Number 11

Chapter 8- Graduation

DECEMBER

Winter was upon us. December was my favourite time of the year. The chill of the morning air and the snow that sprinkled down in the evenings.

After winning the finals two months ago, Doshisha had quickly gained popularity. They were now known as the team to beat. The night of our win, we partied hard, waking up the following morning hungover, but not regretting a thing. 

Yasunari and I had also grown a lot closer since then. We went on frequent little "outings" with just the two of us. We were still too awkward to call them dates, although we did activities most couples usually did together. 

Friday, Decmber 18, 2020- the night of graduation. I was sad to see the 4th years go. They had become a huge part of my college life and I was afraid I'd never see them again.

Tightening the straps of my red dress, I sat on the side of my bed. I began brushing my hair, pulling it back into a half up braid. A short knock sounded from outside the door. 

Hurrying over, I threw the door open. A wide smile plastered on his face, Yasu stood at the entrance to my room. He wore a black suit, paired with a red tie. Nervously running his hand through his hair, his eyes glanced down. 

"Wow, you look really pretty Y/N". This sent my heart racing and I could feel my face heating up.

"Y- you think so?" "Thanks Y- Yasu". "Come in". 

I planted myself back on the bed, grabbing my shoes in hand. 

"I j- just gotta get these on and then I'll be ready to go". Before I even had a chance to move, Yasu was by my side. 

"Here, l- let me". Kneeling down, Yasunari held my foot in his hand, as he slipped my black laced heels slowly onto my foot. He repeated the same on the other side. Standing back up, he held his hand out. I nervously placed my hand in his. His hands were large and surprisingly soft. Clenching his hand harder, I pulled myself from the bed.

"You ready?" he asked, earning a nod from myself.

Still clutching my hand, he led me from the room. 

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Hurriedly checking the time on my phone, we began jogging.

'Fuck it's hard to run in these'. 

"Hurry Y/N, it's already 7:30pm". "We're gonna be late".

We in fact, were not late and made it just in time. 

"Yasu, Y/N, you made it!" Ibuki rushed towards us, scooping me up in an embrace. Letting me go, he raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm, what's going on here?" he motioned towards our hands.

Yasunari's hand was still intertwined tightly with mine. Flustered, we quickly released one another.

"U- uh, I didn't want her to g- get lost", Yasu cleared his throat awkwardly. 

"Hm, right". Ibuki didn't seem convinced. 

"Right, enough of that". "The boys are waiting!"

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Gotou, Zaitsu, Ikuto, Someya, Tamashiro, Ishigami, Higashizaka and Koreeda stood tall at the front of the auditorium, their backs facing us. As each boy was called, my eyes began to blur, tears obscuring my view. 

My hand caressed Yasu's, as his fingertips laced themselves with mine. I felt the tears fall. I was going to miss them all. After the long year we had had, the 4th years became almost like my big brothers. They looked out for me and protected me. Now, I was going to have to get used to the fact that I may never experience their presence again.