Mask.
Haikyuu!! ยฉ Haruichi Furudate.
Mask ยฎ alorahie.
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Itachiyama Institute, one of the schools in Tokyo, Japan, boasts numerous athletic clubs and exchange programs.
"If you stare at her like that, she'll feel scared of you."
Sakusa glanced irritably at his cousin before scanning his surroundings.
The girl Sakusa noticed was from the adjacent class and was one of the exchange students.
Her appearance differed from that of other girls, unwittingly attracting the attention of the curly-haired young man. She seemed to radiate, but not in a way that demanded attention overall.
The analogy of a sunset seemed fitting to describe her.
Shining without blinding, her softness was comforting.
However, what particularly caught the eye of the Ace who ranked in the top three in Japan was--
She wore a mask.
There was nothing wrong with wearing a mask in school or other public places.
But she consistently wore one.
Every day.
Every single day.
He pondered.
He wasn't sure since they weren't in the same class, but he often unintentionally caught glimpses of her, even though she never removed her mask.
Unintentionally.
"If you're curious, why don't you approach her and introduce yourself at least."
The brown-haired young man averted his eyes after feeling a sharp, piercing stare.
Indeed, what was to be expected regarding social interaction from a Sakusa Kiyoomi.
However, Komori himself began to feel repulsed by his cousin's silent behavior over time. It felt like being asked to be a bystander watching a stalker observe every move of their target.
"I can't, we're different."
Komori also observed it; the difference between them was stark.
The girl secretly admired by Sakusa (though he denies it) held beliefs different from theirs.
Komori swore, the browsing history on the laptop was the only silent witness of his efforts. (While he himself was the real witness, bro.)
The characteristics of covered clothing, especially fabric protecting her head, revealed the identity of the girl. Komori glanced at the girl in silence, then at Sakusa as they briefly headed towards the gymnasium.
Sakusa realized that gaze returning to the girl. Unaware that his ears were turning red, he recalled a few days ago, just after school ended.
It was their turn for classroom cleaning duty that day. Specifically, a day before the school holiday. Fortunately, he had a cooperative partner.
In the end, the classroom was immaculate in Sakusa's definition.
After completing the task, as he was about to rush to the gymnasium, he was left speechless in the middle of the way.
He met her.
The girl with the mask.
With the mask open for the first time.
She seemed to be enjoying the view of the school garden in her solitude, undisturbed by her surroundings.
The young man stood frozen in silence, his breath catching as he beheld the face of the girl who had always captivated his attention, her features now revealed thoroughly for the first time. Without the mask that had always concealed them.
His eyes widened in surprise, his heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty, as he beheld the sight before him, unable to tear his gaze away from her newly revealed face.
A clean face without blemishes, with a sweet nose and lips--
"Enjoying the surprise."
Caught off guard, Sakusa jerked his head away, quickly tucking his hands into his jersey pocket.
Even though she wore a mask, he felt exposed under her gaze.
"Please keep this a secret, alright."
Her voice was calm yet firm, and of course, he nodded in agreement.
He didn't understand, as if there was a magnet pulling him to look at the girl. But on the other hand, there was a whisper in his heart to avert his gaze.
Was he hypnotized...
"Arigatou, Sakusa Kiyoomi-san."
Next, only the sound of footsteps fading away, followed by the rhythm of his pounding heart accelerating even more.
Arigatou, Sakusa Kiyoomi.
Arigatou--
"Sakusa Kiyoomi, I swear if you're still standing there like that, I'll throw this ball at your face."
The captain's voice snapped the young man out of his reverie.
"Komori, what's wrong with him?!"
Komori stared blankly in silence at Sakusa, then at Iizuna in succession.
This is my first time writing in English ๐ฅ. I hope it's not too bad, and I hope you enjoy reading it ๐ค. Assalamu'alaikum, and greetings๐.