Moonlight

Chapter 5

The volleyball team had been quiet for a good number of days now. I was able to maneuver around my days without having to engage in a long conversation with any of them. It may be nice, but somehow, I miss talking to them.

No! They are obviously practicing and focusing hard on this upcoming match I heard from Uncle. We can talk after that. Why would I cling so easily now?

I shook my head of the thought and my heart of the loneliness. Several girls in the class have been inviting me for lunch and some of the boys had been sharing their boy-talks with me. It was enough to keep the days going.

At the ring of the bell signaling dismissal from class, I noticed Hinata and Kageyama rushing out of the door. Tsukishima and Yamaguchi followed closely.

I can't be bothered with the way I felt ignored just now.

False! I thought to myself. I gathered my things and walked towards the gym. 

I'll just be checking up on them.

Upon realizing my true intentions, I stopped on my tracks. Heaving a sigh, I decided to wait for a while in the library. Maybe a few homeworks will help clear my mind.

As the clock ticked away hours, I kept getting reckless.

I wanted to talk to them. I mused at the thought after finishing my last task. I wished to talk to them, even to the scary Tsukishima or buzz-cut guy. 

"Library's closing please finish off and leave the area neatly!" The librarian called out. 

Alright. 

I exited the library with a new train of thought. I just want to see how they're all doing and I can probably use Uncle as my scapegoat. They can't see me being attached to the acquaintance we share. 

I'm so dramatic...

Laughing at my own paradox, I grabbed a juice from the vending machine. I took note of the darkening skies. Once upon a time, I would be able to walk alone even when the skies are painted a dark blue. It just took one stormy night to take it all away from me.

"Akane!"

I was pulled from my own thoughts as the same gray-haired guy with Shimizu-senpai called out for me. He was chasing after a ball that went past the safety net. I gave him a wave and motioned him to be silent.

I approached him. "Why?" He asked, hugging the ball sideways.

"I just really want to see how everyone's doing." I honestly replied. There's no point in beating around the bush anyway.

He smiled like an angel, "Why wouldn't you want anyone to know you're here? I bet everyone will be thrilled to have you around, more so, being concerned for them."

Because I cannot trust anyone who labels themselves as a friend but acts differently.

"Because I get embarrassed...?" came my unsure reply. "I'll take it in my own pace, senpai. Thank you so much."

"Alright, I'll head back inside. You're free to join us in, watch out for mosquitoes around, okay?"

I beamed at him and nodded happily. What a gentleman!

Staying true to my own words, I discreetly observed everyone from behind the door. Everyone is focused hard making it seem like there is a hard boundary between the court they're in and the world outside of it.

Mosquitoes started to swarm around me and I was starting to get irritated at swatting every second. I decided to get in the gym as the itchiness from my legs and shins started to be uncomfortable for me.