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esshee · 2 years ago

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𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐊𝐈 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 CHAPTER 08. OF LOCKERS, TRINKETS, AND ROACHES

「 In which the Inarizaki Boys' Volleyball Team sometimes test your patience and make you proud of them. 」

✩ pairing. inarizaki & f!manager!reader (platonic)

✩ genre. slice of life, fluff, humour, friendship

✩ warnings. cockroaches

✩ wc. 4.7k

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“Yakisoba… Croquette… Curry… Yakisoba…” you murmured under your breath, rummaging through the plastic bag full of chouripan your fellow second years requested for after you lost three rounds of Janken.

The twins definitely cheated, you insisted when you thought back to their knowing tells.

“Are those for the others?”

You fumbled with the bag in your arms, almost losing your grip from being startled, and slowly raised your head to meet the concerned expression on Kita's face.

“Oh… Kita-san,” you sighed in relief, “ya scared me.”

“Ya startle pretty easily,” Kita noted with downturned lips. “You tend to get absorbed in your tasks, but ya should pay attention to your surroundings more.”

You let out a nervous chuckle and readjusted your grip on the bag. “I’ll try to. Anyway, what’s up, Kita-san? It’s not like you to leave yer classroom for lunch.”

Kita glanced around. “I wanted to discuss something with you,” he soon replied.

“O…kay…?”

You shifted closer to the windows so that you didn't block the halls. A couple of your classmates waved at you from afar, and you returned the greetings before raising your brow at the captain.

Kita uncharacteristically hesitated as he opened his mouth, and he seemed…almost…apologetic?

“What…" You cleared your throat, "what is it?”

“[Surname], we need to clean the lockers.”

You blinked. That’s…it?

“[Surname]?”

“What's the issue with cleaning the lockers?”

“[Surname],” Kita shook his head in exasperation. “This is no simple matter. There’s been a very strange smell coming from one of the lockers. No one seems to have noticed except for me.”

You scrunched your nose at the phantom smell you imagined, “Ugh, gross.”

“It concerns me that no one else has mentioned the stench, so I thought it would be best to discuss this with ya.” Kita explained, "I would have cleaned it myself, but…that locker appears to be more of a hassle than I thought."

“We’ll hafta have a chat with the coaches,” you mentioned as you shifted the plastic bag in your arms.

“Let’s talk with them at the start of practice,” he suggested. “We’re always the first ones there.”

You hummed in agreement, giving a thumbs up while holding the bag of chouripan.

“Have a good rest of the day,” Kita raised his hand to bid you farewell.

“You too!” You smiled at him and then watched as he turned around to make his way back to his classroom.

If only everyone else can be like Kita-san, you internally groaned, dreading the mess ahead of you. I’ve never seen him look so…spooked like that.

With that thought, you turned on your heel and trudged over to the classroom where your fellow second years were waiting for their lunch.

"What took ya so long? We're hungry!” Osamu demanded as soon as you stepped foot into Atsumu and Ginjima’s homeroom.

“Patience, children, patience,” you clicked your tongue and pulled out the chouripan from the bag.

Osamu practically lunged for his croquette bread as you took a clever step back. Suna flinched from beside the ravenous beast before thanking you for his curry bread.

“Thanks, [Surname],” Ginjima burped out around a mouthful of yakisoba bread.

You grimaced at the food being sprayed and shifted away from Ginjima. “We still have plenty of time to eat. There's no need to scarf it down." You carefully opened the plastic for your melonpan.

“What do people say? You will get three mon when you wake up early?” Atsumu mused.

“Wow, are ya complimenting me?” you huffed, knowing full well that wasn’t the blonde’s intention.

“Huh?”

“You’re basically sayin’ that you only got to enjoy this delicious food because of me,” you quipped.

“Really?”

“Did you just say that to sound smart?” Suna rolled his eyes.

Atsumu only chomped down on his lunch and avoided eye contact with you and Suna.

Normally, you would have continued to tease your friend, but you chose to hold your tongue at that moment.

Kita-san’ll probably rip them a new one for making the lockers into a mess. Though you weren't sure they were the culprits of the smell, you had an inkling feeling that the cleanup was not going to be limited to that one locker.

After you and Kita explained the state of the locker rooms to Coach Kurosu and Coach Oomi, the two eagerly permitted you to use the coming practice as a time to clean the lockers. The assistant coach even mouthed you two a 'good luck' before turning to his paperwork with gusto you’ve never seen from him before.

