Selcouth

Chapter 27

HAHAHAHA I AM HERE with a new chapter :D

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Keiji's POV

Why is he avoiding me? There he is, chatting with Konoha-san and Sarukui-san so freely but when I meet his gaze, he looks away, never flashing me a smile. What did I do wrong? Was it the way I was acting? Was it the way I looked? Do I smell?

I sighed, neglecting this uncomfortable feeling in my heart. If he doesn't want me, then why should I even bother? I bitterly thought, walking away and clutching the hem of my polo.

I was so stupid for thinking he would stay with me to watch Aito then. He was always there, trailing behind, being close to me. Just why? Why didn't he say anything about staying with me?

Stupid Keiji, he has his own life.

"Yow, Akaashi!" I couldn't stop myself from flinching, looking over my shoulder to meet Konoha's gaze. I glanced at our captain behind him, watching him meet my eyes for a second before looking away. "It's the passing this afternoon, aren't you excited?" Sarukui-san asked, patting my head.

"Well, I guess." I answered quietly, keeping my gaze on the ground.

It didn't take long for us to stand inside the gym. Anihori-kun and Onaga-kun standing behind me whilst our senpais before us. As Bokuto gently held my right and placed the small pin on my palm, I was busy watching his face. Watching the way his brows furrowed in concentration and the way he bit his bottom lip. The way he suddenly looked straight into my eye.

I wanted to look away due to shock and embracement, feeling heart accelerate. But, in this moment, I wanted to know who'll look away. He stared, his golden-honey orbs flicking gently as if he was studying my eyes as well.

"You got this..." He silently whispered, flashing me a genuine smile. It was faint and his eyes didn't really crinkle on the sides but he looked true. Just a simple sentence, not need for a speech but it assured me. I smiled, nodding.

"Hey, let's take a picture!" Komi-san suggested, replied by agreements. It started with the whole team with Coach Yamiji-san. I sat by the chairs with Anahori-kun and Onaga-kun while the others stood behind us. I gave a smile, the flash fading quickly.

Soon, it was just the third years. I held the camera in my hands, watching my teammates and managers find the place they want to stand. Yukie-san sat on chairs with Kaori-san beside her. Washiou-san for once is laughing. Sarukui-san looked as smug as always, it made Anahori-kun laugh behind me. And finally Bokuto-san at the center, his arms behind Komi-san and Konoha-san by his side.

"3" Anahori-kun counted, watching the camera over my shoulder. "2" Onaga-kun quietly added, watching the picture as well. "1" I whispered. "Cheese!!!!" The third years chorused, the flash blinding them for a moment.

It was like a minute ago when it happened because when I put the phone down, there they stood at the podium, screaming and cheering in their white togas. I can hear the faint awes of people as white mortarboards flew in the air.

"Ah look at that..." Anahori-kun spoke from behind. As he did, I watched. They looked so proud and happy. As confetti fell, they cheered. Yet, despite their happy faces, it was just his in my eyes. The way a reddish hue spread throughout his cheeks as he laughed with Washiou-san. "That look so happy. Imagine the relief you'd feel after finally graduating..." Anahori-kun added, tone breathy and proud.

"Yeah..." I followed, crossing my arms as I took in the images of my former captain and my former teammates. Alas, he turned to my direction, raising his diploma high in the air. He pointed at the paper, mouthing; 'I graduated!'