𝙏𝙐𝙉𝙀𝘿 𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙊 𝙇𝙊𝙑𝙀 ⁱʷᵃⁱᶻᵘᵐⁱ

#16 - Only You

song of the chapter!
Seventeen - Pretty U

•••

"Watanabe, you're up next," the backstage teacher informed Sakura, who was grappling with nervousness, struggling not to faint.

She nodded, her fingers carefully confirming her guitar's tuning. An inner voice whispered, "You're letting your nerves get the best of you, Sakura." She gently patted her chest in an attempt to put an end to her escalating anxiety.

Meanwhile, in the audience, Iwaizumi settled down beside his teammates.

Scanning the crowd for Sakura, his brows furrowed when he couldn't spot her. Just then, Hana joined them, sitting beside Kunimi. Iwaizumi looked at her, puzzled.

"If Sakura isn't in the infirmary, where is she?" he inquired of Hana, who was now alongside Kunimi.

Oikawa, seated next to Iwaizumi, responded in a slightly frantic manner, "Uh, she'll be here, don't worry."

Hana arched a brow, confusion crossing her features. "I never went to the infirmary," she began, only for Oikawa to signal her to play along.

Catching on, Hana quickly adapted, "Oh, right, I was at the infirmary, maybe." A nervous chuckle accompanied her words.

Iwaizumi couldn't help but feel that something was off, though he chose to set it aside as the time for the third performance approached.

Stepping onto the stage, the host's voice rang out, "Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for a unique treat. Our upcoming performer is no ordinary guest – she's a remarkable presence within our school."

A snort emerged from Oikawa seated beside Iwaizumi, fully aware that the spotlight was about to shine on Sakura.

However, Iwaizumi remained puzzled, his curiosity stirred as he pondered the identity of this "special guest."

Then, the host's voice crescendoed, capturing everyone's attention, "You all may know her as Aoba Johsai's Princess of Rock! Put your hands together for none other than Watanabe Sakura from The Chaotic Chords!"

Sakura's name, announced on stage, caused Iwaizumi's eyes to widen in surprise. A chorus of loud screams filled the school gym, proclaiming, "NO WAY, IT'S SAKURA!"

Iwaizumi found himself wondering why Sakura hadn't shared her upcoming performance with him. Turning to his friends seated beside him, he noticed their smirks and couldn't help but question them.

"You all knew about this?" he inquired, a mixture of disbelief and amusement in his tone.

Their synchronized nods confirmed his suspicion. His attention was then diverted as Oikawa gestured towards the stage, indicating that Sakura was now making her way up with her guitar in hand.

As Sakura stepped onto the stage, a noticeable look of nervousness accompanied her. Caught in her hesitancy, she let out a stammered "U-uhhhh," the anxiety clear as she struggled to find her footing.

Iwaizumi's heart went out to her as he observed her struggle. Their gazes locked for a brief moment, and in that connection, he sent her a subtle nod of encouragement, attempting to help her calm down.