Chapter 12: Butterfly Effect

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Note: An adorable Japanese song called "summertime" is above!

"Come on, Y/N-chan! You can do it!" Mayu encouraged as she gestured with her hands, that you continue. She and Momo, Hikari and Riko are blending amongst the tress that stood tall near the volleyball court of Aoba Johsai.

You shot them a nervous glance one last time, before composing yourself by inhaling and shutting your eyes. The breeze made your newly-styled hair flutter with it and for some reason, it gave you confidence. Your eyes landed on Kentaro's lunchbox before deciding to finally walk to a den full of men.

As your feet approached the door, a coach conveniently came out of it and gave you glance that he always do whenever he sees Oikawa's fangirls.

"Female students are not allowed here, the team's practicing." He stated, it seems that he was tired and one of the main reason was because Oikawa insists on practicing diligently since he doesn't get to after school.

Once again, there's this obstacle that for you, it's difficult to overcome even if it's not for others. They might even laugh at you for stressing over something so simple. But your social anxiety kicks in again. You were like a butterfly that won't fly because of your wings that is slightly tattered on the edges, but flying isn't something impossible yet. However, you're scared just a while ago, and now you're trying to fly again, but there's another hurdle.

The butterfly effect is like doing small things that can impact complex systems or whatnot. It is something like a butterfly flapping its wings could even cause a typhoon. Meaning changes are possible if you try.

It's a concept that you discovered lately and that's what you are trying to remember whenever you encounter problems that are enough to cause you stress.

"I...uhm...my brother forgot his lunchbox. His name is Kyotani Kentaro." A little blush made your cheeks red since you were embarrassed that you stuttered. You even forgot that your voice is naturally quiet.

Thankfully, the coach still heard it. And he didn't doubt you even though you sounded like you were making excuses because the wrapping of the lunchbox was familiar.

"I apologize for that," he said, referring to what he said earlier and then he opened the door, "Kyotani! Your sister is looking for you!"

The moment all of the boy's volleyball club member that Kyotani had a sister, their gazes were glued to the entrance where you were at and they were dumbstruck. Even Oikawa's eyes immediately looked for you.

Some of the guys blushed when they saw you and some even started whispering to each other.

"That's Kyotani's sister?! He had a sister?!"

"They don't look alike!"

"She's so pretty!"

"I didn't know that we had a schoolmate that pretty!"

They're right. They don't recognize you because your girlfriends did your hair and now, they're not covering your face anymore. You looked fresh and so adorable with your new hairstyle that Oikawa stopped moving.

Kyotani on the other hand, was mad because he can sense how all the guys are gawking at you. But not all of them are out of interest, some are purely curiosity that their "Mad Dog" has a sister.

Nonetheless he approached you gently, not a single trace of aggressiveness was in sight and his expression softened with he was finally facing you. Those who saw this for the first time gasped in disbelief.

The coach was finally gone to eat lunch so you two were the only ones at the door. 

"Aneki..."

"Okaa-san stopped by earlier with your lunch. You forgot it again..." You smiled brightly at him as you gently shoved his lunchbox to him. You two always go to school and come home together, so you don't notice when Kentaro forgets his food. But his mother always brings it to you directly, instead of his son. She noticed how he becomes different when it's you and is happy with it.

(Note: Okaa-san, Okaa-chan, Okaa-sama, Kaa-san, Kaa-chan, and Hahaoya are all mother in Japanese. If you want to learn the difference or more, google can help.)

Kentaro felt his heart warming with your smile and felt the urge to cover you from everyone so he is the only one who can see you. But he suppressed the feeling once again, because he knew that you won't like it and he doesn't like the possibility that you might get scared.

You felt his gaze turn to your new hairstyle and you blushed out of embarrassment again.

"It looks weird, isn't it?" You tried to laugh but it came out awkwardly.

"No, it's not," said Oikawa who heard you by chance, but the only one who heard him in return is Iwaizumi. Strangely, the captain of the volleyball team seems unaware of what he said and continued to steal a glance at you.

"And here I thought that the reason why he's ignoring all his fans is because he's finally uninterested." Matsukawa quietly commented while standing beside Iwaizumi as he carefully observed Oikawa.

"He is uninterested, and she's an exception." Iwaizumi replied, the words that slid on his tongue felt weird. He never imagined himself saying this thing about his friend who always pleased his fans.

"Ah, Kentaro! Is Oikawa-san here?" You asked enthusiastically, but it almost came out as a whisper. You talk quietly and you just tried recently to speak in a firm and confident manner.

Kentaro's expression slightly darkened and in order for you not to notice it, he moved his body out of the way. Since Oikawa was already staring at you, your eyes met and your face lit up. You waved at him happily with a smile.

"Oikawa-san!" This cheerful call was the sign that you're getting comfortable with him and Oikawa felt something stirring inside of him.

Since that day where he gave you letters, you had been eating lunch with him at the isolated rooftop, while also saying things about yourself. Of course, both of you told each other that it's okay not to tell things that you're not ready to say. This has been a great help to you and knowing things about a friend each day was the excitement and joy that you needed. That's why you were looking for him.

