Chapter 19: Coming Changes

It was pretty late when we got home. Bokuto wore a sleepy grin when he stepped out of the limo. He wished me goodnight, placing a soft kiss on my forehead before turning to his house.

I started for the Ito home and had just placed my key in the door, when I heard shouting from inside Bokuto's house.

It was a man's voice. Shouting with a level of rage I don't think Bokuto could capture.

It must be his father. The one he told me to stay away from. Back again for his brief visit home.

Quickly, I twisted the key in the door and went inside. I assured Mrs. Ito that I did have a fun weekend then went to my room to get ready for bed.

I pulled on some shorts and a tank top, and sat at the edge of my bed phone in hand.

'You gonna be alright?' I sent to Bokuto, the shouting still ringing in my ears.

I waited for the sound of a text from Bokuto, but the sound that came was a tapping on my window.

A small yelp came out. I just stared at the window. Ready to grab the nearest thing to defend myself. I'm not a fool, I watched enough movies to know not to open the window in the middle of the night after hearing mysterious tapping. No, not happening.

My phone buzzed in my hand, a text from Bokuto 🦉.

'It's me, open the window.'

I was still skeptical. A killer could have killed Bokuto then took his phone to try and trick me into letting him in. Oh, no. I will not be fooled.

After a while of silence, I heard a hooting. Sounding so close to an owl, yet still human made. It was Bokuto.

I went to the window, first peeking through the blinds. It was hard to see him in the dark, but it was him.

I opened the blind, then the window as quietly as I could.

"What are you doing here?" I whispered.

"Let me sleep here," he said while climbing through my window.

"What? No," I said. At this point he was closing my window saying, "Look. My parents are likely going to be at this all night, meaning I won't be getting any sleep. Mrs. Ito used to let me sleep here all the time when they were like this. But..."

He didn't say any more. Didn't want to make it seem like I'm taking up his space I suppose. But I a sorta. Which is probably why I whispered, "Fine."

He had changed into some gym shorts and a t-shirt before coming over. He slide his shoes off and I sat down on my bed. Mind going through all the things that would happen to me if he got caught in here. Kiss nationals goodbye because I'll be on the next plane back to the states, where I'll be locked in my room until I'm off to college. I sat back, leaning on some pillows letting out a breath of air. Bokuto came over. Sitting on my bed as well.

"Oh no. You are sleeping on the floor." I declared, keeping my voice low.

His voice was low as well, but it sounded defeated as he leaned closer saying, "I know just..." he wrapped his arms around my waist, and laid his head on my chest, pulling his body close to mind. I could feel the heat coming off of him, yet, he seemed so calm, so small as he said, "Just let me stay here for a while."

I noticed my body had stiffened at his touch. I relaxed it, breathing out and letting myself feel the calmness that Bokuto was bringing. My pounding heart began to slow as my fingers began twisting in his hair. My other hand resting on his arm, fingers brushing gently across his bicep. His breathing became more deep and slow. Making me realize that when he came in here, he was breathing heavily. I was so caught up in my worry, that I didn't see the frustration in him, the exhaustion. Coming home to his parents fighting after being away this weekend, having a good time. Just for it all to come crashing to an end.

Or maybe, he was trying to stop it from ending. Bringing himself here, away. To the person he spent his good time with. To hold on to it, for just a little longer.

As curious as I am about his dad, I won't ask. Bokuto doesn't even mention him. It's like he doesn't exist until he's here. Then once he is here, he's draining. Draining both Bokuto and his mom.

I started to feel myself drifting off, but put a stop to that. "Bokuto," I whispered while shaking him, "Bokuto, get up. We should go to sleep."

It seemed like he was drifting off too. He got up slow, "Yeah, okay." He was down, like when he messes up in a game. He sat up beside me, and I threw a throw blanket and a pillow down on the rug.

He got up, spreading the blanket out and I moved under my comforter saying quietly, "Get the lights before you lay down."

"Alright," he yawned. I'm happy Mr. And Mrs. Ito went to bed already. The walls of this house are thin. Idk why I thought I could get away with this.

But, it's clear that Bokuto had to get away from that house. And I want to be able to help him.