“That was surprisingly easy,” you muttered as you and Kita left their office and walked to the gym.

“I believe Coach Kurosu has seen his fair share of grime,” he responded with a slight shrug.

“Probably,” you agreed as Kita pulled open the gym door and motioned for you to enter first.

“Yer late!” Atsumu pointed at the two of you with narrowed eyes. “Ya know the drill for—”

“Too bad for you; we’re in charge,” you interrupted, wanting to get this cleanup over and done with. Truthfully, you were afraid of rifling through their lockers and stumbling upon something gross.

Confused whispers broke out as soon as those words left your lips.

“Did we do something wrong?”

“Is Coach sick or somethin’?”

“But I saw him earlier today!”

“Does he want us to die!?”

The corner of your lip quirked up at that. You knew that you and Kita could make a frightening duo when dealing with the rowdy team; you could only hope that you could instill the fear of God in the boys to take the cleanup with the proper attention it deserved.

Kita glanced at you, prompting you to stride forward and face the team.

“Boys,” you started pointedly. “Yer gonna clean up the mess you created.”

To get them all to settle down, you purposefully omitted that you were going to help because they wouldn't take the cleaning seriously if they knew you were going to clean up their mess for them.

The noise died down into silence.

“Mess…?” Akagi echoed in uncertainty.

“But we always clean up after ourselves,” Oomimi piped in.

“Clearly, your 'clean up' is not enough,” Kita finally cut in with an edge to his voice.

Everyone waited for the captain to say more, but he simply stared them down, silently willing them to subjugation.

Aran shifted his weight to his right foot and wrung his hands together. “So…what are we cleanin’?”

You and Kita exchanged a knowing glance with one another before focusing back on the team.

“The lockers.”

“...”

“Oh, shit.”

“Don’tcha think Kita-san’d love to be reborn as a Roomba?” Atsumu whispered to you, monitoring the captain swiftly take out the junk from the lockers and put them in the trash pile.

You shot him an unimpressed frown in return. “And you’d love to be reborn as trash, wouldn’t ya? Just…take a look at the mess you’ve made!”

“Oh, c’mon! It’s not that bad!”

You did not deign to respond to your childhood friend and crouched down beside Kita to help. The locker was practically a garbage bin, cluttered with loose and crumpled papers, barely readable receipts, unfolded plastic bags, and wrappers of all sorts.

“Which one's the recycling bag?” you asked.

“This one here,” Kita pulled the large bag from behind him and handed it over to you. “Put on your gloves and mask.”

You reached for the one-time-use rubber gloves and gingerly slipped them on. They were a little too big on you, but they would work to protect you from the deep cleaning you were about to perform. Then, you carefully put on the surgical mask and immediately got to work.

After a few moments of surgically sorting through the trash and tossing the recyclables inside the bag, you noticed the team just crowding around the doorway.

“Whatcha doin’ just standin' there?” you ground out in ire, Kansai-ben coming out thick. “Get. Cleanin’.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

You studied the team as they scrambled to put on their gloves and masks.

When Oomimi and Akagi opened their lockers and started clearing away trash that accumulated over the past few months (…dare I think since the last cleanin', you sighed), Suna and Ginjima followed suit.

Aran offered to take your place, knowing that you wanted to survey the team and make sure they were cleaning properly, so you thanked him under your breath and beelined straight to the twins.

“Yer comin’ with me,” you grasped their arms in an iron grip and dragged the two behind you.

Unlike the others, you chose to open the empty lockers. The team didn't have permission to use them, but you had a feeling your boys didn't care about whether they had permission or not. And to prove that the empty lockers weren't actually empty, you peered into the locker, then robotically turned your head to the twins.

“Which…idiot…made slime and put it in here? Which one of you did it?”

The twins were quick to put the blame on the other.

“‘Tsumu.” “‘Samu.”

The rest of the team gathered around upon hearing the ruckus.

“Yer brotherly love is truly movin’ me to tears,” Aran deadpanned.

“‘Fess up,” you scowled.

Your best friends flinched, and only then did Osamu raise his hands in defeat. “Fine, fine. I’m the one who used that locker, but…I didn’t make slime! I only put the snacks we got from New Year’s.”

“So the snacks amalgamated into slime,” you concluded doubtfully. What kinda snacks morph into slime of all things?

