Chapter 27: Back Off, String Bean is Mine!

Part 3: Chapter 22

Chapter 22 – string bean is mine!

"So, as I was saying..."

Your head dropped and hit your desk, causing a loud "bang" sound to resounds throughout the classroom. Yui stopped talking as everyone turned their heads towards the loud sound, only to be met with the sight of you snoring away at your desk.

Michiko gave her classmates an embarrassed smile, nudging you to wake up. "(nickname)-chan, wake up! Everyone's staring at you!"

You pushed her arms away, mumbling. "Go away, Yui-oba. Let me sleep. You're so annoying."

Yui's eyes widened in horror when she heard your words, anger boiling beneath her skin. You slowly stirred from your slumber when you hear snickering coming from everyone. Blinking, you rubbed your eyes and came face to face with a fire-breathing dragon.

"Oh, hello Yui-oba. How can I help you?" You yawned, tears blurring her image.

Yui stomped her feet like a five-year-old, screeching. "Stop calling me Yui-oba! I'm not old and wrinkly like a 60-year-old grandma!"

You winced at the loudness of her voice, your ears ringing. Plugging your ears, you replied with a frown. "Maybe I should you Banshee Yui instead of Yui-oba since you act and sound like one. I thought they exist only in folklore."

Yui raised her right hand, ready to slap you when Tsukishima entered the classroom. The blonde frowned, wondering what's going on until his eyes landed on you and Yui. Golden orbs widened in surprise, before narrowing to an angry glare.

Walking up to Yui, Tsukishima grabbed her wrist before her hand could meet your face. He pulled the black-haired girl away and confronted her. "What do you think you're trying to do, Yui-chan?!"

Yui's glanced up at the boy that she liked, her lips trembled in fear as tears gathered in her eyes – unable to reply. The black-haired girl's friends came to her rescue and dragged her away from Tsukishima, comforting her.

Tsukishima turned his attention back to you, worry gnawing him from the inside out. "Are you okay? She didn't hit you, did she?"

Your cheeks pinked as Tsukishima's hand caressed the side of your face, making sure to be gentle in case you got hurt. Leaning into his touch, you murmured. "She didn't hit me. Before she could even lay a finger on me, you entered the classroom. Technically, you save me. Thanks, String Bean."

A relieved smile appeared on the first year's face, glad that his childhood friend didn't hurt you. Removing his hand, Tsukishima made his way towards Yui – ready to give her a piece of his mind. However, he was stopped by you.

Glancing down at you with a frown, Tsukishima asked. "What are you doing, Munchkin? You're blocking me."

The volleyball player steps to the side, only to be intercepted by you. This went on as the two of you played a game of tango. After a while, Tsukishima got frustrated with your actions. Crossing his arms, he glared at you. "You're getting on my nerves. Honestly, what are you doing?"

Playing with your fingers nervously, you hesitantly replied. "I know you're gonna scold her, Kei-kun. Please don't. She's not actually the one at fault. I was the one who triggered her. So, if you wanna scold her, scold me instead."

Tsukishima raised a brow, a hint of surprise shown in his eyes. The blonde didn't expect those words coming from you, considering you were almost being slapped in the face. Then again, this is you that he is talking about. You're someone who will defend those you deemed faultless in your books.

Letting out a sigh, the first year ruffled your hair with a small smile. "You never cease to amaze me, (name)."

With that, Tsukishima left you standing there and returned to his seat. You stared at the boy, your hand subconsciously touching your hair where Tsukishima's hand was. Pink coloured your cheeks as confusion filled your thoughts while butterflies danced in your stomach at his actions.

You really couldn't understand the blonde at all. One moment he's being mean to you, the next moment he's being nice to you. Just what on earth does he want?

"Why can't he just be straightforward about his feelings?" You mumbled, making your way back to your desk in a daze.

Up till lunch period, you were barely paying attention in class. All that was on your mind was a certain volleyball player.

Ring!

The school bell rang, indicating it was lunch break. Chairs could be heard screeching on the floor as some students headed down to the canteen for lunch while those who brought their own lunches ate together.

You yawned as you stretched your back, the tight knots disappearing. Reaching into your bag, you took out your bento and gave thanks before digging into the wonderful meal prepared by your mother.

Just as you took the first bite, a certain somebody sauntered right up to your desk. You ignored Yui and her entourage of mini banshees, focusing on the manga that you were reading. Irk marks appeared on the girl's forehead when she noticed that you weren't giving your attention to her.