He turned the light off and I laid back onto my pillow, listening through the darkness for the sounds of Bokuto laying down. Instead, I heard him closer, right beside my bed whispering, "Goodnight Baby Bird." I felt his hand on my cheek first, then his lips, soft and gentle on mine. One soft kiss, then another, then gone.

Leaving me wanting more.

I ignored it. Turned to my side, away from Bokuto and went to sleep.

...

The night brought a chill to my room, but warmth laid in my bed beside me. Behind me. I moved closer to it, scooching my butt and back against the warmth. I felt a weight around my waist. Heavier than my blanket, but the weight was welcoming. Comforting. As if holding me from the cold of the world. I wanted to stay in this warmth all morning.

But a knock on my door made me open my eyes. I had an arm wrapped around me. An arm that didn't belong to me. I now felt his breathing on my neck, and felt him moving as the knock sounded again.

I shot up, gasping and Bokuto jumped up, putting his hand over my mouth and pinning me to my bed. His body was leaning over me, legs on either side of my under the cover. He was shirtless now, and if Mrs. Ito were to open that unlocked door, this would be one hell of a moment to explain.

He shhh-ed me, "Just get the door."

I wanted to shout, what was he doing in my bed and why he had his shirt off. But I listened to him. He moved his hand and moved from on top of me. I got up from my bed looking back to Bokuto who sat up on the edge of the bed. Making no effort to hide. What is this guy's problem?

I opened the door just enough to push my body in the frame, "Good morning Mrs. Ito," I said, rubbing my eyes.

"Breakfast is almost ready," she smiled, "Hurry up and get dressed. And call Bokuto, too. Tell him to come eat."

"Yes, thank you Mrs. Ito." I said, trying not to sound panicked. I closed the door and pointed to the window.

"Fine," Bokuto said softly, as he scooped his shirt up off the floor.

He slipped it on, opened the window and hopped out. I closed it, locking it behind him and closing my blinds to get dressed.

By the time I got done brushing my teeth, washing my face and fixing my hair, Bokuto was already at the front door.

He smiled wide, waving, "Good morning Z!"

Mrs. Ito was in the kitchen, not looking at me. A smiled and said kindly, "Good morning Bokuto," knowing that she couldn't see the middle finger I had up at him.

"Rude," he muttered as we both made our way to the table.

We sat beside each other, but still I could feel a tension between us. Probably all from me. Bokuto seemed to be his normal bubbly self. While I sit here awkward as hell, knowing that I had this guy shirtless in my bed like ten minutes ago. Knowing that I sorta wanted to explore that a little more.

Perhaps that was the real reason of my frustration. I wanted more. I wanted Bokuto all to myself. And I'm not sure if that's okay.

"How'd you sleep last night, my boy." Mrs. Ito asked. Placing a plate of hot food out in front of him.

"Pretty good," he said carelessly, his eyes slipping to me.

Mrs. Ito placed my plate down in front of me saying, "You're parents were at it all night. I was worried."

"Yeah," Now Bokuto looked down at his plates, pushing some eggs, "Guess I'm finally getting used to it."

"What a shame." Mrs. Ito said, "Well I've packed you some food for the day as well."

"Thank you Mrs. Ito." Bokuto now beamed.

The Ito's never had any children. I guess Bokuto became sort of a part time child of theirs. This is his home, when home doesn't exactly feel like home.

"Well I know it's a school night," Mrs. Ito said, "But why don't you take Zara out tonight after practice. You haven't been to the arcade yet have you Zara. Bokuto loved going there in his free time."

She's trying to save him from that place too. "Yeah, that sounds fun." I said, helping her out.

How bad could his father be? Bokuto is so kind and is constantly bringing people up. Spreading his joy like an infection to everyone that gets close enough to him. If there is an ounce of that in his father, then he shouldn't be that bad. Right?

"Good idea," Bokuto smiled. He recognized what was happening too. But he's going along with it. After all, it is benefiting him. He gets to spend time away from his dad, and spend more time with me.

I smiled a little. The first time since this morning's shocking wake up. I was actually looking forward to spending some one on one time with Bokuto. Though I suppose I'll be getting a lot of that this week. Me and Bokuto, avoiding his dad as the fall chill began to set.

After breakfast Bokuto and I went outside. But he told me to wait in front of the Ito home as he got our bikes from his shed. He didn't want his dad to see me.

