After the fiasco for Oikawa's birthday died down a couple days later, you're surprised when Ami tackles you first thing in the morning as you met up to walk to school.

"[Name]! Happy birthday!" She clings onto you tightly, giving you a big hug.

You blink at her for a moment. With all the planning you did for Oikawa's birthday, you just settled back into your usual relaxed lifestyle, resulting in you forgetting your own birthday. It made a lot more sense now because that morning, after you had gotten ready for school, you had gone downstairs and your parents had left you a box on the breakfast table before they went to work.

Patting Ami's head, you mutter to yourself. "...Oh right, today's my birthday..."

Ami pulls away from you quickly, gripping onto your shoulders. "You forgot?!" She looks at you incredulously, her eyes wide.

You only nod in response as you hear her let out a resigned sigh as she mumbled to herself.

"...If you forgot your own birthday...then that means that guy doesn't know..." Ami's mumbles quiet down after a moment.

Linking her arms with yours, she shoots you a wide grin. "Well now you know so lets have a good time on your birthday~" Her smile looked slightly suspicious to you, but ever since Oikawa's birthday incident, everything she did seemed suspicious. Judging from the look in her eye, you figured she had something planned again. You prepared yourself as you walked to school with Ami, listening to her chatter most of the way there.

~~

When you guys got to school, Ami pulls away from you, clasping her hands together, saying she had to take care of something. She digs into her bag after she says so and places a small gift and an envelope in your hands before she winks at you, waving as she parts from you.

"Look inside the envelope first~!"

Turning your attention to the gift you received, you comply with what Ami had told you and open up the envelope. You look at the envelope with curiosity as you finally get it open, pulling out the contents before you almost drop them when you see what was inside.

There were three photos and a letter inside. The first thing you see was a blown up picture of you kissing Oikawa's cheek as both of you looked surprised beyond belief. Your cheeks flush in embarrassment as you grumble a little and take a look at the next photo, internally crossing your fingers about what else Ami had up her sleeve.

Luckily, the next photo was the group picture that wasn't zoomed in to you and Oikawa. However, everyone was looking at the camera with smug smiles on their faces with the exception of a certain two in the center.

You let out a huff before you take a look at the third picture, eyes widening in surprise. You were certain that neither you nor Oikawa knew about this picture being taken; you guys were by the cake you made for him. You guessed it was around the time when you first showed it to him seeing how flustered you looked in the photo as you tried to explain yourself.

What surprised you even more was the look Oikawa seemed to give you in the photo. It was a peculiar expression, his smile was soft and his eyes twinkling in amusement but also holding a certain fondness to it. Staring wordlessly at the third photo, you couldn't help but wonder when Oikawa started making that expression on his face—you had never seen it before, or rather, never fully noticed it.

Flipping the photo over, you see that Ami had written a little note at the back.

Take a good look at his face my lovely friend, you might see something you haven't noticed~

You stare at her note for a moment longer as you begin to piece everything together. Your mom had hinted about it, Ami was blatantly telling you since the beginning, Jun had mentioned something about it when you hung out—heck, even Oikawa gave you hints on multiple occasions.

Could Oikawa possibly...

You couldn't shake off the feeling as flashes of your time together went through your mind: the talks, the hugs, the gestures...

You honestly didn't know how to feel about it. Being friends for quite some time now, it would be a difficult transition—maybe more for you than anything else. You didn't like to think about it but Oikawa was more experienced in the dating aspect and if anything were to happen between you two, you may end up hurting his feelings from your inexperience.

You had a lot to think about but for now you pushed it aside as to not rile up the rest of your thoughts. It would take some time but you needed to file through each and every one of your feelings to make sure you would make the right decision.

Taking a deep breath, you take a look at the last thing you haven't seen yet in the envelope. Holding the letter in your hands, you read the contents with bated breath, seeing if there was anything else you had missed.

[Name],

To my dearest friend, I wish you a happy birthday! I hope you liked the photos I gave you ♥ You look so cute in them!

I'm sure you'll also enjoy the things I've gathered in the gift box (; You know, you're not very good at hiding the things you want to buy when we go to the art store together haha

Also, this year has brought so many wonderful things to you and I'm glad to finally see you strive for what you love! ...And maybe find love?? (I'm sorry, I'll stop. I've teased you enough on the photos...)

Love you to bits you wonderful person!

Ami

Your eyes softened at her letter as you carefully folded it again and placed it inside the envelope with the photos. You made an internal thank you to Ami as she became the catalyst that answered your many questions.

Now you just had to take time for yourself and properly evaluate your own feelings for Oikawa.

