Through the Boundaries ~ Kageyama Tobio

9

The practice was over, and the gym was gradually emptying out. Saerin, having completed her usual duties, decided to visit a nearby park to relax and work on a personal project she'd been meaning to finish. Her sketchbook was a collection of landscapes and abstract pieces, a reflection of her deep love for art that she rarely shared with anyone.

Kageyama, having forgotten his water bottle in the gym, retraced his steps and headed back to retrieve it. He noticed a familiar figure sitting on a park bench just outside the school's vicinity as he was retracing his steps, her focus entirely on her sketchbook. Intrigued, he walked closer.

From a distance, he could see the brush strokes and delicate colors of a landscape taking shape. The scene on the canvas was unmistakably the rainy day in which he shared the umbrella with her, the scenery was identical. It was as if Saerin had captured the very essence of the place—the gloominess, a sense of the calm, serene stillness of the moment they had shared.

Kageyama's initial intention to retrieve his bottle was forgotten as he found himself drawn to her. He approached cautiously, trying not to disturb her concentration. When he finally spoke, his voice was softer than usual. "Hey, Saerin."

Saerin looked up, her face lighting up with surprise and a hint of embarrassment. "Oh, hey Kageyama."

He glanced at her painting, unable to hide his admiration. "I didn't know you painted."

"It's just a hobby. I like to paint in my free time." She said.

Kageyama nodded, trying to mask his growing interest. "It's impressive."

Saerin gave a modest shrug. "Thanks. I just like capturing moments and places. It helps me relax."

Without thinking, Kageyama sat down next to her, closer than usual. He found himself watching her work, mesmerized by her skillful brushwork and the way she seemed to lose herself in the process. There was something captivating about seeing her in her element, her focus so intense that she barely noticed him beside her.

As she continued to paint, Kageyama's thoughts wandered. He realized that his attraction to Saerin wasn't just physical; it was about the way she expressed herself and the passion she had, it was all clear even in your art. He understood now why the other guys were always drawn to her—there was something undeniably magnetic about her presence, something that made him want to be near her even though he hated admitting it.

He tried to push the feelings aside, but the more he watched her, the stronger his desire grew. It was a mix of admiration and an inexplicable longing to be close to her. He felt a pang of frustration as he watched other guys flirt with her or try to get her attention. It wasn't jealousy, but rather an unspoken understanding that he was drawn to her in a way that made him uncomfortable.

"Can I watch you paint?" Kageyama asked, his voice almost hesitant.

Saerin looked up again, her eyes meeting his. "Sure. I actually enjoy having company while I paint."

The moment stretched, filled with a comfortable silence as Kageyama watched her continue her work. He couldn't shake the feeling that this side of Saerin was something special—something he wanted to be a part of.

As she finished the painting, she closed her sketchbook and looked at him with a soft smile. "Thanks for keeping me company."

Saerin packed up her things, and as she stood to leave, Kageyama found himself feeling a mix of reluctance and anticipation. He wanted to see more of this side of her, to understand her better, and to be near her in a way that went beyond the usual interactions.

He watched her walk away, feeling a renewed sense of curiosity and desire. The painting had opened a new door for him, and he was determined to explore it, even if it meant confronting his own feelings and the unexpected role Saerin had begun to play in his life.