Yui slammed her hand down on your table, causing you to drop your manga in fright. Her lips curled into a satisfied smirk as you stood up, glaring at her. "What the hell is your problem?! Can't you see that people is trying to eat their lunch in peace?!"

The banshee placed her hand on your table, leaning forward until she was in your face. You stood there with a blank look, unfazed by her actions. "Stop pretending to be a goody-two-shoes, thinking that it will make you look innocent in front of Kei. Don't think I didn't notice the way he sided with you immediately instead of me when I was clearly the victim here. Ain't that right, girls?"

Yui's entourage of mindless beings crowed in agreement, causing her smirk to widen. Letting out a tired sigh, you rubbed your forehead – feeling an oncoming headache. "Look Banshee-san, are you being delusional or what? Why the hell will I act like a goody-two-shoes in front of Kei-kun just to get his attention? Unlike you, I'm not that desperate. About this morning situation, I could care less if you're the victim or not. It's over so just leave it be. Now, if you'll excuse me I've somewhere to be."

Grabbing your unfinished lunch and maths materials, you made your escape to the library where Kagami was hopefully there. Yui watched your back, a scowl on her face – vowing that she'll get her way one way or another.

Muttering to yourself, you made your way to the library. "Honestly, why did I even bother to stand up for her this morning? Such an ungrateful person."

Arriving at your destination, you stood in front of the library. You placed a hand on the door and let out a sigh, a frown on your face. You have a very bad feeling about this.

"Are you gonna enter or not?"

"Eep!" You squealed in fright, dropping your stuff on the floor – including your unfinished lunch.

You glanced at the ground where your bento lay, breathing its last breath. Tears gathered in your eyes as you collapsed onto your knees, crying out. "Bento-chan, no don't leave me! There's so much I want to do with you! Hell, I didn't even get to say goodbye!"

Kagami watched his tutor, feeling unsure if he should do something at all. He placed a hesitant hand on your shoulders, trying to console you. "Hey, it's alright..."

You pushed Kagami's hand away and stood up, facing the basketball player. Kagami scrambled backwards as you marched forward, pointing a finger at him – a dark look on your face. The red-haired glanced left and right, begging people to save him.

Unfortunately for him, everyone avoided him or ran away – not wanting to be involved. Kagami turned his attention to you, squeaking in fright when he saw a black aura coming off from you. Your eyes glinted, your voice barely a whisper. "Bento-chan and I have a future together, but you ruin it. You destroyed my future with my beloved and for that, you shall pay!"

You screamed as you leapt at the male, clutching the front of his school uniform. Kagami tried to pry the crazy girl off him, shouting in desperation. "What the hell is wrong with you?! Are you crazy?!"

Throwing your head back, you let out an evil cackle. "Crazy?! Nope, I'm not crazy! Rather, I'm insane!"

Fear gripped at the red-haired as his eyes widened with horror, at a lost on what to do. Fortunately for him, Tsukishima just so happened to pass by. Kagami turned his head towards the blonde, calling out for help. "Hey! Megane-kun! Help me!"

Tsukishima frowned when he heard a high-pitch screaming that sounds oddly familiar as well as a male that seemed to be calling for him. The volleyball player stopped in his tracks, turning towards the direction of the sounds.

One would have already run away if they are to witness a petite girl screaming and clinging to a boy who looks like he's about to die. However, that isn't the case for the blonde. Instead, he's used to such sights as it's a daily occurrence if you're friends with a girl called (Full Name).

Letting out a tired sigh, Tsukishima shook his head, muttering. "Honestly, why do I like her in the first place?"

For the next 10 minutes, students watched as a blonde tried to pry an (h/c)-haired girl who was clinging to a red-haired male, refusing to let him go.

Time skip brought to you by Noya's special move, Rolling Thunder!

Tsukishima watched you with a fond smile as you munched away happily on the milk bread that Kagami brought for you after the lunch incident.

"Hey, thanks for helping me back there Megane-kun." Kagami thanked the blonde, a grateful smile on his face.

"You're welcome I guess." Tsukishima grumbled before continuing, "You'll get to use it soon if you're friends with her. It's part of the package."

"Haha, there's a very interesting way of putting it." Kagami laughed, feeling sorry for the first year who has probably suffered more than him.

