CHAPTER FOUR
Akira's PoV
I wasn't feeling sleepy at all.
My manager used to tell me that I should only drink coffee at desperate times, since she doesn't want me to depend on it. Keeping a fit body and maintaining your features are kind of hard. I'm not allowed to drink coffee because it might change my sleeping patterns.
I wasn't allowed too much chocolates, unless I'll burn it with a workout. I wasn't allowed to skip sleep and eat unhealthily. There's a lot of rules. And I broke a lot of it in my first three days here in Miyagi.
I went out of my quarters, still dressed on my sleeping clothes. It's a silk nightgown, topped off with a satin robe. I tied my hair into a bun and head on the dining room. I opened the electric kettle. I'm going to make myself tea.
Why did I wanted to stay up in the first place? Now I'm regretting it.
I opened my phone and took a quick selfie and posted it on my stories in Instagram, captioned 'Can't sleep, missing my lovelies from Tokyo.'
I wonder what's happening in Tokyo without me in the spotlight. Everyone must've forgotten that I've existed. I sighed.
I heard a ping from my phone and looked at the notification. It's a message... from him.
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Mr. Handsome:
Wish you were here. School sucks without you.
Ms. Beautiful:
Sorry I disappeared after the school year ended. I had to. :<
Mr. Handsome:
It's okay. I don't want to force you or anything. I know we shouldn't be talking and I'm making things hard for the both of us.
Ms. Beautiful:
Yeah... I'm really sorry we had to do this.
Mr. Handsome:
It sucks. I really miss you though. Am I allowed to say that?
Ms. Beautiful:
I guess so? Just don't go overboard, trickster. You might fool me with your ways again!
Mr. Handsome:
You know I will ;)
Ms. Beautiful:
Ugh, stoooop! You're such a tease :3
Mr. Handsome:
That's just my personality. Why are you still awake? Aya's going to be mad at you.
Ms. Beautiful:
She's not with me. As I told you, I'm on hiatus. I'm going to prioritize family and school first.
Mr. Handsome:
Oh? Where are you then? I know you're not in Tokyo, your apartment's empty.
Ms. Beautiful:
Still using my spare key? Are you stalking me, you sly cat?
Mr. Handsome:
Hey! I'm not! Just want to check up on you. I went there yesterday but you're already gone. I wish I could see you right now.
Ms. Beautiful:
How's everyone?
Mr. Handsome:
Still chaotic. But so much worse since you're not around anymore.
Ms. Beautiful:
I'm imagining on how you're doing with those kids. Your reactions must be funny!
I gotta go now. My water's boiling. I'll head to bed or else I'll look like a zombie tomorrow.
Mr. Handsome:
Okay. Good night, Akira-chan. Sleep well. Dream of me.
I know I will.
I took the kettle off and poured water to my tea cup. I took a tea bag and dumped it in. I opened my Twitter account and searched my name on the engine. I'm so nervous on how people reacted to my absence. I saw new tweets that are made a few minutes ago.
So far, so good. They were just relieved that I'm doing well on my absence and thankful that I posted an update on my well being.
My set up with him now is quite weird and complicated. We can't see each other even though we both want to. The two of us dated on my first year. We never got to celebrate an anniversary because we broke up the same day the school year ended.
We planned it weeks before the last day and made every day before that counts. It was a sad break up, but we ended in good terms. It was mutual. It's for the better, and we both know that.
On my summer, I devoted myself to work and never contacted him and the rest of our friends. Tonight is the first time we've had contact ever since the school year ended and It felt good. Like there's a warmth spreading through my body. I missed him dearly even if I'm trying to adjust to this new life.
I took out my tea bag and started drinking my tea. I took a seat on the dining table. We'll be staying here for a few days, even though our house is nearby too. This camp is the nearest to school and some of the team members live quite far away so it'll be hard to train and take a long ride home. It was a good thing that they've thought of letting the members stay in a place like this.
Soon, I finished my tea and head to my quarters again. I saw Nishinoya, heading to the kitchen, who looked too preoccupied. We made eye contact just before I passed by him and I just ignored him. I didn't looked back at him and just continued my way.
I went inside my quarters and lied on my futon. I took off my bun and I felt the dreamland urging me to come there and I did. I doze off to sleep.
-
Morning came.
My body woke me up even though I still feel sleepy. I looked at my phone and it says 5 A.M. I wasn't able to help with the food preparations last night so I got up and went to the bathroom. I combed my hair and tied it to a messy bun again.
