《 27 》

Chapter 27

Hikari

● • ● ☁︎ ● • ●

"Tadashi!" I practically yelled, throwing my arms around my freckled friend. "You showed up!"

He wrapped his pinch server arms around me, too. "Why wouldn't I?"

I looked up at him. Despite being younger, he was still slightly taller than me. Tch, boy growth-hormones. "Because Kei's probably not going to show up, even if I plead. Thanks for coming at my request. Aren't you busy, though?"

"Priorities, Ayu-chan. Studying for a test can wait until later. Besides, you can help me, right?" he grinned, pulling away with a thumbs-up. Wow, what a cutie.

"Awh, you are so sweet, Tadashi. Wish I could say the same with Kei. Jaa, now that you're here, let's go. I don't want to waste any more of your time," I told him, ushering him inside.

"You're not a waste of time, my friend," he answered, slipping off his shoes. "Ojama shimasu."

From the kitchen, mom yelled, "Tadashi-kun? Is that you? Come in!"

"He is in!" I yelled back, laughing a little. "Let's go up. I have a lot of packing to do."

Without another word, Tadashi nodded and walked up the wooden stairs behind me, holding the railing. From above, Hiicchi started to exclaim, "Konnichiwa, Tadashi-nii! How're you? I'm really happy you're here!"

My adorable little brother ran towards my first-year friend, hugging his waist tightly. Smiling, Tadashi answered, "I'm good, Hiroaki! Have you finished all your homework?"

"Doing that now. I gotta hurry back. Ichigo-neechan will kill me if I don't finish up soon!" he replied, bowing after. "Let's watch more Dinosaur-kun is a Baker later, okay?"

Tadashi laughed. "Alright. Work hard, buddy. Gambatte!"

I grinned at the interaction. Man did this pinch server know how to bring some form of joy into this household.

He followed me into my room, making sure to close the door afterward. His eyes landed on my blue duffle bag, which was on my bed. "Why do you want me to help you pack for your field trip, again?"

"Because it's no fun packing alone. I always have fun when I pack with someone. Thanks again for coming," I explained, heading towards the wooden closet. The contents of it were revealed as I slid open the door, already eyeing some of the things I wanted to bring.

"Right," he said, sitting on my bed. "Well, you can't wear anything but the uniform, so all you need to focus on are your pajamas and toiletries, really."

"It's Hokkaido, my dude. We're going to go skiing. It's gonna be insane racing with all the guys. Remember how we used to race down slopes together with Kei? That was fun," I commented, pulling out my uniforms. "Besides, Sensei told us that we could wear anything the day after we arrive. Karasuno's uniform isn't exactly for skiing, you know?"

His laugh echoed in my ears. "Sou da ne? I forgot, whoops. Well, you can bring your thick parka for outdoors and that pink fuzzy sweater for indoors. Oh, and wear the waffle-patterned pajamas. And the anime shirt."

"That is pure genius," I agreed, "the dorkier the outfit, the better. I want to be remembered as the snazzy classmate. Nice, Tadashi!"

We high-fived each other, smiling good-naturedly. I lived for moments like these. The warm and cozy atmosphere, however, didn't last as long as I had hoped it to. With nothing but irritation and negativity, Kei burst into the room. Sighing, he walked over to me and grabbed the fuzzy sweater I was holding. There's the rude one.

"This is hideous. You are not wearing this. And what is that? What are those pajamas? Disastrous. You two are disastrous. My eyes hurt," he hissed, bringing the mood down. What an entrance. What a killjoy.

"You're hideous. And you know why your eyes hurt? Because you never see the good in things. Mountains are not supposed to be rude," I retorted, snatching the sweater back. I dusted whatever rude germs he spread on it away from the undeserving piece of clothing. "Besides, I love this sweater. It's soft and cozy. Tadashi loves it, too. You're just blind."

"Look, I just don't want your classmates laughing at you. He-who-shan't-be-named will probably use it as blackmail, too," Kei explained himself, looking away abruptly. "Actually, whatever. Wear what you want. Who cares if you're laughed at?"

