𝐂𝐇. 𝟒𝟏

⋅. ˚₊ ‧  𐙚  ‧ ₊ ˚  ⋅

Let me be very clear.

I did not sign up for the Aoba Johsai Cultural Festival's "Match Made in Heaven" competition.

And yet—somehow—I ended up holding hands with Oikawa in front of a crowd of screaming classmates and overly invested volleyball boys.

"Smile, Y/N-chan~!" Oikawa whispered, annoyingly close to my ear. "You're scaring the children."

I elbowed him. "I hope your fake dimples cramp."

The rules of the event were simple: each "couple" would go through three challenges designed to test "compatibility." The winning duo would get a prize, bragging rights, and matching limited-edition festival keychains.

So of course Oikawa dragged me into it.

Of course the entire team cheered us on like gremlins.

And of course, because the universe hates me, we kept winning.

⸻

Round 1: The Compatibility Quiz

"Which side of the bed does your partner sleep on?"

"Left," I said.

"Also left," Oikawa grinned.

I stared. "Wait... how do you know that?"

"Lucky guess~"

"You sleep on the floor if you ever show up at my house."

The quiz went on. We matched on favorite food (soba), ideal date (not Oikawa's), pet preference (cats), and even music taste (shockingly similar).

The moderator raised an eyebrow. "Wow, you two know a lot about each other."

I deadpanned, "That's because he's my nemesis. I study his weaknesses."

Oikawa winked. "And I study your face."

Iwaizumi booed from the crowd.

⸻

Round 2: Trust Walk

I was blindfolded.

Oikawa was guiding me.

God help me.

"Okay, now one step left—no, my left, your other—wait, not that much!"

"Oikawa," I hissed, "if I fall into this kiddie pool, I'm dragging you in with me."

"Noted. Step forward—yes, perfect! See? We're in sync."

"I'm not sure that word means what you think it means."

But somehow, miraculously, we made it to the finish line with zero injuries. Oikawa caught my hand before I could trip over the edge and did not let go after removing my blindfold.

His eyes sparkled. "You trusted me."

"I blacked out from stress."

He just laughed.

⸻

Round 3: The Pose-Off Photo Booth Challenge

"We're gonna lose," I told him flatly as we entered the stage setup for the final event—a photo booth with "couple" props, outfits, and poses.

Oikawa, to no one's surprise, picked matching cat ears, a flower crown for me, and a ridiculous oversized heart frame.

"This is so dumb," I muttered, adjusting the cat ears.

"You look cute," he said without even blinking.

I shoved the flower crown into his face. "Put it on before I strangle you with it."

We had thirty seconds to pose for three themed photos:    •    Pose One: RomanticHe twirled me. I flipped him off behind his back. The crowd loved it.

    •    Pose Two: DramaticOikawa fake-cried while I posed like I was leaving him for a better volleyball player. (Iwaizumi gave us a standing ovation.)

    •    Pose Three: FreestyleSomehow... we just looked at each other. Really looked.

No drama, no jokes. Just him and me in a frame, close, quiet, and maybe a little too real.

The shutter clicked.

He smiled.

I looked away.

We still won.

⸻

After the Event

We were handed a pair of glittery keychains—light blue, stitched hearts with the school festival's date.

I expected him to say something smug.

Instead, he just held his out to me.

"You keep it," he said. "Mine's going on my keys anyway."

I stared. "Why would I—?"

"Because you'll pretend you don't want it. But you'll smile when you see it later. Like always."

"...Shut up."

He didn't say anything.

Just grinned and walked away.

Keychain in hand, heart way too loud in my chest.

⸻

Later That Night

Oikawa: did u keep it

Y/N: the cursed cat ear pic? no.

Oikawa: not that

Oikawa:but still keep it 🥰

Oikawa: i was talking about the keychain

Y/N: ...

Oikawa: i'm gonna take that as a yes

Y/N: it's cute. shut up

Oikawa: so r u

Y/N: oh my gosh

Oikawa: u smiled didn't u

Y/N: i hate u, block me

Oikawa: 🥰 future wife energy