(chapter xxxvi)

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

Hajime couldn't help but notice the unusual silence emanating from his friend, who was usually known for his boisterous personality. The entire time they were at the venue for their game, Tooru had been unusually quiet and distant. It was quite out of character for him, and it immediately raised Hajime's concern. He observed Tooru carefully, his expression growing more contemplative.

It wasn't unusual for Tooru to display a serious demeanour before a game, especially if they were facing a particular opponent. He tended to become more focused and reserved, especially when the competition was intense.

Hajime understood this behaviour well, having witnessed it numerous times over the years. However, something about Tooru's present mood struck him as different—something wasn't quite right.

He couldn't ignore the fact that this time, something seemed different. It wasn't just Tooru's usual game-face seriousness; there was a distant, almost unfocused look in his eyes that Hajime couldn't ignore—a hint of something deeper beneath the surface.

Hajime knew about the recent meeting between Tooru and Yuna. It was a conversation that had been put off for a while, but it had finally taken place. However, he remained clueless about how it had unfolded and why Tooru was now in this state—distant and silent.

Hajime had an awareness of the blossoming emotions between Tooru and Yuna. He had known for a while that they had feelings for each other, but he also realized that without any intervention, their relationship would likely remain stuck in the same frozen state. He believed that someone from the outside, perhaps someone like himself, would need to step in to help the situation progress.

With a concerned expression, Hajime finally voiced the question that had been on his mind. "Did you two actually talk it out?"

Tooru flinched slightly at the question, confirming Hajime's worries, "You said something stupid, didn't you?"

Frustration lacing his voice, he responded, "Why do you assume I said something stupid?"

Hajime sighed, knowing his friend all too well. "Because whenever you get defensive like that, it usually means you goofed up."

"And I also notice the fact that whenever you try to deny something, you end up looking guilty as hell," Hajime retorted, his own frustration starting to show, "Sugawara usually thinks before she speaks, so it's not that difficult to guess that you blurted something out. The silence and that look of guilt on your face say it all—I've known you long enough to recognize it, dumbass."

Tooru let out a defeated sigh and dramatically slumped against the wall next to the locker room door.

Hajime followed suit but in a calmer manner. He took a seat beside his friend, waiting for him to speak.

Tooru spoke honestly, "I just blurted out my thoughts, thinking it would calm my nerves, but Yuna came at the wrong moment..."

Hajime's chest tightened slightly as he processed the situation. His friend had clearly made a mistake by speaking his thoughts without considering the timing and implications.

He knew all this about Tooru, especially on the day before a game. He could see the vulnerability in his friend's demeanour, like a cornered puppy. Most of it was mental, for he was terrible at keeping his emotions in check when he feared the possibility of failure on the court.

He was well aware of Tooru's aggressive competitiveness, especially when they were going against Shiratorizawa Academy. There lay Ushijima Wakatoshi, a lingering reminder of Tooru's determination to be the best. The tension and rivalry that still remained between them fueled Tooru's intense focus and drive.

"What moronic thing did you say, Shittykawa?"

Tooru feigned hurt at Hajime's insult, placing a hand over his heart dramatically, "Iwa-chan, please hold back on the insults. My heart is wounded." He said, in a mock pleading tone.

"I'm asking that because of your own stupidity," Hajime responded sternly, continuing to look elsewhere. "Do you regret what you said?"

"Do I regret...Why are you even asking that?" Tooru sighed in frustration, his hand absently scratching his head as he faced Hajime's direct question.

"Are you trying to make my blood boil?" he retorted, a mix of irritation and weariness in his voice.

Hajime remained unfazed by the sound of Tooru's teeth grinding, knowing it was a result of his directness. He knew it might not be the most tactful move, but he was also tired of feeling like a wall between Tooru and Yuna.

"It depends on your answer," he responded coolly, waiting for Tooru's response.

Hajime longed for things to return to how they were before. He yearned for the days when they laughed and spoke freely about anything and everything. It was clear that he was getting tired of watching Tooru and Yuna dance around each other without making any progress. So, he knew he had to do something, even if it meant things could potentially get worse. It was better than just watching them continue to run away from each other.

Hajime waited what felt like an eternity for Tooru to finally admit the truth. When he seemed unwilling to speak, Hajime decided to change tactics and try something different.

"You know," he began, "I've never mentioned it before, but there's something I've always wanted to confess."

Tooru looked at Hajime suspiciously, clearly intrigued by his friend's unexpected declaration. "You do?" he echoed, slightly confused.

"Yeah," Hajime affirmed, his voice laced with a hint of contemplation. "It's something that I've been thinking about for a while now, but I didn't think I'd ever have the courage to bring it up."

He could sense Tooru's growing impatience at being left in the dark. Hajime understood his friend's frustration, knowing how much he disliked being curious without any answers.

