strawberry lemonade | t. oikawa
chapter three: matcha
wc: 3.4k warnings: swearing, breakups a/n: hey yall! this had been sitting in my drafts so...why not idk
|| masterlist || prev || next ||
“Mr. Refreshing is your ex!?”
Oikawa’s mouth lay agape as you sat on the couch, head in your hands. It was the only position that you could manage to pull yourself into, as you were thoroughly embarrassed by the conversation that just took place.
“Yes, you could call him that,” you rolled your eyes at Oikawa’s outburst. Of course, Sugawara was friends with your *now* roommate. Your life was some kind of sick joke.
Oikawa wasn’t wrong with his nickname for your ex--you also found him quite refreshing, still. However, it still stung to remember how abruptly things ended with your lover. It was too soon to talk to him, picking up the phone was a mist-
“y/n? Are you listening to me? Helloooooooooo y/n!”
You broke out of your bleak thoughts about life and looked to see Oikawa leaning over your shrunken frame with a look that read confusion.
“y/n, why didn’t you tell me Sugawara was your ex? I’ve known that guy for forever, we go way back! I can’t believe that you two would have ever dated, much less have a semi-dramatic breakup,” Oikawa rambled, thinking about his memories of high school and the feeling of playing with all of his peers. He missed the feeling of being on top, being king.
“I didn’t think it mattered. I’ve been trying not to think about him recently, it just…hurts. Plus, I didn’t know that you guys were close. From what I witnessed at Fukurodani, Kurasano, and Aoba Josai weren’t exactly all ‘buddy-buddy’,” you teased. Oikawa shrugged.
“Well, Suga was pretty cool. Compared to Kagayama and Hinata,” you both shared a laugh at the expense of the two crows. They both now played in the major leagues, with Bokuto and Hinata both on the same team. It sounded like a major headache for anyone within a 10-meter radius.
Even though you sat here talking with Oikawa like everything was fine, you were shaken up. Why would he call? Did he miss you as much as you missed him? Did he think about it when he was away? Does he still love you? Do you still love him? You snapped out of your gloom, to see Oikawa rummaging through the boxes that you guys had left to unpack. He paused as he pulled out a faded t-shirt, one that was all too familiar.
“Now where in the FUCK did you find this?! I thought I got rid of this shit like 5 years ago!”
~
You changed your outfit like 8 times since you’ve gotten dressed. You wanted to look perfect, but also like you didn’t care. But also like you did because you still did. So much. It was no use, you looked and felt like shit in every single thing that you wore. You guessed that that’s what breakups are supposed to feel like as if every bone had been ripped out of you.
You agreed to meet Koushi in a small cafe that recently opened a few minutes away from your apartment. It was small but busy enough that it didn’t feel like it was just the two of you in an awkward room. Closure, it was all you wanted. You had a beautiful new apartment and a new amazing friend, and you wanted to begin a new page. One that didn’t involve heartbreak and stress.
You gave one last look at your outfit, deciding that nothing was going to satisfy you, and walked out of the room. Oikawa sat at the island that protruded from a beam (one of your favorite features of the apartment), looking intently at the laptop that lay before him. You strolled behind him, grabbing a quick glass of water to calm your bubbling nerves. Sneaking a quick peak at his screen, words flew out of your mouth before you even had a chance to think.
“You’re not thinking of quitting your job back in Argentina are you?”
Oikawa looked up from his screen, his face twisting in thought. He sighed before closing his laptop.
“No, no. Nothing like that, I was thinking about joining a club. I miss playing, and I know a lot of the people.” Oikawa explained. You had seen him looking at volleyball positions, which surprised you considering he was a part of the San Juan team.
“Oh, makes sense. I’m out of it today sorry.” You frowned at the brunette boy before you and downed the rest of the glass of water. Why were you so nervous? It was just Koushi after all, and the breakup wasn’t rough, yet something was tugging at your heart. Oikawa seemed to notice your internal conflict and raised a quizzical brow.
“Wanna talk about it? I’ve been told I have great ears for listening…well actually all of my body parts have been complimented now that I think about it,” Oikawa joked, but he was sincere. He didn’t exactly know what had occurred between you and Sugawara, but you were his friend now and he wanted to support you.
