Part 2: Chapter 18b
"Kei-kun, look! That puppy is so cute!"
Tsukishima smiled as you held up the puppy in your hands, a giant grin on your face as (e/c) orbs shining with happiness stared back at him. The puppy let out a "woof" as it wagged his tails wildly from side to side, mirroring your joy.
"I guess he is." Tsukishima softly replied as he ruffled your hair fondly.
You blushed as you lowered the puppy, still not used to the affections Tsukishima have been showing you ever since the evening started. You turned away from the blond as you returned the puppy back to its owner, an old kind lady.
The old lady gave you a toothless smile as she accepted her puppy back, laughing when it licked her on the cheek. Holding the puppy in her arms, she said knowingly, "You're a very lucky girl. You have such a caring boyfriend."
Your face burst into a brilliant red as you shake your head from side to side and corrected the old lady. "A-Ah! You got it all wrong! Kei-kun and I aren't like that all. We're just good friends!"
The old lady blinked as your words sink in before her eyes widen in realisation. She quickly apologised for her mistake. "Ah, I'm so sorry. I really thought he is your boyfriend at the way how he looks at you."
"It's fine." You reassured the old lady before going on when you realised what she said. "Huh? What do you mean by how the way Kei-kun look at me?"
"Oh dearie, you mean you even noticed the way how that young boy look at you before?"
"Am I suppose to notice such things? He just looks at me the same way he looks at his friends."
"Ah, I see now." The old lady said mysteriously, her eyes twinkling with mischief despite her old age.
You blinked in confusion, not understanding what the old lady was trying to tell you. Your head tilts to the side, the puppy copying your move as it let out a "woof". "I don't understand what are you saying, Oba-san?"
The old lady simply smiled as she answered cryptically, "In due time, you'll know."
With that as her parting words, the old lady left with her puppy. You stood there in the middle crowd, still as confused as ever as you tried to figure out the meaning behind her words. However, no matter how hard you racked your brain, you couldn't figure it out.
"You look constipated."
You turned around when you heard Tsukishima's voice. Your eyes lit up when you noticed that in his hands were two tubs of takoyaki. With outstretched arms, you made grabby hands motion as you drooled at the sight of food. "Are those for me? I'm hungry."
Tsukishima gave you a disgusted look as he moved the takoyaki out of your reach, saying, "No, those are for me."
"You're gonna eat both tubs?" You asked.
"Yes, I'm hungry that's why I bought two tubs for myself. Besides, who says I'm gonna spend money on you." Tsukishima replied smugly.
Your heart broke as you watched Tsukishima placed a takoyaki in his mouth, ignoring the puppy eyes you were giving him. Your stomach grumbled loudly as Tsukishima hummed, "Mmm. This takoyaki is so delicious, it practically melts in your mouth."
You pouted as you crossed your arms and turned away from Tsukishima, mumbling, "Meanie."
Tsukishima chuckled at the pout on your face as you cursed him under your breath. Shaking his head at your childish behaviour, he handed one of the tubs to you with a small smile. "I am just kidding. Here's your share of the takoyaki."
Your face brightened as you took the tub from Tsukishima and stuffed a takoyaki into your mouth. You groaned as the takoyaki melts in your mouth, its flavour dancing on your tongue. "Oh my gosh! This is so good."
Tsukishima smiled, secretly delighted that you enjoyed the takoyaki. He knew that he said that he wouldn't spend money on you, but all in honesty, Tsukishima doesn't mind spoiling you from time to time.
After all, you deserved all the love in the world.
***
For the rest of the night, you and Tsukishima explored the festivals together. You were happily eating some cotton candy as you were being let by Tsukishima to who knows where. It became an unspoken rule for Tsukishima to hold your hand whenever you guys were going from stall to stall.
Your eyes wandered down to your and Tsukishima's entwined hands. Your smile softened when you realised how your hand looked like it's been swallowed Tsukishima's bigger hands in a good way. Whenever Tsukishima held your hands, you felt safe and warm.
And those are the best kind of feelings in the world.
Your (e/c) eyes wandered around as you looked from stall to stall. There were stalls that sell food, the delicious smell of cooked food wafting through the air. Some stalls sell trinkets or little gifts while some were just games for the little ones to play.
Your eyes widened in glee when they landed on a dinosaur plushie that looks exactly like the one that Tsukishima has in his bedroom. Unknowingly, you tightened your hold on Tsukishima's hand as you began to drag him through the crowd.