I washed my face with soap and brushed my teeth. I fixed my night gown and tightly tied the robe so I won't look weird for the boys. I head out and saw no one there. I started preparing breakfast using the food that's on the cabinets and fridge.
I made french toasts, eggs, bacon, and fried rice. I also prepared their energy cocoa drinks.
I'm setting up the table with plates when I heard shuffling from the door. It's Daichi.
"Good morning!" I greeted and giving him a wide smile.
"Good morning sis! Wow, look at you. I remember when you used to burn hot dogs on your cooking." I rolled my eyes at him. Is that really necessary?
"Don't eat anything later, onee-chan!" I scowled at him.
"Ah! I'm just joking! I'm glad you're feeling better now." He went over to me and gave me a bear hug. I settled on his embrace and replied. "I know. I'm also joking stupid."
"Good morning! You guys look comfy." I heard a loud voice. I pulled away from Daichi who looks a little bit flustered just like me. It's Tanaka-san and behind him are the team who's groggily walking and still rubbing their eyes. Nishinoya is just beside him who looks like he didn't get enough sleep.
I glanced away from him and proceeded on putting utensils and plates on the table. Soon, the dining room is full of noise and cheers. Kiyoko-san arrived in the dining room, completely dressed up for the day. I smiled at her and she smiled back.
She looks so pretty...
"THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD!" Everybody cheered. The seating is still just like last night. Shoyo squealed in delight after taking a spoonful of my friend rice.
"Woah! Your fried rice is heaven, Akira-senpai!" He took a spoonful again. "Easy, Shoyo! You don't want to choke on your food." I laughed at him.
"Yeah! Hinata's right, Akira-san! This fried rice tastes different than I've ever had! Is this an original recipe?" Tanaka-san asked. I love how Tanaka-san notices the littlest of things that he could notice on me. His personality reminds me of a friend back in Tokyo. They look alike too.
"Yeah it is! I lived alone in Tokyo for a year. I mostly do take outs but a chef friend taught me how to cook and this is the only food that I can say I'm proud of." I smiled at Tanaka-san. He grinned widely and continued eating.
"You really should be proud of this, Akira-san! This tastes phenomenal." Nishinoya said. I looked at him and gave him a small smile. I don't want to cause a scene and make everyone comfortable if I didn't answered him so I did. "Thanks." It's not much of an answer but at least I managed to give him one.
Why am I angry at him, again? All I know is that, seeing his face makes my mood drop. I feel sad, and angry, and weird and I can't explain it! I just don't like it!
I don't know how everybody reacted because I focused myself on eating. But it did got quiet for a moment. Unlike yesterday, I ate my food very fast and I was the first one to leave the dining room. I went to my quarters and took a bath.
I changed into my sport outfit. It's a loose, white T-Shirt and black, tight, volleyball shorts. I paired it with my black Nike running shoes and black Adidas track jacket. I've been slacking on my model workouts so I'm thinking of doing it in the gym while the guys practice. I might join them too.
My hair is still wet so I can't tie it yet. I took my air pods and my phone and head outside. I took a morning jog. I'll just meet everyone on the gym later.
-
Everyone is working hard ever since morning. I arrived at the gym to see all of them warming up. I sat next to Tanaka-san and started copying their warm ups. Minutes later, everyone's doing their volleyball practice and I did my workout routine by the benches.
It is now 2 PM, lunch time. Everyone is hungry and I called for a food delivery in KFC. It's the nearest restaurant in the school. Since the school is closed, the cafeteria is also closed. No one has packed lunch. They didn't know that I called for take outs, only until the food arrived.
"There's someone outside." Ennoshita said, after returning from refilling his bottle of water.
"Oh! Tanaka-san, Asahi-san, can you guys accompany me?" They both nodded and walked beside me. We reached the gates and the delivery guy beamed when he saw us. "Here's your order!" I handed him the money and I gave him a pretty big tip and smiled at him.
He took the food from his compartment and handed it to the three of us and drove off.
"Akira-san? What's all this?" Asahi-san asked while we walked back. "You guys have been working hard and you guys don't have packed lunch right?" I smiled at them and we continued on our way.
"You're so thoughtful, Akira-san!" Tanaka-san said while tearing up. I panicked and answered him. "Why are you crying, Tanaka-san?!"
We reached the doors of the gym and Tanaka-san is still tearing up. Daichi approached us worriedly and asking why Tanaka's crying. He then noticed the food that we're holding and took the food I was holding.
