Welcome to Aoba Johsai || Iwaizumi Hajime

Chapter 16

"Haneul, do you have time after school?" Iwaizumi asked with a blush.

"We don't have club, so yeah I have time," she nodded before looking at him in concern. "Are you catching a cold, Hajime? You're really red right now..."

Iwaizumi blushed into a deeper shade while the others snickered at him.

• • •

When dismissal arrived, Iwaizumi and Haneul walked in a different direction from Oikawa, Hanamaki, and Matsukawa. 

"Bye! See you tomorrow!" Haneul waved at them with a smile.

They waved back at her before yelling at Iwaizumi. "You better bring good news!"

"Good luck, Iwa-chan!"

"Don't mess up!"

Haneul tilted her head in confusion while Iwaizumi turned red.

"Just go already!" Iwaizumi yelled, making them laugh as they left ahead.

"What were they talking about?" Haneul asked.

Iwaizumi shook his head. "Nothing important..."

Haneul nodded before asking, "What should we do?"

"Do you want to watch the movie that was just released?" Iwaizumi suggested.

She smiled at him, causing him to blush that he faked a cough. "L-Let's go then..."

• • •

When they arrived at the cinema, Iwaizumi paid for the tickets.

"I'm buying the popcorns then!" Haneul smiled before rushing to fall in line.

Iwaizumi smiled at her actions before quickly following after her. "I can pay for them as well."

Haneul frowned at him as she shook her head. "I'm not letting you pay for everything!"

Although Iwaizumi wanted to pay for the popcorns as well, Haneul got her way that in the end.

• • •

As they were watching a movie, Iwaizumi could not really focus on the screen as he kept glancing at Haneul. Meanwhile, Haneul was immersed in the movie that she didn't notice Iwaizumi's gaze. Iwaizumi smiled at the expressions she made, but at the same time, felt nervous about his plan later.

Once the movie was done, they headed out of the cinema, heading to a cafe. "That movie was great!"

Iwaizumi did not remember anything from the movie but nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it was."

"What was your favourite part of the movie?" Haneul asked with curiosity.

Iwaizumi flinched slightly that went unnoticed by her before he replied. "U-Uh... Why don't you tell me yours first?"

Haneul nodded and began to tell him about her favourite part and why she liked it. Once she was done, Iwaizumi spoke. "That's the same for me as well."

Haneul smiled at his words. "I can't believe we like the same part!"

Iwaizumi felt guilty but nodded in agreement once again.

Soon they arrived at the cafe that they ordered their drinks before sitting on one of the available seats. They spent their time together just talking about random topics, although it was mostly Haneul who did the talking. Iwaizumi was just too nervous that he could not help, but be restless. Haneul noticed his restlessness that she furrowed her brows in concern. "Hajime, if you are not feeling well, we can always head back."

Iwaizumi was about to shook his head but nodded instead. "I'll walk you home."

Haneul nodded her head as she stood up from her seat. She would have refused if he lived in the other direction, but since they headed in the same direction, she agreed. Also, she did enjoy spending time with Iwaizumi, although it seemed like he was not in a good condition.

• • •

Once they arrived in front of Haneul's house, she turned to Iwaizumi. "Thanks for walking me home, Hajime."

Iwaizumi just nodded as he was trying to muster his courage. Not knowing his intentions, she gave him a soft smile in worry. "Please make sure to rest as soon as you go home."

She was about to turn away when Iwaizumi stopped her. "W-Wait!"

Haneul turned back to Iwaizumi with a curious look. "What's wrong?"

Iwaizumi felt the heat rushing to his entire face. "I... U-Uh..."

Not being used to seeing him nervous, Haneul furrowed her brows. "It's okay. Take your time."

Iwaizumi took a deep breath before looking at her with determination. "Haneul..."

She silently urged him to continue with a smile.

"I like you," he finally said. "I liked you for a while."

Haneul's smile disappeared as it was replaced with a shock. "W-What...?"

"I fell in love with your smile at first. But the more I got to know you, I fell for who you are and not just your smile," Iwaizumi continued. "I want to protect your smile and I want to be the main reason for your smile."

He carefully held her hands. "When you said you wanted to go back to Korea, I was really devastated. Honestly, I was not planning on confessing at first. But after hearing that, I thought that I should really tell you how I feel about you. I had to stop myself from confessing to you though since I did not want to pressure you."

Haneul's face turned redder each second as he confessed to her.

"Now that you have made your decision to stay here, I decided to confess my feelings for you. I want to be something more than a friend. Will you let me be your boyfriend? Will you let me protect your smile?"

Haneul turned teary before giving him a big nod and a smile. 

Iwaizumi looked relieved as he smiled back at her. "May I... May I hug you?"

She did not respond and threw herself towards him. His eyes widened at her sudden actions but quickly hugged her back. 

"I love you, Hajime..." Haneul mumbled softly.

Iwaizumi smiled at her words and buried his face onto her shoulders. "I love you more..."