What Can We Do, Asahi?

Chapter 9

The morning after, during practice, the team kept working on the new patterns, but they were still very rough around the edges. They were harder than what other people made them look like. In addition to that frustration, Shouyou and Tobio were still on a war path with one another. Yuu was worried, as he knew way too well how it felt when you're not talking with the person you're in love with. But Daichi said it would be better to give them time to figure the situation out among themselves, as they had similar issues before and came out an even stronger duo. Yuu trusted them too, but he wanted to make sure they were truly okay nonetheless. During their lessons' change, the libero approached his best friend, asking to talk to him during their lunch break.

"So, Noya-san. What did you want to talk about?" Both teens opened their lunch boxes, but Yuu started fidgeting with his food, nervous about this topic.

"I spoke to my parents, yesterday, and finally came out to them as bi. I told them there is a person I love, and that I didn't know what to do, because I don't want to ruin my friendship with this person. My dad asked me if I was scared of confessing because this person is a guy, and my mum asked me if I'm gay. So I told them I'm bisexual. I thought they would be disgusted, that's why I didn't tell them until yesterday. But they said they love me no matter who I love, and that they support me." He kept playing with his food, waiting for a reply that never came. He looked at his best friend, and found him staring at him with a weird smirk. He blushed, groaning slightly. "What?!"

"You just said you love him, Noya. Have you finally settled your feelings? When did that happen?"

"I... think it was yesterday, when my mum asked me if I were in love. And after replying that I probably am, I thought about it almost all night. And yes, I'm pretty sure I love him, Ryu."

"Noya, that's amazing! But tell me, what are planning on doing, now?"

"According to everyone, I should just go up to him and confess, talking to him openly about my feelings for him. I don't know, maybe I will try later, and see how it goes?" Yuu brought some food to his mouth, chewing slowly before letting a sigh escape from his lips. "I'm just hoping this won't ruin our friendship." He then slapped his cheeks, and returned to his cheery self. "Anyway, are we still going to the shop, later today?"

"Of course! I've already told Saeko. Are we going to walk?"

"Why not. It's not too far from here, and this way we keep the training up, right?" After the two friends agreed to meet in front of the school gate, the libero took his phone out of his pocket and opened one of the chats.

To Ace, 1:10 pm: Asahi-san, osu! Ryu and I thought it would be a good idea to meet in front of the gate, when school is over. How does that sound for you?

They waited for a reply, but it seemed the older boy was taking longer than usual to answer.

"Does he always take this long to reply?"

Yuu shook his head in confusion.

"No, not at all. He usually answer right away."

To Ace, 1:15 pm: Asahi-san, is this a bad moment? Are you busy?

He shrugged and placed his phone back in his pocket, only to receive a text after barely five minutes.

From Ace, 1:20 pm: Sorry, Noya. I was having a meeting with a teacher about some job opportunities, as I don't intend to go to college. Anyway, that sound like a good plan. I'll see you later, in front of the gate.

Asahi met Daichi and Koushi while walking back to his class to grab his lunchbox, so they stopped for a chat.

"You went to Suga's place yesterday, right Daichi? How did it go?"