"It's really sweet of you to do this, Akira-chan." He smiled at me and I grinned back at him.
Daichi gestured everyone to come to us and they were all delighted at my little gesture. We all ate together on the gym and it's again filled with happy chatters. I am now sat with Daichi and Suga-san on the floor. "You're as sweet as you are back in Junior High, Akira-san." Suga-san said.
I smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of my neck. "Thank you, Suga-san. I really love your team, so I want to help as much as I can. I want to support you guys and Daichi."
As we were conversing, I saw Hinata-kun and Kageyama-kun run towards the door where Nishinoya is standing. "Training through lunch as well... they sure are full of energy." I heard Takeda-sensei said. The three went off running outside. I focused on my food and the company other than what Takeda-sensei and Coach Ukai have been discussing.
I don't want to eavesdrop on them.
After lunch, Daichi instructed everyone to jog on the mountains as part of the training. I went with them too. I did dressed up for a workout and I really needed that. As usual, Hinata-kun and Kageyama-kun always raced each other even on the jog on the mountain. I just laughed as they run while my brother scolds them. "Hinata! Don't use precious energy groaning. Hey where are you going?!"
He doesn't seem to hear the shouts and just proceeded on running. I just shook my head and laughed at him again. Suga-san went off to find Shoyo while the rest of us continued our jog. It was tiring.
We went back on the cabin after training. I joined Kiyoko-san in preparing dinner while the rest of the boys rest up. Suga-san went somewhere but I noticed Daichi and Asahi-san is not on the room too so I assumed they have their own things to discuss.
-
The seating arrangement is different than yesterday. But I still sat near Daichi and Suga-san, my wonderful parents. I did try my best to look as lively as I first used to for the boys. I don't want my awful mood to change theirs and affect their performance. The two boys who raced earlier is eating so fast that I'm afraid they're going to choke.
Tsukishima, our resident salty french fry and his sidekick, almost lover, Yamaguchi, is looking at the two boys weirdly. I saw Nishinoya approach them and just cheered the two boys on. "Eat! Even if you have to force it down!" He shouted.
On my left is Kiyoko-san and on her left is Suga-san. "You're eating well, Sugawara." Asahi-san, who's in front of him, said. "I am? I've got to eat up and do my best!" He responded. I smiled widely at him and gave him two thumbs up.
The three of us, me, Asahi-san, and Daichi, who's beside him smiled reassuringly at Suga-san. I'm really proud that he's doing his best. "Hey! Let Yamaguchi eat!" Nishinoya shouted and so I glanced his way.
After dinner, I went to my sleeping quarters to take a bath while the boys washed up on their own bathrooms. After my relaxing bath, I opened my phone while my hair dry off on the electric fan.
Oh, I got a message.
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Aya-chan:
Heya, Akira-chan!
Aria:
Hello. How are things back in Tokyo?
Aya-chan:
Pretty well. There's actually something that I need to tell you.
Aria:
Uh, oh. Is it bad?
Aya-chan:
No, no! It's great news! But I'm not sure if you'll like it though.
Aria:
Okay then... dish!
Aya-chan:
I booked you a photo shoot!
Aria:
What?! But I'm on break, Aya-chan!
Aya-chan:
I know you're in hiatus and you're back in Miyagi, but there's one magazine issue that we can't just pass up!
Aria:
But still! I can't go in Tokyo, Aya-chan! I have school and I promised Daichi I'll be here for him!
Aya-chan:
Er... I'm really sorry Akira-chan but I already agreed to it. This issue is really on demand and the designer picked you personally! You're her muse, Akira-chan! The shoot is going to be a cover page! The designer's clothing is really hyped and this is great publicity for you!
Aria:
I can't get out of this, can I? But I really can't go to Tokyo, Aya-chan. I have a personal matter that I'll need to attend this week.
Aya-chan:
That's okay! The date is about a week from now. I can ask them if they can change the location to Miyagi so you won't need to come to Tokyo.
Aria:
Fine, then it's settled. I'll head to bed now, Aya-chan.
Aya-chan:
Don't forget your diet and workouts!
I can't get out of it. When Aya says it's happening, it's happening. I know her too well. She might've signed the contract already before I could even have a say in it. Even if I say no, I know that I can't just slack off for a whole 2 years. People will forget about me and my career will die.
I just really hope that this deal is as good as Aya makes it seem to be.
