The Art of Bad Choices | Haikyuu College (EDITING)

Mental rebound

The shock written over Semi's face was enough for an answer.

Y/N was almost shaking, trying not to let her nerves get the lead over her body, but it was so damn hard. She watched his face as it changed from surprised to compassionate look.

She quickly took a step back, not wanting to hear his response.

She already knew.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have said anything." She said, looking at the ground. Even though she expected it to split in two and discharge a fountain of fire, it was just a plain concrete.

So she wasn't in hell.

"Y/N, I'm really sorry." He said, running a hand his hair in a distressed manner. "I never really thought that you were interested in me... like this. And honestly, being friends with you is what I really crave for. No drama, no deep feelings, just friendship."

She listened with her eyes staring down blankly. What he said was right. They should really be just friends. But now it seemed too difficult, as she started to think about him differently.

"Besides," The man continued, watching her face carefully. "you've probably figured out that a lot of guys are interested in you. I just didn't want to be one of them, killing each other and fighting for attention. This way you can come to me any time to talk, or just sit around, not having to care about anything."

That sounded great. In theory. But her brain already imprinted a little heart over his image as they've spent some time together.

Maybe what attracted her, what made her think about him differently, was the fact that he didn't try anything with her. And for the girl, the most ideal relationship was the one with a true friend. It would be so much better than the one based on attraction by itself, right?

Right. But still, just a theory that was hard to implement into the real life.

"Y/N?" She finally looked at him, but somehow it felt like she looked right through him. Somewhere behind, even further than the walls of the basement.

"That's okay." She said dispassionately, making his brows furrow.

He hated this moment. He really wanted to feel something more. After what she got from all the guys here, she deserved that. She deserved more than just a one night stand that had a small chance of turning into something more.

Semi opened his mouth, but there were no right words to say now.

"I'm really sorry." He finally said, making the girl look away with a bitter smile.

"Don't. I prefer honesty." She said quietly.

The man bit his lip with a sad frown. "Can we..." He started, but the question didn't come through his mouth.

"I don't know." Y/N answered honestly.

Can we be friends?

That unsaid question was burning her mind like a red hot steel. On one hand she didn't want to be his friend anymore, but what other choice she had?

Pretending that they don't know each other?

"But we can try." She added, making him look hopefully at her. "Just... not right now."

Semi nodded, feeling his chest tightening with some unknown fear.

Even though he was interested in having fun with her at the beginning. now he cared for her too deeply to hurt her. Yet that was necessary. It was at least better than developing much deeper feelings just to get rejected. He looked at Y/N, wanting to let her know how much he admired her for telling him how she felt. Or that she didn't try any games with him, even though everyone around played games with her.