Honestly, what could the man possibly do to me?

Then again, I don't think I wanna know.

He came forward handing me my bike then ran back to grab his. I mounted my bike, happy that my new skirts actually cover my butt.

Then Bokuto came back. He mounted his bike beside me, but almost stumbled off it when I punched him in the arm. He steadied himself then laughed as he rubbed his arm, "What was that for?"

"Why were you in my bed?" I finally asked. Awaiting his answer that better be good. And of course, it wasn't.

He shrugged saying, "I got cold."

"Well then why was your shirt off?"

He smiled now as he shrugged, "I got hot."

I was stunned by the confident stupidity displayed before me. "You are an idiot." I muttered.

I took off peddling before him, he laughed, "Nice to see you with a decently fitting uniform."

He peddled after me and caught up fast. I shook my head laughing, "Thought you enjoyed the view."

"Yeah," he admitted, "but I didn't like the way looks on all the guys faces when you walked past."

"What look?" I questioned. This was news to me. I didn't pay much attention to people yeah they all stare but I'm taller than most of them and I'm a whole different color. Of course people look. But I didn't know they were looking at certain spots.

Bokuto just laughed saying, "Well, if you end up with me. You won't have to worry about that."

"Why?" I asked, "You the jealous type?"

He shrugged saying, "Yeah," he spoke plainly as he said, "If you're mine. You're mine. Don't even want other guys thinking they have a chance." Then he smiled like a fool saying, "That's why I'm letting them shoot their shot now. Because in another month, it will be too late."

"Or you could just call this early and date me now." I suggested, half heartedly.

He shook his head, "Nah. Give these guys fighting chance. Besides, you still have time talk to Aito about running out on him Friday night."

I almost forgot all about Friday night. About Aito, and how I have to sit next to him. All day. I didn't come up with any type of alibi or anything. Then if someone saw me watching the fireworks with Bokuto, when I was supposed to be on a date with Aito.

Oh if Hina saw that. I'd be labeled a slut for the rest of the year. I could handle being tormented in my own gym, but everywhere, everyone. That's a little much.

We locked our bikes up and went into the building. I didn't want to go to class. To face him. I didn't really date. So I never had to put up with the awkward aftermath of a date gone wrong.

Bokuto walked in, shouting, "Hey, hey, hey!"

I walked in behind him, trying to remain hidden. As if I could. I sat down slightly, looking forward and Bokuto sat behind me. Talking to Aito beside him. I could feel Aito looking at me. Then he leaned forward on his desk saying, "Hey Zara."

"Oh, hey Aito." I gave a small wave, hoping that would be the end of it, but knowing it wasn't.

"I was worried when you didn't come back the night of the festival."

"Oh um..."

"I thought you went to the festival with Aito." Hina said, walking over to us. She sat on top of Bokuto's desk saying, "I thought I saw you two. But then, I saw Bokuto and Zara cuddled up watching the fireworks at the end of the night."

"That's not what happened," I said plainly, now ready to lie, "I got lost and just sorta followed the crowd. That's when I saw Bokuto and we watched the fireworks before heading home."

"Well you could have called or something, I was worried about you."

"Sorry," I said, I seriously was. He was right. I should have called or something.

"Well," he smiled, he was handsome. Probably why he smiled so confidently when he said, "You can make it up to me by letting me take you out again."

I'd hate to embarrass him but I had to turn him down. "Um... no thank you."

I sat forward waiting for the teacher to come in.

"What? Why not?" Aito asked.

Before I had the chance to answer, another classmate leaned on my desk saying, "Cause she's ready for a real man," he said, so confident.

Yet, "Who are you?" I asked. He froze, Bokuto died with laughter behind me. But I just looked up to him, blue hair. What is with these guys. I thought crazy hair dye died out in middle school.

"Ken," Aito grumbled before saying, "Hate to break it to you. But she doesn't like basketball."

"Of course she does," Ken said with a broad smile. Not knowing that he already lost.

Stereotypes. I hate them.

The teacher walked in and everyone pretty much ran to their seats. Class began and it was just as boring as ever. But, we were assigned a project. We could work with a partner and Bokuto shouted out, "I call Zara!"

Leaving Hina to mutter in the back, "Not like anyone else wanted her." A few laughs started around the room but the teacher shut it down quickly. Then back to boring class.

