Most Unfortunate - Daichi X Reader

PART TWENTY-ONE: Lost and Found

Tick, tick, tick...

The agonizingly slow hands on the clock face pass at a snail's pace. If only I hadn't finished the exam early, I wouldn't be stuck in this seemingly endless twenty minutes. Alas, here I am, cracking my pencil against my table, and the tall divider separating my paper from the student in front of me couldn't even block the annoyance radiating off him. The dead giveaway was his rather aggressive play of footsy under the table, resulting in the casualty of my baby toe. I couldn't help but return a foot in his direction, causing an epic tap-dance battle.

Lucky for the mystery guy, the bell rang out, and I made a beeline for the exit, but not before bringing my wad of paper down on the teacher's desk with a crisp slap. I was outside the door and school entrance faster than you can say kahonas. And likely, by the petrified screech the taxi driver let out as I barreled into the passenger side, his kahonas may have taken a hike up north.

If you know what I mean...

He placed a hand on his chest, heaving in the driver's seat. "Are ya try'n to give me a heart attack kid!" He huffs out in a blur of slang as the car begins to let out a rumble.

I throw my backpack onto the floor and click myself in. "No time, need to go," I say out of breath. Is he worried about a heart attack? I feel like I'm about to throw mine up. "Go. Mush!" I smack a hand on the dashboard as he presses the petal to the metal, and we begin speeding down onto the highway. I try to calm my breathing as I watch the clock on the radio like a hawk, the deadline nearing. Will I make it in time? "I can't miss my friend's volleyball game. I said I would be there." I hushed out to no one in particular. My gut churns as I feel like I've swallowed a bulk pack of sinkers from Bait and Tackle Direct. The thought of his face if I miss the game. I mean, the team's face.

Yeah, the team...

The cab driver flicks on the stereo, and a crackly ad for some new bicycle disturbs the small stuffy space. He clears his throat as he lets out a rattle familiar to me as smokers' breath — something my father has had for as long as I can remember.

"That's nice of you, making an effort for your friends." The cabbie croaks out as he flicks the blinker on.

I put my hand in my pocket, thumbing around, and felt paper inside. Pulling it out, I see one of Daichi's mini samurai helmets with the game's time, date and location scribbled in blue ink. He threw it at me during literature class yesterday, which just so happened to land on the floor and catch the teacher's attention. Lucky for me, she didn't realise who it belonged to, so no public humiliation. But on a not-so-great note, I had to fish it out of the bin before I snuck out, which was beyond gross, especially since the first thing I grabbed was some leftover banana.

I'm brought out of memory lane as my bag starts to vibrate. I pull my phone out and glance down at the screen to see a notification pop up. Tapping the bubble, the message enlarges, and I am greeted with an image of a volleyball stadium in the background, but the focus is set on equally obnoxious grins from my sister and Hinata, who feel the need to send me a selfie. My heart leaps at the sight of the photo, seeing their wide grins and the Karusuno Volleyball uniform that is so familiar. I roll my eyes at their typical goof-balling nature that bounces off one another like a game of ping-pong between two hyperactive squirrels on a double shot of espresso. I quickly tap out a reply.

(Y/N) - 11:28 am: "On my way. Be there soon!"

The cab pulls up to the stadium, and I thrust some cash at the driver, mumbling my thanks before dashing out. The echo of the buzzing cheers from the gym reaches my ears as I burst through the door of the viewing area. I spot Kenzie and Pacey leaning on the railing, waiting with an intensity I've only seen them give to the TV. Carefully slipping past other full seats, I make my way over to them. I try to look around the stadium for the uniform that seems to consume most of my life.