A Different Kind of Beauty

Chapter 17

"Oikawa! What in the world has gotten into you?"

The brunette flinched at my shout, ducking his head out of reflex. When nothing hit him, he hesitantly peered over his shoulder to look at me. I sighed and uncrossed my arms.

There was an underlying look of pure exhaustion and confusion on his face.

"Is there something wrong Anzu?"

I blinked at the lack of honorific. Oikawa has never failed to use an honorific with her name. There was definitely something up with the setter. His chocolate eyes stared at me, and I quickly looked away.

"Anzu-chan?" I ignored the calls from the obviously confused setter as I made my way over to the coach. "Ah- Anzu-chan?"

"Sorry to say it, but I've got a feeling that Oikawa isn't going to focus no matter how long we practice," I said, glancing back at the team. "If it's okay, I propose the rest of the team head home and get some rest. We'll hold a longer practice tomorrow."

After receiving a nod in return, I whipped around the face the team. "All right, we're ending early today! Everyone is free to head home now and get some rest. Practice tomorrow will be longer."

A few cheered slightly at the chance to go home, everyone quickly jogging off towards the locker rooms.

"Oh, Oikawa, I'm holding you back." 

"What?!"

Almost instantly, he was shaking my shoulders in disbelief. When I made no movement to stop him or explain myself, he slumped over a bit. His face quickly morphed into a pout as he tried to convince me otherwise.

I could feel my face heat up a bit, and I quickly pulled out of his grip. "The reason we ended early is because of your lack of focus. Grab a ball."

Soon, the gym was empty except for the two of us.

There was silence. I carefully watched the setter, pushing my hair from my eyes. He refused to look my way.

"What's going on? It's obvious that something is wrong. The entire team could tell." When he hardly seemed to move, I took a step closer.

"Anzu-chan, you must be seeing things," he chirped, turning around with a smile. "I probably haven't been eating as well as I thought. You must have been right!"

He laughed, scratching the back of his neck. After flashing me another dazzling smile, Oikawa turned and made his way over to the ball cart.

A wave of annoyance washed over me. There was something about the setter that just drove me nuts, and at the same time I couldn't help but be concerned. My hands began to shake as I watched him walk away.

"Oikawa Toru..." My voice was low and I struggled to stop it from shaking. "You..."

"Wha-" he turned around, eyes widening as he looked at me.

"Don't you dare lie to me!" I exclaimed, throwing my head up to glare at him. "You have no right to tell me otherwise!"

I quickly wiped my eyes, unwilling to let myself cry over something as small as this. I hated how desperate I was to get the truth from him. As he began to move my way, sorry on his features, I held out a hand.

"I refuse to accept someone lying to me again," I hissed. I quickly turned around and moved towards the exit. "Let's just go home. You better be ready for tomorrow."

There was suddenly a firm grip around my wrist. "Anzu..."

I waited for him to respond, simply taking in the feel of his hand on mine. I really was screwed wasn't I?

"Michishio-san, there's a guy out here who's asking for you," Iwaizumi called, calmly peering through the door. "He said it was pretty important."

"Alright. I'll be out there in a moment."

Having been released from Oikawa's grip, I racked my mind for what the boy could have wanted. I couldn't recall any partner assignments in class. There wasn't much choice but to simply ask the boy what he needed.

With a final glance at Oikawa, I grabbed my things and began to leave. I could only hope that whatever was troubling Oikawa would be resolved, and soon.

"I'll be leaving then. I do hope you'll be better rested and focused tomorrow."

Before I could open the door, I heard his footsteps rapidly approaching. Confused, I began to turn around. His large hands covered my shoulders as he spun me further. My back pressed against the wall and my bag hit the wood floor with a full thump.

"Oi-Oikaw-"

Pinned against the wall, his strong arms blocking any possible escape. My eyes widened and a light blush quickly danced across my face. Even if I could have moved, it felt like I had lost control of any functions.

"Anzu..." he muttered. I couldn't see his face. With a small breath he rested his head against the crook of my neck. Basically trapped in his embrace, I couldn't think of what to do. With shaking hands, I raised my arms to return his embrace, even if it was only slightly.

"Oikawa-"

"I won't lie to you anymore. So don't meet that guy..."

"Huh?" I exclaimed, trying to get a better look at his face. I moved my hand to feel his forehead. "You feel a bit hot. Are you feeling well?"

"That's not the-"

"If you're getting sick you need to rest. I'm sure whoever it is won't mind waiting until I make sure you're resting," I said, moving to double check his temperature.

His arms moved from the wall and wrapped around my waist. I froze as Oikawa pressed his face further into my neck, feeling something wet begin to form. His shoulders were shaking slightly

"Thank you, Anzu. Thank you for caring so much."

My eyes widened as I realized he must have been crying. "Oikawa?"

I had never seen Oikawa cry. There hadn't been any tears when he injured himself last time. What was I supposed to do? Iwaizumi has never said anything about what happens when the setter cried.

"Alright. I'm taking you home." I gently pushed the setter away, staring straight into his eyes. "As your manager and friend, my first priority is to make sure you're in peak condition."

I'd personally worry too much if he wasn't himself. I couldn't tell him that however, so I simply grabbed our things as he changed. My feelings were irrelevant at this time.

We left the gym side by side, our hands brushing against each other. I consistently glanced up at him to make sure he was still walking steadily. The last thing I needed was for him to pass out suddenly.

"Ah, Michishio-san?"

I glanced up to see one of my classmates standing nervously in front of the gates.

"Yes?"

"I um, I wanted to talk to you for a moment- alone."

I felt Oikawa tense up slightly. Instantly I looked up at him in concern, only to see him looking away from the two of us.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Oikawa doesn't want to admit he is feeling unwell, so I have to make sure he gets home and rests," I apologized, Boeing slightly towards him. "I'll hear you out next time, okay?"

"Al-Alright!" He nodded and smiled. "I'll see you in class Michishio-san!"

He quickly ran off, leaving the two of us alone once again. As I nudged the setter to get him moving once more, I almost missed the faint scoff that escaped him.