STONE HEARTS ❨ ushijima wakatoshi ❩

「 FIVE 」

CHAPTER FIVE

It was expected, after all, that Hara and Ushijima would stay silent after that wrong call. She was expecting Sai, but called the male captain instead. To say that it was awkward was an understatement- Hara did not know how to interact with him after feeling hostility towards him all these years. He was helping her without any hesitation, after all.

Hara accepted his help, since she needed someone to help her walk, but she was surprised when he offered to carry her on his back instead. She opposed to the idea initially, but he insisted. They didn't need to have any more conflict, especially with one of them injured, so Hara set aside her pride for once and accepted his help.

"Don't tell coach," she muttered, gripping on the back of his shirt to keep herself from falling.

As embarrassing as it sounded and felt for her, she just didn't have a choice but agree on being carried. The way his hand touched her skin, she couldn't help but feel a bit flustered. She had never really been close to others, even more so with Ushiwaka.

I hope he forgets this tomorrow, damn it.

"I know. But you should really stop overworking yourself. Training is important, but taking care of your body also is," he replied, now seeing the familiar lamp post of the Watanabe residence.

"I know," she replied, looking up at the stars. "How do you still know the way to my house?"

To all the people taking a glance at them as they passed by, the two probably looked like a couple. But of course, that was never the case. Never would she let it happen. For Ushijima, he just felt as if it was another step to get closer to the girl, to improve their relationship towards each other.

His footsteps sounded against the floor, and the girl started wondering. What would have happened if she never left? Will Ushijima still tell her how she shouldn't play volleyball and all? Will they become friends, or will she hate his guts forever? Will they resolve their conflict, or will she keep feeling hostile towards him?

"This is your house, isn't it?" Ushijima asked, halting in front of the Watanabe residence. "I can never forget it."

"Yes, please put me down," she replied, and cleared her throat. "Thank you."

The words of thank you probably sounded more like a whisper, and she expected him not to hear them. Still, Ushijima was able to hear it. How could he not? It was unusual for her to give him these kinds of words, but that kind of change felt a bit better for him. Even more so, he wanted to hear more words coming from her. It felt nice. He felt as though they had grown a bit closer again, just like the old days.

Just as he was about to walk away, the gates to her home opened and revealed Hara's mother standing there with an apron draped over her slim body.

"Oh! Wakatoshi, you walked her home?" her mom asked, and Hara widened her eyes.

Oh. No.

"Yes, ma'am. I'm on my way home now-"

"Nonsense. Please stay for dinner," her mom cut him off, making Hara glance at Ushijima. "You've grown so much since the last time I've seen you."

"No, it's actually fine-"

"I won't take no for an answer. Come on in," she replied, gesturing for the two to come in and follow her.

Sighing, Hara looked at Ushijima only to see him look a bit uncomfortable. After all, the last time he had seen her mother was way back in grade school. It didn't help that the two of them weren't exactly in good terms, too. He didn't want to make Hara feel more uncomfortable around him, but her mother was making a way to get them closer again, thinking maybe the two of them were friends since they studied in the same school.

Hara placed a hand on his wrist, making him instantly face her with furrowed brows.

"Can you walk?" He whispered, and she licked her lower lip anxiously before replying.

"Just... Just let me hold on," she replied, her cheeks flushing at the touch and embarrassment from asking for his assistance.

He just turned his head forwards, as they continued following her mother. Taking their shoes off and placing them on the side, Hara's mom smirked to herself as she secretly observed the two. Truthfully, she had always been fond of Ushijima and loved it whenever her child interacted with him. He was polite and she wanted someone like that for Hara. However, she knew that Hara wouldn't simply stand by and let her decide for her.

Now reaching the dining room, Ushijima and Hara were met by the scent of the prepared dinner.

Knowing that her daughter probably trained all day, Hara's mom expected that it was Sai who would come over with her if possible, so she originally prepared more for the two of them. Her dad was on a trip to Tokyo for a couple of weeks, watching over some athletes he trained.

As the three sat down on the table, the eldest of the three started speaking.

"I didn't know you two became close after-"

"Mom," Hara cut her off before she could say another word.

"What? I was just talking to Wakatoshi, it's been so long," said her mother.

"Ma'am, it just so happened that we're both captains of our respective volleyball clubs," Ushijima answered, drinking from the cup of water after.

"Oh, please just call me Ueno," said her mother, smiling sweetly at Ushijima.

Hara shook her head in disbelief, her mom was as chatty as ever. Her mother probably thinks that she's close to Ushijima, that's why she's so comfortable talking to the young man in front of her. As far as she can remember, Ueno also loved Ushijima as a kid. She was fond of him and loved his presence, she approved of their 'friendship' during their childhood.

"Mom?" Hara said, hinting that she should stop, making her mother laugh.

"Let's eat."

After dinner, Ushijima left the Watanabe residence and reminisced how warmly Ueno treated him. He wanted to tell Hara that, but he knew that she wouldn't appreciate it, given that they weren't close enough to talk about such things at the moment. It wasn't the time to act all friendly with her when she was still visibly hurt about their unresolved conflict.

As he was walking away, he can't help but feel concerned. Monday is in two days, and a sprained ankle wouldn't heal in such a short amount of time. If she didn't want to tell the coach, he'd just try to talk her out of it on Monday. She can't just reinjure herself and worsen it.

"Wakatoshi's grown into a fine young man. You seemed like you weren't that close? I don't see you bringing friends here other than Sai or Tooru." Ueno pointed out, but Hara just kept her mouth shut.

She was thankful to him for helping her, really, but that didn't mean they were friends. But is it really that bad? He even went to her no matter how she avoided him or snapped at him most of the time. He didn't get upset whenever she pushed him away, he simply accepted her treatment towards him. What if she was the only one who was still affected about what happened before?

As she was drowning in her thoughts, her mother could only sigh while thinking of how close Hara and Ushijima were as kids. If only they could go back to what they were before.