“Well…there was cafeteria bread, milk, mochi, and other snacks!”

“No wonder it became slime,” Kita sighed, then turned to open the adjacent locker, leaving you to deal with the twins.

“Well?” You arched a brow and crossed your arms over your chest.

“I-I’m sorry,” Osamu bowed his head.

“I’m not looking for an apology here, Osamu.”

“Right…” he readjusted his mask and gloves, then started to peel off the slime from the locker.

“Atsumu.”

“I didn’t do anythin’!” The blonde twin cried defensively.

You ignored his comment, already tired from the cleaning you had done. “Go get some wet rags,” you paused as you eyed the locker room. “Actually, fill a bucket with water and grab the pile of rags on the shelf. They're the smaller ones in white—remember not to grab the maroon ones. Those towels are the ones you guys use.”

“Yes, ma’am!” He saluted before scurrying out of the locker room.

You watched Osamu miserably peel bits and pieces of the sticky slime off the bottom of the locker. These bits, however, clung to his gloves for dear life. He had to rub his gloves against the inside of the bag to get most of it off.

These gloves won’t last, you determined, feeling a bit nauseous from witnessing him handle the sticky yet clumpy slime.

Just as you were about to turn and get him a new pair of gloves, you caught sight of Osamu reeling back and nearly falling on his rear.

“What happened?” You rushed over in alarm, nausea forgotten in place of concern, “What is it?”

Osamu wordlessly pointed at the bottom of the locker, turning a little green in the face. Your eyes swivelled over to the area he was pointing at, and a harsh gasp escaped your lips.

To your absolute horror, beneath the slime lay a small pool of yellowish-brown liquid.

“Oh God…”

“Is that…garbage juice?”

“It looks like shit water.”

“For fuck’s sake, shut up, Gin.”

You nearly bumped into Kita when you took a step back.

“Careful,” he murmured before stopping a couple feet away from the unknown liquid.

“K-Kita-san?” Osamu jerked his head up in surprise.

The third year only scrutinized the puddle for a few seconds longer, then finally nodded once and turned to you. “I’ll take care of this, but we’re gonna have to wait until Atsumu comes back. I’ll wipe it down with a couple of rags, then throw them out since we don’t know what this liquid is. It shouldn’t be hazardous, but it’s better to just trash it.”

A stunned silence followed until you broke it.

“Kita-san…”

“Our hero!”

“You’re so brave…and kind, Shinsuke!”

“Hurray for Kita-san!”

Osamu gawked up at his captain with suspiciously glassy eyes, “Kita-san, a-are you sure…?”

“It’s fine,” Kita brushed off everyone’s praise. “But this won’t be happening again.”

“Yes, of course!” Osamu bobbed his head enthusiastically.

“Go clean out the other lockers. We still have a lot to do.”

Everyone immediately scampered away from the locker and resumed their cleaning, touched by Kita’s sacrifice and wanting to lessen his workload.

And so, when Atsumu finally re-emerged with a bucket in one fist and rags hooked under his arm, no one bothered to explain what had transpired in his absence. Even when he’d cried out, “What the fuck is that?” no one bothered to explain. Kita merely sauntered up to him, took a few rags, and let them soak up the liquid without a single word.

Thankfully, all of the lockers following the slime and liquid-filled one were rather simple and easy to clean—pulling out wrappers, forgotten t-shirts, papers, and other harmless miscellaneous items.

You peeked into the next locker and, to your pleasant surprise, saw some familiar trinkets inside.

“Who put losing tickets, sweets, and knick-knacks in here?” Kita frowned.

“Oh, that’s us,” Atsumu freely offered as the other second years gathered closer to take a look at the things Kita had pulled out and dumped into a pile.

“Man, I remember ya got these back in April,” Ginjima crowed in laughter.

“Not by choice!” Atsumu protested.

“It's cuz you lost Janken,” Osamu reminisced, undoubtedly fondly recalling his twin’s frustration at having lost the game.

You gingerly pulled out the knick-knacks and organized them into a separate pile, knowing that the boys would likely sift through them and fight over who would take them home after the deep cleaning.

Suna watched from above, “So why are there three of the same keychain?”

“Ah, Osamu bought a bunch that time ‘cause he didn’t get the one he wanted, 'member? He left the ones he didn’t want.” Ginjima replied, scratching the back of his ear.

