𝐒𝐈𝐗. 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐃
Love Letters and Declarations

MINAKO STARED BLANKLY AT THE BOY in front of her. She looked the opposite of him with his clean and wide-eyed expression. With a bite of egg sandwich in her mouth, a smudge of mayonnaise on the left corner of her mouth, and a tired look in her eyes, she was far from presentable or attractive. Still, her appearance didn't appear to deter him away nor did it change his mind before he stuck his hands towards her with a letter on the other end. But what stuck out to Minako was the fact that he did it during lunch when she wasn't necessarily alone. On her left was Tanaka who also stared and midbite of his umeboshi onigiri. To her right are Narita, Ennoshita, and Kinoshita who were trying their best not to let their emotions show on their faces.

      He wasn't bad looking, not her type, but she could admit it easily that he's attractive. With an athletic build and big, doe-like brown eyes, he resembled one of those Japanese pop idols she'd seen on her TV. There was a slight dip on his left cheek that almost resembled a dimple and he even had rosy cheeks, but perhaps it was from nerves. 

      She placed her sandwich back into her bento box and wiped her hands on the sides of her skirt before she stood up and took the letter from his hand. Minako was well aware of the eyes that were on her and it never made it any easier since her classmates were more critical of this than amazed. Still, she tried her best not to show too much distaste for the ill-timing and the confession by forcing a small smile. Over the months she learned that smiling too much would give false hope, but not reacting at all would leave them all complaining about how heartless she is.

      "Thank you," Minako said softly. Not knowing what to do with the letter, she awkwardly lowered her hands. "Sorry, um, what's your name again?"

      Tanaka tried to stifle in his chuckle only to end up choking on his food. The boys did little to help him besides Kinoshita handing him a bottle of water.

      The guy's smile faltered slightly at her question but he was quick to brush off Tanaka's reaction. "Taiyo, Matsumoto Taiyo. I'm a second-year on the baseball team, actually."

      "Oh . . ." Minako trailed off. 

      She doesn't remember when she's ever met him or any of their interactions. While most people would've thought that she must've done something to be remembered, Minako doubts that that's the case. If anything, he probably just saw her once in the hallway and heard of her infamous reputation where she shuts boys down faster than anyone else.

      He probably wrote a letter thinking that'll sucker me in, Minako thought as she tried her best not to crumple it up.

      Thankfully — though she'd never tell him this — Tanaka stepped in and stood up. With a hardened glare and clenched jaw, he sized the baseball player up before he stuck his hand in the front pocket of his pants. Not even Ennoshita could make the wing-spiker back down, but then again he was a bit annoyed with this routine of Minako always having to look like the bad guy.

      "What do you want with our manager? She's busy," Tanaka stated as he walked around the desk to face Taiyo. "You think just because she's not dating us that we're easy? Huh, is that it — "

      Minako pushed him away and thankfully Kinoshita held him down. "Sorry about him," she apologized. Placing the letter down she referred to the hallway, "Can we talk outside? I'd rather not have so many people look at us . . ."

      "Oh, of course," Taiyo replied, his voice cracking. Embarrassed, he quickly left the classroom before Minako could even follow, perhaps it was because he knew what was about to ensue even without Minako saying otherwise. Still, he held onto the small embers of hope that burned inside of him as he waited in the slightly empty hallway.

      Minako sighed as she felt her hands grew clammy from the following conversation. The boys gave her a sheepish and apologetic look as Ennoshita hands her a napkin to wipe her face. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn't easy for Minako to have these conversations with random boys. For one, it made her a lot more unlikable to the rest of the school, and two, it only makes her off as a cold and heartless individual.

      "Wipe your face," Ennoshita scolded her lightly. "Try not to be mean, okay?"

      "It's not like I purposely try to hurt him," Minako grumbled under her breath as she threw the used napkin into her empty bento box. She smoothed over her blouse to rid herself of any crumbs. "What do I say?"

      "Does it look like we know how to reject people? We barely get asked out," Kinoshita pointed out bluntly earning a scoff from Tanaka and a sheepish look from Narita. "Just say you're sorry and that you're not looking for a relationship or something like that."

      "Easier said than done, they usually start asking more questions," Minako hissed before her eyes darted to the door.

      Knowing that shes's been inside the classroom for far too long, Minako took a deep breath before she walked outside where Taiyo waited. The boy's eyes softened with relief at the sight of her and he pushed himself off the wall he was leaning against to meet her halfway.

