by yourself? - intervenes Akaashi, speaking out everyone’s mind.
Right, Bokuto, that’s his name. You try to stick it to your brain, but you reckon you’ll remember it with no problems at this point.
Also, Akaashi has a point, you hadn't thought about it.
- Huh? What idea??
Bokuto’s face shows that he, on the other hand, is still completely clueless.
- Never mind…
You must admit that it’s really considerate of him to just wanting for you to not feel alone with no second intentions, it's pretty sweet. Still, you are not sure of what to reply to that, you’re not that skilled at talking to new people after all. Besides, you don’t want to give any weird ideas to your classmates after barely a week into the lessons.
- Come on guys, that’s enough with the interrogatory, give her some space.
Natsumi, who’s back with a tray full of food, interrupts the conversation and saves you from giving Bokuto a proper answer, handing you the coke and the nuggets you asked for.
They all go back to their banters (“wait, how much did you just spend?!”) and you just sit there, quietly sipping at your drink, feeling like you don’t have much to add to their chats about people and places that you don’t know. You’re slightly taken aback by everyone’s energy, especially Bokuto’s. Honestly, he and Haruki are being so loud and silly… you observe them as they goof around while you munch on your nuggets, almost feeling exhausted just by looking at them.
Still, to be fair, you are also enjoying this atmosphere… it had been such a long time since you’ve felt part of a group of friends, and even if it shows they are all close with each other, you don’t feel left out. Just sitting there, sharing their banters, listening to their chats about the upcoming matches… yes, that makes you feel warm and happy. You smile to yourself.
Maybe this year is gonna be even better than you expected.
*
You quickly learn that Bokuto surely is a man of his word.
-Hey hey hey, Aki-chan HEY!!
He loudly announces his presence a few days later at school, his muscular body occupying the whole space offered by your classroom’s door frame. He wears his uniform quite casually, the tie loosened and the first buttons of his shirt opened, and he’s broadly smiling at you. You realise all of your classmates are now staring at you with a curious look, but he seems quite oblivious about it, making his entrance with sheer confidence.
- Bokuto-kun! You really came!?
You are pretty shocked he is actually here.
As if he had done it countless of other times before, he walks towards you, casually plopping on the chair in front of your desk, totally at ease.
- Of course I did! I told ya, didn’t I?
He looks down at your desk, noticing the bento box you were about to start. Today you’ve got some homemade katsu curry, together with steamed broccoli and two scoops of rice you have shaped and decorated as little bears.
- Ohh that looks so yummy! Have you made it yourself?
- Yeah…
He gives an admired whistle.
- Wow, I wish I was able to do that, you must be really skilled. I always end up buying my lunches, but that looks way better than what I have!
He shows you his yakisoba bread, shoving it into his mouth. That’s not the first time he compliments you, for no other reason than that’s just what he truly feels. You start to eat your bento, thoughtful. You can tell that he’s not much used at filtering anything he thinks.
As he wolfs down his lunch you give him a little smile, thinking that it’s the first time you've met someone this spontaneous before. He reciprocates the smile, grabbing his drink.
Seriously, he’s so nice and friendly...
While bringing some broccoli to your mouth, you realise that you don’t mind him being loud and enthusiastic about everything, his presence weirdly enough makes you feel so much at ease.
Then, you spot Natsumi, Haruki and Sarukui standing by the entrance, all looking at you.
-Ah! I thought I heard your sweet voice, Bokuto - the latter says, while the whole group gets around you, casually grabbing chairs and sitting down with you. It’s getting quite crowded here.
-Hey hey! What are you guys doing here?
Natsumi responds to his question looking at you, a grin on her face, a carton of apple juice in her hand.
-We just thought you might need some help to deal with Bokuto here. He can become a bit too much sometimes…
-Hey! Don’t talk as if I’m not here… - he pouts back, but she just ignores him.
-So, Natsumi, are you coming to the game on Sunday? - Sarukui asks chomping on his sandwich, as if getting straight back to the conversation they were having just before getting there.
-Yup, what can I say… I am that good of a sister, after all I need to support my little brother.
Haruki groans, his mouth full of food.
-I dream of the day you’ll stop considering being born three minutes earlier than me as actually being older.
-Never! - she proudly claims with a smug face, making Haruki sigh.
-And you, Aki? Are you coming? - Sarukui asks you politely, as if there's no reason for you to not go. As if you are automatically part of the group.
Caught off guard, you barely manage to mumble something before Natsumi answers for you.
-Well, of course she’s coming, I want to show her what she was missing back in the countryside. Besides, I’ll finally have some company on those tribunes and she would never leave me all alone. Am I right, Aki?
Well, it’s not like she’s giving you any chance to refuse, especially not with that sad puppy look on her face.
-Yeah, yeah, why not - you mutter quietly, still not sure if you really are that keen on spending a whole afternoon watching some random volleyball match. To be fair, your interest in sports has always been closer to zero than anything.
-Cool! Make sure to watch my spikes then! - says Bokuto, now visibly excited - Do you know that I’m one of the best five aces in the whole country?! We’ve already been at the spring nationals in the past years and I can’t wait to get there again!
You have no idea what “spring nationals” are, sounds like an important competition, but Bokuto says that with such a smug expression that it makes you chuckle.
Also, top five of all Japan, wow. He was talking seriously when the other day he was saying he's gonna be a pro after school.
-That honestly sounds impressive! I’m looking forward to see you guys play then, even if I have never seen any match before.
He beams at your words.
-Great! I guarantee you’ll have a lot of fun, Aki-chan!
-Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to explain the rules to you - Natsumi whispers to your ear, happy that it has been that easy to convince you.