I don't own Haikyuu or the characters! Enjoy! :)

Chapter 10

*Tuesday September 25th*

He had never felt this before. Wakatoshi had been saddened to learn a girl in his class had insulted her and his best-friend. He didn't want that…if they were open and honest about being Soulmates, people would recognize their relationship, would recognize her and it would not have happened. He could have defended her.

When he had told her just that, his words were meant to be comforting, his kiss as well. The captain had not been able to help himself; he was drawn to her like flies to honey.

He had lost himself in that kiss until she had abruptly pulled away.

Why was she running away from this? From him? He knew she felt it too, that pull, that…desire.

Instinctively, he had followed her into that bathroom, like a dog trailing after its master. The ace had found her there, clearly panicking in front of that restroom mirror. The sight had made the inside of his chest coil tightly.

And soon after, they were kissing again even after she had tried to convince him and herself that their bond wasn't real.

The young man had been drowned in her scent, her warmth, her touch. He had wanted her at that moment, here and there. He would've had her had she not stop them…and it was a good thing; Wakatoshi didn't want their first time to be like this. Also, had they been caught, they would have been in trouble; having sex on a bathroom counter in the school, he was certain, was beyond prohibited.

It was her words after that, that rattled his mind; Haru Igarashi didn't want them to be together. She wanted to defy nature itself, deny it. Even after everything they had experienced! He sensed her pain and she could sense his, be it physical or emotional. He could tell when she was far or near at almost any time. They felt alive and rejuvenated in each other's presence. If all that wasn't Fate or a divine intervention, what was it?

He had never felt attracted to anyone like this before; Ushijima had had a taste of her, and it wasn't nearly enough. Sure, the spiker found some girls cute or attractive in the past, but he had never really been interested in them. The young man didn't have time for frivolous things such as dating and idly spending his time with a girl just to please her.

But now, he found himself yearning for Haru's presence.

But not her.

She was basically alone, all by herself, and she didn't even seem to want him.

It had angered him, hurt him. Her words, her actions. Her coldness…

The great ace did the only thing he knew to alleviate the pressure in his chest and the swirling thoughts in his head; he did spikes for over an hour.

Satori had pestered him to know what had happened; he always knew…Could always tell when something was wrong with him. Wakatoshi told him he didn't wish to speak about it now, that they could discuss it later in their room.

The young man and some of his team members were hanging outside, chatting idly when he had spotted his rebellious soulmate strolling with her track and field comrades. The sprinter had glared at him and he glared back just before she took off toward the gates with a large smile on her face.

Ushijima frowned in confusion as he watched her run toward another teen who appeared to be waiting for her. A spark of jealousy was ignited in his heart when the girl threw herself happily at the boy, gripping him by the neck. Unconsciously, he took a step toward the pair.

Who was that? Was it that famous best-friend of hers?

A pain in his side made him grunt inaudibly; had this young man just hit her? He looked at his left arm: his knuckles and elbow felt as if he'd just struck something. Another pain in his shoulder indicated him that Haru had just been hit again. Were they fighting? What were they doing? That was no proper way to greet a friend. This teen was way too brutal with Haru! She was a girl!

He rubbed his hurting shoulder and started to walk toward them.

''Wakatoshi-kun! '' Tendou yelled after him.

Suddenly, he felt pressure on his throat, and he had trouble breathing. He-she- They were being choked!

Livid, he rushed to the battling pair and wrenched the boy away from Haru.

A blond, angry looking teen with black stripes on the sides of his head was staring at him: ''What the fuck man!?''

He was strangely familiar.

''Stay away from her.'' He rumbled threateningly.

During their whole exchange, Wakatoshi slowly began to remember him; he was that powerful hitter from Aoba Johsai…the wild one who seemed to listen to nothing and nobody. Seijoh's dangerous double-edged sword.

Possessiveness and irritation took hold of him when he saw his soulmate whispering in the boy's ear as she held him back. Whatever it was, it calmed him down…But the great ace couldn't stop the flow of heated words from escaping his mouth.

It should not have surprised him to see his brash soulmate stepping protectively in front of her friend and then face him. Her anger was pulsing vividly against his own and Ushijima knew they were fueling each other.

He didn't know how or why it led to this… but as he watched Haru being gripped tightly by that angry boy, as he watched his fellow class man defending her over a matter he considered to be none of Watanabe's concerns, the captain made up his mind. Everything, every sound around him seemed to become muffled and distant. He would not back off. He would not concede anything; he was done compromising.

Since the beginning of their dilemma, Haru had mostly set the tone of their arrangements.

Why would he surrender?

He was older.

He was the captain of the volleyball team of the most powerful school in Miyagi.

He was the Prince of Shiratorizawa.

He never loses.

As his eyes bored into her; he saw the uncertainty in her own. His soulmate appeared to understand what was about to happen, appeared to feel the shift in the situation.

Ushijima Wakatoshi stared at the girl and declared war to her.

Xxxxxx

''Taro-kun, I'm so sorry…'' she apologized later that evening as they walked back together to her apartment.

They had spent like 2 or 3 hours hanging out around with her team and now they were lazily strolling in the streets as the sun set.

Gently, he nudged her shoulder: ''Why do you apologize? You didn't do anything wrong…'' He grunted, knowing perfectly what she was talking about.

Haru gripped her head with two hands: ''Argh! This is hell! You shouldn't have to have witnessed that…What he said…it was mean. '' Haru murmured softly as she squeezed his arm.

''I fucking hate him. Is he always a dick like that?''