"What is it?" Tooru inquired with an impatient tone, disliking the idea of being led on with a mystery that he couldn't solve.

"It's not easy to say," Hajime admitted, feeling torn between confessing his thoughts and expressing his frustration with Tooru's silence. He continued, "I just don't think I can tell you, because you haven't been telling me anything."

Tooru groaned in frustration at Hajime's response. He clearly dreaded the idea of being made to wait any longer, especially when Hajime hadn't revealed his secret.

"Ugh," Tooru expressed his annoyance, expressing his frustration at Hajime's words.

"Do you see how it feels?" Hajime chuckled mockingly as he folded his arms across his chest. "It's probably not as severe as what I actually feel," he continued. "Feeling so left out from what's going on with my friends. Lately, it seems like you and Sugawara have been putting me in a position where I can't do anything."

His voice grew serious as he maintained eye contact with the corner, "You two need to talk before it becomes unfixable."

Tooru looked in the same direction as Hajime, his eyes also focused on Yuna as she slowly came into view. He turned back to his friend with a sincere look.

"We had plans to talk," Yuna spoke, "I'm sorry for making you feel excluded like this. We'll do our best to ensure you're not placed in such a position again."

Tooru caught a meaningful look from Yuna, silently urging him to agree. Without hesitation, he nodded, determined not to put Hajime in such a position again.

The realization of his selfishness hit him, and he felt guilty for focusing solely on his own feelings.

Tooru rose from the floor, offering a sheepish smile to Hajime.

"I can't exactly promise the same thing, considering trouble seems to follow me around like a magnet," he chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "But I'll certainly try my best, Iwa-chan."

Hajime nodded and patted Tooru on the shoulder before heading back into the locker room. He paused and turned back, a smile on his face, "You two don't have much time, but do your best to talk as much as you can. We can't afford to have our star setter and soon-to-be captain with his head out of the game."

Hajime's smirk grew as he added, "And that goes for our manager as well."

The sound of the door closing echoed through the empty hallway, leaving behind a deafening silence. Tooru and Yuna stood awkwardly, the uncomfortable quiet weighing heavily on them.

"To-kun/ Yu-chan," Both teens attempted to speak at the same time, stumbling over each other's names. The simultaneous attempt to break the silence led to a momentary staring contest before they both broke into a shared snicker.

Tooru and Yuna despised the uncomfortable atmosphere between them. The tension hung heavy in the air, constraining their emotions. The situation was frustrating, and both of them simply yearned for it to come to an end.

Tooru sighed before lowering his head, his voice tinged with remorse. "I'm truly sorry, Yuna," he said, his words sincere. "I swear on my life, I didn't mean what I said!"

Yuna, with a serious expression, continued, "Not even for a second?"

Tooru spoke with conviction, "Not a single second, not even for a single millisecond," he repeated, his tone resolute.

Yuna pondered, "So, one-thousandth of a second, huh?"

Tooru fervently agreed, keeping his head lowered. He was too flustered to meet her gaze, feeling deeply ashamed of his actions.

"I'm still mad," Yuna admitted, taking a few steps toward him. "Mad enough to punch you—"

Tooru couldn't help but shiver as he felt her anger, but he stood his ground, bracing himself for whatever punishment she had in store. He unconsciously clenched his jaw and closed his eyes tightly, preparing for the impact.

Tooru was well aware of Yuna's fierce nature and knew a punch from her could easily bring him some physical discomfort. So when he felt a gentle touch on his cheek, his breath caught in his throat. He exhaled, realizing he had been holding his breath, as the soft sensation caused his heart to skip a beat.

Tooru's eyes snapped open as Yuna pulled back, her smile bringing both relief and confusion.

"I think I'd rather see you help lead our team to victory today," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. "I definitely want this day to end on a happy note. So please, Tooru, good luck."

Tooru's heart still racing from the unexpected kiss, he managed to nod in response.

Tooru's face flushed brighter than ever, unable to suppress his embarrassment any longer. Instead, he boldly placed his hands on her shoulders and smiled, declaring, "I will do my best, but I'll definitely strive harder if you're there on the sidelines, cheering on me as my teammate, friend, and lover."

"What an intriguing way to ask someone out," Yuna chuckled, nodding her head in agreement. "I gladly accept the role of being all three."

Tooru's face practically glowed, his excitement about to burst. Just as he was about to lunge forward and envelop her in a tight hug, the sudden sound of the nearby door opening made him practically leap out of his skin.

"Fantastic, you two have it taken care of now," Hajime muttered with a gruff tone as he opened the door wider, revealing the rest of the team, their faces varying shades of red or smirking amusement.

The newly dubbed "idiotic couple" shared a laugh at Hajime's remark, glancing at each other with smitten smiles.

"Let's keep the celebration for after we win today," Tooru agreed, still holding onto Yuna's shoulders.