Peppermint [Asahi Azumane]

~ graduation ~

With his hands still rested on my face, and his thumbs caressing those round cheeks he had claimed to love so much, I bring a hand to my lips as you gently brush over them, wondering if what just happened... really happened.

It had been months since he had kissed me, no, held me like that. And I'd be lying if I said I hadn't missed the warmth that radiated from his body to my cold one.

Yet still, no words could come out of my mouth as my eyes were still practically bulging out of my head. His do the same as he reluctantly loosens his hold on my face, slowly trailing his hands down my shoulders, desperately attempting to keep the soft and familiar curves of my body burned in his mind- as if I was one of his most prized, favourite sketches.

Attempting to not make a small scene, though its insanely tempting to just dart off the court and pretend nothing ever happened, a half genuine, half forced smile is splayed across my face.

"You did amazing out there, ace." I give him a reassuring pat on the shoulder before turning around to walk to the other managers once again. My mind was unable to form a solid thought other than repeating that moment and the phrase 'what the actual fuck?'.

I tried ignoring the curious eyes that followed me, perhaps they wondered what someone like me was doing sucking face with Asahi.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Bokuto standing on the sidelines, shooting Asahi an enthusiastic thumbs up, oblivious to the slight confusion I had masked after walking away.

My heart was pounding out of my chest, looking around at the sheer number of people in the court. This was nationals, for gods sake.

Perhaps it was an unspoken agreement to not speak of the surprise kiss. Maybe I would've gave in for a bit longer if it was just the two of us.

He wondered if maybe she would say she loves him too. Preferably before he's leaves for the next two years. He knew it was a long shot for her to keep in touch or plan on meeting up during his breaks once he's gone.

- - - - - - - -

The team had gotten far in nationals, I made sure to stay friendly with Asahi in order to keep him on his A-game, and in the blink of an eye, it was time for their graduation after an unfortunate loss.

His heart nearly burst out of his chest when he saw me after the ceremony. I had to sit near the back of the crowd alongside Yachi, as the front seats were mainly for close family. There was just something about seeing me in a dress and delicate jewelry, my hair neat and formal without overdoing it. Hell, I'll be cocky just this once, I looked beautiful to him in every passing moment, the ultimate accessory was that "ethereal smile of mine", in his opinion.

By the time the school year had come to an end, everyone had already seen a change in my attitude. Sure, I would still be more reserved at times, as that was my default around larger groups, but the moments during practice when I would whisper something in Yachi and Kiyokos ears then laugh out loud at how red Yachi got was a sight he knew to savour while it lasted.

I had found my people. The ones to lean on and accept help from after learning that there's a difference between pity and empathy.

When his name was called and he walked along the stage, hair in a neat bun with the cap strategically placed overtop of his head, my breath hitched at his beaming smile. His teeth blinding me, like a light of contentment drawing me in closer and closer.

I was so proud of him, of all of them. My face was going to end up sore from smiling so wide, but it was all so worth the awaiting stiffness.

As everyone filtered out of the rented room, I waited for the rest of the graduates to follow. As they walked out one by one, Kiyoko instantly smothered the both of us in a hug. I couldn't help but sniffle at the thought of this being the end of my time in high school with the girl who gave me a head start into what was one of the most eventful years of my life.