A Different Kind of Beauty

Chapter 5

"Hey Anzu-chan!" Oikawa's voice shouted at me from across the hallway, over the heads of the girl's he was just flirting with. I ignored the cheerful brunette, making my way over to Iwaizumi instead. He was standing nearby, glaring at Oikawa as if he you be able to see what was going on inside his head. 

I stopped next to Iwaizumi, who turned his gaze from Oikawa to me. 

"Hey Michishio-san." I gave him a small nod in reply, watching Oikawa with a curious expression. 

"Say, Iwaizumi-san..." I meekly said. "Did something happen to Oikawa-san recently?"

In the corner of my eye I saw his eyes widen slightly at my words. "What makes you think that?"

"It's just, when Rinko first introduced me to you both..." I let out my breath and shook my head. "I don't know. Something just seems off."

"You have some pretty good observational skills." He turned back to Oikawa only to see that he had resumed flirting. "Trashykawa! Let's go!" 

"So mean Iwa-chan!" he replied, telling the girls politely that he had to go. When he made his way over, he stopped and gave me a smile and a peace sign. "Sorry Anzu-chan!"

I took a small step back, the realization hitting me. The thing that had bugged me constantly, what had seemed familiar... I frantically shook my head, causing the two to exchange looks. 

"Sorry," I mumbled. "I could feel a sneeze coming on," I lied. 

"Okay!~ Let's go!" Oikawa cheered, leading us down the hallway. 

Now that I had a new pair of glasses, luckily it had taken the time it took for Rinko to talk to the coach, I could actually see my surroundings. It made it much easier, that way I wasn't walking up to a random person thinking they were Oikawa or Iwaizumi. 

"You know," Iwaizumi started to say, completely ignoring Oikawa's ramblings a few feet ahead. "I was surprised when a few of the guys asked if you'd be showing up to practices more often."

I hummed, letting him know I was listening. 

"I bet they'll be surprised that you'll be there from now on." I opened my book seeing that the conversation was over, and started to read as we made our way to the gym. 

I walked slightly behind Iwaizumi, who was in turn behind Oikawa. The two taller males made a clear path, so I was able to focus more on reading.

Reading and walking is possible, avoiding people is possible as well. However it can get tiring to constantly glance up to make sure you aren't headed straight for someone.

I still glanced up occasionally just in case Oikawa was swarmed by girls again.

He rambled on and on about a topic, probably thinking we were still listening. His arms flailed about, as if he were painting his words into the air for all to see. Exaggerated motions that probably wouldn't match what he was saying at all. Oikawa was just far enough away and speaking just quiet enough for his voice to reach my ears, but not make out the words. 

After my sudden realization, my thoughts and eyes would instantly traveled back to Oikawa. I forced my eyes to stare down at the printed words, however I was no longer reading. Rather that envelop myself in a story or facts, I was consciously making an effort not to stare at Oikawa as if his intentions and motives would suddenly start to leak out the back of his head. 

I figured that if Oikawa did end up swarmed, either Iwaizumi would stop me from walking into the horde, or he would get annoyed enough to stop Oikawa from flirting instantly. 

Nothing out of the ordinary, in most people's opinion, happened to us on the way to the gym. I stared at my book, Oikawa talked on, and Iwaizumi followed for the most part silent, occasionally grabbing my elbow to alter my course. 

However much I thought on it, I couldn't figure out an answer or even a way to get it off my mind. Frustrated and more annoyed than I thought possible, my hands tightened around the book. With the pages still open and ready to read, I let out a low growl and slammed the book into my face. 

"What in the-"

"Oikawa-san... What did you do to the girl?"

"Did you do something stupid again?"

"So mean!" 

Brought back to my senses, for the most part at least, I removed my face from my book and looked up to see a few volleyball club members looking at their captain in disgust. They were third years as well, and I could see the amusement in their eyes despite the harsh looks and words.

I ignored the look Iwaizumi was giving me, and moved past the guys to enter the gym. They followed in behind me, the others making their way over. 

"Hey! It's that girl from the other day!" 

"Is she going to be a part of practice again today?"

"I can't wait!"  

I don't know why they were so excited to see me, but it felt nice. Like people other than those from Sousake were able to see me as well. 

"My name is Michishio Anzu. I'll be in your care."