“From the gachapon?”

“Yeah? I think so.”

“How nostalgic,” Suna chuckled.

“Yeah, I’m startin’ to remember that day,” Ginjima agreed with a goofy grin.

“Yeah…” Osamu smiled.

“Aw, now we can’t throw ‘em out! They’re our memories, Kita-san,” Atsumu attempted to appeal as he hovered over the crouched captain.

“I see,” Kita nodded once before indiscriminately reaching for the pile of trash beside him, “so it's trash then.”

“Are ya sayin’ our memories are trash!?”

“Think of our banner,” Kita stated frankly. “‘We don’t need memories’.”

“That’s not what it means!” Osamu denied.

“It means you should always try new things—not throw away yer memories!” Atsumu elaborated.

“Now, now,” you pacified your fellow second years by gesturing to the trinkets next to you, “I put the keychains in another pile, so ya can take ‘em home after a thorough wash.”

Suna immediately bent down to the pile of keychains you had set aside and rifled through them. He pulled one out of the pile and dangled it over your line of sight. “I’m gonna take this one.”

“By all means,” you shrugged. “Oh, but clean it before you take it home with ya.”

“Yes, mom.”

“No fair!” Atsumu dropped into a crouch beside you. “Ya got a head start, Suna!”

“Sucks to be you,” the middle blocker stuck his tongue out.

The blonde retaliated before examining the keychains as well. “Hey, I have an idea!”

“What?” you sighed. Outside of volleyball, Atsumu’s ideas were hardly ever good.

“Let’s have matching keychains!” Atsumu plucked the three same keychains off the pile and held them out to you and Suna.

“Why me? Why not your twin?” The latter questioned but accepted it nonetheless.

“I don’t wanna share with ‘Samu. It’s bad enough that I hafta share a birthday with him!”

“And a face,” Ginjima piped in as he and Osamu joined the others.

Atsumu harrumphed and turned to you and Suna with an arched brow, “Well?”

“Sure, I guess,” you took the keychain he offered. It was rather cute: a sleeping chibi nine-tailed fox. Oh, well, ‘Samu’s loss.

“...What are these textbooks?” Kita frowned for the nth time.

Atsumu crossed his arms over his chest and belted out in laughter. “Which idiot left their textbook and forgot about it!?”

The captain flipped open the cover and read out the messily-scrawled name, “This one says Miya Atsumu.”

“Study properly!” Osamu rebuked his twin, whose eye twitched in chagrin.

Kita put Atsumu’s textbook down on the bench and grabbed the other one. “And this one says Miya Osamu.”

You wanted to strangle the twins.

The number of times they had begged you to borrow your textbook the night before a test had caused you greater grief than they could ever understand.

“You guys left it for so long that you forgot it was yours,” Aran shook his head in disappointment.

No one was surprised, though.

You stood in front of the last locker and pursed your lips. Turning to Kita, you asked, “Is this the one?”

He nodded gravely in response.

“The one?” Aran echoed in confusion.

You ignored the questioning gazes from the team and took one stride back. How did they not smell it? It stank of dirty socks, rotten food, and an unidentifiable odour.

Suna braved a step forward, and a look of understanding flashed across his face.

“Oh, you mean this one.”

“Which one?” Ginjima inquired.

The middle blocker scooted away from the locker in question before shoving his hands into the pockets of his jersey jacket.

“The trash one.”

“The trash one?” you echoed in disbelief, sharing a horrified look with the captain.

“Uh,” Suna backtracked, seeming to realize that he had given the team away. “What I meant was—”

“I’m scared,” you admitted, not wanting to hear your friend’s excuses. You were tired, physically and mentally; you did not have the patience to tolerate the usual tomfoolery.

“Scared? Why?” Oomimi tilted his head to the side in evident confusion.

“Listen, the slime locker didn’t even smell this bad.”

Akagi shook his head vehemently, “I swear we don’t put food in this one! …That I know of.”

At the libero’s words, everyone turned to Osamu in sync.

He fervently waved his hands around to deny the silent accusations, “I-I didn’t! I only put ‘em in my locker and that other one!”

Usually, you took Osamu’s words at face value. He was usually more honest than his twin, so you didn’t have a reason to not believe him.

However, the horrific visual of the slime locker had an iron-clad hold on your mind’s eye. You had known that the twins weren’t the most organized of the bunch, but Osamu had gone beyond your admittedly low expectations.