“Well,” you sighed. “I’m meeting with Sugawara today, and I can’t help but feel like I made a wrong decision to leave, but I don’t want to go back to my previous life. Y’know?” you vented, raking your hands through your hair.
Oikawa knew all right.
His decision to come back to Japan was a difficult one. Sure, it was impulsive, but that didn’t mean he didn’t think it through. Two weeks before he decided to leave, he happened to run into Hinata in Brazil. It was nice to see him, but the feeling of being ‘home’ was addicting. That night he booked a ticket to Japan and called his coach to set up a meeting, the rest is history. Coming back to it, Oikawa nodded, listening to your thoughts.
“He was a great guy too, and ugh. Where did this all go wrong.” you bury your head in your hands, feeling more stressed than before. Oikawa pouted, unsure of what to do. He had never had to comfort a girl like this before, usually it was a girlfriend or someone HE was breaking up with.
“Do you want a hug or something? Anything? I’ll do it,” he frowned, hating the way you looked. You had only known each other for two weeks, but the bond was immediate and he didn’t want his brand new roomie having a breakdown. You just nodded at him, needed the embrace of someone. Usually, it would be Iwaizumi, but Oikawa could be a cheap replacement…for now.
Oikawa was surprisingly a good hugger, his cologne only adding to the experience. You stayed in his embrace for a few seconds, allowing yourself a couple of deep breaths before you had to face the music. You took another breath and let go, hyping yourself up.
“Alright. Okay. I can do this, and everything will be okay afterward!” Cheering yourself on, you grabbed your bag and headed out the door. The elevator ride did little to calm your nerves, but luckily you had time to yourself as you walked.
You didn’t even know how to greet him anymore. There wouldn’t be a hug, or would there? Would you order what you always order? Would he? All of the thoughts swarming through your head came to an abrupt halt as you approached the store and saw him sitting by the window, his hair shining with the sun. You took a deep breath and walked in, it was happening.
The door jingled slightly as you entered the cafe, the aroma of coffee and baked goods wafted up, bathing you in it. At the sound, Koushi peeked his head around the corner and at the sight of your face, he sighed. You gave him a small smile and walked over to the table where he sat, placing your bag on your chair.
“Hi, Koushi,” you finally say, surprised the words didn’t get caught in your throat. Sugawara didn’t say anything and just looked at you, as if you were a ghost that he wasn’t sure was real or not. You couldn’t read his expression, was he upset? He had every right to be, yet, you couldn’t feel any animosity from him. Finally, he sighed and rushed forward to give you a hug, his hands finding the back of your head and back, holding you as if you could slip through his fingers at any moment.
“I’m sorry if this is weird, me hugging you, but…let me indulge for a moment.” he breathed out in a tone that broke your heart into a billion pieces. You frowned into the hug, finally reaching up to pat his back, unsure of what to do in this position. He still smelled the same, which wasn’t a huge feat, as it had only been a month, but still. After a few minutes, you broke apart and sat down at the table.
You weren’t sure what to say or what to do. After all, people rarely meet back up with their ex in circumstances like this. Looking up to meet his eyes, you could see the same feeling in his. The actual breakup was casual, you both agreeing with little argument, but yet it felt worse than being dumped.
“How was your trip?” you finally utter, trying to make conversation before the inevitable occurs.
“It was uh, not great really. I wanted to call you every day, but I thought you would still be there when I got back and we could talk but…” Sugawara trailed off, his voice becoming tighter with every word. It was clear that he was taking it the same way you were.
You frowned. Moving out wasn’t the plan, obviously, but Oikawa made an offer you couldn’t refuse. You refrained from mentioning Oikawa for now, as it was hardly the right time.
“Oh. I see.” you weren’t sure how to respond to his answer, not expecting the shift to occur so soon. “I…god, I don’t even know how to go about this,” you admit, putting your face in your hands. This was going worse than you thought. However, Sugawara laughed, confusing you.
“I’m so glad you said that because I don’t either,” he admitted, tilting his head to look at you through your fingers. You wished there had been a manual for this thing.