Both males watched as you shared your bread with a group of birds that have landed on the school roof, telling them about your day. You were a strange one, yet it never fails to bring a smile to people's faces with your innocence and child-like wonder.

Kagami glanced at the blonde, observing the way how he was watching you. Anyone with eyes could see that Tsukishima cares for you deeply with the way how his golden orbs light up with joy whenever you glanced their way with a bright smile.

Kagami's lips curled into a small smile when he noticed a certain emotion hidden behind the happiness reflecting in his fellow schoolmate. The red-haired might be dumb when it comes to studying, however, he was sure of Tsukishima's feelings towards his tutor.

"Are you going to tell her anytime soon?" Kagami asked, feeling curious.

Tsukishima snapped out of his daydreaming, a blush already beginning to form on his cheeks. Turning his head towards the basketball player, Tsukishima tried to deny the fact that he likes you. "W-what are you talking about?! What makes you think that I like her?"

Kagami gave Tsukishima a deadpanned look, replying. "Are you seriously trying to lie to me when it's obvious that you have feelings for Chibi-chan over there?"

"I thought you're too dumb to notice such things like that. Guess I was wrong after all." Tsukishima smirked, trying to hide his embarrassment.

Irk marks appeared on Kagami's forehead, protesting. "I'll have you know that I'm a genius!"

"Only in basketball. Then again, I'm sure you won't be where you're now if not for your invisible, blue-haired partner. Am I right to say that?" Tsukishima challenged the red-haired.

"Leave Kuroko out of this!"

"Awww, such a protective boyfriend."

"What the hell?! Kuroko is not my boyfriend and I'm straight!"

You watched your two friends with curiosity, noticing that they are glaring at one another. Standing up, you approached them with an excited grin, shouting. "Yay! Let's all be friends!"

The two males turned to face you, shouting at the same time – their fingers pointing at one another. "WE'RE NOT FRIENDS!"

You rolled your eyes, hands on your hips as you fixed them a stern look. "I'm honestly sick and tired of you two fighting and glaring at one another. Why can't we all be friends? From today onwards, you two are friends. Stop being childish and shake each other hands."

Tsukishima and Kagami looked at one another then back at you, not knowing how to respond. Letting out a sigh, you took both their hands and clasped it together – moving it up and down. "String Bean, Carrot-head. Carrot-head, String Bean. There, you're now both friends. Honestly, is it that difficult to lower your pride for once? I guess not since boys will always be boys."

You let go of their hands and gathered your stuff, heading towards the door. You couldn't hear footsteps which means that the two idiots were still standing in the same spot, not moving at all. Turning around, you raised a brow at the frozen males. "Are you guys just gonna stand there? Lunch period is almost over, meaning that we need to get moving. So, get your ass moving because I'm not waiting for you."

With that, you turned back and walked through the door – disappearing from out of sight. Tsukishima was the first to recover from the shock and made his way towards the door, mumbling. "Out of all the girls available, why do I have to fall for this one?"

Kagami must have heard the blonde because he was laughing his ass off, causing Tsukishima's cheeks to burn a bright shade of red. Tsukishima glared at the red-haired, hissing. "Shut up!"

The basketball player simply patted the volleyball player's back, grinning. "You got yourself a strange one there. Good luck man. I have a feeling you'll need it."

Kagami left Tsukishima who remained, his head turns towards the sky. Golden orbs melted into honey as the sun shines its rays on the blonde. Tsukishima's lips curled into a small smile as he entered, closing the door behind him.

The first year has a feeling that everything's going to be okay.

***

The sound of shoes scraping against polished wooden floors could be heard coming from the gym where Karasuno's volleyball team were having their daily training. You sat by the side, body hunched over a notebook as you tried to brainstorm ideas for your class' cultural festival event.

Class 1-4 has decided to do a cosplay café which saves you a lot of trouble. The main problem now is trying to think of a theme. Scratching your head, you glared at your blank notebook, praying for words to just magically appeared.

After a minute long of staring, you gave up. Leaning against the wall, you covered your eyes with your arms, mumbling. "Aish, this is so hard. Why I did choose to volunteer myself?"

"Should I call and arrange a funeral for you? You look like you're about to die any second." Came an irritating voice.

Removing your arms, your eyes landed on a figure who was glancing down at you with a blank face. You let out a groan and covered your eyes once more, your actions bringing a frown onto Tsukishima's face. The blonde took a seat next to you, poking your arm to get your attention.

