Volleyball Sister

Eighteen

I saw Hana sleeping on Midorima then stood, making the others eye me.

"Where are you going, Kagami?"

"To the school." I said, sliding my shoes on, then Tobio stood and came over.

"I'll walk you, you can get lost otherwise." I nodded then we left, going to the school. When we got there, their practice was still in full swing.

"Tanaka!" I yelled, walking in as Tobio slowly followed me. Baldy came over then I grabbed his jersey, making him growl as his team and coaches stared.

"Let go, giant!"

"I will when I get my message across. Listen, Hana really cares about you. Its a long drive from home to here, don't make me come up here to beat your ass if you hurt her." I growled then his eyes widened as he stopped trying to shove my hand off.

"She... She likes me?"

"I said she cares about you. I know Hana, I know that when she's broken, she shuts down and doesn't like anyone. So if she liked you after being demolished, you're special to her. If you want to prove to her she means something to you, take her out. Show her how much she means to you, show her that she isn't broken and she doesn't have to carry her baggage alone. Protect her just like you did when she came home, keep her close to your heart. Trust me when I say I know better than anyone else, when she says she cares about you, she really means it." I said then let him go, his brow furrowing some.

"What do you mean?" He whispered then I looked down.

"Ask her, after you've made her your girlfriend." I said then he nodded, watching me reach into my pocket.

"Here, take this. She'll know what it means, but coming from you, it'll mean more to her." I said, dropping the necklace into his palm.

"What... Does it mean?" He asked, holding the necklace.

"You've given her the key to your heart." I said and turned, stuffing my hands into my pockets as Tobio and I left the gym.
•~•
"Hana, you have a friend!" I looked up from the books at my part-time job then saw Tanaka and smiled.

"Hey, what's up?" I asked then he cleared his throat, looking at my curious coworkers.

"Can we talk in private?" He asked and I nodded, going outside with him.

"What's wrong?" I asked then he sighed, rubbing his head.

"Uh, your friend is scary, that's what." He laughed then I crossed my arms.

"Yeah, a lot of them are but they're harmless. Is that all?" He shook his head then cleared his throat, his face, neck, and ears bright red.

"Kagami... He told me to do something, the day they showed up, I've been sitting on this since. I've been too afraid to do anything, but here it goes." He said then closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. When he opened them, I stared as I saw pure confidence and something else I couldn't place in them.

"Hana Kageyama, will you please go on a date with me?" He asked then I felt my mouth open some, eyeing him.

"Wh-what?" I breathed, my arms not as tightly crossed.

"Uh, g-go on a da-date with me?" He asked and I shook my head lightly, trying to process all this.

"No?" He asked and I stared at him.

"No! No, yes! Yes, wait-" I stopped, closing my eyes and shaking my head again.

"No no?" He asked then I laughed softly.

"No, I didn't mean no. Yes, I meant yes. Yes, I'd love to go on a date with you." I said and he lit up.

"Re-really?!" I nodded then squealed as he hugged my thighs, twirling me as I hugged his neck. I laughed as he set me down then he smiled at me.

"So, I'll see you tomorrow in class?" I nodded and smiled as I held his cheeks.

"Yeah, tomorrow in class." I said and he nodded, kissing my head then leaving. When he was gone, I grabbed my phone and called Kagami.

"Hello?" He groaned then I smiled as I watched Ryu walk away.

"Thank you."