That was all to say, you didn’t know if you could hold him to his words.

Taking a deep breath and holding it, you peered into the last locker.

To your surprise, nothing suspicious was in the lockers. It seemed like someone or perhaps most of the team had chucked their sweaty t-shirts, socks, and other belongings into the locker. It surprised you that clothes of all things could smell like rotten food.

Are high school boys gross enough to stink of mouldy food? you wondered, nose scrunching in both confusion and disgust. Should I throw these out or put them in the laundry?

Just then, out of the corner of your peripherals, you saw it.

Shrieking, you used all your strength to kick yourself away from the locker and scrambled onto the bench nearby.

“W-what! What is it!?”

“[Surname]!?”

You ignored the surprised calls of your team and stared Kita down.

“Kita-san.”

“Yes?” he blinked up at you.

“I think the coaches would understand if we burned the place down to the ground.”

“[Surname],” he sighed. “Arson is never the answer.”

“What is it, though?” Ginjima boldly poked his head into the locker. He seemed to scan it for a few moments until he, too, tensed.

Ginjima was the first of the team to join you up on the bench. You suspected that the others would soon join you after discovering the horror you two had seen.

“Oh God…” he groaned, face taking on a slightly green hue as he covered his eyes with his arms.

The rest of the team exchanged fearful looks with one another, likely wondering what got both their responsible manager and boisterous second year practically flying away from the suspicious locker.

Akagi bravely stepped in front of the herd and carefully examined the locker.

Then, he saw.

“Goki!” he yelped, throwing himself back and clambered to join you and Ginjima on your perch.

Everyone, except for Kita, all joined the libero and watched in bug-eyed terror as the biggest roach they had ever seen crawled out of the locker and make itself known to everyone and everything in the room.

“Shinsuke, save yerself!” Aran frantically cried as he backed up against the wall far away from the locker.

“I-it’s huge!” Oomimi burst out uncharacteristically.

Suna shuddered and scooted further down on the bench, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen one that big.”

“It certainly is big,” Kita agreed in an even tone. He didn't even appear disgusted or afraid. He merely studied it like a scientist peering into a microscope with a detached sort of curiosity.

“[Surname] is right,” Akagi said. “We should just burn this place. Just look at—”

“No, that will not be necessary,” Kita cut in with a decisive shake of his head. “I have thought of a solution. Osamu, do ya plan to use this textbook?”

Kita-san, you stared at the captain in awe and admiration. You are such a great man! If only the others were like ya!

Oblivious to the awe he had inspired in all of them, Kita rolled the paper textbook in his hand after Osamu urged him to hurry with the murder.

Taking a few slow and soft gaits forward, Kita carefully poised himself a foot away from the monster, following its path with an intent gaze. His back coiled like a leopard about to charge at its prey, then he slammed the textbook down with a resonant thwack!

You held your breath in anticipation as you regarded the textbook. For a brief second, your shoulders relaxed, assuming that you were no longer in imminent danger. It made its appearance, however, by crawling out from under the sheets to face the bench where you and the team (minus Aran, who was hiding behind the doorway) were all on.

You swore it appeared like it was readying itself to charge forward. Please don't be the type to fly, you clasped your hands against your mask.

To your dismay, its half-broken wings spread in preparation for flight.

Oh no…it’s all over, you thought miserably. Flying cockroaches were incredibly difficult to dispose of. A failure to one-shot kill the pesky thing often led to a wild goose chase with an angry roach buzzing around the room. It’s like they need to assert their dominance as the stronger species.

Kita swiftly chased away your dark thoughts as he moved with lightning speed. He seized a rogue slipper off the floor and shoved his gloved hand through it.

Finally, he ruthlessly slammed the slipper down, squishing the roach and twisting it until a disgustingly familiar crunch echoed throughout the room, signalling to all of you that Kita had successfully slain the beast.

The captain gave the slipper another twist before flipping it over to examine the damage he had done.

“It’s done,” he announced.

All was still.

“Kita-san, you’re truly amazin’!” you gushed, jumping down from the bench and offering the captain a garbage bag to trash the murder weapon.

The rest of the team immediately broke out into triumphant cheers.

“Hail, Shinsuke!”

“Our hero!”

“You’re the star of the day, Kita-san! So brave! So—” Ginjima broke off, voice cracking with emotion.