“I don’t want to lose you forever, though. I think we’ve grown tired and need to see life through a different lens, which isn’t a bad thing and I wish we could have had this conversation before…well y’know,” Sugawara laughed lightly as he spoke, his clear tone cutting right through your anxiety. You finally lifted your head, giving him a lopsided smile.
“How is it possible we think so alike?” you joked, referring to your feelings as well. He smiled and laughed. It was like seeing an old friend after a long time.
“I think that we both were looking for something at the end, but I can’t tell you exactly what. I love you so much Koushi that it hurts to think of us at night and I know I ruined-” Your sentence was cut off by Sugawara grabbing your hand suddenly.
“You didn’t ruin anything y/n. We are both adults here, and we both agreed on something. Sure, we both fought it at points but we reached a decision. I called you here not to make you feel bad or anything, but to tell you that I want to be a part of your life y/n. You have been my best friend for 3 years, and if we end this by being platonic, that would be my biggest dream.” he poured out, smoothing his thumb over your hand. You smiled sadly, feeling tears rush to your eyes at his genuine love for your being.
“I would love that Suga, but could we take it slow? I’m still feeling like the ex-girlfriend who moved out right now, and I’m sure you have stuff going on,” you admit. Sugawara just nods and smiles.
“Whatever happens, I have a feeling that we’ll find each other,” he adds, before looking at something behind you.
“Perhaps now that we’ve had this discussion, we could share a scone and talk about what’s changed?” he suggested, much to your pleasure.
An hour had passed by since the end of ‘that’ conversation, and now you were nibbling on a raspberry scone as Sugawara narrated the trip he had taken with his students.
“So yeah, that’s how I dragged Midori out of a tree at 3 in the morning.” he huffed, placing his hands on the table. You smiled, his frustrations about being a teacher always being amusing.
“Anyways, onto you. I’m sorry for asking, but it worries me. Are you staying somewhere safe?” he questioned. You paused, realizing the conversation you were about to have.
“Uh yeah, about that. I just moved into an apartment not far from here,” you say, avoiding the obvious issue with the apartment. Sugawara smiles.
“That’s great! I would love to see it when you have time,” you gulp. You can’t keep it a secret forever, and you knew he wouldn’t be upset, but it would be awkward to explain how you moved in with another man less than a month after breaking up.
“Oh, yeah sure! W-whenever you’re free!” you give him a fake smile, internally panicking. Sugawara checked his watch quickly before turning back to face you.
“Well, actually, I have time today, if that’s okay?” he said casually, flashing his bright smile. Your heart sank to your stomach, the truth rearing its ugly head. You just nodded and mentally prepared for the storm that was about to happen.
“Great! We can walk over there right now,” you say through gritted teeth, wondering how you were going to explain it to him.
Once in the elevator of the building, you prepared for the worst. However, when you approached your door, you could hear the sounds of talking along with Mario Kart. Furrowing your eyebrows, you unlocked your door. When it swung open, you were greeted by all of the Seijoh alumni along with Bokuto and Akaashi.
“What in the hell?” you mutter, no one realizing that you and Sugawara had walked in. Matsukawa, Hanamaki, Bokuto, and Oikawa were engaged in a competitive game, while Akaashi and Iwaizumi silently talked near the island.
Shortly after you entered, Iwaizumi broke eye contact with Akaashi and locked eyes with you, then Sugawara. He quietly excused himself before walking up to you.
“Uh, we didn’t expect you back for a while.” He muttered, looking over at Sugawara. Sure, he was the one who told Suga to meet up with you, but what the hell were you both doing back at your apartment?
You crinkled your face in confusion, but Hajime gave you a look that said ‘I’ll explain later’, so you dropped it.
“I’m showing Koushi my apartment, I didn’t expect you guys to be here though,” you say with a tight smile, trying not to let something slip.
“Oh, did you all get this apartment together? I was hoping you would move in with someone you knew-” Suga was cut off by the groans and cheers from the game ending. Soon enough, your trio was discovered by the rest. Bokuto was the first to notice, seeing that Akaashi was now alone. He followed the trail to you, Iwaizumi, and Sugawara.
“Hey, hey! Is that Sugawara over there!?” he yelled, bounding over to give Suga a tight hug. You shook your head, he would never change. Akaashi quickly pulled Bokuto off of him, silently reminding him that he was your ex.
