Breaking Through the Noise

Chapter 1

Life is a multitude of unexpected moments and surprises that keep us on our toes. While one day you could be enjoying a spontaneous adventure, the next could be unbelievably challenging and difficult. Though the nature of life is unpredictable, it's almost funny how everything works out perfectly in the end. But, of course, not all of life's trials and tribulations are comedic.

"What would you do if I broke up with you?"

You whipped your head around to look at your boyfriend, confusion flickering in your heart.  After four years together, you had just begun to dream of a future—a future that now felt perilously fragile. Why was this happening to you? 

His words hung in the air, heavy and foreboding, and for a moment, you almost laughed.  "Where did that even come from?" Your voice was firmer than you felt, but your stomach twisted with anxiety. This wasn't one of those hypothetical situations, it was very much real.

"I don't know, I was just wondering I guess," he shrugged as if your relationship was a mere passing thought. His eyes avoided yours and the distance between you seemed to widen with every second.

"It's not like I thought about that ever happening," you managed, your lips quivering despite your efforts to remain composed. "Why? Do you want to break up?"

He turned his head as if dodging the question and almost instantly you felt a sharp sting of clarity, "Yeah, it's for the better." His words landed like a painful blow to the face, revealing the depth of his indifference. You could truly see how little he respected what you built together. The future you had envisioned slipped through your fingers like sand, leaving you standing alone in a moment you never wanted to face.

~

A few days had passed since the breakup, but the shock still felt fresh. The simplicity of him leaving was baffling. This was the person you had envisioned marrying after graduation, and him throwing in the towel just didn't seem fair—especially not now.

The school year at Fukurōdani Academy had begun a week ago, and already your third year felt like it would last an eternity. Lunchtime used to be spent with Makoto Sagara, your now ex-boyfriend, and prioritizing your relationship had slowly alienated you from your friends.

Fortunately, most of your classmates were wrapped up in their own social circles, leaving little room for outsiders. Though Yukie Shirofuku and Kaori Suzumeda, the only two third-years you still knew well, were exceptions. 

The three of you had been inseparable at Ushimi Junior High, but once you met Makoto, you gradually drifted away from them. Pondering for a moment, you wondered if they would be open to reconnecting. It wasn't as if your friendship had been severed, but reaching out after such a long time felt intimidating. After a few minutes of indecision, you came to the conclusion that being alone wouldn't help—especially with the sting of the breakup still so raw.

You poked your head into Class 3-2 to assess the situation.

As you entered, Kaori stopped scribbling in her notebook, giving you an exasperated yet understanding look, while Yukie continued to stuff her face, talking with her mouth full.

"Hey, guys! Got room for one more?"

"Nice of you to stop by," Kaori grinned, her tan hair tied back in a high ponytail. "I feel like we haven't seen you in forever."

It's about time she came back to us, Kaori thought, but she hid her relief behind a teasing smile. She had missed you, more than she'd ever let on. Seeing you drift away had hurt, but now that Makoto was out of the picture, maybe they could finally have their friend back.

"Dapfts becuth ith hafth bem buhevah," Yukie chimed, her words muffled by food. She always hated seeing you isolated in that relationship, even if she hadn't said much about it at the time.

You couldn't help but roll your eyes. "I think you said it has been forever, so I'm going with that. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong."

Yukie pulled out a chair and gestured for you to sit beside her. It was comforting how they welcomed you back as if no time had passed since you last spoke.

"So, how have you two been?" you asked, trying to break the ice.

"Well, Yukie over here is thinking about becoming a nutritionist after graduation," Kaori replied. "I haven't thought about it much yet, but the career surveys we did made me realize we're really in our last year."

Yukie nodded, stuffing her mouth full again. "We're doing pretty well. Just busy with club stuff and schoolwork, nothing too crazy."

The taller, freckled girl grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck. "Oh, right. I guess that didn't really answer your question."

You laughed, pulling out your bento to join them. "Have you guys started studying for university exams yet?"

They exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them. Studying hadn't been a priority since they were busy managing the boys' volleyball team, which had a particularly rowdy member.

"Not exactly," Yukie finally admitted, pausing her eating. "We've been focused on some other things that are more pressing right now. But tell us about you! How is Makoto doing?"

Your smile faltered. "We just broke up, actually." You forced the words out, knowing that saying any more would bring you to tears.

"WHAT?" Kaori crossed her arms, her expression fierce. "How dare he! I never liked him anyway—he took you away from us!"

"Plus, he smelled like he only showered once a week," Yukie added, returning to her food.

Memories of begging Makoto to wear deodorant flashed through your mind. Maybe the breakup was for the best. You deserved someone with decent hygiene at the very least.

"Enough about that," Kaori said, shaking her head. "Let's distract you from that nonsense. We have some exciting things coming up for the team!" She slung an arm around your shoulders, excitement radiating from her.

"I know it's early in the year, but we seriously have a chance at nationals in January!" she beamed, pointing at the scribbles in her notebook.

"Team?" You tilted your head, chuckling at how quickly the conversation had shifted. "I didn't know you guys joined a sports team."

Yukie shook her head, the reddish-brown hues of her hair catching the sunlight. "No, silly. We're the managers of the boys' volleyball team. That's what I meant by club activities." With the team's ace ranked in the top five across Japan, aiming for first place seemed ambitious but attainable.

You nodded, surprised it had been so long since you last caught up. "So what do you do as managers?"

"Well, we record scores for games, oversee uniform distribution, and organize food and water for the boys," Kaori explained. "Sometimes we even provide first aid, though it's usually nothing serious. Bokuto tends to need it the most because of his antics."

The name sounded familiar, but you couldn't quite place him. "I'm not sure I know who Bokuto is," you admitted. "I know he's in our class, though."

The girls exchanged incredulous looks. "You can't be serious," Kaori said. "He's hard to miss! Plus, he went to junior high with us."

You shrugged, making a face. Perhaps dating Makoto had turned you into a bit of a social recluse. "You'll have to point him out to me next time you see him."

Just then, Bokuto strode into the classroom, and the girls wasted no time in nudging you and whispering his name, their eyes sparkling with mischief.

A/N: I think I'm getting back into the groove of things. Hopefully my writing has improved since the last time I published. Let me know what you guys think!  :)