You Did it Sumire!

The Stranger

"Do you know Yamashita-san, Atsumu-kun?" Kita asked, drawing the stranger's attention.

Atsumu, seemingly familiar to Kita, turned his focus to him and immediately extended his hand for a handshake, ignoring the initial question. After exchanging a few greetings, Atsumu's eyes lit up as he noticed Himari.

"Is this your beautiful fiancée? Congratulations, Kita-san, you're really lucky," Atsumu remarked with a warm smile. Himari and Atsumu then exchanged polite greetings before joining Suna and Sumire.

Atsumu gave Suna a side hug, which Suna returned nonchalantly. "Thanks for inviting me, man. It feels good to be here with you guys," Atsumu said.

"Well, technically, you invited yourself," Suna replied bluntly.

"Hey, but you're glad I'm here, aren't you? After all, we're best friends."

"Osamu is my best friend," Suna retorted.

"You really know how to hurt me. Anyway, let's not talk about that idiot. He isn't answering my calls; it's like he forgot he has a twin."

Kita-san just shook his head and smiled at his juniors. It was good to see Atsumu after such a long time; he somehow seemed more mature and grounded.

While the group chatted, Sumire grew increasingly anxious as the crowd around them expanded. She just wanted to get inside the campus, find a corner seat, and distance herself from the growing throng. Suna san noticed her nervously biting her nails and playfully tapped her head to stop her. Atsumu san chuckled lightly at the interaction, catching Sumire's glare.

"I'm Miya Atsumu, a professional Division I volleyball player," Miya san introduced himself with a confident smile.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Yamashita Sumire, a first-year student at Farshwan University," Sumire replied, her voice trembling slightly as she bowed a little.

Miya san raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Ah, you're still the same, Yamashita-san. Is it okay if I call you Sumire? Your name is a bit long."

"Yeah, sure," Sumire replied, feeling slightly embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Miya-san, but I don't seem to remember you at all."

"That's alright," Miya san said with a reassuring smile. "I'll explain everything, but why don't we head inside and get seated first?"

Kita san nodded in agreement, and Suna san led the way to the seats he had reserved in the auditorium. The space had been transformed into a party hall, with separate dining tables for groups and a stage for performances. Suna san guided Sumire to the corner-most seat, allowing her to sit with her back to the crowd and easing her anxiety. She thanked Suna san, who responded with a small smile.

Suna san sat next to her, while Miya san took the seat across from her. Kita san and Himari san sat together and engaged in quiet conversation, a sight that made Sumire happy. The familiar setting and supportive friends helped her relax, making the gathering feel a bit more manageable.

"So, Sumire, I believe you came to Tokyo around a month ago?" Miya Atsumu asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

Sumire, still adjusting to the bustling atmosphere, nodded. She had indeed arrived in Tokyo for her university admission process last month. "Yes," she replied, unsure of where this conversation was headed.

"Alright, now last month, on a fine day, you were in Oshiage, weren't you?" Atsumu continued, his eyes narrowing slightly as he recalled the details.

Sumire's eyes widened in surprise. "Yes," she said, her voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. How does he know this? she wondered.

"And then, you went to a convenience store and bought some drinks," Atsumu added, his tone growing more precise.

"Yes," Sumire stammered, feeling a bit unsettled by how much Atsumu seemed to know about her. Both Suna and Kita, who had been listening closely, exchanged glances and tensed, sensing the shift in the conversation's tone.

Atsumu noticed the growing tension and decided to cut to the chase, aiming to ease Sumire's anxiety. "Then, when you moved to the cashier, the person in front of you, who was buying a water bottle, forgot his wallet, and you paid for him. Do you remember?"

Sumire paused, her mind racing to recall the incident. "Oh, yes!" she exclaimed as realization dawned. "That person was you, wasn't it? Oh, now I see!" she added, her face lighting up with relief.

"Exactly," miya san confirmed with a grin. "I've been wanting to thank you properly ever since. It was really kind of you to help me out."

Sumire let out a small, relieved laugh, feeling the tension in the air dissipate. Suna and Kita, seeing that the situation was now under control, relaxed.

"Actually, I wanted to thank you for helping me that day," Sumire said, her voice filled with gratitude.

"Hm? But I didn't do anything special," Miya san replied, tilting his head slightly, though he seemed to know what she was referring to.

"Mi... Miya-san, you might not realize it, but your presence that day helped me a lot. I can't thank you enough," Sumire continued, her eyes earnest and sincere.

"I thought I made you uncomfortable because you just ran away," Miya-san said softly, a hint of concern in his voice.

"No, not at all! I wasn't running from you. I'm sorry if I gave you that impression, Miya-san," Sumire replied, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

The group's attention now shifted fully to Sumire and Miya Atsumu, curiosity evident on their faces. Himari-san, intrigued by the unfolding story, couldn't help but ask, "Just tell us already! How did you two meet, and what happened?"

" I also want to know" Miya san said and glanced at Sumire, as if asking her to share the story. Sumire sighed and began.