Chapter 13

"You're not the first person that's walked in accidentally." Kiyoko said, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel.

"I just can't believe I was so stupid," Temari said her face in her hands.

"It's not that bad. I did the same thing my first year." Kiyoko shrugged. The two were in Kiyoko's car headed up to the training camp.

"Really?"

Kiyoko nodded. "It was definitely embarrassing."

"See!" Temari agreed.

"But don't worry about it, most of them are probably glad you did. Tanaka would use every excuse in the book to take his shirt off in front of me." Kiyoko said with a laugh.

"That sounds like Tanaka," Temari said.

"He means well," Kiyoko smiled.

"You must know all of them really well." Temari said, looking out the window as large trees zipped by them.

"Some of them more than others. But only because I've been the manager for so long. You'll get there eventually. After all, you know Kageyama and Hinata better than I do as well as the other first years." she said.

"I don't know if I'd say I know them WELL," Temari said, fiddling with her fingers. They had been in the car for quite some time. "Tobio is my brother so that's different."

"Maybe so, but the new members feel more comfortable approaching someone their own age." Kiyoko reminded her with a smile. "My first year as a manager, I used to get so overwhelmed because the captain we had was kind of a jerk and he was so much older than me. Daichi used to give me confident speeches just to work up the nerve to talk to the captain."

Temari smiled at the thought. She admired the encouraging heart Daichi possessed. It was rare.

"That's sweet of him," Temari spoke.

"That's how Daichi is, we both felt the same pressure our predecessors left us like no one else. He was the only one that understood the weight I carried." she responded. "He's a good friend."

Temari nodded. Had she lost him as a friend? Temari worried that if she didn't say something soon, he might think she really does hate him. She thought the opposite in fact, the butterflies in her stomach every time he looked at her told her so.

"When Daichi cares about someone, he cares about them deeply. Especially when he sees them struggling." Kiyoko interrupted Temari's thoughts. "Sometimes he can be stubborn, and sometimes he can be blunt, a lot of people think he's kind of a jerk for that. But Daichi has a big heart," Kiyoko trailed off.

Was Kiyoko in love with Daichi just like Temari?

"You're lucky… you know?" Kiyoko broke the silence.

"I don't feel lucky," Temari blurted, which caused Kiyoko to chuckle to herself.

"Daichi is an attractive guy, I've seen a lot of girls try to catch his eye and you did so without even trying. Girls will be jealous, but that's not what matters. What matters is how you two feel about each other." Kiyoko said.

"What?" Temari shot her eyes at Kiyoko. How did she know?

"We talk sometimes, he asks my opinion about things quite often." Kiyoko smirked. "Don't worry, both your secrets are safe with me."

Temari let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. "I-I don't know how I feel. I don't hate him, I've just never been in this… situation."

"Tell me this, Temari," Kiyoko began. "How do you feel when he looks at you…? Or when you see him across the hall…? How do you feel when he smiles at you…? Or when he walks next to you…?"

Temari sat quiet for a minute taking in Kiyoko's words. Temari thought back to the middle school tournament when she first saw him. His calm focused eyes as he looked down at the court. Then on the first day of school she saw his charming smile. He had been so kind to her, a strange girl he didn't even know. She had shown him her special place and he hadn't judged her or belittled her. He listened when she vented and tried to understand her frustrations. Daichi brought her food at lunch time and got mad at her when she didn't eat. He laughed at her jokes and teased her back when she teased him. He always showed up at the right time to get her away from Suda and to stop Tobio from fighting Oikawa. She liked riding in his car and listening to his music. She liked listening to him talk and laugh. When he looked at her, her heart beat faster and she stood taller. And when he smiled her body was filled with a kind of happiness she had never felt before. He made her feel like she never had before. He made her feel wanted, he made her feel seen.

Did this mean that she was in love with him? Did he feel the same way about her? The questions plagued Temari's mind as they pulled into the gates of the training camp. It had large iron and wood paneling and surrounded the entire property. The buildings were tall, many living cabins surrounded a cluster of large gyms. Smaller cafeterias sat between living quarters.