      Her body tensed immediately. She took a step back. Although Minako couldn't sense ill intentions from Taiyo she could never too be sure. Usually, they end up spiteful whenever she rejects them. The occasional degrading comments and backhanded compliments were something they'd return after her polite — at least she thinks she's polite — rejection.

      Taiyo, suddenly looking flustered, distracted himself by rubbing the back of his neck with one hand while the other was stuffed in the front pocket of his pants. He couldn't even look her in the eye. 

      But surprisingly, he spoke up.

      "I wanted you to read the letter first, " Taiyo admitted nervously before his eyes darted from the doorway to her, "But I didn't know you were eating lunch with the boys from the volleyball team."

      "They're my brother's teammates," Minako stated, not knowing why she was even clearing this up with him. "I . . . Thank you for your letter. I appreciate the gesture."

      "O-Of course. It has a lot of what I wanted to say to you, but I'll just . . . say it now," Taiyo hesitated. He placed both his arms by his sides and Minako could see his fingers picking at the loose threads of his jacket. "I like you and I was wondering if I could take you out. On a date."

      Minako wished her heart would beat at the sound of the confession. She wished that she would've reacted like any normal teenage girl who had just gotten asked out by a cute boy. But she couldn't. Her heart stilled in the same boring beat, her lips fell rather than twitched upward and unfortunately for her, Taiyo was quick to notice.

      "I'm sorry," Minako started with. She rushed out the rest of her words, hoping to at least get her thoughts out before he'd cut her off. "I don't know you and I'm sure you're a great guy. But going on a date with someone I don't know is weird and — "

      "But you can try," Taiyo insisted before he took a step forward. Minako took a step back.

      "Quite frankly I'm not looking for a relationship," Minako stated firmly, her tone much colder than before. "You don't know me, I don't know you. That's enough for me."

      "If you're interested in one of the boys from the volleyball team then — "

      Minako held her hand out to stop him before she wrinkled her nose in disgust. "As I said, those are my brother's friends and teammates."

      She wasn't sure why she was even bothering, why she was taking the time to even have this conversation with him. But Minako didn't want to be known as someone bitter or mean any longer. There were so many things that made her happy in Miyagi and she didn't want the bad experiences of high school to bring it down any further. If there was one thing she couldn't stand were the persistent suitors who almost acted shocked that a girl would even say no to them. Little did they know, Minako was far from the traditional Japanese girl who would bat an eyelash and refuse to disobey men. If anything, she loved to go against traditions and rules.

      But if she has to rear Manon's — her dad and Kyoga likes to refer to her mean side as Manon because of her competitive streak — head then she'll do it.

      The second-year smooths out her skirt and crosses her arms across her chest before she narrows her eyes at Taiyo. "I'm not looking for a boyfriend or a relationship. Plus, there's no point in waiting around."

      She doesn't have the heart to tell him that she doesn't believe in love anymore. The idea of holding hands, kissing someone, and making those precious moments is unrealistic. Love is a concept far too normalized and more complicated than what others make it out to be. For love to be thrown around and misused made her sick to the stomach. Love is an emotion far more harming than warming with consequences far more intricate than anyone could imagine. Not to mention, it was something that has made her vulnerable to people she thought would protect and cherish her.

      Love is a fickle thing.

      "Oh," Taiyo said in a defeated tone. He lowered his head shamefully before he suddenly perked and grabbed her hands. "I — I'm okay with being friends if you're okay with that! And . . . if you ever want to try dating, I don't mind waiting for you?"

      Why was he so focused on her? What made her so special?

      As far as Minako knows, she's a loud, bratty girl with a rotten attitude. At least, that's what the other guys she rejected would say about her. Tanaka would add that she's overly blunt and brasher than most people would like. Yet Taiyo looks at her as if she has placed the stars in the sky and answered unsolvable questions he once had.

      "You're wasting your time," Minako told him frankly before she takes her hands away. "I'm not staying in Miyagi after this school year anyways. I'm going to be moving back eventually."

      Taiyo's face fell at the news. "Oh. Really?"

      "I'm here for family reasons," Minako lied. "No offense, after I leave I doubt I'll be able to keep in contact and there's no point in trying to make friends when I won't stay for much longer."

