One Last Time // Iwaoi.

eleven

Iwaizumi rubbed his eyes and gently extricated Oikawa's arms from his waist, allowing the brunette to settle comfortably on his bed. He pulled the blanket over Oikawa's shoulders, cherishing the sight of him sleeping peacefully.

It was only 6 a.m., but Iwaizumi had woken from a nightmare, sweat clinging to his skin. He knew he wouldn't be able to fall back asleep with Oikawa beside him, especially not after what had been said the previous night.

Did Oikawa really mean what he said? Or was it all just a pretense?

Iwaizumi recalled the three words that echoed in his mind, words that filled him with both happiness and heartache, like a dagger piercing his chest.

He found himself standing at the kitchen counter, a mug of coffee warming his hands. He desperately needed it, as his eyes felt heavy from sleepless nights.

Staring out the window, he watched as the surroundings gradually lit up with the dawn. Suddenly, two arms wrapped around him from behind, squeezing him tightly.

Iwaizumi glanced over his shoulder to find Oikawa, still half-asleep and murmuring about why Iwaizumi had left the bed.

He didn't respond; instead, he let Oikawa hug him, finding solace in the embrace. Seeing the brunette secure in his arms filled Iwaizumi with a sense of relief.

Eventually, Oikawa dozed off again, light snores escaping him. Iwaizumi smiled softly and turned to face him, careful not to disturb Oikawa's peaceful hold.

He rested his chin on Oikawa's head and gently ran his fingers through his hair. Oikawa was so small and precious, and Iwaizumi couldn't bear the thought of letting him go.

"Tooru?" he whispered, but Oikawa remained sound asleep. Iwaizumi shook him gently, trying again.

"Hey, let's go back to my room, yeah? Let's fall back asleep together." With a bit more urgency, he nudged Oikawa's shoulder, and finally, Oikawa's eyes fluttered open, bleary but aware.

He nodded sleepily, clinging to Iwaizumi as the latter swept him into his arms in a bridal carry. Though Iwaizumi knew he wouldn't be able to sleep again, he couldn't deny Oikawa the comfort he needed.

Oikawa looked utterly exhausted, and he would need all the rest he could get. As Iwaizumi carried him back to the bedroom, he silently acknowledged that peaceful sleep was likely a luxury he wouldn't enjoy for a while.

++

"Iwa-chan! Hurry up! We're going to be late!" Oikawa shouted, his voice ringing with urgency. It was Sunday evening, just a week before graduation, and tonight was the festival.

Iwaizumi had reluctantly agreed to go with Oikawa, knowing that refusing would only lead to sulking and disappointment.

Even now, with the truth hanging between them, Iwaizumi wanted to do everything he could to make Oikawa happy.

After a few moments of waiting outside Iwaizumi's house, he finally emerged. Oikawa stood in a stunning yukata, adorned with a pattern that reminded Iwaizumi of a starry night, tiny stars twinkling across the fabric.

Oikawa looked breathtaking, and Iwaizumi was momentarily stunned, simply standing there, captivated by the sight before him.

"Hajime, why are you staring at me like that?" Oikawa asked, his heart racing.

Did he look okay? Was it the yukata? Was there something on his face?

All doubt vanished when he saw the genuine smile on Iwaizumi's face. Iwaizumi walked toward him, his expression softening as he spoke.