Kiyoko went straight to the cafeteria and Temari followed. Here it looked large and bare compared to the one at Karasuno which was always full of life. Temari and Kiyoko made quick work of unloading the food and uniforms then preparing meals for the guys. When Temari texted Tobio telling him they arrived, the guys had just started practice. Temari knew they would be starving and tired by the time they got here so she did her best despite being one handed. When they had finished, they set the long tables for the team. Temari had started on dessert when Tanaka and Nishinoya burst in through the big double doors leading to the tables.

"I smell food!" Tanaka exclaimed.

"Kiyoko! Come to me, hot mama!" Nishinoya exclaimed. Temari watched in horror as Nishinoya ran after Kiyoko. However, at the last second, Daichi grabbed Nishinoya's collar, jerking him back.

"How many times do I have to tell you to knock it off!" he boomed.

"Sorry Daichi," Nishinoya gave up, his voice dropping in disappointment. Daichi let go of Nishinoya and looked up. As he did, he met Temari's eyes. Flour streaked her cheeks and she was no longer wearing her sling, even though the throbbing pain was intensifying. A stainless steel bowl of dough sat on the counter in front of her, and she was using her bad arm to hold it steady while her good arm mixed in chocolate chips. Temari noticed for the first time his shoulders slumped forward in exhaustion.

"Temari, what are you doing?" Tobio exclaimed, walking in between the two.

"I'm making cookie bowls." she responded innocently.

Frustrated, he grabbed the bowl from her hands. "Where's your sling? The doctor said you have to wear it."

"It was making my shoulder hurt," Temari argued, grabbing the bowl back. "I'm fine, I have to exercise the rest of my arm so it doesn't go stiff. Now go sit down!"

"You exercise it and you're going to make your hand worse," he argued.

"Go!" she shoved his shoulder and pushed him out the door. The team settled in and once they did, Kiyoko and Temari served them.

"This food looks delicious!" Suga exclaimed.

"Of course it is! Our two beautiful team managers made it." Tanaka said as she placed food onto his plate.

Temari smiled and rolled her eyes.

"I thought I told you to put your sling on." Tobio grumbled when she put food on his plate.

"I thought I told you I'm fine," she grumbled flinging the food onto his plate.

"I see the resemblance now." Tsukki spoke up.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Tobio growled.

"Temari can be just as mean and cold hearted as you." Tsukki laughed.

"Where do you think he learned it from?" she said, placing food on his plate. The team laughed. Finally, Temari approached Daichi. She placed the food neatly on his plate.

"Thank you," he spoke just above a mumble.

"No problem," she responded, her heart lurching out of her chest. She desperately wanted to see him smile at her again.

Temari and Kiyoko served their own plates and ate with the team, then offered the guys seconds. A few of them came up but not all. After dinner, the guys lined up at the counter where Temari passed out her dessert. As Daichi reached for his, their fingers brushed, a feeling of electricity running up her fingers.

"Uh, thanks," he said trying to fake an upbeat emotion, then walked back to the table. Temari watched, his head hung low, eyes not meeting anyone else's. Pain struck her chest.

~

"Alright, well I'm going to go ahead and head out." Kiyoko said.

"See you tomorrow!" Temari called as she was wiping down the counter one last time.

Kiyoko waved, then walked down the hall. Temari looked around the room one more time making sure everything was done. Then she turned out the lights and walked to the sleeping quarters. The team shared the same building, though she had her own room while the rest of the team had to share. As she carried her duffle bag up to her room, some of the guys were walking down the hall towards the bathroom. Temari's room was up on the second floor, it was large and meant to sleep multiple people. However, since she was the only female, she had her own room. A single mat was laying on the floor, Temari set down her duffle bag and pulled out the soft blanket she always slept with. Then she pulled out her clothes, neatly laying them on the floor next to her bed. At the bottom of the bag was the rectangular present Daichi had given her at school. She had completely forgotten about it.