      The look of hurt on his face made her uncomfortable. But at the same time, Minako felt somewhat satisfied with the idea. Though she'll miss the banter between her and the boys, the idea of returning to the rink permanently was pleasing. Being surrounded by nothing other than people from the skating world, doing what she loves most, that was something she couldn't back out of.

      Compared to everyone else at this school, Minako was on another level. One foot was already out the door towards her future while everyone else was scrambling in search of what to do after high school. But the cost for that was a chance at a normal life. There was no graduation in her plans or the idea of going to college. Even the idea of being in a relationship was complicated and she's tried her hand at it before only to have it backfire on her.

      So she'll keep what she says in mind. There is no point in trying something that won't last.

      "Do you have to go?" Minako's eyes widen at his question. "Can't you stay? From what I heard, you seem to like it here."

      She hesitates. Her mouth parts and she looks as though she's going to say something only to close her mouth once nothing comes out. She couldn't deny that what he said wasn't true, it was. Perhaps it was because she hasn't been in Miyagi for such a long time that nostalgia has been hitting her a lot harder than it usually does.

      Miyagi was beginning to feel a lot like home, no longer like a short vacation trip where she's itching to go back to France after staying for a few days.

      "I can't," Minako finally said. Her heart raced as she had just told a lie. "I appreciate the letter and I'm flattered that you feel this way about me, but I don't feel the same way."

      Before Taiyo could even get another word in, Minako bowed respectfully before she turned around and raced back into her classroom. She doubted that he'd follow her and make a scene, especially since Tanaka was already rearing to get into a fight with him. The palms of her hands were clammy and her appetite was gone despite only eating a few bites.

      He's wrong. Sure, she loves being back in Miyagi where her family is, but she loves ice skating more. It's her life, her reason for breathing and her family understands that more than anything. They never questioned her move to France or that she was solely focused on the sport. So why was he, an utter stranger, making her think otherwise? Minako's never questioned it. Ice skating is all she's ever known, all she's ever loved. It's the only thing she's good at.

      There was no other option for her. Minako is a pair skater. She'll always be a pair skater.

      Wordlessly she returned to her seat, ignoring the way that silence fell between the boys the minute she took her seat. Minako said nothing as she drank from her yogurt box, trying her best not to snap at the way Tanaka was staring at her with multiple questions in mind.

      "Need me to beat his ass?" Tanaka asked her jokingly, trying to lighten the mood. He even went as far as to roll up his sleeves.

      Ennoshita gave him a pointed look.

      "Fine," Tanaka groaned. "I'll ask Kyoga to do it."

      "Nope, it's all good, he didn't say anything bad," Minako muttered under her breath as she slid her bento box up for the other boys. "Not really hungry anymore so you guys can eat."

      Though they all wanted to interject, they knew better than to prode Minako when she was moody. After almost a year of being with her, they were more than aware of her prickly personality. Still, the boys complied with her wishes and split the leftover sandwich half to please her knowing that she'd grow agitated with them being awkward around her. And as forced as their conversation about the anime they're watching is, they tried their best.

      Her eyes prickled with tears out of frustration.

      Stupid boys and their inability to be considerate of others.

      With her head leaned back and arms crossed against her chest, she tried to blink to push away the tears. The last thing she wanted to do was cry over as something as stupid as boys like Mathis Lévesque and Taiyo Matsumoto.

      Kinoshita glanced back at her worriedly while the others continued their rant about the latest episode of the anime. He took the jacket from the back of his chair and placed it over her face. Minako said nothing. Instead, she unfolded the coat so it covered her entire head.

EVERYONE SEEMED TO HAVE PICKED up on Minako's bad mood. No one dared to annoy her or even send joking comments her way, in fear that she'll burst out to them. All except Kyoga of course who seemed oblivious to the dark cloud lingering over his little's sister head. To the second-years, it seemed like they were holding their breath the entire practice, especially first-year Yamaguchi Tadashi who flinched whenever he was near Minako. It wasn't like she was going to bite their heads off or anything, but it didn't take a genius to know that something was bothering the assistant manager. Still, Minako tried her best to do her tasks and to not get mad at the smallest of things. 

      However, her brother was making that very difficult. On any other day Minako would've tolerated her brother and his antics, but ever since lunch she was far from a good mood. Perhaps Kyoga did notice and thought that by acting as though nothing was wrong would make things better and if that was true then her brother's a little dumber than she thought.

      "You're still here?" Suga asked as he and the second-years walked down from the boys' lockerroom. 

