𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐋. hq

「omake」: amazake

wrote this chapter because iwaizumi needs more love. i just hope my portrayal of his character isn't ooc

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藤田 愛子
a i k o f u j i t a
— year 3 class 6 —

I was pretty sure that, at this point, I absolutely despised Oikawa Tooru, and even more, that nosy friend of his, Iwaizumi Hajime.

If anything, it probably started when Minoru was invited to be their manager. When he started getting unbelievably friendly with her and when he ultimately had the guts to confess.

Just knowing how the turd had the guts to ask her out again was enough to drive me furious. It was infuriating for someone to dump you and for the same someone to ask you out again as if nothing happened between them. It was so outrageous that Minoru should have slapped him as soon she heard him say that.

"Calm down, Aiko" she would tell me, when I would full on rant to her about how she should have broken that guy's heart as payback.

Whatever it was, I was fully convinced that my best friend deserved the best and Oikawa Tooru was the exact opposite of that.

"He's changed" she would tell me as if he hadn't caused her to cry a few years back. "Trust me".

But I still found it hard to believe especially when he was still the same flirtatious little bastard.

"Friends my ass" I spouted, the one time the pair invited us to go to the shrine for new years. "I can't believe you're the first two people I'll see this New Year".

"The pleasure ain't mine" Iwaizumi agreed as he caught sight of me, who was standing beside Minoru, the same girl who smiled kindly at them as she handed them some amazake.

"What's up with you two? Ever since you met you've been on terrible terms" Minoru pointed out as if it was such an obvious fact, as if she was a mother watching over two kids who were having a petty fight.

"Dunno" we said in unison and at that moment I couldn't help but glare at the raven haired male.

Something about Iwaizumi Hajime never seemed to strike me. One reason would probably be due to my misandry. Another would probably be about how he was noticeably close with Minoru. And last but not least, I was sure that it was mainly because of how supportive he was of the two's relationship.

It was infuriating to watch him let the pair mingle much less set them up together. The moment I heard him agree with Oikawa that Minoru would make a good manager (for their team) was the same moment he became number one on my black list.

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On the contrary, never did I expect the same person to be someone who would watch our practice match against Shiratorizawa's female soccer club. Especially after every misfortunate thing between us.

"Fuck" I mutter irritably as I fall on my side, my ankle twisting itself when I slid on the ground.

"Aiko!" My teammates shout in chorus as they run towards me, concerned faces looming over me.

"I'm fine" I laugh it off, acting like it wasn't such a big deal, "Nothing I can't handle".

And right then I couldn't help but feel attacked as soon as I hear a rough voice mutter, "Stop acting tough, dumbass".

I found myself locking eyes with Iwaizumi Hajime as he gave me an irritated look. He must have been here because of Minoru's request, I figured, seeing as the girl was right beside him alongside Oikawa.

"I'll bring her to the infirmary" he volunteers and right then I couldn't help but glare at him.

"I can bring myself" I say, not wanting anybody's pity.

"Uhuh. I'd like to see you try" he scoffs in return, revealing my swollen ankle which I've been keeping hidden for days.

"You kept flinching every time you landed on your right. It's about time you see a doctor" he tells me as if he knew all along, and with that I keep my mouth shut, allowing him, after my team mates' persuasion, to carry me on his back until we reach the infirmary.

The clinic greets us with a smell of disinfectants and air salonpas, and a cool breeze from the air conditioning unit mounted on the wall. But unfortunately, on my part, of all days to be in a meeting, our school nurse just decided that today has got to be the day.

I never felt so weak, after relying on a guy I was supposed to hate. I never felt so vulnerable and ashamed my entire life.

Iwaizumi then works in silence as if he was used to this. He searches for an ice pack and a few bandages, as well as a chair to elevate my foot on.

"Why are you even helping me?" I ask him as I watch him scavenge around the infirmary, "I can't give you anything in return".

"I don't need anything except to have you sit still" he huffs, applying ice on the ankle I sprained, "Can't I just help a person who's clearly in need?".

I never thought there was still someone in this world who was as philantrophic as he was. I never thought my hatred would subside even for a bit.

"I thought you loathed me" I pointed out quietly, behaving like he asked me to. Trying to put my irritation behind me for a change.

"You decided that on your own" he states and I couldn't help but allow my pride to swell down.

Maybe I was being too hard on Iwaizumi. I never really gave him the chance to explain himself.

"I'm sorry" I tell him earnestly.

"It's not that much of a big deal" he looks me in the eye as he asks, "I trust we'll get along better now?"

And at that moment I think, maybe Iwaizumi Hajime isn't so bad.

"Yep" I give him a grin without any malicious intent behind it. I smile at him and for once I honestly meant it. "Oh, but I can't promise the same for Oikawa, though".