Temari took it out of the bag and sat it in her lap as she admired the beautiful constellation wrapping paper. She undid the bright white bow, letting the ribbon fall on her lap. Then she gently peeled open the paper. As she did, she couldn't help the wide and uncontrollable smile that formed on her face. She ran her fingers across the rough black cover, turning it over in her hands. It's leather binding felt like real genuine leather and not the cheap knock off crap. Her fingers clasped the small purple ribbon that was sewn into the cover and tied together in a beautiful bow at the side, holding the book closed. She pulled one of the strings undoing the ribbon and carefully opening the book. As she did so she took in the earthy vanilla scent of its pages, an immediate calmness washing over her. The soft yet stiff paper felt like magic at her fingertips. Her name was written in beautiful cursive handwriting that she knew was too neat to be Daichi's. However when she turned the first page, she couldn't help but squeal in excitement like the little school girl she was. Drawn on the paper was a drawing of a blue sky, white clouds suspended in it. At the bottom of the page, green lines stuck into the sky depicting a grassy field. On this field stood a bubble man with a face that consisted of two round sorry eyes. In his stick-like hand was a small red flower. A rose maybe? Temari wasn't sure. The whole drawing looked like it was done by a grade school student colored by cheap colored pencils. In the middle of the blue sky however, the words "I'm sorry, - Daichi" in his usual crude handwriting.

This was most definitely the cheesiest thing she had ever seen, but she still couldn't help the bright smile on her face. This sketchbook was beautiful, and the authentic Dior logo etched onto the cover in gold told her he didn't spare any money buying this for her. This sketchbook easily could've cost him a couple hundred dollars, she knew she had been saving up for one for awhile. Awe filled her chest. Why would he do this for her? She let her fingers brush the thick paper, the soft chalk of colored pencil rubbing against her fingers. He went through all this trouble for her. She couldn't help but giggle at the cute little drawing, he tried his best and it showed.

Would Daichi have done this if he didn't care?

Temari's stomach sank as she thought about how tired he looked. She had to talk to him as soon as possible... but how would she get him alone? Temari stood up and grabbed her bath towel and a plastic bag to put over her cast. The boys should be done with the bathroom and she was itching for a shower. As Temari walked down the halls to the bathroom she convinced herself that she would confront Daichi tomorrow. She was going to come clean. She was going to confess. Tomorrow. But what would she say? As the hot water ran through her hair and down her body millions of scenarios ran through her head and in all of them she looked like a fool. She had never confessed before so where would she even start?

After her shower, she walked down the hall in a fresh change of pajamas back to her room, her hair tied up in a towel. She stopped at the drink vending machine in the hall just in front of her room to grab a soda. Her mouth was dry and palms sweaty from the impending anxiety that was confessing to the boy she was crushing on. She threw a few quarters in the slot and a water bottle tumbled to the slot at the bottom of the machine. Temari picked it up then turned to go back to her room. However, as she did, Daichi turned the corner and was walking towards her. He wore black sweat pants and a plain white t-shirt with a white towel bunched around his neck. His messy hair was tossed about his head, his eyes heavy and tired.

Temari didn't know what to do… she froze. All the scenarios that ran through her head earlier had completely vanished and here she stood, absent minded, staring at his seductive body as he lifted the towel around his shoulders, running it through his hair one more time as the bottom of his shirt lifted, exposing the band of black boxers identical to the one she had seen on him earlier. Just at the thought of his skin, soft and bare….

Snap out of it Temari!

"Oh, hey," Daichi spoke, looking up to see her standing in front of the vending machine.

"Hi," she responded, her mind absent.

"Thirsty?" he asked awkwardly, grabbing both ends of the towel around his neck.

"What?" she asked knitting her brow in confusion. Were her cheeks blushing? How could he know about her daydream?

"Your water bottle," he said.

"Oh," she looked down at the water bottle in her hands. That's the kind of thirst he meant. "Yeah, just a little," she responded.

"Yeah, me too," he nodded towards the vending machine.

"Uh, right, I'm sorry," she said, stepping away from the vending machine. She tightened her grip on the water bottle and hung her head, only now realizing her hair was still wrapped up. Her cheeks grew red as she realized Daichi had just seen her like this and she quickly took it down letting her wet stringy hair fall across her face. She began walking back to her room but then… stopped. Who was she kidding. Daichi was standing right here, right in front of her. If she didn't do this now… But how?

"You okay?" Daichi asked quietly as he passed by her walking back to his room.

