Chapter 21 - Yam's Turn

"You're such a knucklehead. I told you to make sure nobody gets hurt." Yamaguchi, in all seriousness, said to Akemi while walking home together.

"I'm sorry senpai. I told you I won't stop till I know for sure. Now I will no longer bother them for real. I promise. Don't be mad please?"

"Hinata probably is the most adored player in the history of the Karasuno Volleyball Team. I, for one, panicked when he cried earlier."

"Oh... but you didn't react."

"Well no. How could I? I know my best friend will not let Hinata misunderstand anything. I bet he will tie up Hinata if he has to just to have him listen to the truth. Also, be careful. Tsuki holds a grudge. He forgives, but it may take a loooong time."

"Yeah, it looks like it too... but anyway. Hinata senpai already forgave me. I will just make it up with him."

"And how are you planning to do that? I am telling you, use a wholesome method this time. Or else I'll be really mad. Understand?"

"Oooh you made my heart flutter. Didn't know you have that dominant side to you. I like it. So how about it? Have you thought about my offer? Contrary to popular beliefs... or... errr rumors... I am actually very faithful."

"Woh! Easy there tiger. You change lanes too fast madame."

"Hey, I was never fully committed to Tsukishima thing. You know it was a mission of some sort since the beginning."

"Okay hypothetically, should we go out, big question is, WHY?"

At that point, they already reached Akemi's home.

"Let's go to the park. We can talk there more." So they went to the park pending the answer to his question.

"So?" Yamaguchi asked when they finally found a bench. It is overlooking a manmade lake with small lilies all around and a few turtles emerging in and out of the water.

"Well... I like you senpai. I didn't think I would need to say it but here I am. I mean, I've been asking you out since forever."

"Okay let me rephrase the question. What do you really feel? Let me be blunt since you are an honest person, do you see me in a romantic sense? I mean yes, you love sex, I remember you saying that clearly. But are you really okay with me? Here you are starting a new leaf after what happened to your last school, are you really okay with starting it with me? Do you imagine me as your partner with love as the driving force, maybe not now but in the near future?

Another thing since we are on the subject, of course, you may think, how about you senpai? Right now I am extremely attracted to you. And yes, I do think of things I can do to you. I'm a man after all. Deeper feelings will come eventually if we do start dating. But how about you? What if you get bored?"

Akemi stared into the lake. She was silent for about two minutes. Yamaguchi waited since it is clear that Akemi is thinking seriously about what he said.

"Seriously... asking about the future. Hmmm, wait I will start from the last. Despite the rumors, I only dated 2 from my former school and slept with just 1 of them. Sadly, both of them dumped me. The 1st time, a nasty rumor about my supposed appetite started from a guy who confessed and I dumped him, my ex thought maybe it is really true. So he doubted my fidelity. The 2nd one, well also believed the rumors, and that dummy told me about it, believe it or not, he thought he can sleep with me. When I did not let him even after 2 wks, well... he got mad. So from those two boys spun off more various rumors. You know the rest. So the issue of boredom is off the table.

As to do I see you in a romantic sense... more like in a sexual sense. When you said you think of things you can do to me, I felt a rush of excitement. That's how big my appetite is. But in the few months that I was here, I never ventured as what the rumors say. I don't sleep around. You know that.

Lastly, I think this may help us. I am attracted to your maturity. You genuinely care for your friends including me. I like it. And you always have a clear head. It's so hot." Akemi breathed out heavily.

They remained silent for 5 minutes.

"Akemi... I understand your feelings. I know this sounds weird but... can we kiss? Can we at least start with liking kissing each other?" Yamaguchi held Akemi's hands in his.

Yamaguchi cupped Akemi's right cheek and slowly kissed her on the lips. Akemi kissed back at the same pace. Not long after Yamaguchi licked her lower lips and Akemi let him in. They savored their 1st sensual kiss. They eventually let go to breathe normally.

"I think we like kissing... so are we—-?" Akemi asked. Yamaguchi stopped her by giving her a quick kiss.

"Akemi, will you be my girlfriend?"

"Yes of course!" Akemi giggled and rested her head on his shoulder.

"Akemi can we just discuss a few things? One, I think it is right to inform our parents about us. I was like your guardian and now I made you my girlfriend so... I don't want them to think badly of us."

"Yeah, I agree... maybe this weekend."

"Also, I know you have a strong personality, but I would appreciate open communication, like, talk to me. Talk to me just as honestly as you always were. I like that about you too."

"Awww really? Okay, I like that too."

"Three, I know you said I'm mature. But in reality, I think with you... I may become the jealous type. I mean you are really beautiful. It's always been a mystery to me how Tsuki held back when a lot of other players even from other teams are always drawn to Hinata. If it was me... I think I would have announced the relationship a long time ago."

"So we will announce to the team?" Akemi straightened up and looked at Yamaguchi.

"If you want to, then we can of course."

"I want them to know as it will eventually be known around. I will feel a bit of protection knowing that some will think twice before confessing."

"Ah, I see. I will protect you then."

"Thanks." They went silent again.

Akemi broke the silence.

"Ahmmm..."

"Are you thinking about doing naughty things?" Yamaguchi chuckled.

"Yes. Hahaha! I bet you were thinking about it too. Be honest!"

"Okay yeah. Having a beautiful girlfriend does that you know. But to ease your mind... we will do it when we feel we are ready and the time is right." Yamaguchi kissed her hair and then lifted her chin to kiss her on the lips.

They stayed there for a while before finally deciding to go back home. They trailed back, Yamaguchi caressing Akemi's hand while they were walking.