The girl frowned; that was the thing…with her, the captain wasn't that bad. Sure, he was annoying, she could do without his assured commands and it was painfully awkward to be around him sometimes because of his bluntness and lack of tact, but… Overall, Ushijima wasn't terrible. He was polite, calm, respectful and Haru had learned over their short times spend together that he never truly meant to offend anyone.

Until today.

She had felt his anger and perhaps something akin to jealousy on his part and the girl had known then that his harsh words to Kentaro were meant to hurt him…And it had made her furious, she was still furious.

The blonde repeated all that to her best-friend and apologized once more.

''Stop saying you're sorry! The only thing you should be sorry for, is being his soulmate and for the fact that it prevents me of beating the shit out of him.'' Kyotani growled.

Nodding, the girl acquiesced with these words and they kept walking in silence until Kentaro asked: ''What did he mean when he declared war? I didn't really understand. ''

With a heavy sigh and blushing cheeks, the sprinter recounted to him the events of the day and the conversation she had with the great ace.

Mad Dog made barfing sounds: '' Beeuurrkk! I'm gonna throw up; how could you kiss that stupid bird? And really? He thought you two would be a thing?!''

She rolled her eyes: ''I know and I'm not proud, but I'm telling you; this soulmate-bond thing is real, and it messes up with your head man! I was ready to jump his bone right in that bathroom. ''

Kentaro shivered visibly, exaggerating his disgusted reaction.

'' Yeah…I think Ushibaka takes the situation seriously. He seemed really upset when we talked about it.'' She confessed.

Xxxxxx

*Wednesday, september 26th 2012*

As she stepped foot in the school, Haru received a scrunched-up newspaper in the chest. Satoshi was glaring at her, pressing the papers into her: ''What did you do, now? ''

''Hello to you too, Sato-kun.'' She grasped the school newspaper and read the front-page article, frowning as she did.

GIANTS VS WARRIORS: The Prince of Shiratorizawa has declared war!

There was a picture of Watanabe and Ushijima facing each other closely, surrounded by their respective team. Fortunately, she couldn't be seen, as she had been hidden by the taller boys at that moment.

What the hell…Oh she hated the journalism club of this academy.

''Those gossips loving little twats…'' She murmured as she read.

Yamamoto placed his fists on his hips: ''So? Care to explain?''

Haru pointed at the newspaper with her index: ''I'm not even on the picture; why would I have anything to do with this? Can't you read? I didn't declare war.''

Satoshi narrowed his eyes at her: '' I know you were there…You didn't have anything to do with this? ''

''Barely. Why would I want to fight them? Satori-kun is a friend and Ushiwaka…Ushiwaka is something.'' She grumbled flatly as they traveled in the hallways, getting ready to go to their first course.

The day went by quite normally safe for lunchtime where the tension between the volleyball players and the track and field team was palpable. Glares and insults were exchanged, and Jiro insisted on her and Satoshi sitting with them.

For 'protection' apparently.

Her and Satori were trading questioning glances occasionally, until he texted her.

Satori Tendou

-Can we talk later? \(`0`) –

Haru

-yeah, let's meet in the east stairwell between 2nd and 3rd floor during the afternoon break.-

She knew he had classes until 3h30pm because he wasn't in the sport-study program and afterward, he had volleyball practice. They would not be able to speak if it didn't happen this afternoon.

Xxxxxx

When the bell rang, Haru went directly to the stairs with her things; Tendou was already waiting for her.

''Hey Guess-Monster.'' She greeted him with a fist bump.

''Iga-chan~ We have a very peculiar situation on our hands.''

The girl sat in the stairs: ''You don't say…so? What did you want to talk about more specifically?''

The redhead sat beside her: ''You did a number on our ace…''

Rolling her eyes, she sighed: ''I was honest with him. Ushiwaka and I are not a match and you know it, Satori-kun. We should have had that conversation right from the beginning.''

''You two are different, but you are overly compatible…I ship it…but really; you've hurt him.'' He confessed on a serious tone.

Haru rubbed her nape: ''I didn't want to hurt him, but my words were true. He's gonna graduate soon and I'm not moving away for my last year of school! Why is he so upset anyway? We're not close, we are obviously not similar, he simply has to leave for university and go live his volleyball dream at least 570km away from here and BAM! We can live our lives normally and forget that this ever happened! And don't ship it, please. ''

The weird teen on her left side was shaking his head: ''It's important for him, Haru.''

She threw her hands in the air: ''What is?''

''The Soulmate thing. Waka-kun is from a rich, traditional family; Soulmate bonds are sacred for them as it usually is for this kind of families and they do not marry outside of that fated union. The Ushijimas have all met, wedded and remained with their Soulmates, since the beginning of time. He was raised in that culture. His parents were not Soulmates and his mom's family, the Ushijimas, gave his father such a hard time that they divorced. They could not accept someone who was not tied to their daughter by the Soulmate bond. They have tons of customs and traditions about this…'' Tendou narrated patiently.

Oh.

''So like…he will not be with anyone else, but his soulmate and if he does, his family will give him Hell? And…he's using his mother's name? What?''

Her friend nodded: ''The Ushijimas are a wealthy and ancient family; his father was adopted into the family when he married his mother. ''

''Where's his father now?'' she questioned, curious.

''He moved to America. California, I think. ''

''Hum…so he's part of the dead-beat dad squad? I didn't know…'' She mumbled.

She felt bad now. She had never questioned him about his personal life or his past…Not once she attempted to gain knowledge about him while he, on the other hand, had tried at every turn to learn more about her, only to be denied.

Satori poked her in the cheek: ''You're missing the point here, Cheetah. Wakatoshi sees your union as sacred, as the only one worthy of consideration and to be frank with you, he's changed since you two touched for the first time.''

