Nine

                                    

                                          
I simply watched him. The rough, flaxen haired boy had never really sat still long enough for me to really study him until now. He was slim, but toned; not really a surprise being in the volleyball club. His skin was pale and sported many minor bumps and bruises from being too careless, and his fingernails were incredibly dirty. 
What really struck me was his face. When it wasn't twisted into some type of scowl, or wrinkled by anger...he was really quite handsome. Pointed features with a sharp, defined jawline. His eyes were a dark, smouldering amber, able to pierce through any soul if he chose to shoot one of his hateful glares...and his lips; thin and slightly chapped, now glistening from the grease of his food… 
Wait. Why was I staring at his lips?! I shook my head a little, blinking away the thought. 
“Um…” I looked up quickly as the boy started to speak, clearing his throat as he fumbled with the empty box in his hands. “Thank you…(L/N)-san…” I smiled softly, leaning back to prop myself up with my hands on the grass behind me. 
“Call me (F/N), please. (L/N)-San makes me feel old...and I'm younger than you.” He hesitated, looking confused once more. 
“.....(Y/N)...Chan…” My chest fluttered a little, which threw me off, but I quickly shoved that mysterious reaction away and smiled as he continued. “My mum threatened to force me to quit volleyball…” He looked down at the adorable character on the Lawson's packaging, forehead creasing as his brows dropped. I frowned, now absently gnawing the inside of my cheek. 
“I'm guessing you didn't take that so well…” It wasn't a question, but he nodded, sighing and slumping his shoulders. 
“Yeah...we had a screaming match and I left...didn't go back…” He mumbled, dropping the cardboard container and rubbing his face. I leant forward and placed a hand on his knee, causing him to stiffen immediately and pull his hands away. 
“You know what I'm gonna say, right?” 
“But..”
“No buts! She'd be worried sick about you, and, no offense, but you reek of sweat. You need a shower.” I wasn't mad at him. Not at all, but I kept my voice firm to let him understand I wasn't going to drop the subject if he refused. Slowly, he nodded. 
“Fine…” He mumbled as I stood up and offered him my hand. 
“Good boy! I'll walk you home, okay?” Reluctantly, he took my hand and let me help him up, grabbing his rubbish so we could throw it away. His frustration was apparent, but I didn't let it get to me. I was just glad that he was listening to me without a fight. 
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I was definitely surprised to discover that he lived a mere two streets away from me. It was a quaint house; off-white lattice with climbing green vines twirling up the length. A pretty little garden added to the inviting aura, full of tulips and forget-me-nots. As I started towards the door, he let out a short whine of complaint. It was adorable, really, and I was beguiled. 
“You sound like a puppy!” I giggled, giving him a kind smile. He huffed, throwing his eyes to the side with a quick grunt. 
“You can go...don't gotta walk me in…” He muttered. 
“Knowing you, you'd probably run off again if I don't, so just quit being difficult for once.” I responded as I approached the door, knocking four times before he had the chance to object. Faint rustling and then a click, and the door opened. A stout woman peered out, eyes rimmed with red. She had short ebony hair and the same amber eyes as Kyōtani behind her rounded glasses.