"Daichi," she spoke as soft as a mouse. Her voice wouldn't go any higher without cracking. Her legs shook nervously and sweat formed on her palms. He stopped in his tracks, his hand screwing the cap back on the bottle. He didn't turn to face her, but instead stood as still as stone. She looked down at her feet trying to hide the embarrassment and frustration on her face. She couldn't help but fidget with the end of her skirt. Why couldn't she look him in the face?! Why did she feel so helpless and stupid? "You didn't have to buy me a new sketchbook…"

Slowly he dropped his hands, his head turned to the side. "Don't worry about it," he responded, then took another step away from her.

"Wait!" Without thinking she lunged forward dropping her towel and grabbing the back of his shirt in her fist. He stopped in his tracks looking over his shoulder at her. Realizing what she did, her face felt hotter than the summer air. "I'm so sorry," she let go of his shirt, her whole body shaking. Nervously she gently straightened out his shirt, though wrinkles were still carved into it. As she did so however, she noted the firm and lean strong feel to the crevice of his back.

No! Stop thinking like that! Temari demanded to herself. Even as she willed herself to stop thinking about his strong lean body that she had seen in the club room earlier, her face got hotter and hotter until she could feel her heart beating through them. Daichi turned his body to face her though she stared at the floor trying to fight the blush on her face.

"Temari, what's wrong?" He asked in a low voice, taking a step closer to her. She took in the fresh scent radiating from his body.

"Nothing," she sniffed, fidgeting with her cast, as her mind raced almost as fast as her heart was beating.

"You're shaking, obviously it's not nothing." He said taking another step closer. With this step it felt as if his warmth was going to overwhelm her.

"I don't hate you," she mumbled, refusing to look him in the eyes. She knew if she looked up into his big brown eyes she would lose confidence to say what she was about to say. Balling her fist and taking a deep breath, she continued. "I never have hated you. Actually it's the opposite, I really really like you. So don't think I hate you okay? It's not your fault what Mitsui did."

Daichi didn't respond immediately. Maybe he was surprised, maybe he was embarrassed. Maybe Temari had gotten it all wrong and he didn't have feelings for her. Maybe Temari made a fool of herself by confessing. Temari's heart raced as she waited for his answer. Slowly she let her eyes crawl up his body until they reached his face. His eyebrows were raised and his mouth parted slightly as if what she said had caught him off guard.

"Don't look at me like that," she said nervously, balling up her soft pajama shorts in her fist.

"I-I'm sorry I just..." he trailed off.

"It's okay," she said, trying to fake a smile. She wanted to shrink into her own skin. She wanted to run and hide and never face him again. But here she stood, with her heart on her sleeve. This wasn't her, she wasn't this type of person, yet here she was hoping Daichi would say something. "I should get going," she said softly as she took a step towards her room.

She didn't make it very far however. Daichi's large hand reached out in front of her, stopping her from going any further. He stepped forward, the space between them growing smaller and smaller. "I really like you too," he said quietly as he took another step forward. Temari couldn't move. Her legs were so weak and shaky that she knew if she lifted her foot, she just might fall to the ground. Gently, Daichi placed a hand on her waist and another on her cheek. His rough hand sent shivers down her spine as he cradled her face. He took another step forward binging himself close enough to tickle her face with his breath, his brown eyes focused on only one thing: her lips. She could feel his heart racing in his chest as her hands instinctively laid against his firm chest as he leaned closer and closer to her. She caught one last exciting breath before the space was completely closed between them. His soft lips brushed her own as if unsure, but only for a second. His touch was gentle and filled Temari's stomach with butterflies. Her knees weakened as his hands caressed her back and face as if that's where she belonged. Daichi's breath tickled her wet lip and his body engulfed her with a hungry passion she had never felt before. From here she could feel every muscle in his chest and leaned into it with an unfamiliar comfort and safety. For a second she let her body melt into his, giving into his warm powerful touch. But then, just like that it was over. Daichi pulled away, brow knit and eyes closed looking down at the small space between them. He let go of her, letting his hands drop to his sides. His warm fresh breath tickled her cheeks.

"I'm sorry I should've asked you before I did that." He said breathing heavily.

"It's okay," she panted, pulling her hair away from her face to behind her ears. "You're always welcome to do that."

Daichi let his lips turn up in a smile, a relief washed over Temari finally seeing it.