''We don't have a union…His beliefs are his…And me…I'm just me. How rich and how traditional his family is?'' Haru inquired worriedly.

''They have butlers and maids rich and his grandma is always wearing yukatas traditional.'' He deadpanned.

Oh shit. The sprinter shuddered while making a 'x' shape with her forearms: ''Oh nah…I'm not getting into that.''

His family would be so disappointed to know a commoner like her was Ushijima's soulmate…

Tendou nudged her: ''See? Any other girls would have fawned over the mention of him being rich and you, it doesn't faze you. ''

''Oh I am fazed alright. '' the girl protested.

''You're diverting again. Like I was saying, my best-friend has changed since you've become soulmates…I see him with you; he's trying hard. He talks more, he wants to know more about you, he's expressing his emotions bit by bit …I've never seen that before.''

''He talks more!? Are you crazy? We've barely conversed in almost a month! Expressing his emotions? This guys barely blinks for fuck sake! I don't think I've ever seen him smile! '' she exclaimed. ''I can't with him, Tendou; seriously. My mind is plagued with random, useless facts because of him: did you know you can write around 50 000 words with a pen? That bees sometimes sting other bees?''

The Guess Monster chuckled and patted her shoulder: ''That's our Waka for you.''

The blonde grunted in a defeated manner.

''He told me what happened yesterday between you two. In details.'' He continued.

Haru bent her head between her legs, hiding there: ''Don't mention it. Satori-kun…these soulmate…impulses, it's slowly driving me nuts,'' She laughed brokenly, resigned: ''…I would watch your best-friend if I were you; I might end up sexually abusing him or worse.''

Tendou cackled and rubbed her back: ''You are not alone; he's struggling too. I've been reading blogs online about soulmates to better support my dearest friends~; giving in to the urges apparently helps relieving the bond's side effects. He's 18, you're turning 17 soon, if I'm not mistaken…You're not kids anymore. Why don't you two just give it a try? Do the deed? Release some steam? Dance the tango-''

She elbowed him hard: ''-I get it. I-I don't want this to develop into something more. Look how hurt he is now, imagine if we had gotten closer… And I'm so angry with him right now, Satori-kun; I don't want to be near him. Ushibaka was so mean to Taro-kun…He insulted my best-friend! Argh! He's so arrogant! ''

As always, Satori defended his captain: ''He saw you two play-fighting and he felt the hits you received. He felt it when your friend grabbed you by the neck and I think he just reacted instinctively…And the declaration of war…it was for you, not the track and field team; this idiot is not even aware of what he did.'' Tendou explained softly.

She scoffed: ''Go figure.''

The redhead patted her knee and rose: '' I hope everything I said could enlighten you on his situation. Just…try to fix things between you two. He's still pissed and wounded, but Wakatoshi doesn't hold grudges. He's more innocent and naïve than he looks. ''

He's more stupid than he looks, you mean. She thought with a sneer.

Grabbing her things, the girl got to her feet as well, dusting her purple skirt. Satori ruffled her hair: ''…And don't take too long; you two can't afford to stay angry at each other forever.''

Xxxxxx

Haru didn't go to the library that day, or the day after or any day that week. She chose to stay in the free period classroom to do her homeworks. She didn't text Ushijima and he didn't text her either. Sometimes, their stares met each other in the cafeteria or the hallways, but that was it.

Their respective teams were at each other's throats; pranks happened, threats were exchanged, and nasty looks were sent both ways.

Jiro's locker got painted on.

Yamagata had been trapped in a janitor's closet.

Toilet paper rolls were thrown on both the track and field and volleyball courts.

It was never ending and Haru found herself lucky that nothing had happened to her, so far. However, the girl wasn't out of the boiling water yet; she was weakened and feeling sick by the lack of contact and proximity with Ushijima.

She had a competition this Saturday, tomorrow.

The sprinter was nervous; she wouldn't do well in her state…Both the ace and the blocker had told her they would attend her competition when they had been in her home, but she wasn't so sure her soulmate would show up now.

And she needed him to show up… If she could spend some time with him prior to the race it would be best. Tendou had told her Wakatoshi wasn't one to hold a grudge and she hoped he would put their disagreement aside.

It would not be the case.

xxxxxx

*Saturday, September 29th 2012*

Standing in her Shiratorizawa track pants and jacket, her grey eyes looked around for Tendou. Her soulmate radar was turned on and yet, she didn't perceive Ushijima's presence nearby.

Her best friend tapped her shoulder and pointed on their right; the tall redhead was heading their way.

'' Hello Iga-chan, hello Mad-Dog-kun~''

Kentaro grunted noncommittally and the blonde rushed to him: ''Satori-kun! I'm glad you came, but where the fuck is Ushiwaka?! I'm in no shape to run!'' She asked urgently.

Tendou sighed and scratched his head: ''I wasn't kidding when I told you, you've hurt his feelings. I tried to convince him to come, but he wouldn't budge…''

''Sensitive lil bitch.'' Kyotani sneered.

'' You both said you would be here!'' She whined.

Satori placed a hand on her shoulder: ''I'm sorry Haru. Just…try to do your best.''

''Coach will kill me…''

Kentaro circled her shoulders and shook her gently, comforting her. This was hell…she was dizzy this morning, she felt tired…Almost 4 days without contact and the closest they've been for more than a few seconds was when they ate at the canteen, separated by a few meters. It wasn't near enough.

Xxxxxx

Haru panted harshly as she leaned on her knees, close to the finish line; she had given all she could.

The girl had arrived third place with another sprinter at the 100m and also finished 3rd at the 60m. Nowhere near her usual performances. Her rival in the prefecture, a long-haired brunette in the same year from Aoba Johsai, looked down on her: ''They should call you the Turtle of Miyagi, not the Cheetah!'' she mocked.

