égoïste [Akaashi Keiji]

raison #18

In the next fortnight, Shiori's training with the archery club increased because of their Inter Highs, and she was barely able to help out with the boys' volleyball club anymore during that time period.

The Maebara yawned when exiting the indoor archery centre, finding herself extremely tired.

For some stupidly odd reason, the teachers decided to increase the load of homework in those 2 weeks, knowing full well that people in sports clubs were going to Inter Highs.

Are they just sadists? Was the girl's first thought when she noticed the increasing load.

Due to that, she'd been staying up later than usual to complete what she had to, but even then, she was still having trouble keeping up. Maybe it was because the end of term exams were coming up, but they were ruthless.

"Good job today," Akaashi greeted her outside, having been waiting for her to finish club activities.

He's been doing that whenever he knew she was going to be training with the archery club. He wanted to make sure she got home safely, since it would be later at night. He had no doubt she could protect herself, but he wanted to spend more time with her.

It was also something of a precaution, he had heard that there was currently a pervert on the loose so he was worried that she might bump into them.

"Good work today, Akaashi," Shiori rubbed an eye and walked towards him with a lazy smile, "Did you wait long?"

He shook his head, "Let's go."

Even though she was tired, she ended up continually babbling about random things when they walked, effectively talking herself awake. At first, she talked about how archery went, but then it changed topics to the Inter Highs, then naturally, to volleyball.

"I think it might only be third years but they're ruthless to us." The teen sighed, "This is worse than losing the grand finals."

"Ah, Bokuto-san has been complaining about that too, lately." He turned to her, angling his head slightly. "Grand finals? Did Pillows lose against the Parrots?" He was referring to the grand final match at the sports centre between Shiori's team, Pillows, and the opposing team, Parrots.

He never got the game summary from her because he wasn't able to make it, as it was in the same time slot as morning training.

She nodded, stretching her arms. "Yeah. We played them 3 rounds—won one, lost two. The Parrots won by a couple of points in the last round. It sucks that we lost, but it was a really good game. Intensity was lit."

Akaashi wanted to see the game; it was very exciting when teams played to 3 rounds, and it was a kill or be killed approach when trying to take the game.

"Honestly I'm kind of sad I didn't get the freebies, though." She shoved her hands into her pockets, "But it was rightfully awarded so, better luck next time, I guess."

"On a side note, Keiji, you really don't need to walk me home every single time, you know. I know we live the same way and all, but you're taking too much time in waiting for me and all that." Shiori leaned forward, slightly tilting her head on an angle so she was looking at the younger male with inquisitive eyes.

"I'm making sure you get home safely." Was his answer.

"I know that, but like," She gestured with her hands, like she was juggling, "You're already spending so much time doing things for me that I just feel bad."

"I'm doing this of my own accord, Shiori-san. Don't worry too much about it."

"Hmm..." She held a look of uncertainty but then let out a gentle sigh, "Well, I suppose I can't stop you if you're fixated on it. So, thank you!"