Tsukishima nearly fell forward when you tugged his hand and dragged him through the crowd. "(name), please slow down. I'm gonna fall at this rate."
However, Tsukishima's words fell on death ears as you continued weaving through the crowd with ease, dragging the tall male along who was bend in half awkwardly due to the vast height difference between you two.
You finally released Tsukishima once you reached your desired destination. The first-year straightened his body as he smoothed out the wrinkles in his yukata, sending you a glare. However, you missed his glare as your attention was focused on an object in front of you. Out of curiosity, Tsukishima followed your gaze, wondering what were you staring at.
A fond smile found its way onto his face when he realised that you were staring at a dinosaur plushie with delight and eagerness. Tsukishima found it really endearing that you wanted to have a dinosaur plushie that looked similar to the one he owed.
"Kei-kun! Kei-kun! I want that triceratops plushie! It looks like the one that you have." You faced Tsukishima as you began to bounce up and down, a child-like expression on your face.
Nodding, Tsukishima turned his attention to the owner manning the game stall, asking, "Excuse me, sir. How much is a game?"
"That'll be 100 yen, young lad." The owner replied with a friendly tone.
Tsukishima nodded his head in thanks as he dug through his drawstring bag, looking for a 100 yen coin. Your eyes widened in disbelief when you realised that Tsukishima was going to pay for you.
You grabbed the male's arm, preventing him from moving as you quickly stopped him. "Kei-kun, what are you doing? I can pay for the game myself. After all, it is I who wants the plushie."
Not wanting you to know his real motive of wanting to spoil you, Tsukishima lied. "If you're to play the game, you will just miss all the targets and not win the prize. I also don't want to deal with your whining and crying."
"I'm a libero and missing my target is not in my blood." You protested, feeling slightly offended
The middle blocker rolled his eyes as he hit you lightly on the head, saying, "This isn't volleyball, genius. It's a game where you throw darts at the balloons to pop it."
"Still it doesn't change the fact that I don't miss my targets."
"Yet, you always miss me whenever you're throwing objects at me." Tsukishima deadpanned.
"It's only one time!" You protested.
"In addition, you also miss whenever you try to hit me." Tsukishima raised a brow as he went on.
You opened and closed your mouth like a fish, not knowing how to respond. He does have a point there and no matter how hard you tried, you can't think of any excuse to defend yourself. You gave Tsukishima a pout, not happy that he won the argument this time round.
Tsukishima smirked at the fact that he won as you glared at him and said, "I'll let it slide this time round. Next time, I'm gonna go down so easily without a fight."
The blond male rolled his eyes as he paid the stall owner who handed him the darts and wished him good luck. Tsukishima's eyes narrowed in concentration at the colourful balloons. He took a deep breath, lifted his hand and aimed the dart at the balloons.
You watched with bated breath as your eyes followed the dart. With fingers crossed, you closed your eyes and prayed to the gods that the dart wouldn't miss its target. You really wanted the dinosaur plushie.
Pop!
Your eyes flew open as you heard the sound of balloons popping. Within one minute, Tsukishima managed to pop all balloons with his accurate aims. Your (e/c) eyes lit up with child-like delight as you accepted the plushie from the stall owner.
"Thank you, Oji-san!"
"You're welcome. You're a very lucky girl to have someone like him in your life." The stall owner replied before focusing on his other customers.
You looked down at the Triceratops plushie in your hands, its black beady staring back up at you. You had a thoughtful look on your face as you try to figure out what the stall owner meant. First, it was your teammates, Michiko, the old lady with the puppy and now the stall owner.
Why do they keep thinking that you and Tsukishima are more than friends?
"We're just friends, dinosaur-kun." You softly explained to dinosaur plushie in your hands.
However, deep down, you knew that you were just convincing yourself that you and Tsukishima were friends and nothing more. Or at least that's what you keep telling yourself. Man, it is hard to feel with your heart and not think with your brain.
"I find it creepy that you're talking to an inanimate object," Tsukishima commented out of nowhere and gave you a scare, causing you to snap out of your thoughts.
You clutched your chest when your heart skipped a beat, no thanks to a certain string bean. Regaining your composure, you clutched your dinosaur plushie to your chest and glared at Tsukishima before turning your attention back to the toy in your arms.
"It's alright, dinosaur-kun. Just ignore string bean." You cooed.
"Stop that, it's disturbing."
You stuck your tongue out at Tsukishima as you replied, "No one asks you to comment."
The middle blocker rolled his eyes at your childish actions, muttering, "Why am I friends with you again?"
