#leapaer

      SHE catches the stray ball with ease this time, lost in thought. She’s had her present hidden in her bag off to the side for a while now, but she’s been waiting for Hinata to finish playing. It didn’t seem like that was happening anytime soon.   “  Hinata-kun..  ”  Her voice trails, immediately backpedaling.   “  Uh... h-how long do you need to practice for?  ”

      “  It is a little dreary out.. but it’s a good thing practice is indoors, right? We didn’t have to cancel it.  ”  AT least that was a good thing? Gaze changes to the window, listening to the sound of pattering rain. Realizing she was distracted by the rain instead of passing the ball back, she panics.  “  Oh – sorry! Here’s the ball back..  ”

      SHE’S not used to such words being vocalized, usually being the one to seclude herself. She’s had to give herself encouragement, but rarely heard it the other way. She’s thrown off for a brief second, eyes widen at the last word spoken.

      AND she smiles, a smile soft and warm like the sun itself. There was a sense of DETERMINATION in her body language now, shoulder muscles a tad tighter than before as she gives a nod.

      “  I’ll do my best!  ”

      “  You... left your book on my desk, Hinata-kun.  ”  SHE knew he was busy practicing, but she wanted to make sure he didn’t LOSE it. She holds it up slowly with both hands, eyes looking around for a bag that belonged to him.  “  Where should I put it?  ”