Haru tried to burn her with her eyes; this fucking bitch.

Xxxxxx

''What was that!? You've beaten your own records and the Regional record during practices and now you barely made the required times to attend the Regionals! What is wrong with you!?'' Her coach yelled at her sitting form in the lockers room.

Haru gritted her teeth and looked away: ''I've been sick all week. '' she lied. Well, it was a half lie.

The man bent down to her level: '' I hope it's just that! I don't know what's gotten into you lately: you've been so inconsistent! '' He squinted his eyes at her: ''Are you taking drugs?''

''What? No! The Hell, coach…I was sick this week, that. Is. All.''

With a sigh, he straightened and patted her shoulder: ''Okay…I believe you.''

''I will do better during Regionals in November; I promise.'' She assured him with determination.

The man nodded: ''I hope- I know you will. ''

xxxxxx

Her day at work on Sunday was tremendously long in her state. Haru felt nauseous, dizzy and beyond exhausted.

Fujiko had been throwing her worried glances during all their shift. Her hand had come more than once to rest on her forehead, telling her she was having a fever.

''I've been sick this week…I think I ate something bad.'' She had grumbled.

''Girl…you're pale and when I say pale, I mean turning green and you obviously have a fever. You shouldn't be here.''

''I'm okay; we finish soon anyway then I'll go home and rest. ''

Xxxxxx

*Monday 1st of October, 2012*

Kentaro had slept at her place last night, worried for her. This morning, he was the one to wake her up. It took a while; Haru had groaned and rolled away from him when he shook her shoulder.

As they ate their breakfast together, her best-friend was watching her with concerned eyes: ''Bro…you look like shit.''

''Thanks Taro-kun: just what a girl wants to hear first thing in the morning…''

The blond pointed his chopsticks at her: ''Just stay here today; you can barely stand! '' He recommended with a mouthful of rice.

''I don't wanna miss class…And being at the academy will make me feel better.'' She remarked.

Kyotani sighed and absentmindedly scratched his bare chest: ''You got a point there…try to take it easy though; skip your track and field practice today.''

Quietly, she nodded; she was in no shape to run or exercise and her coach already knew about her being 'sick'.

Xxxxxx

''Miss Igarashi, are you listening?'' Her teacher's voice dragged her out of her blank mind.

She'd been zoning out again. She couldn't focus. She felt like crap.

Haru passed a hand over her tired face: ''Yes, Ma'am.'' She mumbled.

Her teacher eyed her suspiciously and walked to her before leaning on her desk: ''Are you alright? You don't look good.''

Yeah, she felt like passing out somewhere and hopefully not wake up for a while.

''I'm a bit sick.''

She bent down a bit more over her desk and asked softly: ''Do you need to go to the infirmary? ''

The sprinter shook her head and the woman left her in peace after that.

Xxxxxx

''Igarashi-chan! '' Jiro shook her head gently as he sat beside her: ''You're still not feeling good?''

''no.'' She grumbled unhappily; just that little shake had made her dizzy again. The girl pushed the food she'd been playing with away from her.

Satoshi, who was on her left, pulled on her uniform and whispered: ''Haru-chan…you look half dead…you can't go on like this. With every passing day, you've been looking worse and worse! ''

''How does he look?'' She asked with a petulant sneer.

Trying to be subtle, Satoshi turned around briefly toward the volleyball players' table and then back to her: ''I can tell Ushijima-senpai is in no better condition than you are even if he doesn't show it much…He's sitting with his team as always…He doesn't seem to be eating though.''

''If he can sit here and act normal then so can I. ''

''Stop being proud! You two were doing good with your arrangement; you guys have to settle your disagreement before one of you ends up hospitalized!'' He whined nervously.

Ignoring him, Haru lift her bento box: ''Who want's my onigiris and my dessert?''

''ME!'' ''I want the dessert!'' '' I said it first!''

Haru distributed and shared her food with the track and field team before crossing her arms on the table and dropping her head on them.

Jiro, who was now munching on her onigiri, glanced at her: '' Cheetah-chan, I certainly hope what you got is not contagious. ''

With a long moan, the girl sighed in the crook of her elbow.

Xxxxxx

*That evening*

After dragging herself home pitifully, Haru dropped her backpack on the ground and let herself fall on the couch, face-planting there.

She let out a shaky breath and rubbed her face in one of her favorite pillows, enjoying the feeling and comforting herself.

A pounding headache was torturing her already exhausted and feverish body. The girl clenched the hand that was dangling of the sofa in frustration but released the tension in her fist just as soon, unable to hold it that way for long.

Pathetic.

Even though she had planned to wait for Kentaro, her eyes started to shut, and the sprinter succumbed to the temptation.

Sounds from the TV were what woke her up; she had not turned the TV on earlier… Blinking lazily, Haru noticed she was now on her back and her legs were elevated; her calves and feet were resting on her best-friend's lap. Kyotani was watching something, remote in hand.

When did he arrive? How long had she been sleeping?

''…Taro?''

''Hum?''

She rubbed her eyes: ''What time is it?'' she asked groggily.

''It's a bit past 5:30pm…I called out your name of few times earlier, but…'' He trailed off.

Ugh. She didn't hear him come in or feel him move her legs. That almost two hours nap felt like mere minutes…Slowly, the teen sat up while holding her head.

''How do you feel?'' her friend inquired.

''Like crap.''

His free hand went to one of her leg: ''You feel very hot…''

Haru let herself fall on her back again: ''Yeah…this fever doesn't seem to want to let go of me.''

There was a brief silence between them.