Your cheeks pinked as you smiled to yourself, thinking, 'This is the first I heard Kei-kun acknowledging that we're friends.'
"Do you like it?"
You lift your head up to stare at Tsukishima whose face was turned away from you, his ears reddening. You giggled when you realised that the tsundere first-year wanted to know if you like the plushie that he won for you, but was too embarrassed to face you.
With a soft smile, you glanced at your feet as you whispered, "Yeah, I love it. Thank you, Kei-kun."
Tsukishima pushed his glasses up, his cheeks a bright red colour as he stuttered, "W-whatever. Anyone can do it."
You shook your head in amusement as you glanced at the male who still refused to face you.
'But I'm glad you're the one who did it for me.'
***
You and Tsukishima continued walking around the shrine just to kill time before meeting up with your teammates to watch the fireworks display. You glanced around with a bored look on your face, wondering what you can do next when something caught your eyes.
You released Tsukishima's hand as you approached closer to what looks like a bamboo tree with lots of papers attached to it. Tsukishima glanced down when he felt warmth leaving his right hand, realising that you had released it
Feeling curious, Tsukishima followed after you to see what had caught your eyes. You felt the male's presence behind you, causing you to turn around to ask Tsukishima what was the bamboo tree for.
"Ne, Kei-kun. Why are there so many papers attached to that bamboo tree? You can barely see the tree under all those papers."
Tsukishima glanced down at you with a smile as you peered up at him with big, wide (e/c) eyes shining with curiosity. He ruffled your hair gently, being careful not to mess up your bun.
"That's a Tanabata tree, also known as 'evening of the seventh'."
"I see. But why are there so many papers attached to it?"
"Those papers contain wishes written by people. You take a strip of paper and write your wishes on it before attaching it to the stalk of the bamboo tree. Legend says that by doing so, the gods will make your wishes come true." Tsukishima explained.
You stared at the bamboo tree standing tall and proud before you, the papers swaying gently in the breeze. You wondered what kind of wishes are being written on those papers. Do people wish for happiness for their loved ones or do they wish to find love in these busy world?
"Here."
You turned your attention to Tsukishima who was holding out a strip of paper towards you. You looked at the paper, then Tsukishima and back to the paper. You accepted the paper as you turned it around to examine both sides, asking. "What's this for?"
The strip of paper looked like any ordinary paper, plain on both sides.
"It's for you to write down your wishes and then attached it to the tree. I thought you might be interested in doing so." Tsukishima simply explained.
You nodded your head as Tsukishima passed you a pen for you to write your wishes down on the paper. You tapped the pen against your head thoughtfully as you think of what wishes you want to write down. There were so many things that you can wish for, from good luck for your team winning the Spring Tournament to doing well for your upcoming math exam.
Your (e/c) eyes widened when suddenly a wish came to mind. Your heartbeat quicken as butterflies exploded in your stomach at the thought of penning this wish down on the paper. You bit your lip in hesitation as you contemplate if you write down the wish or not.
"What's taking you so long just to write down a few words on a piece of paper?"
You jumped as you failed your arms about, hiding the paper behind your back. You faced Tsukishima with a fake smile, hoping that he would be fooled by it. "K-Kei-kun, what's up!"
Tsukishima's golden eyes narrowed in suspicious at your strange behaviour, replying. "Why are you hiding the paper behind you?"
"N-Nothing..." You stammered as sweat began to drip down your face.
You leant back as Tsukishima leant forward as your (e/c) eyes darting left and right, refusing to meet the middle blocker's intense golden orbs. Tsukishima's eyes roamed your face as he took in your expression.
Your (e/c) eyes told him that you were nervous about something which Tsukishima didn't understand why. Your cheeks were bright red as you bit your lips, still refusing to meet the blond's eyes. You were hiding something from him.
Tsukishima leant back and sighed, not bothering to ask knowing that you wouldn't answer him. His back faced you as the middle blocker approached the tree to attach his paper to its branches.
You breathed out in relief that Tsukishima chose not to question you any further. You looked at Tsukishima with curiosity as you observed him, saying, "I didn't know you were planning to write down your wished as well."
Tsukishima secured the knot so that his paper wouldn't fly off. The first-year straightened his body as his gaze remained on the tree, different colours staring back at him. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to participate for fun."
You nod your head in understanding as you quickly write down your wish before attaching it securely to the tree. Both you and Tsukishima faced the Tanabata tree and clasped both hands together, bowing slightly with eyes closed as you two prayed to the gods.