      They were met with a very clearly annoyed Minako who didn't even bother to fix her collar and her knitted vest poking out from her slightly unzipped backpack. The sight of her unruly hair and tired eyes was evidence enough of her exhaustion. 

      "Kyoga's taking forever," sighed Minako before she glanced to the second floor of the club room. The lights were still on, evidence that Kyoga and Daichi were still holed up and probably going over what happened at practice. "I just want to go home and sleep, get this day over with already."

      "Why don't you just head home first?" suggested Kinoshita. The other boys nodded in agreement and as heartwarming as the idea is, the last thing Minako wants is to hold a conversation. "You don't live that far and we can walk with you down the hill."

      Minako gave him a tired look. "You think my brother will let me? In his mind, I can barely read kanji and I have the intellect of a three year old."

      Suga gave the younger manager an apologetic look. While Kyoga has the right intentions, he was a bit overbearing than any of them would've expected. But then again, perhaps they underestimated Minako and Kyoga's brother-sister bond, perhaps it was deeper than what they actually saw. It didn't take a genius to see how they looked out for one another. From Kyoga's persistence on the two always walking home or having someone walk Minako home to Minako always scolding her brother during practice if he didn't take his pain killers or drink more water. Their bond ran further than spoken words and through action, it was as if they held a silent connection that only they knew.

      "Don't worry," Suga told her with a gentle smile as he ruffled her hair. "Daichi and Kyoga are almost done, they're just putting away the extra equipment and changing."

      "It's fine," sighed Minako. She waved the boys away, but gave them a smile — albeit obviously forced — to reassure them. "Go. It's fine, I can wait myself."

      Though slightly reluctant, the boys agreed. It was clear that today was one of those days where Minako was ready to bite off their heads if they said the wrong thing. Still, the only one who could handle their manager's attitude and mood swings is Kyoga and they can only hope that tomorrow would be a better day. But perhaps it was a Saito thing because no matter what adversity they face, they always get back on their feet.

      Ennoshita offered her half of his candy bar to which she accepted reluctantly. "Eat dinner, shower, do your homework, and then go to bed," he told her. "Don't go to morning practice if you don't need to."

      Minako cracked a smile before she lazily nodded in return. Although their concern and efforts made her terrible day a little more bearable, the confession from earlier on still haunted her. She wasn't sure why it affected her more than usual. A few days ago she rejected a bright-eyed first year who, after telling her he wasn't interested in joining the volleyball club, asked if she'd like to go get ice cream with him after school. But instead, her mind is torn over Taiyo and his picturesque confession and handwritten love letter.

      Somehow, Minako couldn't bring herself to throw away the letter hidden deep in her backpack.

      For a few minutes she tried to push thoughts of boys and Taiyo away. Her Serpentine sequence was getting better with every practice, not to mention her turns were a lot smoother than before. The only problems were her triple jumps. On a good day she could fake a double lutz or double axel easily and most of the time she'd finish it before she'd psych herself out and pop it. Back then, those jumps were something she perfected, something people didn't have to think twice about when it came to her because it was Manon Clavette. She was one of the cleanest skaters, one of the best. Not to mention, her solo jumps were always aligned perfectly with Mathis and —

      Fucking hell.

      The nails of her hands curl into the soft skin of her palms. Biting down on her lip, Minako tried her best to calm herself down from thinking about him. He doesn't deserve to be on her mind, he doesn't even deserve to be praised even if he is a great skater.

      At the end of the day, he was a textbook skater. Pretty on the outside with the charm of a prince, but on the inside, his withered heart could barely withstand the concept of love or affection.

      Minako takes the candy bar out of her bag and tears it open, not caring that the tips of the chocolate had fallen to the ground. Did she like it? No. Not to mention it didn't do anything to stop her eyes from welling up with tears. Biting harshly on the inside of her cheek, she tried to force the overwhelming thoughts of him out, but everytime she tried to think of something new his face pops up in the end.

      First loves were fickle. They can either be your greatest love story or the person who makes you believe that love isn't worth fighting for. And for Minako who makes fairytales a reality everytime she skates on the ice, true love was something as fake as the smiles and the glamor: it was nothing short of a fairytale told to hopeful ones.

      It's all for show. Never was any of it ever real. Not to him anyways.

      "Miko-chan!" Minako snapped her head to the staircase where Daichi was walking down, but in front of him was Kyoga racing down the stairs. "You waited!"