Smirking, I went over to Kei, nudging his shoulder. "So Fuji cares, huh? What a tsundere. Y'all don't need to be so tight around me or Tadashi. I've literally seen you crying, tipsy, and clothes-less. And lest I remind you that I have no care in the world whether or not people like how I look. If people don't like how I dress, then that's their problem. Besides, these are for pajamas. I'm going to choose something cute-yet-comfy to wear."

"Urusai."

"Nope," I replied casually, heading back to my closet. "Righty, let's actually start. Kei, get the parka in the laundry room downstairs, please. It's black. You remember, right? Yeah. Okay. Tadashi, help me pick between this dress or this skirt and blouse. I'll wear the dress with the white polo. What do you think?"

Kei headed out without a word, and Tadashi rose from his position on the bed to my side, staring at my closet.

"I like the dress. But won't it be too cold for you? It's a summery outfit," he told me, putting a hand to his chin. "It's really nice, though."

I nodded. He had a point. "I can maybe wear it indoors. I'll wear some leggings and legwarmers, and I'll wear the parka over it. With the high-cut sneakers. I can even add a sweater before the parka."

He flashed a thumbs-up. "Yeah, that's gonna work. But wear the sweater. It'll be too cold if you don't. For your outdoor outfit, I think I like the black shirt with those white rounded collars. Wear the cream pullover with the v-neck, and then the trench coat. Your black pants will do."

Tadashi was arguably one of the most reliable sources for good fashion. Kei was alright, but Tadashi had more class. Kei liked simple. And though there was nothing wrong with that, I preferred Tadashi's choices when it came to winter clothes. Kei was trustable when it the dress code was smart casual. Nevertheless, I loved them both.

"Alright, but I need one skiing getup. What's warm and handsome-looking?" I questioned, gently laying the outfit we had just decided on atop my bed.

"Winter clothes are on the top shelf, right? Just throw together black ski pants and a black winter jacket. You should be fine," Tadashi replied, eyeing my closet.

"Alright, I think we're good on clothes. I just need to shove in some socks and innerwear. My toiletries have already been packed by Kaachan, so all that's left now is to pack the boredom-relieving things. What do you suppose I bring asides from my phone?" I asked, heading to my desk. The desk in itself was a semi-cluttered masterpiece. It was one of the lovable things about my room.

"Phones aren't allowed, Ayu-chan. I thought you knew that," Tadashi perked up, flopping down on my bed and picking up Whale-kun.

"Oh I knew," I grinned coyly, "but Hamako-sensei's lenient and cool. Inoue-sensei, the co-homeroom teacher, is pretty laid-back, too. They made a deal with our class that we can bring one gadget as long as it isn't too big and we only bring it out to take pictures. We're not allowed to use them when we're skiing because they'll end up crushed or broken, and we're not allowed to use them when we're having class bonding sessions. Plus, everyone's law-abiding in Class 3-4. We know when to use them. Oh, and they made it clear that the school isn't responsible for the loss of phones. They gave out a permission slip for our parents to be notified, too. It's all chill for the third-years except for college-related things. Everyone's tight about college."

"You upperclassmen have it easy. They're so strict in our level," Tadashi huffed, grabbing my pillow.

"I know!" I laughed, throwing myself on my bed right beside him. Just then, Kei entered the room with my black parka, throwing it carelessly in my duffle bag.

"There's your parka, Ayu-senpai, " he announced, walking over to Tadashi and I. His figure loomed above us, his smile hiding some kind of scheme. "Oh, I think I feel the weight of gravity pulling me down!"

"Kei, no. No, don't you dare." That skyscraper was not going to do what I suspect he's going to do. He does this every time, my goodness. What a child.

Kei had no sense of hesitation whatsoever and immediately flopped down with his back on my stomach and his legs on Tadashi's feet. He may have looked skinny, but he sure wasn't light. "Kei, you sketchpad! What the Copic Markers are you doing? Get off! You're heavy!"

"Oh, I'm so insulted!" he exclaimed, putting a hand to his forehead dramatically. He turned his head to me, that irritatingly sarcastic grin on his lips. "What're you gonna do now, toughie?"

