Lost in Japan

Chapter 2

(Y/n) P.O.V
It was another new me and my new friend Kageyama scheduled another meet so we could hang-out. He also kinda acts as my tour guide. As we were walking around the streets browsing through shops, I suddenly remembered I needed a book to practice my Japanese. I said, "Kageyama-san...bookstore", while gently pulling the end of his shirt to get his attention.

He looked down at me, his expression curious. "A bookstore? Sure, I know a good one nearby," he replied, he led the way. We navigated through a few more streets before arriving at a quaint bookstore nestled between a café and a stationery shop. The sign above the door was written in elegant kanji, and the windows were filled with an inviting display of books.

As we stepped inside, the scent of paper enveloped us. The store was cozy, with shelves packed tightly with books of all kinds. Kageyama and I walked in, leading me to the section where language learning books were neatly arranged.

I scanned the titles, searching for something that would suit my level. Kageyama stood beside me, occasionally picking up a book and flipping through its pages before either setting it back or handing it to me for consideration.

"Here," he said, pulling out a book with bright, colorful illustrations. "This one might be good for you. It's got simple sentences and a lot of pictures to help with understanding."

I took the book from him and looked through it. The layout was engaging, and the sentences seemed manageable. "Thanks, Kageyama-san. This looks perfect," I said, feeling grateful for his help.

He nodded, his usual serious expression softening slightly. "No problem. If you need any help with the exercises, just let me know."

I smiled at his offer. "I will. Thank you."

With the book chosen, we continued exploring the bookstore. Kageyama looked around on his own, while I looked for manga so I could read to pass the time when I can finally read japanese kanji properly. After finding a manga that suited my taste, I looked around for Kageyama.

Scrolling through many bookshelves trying to read the signs. Then I stopped, and saw Kageyama at the Sports Section. I approached him quietly, he looks like he was engrossed in his book. I took a quick glance at the book cover. It was about volleyball.

I gently tapped on his shoulder, he slightly flinched and was speaking too fast in Japanese for me to understand. I just kept patting his shoulder and gave him a thumbs up. Since we are at the topic of Volleyball.

"Kageyama-san", I called out. He looked at me curiously and replied, "Hai (Y/n)-san, what is it?" I pointed at his book, "Do you play volleyball Kageyama-san?" He nodded his head and he excitedly asked, "Do you play to (Y/n)-san!?"

I nodded and sighed, "Ah, but I quit already it's not advisable for me to play any longer", I explained sadly. Kageyama looked so surprised to hear that and asked me with an awkwardly baffled look, "Um
..(Y/n)-san, eto..why did you quit volleyball?"

My finger scratched my cheek, "Well, it's not that....eto..." still fumbling my Japanese, when I finally remembered the word, "Ah... injury". Kageyama stiffly apologized for asking such a question. I assured him it was fine and it's not really a big secret.

After paying for our books, we left the bookstore and resumed our stroll through the city. We stopped by a few more shops, and Kageyama even treated me to some street food, explaining the different dishes and their ingredients.

As the afternoon turned to evening, we found ourselves sitting on a bench in a small park, watching the sunset. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over everything.

"Thanks for today, Kageyama-san," I said, feeling excited. "It was really fun." Looking at the sunset, I glanced at Kageyama who still looked stifly seated, "Kageyama-san, what position do you play?" He replied immediately, "setter" making a 'tossing' gesture.

I hesitated for a moment, then decided to share something personal. I really couldn't explain my thoughts in Japanese. So I took out my phone and typed what I wanted to say. I typed, "I wanted to keep playing too but an ACL injury got to me. Teamates were sad about it because they don't have the 'all star' player. During my last year in middle school, my teammates did not visit me at all."

I showed him my phone, Kageyama's eyes widened a bit and stammered slightly. He looked down at the ground. I gave him reassurance that he doesn't have to worry about it. Trying to lighten the mood "I play wing spiker. If you're a setter...means..ah.." trying to remember the word again, "partners".

Kageyama nodded awkwardly, his expression softening. "Partners," he repeated, a feint smile forming on his lips.

I nodded, feeling more at ease. "Yeah, partners. I was actually thinking of going to Karasuno High School."

Kageyama's eyes lit up with excitement, though he still seemed a bit awkward. "Really? I plan on enrolling there too!"

His enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile. "That's awesome! We could study together and maybe even practice volleyball."

Kageyama answered with a nod and "yeah". We planned on meeting up at his place because his is more cozy. I still haven't bought some needed appliances. We walked quietly towards our Apartment and said our goodbyes.

I entered at my apartment and decided to skip dinner and just eat some snacks. I sat on my couch and gently kneeding my knee where my ACL occured. It was slightly difficult to walk I never know if I were to fumble or not.

I did some minor exercise, the doctor advised me to still do some walking to make sure I keep my leg active. I sighed and got up to take a quick bath. And slept the night away.

Author's Note:
Kageyama calls (Y/n) by his first name because when (Y/n) first introduced themselves he started with First and last name. I would like to think that Kageyama asked (Y/n) which is his first and last name. And since in Japan calling someone by lastnames is polite. When (Y/n) typed his name Kageyama had difficulty pronouncing his last name so then (Y/n) suggested to call him by his first name which is less difficult or he could just give him a nickname but Kageyama couldn't think of any at that time so he sticked with calling (Y/n) by his firstname. But on Kageyama's contacts, he changed (y/n)'s name changed with a nickname he thought of. You can all decide what nickname it is.

Btw (Y/n) plays opposite hitter, which is mostly a position with player with good offensive capabilities.

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