~~

Oikawa pouted as he saw numerous people gathering around you and chatting with you. He was still a distance away and he couldn't hear what they were saying but the fact of the matter was that he wasn't able to talk to you in the morning. He grumbled to himself as he walked with Iwaizumi, sulking at the fact that he couldn't tackle you with a hug for this morning.

Iwaizumi glances at Oikawa with an amused expression until his lips tighten into a straight line when his ears catch onto a passing conversation. "Hey...is it her birthday today?"

Oikawa's head snapped over to you once more and his stomach dropped when he noticed something else. The people that gathered around you had given you little trinkets, candies, presents...

He took a sharp intake of air. Was it your birthday? He felt his stomach churn uncomfortably as he saw you smiling happily at everyone as you thanked them.

"I'll go inside first." Iwaizumi didn't have time to say anything else as Oikawa swiftly walks past you and the group of people around you. How could he have known if you didn't tell him? He thought, mostly annoyed with himself.

Then, a sudden thought clicked. The talk he had with your brother Jun at the art exhibition. Was that the hint he got for your upcoming birthday?

Oikawa felt bad. He wanted to express to you just how special you were and for him to not even know such a special day made him feel even worse.

Oikawa trudged into the school with heavy steps, wondering what he could do for your birthday. There wasn't much time and both of you guys still walked home together so he was having trouble figuring out how to scramble up a gift for you.

He paused. It didn't feel right for him to just 'scramble' things up at last minute—especially after all the work you put into his birthday.

An idea went through his head and he begrudgingly accepted it. It would have to be a belated birthday but he wanted to make sure he gave you the best gift possible.

~~

Sometime after your art club members had left, you got a surprise visit from Iwaizumi who had knocked on the door politely, trying to get your attention.

"Oh Iwaizumi-kun." You promptly place your paintbrush down before you turn your full attention to him. "Anything I can help you with?"

He shifts in his spot, scratching the back of his head. "I only found out about your birthday today and apparently Oikawa..." He trails off seeing you nod at him.

You let out a thoughtful hum. "I was wondering what was going on with him today..."

Aside from your art club members, you had also gotten some greetings from Iwaizumi and Hanamaki who mentioned that Ami was excitedly telling them about it just that morning. You had even gotten some greetings from the other volleyball members even though you weren't familiar with all of them.

The only thing that boggled your mind was that when you saw Oikawa, he would avert his eyes and walk in a different direction. It made you upset that he acted that way but you also knew better. He was probably upset that you didn't mention this to him.

You start gathering your brushes, standing up and making your way to the sink. "I'll go over there soon."

Iwaizumi shoots you a grateful smile as he rubs the nape of his neck. "Sorry about making you do this even on your birthday..."

You give Iwaizumi a side smile before returning your attention to washing your brushes. "I don't think my birthday would be complete without that handful~"

He chuckles at your response and offers to help you clean up but you decline, telling him that you'd finish up right away. He nods and leaves soon after, once again wishing you a happy birthday and thanking you for putting up with Oikawa.

As soon as you finished cleaning and packing up, you made your way to the gym as fast as you could, not being able to shake off the distraught expression Oikawa seemed to have every time you guys saw each other that day.

Not a moment too soon, you finally arrive at the gym, opening the doors carefully to be met with Oikawa who was practicing harder than ever. Even with how carefully you opened the door, it let out a noise that echoed in the large gym, making Oikawa stop what he was doing and turn his attention to the source of the sound.

You see him visibly freeze as you lock eyes with him, stiffening up as you walked towards him. His shoulders were hunched slightly, his gaze averted and his head turned to the side. You felt your eyes soften at the figure you saw before you—he was feeling guilty.

Letting out a deep sigh, you eye how Oikawa flinched before you gently put your hand over his shoulder, like you were coaxing a timid animal. "...It's my birthday today," you finally say.

He nods stiffly, still not looking at you. "...I...I know."

You let out an amused chuckle, successfully making him turn his eyes to you. "Hmm, so where's my birthday greeting Spotty? I am waiting~" you say in a sing-song voice, your tone light and airy.

You're relieved to see him begin to relax as his usual smile starts to form on his face. He lightly touches the hand you've placed on his shoulder before he pulls you into a tight hug. "Happy birthday," he mumbles out softly. "...I'm sorry I didn't know."

You only hum in response as you pat his head, occasionally combing your fingers through his hair. "Sorry I didn't mention it," you speak after a moment passed. "To be honest, I also forgot it was my birthday."

Oikawa lets out a noise of disbelief as he reluctantly pulls away from you when you start shifting in the hug. "How do you even manage to do that?"

You scratch the back of your head in thought. "I guess I was just taking it easy after planning your birthday? It wasn't too long ago."

Oikawa groans, "now I feel even worse." He makes big gestures, his head tilting back as his hand pinches the bridge of his nose and lets out a deep sigh.