      "You make me wait," Minako pointed out before she offered the leftover candy to him. "If I didn't I would've been lectured about how irresponsible I am and how dangerous it is."

      "And you're well aware!" Kyoga praised before he tapped her nose. He finished the bar just as Daichi finally reached the pair. "But change of plans for today."

      Minako's face fell at his words. If her brother ends up taking them out for another late night adventure because he wants to try a new restaurant or a stupid arcade she might  have to kick his ass. 

      "What? Absolutely not," Minako argued as her face hardened out of annoyance. "We're going home and I'm going to bed, end of story. No if's or but's, you got that? You already dragged me to morning practice and I'm exhausted."

      Daichi looks between the siblings. Though he had grown somewhat used to the Saito sibling daily banter, it was clear that Minako wasn't being playful. During practice she rarely interacted with any of them. Minako and Kiyoko mainly kept to themselves and talked to one another, it wasn't like Minako to throw out a few jabs at Tanaka or the rest of the second years. 

      Kyoga jokingly placed his hands up. "Don't worry, you can. I'm just going to walk Yori home, okay? I already asked Daichi to walk you home again."

      Minako sighed before she turned to face him. Though the expression on her face wasn't as harsh as it was when looking at Kyoga, the monotone look she gave him nearly made him flinch.

      "Are you okay with this?" she asked him. The tone of her voice was much more quieter than the one she used with Kyoga. But the exhaustion and irritation was evident enough for Daichi to hear.

      "Yeah, it's not a big deal with me," Daichi assured her before he gave her a smile. "Besides, I'm buying snacks again. Red bean buns and sweet tea?"

      At the mention of their last walk as well as her favorite snacks, Minako couldn't help but crack a smile. "Okay, sounds good."

      But their little interaction didn't go unnoticed by Kyoga who stared between both his friend and sister. And though Daichi must've broken some friendship rules somehow, Kyoga didn't have the time or luxury to figure any of that out. That just meant he'd have to scold Daichi after practice — not during or else practice is gonna be Hell for him. Still, that didn't leave Minako safe from the interrogation he's gonna give her after he walks his girlfriend back.

      "Let me know when you get back," instructed Kyoga before he gave Minako a small hug. "Be good and don't bite off Daichi's head."

      Minako rolled her eyes. "Shut up," she mumbled in French.

      She was well aware of her temper, but the last thing she wanted was to scare off Daichi. Out of everyone in the team, he has always been the only one she's been the most hesitant about. Perhaps it's because he was the first one to introduce himself to her when she first arrived to Karasuno, his willingness to brush every expectation he had for her and just waited for her to present herself to them.  Whatever it was, Daichi has always been someone she never really had to try to be anyone in particular. 

      But more importantly, being around him made her feel like she could breathe, as if for the brief moment she's around him, she could be a bit of Manon if she wanted to. The Manon who once placed the stars in the skies and made the impossible into miracles.

      Even if she wasn't on the ice.

      "I owe you one!" Kyoga called out to Daichi as he began walking backwards. He pointed at the captain who looked amused by his antics. "I'll buy you melon pan tomorrow, promise!"

      Kyoga waved excitedly before he jogged off towards the the school building where Yori was presumably waiting. As much as she hates her brother's girlfriend, she couldn't deny that their relationship must be cute enough for her brother to be so whipped over.

      "You know he's probably going to forget, right?" Minako mused as they watched Kyoga become a dot in the distance before he disappeared into the school.

      Daichi glanced down at Minako. "Yeah, I figured that much," he sighed before he gave her a tired smile. "Wanna head down to Sakanoshita? Tea or coffee?"

      "Tea," she answered easily before the two began their walk towards the entrance of the school. "Coffee makes me jittery and I feel all buzzy and weird. Kyoga says I'm not that good with caffeine, makes me overbearing apparently."

      He almost snorts at the thought. Daichi could almost image Kyoga complaining about his sister always around when it's usually the other way around.

      Warning, never offer Minako coffee, he noted to himself.

      For the most part, their walk was quiet, almost like last time. Daichi didn't mind. He was fairly good at starting up conversations, but with Minako he was always scared to accidentally say the wrong thing. Being around her made him feel like the floor could swallow him at any minute if he displeased her in any way. Usually people like Minako intimidated him in an unexplainable way, but at the same time, there was this gentleness that made him curious. Because she was trying her best. Whether it was her manager position or her abiding by her brother's wishes, Minako almost always tried in whatever was asked of her.