"Go away Kei-kun, you're being an annoyance to me." You muttered.

Tsukishima ignored your words as he continued poking you until you got fed up and gave him the attention that he wanted. "Can you stop with the poking?! What the hell do you want?!"

His lips curled into a smirk, golden orbs shining with mischief. Your (e/c) eyes narrowed with suspicion, wary of the first-year's motives. "What're you trying to plan? I don't like the look in your eyes, it's so not like you."

Tsukishima didn't answer as he simply leaned towards you, causing you to lean backwards – warm melted honey staring into your eyes. Butterflies began dancing wildly in your stomach, your heart galloping like wild horses at a hundred miles per hour. You tried to look away, yet you couldn't help but be entranced by those familiar eyes.

"W-what're you trying to do? You better back off or else..." You trailed off when you felt Tsukishima's lips next to your ear, his breath sending shivers done your spine.

You sat there frozen as the blonde whispered something in your ear that you didn't quite catch.

Tsukishima moved backwards, lifting his eyebrows as he asked. "So?"

"Huh?" You replied blearily.

The volleyball rolled his eyes before pulling you up your feet, his hand holding onto yours tightly.

"Daichi-san, (name) and I have an important thing to do. We'll be in an hour or so."

"Alright, be careful!"

With that, Tsukishima left the gym – pulling you along. You struggled to keep up with Tsukishima's fast pace, feeling confused as to what was happening. No words were exchanged as you allowed the male to drag you to who knows where.

A few minutes later, the both of you arrived at your classroom. Tsukishima let go of your hand and made his way to his table, leaving you standing in the middle of the classroom. You gave Tsukishima a lost look, asking. "What're we doing here back in the classroom? Training is still ongoing."

The first-year looked out the window, his eyes observing the activities going on below. He glanced back at you and replied. "You're planning for our class cultural festival's event, right? You looked like you needed some help, so I thought we could take a break from training and get it over and done with."

Tsukishima watched with a fond smile as your (e/c) eyes lit up with joy, a smile as bright as the sun appearing on your face. Grabbing a chair, you took a seat next to the teenager's table and started brainstorming.

For the next two hours, the two of you sat in the empty classroom – discussing your class' event.

Tsukishima stopped paying attention to what you were saying as he observed you. (H/C) strands glowed in the setting sun, creating a halo around your head. The way your eyes lit up with excitement whenever you thought of an idea brings warmth to his heart.

"What do you think about this idea Kei-kun?" You asked.

When you didn't receive an answer, you glanced up and noticed the way how Tsukishima was looking at you. Golden eyes glow in the evening sun, bringing out the speckles in the male's eyes. Emotions swirled in his eyes that left you with burning cheeks and a ramping zoo in your stomach.

"K-Kei-kun, are you okay?" You stuttered, glancing away shyly.

Tsukishima's lips curled into a gentle smile, fondness reflecting in his eyes. You watched as his hand reached out and tugged a loose strand of (e/c) hair behind your ears. You couldn't tear your eyes away.

The outside world melted away as both of you stared into one another's eyes. It was obvious that both teens are in love with one another and they wanted to tell each other's feelings. Yet, they decided it still wasn't the right time.

So, for now, they will simply bask in each other's love – enjoying each other's company.

Besides, Tsukishima's wish came true.

Kagami left Tsukishima who remained, his head turns towards the sky. Golden orbs melted into honey as the sun shines its rays on the blonde.

The first-year closes his eyes briefly, sending a prayer to heaven. The blonde must have seen something because a sense of calmness washed over him, leaving him in peace.

Tsukishima's lips curled into a small smile as he entered, closing the door behind him.

Whoever hears me, I pray that I'll be able to spend more time with the one I love.

***

Stars twinkled in the night sky like diamonds, the moon basking earth with its rays.

You took a deep breath of the fresh air as a smile settled on your face. Opening your eyes once more, you left school and headed home after a long day.

Humming a tune, you couldn't help but feel accomplished and satisfied. You managed to come with a theme of your class café as well as the menu and other things with the help of Tsukishima. A light pink dusted your cheeks as the memory of being alone with the volleyball player in the classroom surfaced to mind.

No words could describe the emotions that you're experiencing, yet it was fine with you. There were no needs for words, all that you knew was that you felt a sense of warmth and affection coming from your classmate and that was more than enough for you.

