Moonlight

Chapter 4

(3rd Person)

The school ground was filled with lively chatters as students flooded out, each going to their own ways. The teachers heaved out deep breaths as they finally rested in the faculty room.

The second-years and third-years of the volleyball team were on their way out to the gym when they met Coach Ukai and Mr. Takeda along the way. They engaged in a lively chit-chat as they planned for their practice. It's Keishin Ukai's first time to actually hold practice, though his grandfather used to show him how, he never had an actual experience as official as this.

As they neared the gym, they could hear the faint laughter inside. Sharing the same curiosity, they sped up their walk. When they opened the door, they could see Hinata and Kageyama playing with a girl that Coach Ukai is so familiar with. The trio continued to play as though they created their own bubble and seemed to have  not minded the newcomers watching them with amusement.

"Well that's a first." Sugawara spoke up, "Seeing those two fight yesterday but now they're playing as if they'd forgotten their little squabble."

The game has gotten pretty tough as their laughter died down. It was the boys against the girl.

"Come on, this isn't fair!" she exclaimed, yet still received the ball.

"Alright, I'll take your side," Hinata said, speeding across and leaving Kageyama alone, "He can handle us two, I'm sure of that."

He grinned and the rally continued. Not long after, Kageyama's serve had hit on Hinata's head which bounced away to Akane's. They both fell to the ground clutching their stomach in laughter. The ball was still up high and Hinata impulsively passed it back to Kageyama. 

Akane's laughter still hasn't died down as she tried to stand up. Still shaking, she held her head and was surprised when she made eye contact with her uncle. Her mouth could only drop open.

---

(Akane)

"Ow." was all I could say as my laughter immediately died down. My brain registered my uncle's presence before it could tell my hands to wipe my tears of laughter.

Immediately, two guys exclaimed together, "Kawaii!"

"The ball!"

"Akane!"

I took my eyes off of them and saw the ball coming straight at me. Hinata was a tad bit far to catch it. 

Move or you're receiving it with your face!

My legs powered up a leap to the back as I formed a receiving position. The ball bounced away and Hinata caught up with the momentum, effectively passing it back to Kageyama. Kageyama caught the ball and motioned a stop to their game as the whole team was already present.

"Sugoi Akane-san! That was quick thinking!" Hinata blabbered, his eyes twinkling. I laughed and waved him off.

"I gotta go, Hinata." I picked up my bag and waved at Kageyama, "Bye Kageyama! Thank you both for the game."

"The movement of a libero, the beauty of a flower, the silky voice and graceful tone." a tall buzz-cut guy and short spiky-haired guy chanted around me.

My eyes made contact with Uncle and he laughed it off, "Come on now, don't scare her."

I am not scared. If anything, he would be the one I'll be scared of if any one of these people try anything funny.

"What's your name?" The tall buzz-cut asked, his excitement overflowing. I was getting creeped out by our closeness so I took a step back and hid behind a familiar warmth. 

Vanilla.

"Coach told you not to scare her."

The buzz-cut guy was taken back and gulped. He gave a split glance at my uncle and chuckled weakly.

"You can get out now, little kid."

My eyes widened.

"How dare you?" I glared at him. He only glared back looking down at me.

"Height?"

"Oh?" I scoffed at what he meant, "Manners?"

Yamaguchi covered his mouth in an attempt to muffle his laugh.

"We may have met and exchanged names, I may be an easy prey for your pestering, but we are not that close yet, so I guess you don't have the privilege of calling me names." I fumed. It's my first time today to be irritated at somebody. Must be fatigue, I gotta go home.

Tsukishima looked taken aback and glanced away, "You're right. That was a jerk move. I a-apologize."

"Good." I huffed and fixed my bag. The gym was quiet and I was starting to hate the awkwardness with it so I grabbed Uncle's sleeve. I dragged him to the side, away from the team's ears.

"Was I too rash?" I whispered.

He only laughed and ruffled my hair, "Even if you were, I am damn proud!"

"Language, Coach Ukai!" Takeda-sensei called out sternly, earning a defeated look from Uncle.

"I'll get going now, would you want anything for dinner?" I fumbled with my skirt. I really just want to get out from everyone's stares right now. 

"I'll be fine with anything if you want to cook. But you don't have to. I'll get something from the store." He stooped down my level, "Look, I know they're scary but I've somewhat peeled some layers off of these guys. They're good."

He smiled and I nodded. 

With his assurance, I've decided to add more people on my list of acquaintances. Maybe they can be friends some day.

I fidgeted my fingers as I walked towards Shimizu-senpai.

"Umm." 

She seemed to have noticed and understood. She gave me an encouraging smile and called over the guys earlier. They were in front of me in a second.

"I'm sorry." I looked at each of them. They were smiling understandingly but their eyes were just full of excitement. Looks like they have Hinata's energy running in them, too.

I bowed at them, and despite the noisy squeaks of shoes, I introduced myself.

"I'm Akane Sato, nice to meet you both." My voice came out soft, like a kitten's. Where did this came from? I secretly laughed at myself.

Shimizu-senpai quickly stood in front of me, her arms spread open, "Turn your backs on her and let it out."

I was confused. But they followed her instructions and screamed, "SHE'S SO CUTE!"

Ah, that's why.

They faced me again and Shimizu-senpai stepped aside, "I kinda got used to it. You don't have to if you're uncomfortable, Akane-san. You can always run to me when they pester you."

"Thank you, Shimizu-senpai." I returned her smile.

"Alright everyone! Let's start!" Uncle declared, getting up on a platform. Shimizu-senpai quickly jogged towards him as she prepared to assist.

My phone buzzed as my alarm went off. I need to get home now. Before anyone else could say anything, I hurriedly called Uncle and waved goodbye. 

Before I could step out, my eyes locked with Tsukishima who was switching sides of the court. A new connection, like a string, suddenly sparked within me. He is so silent yet his eyes speak more.

Could you be a friend, too?