One and Only | Osamu Miya

Chapter 9

Day 3: The Pageant

Arishira's POV:

"Congratulations, sweetie." Mom hugged me tightly, her warmth a comforting embrace. Dad joined in, engulfing me in a double hug.

"I hope you're enjoying playing table tennis," Dad said, his voice filled with pride. I beamed, happy to share my experience.

"I had a lot of fun, Dad. I can't wait to play it again," I replied, my voice brimming with enthusiasm.

They released me from the hug and began packing their luggage. I sat on the couch, listening to the familiar sounds of their preparations. The car in the garage started making noises, signaling their departure.

I sighed as I heard the engine start. As usual, they were heading to the airport. They were leaving for another country—France—for business meetings with colleagues.

Growing up, I had become accustomed to my parents' frequent absences. When I was a child, Mom and Dad had hired a maid to take care of me. Now, whenever they left, Dad would simply leave his credit card with me.

I lay down on the couch, staring at the ceiling. Whenever they left, a wave of loneliness would wash over me, triggering feelings of helplessness and frustration. I would often have tantrums, alone in the house.

I wished Osamu were here. I wanted my love, my comfort, my safe haven.  I wanted to sleep in his arms.

But maybe he was too busy to even think of me.

Right.

But I still wanted him here…

I opened my phone and decided to text him.

8:21 PM

arishiraaa_haruki: osamu

arishiraaa_haruki: I want you here ;(

arishiraaa_haruki: huhuhu

I left my phone open and unlocked the front door, hoping Osamu might actually come. Why was I so desperate right now? Was I being needy? I just didn't want to be triggered by loneliness again.

I lay back on the couch, closing my eyes, whispering a silent plea. Osamu, please come home to me.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

My eyelids fluttered open, and I remembered what had happened last night. I was still lying on the couch, my back aching—shit. I checked my phone, noticing Osamu hadn't replied to my messages; he hadn't even read them.

Maybe he was busy?

Maybe it was too late, so he couldn't come?

Maybe he purposely left the messages unread to avoid seeing me?

Maybe…

I was overthinking again.

I grabbed my towel and headed to the bathroom. After showering, I put on my uniform and went to school. I remembered it was the third day of Founder’s Day, and a pageant was scheduled for today. It was like a school-wide Miss and Mister contest, and guess what? Kira was participating, and I couldn't wait to see her.

I arrived on campus and headed toward the gym. The adjustable stage was already set up, and I assumed Osamu and the other athletes were practicing elsewhere. The pageant would likely start later, and I saw some students already seated on the bleachers.

I decided to return to my classroom since the pageant hadn't started yet. Attendance was mandatory, after all.

When I arrived, I went to my desk and rested my head. I was still sleepy, and my back ached.

I woke up to find my classmates gone. Shoot! I was late for the pageant; it must have already started.

I stood up, my eyes widening as I saw a familiar figure resting his head on my desk. It was Osamu.

"Hey… Osamu… wake up," I whispered softly, not wanting to disturb his beauty sleep.

His eyes fluttered open. Damn, he looked adorable.

He stood up, and we both headed to the gym. I wanted to ask him about why he hadn't responded to my messages earlier, but he seemed oblivious. I was about to speak when he started talking.

"Are you alright last night, Ari-san? I just read your message this morning," he said, his usual cold voice tinged with concern. "Damn Atsumu. He hid my phone yesterday."

I nodded, relieved. Oh, that's why. And why would Atsumu hide his phone? I guess that's just what brothers do.

Should I tell him why I wanted him at my house last night? But I was scared of his reaction; maybe he would call me dramatic. I had grown up without opening up to my parents, which is why I always suffered alone.

Yeah. Let's just not tell him.

I replied, "Oh, nothing. I thought maybe we could hang out or something."

"Then what's with the sad face emoticon in your message?" he asked, and I felt my heart skip a beat. Did I even send one?

"Oh, right. I must have mistaken it; it… it should be a happy face! Yeah…" I stammered, and Osamu and I started walking again until we arrived at the gym.  I didn't care about attendance anymore. As long as Osamu was here, I was fine with it.

We found some empty seats in the bleachers and sat down. I looked at the stage, realizing we were already too late; the awarding ceremony was underway.

The second and first runners-up had already been announced, meaning the final announcement was for Mister and Miss Inarizaki High.

"And the winner for Mister and Miss Inarizaki High is…" the host announced, dramatic drumming sound effects blasting through the speakers.

"KIRA AYAKA AND REN AOI!!" the host shouted, and the students erupted in cheers.

I jumped up in excitement, while Osamu remained seated, looking unimpressed.

Some students started leaving since the contest was over. It was too bad I missed seeing Kira and Ren on stage. Why hadn’t anyone woken me up when I was asleep?

I also saw Atsumu on stage; they were taking photos with Kira. Wow.

"Let's go," Osamu mumbled, grabbing my wrist as we headed toward Kira.

I hugged her and congratulated her. "CONGRATS KIRA! I'M SO PROUD!"

Me, Osamu, Kira, and Atsumu took a selfie together.

"Both of you, smile!" Kira instructed, referring to Osamu and me. Wait, was she going to take a picture of Osamu and me?!? Well, I couldn't say no to this.

I smiled, and when the camera flashed, Kira showed us the picture.

Whoa. This was the first time I had seen Atsumu smile so brightly.  It was infectious, and I found myself smiling even wider.  The picture captured a moment of pure joy and happiness, a perfect memory to cherish.  The day, which had started with a touch of sadness and uncertainty, ended with an outpouring of joy and celebration.  The unexpected events, the pageant, the reunion with Osamu, and the heartwarming surprise of Kira and Atsumu's relationship, had woven together to create a day filled with unforgettable moments.

 

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