I punched his butt, then his legs. "Get off! Tadashi, kick his head! You have the chance!"

Bless Tadashi. He did as he was told and kicked the lamppost's head. Gently.

"Yamaguchi!" Kei yelled.

"I'm not gomen now, Tsukki."

Oh, snap.

"Admit it, Kei. We defeated you," I laughed, hitting his back again.

"Not quite yet, Ayu-chan," Kei mumbled under his breath, standing up. His shadow fell on my face as he bent down to put both of his hands a position I was way too familiar with.

"Kei, don't. Kei, I'm begging you, do not. Don't try, don't-" I pleaded, obviously failing. The first-year blonde took his glasses off, placed it on my night-desk, and placed his hands in back into position with an intent to tickle. He hadn't even laid a finger on me, yet I found myself laughing nervously.

"I'm not even doing anything," he commented, putting a finger on my neck. I hated that he knew he didn't even have to start tickling me to make me start laughing. Jerk.

"Can you please not tickle me?" I begged in the middle of a fit of giggles. "I might actually kick you really hard accidentally."

"I'm not tickling you," he answered, placing another finger on my side. I violently jerked away.

"Kei, you well know that I-"

"Get tickled with the show of one measly finger. My goodness, you are crazy," he finished, pulling back and plopping down right beside me.

"You're really a jerk."

"Not as much as He-who-shan't-be-named."

"Stop it with the 'He-who-shan't-be-named' jokes. They're actually funny."

"So do you like it or not, Ayu-chan?" Tadashi perked up.

"It's a blur, sir."

"Are you even done packing yet?" Kei questioned, turning to me.

I turned my head to him. "Nope. Also, do you guys like my new blanket? It's really soft and cozy, right?"

"It is," Tadashi remarked, passing me a pillow. I gladly accepted. "I like your mattress, too. It is extremely comfortable."

"At least I don't have a bed like Kei," I grinned, "full of dinosaurs."

"Shut up," Kei hissed irritatingly, punching me lightly on the shoulder. "You need to finish packing."

"I am well aware, Fuji," I answered, standing up. "So what's it going to be? Any ideas for the boredom-relieving things?"

"Art stuff?" Yamaguchi suggested.

"That's a given," I said, "like, should I bring my ukulele?"

"Don't risk it. Besides, how is that even allowed?" Kei told me, shaking his head.

"Fine, art stuff and allowed-by-parents-and-faculty phone. You sure that's all I need?" I asked once more.

They both nodded.

I shot them both a thumbs-up, ushering them out of my room. "Head downstairs and eat or something. I'm gonna pack other things you two don't need to see."

"Sure," Tadashi waved, " we'll go wait for you downstairs."

With that, the door closed and I continued to pack. Ah, Kei and Tadashi. I could only be thankful that people like them existed. Life would be so much harder otherwise.

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The scent of fast food and luggage filled my nose, and it gave off that adventurous vibe that I had always grown to love. The sole idea of going somewhere that wasn't school with my classmates excited me, even if it meant having to spend a few days with a certain someone. I had, however, already made up my mind that I would not think too much of He-who-shan't-be-named and the whole mess of things because that would spoil both my excitement and fun. Who would want a spoiled last-Karasuno-class-trip? No one.

"Aah, I'm really excited! I have a feeling that this trip is going to be great!" Mikocchi grinned, earning a nod from Prez. "Though I'm really sleepy. I don't understand why I had to wake up at three in the morning for a flight at eight."

"Sou desu ka? I'm honestly just glad I get to spend this last class trip with you," Prez nodded, leaning on his luggage. "Besides, you need one hour to get ready and get to school, one hour for assembly and travel to the airport, and three hours for check-in and things like that."

My eyes widened and my lips curved into a goofy smile. "Don't think I didn't catch that line, Prez! You are so cheesy! I can't believe this!"

He blushed. "N-No! I meant 'you' as a plural thing, but y-yeah. It's nice to be with Fumiko, I suppose."