Tsukishima straightened up as he took out his phone to check the time. "We should start heading to the tree to meet up with everyone. It's almost time anyway."
You nodded your head as your hand found its way to Tsukishima's hands, both your fingers entwining as the two of you made your way down the street.
You swing both yours and Tsukishima's arms as you asked, "Ne, Kei-kun. Is there any story behind the Tanabata tree?"
Tsukishima kept his eyes forward as he tried to remember if there is a story behind it before replying, "If I remember correctly, there is a story behind it."
"Oooh, tell me the story!"
Tsukishima chuckled at your eagerness before going on, "According to legend, there once lived a beautiful princess named Orihime who was a seamstress. Since she worked so hard, she became sad and despaired of ever finding love. Her father, who was a God of the heavens, loved her dearly felt pained to see his child in pain. So, he arranged for Orihime to meet a cow herder named Hikoboshi who lived on the other side of the milky way."
He took a deep breath, before continuing. "The two instantly fell in love with one another and got married. Their love and devotion ran so deep that both of them neglected their works. Orihime's father became angry and forbade the lovers to be together, but Orihime pleaded with him to allow them to stay. Since her father loved her so dearly, he allowed the star-crossed lovers to meet once a year. However, they found the river to difficult to cross."
Tsukishima glanced down at you, wondering how will you react. To his surprise, he saw tears rolling down your face as you cried for the star-crossed lovers in the story.
Your heart broke for the characters in the story, thinking how unfair the princess' father was. Tsukishima shook his head with a soft smile, thinking it was so typical of you to cry over such things. Bending down to your height, he lifted your head as he wiped away the tears with such gentleness that it surprised you.
You glanced at Tsukishima who smiled at you, sending your heart into a frenzy. With a soft voice, Tsukishima said, "All hope isn't lost. A flock of magpies came and made a bridge, connecting the two star-crossed lovers. Now, they were able to meet every year on the seventh day of the seventh month."
Your sobs were reduced to sniffles as you hung onto every single word.The way he told the story was so breathtaking, making the story come to life. Tsukishima wiped away the rest of tears as he went on, his voice still as soft as ever. "That's why people write down wishes on those strips of papers, hoping that the star-crossed lovers will grant them."
"What did you wish for?" You asked curiously.
Tsukishima's cheeks immediately redden as he straightened his body and taking your hand once more, led you down the busy street. You knew that he was avoiding your question as he kept quiet, his back facing you.
You pouted as you tried one more time. "Come on, Kei-kun. Please tell me, I'm dying of curiosity here."
"Then die." came the dry reply.
"I'll tell you what I wrote on mine if you tell me." You suggested hopefully, not even realising what you just said.
"Why don't you tell me first?" Tsukishima fired back, looking at you from the corners of his eyes.
"Sure. I don't see why not. My wish is that I'll-"
Tsukishima turned around with raised brows when he noticed that you didn't complete your sentence. To his surprise, your cheeks were a bright hue of red and your mouth was wide opened. "Are you okay? You looked like you have seen a ghost."
You snap out of it as you forced a laughter, saying, "I'm fine. I just recalled that you shouldn't tell other people your wishes or else they wouldn't come true."
Tsukishima shrugged as he faced forward once more, replying, "Okay. Anyway, we should be reaching the tree soon."
You didn't reply as you lowered your head, hiding your face from the middle blocker. You stared at your feet as you keep blaming yourself for being so careless. You almost blurted out what your wish was about! Imagine the horror if Tsukishima was to find out what your wish was about.
You would just die in embarrassment.
"(name), change of plans. Looks like the team decide not to meet up after all as it will be too late by the time they reach the tree. Daichi-san asks us to watch the fireworks display on our own if we still to."
You lifted your head up and saw Tsukishima checking his hand phone, most likely receiving a message from the captain. You took out your hand phone and checked the time, noticing that there's still enough time to make it to the tree before the fireworks start.
Keeping your handphone, you said, "We still have enough time to make it to the tree if you still wanna watch the fireworks."
Tsukishima stood there not replying, a concentrated look on his face. You tilt your head curiously as you wondered what was going through the blond's head. Without saying anything, Tsukishima started walking as you followed along feeling confused.
"The tree is the other way, Kei-kun. Where are we going? The fireworks are gonna start soon."
With his back facing you, Tsukishima simply answered. "I have another place in mind to watch the fireworks display. Just follow me."
Not really having a choice considering Tsukishima had a tight hold on your hand and it looks like he wouldn't be letting go of it anytime soon, you simply shrugged as Tsukishima led you.