Nothing could ruin your happy mood.

However, you spoke too soon.

Just as you make a turn down the road that leads to your house, a certain classmate of yours stepped out from the shadows – blocking you. Irk marks appeared on your forehead when you noticed who it was.

"What do you want, Yui-oba?"

Yui's eyes narrowed into a glare as she gave you a scowl. Pointing a finger at you, she angrily shouted. "I want you to stay away from Kei! He's mine!"

Letting out a tired sigh, you replied. "Again, with the "staying away from Kei, he's mine!" speech. It's honestly starting to get irritating. For the last time, Kei-kun is not yours. No matter how much you threaten me, you force me to stay away from a good friend of mine."

"Yes, you can! All you have to do is stop talking to Kei and problem solve! You'll be on your merry way and I can have my chance with him!" Yui stomped her feet like a child, throwing a tantrum.

Anger coursed through your veins, done with Yui and her childish behaviours. Taking a step forward and another step until you invaded Yui's personal space. You had the height advantage as you glared down at here, exclaiming. "You need to stop being childish and grow up! I understand that you like Kei-kun and it sucks not being able to be with him, especially if there are other girls in your way. However, Kei-kun isn't yours to claim. Did he respond to your feelings? If he doesn't, it means that he doesn't feel the same way. I don't even know why he still tolerates someone like you. If it was me, I would have already given up and left. Are you sure you like Kei-kun for being him or you like him because of his looks? Can you even call what you're feeling towards him 'love' and not an obsession?"

Yui stood there in shock, unable to move. You tried to calm down, your chest heaving from shouting. A breeze blew through the empty street, the street lights flickering as the two females stood face-to-face – no one saying anything.

A few seconds later you spoke up, "I like Kei-kun, but you don't see me walking around announcing it to the entire world. However, I'll fight for him if I've to. Just not in a way that you do."

With that, you turned around and walked off – leaving the black-haired girl behind. Yui snapped out of her daze as she watched your retreating back with a curious look.

All sorts of thoughts entered her mind as a new found of curiosity filled her. You're such a strange one – it was so obvious that you have feelings for Kei. Yet, instead of responding to her out of jealousy – you responded out of concern for a friend.

For the first time, Yui finally understood why her childhood friend has fallen for you. You're a girl that put others before yourself, shining with confidence – not afraid of what other people thinks about you.

If you believe in yourself, nothing can bring you down.

"I know you're there Kei. You can come out now." Yui turned her body towards the direction of where Tsukishima was hiding.

The blonder stepped out of his hiding spot, a light pink dusting his cheeks after hearing your words. Yui's lips curled into a smirk, her hands crossed. "Nice blush you got that Kei."

Tsukishima's glared at his childhood friend, replying. "Not another word."

"I guess you've chosen the right girl, Kei. However, don't think that I'm gonna back down from winning your affection." Yui chuckled.

Tsukishima simply laughed.

Time skip brought to you by Oikawa's burning hair

You threw yourself onto your bed and buried your face in your pillow, letting out a scream. If anyone was to walk into your bedroom and saw you rolling around on your bed, they might have called an exorcist.

"I can't believe I basically told Yui-oba that string bean is mine indirectly! How embarrassing!" You groaned, mentally hitting yourself for being an idiot.

Ding

Your phone notification went off, indicating you received a message. Patting your bed blindly, you found your phone and unlocked the screen.

String Bean [22:00]:

You look cute when you're angry.

You could feel your face burning a bright red and threw your phone, hitting the wall before landing on your bed. Burying your face in your pillow once more, you cursed the blonde to the moon and back.

You couldn't believe that Tsukishima was there when you argue with Yui. You were mortified at the possibility that he must have heard your indirect confession.

"I HATE YOU STRING BEAN!"

You're so going to get revenge tomorrow.

Meanwhile in the Tsukishima's household....

Tsukishima pressed the "send" button, his lips curled into a smirk. Offing his phone, he turned in for the night and drifted off.

Somewhere in the Miyagi Prefecture, if you listen closely and carefully, you can hear an (h/c)-haired girl cursing a certain blonde.

***

A/N: Hey there! I'm sorry I haven't updated in a long ass time. I've been busy with school as well as writing two stories at the same time is time-consuming. In the next chapter, it'll take a while for me to update as my exams are just around the corner. Thanks for your continuous support and love! ^^