''Let's order food tonight, my treat.'' The boy offered.

''I'm not very hungry…but go ahead.''

The dark-eyed teen frowned at her: ''You had maybe half your breakfast this morning…did you eat today?''

Exhaling, she mumbled: ''Yeah…a bit. ''

''What?''

''An apple and crackers.''

''Haru! That's not enough! You should be starving right now!'' Kentaro exclaimed angrily.

The girl removed her legs from his lap and twisted to put her head there instead: ''I'm pretty sure if I eat more than a few bites, I'll puke…I feel like puking right now.''

''You probably feel nauseous because you're hungry. Let's order ramens from that place you like. '' he suggested.

''I guess I could sip on the broth and a few noodles wouldn't kill me…''

Kentaro pulled his phone out and began ordering for the both of them, knowing what she preferred.

Xxxxxx

The ramens were good, but Haru couldn't bring herself to eat more than half of her bowl. She felt too dizzy and it made her nauseous; it was just like when you had consumed too much alcohol and you would lie down.

She took a shower and then Kentaro played video games while she watched. However, as time went by, the girl felt worse and worse until she had to rush to the bathroom to throw up.

She heard Taro knocking softly on the open door: ''Haru? Are you okay?''

The blonde leaned on the toilet bowl and flushed: '' I don't know…'' she admitted.

She rose, rinsed her mouth and splashed cold water in her face. Her friend came in and grabbed her elbow: ''Come…you should go to bed…it's well passed 10. ''

Nodding, the sprinter let her friend guide her in her bedroom, he helped her into bed and exited her room before coming back with a bottle of water.

''Thanks Taro-kun… I don't know what I would do without you.''

The rough boy grunted something and told her to sleep. She did, but a few hours later, she woke up only to be sick once more. It had taken all she had to made it in time to the bathroom and so she sat on the floor and remained there.

A few minutes later, Kyotani came in with sleep in his eyes: ''Haru? You got sick again?''

''Yeah…''she whispered.

Her best-friend lowered himself beside her: ''It can't go on like this Haru… ''

''I just need rest; I'll feel better tomorrow at school…''

''No you won't! You're getting weaker and weaker.'' He growled.

The Seijoh student rose and helped her up, passing his arm under and around her. The teen accompanied her and assisted her into her bed again. Kentaro placed a hand on her forehead: ''You're too warm Haru…''

''I'll be fine…''

''Shut up…you can't see yourself now…Stay above the blankets or you fever will get worse.''

Her eyelids closed against her will and she didn't even notice Kentaro lying down beside her.

Xxxxxx

It wasn't often that he was worried, but he was now. His best-friend wasn't doing well. Her skin was feverish, and she had tossed and turned all night. Her head rested on his legs now; it was a bit past 7:30am.

''Haru,'' He shook her,'' Haru. What do I do? '' He asked nervously.

Her grey eyes seemed hazy as they slowly opened: ''Can you text aunt Kumi to tell her to call the school…?'' She exhaled tiredly.

'' Yeah of course… I'll say you're sick and that you're throwing up…which is true.''

Kentaro grabbed his phone and texted their oba-san. Not long after, his android started ringing, at first, he thought it was Kumi calling him, but it was an unknown number.

''Hello?''

''Hi, Mad-Dog-kun~''

''Who's that?'' He grumbled questioningly.

''You wound me- It's Tendou. ''

''How the fuck did you get this number?!''

''You don't want to know~ Soooo….Since you and Iga-chan are pretty much a married couple, I assume you are with her as we speak?''

''Tch! Yeah…''

''How is our precious Haru?''

Kentaro glanced down at his friend; she was asleep again.

''She's not doing good…'' he admitted.

''I figure… Because Waka-kun here is hardly able to stand and he's been sick…''

''Same over here…''

''You and I both have proud dumbasses as besties; we gotta do something.''

Kyotani scoffed: ''Like what?''

'' There is only one thing that will make them feel better… We have to bring them together.''

The rebellious teen gritted his teeth; he didn't like the idea. Not with that stupid jerk. Still waiting for his answer, the Guess Monster kept talking: ''You know I'm right. I don't know about you, but I don't like watching my best-friend in that state.''

His hand went to Haru's forehead again; she was burning.

''Fine…what do you suggest?'' He relented.

''I'm getting us in a cab and I bring Waka-kun to Haru's apartment, they'll recover after a couple hours together.''

Just hearing that idea grinded his gears, but Haru was so weak. He didn't want to see her like this any longer.

''Okay…The door is unlocked; do you know where we live?''

'' Yes, I do~''

Already annoyed after conversing with that crazy redhead for only a minute or two, he hung up. Their entire talk didn't even wake her up…Kentaro was surprised when he heard knocks on the door. Gently, he moved from under the girl's head and hurried there.

Opening, he frowned; the Guess Monster and the Prince of jerks were standing there. Well, 'standing' was a big word; Tendou was bending under Ushijima's weight as he mostly held him up.

''Hello~''

''The Hell?!''

How could they be here so fast?

Answering his unasked question, the redhead said: ''I was already downstairs when I called.''

That crazy idiot…

Scowling, Kentaro moved aside to let them in and closed the door behind them.

''A hand please? Waka-kun here is no lightweight.'' Satori demanded.

The blond teen growled: ''I ain't touching that.''

'' You sure are Iga-chan's bestie.'' The blocker sighed.

Kentaro guided them to Haru's bedroom and let them in; the girl was still sleeping. Tendou brought his captain to the bed and sat him there. Mad-Dog eyed him as the spiker rubbed his face, looking just as bad as the girl.

With all the commotion and maybe sensing her Soulmate, his friend was starting to awaken. He knelt by the bed: ''Haru…''

''Hum?''

