(chapter xxv)

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

Once Yuna retreated to the music room, the aftermath of her meeting with Kurai left her feeling both exhilarated and slightly disoriented. She had found a newfound confidence she never knew she possessed, capable of being outspoken and vocal with her loved ones. However, when it came to Kurai, it was a different story altogether.

Within the sanctuary of the music room, the impact of their encounter sank in, igniting a mixture of excitement and uneasiness in Yuna. She had discovered an unexpected boldness in the presence of Kurai, but at the same time, she found herself grappling with a tangle of emotions. The contrast between the ease she felt when interacting with her family and friends and the complex dynamic with Kurai was stark and undeniable.

Kurai had initially taken an interest in Yuna because of her "interesting" demeanor, yet her natural skeptical nature usually made her wary of such advances. However, for the first time, she chose to set aside her usual reservations and give him the benefit of the doubt.

It seemed almost unbelievable, but despite her initial wariness, there was a certain logic to his interest in her. Throughout her life, few seemed to share her passion for music. As such, the thought that someone like Kurai might approach her solely because of a shared interest had never truly crossed her mind.

Yuna had been drawn in by Kurai's seemingly genuine demeanour, falling prey to his charm and deception.

She had allowed herself to be fooled by Kurai's facade, seduced by his charisma and false promises. She had believed in his sincerity and authenticity, only to find herself ensnared in his web of deceit.

Frustration and confusion swirled inside of her, causing her to rub her temple in an effort to ease the tension. Despite her earlier burst of confidence, she now found herself grappling with a sense of uncertainty. The events that had unfolded had left her disoriented, her once-firm resolve wavering.

Yuna muttered to herself under her breath, questioning the situation she had found herself in once again. Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, she remained motionless for a while, her eyes fixed on the ceiling above. In a rare moment of hesitation, she decided not to seek solace in the piano that was mere feet away from her. Instead, she pushed herself away from the door and slowly exited the music room, leaving the comforting embrace of the instruments behind.

Yuna let her feet guide her, surrendering control without question. Deep down, she was aware of her destination, yet she chose not to analyze it. Instead, she remained silently compliant, allowing her feet to lead the way.

Yuna's journey was brief, and within mere moments, she reached her destination. The sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished flooring of the gymnasium echoed in the air, growing louder as she approached. Gradually, other sounds from within the gymnasium became distinguishable, blending with the initial rhythmic sounds of sneakers on the floor.

The sound of the leather volleyball slapping against the floor and being propelled by the arms of the players was a familiar and comforting serenade. Yuna found herself involuntarily humming along to the rhythm, drawn to the melodic symphony of the ongoing volleyball match. It took no time at all for the voices of the players to reach her ears, their calls for the ball and cries of exhilaration filling the gymnasium.

Once Yuna arrived at the entrance, she was captivated by the scene before her—the players moving with a remarkable synchronization that she could never get enough of. Time and again, she had witnessed various volleyball teams both during practice and competition, yet there was something about the male team at her school that consistently drew her attention. It was inexplicable, she thought, the sense of satisfaction that washed over her each time she watched them play.

They weren't flawless, but there was something undeniably compelling about their style of play—a quality that never failed to captivate those who watched. Fierceness and hunger defined their performance, and as these notions took shape in Yuna's mind, she felt a constriction in her throat. Her gaze automatically turned towards Tooru, her eyes drawn to his presence like a magnet.

Yuna felt a sudden surge of confidence as her thoughts crystallized in her mind. Her heart quickened in her chest, its rapid beats mirroring the intensity of her emotions. In a subtle gesture, one of her hands rose to touch her chest, as if seeking to contain the racing organ within her.

She whispered softly, her words barely audible, but filled with a sudden realization. "I can't believe I didn't see it sooner..." Yuna's gaze flickered to the moving bodies within the court, and a rare smile tugged at the corners of her lips. The sight caught the attention of none other than Tooru, who couldn't help but feel a strong pull to turn his head in her direction.

Tooru couldn't resist the magnetic pull of the sight before him. There was something about that smile that ignited a blaze within him, unlike anything he had experienced before. The unique and captivating nature of it rendered him utterly spellbound, unable to tear his gaze away from her.

"Oikawa!" The sharp bark of Iwaizumi jolted Tooru out of his reverie and snapped him back to reality. Fortunately, his reflexes kicked in just in time, and he managed to deflect the ball that had been hurtling towards his face. Instead of feeling irritated by his momentary lapse in attention, the fire that sparked within him fueled a heightened sense of focus and determination that he had never experienced before.

Time seemed to lose all meaning as Yuna remained stationary, watching the game unfold. Her face betrayed an intensity of focus, her attention entirely captivated by the events on the court. The world around her faded into the background as she became engrossed in the spectacle before her.

The mock game wore on for quite some time, and each player began to show signs of fatigue. The intense pace of the match resembled a never-ending battle, but ultimately, one team emerged victorious, securing the winning point and bringing the game to a thrilling conclusion.

Yuna felt an overwhelming sense of excitement coursen through her, as if a missing puzzle piece had finally clicked into place. The realization that had eluded her now seemed clear, and it was as if a veil had been lifted.

It was undeniable that Tooru Oikawa was Yuna's muse, but the nature of her inspiration from him was more complicated than it initially appeared. In her mind, the conflict arose from her inability to clearly identify the specific aspect of Tooru that served as her creative source. The questions swirled in her mind, leaving her uncertain and seeking clarity.

She pondered over her thoughts as she observed Tooru interacting with his teammates. Their camaraderie and synchronization on the court were evident, and it seemed like an effortless dance of coordination. Yet, as she continued to watch, she couldn't help but wonder what made Tooru stand out as her muse. Was it his skill, his charisma, or something else entirely? She found herself drawn to his every move, searching for the answer that eluded her.