Chapter 10
1576 Words
HARUMI'S POV
Days passed and Autumn and I hardly saw each other because she said she was busy. Bailey said they were swamped in their department. I didn’t want to bother her either, because with just one call, she’d be there—even if she had an exam.
There wasn’t much I could do, either, since we’re also busy. Just today, they were looking for a badminton player. I wasn’t going to join, but they insisted because Bailey said I was good.
I used to play badminton in high school and Bailey was always my mixed doubles partner. We represented our school, competing in various levels. Through those events, I met someone from another school. Like Bailey, I was once extroverted—befriending everyone.
That person was popular at his school, and even at ours. We exchanged numbers and eventually spent time alone together. We became a couple not long after, but broke up after he graduated. He ended things during a badminton match—without giving any reason. That was my last heartbreak, and I haven’t picked up a racket since.
I didn’t socialize like before, either. I was devastated and didn’t know what to do. It’s why I took a break before college. He meant so much to me and then he just left.
As Bailey and I agreed, I needed to move forward. Maybe that’s why he recommended me to our class rep. I needed to do this—for me and for Autumn. I didn’t want her to wait too long.
---
“You’re up for women’s singles…” said a fourth-year student, writing on paper. “Uhm… we need one more girl for mixed doubles—interested?”
I froze.
“Is there no one else?”
“They don’t want to split the women’s doubles team, so we’re still looking.”
“I’m not comfortable playing with a partner right now. I’d rather play solo.”
“Okay, I won’t force you. But if you know anyone, please let me know.”
I nodded, waited for her to leave, then grabbed my gear and called Bailey.
“Yes, sis?”
“Why did you tell them I play badminton?”
“Ooops, didn’t hear you—bye!” he cut the call. I was annoyed because I knew he heard me.
What’s that gay guy planning now?
Out of all the students in our department, not one wanted to join badminton, while other sports had tryouts.
---
The next day, Autumn and I didn’t enter class together. She also skipped her shift at the convenience store.
“Harumi,” I rolled my eyes before looking at Kristine.
“What’s up?”
“Could you give this to Autumn? She left it at the coffee shop yesterday.”
She handed me Autumn’s blazer. I raised an eyebrow.
I thought she was busy?
“You two met?” I asked coldly, snatching the blazer away.
“She was returning the jacket I lent her during the tree planting.”
I remembered Autumn thought I was the one who put that jacket on her.
So it was Kristine’s jacket all along.
“If there’s nothing else, I’m heading off.” I pushed past her.
She has no time for me, but she has time for others? Not even a simple text to tell me she had another meeting.
Since I had no classes, I went straight to their department. Students pointed toward the rooftop before I even spoke. As usual, she was there.
I found her curled up in a corner, staring at her phone.
“Is something wrong?” she looked up—calm, not surprised.
“Why are you here? Miss me already?” she teased.
I rolled my eyes and tossed Kristine’s blazer at her.
“Here—your date from yesterday wants it back,” I said, and she laughed.
“That wasn’t a date. I planned to hand it to her at school, but we ran into each other outside.”
“Then why were you at a coffee shop? I thought you were busy.”
“Bailey asked me to do it.” I pinched her side.
“And you obeyed.”
“Every time you hurt me, it’s like World War II. Next time, I’ll bring armor if we’re together.” She mumbled about how different Japanese girls are.
“Why are you curled up there?”
“It’s fun—try it sometime.”
“Stand up.” She rose, and I brushed her back of dust. “Sometimes you’re prickly, other times sweet.”
“Which do you prefer?” She considered, then brought her face close to mine.
“Hmm… I prefer the Haru-chan who cries in my arms.”
I blushed and tugged her ear, pulling her away from the rooftop.
---
“Why are you so busy?” I said, pulling her along to the canteen. She probably hadn’t eaten. Bailey said she stays on the rooftop whenever she’s free.
“It’s almost intramurals season. We’re flooded with activities and quizzes.” I nodded. Same for us, but she hardly had time to eat.
“Anything else besides schoolwork?” I watched her eat, but she didn’t meet my gaze.
“I heard your classes end at 2:00 PM, yet you’re still on campus at 3:00. Why is that?” I saw her spoon grip tighten.
“Haru-chan, even just 0.01%… is there a chance you’ll say yes to me?” I set my utensils down and stared at her. She still wouldn’t look at me.
“Why ask that now?”
“I just need to be sure.”
“If I say no, will you stop chasing me? Will you stop trying to make me fall for you?” Silence. “What if I said the chance is there?” I met her eyes and said, “It’s more than 0.01%.”
A small smile broke on her lips.
“Thank you. That’s enough for me.”
---
We went home together and she was cheerful again. Whatever was bothering her earlier melted away. After our shift, she hugged me tight.
“Thank you, Haru-chan,” she whispered before walking off.
---
---
Right now, I’m at the badminton court, waiting for players from other departments. Today is the start of our intramurals.
“Calling all badminton players, men and women, please proceed to the badminton court,” the announcement boomed. A few minutes later, other players arrived.
Last week was our only free practice time. Even though I didn’t attend, I’m confident I will win.
“Calling College of Business Administration badminton players—ten minutes to assemble or you’re disqualified.” Just then, I saw Bailey jogging toward us.
“Why are you guys so late?” I teased. I expected him to join.
“I saw someone cute. Priority’s always taking their number.” He winked. I glared at him.
“He knew you had a match, so he’d come.”
“Tss. Maybe he got lost watching other sports.”
“I wanted you to see me.” I lowered my gaze to my racket.
---
“Player?” I looked up and saw Autumn in a matching jersey.
She nodded. “Why didn’t you tell me? Can you play?” Bailey and the fourth-year laughed.
“Your friend added me to the player list.” I frowned at Bailey.
“Which category are you in?”
“I’m playing singles.”
I almost hit Bailey with my racket. So that’s his plan—why he talked to the rep. He’s not even from our department.
“Do you know how to play?” I asked. She grinned.
“Why? Will you teach me?”
She didn’t need my help. I walked back to my court.
---
“Heard Ortega’s good,” one of my teammates said.
“That’s what my cousin said—he crushes his opponents.”
“So you’re serious in singles?” I chided.
She shrugged. “You wouldn’t understand. You’re in singles.”
I glanced over—Autumn was talking to another male player.
I moved away.
---
“Good luck, Harumi. Glad she’s just in singles,” my teammates said as I stepped up.
If she’s in singles only, why is she talking to others?
There are four badminton courts. I was playing first against a tall female opponent. I took a deep breath before my first serve. The match went well—I was confident I would win as I predicted. What annoyed me, though, was Autumn watching.
Isn’t she sick of waiting?
She had her arms crossed, smiling while watching. I got distracted. My opponent scored.
I snapped a quick look at her, saw her clap when I scored, and focused again. Eventually, I won.
After, Autumn handed me a towel and water.
“Any more matches?” I asked.
“Not today. Tomorrow.” I wrapped it gently and noticed the male player whispering to her.
“Let’s go home.” I tried leading her.
She stopped mid-step.
“I wanted to watch basketball.”
My eyebrow shot up.
“Go watch, I’m going home.” I released her hand.
---
“Okay, I’ll stay,” she said softly, squeezing my hand.
“Tomorrow then? I’m tired.”
She lay down and sighed. I felt a twinge of guilt. She remained silent the whole walk home.
- Writer