Mikocchi looked at Prez with her pretty doe-like eyes. He returned her gaze rather boldly with a smile that would definitely have her screaming in embarrassment later. If only I could get someone to look at me like Prez looks at my best friend.

"K-Kazue!" Mikocchi sputtered, clearly shocked. "Stop! Too much."

"You like it though," I commented, earning a playful shove. "Hey! That hurt!"

She looked as if she was about to say something, but she was interrupted by Hamako-sensei's announcement.

"Alright, kids. I have the list of people who brought phones. Please take care of your belongings. We already discussed this earlier during bag inspection. If you lose your phones, it's on you. Please stay in your lines quietly as we check in. Check-in kids, fall in line. Carry-ons, please go and sit in an orderly fashion on those seats," Hamako-sensei told us, ushering the ones with bigger luggage to the check-in lanes.

I squinted my eyes at Sensei. She looked a little strange today. Ah, was she wearing fake lashes? Because one was a little lopsided. Thank me later, Sensei, because I am about to save your life from the wrath of gossip.

"Ano, Hamako-sensei," I whispered, ushering for her to come closer. "Your lash is falling."

She gasped and quickly covered her whole eye. "Hontou? Agh, arigato Hikari-san. Plus two on the upcoming test, don't tell anyone."

"About the plus points?"

She blushed. "Yes, that too. But mainly the eyelashes. Just please keep quiet."

"Hai, hai."

Well, you gotta do what you gotta do to raise your grad— I mean watch out for your fellow women. With that, I bowed respectfully and returned to my two friends, who asked me what happened.

"It was nothing," I waved it off, "also I'm so glad that we had a briefing before this. Otherwise, we'd all be stressed and panicky. I'm also really relieved that my bag is light enough to he considered a carry-on."

They nodded in agreement, walking towards the seat area. But, just to our luck, there were no available seats. Everyone else had apparently rushed to sit down, which left the three of us to stand.

"Darn it. I really wanna sit," Mikocchi commented absentmindedly, huffing. Prez patted her back.

"Ano... do you two girls want to sit? Sorry, Ishinomori. Daichi and I can only free up two seats," He-who-shan't-named piped up, surprising me. Didn't see him there. Wait, seriously? Was he playing the nice card?

Mikocchi threw daggers in the form a stare right at him in response. "Tch, acting all nice, aren't you? Ugh, your plastic attitude disgusts me, really."

He sighed, then stood up with a small smile. "Well, it's the least I can do. Taking the seats or not is up to you guys, but Daichi and I will find new seats. Sorry for wasting your time and see you on the plane."

The silver-head and his best friend bowed politely, dragging their small luggage with them to a new seat area. We looked at each other confusedly, unable to speak. It wasn't like we needed to anyway; Mikocchi and Prez's eyes were practically screaming, "What just happened?"

I shrugged, hesitantly sitting down. Though I knew I really shouldn't have, I did anyway for the sake of my semi-tired feet. Agh, it was irritating that he even bothered to speak to me.

"I'm not sure if I want to thank him or stab him. The latter is more appealing to me, but it would be rude," Mikocchi said, making me crack a smile.

"Stab him lightly," I suggested, "but do it when we get there. Knives will be confiscated in the airport. But without a doubt, stab him. He's really irking me, playing nice. He's faker than the eyelashes Sensei is wearing."

Mikocchi looked at me as if she was holding in a laugh, and I realized my slip-up. She glanced at Sensei for a little before erupting in laughter.

"Oh shoot!" I exclaimed. "Don't tell anyone. Sensei will take away my plus points!"

"Plus points?"

I grinned sheepishly. "Yeah. Ack, just hush about it, please! I'm just trying to play the game strategically, using every bit to advance further. C'mon, you know I'm itching to shatter He-who-shan't-be-named's dreams of scoring higher than me in the level rankings."

She nodded, covering her mouth in snickers. "Don't worry, Hika-chan. I got you. No need for explanations. And yes, I completely agree with you. Sugawara is just as fake as those eyelashes Sensei's wearing. Maybe even faker, because the lashes actually make Sensei's eyes look cuter. Sugawara is disgusting."