'' Your…ugh…Ushijima's here. '' he blurted reluctantly.

'' No way… you said you wouldn't ever let him in this place…'' She mumbled sleepily, only half conscious.

''I know, but now that's enough; you're too sick… You guys are both fucking dumb, so the Guess Monster brought his trash bag of a best friend here. I agreed to it.'' He explained.

At this, the great ace found the strength to glare at him and he glared back with a sneer before talking softly to Haru again.

''Is that okay? You guys can stay close to each other and I'll be in the living room, just a couple feet away, alright?'' he reassured her.

''Nuh uh, '' Interjected Tendou, stepping in the conversation. '' These two got issues to resolve and if we're here it won't help.''

''Taro…I'm alright; I don't want you guys to miss school. If you leave soon, you'll just be a bit late…''

Angrily, he turned to Ushijima and scoffed: ''I'm not leaving you alone here all day with him.''

''She is safe with me.'' This one affirmed, piercing him with his stern eyes. They had a stare contest that was broken only because the redhead intervened.

Tendou clapped his hands twice: ''Guys, guys! Focus.''

Haru squeezed his arm and Taro turned back to her: '' Taro, Satori-kun: Go to school …I'll be okay…I just want to sleep.'' She murmured.

It made his chest tighten to see her like this and to think about leaving her here with that douchebag, but he nodded before pressing his head to hers. ''I'll text you.''

She turned around to face the wall, apparently deciding to go back to sleep here and there.

He rose and watched as the ace removed his shoes ever so slowly and lied down next to Haru. The tall teen circled her waist and pulled her closer, seemingly wanting to sleep as well.

Kentaro squinted his eyes; what a dick. He had no rights to touch her so freely; not after pulling a no show to her competition and Haru didn't even like him.

A nudge on his arm got his attention: ''Come Kyotani-san. Let them be.''

''Tch.''

With a last glare to the captain's back, he followed Tendou and they shut the door before both going to school.

Xxxxxx

When she began to wake up, Haru felt a lot livelier. For once, her sleep left her feeling rested.

''Taro…I think I feel better now.'' The girl mumbled sleepily at the boy sleeping next to her as she nudged his chest lightly.

''I am not Kyotani.'' A deep voice pointed out.

What?!

Sitting up like spring, Haru looked around her and then down at the imperturbable teen in her bed. Oh right. She remembered now…it seemed distant, like she had gone to sleep yesterday and not a couple hours ago.

Or was it? How long had she slept? Searching for her phone, the blonde found it under her pillow: 11:43am.

''Does your best-friend often sleep with you in the same bed?'' the man asked with distaste.

Ugh.

The sprinter let herself fall back on the mattress: ''I'm too tired for this right now.'' She cupped her own cheeks; she wasn't hot anymore. Haru let her arms drop on her sides but her left one landed on Ushijima not even halfway down: ''You're taking all the place!'' She complained.

''You sleep in a single bed and I am big.'' He deadpanned.

The girl rolled on her flank, so they were facing each other and glared: ''Ballsy to come here…''

''Necessary.'' He replied evenly.

''You're so annoying.''

''Not any more than you can be.''

She narrowed her eyes at him before closing them again; Ushijima shuffled closer and passed an arm around her and she let him.

Xxxxxx

The next time she opened her eyes, it was just a bit passed 1pm. Her eyes went to Ushijima; he was still sound asleep. He appeared so much more…normal and not so serious while sleeping.

Looking at her phone, she noticed the texts and the missed call.

Taro-chan:

-text when you're up – 9:34am

Satori Tendou:

-How are you my lovelies?~ (^¨^)- 10:46

Taro-chan:

-Are you alright?- 12:06pm

Taro-chan (1) missed call. 12:14pm

Haru:

-I'm good. I feel a lot better . I just woke up and I think, I'll sleep more. Thks Guys.- 1:03pm

The girl put her phone back under her pillow and let out a long exhale, surveying the young man in front of her. For once, his thick eyebrows were not tilt in that permanent frown of his. Haru noticed that he had begun shaving his chin and cheeks; there were some darker patches there indicating the start of a beard.

Drawn to him, her hand when to those patches, gently rubbing the skin there to feel the rougher texture.

The blonde almost jumped when his hand captured her wrist; he was staring at her and so she blushed, caught like a deer in the headlight.

''Sorry…'' she mumbled sheepishly.

Silently, he twisted his grip to cover her hand and pushed her palm to his cheek, nuzzling into the touch.

For some reason, she found it was a very intimate gesture and so she remained quiet, unsure of how to respond to that.

''We have matters to discuss. '' He finally said.

Taking her hand back, she sighed and hid her head in pillow: ''Humfwhat?''

'' What happened this week and today cannot happen again. '' he declared firmly.

''Agree.''

''…And so from now on, I will call the shots.''

Abruptly, Haru sat up: ''What?! What do you mean? ''

Ushijima sat too: '' I mean I will be the one deciding how we do things.'' He reaffirmed.

She poked him in the shoulder: ''I know what you meant! And says who? And why would you be doing that and not both of us like we were doing?''

'' You were the one to take most of the decisions in this and I let you because you came up with good ideas for us to see each other while keeping a relatively low profile and we will continue to mostly do as we were doing before. However, I will change a few things while also doing the decision making.'' The captain proclaimed seriously.

She crossed her arms and lifted her chin: '' And if I refuse?''

''Then I do like I wanted to do since the beginning and go tell the principal so we can have the soulmate accommodations.''

''You black mailing, dirty-playing, piece of trash…'' she hissed, pissed off.

Oh, this goodie two shoes looked all innocent, but he wasn't above hitting under the belt.

