— — — — — —
Oikawa had always thought of himself as a bit strange.
Sometimes he hated the sun.
Other times, he loved it.
Like right now. The bright sunlight felt perfect, warm against his skin, almost soothing.
"Meow."
A cat dozing in the shade lazily called out when it noticed him approaching, like it was trying to charm him.
Oikawa stopped, pulled a sausage from his bag, and snapped off a piece to feed it.
While the cat was busy eating, he reached down and gave it a good, satisfying pet.
"Heh."
A slightly unhinged grin spread across his face.
Petting cats really was one of life's simple joys. Owning one, though, was a different story.
He had thought about getting a cat before, but in the end, he dropped the idea. Maybe he didn't trust himself to take care of it. Or maybe he just wasn't ready for another life suddenly entering his world.
"This weather is perfect for sleeping in…"
"So why am I going camping?"
Muttering to himself, Oikawa shook his head and headed toward the nearest bus stop.
At the park along the street, kids were playing happily in small groups. Some crowded around the slide, others took turns on the swings.
When he finally reached the bus stop, the bus hadn't arrived yet.
He lowered his head and started fiddling with his phone. For once, he wasn't chatting in the group, just playing Pokémon.
"Morning."
A cool, calm voice suddenly reached his ears.
Oikawa looked up.
A girl with a ponytail, dressed in a white sundress, stood before him.
Kawasaki.
Today, she looked… especially gorgeous.
The dress didn't hide her figure at all.
"Morning? It's already noon."
Oikawa casually took the slightly mismatched shoulder bag off her and weighed it in his hand.
Pretty heavy.
She must've packed a lot of snacks too.
"Didn't you say you weren't coming?"
Kawasaki stared at the ground. "Changed my mind."
"Come on, tell me the truth. You've got a crush on me, don't you? I begged a little and you couldn't resist."
For a moment, she panicked.
Her heart started pounding, and words she didn't fully understand bubbled up, threatening to spill out.
"Kawasaki, the bus is finally here. Let's get on."
Kawasaki frowned at the bus, shooting it a sharp glare.
Its timing was terrible. And yet… she was also a little relieved.
Relieved she hadn't actually said anything.
She didn't fully understand what she'd just felt, but she knew this much—
What she had now with this idiot… was enough.
There was still time. No need to rush.
…
..
After getting off the bus, something suspicious immediately caught Oikawa's eye.
A van.
By the driver's door stood a very familiar figure.
A curvy silhouette, long black hair tied into a neat ponytail, a khaki cap perched on her head.
He took a couple more steps.
The woman turned around, and the moment she saw him, a not-so-friendly smile spread across her face.
"I was wondering if I'd have to come drag you out of your house myself, Oikawa."
Shizuka Hiratsuka removed her sunglasses and fixed him with a sharp look.
"Ah… well, Sensei personally invited me camping. Even if I were drowning in work, I'd have to make time."
"Sensei, you're someone I deeply admire! Did I ever tell you my dream? I want to become a great teacher like you, guiding the next generation!"
Oikawa felt a little drained even as he spoke.
These days, competition was everywhere. If nothing else, this proved how important it was to master the art of talking.
"Oh? I didn't know you had this side to you, Oikawa."
Another voice chimed in from nearby.
Yui Yuigahama tilted her head, looking amused.
"I always thought you were the cool, aloof type. Don't tell me you're into older women?"
Oikawa suddenly turned his head.
And the distance between them closed instantly.
Yui froze. She could practically feel the warmth from his face.
She jumped back, her cheeks flushing bright red.
"W-Why did you suddenly turn like that?!"
Oikawa looked innocent. "You were the one who got too close. That was just reflex."
Yui blinked.
Thinking it over… he wasn't wrong.
She'd only meant to startle him, but it had almost turned into something else entirely.
Her heart skipped a beat at the thought.
If they'd been any closer…
Would they have kissed?
The idea hit her out of nowhere, and her face grew even hotter.
"I just wanted to scare you. Sorry…"
She lowered her head in apology.
"It's fine. You're forgiven."
Oikawa couldn't help but marvel at how naturally airheaded she was. If that had been Kawasaki, he'd probably be dealing with a punch right now.
Then—
A cold voice cut through the air.
"Are you two playing house over here?"
"And you, Yui… do you really think I wouldn't hear you calling me old just because you said it quietly?"
Shizuka Hiratsuka's expression darkened.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
She felt like a volcano on the verge of erupting, radiating pure danger.
As expected…
No matter when or where—
A woman's age was a forbidden topic.
.
.
.