New Beginnings

Chp. 5

~Suga POV~

I was in the corner of the gym strectching when Daichi approached me. He sat down and started stretching too.

"You wanna tell me what's going on?"

"Nothing, I'm fine."

"Come on Suga I've known you for years now, so I know when something's up. So talk."

I just looked at him and sighed in defeat.

"Fine. Earlier today I screwed up with Natsumi, happy?"

"Not yet, so what'd you do that was so bad?"

"I... I  almost kissed her. We were so close and I just leaned in without thinking and caused her to have a panic attack. Now I don't know how to even look at her, let alone talk to her to even apologize." I said looking down.

"You really like her don't you?"

"Out of everything  I said, that's what you focused on?"

"Okay fine. Look the way I see it, you were wrong to try and kiss her without consent, but that's not totally unredeemable. Just apologize, be sincere, grovel if you have to, but don't do it if your just trying to satisfy your own conscience. And for your own sake, ask her out on a proper date before you try to kiss her again."

He laughed and I just sighed as I shook my head. Then Kiyoko walked over to us with a smile.

"Hey guys."

"Hey Shimizu your kind of late today? Everything alright?" Daichi asked.

"Yeah I was just talking to Natsumi, and trying to convince her to be the new manager."

That caught my attention and I stood up a little too excited.

"Did she agree? Where is she?"

She looked shocked at first, but then smirked at me.

'I dont know if I like that face.'

"She did, but she left to look for her lunch box in her classroom. She'll be back though."

I shifted my weight from foot to foot and scratched the back of my neck sheepishly.

"How is she?"

"She's fine now. Embarrassed, but fine."

"Daichi, start practice without me?"

"Just don't screw up this time."

"I don't plan on it."

I went to my bag to grab her lunch box and ran out the gym to go look for her.

~Natsumi's  POV~

"Where could it be? I've looked everywhere. UGH~"

Not only can I not find my lunch, but I'm starving to death as well. Giving up the search I make my way out of the classroom to go back to the gym.

"Natsumi!"

I look up to see Suga running towards me with...

"My lunch!"

When he got close he stopped a few steps away from me and reached out his hand.

"Here you left it earlier on the bench."

He made sure not to touch my hand as I grabbed my lunch.

"Thanks." I said blushing slightly.

"Um... I also wanted... to say ... I'm really sorry!" He said bowing low to me.

I was so shocked at his sudden apology that I just stood there not knowing what to say. He stood up straight but didn't look me in the eye.

"I really didn't mean to make you feel... uncomfortable earlier, and I definitely didn't want you to think that I would force myself on you or hurt you in anyway. If I have to get on my knees and grovel to prove how sorry I am, then I'll do it just please, please forgive me for being an idiot and causing you to panic." He rambled, all while avoiding my eyes.

I felt bad for making him feel this way even though it wasn't his fault I reacted badly in that situation. I took a step closer and grabbed one of his hands. Finally he looked at me and I tried to give him a smile.

"There's nothing to forgive because it's not your fault I reacted that way. I..."

I stopped as I felt the lump form in my throat. I swallowed and took a deep breath before I continued.

"The last time I... kissed someone, it didn't end well. So when you tried to kiss me earlier it brought on a memory that I'd rather forget. I don't want you to blame yourself for my own weakness, so I want to apologize to you for having to see me like that. I had thought I was over it, but I guess I was wrong." I said as the tears finally came down.

"Can I hold you for a minute is that ok?"

I nodded, he slowly moved closer and wrapped his arms around me.

"I know we haven't known each other for long, but I want you to know that I think you are very strong. It takes a lot courage to tell me even a piece of what sounds like a very difficult time. To be honest Kiyoko did tell us a little bit about the reason why you transfered here. Well at least the who and that he abused you, but I  hope that one day you can trust me enough, as well as have the courage to tell me the whole story. And as for your apology, like you said before there's nothing to forgive, so let's just move on. Ok?"

Sniffiling, I nodded my head.

"Good, and if you ever need to talk I'm here for you."

He finally letting me go and wiped the tears on my cheeks with his shirt.

"Thanks Suga for everything you've done for me so far."

"Come on let's go back. I'm sure they are probably wondering where we are."

He grabbed my hand and started walking towards the gym. I looked at our hands and then up to his back and felt my cheeks get warm.

'I really do like him, but can I trust my own instincts anymore?'

Before I realized the gym doors came into view.

"Hey Suga?"

He stopped and turned, giving me his attention.

"Could you keep what we discussed between us please?" I asked as I scratched the back of my neck.

"Sure it'll be our little secret."

He gave me a wink, and I smiled. We walked into the gym and everybody stopped to stare at us.

"What?" Suga asked.

"This is so not far! How come he gets to hold her hand too?!" Noya shouted in agony on the floor.

I was confused for a second until I realized we were still holding hands. I turned bright red and immediately let go of his hand as he put some space between us.

"It's not what you guys are thinking!" He said defensively waving his hands back and forth in front of himself.

"Oh then what is it?" Tsuki teased.

"Um... it was uh." He stuttered, and then there was a loud clap.

"Ok guys that's enough teasing let get back to practice." Daichi said and everybody quickly ran back on the court.

I sighed and looked at Suga who also looked relieved to be saved from that embarrassing moment. We made eye contact for a second and then we both burst out laughing.