barking at the moon [tendou satori]

chapter three: ice

LUNCH WITH SHIRATORIZAWA was an experience to say the least. It started with nervous introductions and laughing awkwardly at the slightest joke. But somehow Tendou had turned her and the team into best friends by the time lunch ended.

  She had exchanged numbers with Semi and even gotten Ushijima to laugh at one of her jokes aimed at Tendou. As the coaches cleared off the tables and athletes milled back to their gyms, Tendou and her steered away from the rest of the group and chatted absently.

  "See that's why I think chocolate is the best food. If I could eat it everyday I would. All the time." Oka diligently said, her tone serious. When she looked up at Tendou she stuttered in her steps. He had a fond smile on his face, eyes never leaving hers. She was sure her ears were burning but she just couldn't look away.

  Maybe it was the setting or the mood, but right now maybe she believed someone liked her.

  Liked liked.

  "Sorry for staring. Your pupils are beautiful, your freckles are beautiful, I mean," he chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. She giggled. Even though on court Tendo played smooth and had many comebacks, he was rendered speechless around Oka.

  She grabbed his hand, cradling it in hers. "Don't worry about it. I like your eyes. They're very pretty as well." Oka's heart stopped when his smile dropped and for a second she worried she had said something wrong. Did he not like compliments? Did he dislike his eyes? Maybe she just fucked everything up, god why did she ruin every single romantic encounter she had-

  The world was suddenly spinning as Tendou wrapped his arms around her and spun her around like an out-of-control carousel.

  "Thank you! Thank you, no one has ever liked my eyes, thank you Oka!" His giggles reached her red ears as she just laughed wildly, throwing her own arms around his shoulders to stay on.

  Pure unadulterated happiness ran through her. Was this what being in love felt like? Just all the time, this sort of happiness just being around the person of their love. She could get used to this, she decided.

  He set her down, breathing slightly heavier than usual. His hair was ruffled and she just couldn't resist the urge to run her hands through it.

  When he flinched all that happiness turned into burning iciness. All the giggles and laughter that had filled the air had vanished into unsaid apologies. He ducked away from her hand, eyes large and movements sharp. It was instinct.

  Her mouth was stupidly hanging open as she stared at him, mute. Guilt filled her stomach, it filled her throat like she was choking. Apologies ran into her mouth but she just couldn't open her mouth. At least she was smart enough to drop her hand slowly, like he was an animal ready to run.

  Tendou righted himself, a little further than he stood before. When she noticed the guilt intensified. This is why no one liked her. God she just had to ruin it. She finally tore her gaze away from him. "I-I'm sorry. I should've asked. That's my fault, I was stupid I'm sorry I won't do it again." She rambled, looking down at her feet. 'Stupid stupid stupid stupid. God you're such an idiot. Unloveable idiot.'

  Tendou was silent and she couldn't bare to see his expression. Maybe if she faked being sick she could head back to her room and delete his number, maybe pretend she never met this person who was the first to show any resemblance of love.

  Soft fingers caressed her chin. They tugged her chin up. Her tear filled eyes found Tendou's and he had the balls to smile, a very small one. "Hey it's alright. It's not your fault. I just do that, so shrug it off alright?" They both knew he was telling a boldfaced lie but she didn't press.

  She nodded, his fingers still keeping a small hold on her face. He knew this too and glanced down at it. A smirk grew on his lips that left Oka breathless. His fingers threaded themselves through her hair and to the back of her head, pulling her closer and closer.

  She closed her eyes just as she went face-first into his chest. She huffed a little, his laughter reverberating through her head. It filled her like a headache but god it was like a melody. Her arms were quick to wrap themselves around his toros, and his arms fell at her waist.

  He smelled like cologne, but not an obnoxious amount. It was refreshing. She inhaled, closing her eyes and imagining if they were alone. Maybe the hug would turn into something more. Maybe they would even kiss.

  She shook her head. 'God when you become so horny?' Tendou finally pulled away and smiled. Even after all the flurry of emotions that had swept through her in a single afternoon, Tendou's gaze had her feeling at peace.

  She felt at home.