Another Chance? A KinKuniKage story

Chapter 15

I woke up this morning to the sound of my doorbell ringing. I groaned as I shielded my eyes from the blinding sun, not yet wanting to wake up. I was exhausted. I felt like a phone teetering on one percent just waiting for its chance to shut down. 
    It had been about two weeks since I had last seen Kindaichi and Kunimi. Two weeks since I left them the letter and disappeared. Two whole weeks and they haven't even tried to contact me. Not that I wanted them to, but it still hurt a bit. It hurt knowing that they hadn't attempted to call me or to try to gain my attention.
    I'm starting to think that maybe they were glad I was leaving them be. I wouldn't be around to bother or annoy them. That maybe, just maybe, my whole presence was an absolute nuisance.
    Eventually, I remembered why I had awoken, the door. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and stood up, ignoring the lightheadedness from standing up too quickly. 
    I stumbled my way to my bedroom door and then drew it open. Walking out, I took step by step, careful as I regained vision. Everything was still a little fuzzy, but laying in bed the last few days while ignoring the others was one of the best things I could ask for. 
    The last time I had spoken with Daichi and Suga was when I had pretty much told them to buzz off. It was also the last time I had talked to anyone on the team. The reason for that is one that I'm not too proud of. It's not something that anyone should be proud of. I'm running away from my fears. Hinata is not going to be happy with me.
    Why should I be worried about what Hinata thinks? He doesn't rule over me. I could care less about him right now. He's done nothing to try and make me feel better. I don't want to hear from him or see him for a while.
    "What?" I ask, opening the door before staring at the figure before me. 
    You have to be kidding me. Right?
    "Bakayama! Where have you been? I've been waiting for you to come back to practice because I need my setter! Sure, Suga is doing perfectly, but I miss those sets that go woosh and pow, and then BANG!"
    Wonderful. The one person I don't want to see right now is here. Of course, he's here. Why wouldn't he be? It's Hinata. He knows how and when to get under my skin. I don't even care if this is just coincidental. If it is, fate hates me. 
    "Hinata. Why are you here?" I asked, hoping that my voice was still deep enough to sound threatening. I had a feeling it wouldn't. Especially with all that crying, I've been doing. 
    "Well, first I'm here to get you to come back to practice. Second, I'm here to give you this. I can't tell you who it's from since that's confidential. All I can tell you is that you have to follow the clues to get your prize." Hinata said, holding out a sheet of paper. I glared at him, clearly unpleased with the whole situation. 
    "No. Whatever you have planned, I'm not doing it. I'm staying at home and sleeping. Now, thank you for stopping by. Your work has gone to waste. Have a good day and leave." I respond in a threatening tone while shutting the door. Only Hinata's foot gets in the way.
    He pushes the door back open and gives me one of those oh-so-famous looks. He looks like he's getting ready to attack me. It's honestly giving me the shivers. 
    "Take the paper and come back."
    "No."
    "Oh, it wasn't a choice Tobio. You lost any chance the day you gave up volleyball over stupid boys. Now, take the paper, get ready, and have some fun. I better see you back at practice on Monday." He said, shoving the paper into my hand before turning around and leaving me dumbfounded. 
    I stared at the door in disbelief. No way that just happened. Hinata had never done anything like that before. He grew a backbone. Good for him, I guess. 
    I looked down at the crumpled piece of paper in my hand. Carefully I unfolded it and read over each word carefully.
    Kageyama,
    Great! You got the first sheet. Here's a brief explanation of what's about to happen. 
    If you wish to accept this offer, we will be sending you on a scavenger hunt around town. Slip-on some comfortable shoes because you are going to be walking quite a bit. 
    Here are a few ground rules first:

No Asking Hinata questions.

Some clues will be given to you by certain people. Once again, you can't ask them any questions. (they are sworn to secrecy).

The clues have to go in order so, if you accidentally find one out of order, you can't skip ahead. (All you have to do is remember where it is).

Lastly, have fun!

    Now that we have ground rules set, here's your first clue: 
    People come to this place for a peaceful stroll. You might find families. You might find friends or even lovers. This place is gorgeous during the fall. Do you think you know where the next clue is? Then come and obtain it!
    A scavenger hunt? Really? 
    Now my mind was running crazy with all sorts of questions. Who gave this to Hinata? How planned all of this? Why do I want to do this? And where is the second clue located?
    I race upstairs to my room, tossing different clothes out of my dresser in an attempt to find something that I want to wear. After a bit of searching, I settled on a pair of army green cargo pants and a black t-shirt. I thought I looked pretty decent so, I threw on my most comfortable black tennis shoes and headed for the door, paper in my hand. 
    I stepped outside and began reading over the clue again. I tried to figure out where in the world this could be dragging me to. Place after place began mentally scrolling through my mind. Each time I ruled out another destination before I had it finally figured out. 
    The park. It was the only logical place for a clue like this. 
    Pleased with myself I began heading to the park. I was taking my time as I was in absolutely no hurry. Looking around at my surroundings made me think too much of my first meet-up with Kunimi and Kindaichi. Fun little memories came back to me but, I almost instantly pushed them away since, even though they made me smile, they also made me want to cry again.
    Once at the park, I began looking around. I couldn't find the clue anywhere. I was so close to giving up until I saw right on the bench, where I had to meet Kindaichi and Kunimi to hang out for the first time in a year, was a pink slip of paper. 
    Intrigued, I walked over to it and picked it up and sure enough, written across the front.
    Clue #2
    I was definitely in for an adventure today, and I was more than excited.

~~~

1227 words. Firstly I would like to apologize for how long its taken to get these chapters out. I've been more than busy lately but I would like to thank all of you for your patience and support. This is more than I could have hoped for from this story so thank you so much. As we draw closer to the end of this story I hope you all continue to enjoy it just as much as I have had writing it. And since you have all been so patient I figured why not give you a double update! So once again and like always thank you and have a wonderful day!