erratic heartbeats

chapter 3: art project? more like stress wreaked

Legend: "English unless stated otherwise" --- 'Thoughts' --- "Telepathically speaking" --- [Authors' Note]

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The moment Azumi's subject teacher dismissed her students, greeting everyone a pleasant lunch, the girl was already out and about the room. It was odd behavior considering Azumi is usually someone who takes her time, but she wished to spend her lunch alone for once since the start of the school year.

Kaidou, Saiki and Nendou were pleasant company for Azumi, however she never feels like she is giving in the same amount of effort as her group does when it comes to their friendship. And it has been on her mind since the three became her friends. She appreciates them and the things they do for her, but there is always the lingering feeling of guilt, as if she is intruding in their friend group.

Azumi walked through the side of the school's courtyard, stopping under a tree to watch a game of dodgeball. She was intrigued at the sport, having only been taught and learned to play games that required at least 1 or 2 people to play. Her eyes followed the red rubber ball as it traveled to and from the opposite sides of the court, hitting a number of players while being thrown across.

Despite concentrating almost fully on the game of dodgeball, Azumi reacted reflexively when the ball from the volleyball court close to where she stood deviated from their target. She blinked in surprise, shifting her gaze from the ball in her hands to the equally surprised volleyball players. A few had their mouths ajar after shouting words variating from "Watch out!". A player approached Azumi, eyebrows knitted and eyes still wide, half from surprise and half from amazement.

"I'm so so sorry. On behalf of the team, we deeply apologize. You almost got hurt..." She gave a bow, showing her sincerity even though Azumi found the situation as not much of an issue. Some other volleyball players jogged over and repeated apologies of their own.

"It's fine. It's fine" Azumi unnecessarily repeated herself, shifting the ball from one hand to another before throwing the ball to the player standing near the net. She unconsciously used it as a fiddle. "I didn't get hurt and I think that's what matters"

"And thank goodness for that" The same player who first approached her heaved a sigh of relief, before meeting Azumi's gaze, eyes shining in admiration at the girl. "Anyway, you've got amazing reflexes! Do you play volleyball? I think I speak for everyone when I say I would love to see you play"

"I... I don't... I don't play volleyball," Azumi stuttered, entangling her fingers together and shaking her head-no. She tried to resist the urge to rock on her heels. "but... I've always wanted to try it."

"That's perfect! With your capabilities, you'll surely be one of the best players here after a few weeks" The other players got sick of waiting for their friends, they walked over to hear what they were conversing. "You should come sometime after school, I'll gladly teach you the ropes" The captain, Azumi assumes with the thoughts of the volleyball players, offered, a bright smile adorning her face.

Azumi blinked in slight surprise, half-expecting the captain to openly invite her, a stranger. She slowly raised the corners of her lips, showcasing a small smile. "That sounds nice"

A beat of silence, then within a flip of a switch, the other players started shouting invites of their own. Their voices mixed horribly with each other, leaving no word understandable. Azumi is left shocked at the sudden outburst, her mind lagging a few seconds.

'Oh dear...'

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'What am I being so nervous about? She's just another classmate' Teruhashi walked through the halls. Consecutive "Oh"s fill the hallways and blushes adorn the faces of the boys she pass. She convinces herself with her thoughts, 'That's right! She's just new here. No one is more perfect than me. Just ask these students here gawking at me.'