He leveled her with a flat stare: ''Then I assume you'd rather let me take the lead. I am older and the captain of a sport team: I am used to make decisions. You don't have to worry.''

''You, arrogant prick.''

He ignored the insults and kept talking:

''After what you said and after talking with Satori-kun, I recognize now that telling the school about our situation will probably put you at a disadvantage and I agree that it is not fair for you. ''

''You realize, NOW?!'' she repeated sarcastically.

'' I do and it's the only reason why I did not notify the director or Washijo sensei…but I was- I am still struggling with what you told me last week. ''

Still struggling…just say you're angry or hurt... She thought derisively.

From what planet was this dude even coming from?

Haru lied back down in her bed and breathed deeply as she closed her eyes; okay girl…just say it. '' I-I apologize Ushijima. I was angry at myself for letting things go that far between us and losing control last Tuesday and I was a bit emotional…so I said things a bit more harshly than they should have been said. I wasn't aware of your family's beliefs on Soulmates and the pressure you have on you. It doesn't change how I see things or feel about this, but I should have been kinder.'' She muttered reluctantly.

These words tasted bad in her mouth, but she felt better after saying them. It had weighted on her heart to know she had wounded Ushijima even if she wouldn't admit it.

His golden eyes were scrutinizing her, and he nodded solemnly: ''I accept your apologizes and I offer mine in return for not attending your competition like I said I would. Tendou told me you did not perform at your best…But I do not regret what happened between us.''

She turned away from him and pouted: ''Yeah that sucked; my coach wanted my head! I must keep my scholarship Ushijima! And…seriously? Cheesy eww.''

Her mattress shifted and soon, the captain's trunk-like arms were planted on each side of her as he hovered above her form: ''You can say whatever you want, but I know you feel the pull of the bond. ''

Looking over her shoulder and at his face from where she was trapped under him, Haru grumbled: ''It's fake attraction and we're teenagers…hormones and stuff.''

Gently, the ace tugged on her elbow, so she would be on her back: ''Stop trying to find excuses. What do you feel now?''

Still caged by his arms and under his chest, Haru retracted her head into her shoulders, slightly intimidated. She looked away and pressed her hands against his chest, pushing up: '' I feel trapped and pissed off. ''

''Look at me.''

Again with the flat commands…. Haru did listen even though she knew meeting his eyes would be her doom. She could never resist when she was entangled in his golden stare. It only took a few seconds and the girl was lifting her head to meet his lips with hers.

Ugh…they were doing this again…Why was she so weak?! Why couldn't she stay level-headed around him?

The tall teen let his weight fall on her, sinking them more in the mattress. Her arms came around his neck and she brought him even closer, giving in to the desires of the bond.

The spiker slid a leg between hers just as his left hand snaked under her shirt. His callous palm caressing the sensitive skin of her stomach sent shivers across her body. His fingers stopped just before reaching her breast, not daring to go higher. Emboldened, the girl grabbed his hand and put it over her bosom herself. He stopped kissing her for a moment and his eyes widened in the most surprised expression she had seen on his stoic face so far. His cheeks were a dark red; he looked like he was about to nosebleed anytime now. A second pass and the captain was kissing her anew with added vigor. The blonde dragged her fingers in his hair, pulling on it.

They probably looked so clumsy to an outsider's eyes; they were both so inexperienced. Haru didn't really know where to put her hands and she sensed he was just the same. All she knew was that she wanted more even if she didn't know what she was doing. Shifting her lower body, the girl moved completely under him and wrapped her legs around his hips.

The super ace let go of her lips to burrow his face into her neck, sucking and nipping there.

All of sudden, her ringtone shocked her out of her lust-filled haze. The sprinter shuffled under the boy to grab her phone.

''He-hello?''

''Haru? Are you okay? How do you feel? ''

Kentaro.

''Taro-kun…I'm okay; I feel a lot better. '' she reassured him.

''You didn't answer earlier…''

''I just woke up a couple minutes ago. How is your day?''

The captain, still holding himself above her, groaned impatiently and leaned on her, waiting.

''Just school…I was really freaking out this morning…Is Ushibaka still there?''

''I know, I'm sorry; I'm all good now. Yes; like I said, we just woke up. ''

Kentaro grumbled something on the other side of the line.

''I'm really surprised you let him in here.'' She chuckled.

At this, Ushijima raised his head, scowling. He attempted to take the phone from her hand, but Haru prevented him.

''Yeah…it was Tendou's idea and I couldn't watch you like that anymore…I hate his guts, but you're more important.'' Kyotani confessed lowly.

''You're the best Taro…Thanks for taking care of me.'' She said softly.

''Don't mention it. I'll let you treat me to some chicken katsu.''

She smiled: ''I will, gladly.''

The captain was now pulling on the arm holding her phone, the girl shook him off with a frown, mouthing 'stop'.

''Alright…I'll be home around 4pm. ''

''I'll wait for you. Thank again Taro.''

''Bye Haru-chan.''

''See you later.''

On this she hung up and Ushijima hurried to grab her phone, putting it on her bedside table.

''Hey!'' she protested.

''We were busy.''

He brought himself closer again, seemingly about to resume their make-out session. Haru put her hand on his face, pushing him away as she sat up: ''I'm still mad at you for the competition and black mailing me… and you need to apologize to Kentaro as well. ''

The young man shook his head, escaping her hand: ''I only said the truth to him and I don't like him. I am not apologizing. '' He rumbled stubbornly.

Haru sighed and rose from the bed, stretching her fingers toward the ceiling; it was good to feel normal again! Lazily, she turned to face him: ''He doesn't like you either… You know, if Taro wasn't concerned about hurting me, he would've beaten the shit out of you the other day.''