I was ready to move around by the time practice came about. Also ready to be around girls. Even girls that don't like me. It's better than being around a bunch of guys that do like me.

Bokuto was right when he said that guys were different here. That they would want me. I didn't believe him, but I had to turn down two guys and now have a date Friday night with a guy from class B. I wanted to say no to him too, but Bokuto jumped in saying I'll go. Like he's trying to marry me off or something.

He just said this morning that he was the jealous type. Yet, he's practically tossing me into the arms of others.

I don't get him.

Practice was Practice. Well, at least until hitting drill came about. It was the last thing on our agenda for the day, and well... Aimi and I were ready.

It was my turn. And it ended before anyone even realized. A successful quick attack. Feeling like I was back on the court at my aunt's house. Back where it was okay to smile.

"Yes," I shouted, throwing a fist bump. Aimi turned to me, smiling as well, high fiving me.

Then we both froze. The gym was silent. The only sound was the ball bouncing across the floor and rolling to a stop. Aimi and I looked around. Feeling as though we have done something wrong. Or she has done something wrong. Everything I do is wrong to these girls, but Aimi.

Aimi told me that Hina didn't want anyone talking to me. How would we explain having learned that? She spent a whole day with me. True, she was supposed to be spending the day with Bokuto but, I was there too. And we actually had some fun. Which is a crime in Hina's eyes.

"What the hell was that?" Hina shouted.

"Skyscraper, trying to make the rest of us look bad again uh?" Said another third year.

I rolled my eyes and turned to get back in line. Then I heard the excited shouting of our coach, "Since when could you two do quick attacks like that?"

I looked back at Aimi who was looking down again. I let out a breath and turned back to the coach saying, "Yesterday. Akaashi and Bokuto for the boys club taught us."

The final third year whispered, "Stealing our setter now I see."

I rolled my eyes saying, "Since Aimi has already put in the hard work. We can show all our hits how to quick attack. It would give us an advantage when we go to the tournament next month."

"We're already good enough," Hina said, "We were good enough to make it to nationals last year, without you."

"Yeah, but if you settle for good enough, then we'll never be good enough to win nationals!" My voice was raising now my frustration with her was starting come up.

"Enough ladies," The coach said but I didn't stop, I was sick of enough.

"No! It's not enough, and we have to see that or we won't get anywhere! Ever since I've been here, I haven't seen anyone strive to improve. Everyone has just stayed the same. Scared to grow and damage our Captains fragile ego. But we'll never get anywhere if we're all stuck behind her!"

I was screaming and didn't know it. Not until the echoes of my voice rang to a silence in the still gym.

I didn't bother looking up or looking around. My eyes stayed low. I felt like Aimi.

"Listen you little -"

"We're done here!" The coach called out before Hina could finish, "3rd years, get this net down. Everyone else. Go. We'll try this again tomorrow."

"Yes coach," we all said.

I rushed over to the net with my head still low. I began to loosen it and the other 3 3rd years made their way over to help in silence.

The coach began speaking, "Keep working you four, but listen. Zara's right, we have not been growing much. But that's on me. As your coach I should be pushing you to do better." She signed, "Yes, last year we were good enough. But good enough was not enough to win. This is the last chance for all of you. For Zara, this is her first real chance. And I want you girls to win... so starting tomorrow. We are going to push ourselves more. We are going to win... as a team. A full, united team."

Everyone stopped moving. A full United team. Ha, yeah right. My eyes slide to Hina. She was glaring at me. Hatred pouring out of her. Because of me, we all gotta try harder.

I didn't mean it that way, but when saying that good enough was not enough. Maybe she thought I was saying, she was not enough. To be honest, she's not. None of us are. Not yet. Not individually. But we have time to fix that.

That is, if she's willing to.

"Finish up here and go," coach said before leaving.

A minute or so after she was gone, the other 3rd years dropped everything. Hina walked towards the door saying, "Finish up in here. Thanks to you, we have to save our strength for tomorrow. We're not beast like you."

Beast uh?

That's not me. But I can't help how she sees me.

I finished up in the gym and rushed over to the boys gym, just in time. They were heading out to go to the weight room. Not my favorite thing to do. But, if I want to be stronger, I have to try.