You laugh as he continues his childish complaints and gestures, more than glad that he was acting like he usually did. After it dies down, you place your hands on your hips. "Hey, would you mind going with me somewhere?"

"Hm?" Oikawa tilts his head slightly in question. "Where to?"

"Secret." You give a rare wink as you place your index finger to your lips.

"Just let me pack up~" He grins and gives you a wink. "Care to help me?"

You roll your eyes but help him pick up the volleyballs, once again missing that peculiar expression Oikawa had thrown your way.

~~

The walk was longer than usual as you could tell Oikawa was getting more curious by the minute. He would continually ask questions on where you guys were going and how he never noticed the areas you walked through before. You only let out a hum in response as he continued chatting away, filling up the silence with his many questions.

You assumed that you didn't need to explain when you saw Oikawa's mouth gape at the scene you showed him.

It was a vast field filled with patches of flowers of different types. With the sun starting to set, the weather was just right, the wind feeling cool against your skin as it brushed past your cheeks.

You let Oikawa gape in awe for a moment longer before you took his hand and tugged on his arm. "Let me show you where I usually set up!"

"Set up..?" Oikawa looks at you questionably, also taking the opportunity to adjust his hand and lace his fingers with yours.

You nod before you stop walking, your free hand presenting the space. "This is where I come to get some inspiration, to relax..." you trail off. "I think of it as my little secret place. It's a favorite of mine."

You stop talking and raise your brow at him when you finally noticed your interlocked hands. He gives you his standard broad grin before he lets go of your hand, facing away from you and humming innocently to himself.

Both of you settle yourselves on the plush grass as you admire the scenery soon after. Sitting side by side, you close your eyes as you enjoyed the breeze and the company. You didn't even notice how Oikawa had placed his hand over yours when you weren't looking, beaming when you didn't say anything.

As you relished in the feeling of relaxing in your favorite place, your thoughts travelled to what you discovered about Oikawa. There was a lot to think about and you wanted to think about it carefully—he was worth that much and more. Although you haven't fully sorted out your emotions on the matter, you knew that Oikawa may have gone past being just a friend a long time ago. But it was still hard to put the rest of your feelings into words...It was new for you and difficult to identify.

You feel Oikawa squeeze your hand softly before he laughs. "I feel like...This is more of a present for me than it is for you."

Blinking up at him, you shake your head. "Not at all. If anything, thank you for accompanying me to my favorite place!"

He pouts. "I hardly did anything worth thanking for..."

You roll your eyes and nudge his side. "My favorite place with my favorite person~" You tried to hide a grin when you saw Oikawa noticeably perk up. "What more could I ask for?"

For a while you just sat side by side each other, enjoying each other's presence and the cool breeze brushing against your cheeks. Only when a stray petal settled itself on your lip and you made a move to remove it did you realize the hand you planned to use was occupied. You could tell Oikawa felt the movement from under his hand and shot you a mischievous smile.

"Your other hand is free, use that one." He points to your unoccupied hand.

You narrowed your eyes at his nonchalant expression that you at this moment wanted to take off his face.

A thoughtful expression went on your own face as you used your other hand to take the petal off your lips. The moment you saw Oikawa make a move to open his mouth to tease you did you press your finger to shush him before he could, also succeeding in pressing the flower petal onto his lips.

You felt a surge of accomplishment when Oikawa's eyes darted to your index finger pressed firmly on his lips with a dumbfounded expression as you finally let go and stood up, holding in a chuckle when you saw Oikawa hold both hands to his face. "Thanks for the birthday gift Spotty."

With a smug grin, you stand up and motion to the time, signifying that it was time to head home. You started to walk a little but when you noticed Oikawa still sitting there you called out, "any day now would be good~"

There was something that was building up inside you when you saw Oikawa shoot you his broad smile as he stands up. You took note to also look into what this feeling was. It was hard to place and difficult to put into words but the feeling itself wasn't unpleasant.

You wondered to yourself if you were also giving a look similar to the one Oikawa had in the third photo. Closing your eyes for a moment, you let that thought settle in your mind, waiting for Oikawa to catch up with you.

Oikawa runs over to you soon after, making a grand gesture of an exaggerated bow. "At your service Rudolph~" He straightens himself up once he hears you laugh at his gesture, his arm wrapping around your shoulder while his other hand is settled in his pants pocket, fingers brushing against his now most treasured flower petal.

________________

Gasp, more developments! It's finally happening guys, after so many chapters ahh

(also did a boatload of writing for future chapters, thanks for all the encouragement during my writing block!)

Some cute scenes drawn by an awesome artist:

http://kagurachama.deviantart.com/art/--622784133

http://kagurachama.deviantart.com/art/There-there-Tooru-kun-623219493