The great captain's expression became hard: ''He would have tried. '' He said somberly.

She rolled her eyes; men…

As he sat on her bed, his arms reached for her and he dragged her between his legs. The girl noticed that even sitting down, he was almost the same height as her…

''Stay.'' He demanded as he looked up at her.

Ugh. Why was he making puppy eyes and why was it so hard to resist?

''We should not do this; it's a bad idea.''

His arms tightened around her: ''Why? I want you. You want me. We're soulmates and we're not children anymore. ''

''You're leaving in a couple months; we should avoid getting too close.''

She felt displeasure from his side of the bond and his tone was no longer soft: ''I am, but not without you. Come back to bed. ''

So bossy…

Untangling herself from him, the blonde started to walk out of the room: ''I don't want to fight with you over this right now; let's talk about that another time… and anyway, I don't know about you, but I don't have… protection here.'' She pointed out.

Yeah…she was certainly not ending up pregnant at seventeen. At almost seventeen.

Confused, he followed behind her: ''Protection?''

She raised her brows, trying to make a point with her eyes: ''Yeah…you know…protection.'' Haru repeated slowly as she stood in front of him, staring.

The ace seemed to ponder over that for a few seconds, obviously unaware of what she was talking about. Then, the girl saw the understanding in his eyes and a light blush emerged on his cheeks.

Ding! Ding! Comprehension has arrived in Ushijima's time zone! She thought mockingly for herself.

''Oh.''

She scoffed: ''Yeah: 'oh'.''

Walking to the sink, the sprinter drank a full glass of water and realized she was starving.

''I didn't think of that…'' he admitted.

The girl rolled her eyes: ''Obviously…''

Haru rummaged in her fridge; she was so hungry…she would eat anything. ''…And seriously, Ushijima; this is insane.''

He sat at the kitchen island: ''what is? ''

Turning to him, the sprinter gestured back and forth between them : ''This! Us! Not a month ago, we had never even talked! And look at us now: we're always on the verge of having sex somewhere! You speak about moving away for university with me! We don't know each other! '' she exclaimed hysterically.

'' 'Always' implies more than two times…And we're Sou-''

''-Don't fucking say soulmates.'' She interrupted with a groan.

'' My family always told me to listen to my instincts when I would find my soulmate…this is what I'm doing. '' he affirmed.

Haru crossed her arms and gave him a flat, unimpressed stare: ''Your instincts are telling you to have sex and to piss me off?''

It was his turn to show a deadpan expression: '' You're impossible. No; they tell me to stay close to you, to keep you by my side.''

Theatrically, Haru faked throwing up.

The ace sighed and looked away: ''Stop mocking me.''

''Never; that's the only thing I enjoy from this. '' She turned back to the fridge: ''Now…I'm starving; what do you like? I can make us something.''

''I'm not a picky eater. ''

She rolled her eyes: ''Favorite food then?''

''Hayashi rice. ''

''Alright…that's simple enough; I think I have everything I need…''

She would look up a recipe online for the proper quantities and proportions. She put some rice over the stove and began to chop onions and mushrooms.

Ushijima was watching her silently; Haru looked up at him: ''What?''

''Can I…help?''

She sent him a look: ''Do you cook?''

''No…I live in the dorms; all our meals are always prepared for us.''

''That's what I thought; I'm not letting you help. You'll probably cut yourself, meaning, me as well.''

The young man sighed and gave her a little pout. Preparing the sauce wasn't very long and maybe 40 minutes later, everything was ready. As she served them, the girl wondered in the back of her mind why was she even doing this. Why was she preparing food for a guy she didn't even like, a guy who would most likely give her trouble in the next few weeks.

Exhaling, the girl sat at the table in front of the boy: ''Itadakimasu. ''

''Thanks.''

They started to eat quietly, but after the first few bites, they both realized how hungry they were and the duo scarfed down their food. The pair helped themselves to a second serving, which they took the time to savor this time around.

The super ace was giving her inquisitive looks every once and then and the girl finally had enough: '' Stop.''

''I'm not doing anything.''

''Quit staring; my face's nothing special. ''

''I like your face.''

The girl choked on the rice she was chewing, and her cheeks reddened; she placed a hand over her eyes.

That idiot.

Haru turned around to look at the clock in her kitchen; it was a bit past 3pm: ''You should finish up; you have to leave before Taro-kun comes back.''

'' Why?''

''Are you really asking this right now? '' She gestured around: ''This is Kentaro's home too; you're lucky he even let you enter in here today. My best-friend hates your guts, with reason. I'm not preventing another fight between you two. ''

The great captain in front of her had a severe expression on his face: ''You're saying he has more rights than me to be here?''

She picked up their bowls and moved toward the sink: ''He does. You two will have to learn to tolerate each other for the next few months. ''

''For the next few months? You intend to stop your friendship with him afterward?'' he questioned.

One of her brows quivered in annoyance: this arrogant, self-assured prick of a volleyball player douche…

The sprinter turned to him: ''No… But in a few months, you are leaving the prefecture.''

The tall teen rose and came closer: ''Like I already told you; I am not leaving without you.''

Placing her hands on the kitchen island between them, the girl growled: ''…And like I already told you: I am not moving away for my last year of high school.''

Grey clashed with gold as their anger rose and bubbled inside them.

She wanted to tear his head off.

''Thanks for coming here today. You can leave my home now.'' She gritted out coldly as she pointed the door, more or less telling him to scram.

Ushijima sent her one last heated glare and went to grab his shoes in her bedroom before walking toward exit. He bowed lightly to her, a tight look on his face as he departed.