      And to Daichi, there had to be something more than what the surface of Minako Saito.

      Just as she took out her wallet to pay for her tea and bag of rice crackers, Daichi stopped her and took out his own. Minako arched her eyebrows, silently asking if he was sure. But instead, the captain just smiled and nodded his head before he paid the blonde hair cashier for both their snacks.

      The two students thanked the cashier who lazily waved them off before they walked out. Daichi handed her her items to which she muttered a quick thanks under her breath. Though he did mention that he'd pay for her again, she felt quite bad that she didn't try hard to say no. Still, Minako couldn't lie that she was grateful for the treat. 

      "Thank you," she repeated once more. Daichi looked at her after opening his own bottle of tea. "You didn't have to. But I'll pay for you next time. And unlike Kyoga, I'll actually do it, so next  time you need something it's on me, yeah?"

      "It's okay," he laughed quietly. "You don't need to pay me back or anything."

      "No, I will," Minako protested before frowning. Her big, hazel eyes shone with determination once more. "You having to always treat your friend's kid sister isn't right. I'm not your responsibility. If anything, I should pay for you twice the amount since you're forced to walk me home again."

      Daichi blinked before he continued to stare at Minako. The troubled expression on her face was gone, now replaced with this look of firmness that made him almost laugh. But he was relieved that she was able to forget about her troubles even for just a minute. 

      He always did think that she looked her best when she wasn't expressionless. It made her look less godly in an beautifully human way, almost as if the weight of the world was no longer topped on her shoulders. Daichi's more than aware of Minako's reputation for being cold and unattainable and maybe he was a fool for believing that he could somehow humble her onto his level. After all, who was he to talk to someone like her?

      "I thought you'd need it. It looked like you had a hard day, that's all," Daichi brushed off before he walked out into the road, waiting for Minako to follow in suit.

      Minako let out an almost breathy, yet obviously bitter laugh as she uncapped her tea. "That obvious, huh?"

      "It wasn't that bad."

      "What gave it away? Was it me not killing Tanaka when he annoyed me or was it because Suga-kun babied me more than usual?"

      "Not really. You just . . . didn't smile as much," Daichi admitted before he faltered near the end. After realizing what he just said, he quickly looked up at her, "I mean, usually you're always joking with Tanaka or Suga. Even when Kyoga annoys you, you always smile. That's what I meant to say."

      Shit. Wrong thing to say, Daichi mentally scolded himself.

      He couldn't deny that he had become hyper aware when it came to Minako Saito. Daichi could count the days when Minako first transferred to Karasuno, how everyone in the team was practically walking on eggshells in an attempt to not displease the wheel-chair bounded girl. But Daichi liked to think he has always been vigilant of everything around him. There was something utterly special about Minako that made almost every little detail as important as all the others. Perhaps his awareness of Minako first grew after she got out of the wheelchair, when everyone around her was constantly asking if she needed help. It was then that he noticed the smaller details such as her furrowed brows whenever she walked with a slight limp. And just before he went up to ask if she needed help, he stopped himself after noticing the shine in her eyes, the hardened glaze that screamed her determination to do it all on her own.

      A lot of people called her delicate, someone they needed to coddle and care for in order to recover. But in Daichi's eyes, Minako is nothing short of a fighter.

      Instead of getting a sassy remark from Minako, he was met with the sight of her trying her best to smile. It was unnatural with her lips stretched far wider than needed, her teeth bared, and her eyes trying to rise itself into a laughing curve. She resembled a child who was told by her parents to smile for the picture and the hint of childishness only made Minako stand out even more.

      Daichi couldn't help but burst out into laughter.

      "Sorry, sorry," he apologized as he calmed down. "I didn't mean to laugh at you."

      Minako simply shrugged before her lips curl upwards into a small smile. Cheeks flushed from the attention and slight embarrassment, she faced her gaze to the ground.

      "It's okay," she commented quietly before she played with the tips of her fingers. "Today was just . . . a bad day."

      Her smile dropped as she began nibbling on her rice crackers, but anyone with eyes could tell that she wasn't all that hungry. As they walked side by side, Daichi couldn't help but glance at her every once in awhile, almost as if he'll be able to find the right words to say if he keeps looking.

      Daichi stopped in his tracks causing Minako to do the same. The younger girl looked at him with confusion in her eyes, but before she could say anything, he grabbed her wrist and brought them back to the direction of the school.