You just hope there's a place to sit down as your legs were dying after walking around for so long in these wooden shoes.
***
Third POV
"Woah! This is such a beautiful place!" (name) exclaimed in awe as she runs ahead of Tsukishima, taking in the beautiful scenery.
"Oi, don't run or else you're gonna fall flat on your face. And I'm not gonna catch you this time round." Tsukishima warned as he trailed behind the (h/c)-haired girl.
(name) was too happy to take Tsukishima's insults to heart as she spun around in circles. Stars were twinkling like fairies in the night sky as the moon bathed the earth in its warm glow. (name) and Tsukishima was currently at the top of a hill to watch the fireworks display. At the bottom of the hill was the festival and in the distance, (name) could see the giant tree where many people were gathered to watch the fireworks.
Taking a seat next to Tsukishima, (name) turned around to face him. The blond male was lying down on his back, his hands behind his head with his eyes closed. (name) smiled softly when she noticed how peaceful Tsukishima looked. Gone was the usual smug smile as a contented smile replaced it, the male enjoying the silence.
Despite still being able to hear people coming from below the hill, it was still quite peaceful up here. (name) closed her eyes as she enjoyed the smell of nature, a gentle breeze passing through.
"I come here often with my family when I was younger to watch the fireworks."
The libero opened her eyes, focusing on Tsukishima whose eyes were still closed. She waited for him to go on, but the male remained silent. Wanting to know more, (name) asked, "Is that why you brought us up here?"
Tsukishima opened one eye as he stared at her lazily, replying, "Yes."
Once again, silence returned as both teenagers remained quiet. (name) looked at Tsukishima as he stared back at her with those bright golden orbs of his. She could feel her heart pounding as intense gold looked passed her and into her soul. Emotions swirled in Tsukishima's eyes as he tried to convey feelings that he could never say out loud, hoping that (name) gets the message.
The girl softly smiled, saying that she got what he was trying to tell her and scooted closer to him. Both their shoulders were inches apart as (name) hesitated, wondering if it was okay to move closer to Tsukishima. She didn't need to think for long as Tsukishima moved closer, the side of his body pressing up against hers.
At first, (name) tensed at the close contact. But after a while, she began to relax and snuggled into the blond's side. It was just the two of them, (e/c) orbs staring up at golden orbs once more.
In the distance, the crowd began to count down. The moment they reached three, loud whistles could be heard as fireworks shot into the sky before bursting into millions of colours. However, (name) and Tsukishima were too caught up in each other eyes to pay any attention to the fireworks.
Tsukishima could feel his heart threatening to escape from his chest as (e/c) eyes stared up at him, the fireworks making them sparkle as her face glowed. He didn't dare to breathe or move, afraid that it would break the spell. This is the first time he has felt this vulnerable, especially in front of the girl he loved.
Taking a deep breath, he opened his mouth...
(e/c) eyes widen when (name) saw Tsukishima's mouth moving, but not a single words could be heard as the loud explosion coming from the fireworks prevented her from hearing him.
"What did you say? I can't hear you!"
Her voice tried to reach above the loud sounds, but it was still too loud. Tsukishima narrowed his eyes in frustration before leaning down to whisper into her ear, the soft scent in her hair brushing against his nose.
Taking another deep breath by her ear and sending shivers down her spine. (name) froze, eyes wide. He whispered as his breath brushed against the shell of her ear. A loud explosion of the firework contrasting against his soft, calming tone as he spoke.
"I wish that we'll be together forever."
(name) stiffened. She turned to him, mouth agape. Tsukishima looked right into her eyes, golden orbs glowing from the bright lights of the firework.
The intensity of their staring made her fluttered and (name) couldn't tell if the loud deafening booms were coming from the fireworks or her heart.
He had answered her question that she asked earlier on at the Tanabata tree.
Tsukishima felt nervous bubbling within him as he searched her face for any reactions. However, it shocked him when she started laughing. Feeling confused, he asked, "What's so funny?"
(name) stopped laughing, turning to face him with a soft smile as she replied, "That is what I wished for when I wrote it down on the paper strip."
Tsukishima let out a chuckle as he placed his right hand on top of her left one, their fingers entwining. He placed his forehead against her as he looked into her eyes lovingly.
"I'm glad that you wished the same thing as I did. So, promise me that you'll stay by my side forever."
(name) closed her eyes as she lean in whispering, "I promise."
"Looks like I have fallen for Tsukishima Kei."