secret gem • haikyuu !!

22 ; A Chance

*****

Third Person's POV

As Mai was walking away from the train station, a cacophony of sounds rang into her ear. The earphones directed the palm-muted electric guitar, beat of the drum with the bass guitar, and the final strum of an acoustic guitar. It was such a memorable melody; a song from one of her favourite k-rock bands. Mai lightly tapped her finger in her pocket whilst inconspicuously bopping her head to the intro. She hummed quietly to herself – people flooding past her as she continued onwards to the school. 

Even if it was in Korean, she still could understand it. The way the lead vocalist sang really made her heart ache and she could feel the emotion in the words. She really hoped FTIsland does a tour in Japan soon. They have some of the best Japanese songs too, truly the best band this 2012.

'I also practiced how to secretly cry while smiling but, I feel like my trembling voice will give it away quickly.' She silently mouthed the words, hoping people won't find her weird. But when it's a song like this, she couldn't care less.

She was quickly approaching Nekoma High, students were flowing in the opposite direction, wanting to escape the school as quickly as possible. Mai weaved her way into the school, past the few whispers and murmurs. Even if the volume was moderately loud, she could tell that people had said something about her looking like Tetsurō. At the top of the staircase stood her brother, waving at her whilst she waved back. As Mai approached the first step, Kenma had walked out of the door too.

Just then, the song was reaching the first heartbreaking climax.

'But I'm a fool that I can't live without you, what do you want me to do?'. She started to run up the stairs, two steps at a time. They waited for her and once she reached the final step, she fixed her hair, "Hey you two."

"Hey Mai-mai." Kenma replied, with a little smile forming on his face.

'Severely, I guess I loved you too severely. I don't even breathe and I look around for you. I don't know when I'll be able to sto—', Mai quickly unplugged her earphones and tucked them into her pocket.

"C'mon, we can't keep the team waiting." Tetsurō rushed her in and the two boys led Mai around the hallways.

As they walked around, there were many students that looked at her curiously. 'Well, I don't go here so it's expected.' She thought to herself, keeping her focus on her brother's back. Luckily, it didn't take them too long to recognise the route to the gym and they were there in a minute.

There were sounds of volleyballs against the wooden floor, paired with shouts and cheers of familiar voices. When Tetsurō entered, Mai heard their excitement in their voices – 'They probably knew I was coming'. As she followed in, with Kenma, Mai was confronted by the team, happily smiling at her.

"Welcome back Mai!" They all greeted politely, taking a group bow together. Mai responded by taking a small bow with a grin. As they returned back to a neutral position, Coach Nekomata stood by her side, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"It's good to see you're doing well, Mai." He spoke softly, as she turned to see him smile.

"I'm glad you're well too, Nekomata-sensei." Mai politely replied, with a little smile of her own.

"Okay team! Back to work!" Tetsurō exclaimed, clapping his hands to initiate the continuation of their practice. They all responded and started to run back onto the court. Unknowing to her, the corner of Mai's lips started to rise as they ran happily back onto the court.