Different Kind of Beautiful

Chapter 8

Things were not going in my favor. 

Well, they were. Just not in the way I had expected.

The week was almost up, and without fail, Oikawa and Iwaizumi had walked with me to school each morning. That was the extent of our interactions since we were in different classes and the two were in a club. I figured that the morning interaction was simple enough that he would keep doing so after that week was up. 

Rinko was going to win. 

I didn't want to complain, as walking with them was actually pretty nice. I got along great with Iwaizumi, often tag-teaming Oikawa whenever he started to get ridiculous, but I enjoyed it. Getting to know him outside of flirting, he really was just a dork who sometimes spoke before he thought. 

Ironic, considering we also had a really in-depth conversation about the book I was lending him. 

I went through the motions of another day of classes, taking notes and answering questions. At lunch, I grabbed my things and went outside, planning to spend the hour organizing the list of books my mother had given me. They were trying to figure out what books they needed to prioritize getting but first had to sort through the ones they had in storage. 

As such, I settled down with my lunch and pulled out the notebook to get started. 

Busy focusing on the titles and authors on the page as I attempted to read my mother's handwriting, I pretty much zoned out until someone leaned over my shoulder. 

"What are you doing Anzu-chan?"

Instantly I jumped, my shoulder connecting with his chin. 

"Ah, ow!" Oikawa hissed, pulling back. 

"I'm sorry!" I sputtered, leaning away. "Why did you lean over me like that?"

He pouted, holding his chin. "I was just curious."

I sighed, not knowing how to react. "Just, uh, say something first. Like, make sure I make eye contact with you cause otherwise I might accidentally ignore you. I don't mean to, but I can get focused."

Oikawa gave me a bright grin. "Will do. So, whatcha up to? Tanji-san isn't here it seems."

"Rinko normally eats lunch with other people," I answered, closing the notebook. "Don't you eat with Iwaizumi or the team?"

"Yup, but I saw you sitting all alone and decided to come over."

I paused. "Thank you, I guess."

"I guess?" he repeated, looking offended. 

"I'm used to spending my lunch alone. Besides, I'm working on a project for my parents." I raised the notebook up slightly. "We're trying to figure out what books need to be replaced first."

"So your whole family reads a bunch?" he asked, leaning back on his palms. 

"Yeah, though I don't think it's that big of a deal. My father collects and trades rare books, and my mother is an author. It's practically a given." 

He urged me to keep working, which I did. Every once in a while, I'd glance over at him only to find him watching whatever students were roaming around. He seemed perfectly content to do so. It was a bit surprising. 

The remainder of the week passed in the same way. 

Rinko arrived at my door the morning of, ready to collect on our bet. I threw a spare pair of glasses in my bag, refusing to go a day without sight. 

"You ready?" she chirped, seconds away from throwing the front door open. I watched as she bounced, almost vibrating with excitement. It was hard not to smile at her, but I managed.

I sighed, brushing my hair back. "I suppose so."

A wild grin on her face, she pulled the door open and frowned. A bit confused, I moved to walk out the door and saw why she had stopped. There was no one outside. Rinko glanced at the time, looking incredibly confused. 

"What?" I asked her. Despite my own surprise, I knew we had to get going. "We'll be late."

"Aw... Come on," she groaned, following after me. 

"You've still got the entire school day Rinko," I reminded her. It felt like a coin toss at the moment. Both of us had been sure that I would be losing the bet. 

We made our way to school silently. Rinko clearly didn't know what to say, mourning the possibility of having to fulfill her end of the bargain. It hurt a bit more than I had expected. Once we reached the school, Rinko darted off to greet her classmates. 

Now left alone, I wandered into the school. 

The sounds of giggling reached my ears as I turned a corner, spotting Oikawa and a crowd of girls. He ran a hand through his hair, laughing at something that was said. He flashed a peace sign, and slowly the girls started to disperse. Iwaizumi was leaning against a wall nearby, waiting patiently for them to leave. 

It seemed like things were back to normal. 

I sighed, adjusting my glasses. As I moved to continue towards my class, I noticed Oikawa look at me. We made eye contact. To my surprise, he quickly broke it and ushered Iwaizumi away. I stood frozen in the hall, staring blankly as the two disappeared. 

So he was actively avoiding me.

He still had my book. 

I forced myself to take a breath as I entered the classroom, deciding to review my notes to try and clear my mind before classes. The last thing I needed was to miss parts of the lecture because I was too busy worrying about the brunette flirt. 

I didn't think it would hurt this bad to be right. 

The rest of the day dragged on, even with Rinko joining me for lunch. 

"I'll tell my teacher after classes that I'm going to do it," she sighed. "I'm sorry."

I shook my head. "It's fine. I knew it would happen eventually. Better now than later."

"That doesn't make it any better," she groaned. "I mean, seriously? Who waits an entire week to start avoiding someone they've just met!"

"Rinko, it's fine," I argued. I'd be getting my book back one way or another. He could avoid me if he wanted, but I was going to get that back first. 

"Are you sure?" she pressed, leaning closer to watch my face. I stared back. "Even though I'm your best friend, I expected you to be a little more upset."

I paused, considering what words would explain things best. "I am upset, but at the same time, Oikawa is a popular and busy individual. I guess I just don't see the point in getting worked up, especially since there's a chance he would enjoy the attention."

I didn't think he was that kind of person, but I had only really gotten to know him for a week. 

She sighed. "If you say so."

I was more than ready to head home by the time school was out. As my classmates quickly hurried off to their clubs or study groups, I packed my things up and wondered if I should go to Oikawa directly for my book. As I turned to leave, I noticed Matsukawa waiting by the door. 

"Iwaizumi needs to ask you something," he piped up. "I was asked to bring you to the gym."

"Oh, okay," I replied. Although confused, I followed him down to the gym where Oikawa and Iwaizumi were talking with who I assumed to be the coach. All eyes turned to us as we approached, putting me on edge. 

"Are you Anzu Michishio?" the coach asked. 

I nodded. "That's me."

Oikawa winked and suffered an elbow to the side because of it. 

"I have a favor to ask," Iwaizumi piped up. "You're not in a club, correct?"

"I'm not."

Oikawa practically lept forward, grabbing my hands in his. "Would you please be the manager for the volleyball team?"

I recoiled, startled. "What?"