As Sachi led toward the still-deserted track field, the afternoon sun dipped lower, painting the school grounds in hues of amber and gold.
Sohow, it felt like we had the school for ourselves.
The girl's steps were light as she hopped and skipped in delight, the can of peach tea swinging loosely in her hand.
Every now and then, she'd glance back at and reach her hand out, as though telling to catch up and join her with what she's doing.
Well, given that I chose to grant her request this ti, I followed after her, sipping the lemonade from ti to ti, quenching the thirst that I acquired from my extensive intimate exercise with Ryouko-san and Orimura-sensei.
Soon, we crossed the empty field where the grass was slightly worn from countless laps and drills and headed toward a small cluster of trees near the edge of the track.
It was a secluded spot, tucked away from the main paths, where the noise of the school faded in the distance.
A single wooden bench sat beneath the shade of an old oak. It had a weathered but sturdy bark, offering a perfect view of the field without being exposed to prying eyes.
"This is it," Sachi said, plopping down on the bench and patting the space beside her. "Told you it's quiet. I discovered this when I looked sowhere to avoid Coach's extra drills. Don't tell her about this, okay?"
I chuckled, settling next to her, close enough that our shoulders brushed. "Sneaky, Sachi. Orimura-sensei would be livid if she found out her promising 1st year volleyball talent had a knack for skipping practice."
She stuck out her tongue, then took another sip of her tea, her lips curling around the rim in a way that was distractingly seductive. "I'm not dodging. I just… prioritize my energy. Gotta save it for the real gas, right?"
"Right," I said as I leaned back and stretched my legs out. I put down the lemonade can on my side as I took in the sight in front of us.
The air was cool and it carried that fresh scent of grass. It was incredibly relaxing. Sitting there and letting the silence settle, Sachi and I occasionally glance at each other before smiling. It wasn't awkward, though. It was the kind of silence that felt earned, like we'd both said enough for now and were content to just spend ti like this.
A while later, Sachi broke the quiet first. "You know, Onoda-kun, I ant what I said earlier. About you being impressive. It's not just the way you handle all your… relationships. It's how you make everyone around you feel like they matter. Like, even now, you're sitting here with , and I know you've got a million other things going on, but it doesn't feel like you're just humoring . That's rare."
I turned to look at her, catching the way her eyes were fixed on the field, like she was avoiding my gaze on purpose. Her honesty was disarming, and it stirred sothing in . A need to match her vulnerability with my own.
"Is that so? My girls used to tell that I'm incredibly considerate. That's why girls cannot help but be drawn to . They keep telling to tone it down a bit but… unfortunately, I cannot do it perfectly."
I paused for a mont and released a soft sigh, "For example, I'm here because I want to be. You're fun, you're sharp, and you've got this way of keeping on my toes that I kinda like. I don't just sit around with anyone, you know."
Her head snapped toward and her eyes seed to widen for a split second before she masked it with a playful smirk. "Oh, so I'm special to you now, huh? Careful, Onoda-kun. Keep talking like that, and I might start thinking you're trying to charm for real."
I grinned, "Who says I'm not? But seriously, you don't need to overthink it. I like this. Us, just hanging out, talking. No pressure, like you said."
She held my gaze for a mont, then laughed brightly.
"You're too much, Onoda-kun. Fine, no pressure. But don't think this is all I can offer you. I'm still gonna show you my cool side, and you're gonna be impressed."
"I'm already impressed," I shot back, taking a sip of my lemonade and offering it to her again. She hesitated only for a mont before picking her own can and exchanging it with mine.
We took a sip at the sa ti and I noticed how her lips lingered on the rim where mine had been.
She furtively glanced up at , gauging my reaction. "This is Maemura-san's favorite, right? You're gonna be in so much trouble if she finds out we're sharing drinks."
"Well, you're not wrong. But don't worry." I said with a shrug, though the thought of Satsuki's jealous pout made chuckle. "I'll deal with her like I always do... Besides, I think she'd like you. You've got that sa stubborn streak she does."
Sachi raised an eyebrow, handing the can back. "Stubborn, huh? Do I also look grumpy? Just kidding. I'll take that as a complint. But you're gonna have to tell more about your story. I'm still curious. How can you keep up with all of these? I an, I'm barely managing my volleyball schedule and dealing with my distant friend who kept on drawing to so crazy conclusion."
"Mhm? Is your issue with him still unsettled?"
"Tell about it." She sighed as she leaned back on the bench and kicked her legs out in front of her. "He's still the sa. His responses are so lukewarm that I'm starting to feel like it won't work out anymore. I was even holding back talking about you and your feats…"
I nodded, filing that away. "I'll be harsh with this. You can ignore it since it's my opinion but he sounds like he's not worth your ti anymore, Sachi. There's no point keeping your communication up like that when all it brings you is frustration. Have you told him how you feel yet? Or vent to him on how he's acting like a bitch? Sorry for the language."
Sachi stared at and then burst out laughing, "A bitch, huh? Un. He's really like that. Thanks, Onoda-kun. You're not wrong at all. I'm also starting to think why I'm wasting my ti when nothing is improving. But you're right. I should dump what I'm feeling to him, right? That way, he won't be able to deflect anything as if I'm the only one who did sothing wrong. And if nothing changed after that… can you lend your chest?"
I patted my chest and nodded, "Feel free. I told you back then, right? You can always co to to vent. You're my friend, after all. And he's also a friend. We're not that different in your eyes."
"Pfft. No. You're already different from him. I haven't gotten this close to him, you know? Maybe I'm only chasing his shadow all this ti… And then when it cos to you… You're like this bright light that's guiding on this path."
I scratched my cheek and acted a little embarrassed, "I never thought I had this much impact on you. Should I take responsibility?"
Sachi's eyes sparkled in delight as she nodded multiple tis, "Yes. Take responsibility! Comfort , Onoda-kun."
I patted her head and the girl grabbed my hand, pulling it and draping my arm around her shoulders. And before I knew it, she rested her head on my chest.
"Un… This is comforting, Onoda-kun. Can I keep you to myself?"
"Now that's a little cheeky coming from you, Sachi."
"Why? If I end up falling for you, won't I have to fight them for your attention?"
"Well, not necessarily unless you want to antagonize all of them."
"Pfft. Yeah… that will be bad. I guess I'll settle with stealing a mont like this with you for now. As your friend, of course!"
"Sure."
We both laughed, the sound mingling with the rustle of leaves above us. The conversation flowed easily after that, jumping from a more personal topic to volleyball-related topics, which I intently listened to.
And just like this, we spent the last few minutes without any boundaries. We decided to return not long after, just a few minutes before the bell rang for the end of the school day.
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