      "Where are we going?" Minako sputtered as she sped walk to catch up to his long legs. "Did you forget something at school?"

      He looked back over his shoulder and gave her a smile. Minako's cheeks flushed with heat at the sight before he shook his head and continued their quick walk.

      "Just trust me! I know just the thing!"

      Without a question, Minako followed him. And though she was far too exhausted to continue, she couldn't deny her curiosity. Daichi Sawamura is an enigma, a neverending question with everchanging answers. But somehow, being around him even if it's only been a few minutes, was enough to make all the painstaking thoughts and tightening emotions wash away.

      Mathis no longer weighed her mind and somehow the bitter feeling of him on her tongue was gone. All she could taste was the cool air and sweet lemon tea. Suddenly, she laughed. What she was laughing about was unknown to even her, but something about the atmosphere made her ridiculous and carefree. It was as if there was nothing in the world to stress about, nothing to fret about as long as they kept on running with no destination in mind.

      Being around was easy and effortless.

      Daichi felt the tips of his ears warm at the sound of her laughter that filled the empty air. While many would've questioned her, he basked in the sweet sound. Somehow, his legs weren't as tired anymore as they approached Karasuno's Heartbreak Hill. The only thing he could focus on was the feeling of her skin in his hands and how her fingers curled around his arm, holding onto his sleeve as she continued to follow effortlessly.

      It wasn't long until Minako recognized where he was taking them: Karasuno's Heartbreak Hill. Every once in awhile Minako and Kiyoko would walk with them to record their times as well as to handle water bottles once they're finished. But it was rare that Daichi would have them exercise here, most of their exercises were in the gym rather than the outdoors.

      Thankfully he wasn't making them go to the top. The two ended up near the first stop where they were able to overlook the school and all the buildings below. The sun had just finished setting and there were strips of red and orange where the sun used to be. It was a beautiful sight, one that you'd see in the museums. And while it wasn't anything close to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, it was home. Nothing could compare to this sunset right in front of them, not even the crazy architecture back home.

      "Sorry, I made you run a bit, didn't I?" Daichi apologized profusely as Minako caught her breath. He panted as he tried to even out his breathing, "Maybe we should've walked instead."

      Minako grinned after she downed half the bottle of her tea. "It wasn't that bad. Trust me, Kyoga sometimes makes me go on his jogs with him."

      She turned away from him and faced the scenery laid in front of them. Leaning forward against the guardrails, Minako stared in awe. Has Miyagi always been this beautiful? Has she been away for so long that she couldn't even recognize her old hometown? Were there always this many shops? There were a lot more restaurants and boutiques she couldn't recognize, but there were a few that caught her eye. The small ice cream shop owned by the Goto family was still at the bottom of the hill where the local barber was. A few feet away from that was the children's library where Yua would go with their father.

      As beautiful and glamorous as France is, it was no Miyagi. There was this tranquil atmosphere that seemed almost unshatterable. And the image of perfection and beauty, the one instilled in her, the idea that she must be the epitome of this was enforced in her town. Whereas in Lyons, everything seemed to fast paced, almost as if she needed to catch up with everyone else before she gets left behind. But in Miyagi, the town itself was beautiful enough that she no longer had to play the suffocating role. There was no need to rush things. 

      "I don't expect you to tell me what's wrong." Minako tore her eyes away from the view and turned to Daichi who still stared at the town.

      "But I hope you find someone you're able to talk to about all this," he continued before he finally met her eyes. A soft smile made way to his face. "You're part of this club too."

      Embarrassed, Minako faced away from him, her hair framing her face and hiding her from his gaze. Never has anyone ever done this for her. Sure, Kyoga always encouraged her to express her feelings, to let him lessen the burden of her incident and her emotions. But in Minako's mind it was expected in some way for him to care, to ask if she was okay, and to check up on her.

      For Daichi to care about her was troubling. There was no need for him to care about her feelings, to worry about her wellbeing, or to go out of his way to make sure that she's well. She's just his best friend's kid sister, someone who is an obligation more than anything else.

      But, no matter how much she tells herself that, she couldn't ignore the warm feeling that grew in her chest.

      Must be heartburns, she tried telling herself as she rubbed her collarbone and her upper chest to calm herself.

      "So, why are we out here? We could've talked on the way home," Minako pointed out.

