One and Only | Osamu Miya

Chapter 6

Understanding and Surprises

Arishira's POV:

"So, Ari, are you upset with me for not telling you that I'm dating Atsumu for a long time?" Kira asked as we sat down at the cafeteria. I munched on the onigiri that Osamu had made for me, pausing to reply.

"No, I'm not upset, Kira. I totally understand your desire for privacy, and that your relationship is low-key! You don't have to share everything super personal with me!" I assured her, trying to convey my support.

Kira smiled brightly. "Thank you, Ari! At least you know now… I was the one who planned the double date to surprise you, and of course, to bond together as well."

Her confession made my jaw drop. The revelation took me by surprise. I had no idea she was planning something so thoughtful!

"Well, how about his fans?" I asked out of curiosity. "Are you jealous or something?"

Kira chuckled lightly. "No, his fans are just asking for autographs or anything. They're not that crazy."

Atsumu had the largest fanbase among his team. I wondered how he managed to handle all the attention. Well, maybe he could handle it after all.

"That reminds me," Kira mumbled, her expression shifting to seriousness. "We still have to prepare for our Founder’s Day next week."

She was right; Founder’s Day was approaching quickly. The school president and other officers were busy planning events to make this year’s celebration enjoyable and fun for everyone.

As Kira and I finished eating, we placed our food trays aside and headed into the classroom. Upon entering, I noticed some of our classmates were already getting ready.

"So, what booth are we going to display for our class?" the class secretary asked me. As the class president, I felt responsible but wanted to hear my classmates' suggestions too.

"A photo booth sounds good!" one of my classmates chimed in, and it seemed everyone agreed. It was settled: a photo booth it was!

While the others gathered new art materials, I began planning where we should place the photo booth. We decided to set it up outside, making sure our class name was prominent for easy identification.

I finished printing the flyers announcing our booth's opening and attached some to the announcement chart and bulletin board. I also helped other clubs with their flyers. Our drama club director had informed us that we didn't need to perform this year, which took some pressure off.

As I was done attaching the flyers, I received a notification. It was a message from Osamu.

m.osamu: hi

m.osamu: I'm busy right now

m.osamu: volleyball practice

arishiraaa_haruki: alrighty! Take your time! Hihihi, and good luck! Love youuuuuu!

m.osamu: ilyt

m.osamu: bye

I decided to check out his Instagram profile and saw a new post: it was from our double date just a few days ago. My heart skipped a beat when I read the caption.

"With my bro and my only one."

Osamu had uploaded ten photos, with some featuring the food we enjoyed, while most were pictures of me and him. A few were candid shots that he had taken of me, and I couldn’t help but think I looked pretty photogenic in them.

His Instagram account was private, and he only followed his teammates and some famous volleyball players. I tucked my phone into my pocket and returned to my classroom, ready to assist my classmates with the designs for our booth.

My dad had a photo booth machine at his office. It was automatic, similar to those at the mall. All we needed to do was insert a bill. My classmates and I planned to bring head props for visitors. We just needed to attach some designs and cover the machine inside.

My dad arrived with his crew, bringing the photo booth machine. It was automatic and already stocked with plenty of photo paper.

After we attached the designs to the machine, three hours later, we had finished covering it. We used pink and lilac construction paper, and I felt a sense of pride. I hoped the visitors would love it.

We placed the photo booth at the back of the classroom, and since Founder’s Day was next week, we still had time to add more decorations.

4 PM

"Great job with the photo booth, class! Excellent work indeed!" Our sensei complimented us, and we felt a rush of pride at the recognition.

"Goodbye, and thank you, sensei!" we all shouted as our teacher left the classroom. Afterward, my classmates grabbed cleaning materials, and Kira and I picked up brooms to help tidy up.

4:30 PM

"I'll head home first, Ari-san. Atsumu and his team are getting ready for sports day afterward," Kira informed me as she waved goodbye.

I recalled that during Founder’s Day, there was a day dedicated to sports—probably Day 2? I had forgotten the exact schedule.

Feeling a sudden urge to see Osamu, I decided to head to the gymnasium. I missed him; both of us had been busy all day.

As I entered the gym, I saw the team practicing serves, spikes, and receives. A few spectators were watching, but the crowd wasn't overwhelming.

I settled onto one of the bleachers, choosing to watch from above. I could see Osamu, so determined and focused. I decided not to distract him; he needed to concentrate on his practice.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

 

I jolted awake, but… where was I?

I found myself lying on a comfortable mattress. It was too dark to see anything. Groggily, I fished my phone out of my pocket and checked the time. 1:23 AM???

Am I at my house? But how? I was at the gymnasium just before I fell asleep!

It was so quiet. The only sound was the hum of the air conditioner. I had one at home, but this place didn’t feel quite right. Could it be…?

I was at someone else’s house? Suddenly, I recalled that I had fallen asleep at the gym!

I felt someone’s arms wrapped around me and screamed.

"Shh! Why are you shouting?"

That voice… it was Osamu!

He loosened his hold a bit and turned on the lights. How did I even get here?

"Osamu, why am I here? I was at the gym watching you—"

"You were asleep, and I couldn't wake you up. So I carried you, and Atsumu drove us here," he explained, and I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me, remembering my habit of dozing off randomly.

"Sorry," I apologized, feeling sheepish. "I have a habit of sleeping unexpectedly. I can't even remember falling unconscious when I wake up."

Osamu's face softened, and he wrapped his arms around me as we both laid down on his bed.

Damn. This was the first time I had seen his gaze soften like this. How could he be so cute?

"Sleep. It's almost 2 AM, and we have class later," he mumbled in a sleepy voice, stifling a yawn.

"You'll drop me off at home later, right?" I asked, waiting for his reply.

"Yeah. So sleep," he replied, turning off the lights with the remote control on the bedside table.

His head rested on my chest, and I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. This moment felt so intimate, so right. I could hardly believe how lucky I was to be here with him.

As I drifted off to sleep, I felt secure in his arms, knowing that whatever the future held, I had someone special by my side.