“Oh, right,” he muttered, quickly moving to be by you. Iwaizumi turned back to Sugawara.
“Sorry, you got cut off, but no we don’t live here, it's just y/n and-”
“Mr. Refreshing himself! Wow, I didn’t expect to see you after our little phone call!” Oikawa waltzed over, sparing you a side glance of confusion. Sugawara and Oikawa exchanged a handshake before the entire group migrated over to the common area.
You began to panic internally, the truth getting closer with every minute. Oikawa and Sugawara continued to talk as the rest of the group mingled. You turned pulling Iwaizumi aside.
“Haji, we have an issue, the bathroom now.” you pulled the buff man behind you and into the bathroom. Once the door was locked, you immediately began to explain the entire afternoon. Iwaizumi listened silently, the only feedback being a slight nod here and there.
“So yeah, and now he doesn’t know I moved in with some random guy I hadn’t met before last month.” You breathe out. Iwaizumi just raises an eyebrow before clearing his throat.
“It’s going to be fine, the circumstances were…odd and he already knows the guy. If he wants to be in your life still, he’ll understand.” you nod and thank him for his advice. When you exit, Sugawara is now talking to Akaashi and Oikawa in a small circle, reminiscing about high school and whatnot.
Strolling up behind them, you give Oikawa’s shirt a small tug, a warning for what was about to occur.
“Ah, it seems the pretty setters are reunited!” you joke, slipping into the conversation alongside Iwaizumi.
“Oh, y/n! I was just talking to these two about the day you picked us up from the airport, the day that changed my life forever!” Oikawa said dramatically. You laugh, trying to think of a way to let the news slip in casually.
“Hajime was so mad,” you giggle, recalling the way Iwaizumi pouted on the way home. Oikawa nodded.
“It’s okay, Iwa. We still love you and you’re welcome in our abode any time.” Oikawa teased, not realizing he just let it slip for you. Sugawara paused slightly, his eyebrows turning down. You froze, locking eyes with Oikawa, who had just realized what he had done.
“Uh..”
“Wait, you’re the roommate?!” Sugawara exclaimed, turning towards Oikawa. The brunette just laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.
“I was waiting to tell you, I know it’s kind of weird and…” you rambled, not wanting the good state you were in to crumble. Sugawara just laughed.
“I cannot wait for the stories I’ll be hearing!” Suga continued to laugh, making Iwaizumi break out into a grin. You and Oikawa froze for a moment, looking at each other confused.
“W-what’s that supposed to mean?” you stutter out, not understanding Sugawara for the first time in your life. Sugawara stifles his laughter before looking at Iwaizumi.
“You two are the duo that will bring down the entire nation.” Iwaizumi declared in a joking manner, causing you to roll your eyes. You and Oikawa huffed out simultaneously, causing the rest of the group to laugh.
The rest of the evening went by smoothly, even Sugawara stayed for a while catching up with the others. However, you eventually called it quits around 11 p.m, kicking Mattsun out before he ate the rest of the food you owned.
“Drive safe, see you later!” you called out, closing your door behind him. You turned around to see Oikawa cleaning lightly, picking up the glasses that were used earlier. Moving to clean the dishes, Oikawa motions for you to sit down.
“I’ll do them, tell me about your little meeting with Suga today,” he grinned, leaning over the counter with a sly look in his eyes. You shrugged, causing him to pout.
“It was…normal? He had the same opinion that I do, and while we aren’t getting back together, I’m grateful to know he still wants me to be a part of his life,” you smile softly, the outcome better than you anticipated.
“See! There was nothing to be afraid of, I told ya so!” Oikawa stuck out his tongue, teasing you about how you stressed earlier. You roll your eyes, letting him win on this one.
“Oh! And I forgot to mention, but my old friend Kuroo asked if he could come to stay with us while his apartment was getting renovated! You might know him he’s from-” You cut Oikawa off, nodding your head.
“Nekoma, I’m aware of Kuroo. But why wouldn’t he stay with Kenma or something?”
“He’s at some convention in the United States right now I guess.”
You sighed, why did life have to be this way?
“Lord help us.”