      Daichi gave a mischievous smile, almost like he knew a secret that she didn't. "Because, we're going to yell everything out here where no one can really hear us. It's better than bottling it out."

      "You can't be serious." Minako arched her eyebrows. There was no way Daichi would even — 

      "I'M GOING TO PASS MY FINAL EXAMS THIS YEAR! I'M GOING TO GET A GOOD JOB AFTER HIGH SCHOOL!" Daichi shouted as he cupped his hands around his mouth to make his words clearer. "THIS YEAR WE'RE GOING TO GO TO NATIONALS! AND WE'RE GOING TO WIN!"

      Minako stared at him incredulously, baffled at the fact that he actually did it. There's no way that Daichi, the same one who scolded Nishinoya and Tanaka for shouting and hyping themselves up before a game, just did that.

      Once Daichi stopped he turned to her with a rather proud and haughty smile, almost edging her on to do the same.

      Gripping onto the guardrails, Minako faced the scenery once more. God what would she even yell? Would Daichi judge her?

      Almost as if he was able to sense her hesitation, Daichi was quick to reassure her nagging thoughts. "Say whatever you want. You can even yell it in French if you'd like," Daichi suggested. Whatever was troubling Minako, it was none of his business. But he can only hope that he'd be able to help her in whatever she needed.

      Minako nodded.

      Taking a deep breath, she cupped her hands against her mouth and shouted.

      "IT'S OKAY IF I DON'T WANT A BOYFRIEND!" she exclaimed loud and clearly in French. "I'M GOING TO BE HAPPY! I'M GOING TO BE OKAY! I'M GOING TO GO BACK IN THE NEXT SEASON AND WIN AND REPRESENT FRANCE IN THE JUNIOR GRAND PRIX! I'M GOING TO GO THE OLYMPICS ONE DAY! I'M GOING TO WIN!"

      "WHATEVER GOD THAT'S LISTENING, PLEASE MAKE MINAKO'S WISHES COME TRUE!" Daichi added, shouting until his neck strained and his throat burned. But he couldn't feel anything but bliss and the satisfaction from hearing Minako's loud laughter that filled the air.

      "MAKE DAICHI-SAN'S WISHES COME TRUE TOO!"

      And for a brief moment, everything seemed fine. Even though the future was uncertain for Minako, she couldn't bring herself to care. All the tiredness and fatigue that bothered her the entire day was now gone. Right now all she could ask for is to bask in this moment a little bit longer. To stay on Karasuno's Heartbreak Hill and scream and shout all her wants and desires with Daichi by her side. Because somehow, time seems to slow down whenever he was around.

      There was no need to rush, not when he was there to gently remind her that time can be beautiful and it will be patient. Sooner or later, you'll get everything you want, but time isn't cruel, not like Minako used to believe.

      Daichi continued shouting random wishes like how he wished that he didn't have to wash the dishes this week or that Tanaka would stop egging Tsukshima on. But before he could continue, he felt the delicate touch of Minako's hand on his shoulder. Stopping, he turned to look at her, only to falter at the sight.

      With a smile, Minako squeezed his shoulder. 

      "Thank you," she whispered before she placed her arm back down. "For a lot of things."

      "Always."

      Maybe random declarations weren't always so bad. Sometimes voicing out your wants puts it out to the universe that you want it, that your goal is out there and achievable. And for Minako, someone who has always been scared of voicing out her thoughts and ideas, it wasn't as terrifying anymore. Because even if the person you want to hear you doesn't listen, someone out there will.

      Please let Minako be happy.

      Please let Daichi-san be happy.

A/N;

LET ME JUST SAY.

THIS BABY IS 7,353 WORDS LONG. 

I DITCHED MY NOTES TO FINISH THIS UPDATE AND HERE IT IS. I HOPE YOU GUYS LIKE IT. I MADE IT THIS LONG TO MAKE UP FOR THE LAST CHAPTER WHICH WAS A BIT SHORTER BUT ALSO BECAUSE HI, I REALIZE I HAVE A LOT OF NEW READERS!

I know that some of you are new because of a Tik Tok you may have seen about this book and if you're here because of that, hi! My name is Sav and this is my book! I hope you guys all enjoy this chapter and this book in general. I wanted to give you new readers a longer and more Daichi and Minako filled chapter as a thank you!

Much Love Guys.

( written: september 29, 2020 )
( published: september 29, 2020 )