However, when you finally became aware of the stares you are receiving, your hand shrunk back and your face became as red as a tomato once again. Inside your head, you relived everything that happened and analyzed if you've done something to be ashamed of.

Before you can think properly, Oikawa had already approached you with a cheerful smile.

"Kyotani-san, is it that time already?" He asked and Kentaro raised his eyebrow.

Uwahh, Oikawa-san calls her by their surname but Kyotani's "Kyoken-chan", that was the main thought that almost everyone had.

"Mn. I'll wait for you at the rooftop, Oikawa-san." You said after nodding. Oikawa felt proud that you don't stutter when you talk to him anymore. But your voice is still gentler to Kentaro.

"Then, I'll go now, Kentaro. Make sure to eat properly." You reminded with a smile while a warm hand touched Kentaro's. Then you finally left.

Your feet dragged you to the trees where your friends were hiding and when they saw you returning to them, they came out cheerfully and congratulated you like you just won or something.

"Good job, Y/N-chan! You did really great!" Momo praised and you laughed.

"It feels silly to be complimented by just giving a lunchbox." You said with a light-hearted giggle.

"It's not silly! It's something big to you so it's not silly! Besides, you invited Oikawa-san too!" What Hikari replied made you happy to be honest. The feeling was so overwhelming that you too, was proud of yourself. You are finally making an effort to face your fears.

—•—

Sitting under the shade was two people who are eating and talking at the same time. The boy was telling stories whole-heartedly as the girl listened carefully with sparks in her eyes. You were like a caged Princess listening to the journey of the Prince who found you.

Not even noticing that there were disturbing gaze upon you two that are looking forward to destroy the bliss that you only found in each other.

Oikawa already has a cheerful nature, but he was more lively when he's with you. Though you are unaware of this.

"What profession do you want in the future, Kyotani-san?" He asked all of a sudden.

You froze for a moment before giving him a look full of hesitation.

"I...I have no idea..." You answered and it got you thinking. Were you that scared of the future that you never thought about what you wanted?

"Oh," he noticed how your mood dropped, "Don't worry, Kyotani-san. Not knowing what career you want is very common." Then he laughed.

"Is it? Then, are you the same, Oikawa-san?"

"Ah, well, I already know what I want to pursue." He sweat-dropped but instead of becoming sad again, you just got excited.

"Really? Can you tell me?"

"I want to be a professional volleyball player!" He beamed and he continued on saying why he wanted to become one and as well as how it will be. Again, you listened diligently.

"That Ushiwaka, I'll give him an undeniable defeat!" Oikawa declared while acting as if he was facing Ushijima Wakatoshi, Shiratorizawa's ace and Oikawa's all-time rival. You laughed at his silly declarations but at the same time, you admired him for his tenacity. He was clearly having a great time.

That is until Oikawa became aware that he's talking about himself again. He had a scary thought that you'll unfriend him since he keeps bringing up volleyball when he talks about his life. Oikawa's obsession with volleyball is the same reason why his ex-girlfriend broke up with him after all.

"Ah! I'm sorry, Kyotani-san. I'm talking about volleyball again..." He dejectedly murmured. Those who personally knows Oikawa would rub their eyes in disbelief at his pure reaction.

"You don't have to be sorry about it, Oikawa-san. And to be honest," you hesitated as your gaze shyly averted from him, "I like how passionate you are when you talk about volleyball. Besides, there's nothing wrong with admitting what you love."

"And you can call me from my name now, Oikawa-san!" You smiled brightly, but there's still a hint of redness in your cheeks since you are still embarrassed by the things that you said to him in front of the vice principal's office.

Oikawa's heart fluttered at your words and slowly, he is restraining himself less and started kidding around like how he really is. He figured that you were not the kind of person to judge.

"Then, I'll call you Y/N-chan from now on!" Oikawa cheerfully said with a hint of flirtation.

"You can call me 'Tooru', Y/N-chan~." He added. His mischievous grin made your face even redder and you looked down at your lap.

"...Tooru." You whispered but it was loud enough for him to hear. However, Oikawa pretended as if he didn't.

"Huh? What is that, Y/N-chan? Tower?" He teased, his eyes trying to see your embarrassed but adorable reaction.

"...T-Tooru." You tried, a little louder than before, but Oikawa showed no mercy.

"Hmm? Now it's 'Thor'?" His grin was wider, obviously enjoying your slightly troubled state.

Now you finally noticed that he was teasing you and you angrily puffed your cheeks at him. But instead of worrying, Oikawa's evil grin turned to a genuine one full of warmth. Now that he's grinning like this, you forgot all of his teasing. As a result, your expression softened at him and the redness finally faded.

"Tooru who likes milk bread and has a weird motto, thank you for reaching out to me." You said with a smile that was different. Different from all of the smiles you have shown him, and this one is what he likes to protect.

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Author's Note:
You guys are gonna be disappointed with the dress that I chose. Don't expect too much. (*'*)

UNEDITED

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