"Can you try not to insult him for at least an hour? I feel so bad because he's freed you up those seats," Prez told us, trying not to giggle at Mikocchi's words.

"You know it's funny, Kazue!" Mikocchi responded.

"Yeah, but let's try not to fight fire with fire," he continued, leaning on his luggage.

"Fine, fine. To be fair though, he– agh, whatever. An hour, Prez. Only an hour," I agreed hesitantly.

"C'mon. You've managed to be agreeable in Home Economics, right? An hour shouldn't be that bad."

I grimaced at the thought of Home Ec. Two people that only existed for that class and that class only. Maybe with the exception of that one time he took care of me because I got a fever, I guess.

No. Who was I kidding? I'm pretty sure those two people melted into our own selves until they existed for more than that one hour and fifteen minute period. Until they were real, until they were us.

And it was nice, I'll admit. It was nice to finally see him as a classmate and a friend, not as my rival nor the guy who was heads-over-heels with my sister.

But look where we're at now. Back to square one. Good job, Sugawara, for ruining everything like you always do.

"Hikari-san. Hikari? Hello?" Prez waved a hand in my face, snapping me out of my momentary train of thought.

I answered nervously. "Ah, gomen. Were you saying something?"

"I was telling you that an hour without insulting the guy who freed you both some seats should be possible," he responded, tilting his head. "What were you thinking about?"

"Oh, yeah. I remember now. Yeah, one hour's possible, I guess. I was just preoccupied thinking of other things," I replied, hoping they wouldn't catch on.

"Excited, huh? Watashi mo!" Mikocchi chirped, standing up at the sound of Sensei telling us to fall in line and follow her.

"Yeah, of course! Ooh, that's our cue," I told her, standing up as well. From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of what it seemed like Sugawara looking over.

His gaze was incomprehensibly irritating; moreover, him trying to play nice was unbelievably infuriating. But why would I need to think about something so trifling? It was just a waste of energy.

It's not like he actually cares.

● • ● ☁︎ ● • ●

a/n:

my favorite line is "i'm not gomen now, tsukki."

likE?? BLESS TADASHI

also i'm lowkey loving these heated interactions between the two kids. who eLSE IS???

i'm so excited about everything and i just. i just really hope you all are, too !! honestly it means so much to me when someone comments bc there are probably so many people who've dropped this book bc i dont update quick enough and it breaks my heart; though, at the same time, i do quite understand that people don't have the patience or have become busy, but i'm just here like

WAIT !! BUT YOU HAVEN't seEN THE BEST PARTS,, aLL THE BEST PARTS ARE COMING IN NOW and sOOON (T^T)

I'VE SAVED ALL THE RLLY NICE PARTS FOR THE MIDDLE and eND OF THE BOOK AND IT's evOLVING AND IT's a shAME YOU WON't be abLE TO SEE IT BECAUSE I'VE SPENT THE LAST TWO YEARS THINKING DEEPLY ABOUT THIS BOOK AND WHILE I UNDERSTAND AND APOLOGIZE FOR BEING ONE OF THE SLOWEST AUTHORS,, I JUST WISH YOU COULD HAVE SE EN

but it's okay. i understand !! (;;v;;)

well, i can only be thankful there are still ones who still take a peek every now and then at this book. if you think i don't know who you are @ people who're still with me and interested in rip tide, yoU ARE WRONG

I S E E Y O U

('◉_◉')

thank you so much for the continued support– i know i always say it,, but i really j us t. ('Д') <<<<<3333

also !! info on the characters so no one gets confused:

Last name: Ishinomori

First name: Kazue

Nicknames: Prez (by Hikari)

Info: Club president of the beloved art club. A third-year in the same class as Hikari. Cheesy.

Last name: Ezakiya

First name: Fumiko

Nicknames: Mikocchi (by Hikari)

Info: A part of Karasuno's art club. One of Hikari's best friends, next to Kei and Tadashi. Likes Ishinomori a lot.

here are some doodles

jaa ne, take care and have a wonderful day !!

- cerys / cer / rys (pronounced rice)

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