By morning, I packed up and didn't tell anyone, not even Daichi. I left the cabin while everybody's asleep. The feeling that I have no control over my own life made me feel sad and I don't think I can manage to put up a front for everyone. I just want to relax for a bit and not try too hard to be okay for everyone. On top of that, I really don't want to see Nishinoya. I feel mad at him for a very silly reason but I just can't help it.
I went back to our house and by then, mom is already up and cooking breakfast.
"Oh? Why are you back so early? Shouldn't you be with your brother, Akira?" She said and continued cooking breakfast.
"I left the camp. I needed some time alone." I weakly smiled at her and went upstairs to my room. I collapsed on the bed and just stared at the ceiling.
The day went by just like that. I mostly just look at the ceiling or the window until I get sleepy. I'll head downstairs to eat and then come back up. But of course, I didn't neglect my hygiene. Before I know it, it's the day of the Nekoma game.
I woke up, bright and early. I want to head to the game a few hours early. I was about to head out when I got a call. Eh? Aya-chan?
["Akira? I'm really sorry! I should've double checked! Oh god-"]
"Huh? Calm down, Aya-chan! What's happening?"
["The team is already there in Miyagi! The shoot is not next week, it's today!"]
"WHAT?! BUT AYA, I HAVE VERY IMPORTANT MATTERS TO ATTEND TODAY!"
["I know! I'm so sorry! But we can't back out on it now! Please, Akira-chan!"]
"*sigh* Okay, I'll go. Just please don't let this happen again, Aya-chan."
["Yes! I won't do it again, I promise!"]
"Okay, I'll head there now."
I dropped the call and head down. Defeated, I called for a taxi to get on the shoot.
When I arrived, I saw the venue fully decorated. There are outfits on the rack on the side, near where the changing room is. It's just metals that is attached and put on think cloths so I can change into my outfit even though we're in the middle of a field. I hurriedly went to hair and make up. They started prepping me up while my hands fidget because of the anxiety.
I badly wanted the shoot to go quickly but they made me change into different outfits with different hairstyles to match.
Please don't end the match so early!
Nishinoya's PoV
I woke up and the boys told me to head to the dining room with them. The food is just as delicious as yesterday's but I realized that it tastes different. I looked at Daichi-san and he looked very shocked. "Daichi, are you okay?" Suga-san asked. I listened to their conversation to know what's going on.
"Akira's gone. She's not on her room when I checked on her this morning."
The room suddenly went quiet. It seemed like everyone heard what the captain said and the room was filled with worry. "Ha? Did anything happen?" Suga-san asked again.
Did she and Daichi had a fight? But I just saw them all huggy yesterday, so that must not be it. I didn't like the sight but who am I to talk? She's been acting weird with me for the past 2 days too. I wonder what's up? She was all happy and cheerful with everyone but when it came to me, there's this cloud of negativity in her presence whenever I'm around. Am I the reason for her absence?
The whole team went back to their auras and we continued in our breakfast. We trained again today. But I did scold Asahi-san because of his negative attitude.
-
The Nekoma game is today. Will she watch our game? She's our manager after all.
"Daichi-san, will Akira-san watch our game?" I asked. He stayed silent for a few seconds before answering me. "Of course, she will. She promised me." He frowned a little bit but changed his face into his usual brooding. "We will do our best!"
A few more minutes have passed and she's still not here. The Nekoma team arrived and we're lined up and facing each other on the outside of the gym.
"Ah?!" Shoyo looked at the yellow haired boy from Nekoma. He knows him?!
-
The game is going well. The score is 07-10, with us in the lead. I noticed that their libero is good as well. He managed to receive Asahi's spike and that says a lot. Because of our good momentum, Nekoma called the first time out.
We all talked strategy and I saw the other team giving us a few glances. They're probably trying to make a plan on how to stop Shoyo's demon quick.
The time out is almost ending when someone appeared through the doors of the stadium.
Akira.
Akira's PoV
The shoot was too long! But I'm on my way now! I didn't even bothered to change back to my outfit. Once the shoot was wrapped up, I thanked everyone and took off. The outfits are mine, since I'm the model of the clothes and the designer insisted that I take them so its okay for me to just head out.
I'm almost there! Can this taxi get any slower?!
Soon, we arrived at the place. I paid in advance so I was able to run off the moment he hit the brakes. I ran towards the big stadium and went inside. It's a little bit quiet, are they really playing? I burst in through the doors and saw them resting. It's their timeout. I looked at the scoring board and it's only the first set and we took the lead.
I panted as I tried to steady my breath.
A pair of eyes met mine.
I looked at the team we're playing.
Nekoma.