Splash of Color

14: Hurdles

Today was the day you were dreading. As a result, you were more than a little off today. Your energy seemed to be drained before the day even started. You sighed as you linked your arm with Ami's and leaned on her slightly. Ami doesn't question it and lightly pats your head in a comforting manner to which you were thankful for.

The morning walk continued on quietly until you noticed a familiar figure running towards you from the corner of your eye. You braced for the impact as you felt a body cling on the other side of you. "Morning to the both of you~!" Oikawa releases you from his grip, a bit thrown off that you haven't shrugged him off yet. "Rough morning?" He tilts his head in confusion.

You nod tiredly. "Pretty much." You didn't hear him say anything else and just felt a hand ruffle your hair gently. Lazily looking up at the culprit, he just shoots you a refreshing smile, easing you a bit from your present concerns.

He takes your free hand before placing something in your palm and closing it. "I was going to save it for later, but I don't mind giving it to you~" He winks as he steps away to give you back your space. "I'll see you after practice!" He waves at the two of you before he takes off.

You watch him take off before resting your attention to your closed fist.

"What did he give you?" Ami peers at your closed hand curiously.

You open your hand, pleasantly surprised at the spontaneous gift.

In your hand was a small individually wrapped chocolate. You unwrap it and pop it in your mouth moments later. Chocolate was definitely what you needed right now.

"How is it?" Ami pipes up.

You contemplate the taste in thought. "It's really sweet..."

~~

When it was time for the art club, you tried to push back your concerns for the time being as you sat with Ami and Tadashi. Luckily, you found comfort as you quickly got into your painting and you could feel some of your strength come back to you. You give a quick nod to Ami who lets you know she has to meet Hanamaki for something and went back to your painting.

A few minutes into your work, Tadashi calls for your attention, his hands fiddling with a thin stack of tickets.

"So I finally got a hold of some tickets and I was wondering how many you needed..." he trails off and waits for your response.

You look up in thought, thinking about the people you wanted to invite. There was Ami, Oikawa... You turn your attention back to Tadashi. "Are you going to be there?"

He blinks at your question and nods slowly, processing your words. "Y-yeah, I'll be sure to check out your work too!"

Once you got your answer, you resume your thought and pause for a moment. There were three other people to invite as well but... Your hands clenched slightly as you nodded to yourself resolutely.

"I'll take five."

Tadashi nods at your confirmation and pulls out five tickets for you to take. "I hope to see all of you there then!" He smiles at you gently and you try to give him back a smile of your own.

You hoped that you would see everyone there as well.

~~

The day flies by and you grimace at the clock in your clubroom. Your thoughts are confirmed when the door slams open following after. "Ah! Looks like I finished before you!" Oikawa's voice echoes in the room, relieving you from your thoughts.

He strides over to you with a pout on his lips. "Eh~ You didn't start cleaning up yet!" He starts grabbing your brushes before walking over to the sink. "Well, I don't mind giving you my wonderful expertise." He turns behind him to give you a wink before turning back. "I was called a master paintbrush washer in my past life you know~"