Chapter Text
Roni had tried to act normal, remain friendly, but it started to get to her. Them being boo'd up when they hung out at one of their places, sitting close enough to her where she can feel their warmth or they can rest a hand on her, but it wasn't the same as the attention they gave their partner, at least it didn't seem that way to her. She felt foolish for getting so comfortable with what they were doing, never really giving it much thought. She had made the hard decision to separate herself a little, for her sake and sanity. While she could tell that they were confused by her behavior at times, it was necessary. Now she just needed to find someone of her own. The puzzle that is missing her piece.
The guys know something is up, but they aren't sure what and want to talk to her about it. She keeps disappearing on them, leaving in the middle of night or during random times when she normally would stay and be the last to leave. Her excuses never make sense and feel like a slap to the face every time she expects them to believe them. She's suddenly too busy to hang out and sometimes too quiet when she does. There's distance growing between them and her, even when she's sitting right next to them. They can feel it and they all hate it.
∞
Iwa and Oikawa collected their tickets and stepped into the movie theater. There was a new Godzilla movie out and even though Iwa knew he would hate it, because nothing compares to the originals, he was always there to watch them on release day. They headed towards the concession stands because movie theater popcorn is required. Iwa stopped midway there, his eyes locked on the scene in front of him, eyes deeply furrowing, a frown on his lips, chest raising and falling a little heavier than before.
"What's wrong?", Oikawa asked, his eyes following the path of Iwa's, a similar frown coming to rest on his lips.
At the concession stand stood Roni, smiling sweet and flirtatiously up at the man next to her as he smiled down at her just the same. Oikawa pulled out his phone, snapping a quick picture. Iwa pulled out his phone and sent her a quick text, asking if she was busy, wondering if she would confirm that she was indeed on a date. Roni looked from her companion to her phone as she pulled it out of her pocket. She stared for a moment, her smile faltering before placing her phone back into her pocket without responding, her smile reappearing as she looked back to him. Pain settled in Iwa and Oikawa's chests, frowns deepening. They turned, popcorn forgotten, heading in to watch a movie they wouldn't be able to concentrate on.
Roni awoke the next morning to the sound of the obnoxious notification sound Oikawa set on her phone for the group chat.
"Shittykawa.", she groaned, reaching out and grabbing her phone, checking the incoming message.
She quickly sat up, staring at the phone in confusion, as additional messages popped up.
Sei "HOES"
Crybaby 🥴: Is this…our Roni…on a date? [Inserted picture of Roni at the concession stand.]
BDI🍆: Wait, what?
Sugarbaby🥵: Who's that guy?
Roni's fingers quickly moved across the screen.
Wifey 💍: Where did you get that picture???
Daddy 😫: We went to see the new Godzilla movie last night
BDI🍆: Were you really on a date?
Sugarbaby🥵: Or is that just a friend we don't know about?
Roni sighed deeply, rubbing her temples.
"They're like a bunch of nosey moms.", she shook her head, typing out a response.
Wifey 💍: Yes it was a date. He's a work friend.
She sat the phone back on the desk, deciding to answer the slew of follow up questions she knew she would receive after she showered.
She walked back into her room, her towel wrapped around her body and picked up her phone, ready to continue the interrogation. Her brow furrowed in confusion. There wasn't a single message. No smart ass comments from Maki about being surprised she could get a date. No insults from Oikawa, judging her dates looks. He was fine by the way. No threats from Iwa and Matsu about killing him if he gets out of line. Just…nothing. She shrugged, getting dressed in comfy clothes, spending the day lounging around the house, occasionally checking for messages that never came.
∞
The guys sat in silence in Iwa's living room, the game on, volume down low, their eyes on the screen but not processing anything they were seeing.
"I don't get it.", Maki said irritatedly. "What weren't we doing? What more did she need?"
"If we knew the answer to that we would have given it to her.", Iwa replied, his tone clipped, but Maki knew not to take it personally.
They were all feeling the same way, confused and hurt. It was only a little over a month ago that they sat in the same positions having another Roni focused conversation. They all agreed that they liked the way things were between the five of them, all of them feeling the same way about her and wanting to collectively be "her man". They felt it would be weird to have that conversation with her so they decided to use actions and just be everything she needed, expressing their feelings openly to her in that way.
"I can't believe she went on a date, and didn't even tell us about it beforehand. She used to tell us about every guy that even so much as flirted with her.", said Oikawa.
"Maybe she finally realized that we scared them all away.", replied Matsu.
"Doesn't matter. There's nothing that anyone can give her that the four of us can't. No one better for her than us.", replied Iwa.
"So why doesn't she want us?", whispered Maki, the question heavy in the air, unanswered, because they weren't the ones with the answer.