“It was nothing,” Kita intervened as he trashed both the slipper and the one-time rubber glove into the bag before snatching a rag from another bench.

After you handed the captain a new glove, you carefully lifted Osamu’s textbook off the floor and hastily tossed it into the recycling bag. You recognized it as a first year workbook, so you deemed that Osamu wouldn’t want it back, especially after all it had gone through.

Kita wiped the floor with the rag before addressing the team, “Settle down, now. Resume with the cleanin’, please.”

No one complained as they held out their arms for the various articles of clothing you fished out of the trash locker. They all stank, and you feared that you'd lose your sense of smell as your nose seemed to no longer recognize the stench wafting from the locker.

Maybe everyone’s noses are broken, you considered, realization dawning on you as to why they had not been able to notice the smell. The use of the locker and the exposure to the stench must have ruined their noses forever.

With most of the clothes cleared, your eyes zeroed in on a brown paper bag sitting at the bottom of the locker.

You took hold of its handles and carefully lifted it, double-checking to make sure there wasn’t any garbage juice at the bottom of this locker. You squinted as you brought it out of its dark dwelling. Under the bright lights, you could clearly see the label plastered on the middle of the paper bag.

“McDonald’s,” you deadpanned before sucking in a deep breath and slowly turning to the twin who’d been giving you the most grief in this cleanup session. You could even reasonably pin the blame on him for the roach as well.

“I…” Osamu trailed off, seemingly at a loss for words. He, too, likely came to the same conclusion as you and knew he had no grounds to defend himself.

“Osamu.”

“Y-yes?”

“Didja do it?”

“…”

You didn’t back down and continued to glare up at the prime suspect of the crime in question.

“I…am very sorry.”

Extra: Osamu’s Rotten Luck

If you had to pick which of the twins gave you more grief, you’d choose Atsumu without a doubt. He could be a downright intolerable git at times: loud, rude, impulsive, and stubborn.

Osamu, on the other hand, tended to be more mellow and lowkey than his twin. That was to say, even though he tended to be less of a hassle, he, too, could be a downright intolerable git as well.

You watched with Ginjima and Suna flanking your sides as said twin hovered over the gachapon with laser-focused eyes. Atsumu was by his side, half-absorbed in the process and half-amused by Osamu’s failure to get the keychain he wanted.

“Dammit!” the grey-haired twin yelled after cracking open another capsule.

Atsumu chortled and snatched the keychain from his twin’s hands. “Wouldja look at that! It’s the same one!”

You glanced down at the numerous keychains Osamu had wasted his money on in one of your plastic bags.

“At this point, I think ‘Samu mighta got most of the keychains this machine's got to offer,” you grumbled.

“Except for the one he wants,” Suna added with a snicker.

Ginjima ran a hand through his hair. “He might drain his money before that happens.”

You all fell silent, simply observing Osamu’s nth attempt at getting his desired keychain. He aggressively shoved in another 100 yen to the gachapon, cranked the handle, and waited as the machine dispensed a capsule out for him to take.

Osamu glared down at it before grabbing the capsule and twisting it open.

Atsumu burst out into another round of laughter, alerting you to yet another failure from Osamu.

“Should we stop him?” Ginjima queried with furrowed brows.

“What do you think?” Suna asked you instead, an amused twinkle in his eye as he continued to record the downfall of Osamu's wallet.

“...Let’s just leave him to it,” you decided. “I ain’t getting involved in that. He’ll learn his lesson.”

294 notes · View notes

w2mini · 1 month ago

Text

INARIZAKI TEAM . CALL THE POLICE! HUH?!

inarizaki vb team x manager!reader

warnings ; swearing, but its just pure fluff, and they’re all just whipped for you 😋

SYNOPSIS ˎˊ˗ It was currently the students favorite time of the academic year, the intramurals. Unfortunately though, you got injured during one of your games, the Inarizaki vb team panics, chaos ensues.

╰ You honestly don’t know why you agreed to be in this position, but a classmate of yours listed your name on the players for the basketball girls team without your knowledge about it so now you’re quite literally forced to play to represent your class.

“PLEASE I swear it’ll be just one game” one of your class officers pleads for you to join.

“But I don’t even play basketball-“

“We barely have any players and most of us quite literally suck at sports!”

“no”

“yes”

“no”

“I’ll treat you a (favorite food)”

Now you were tempted by that offer, you paused for a moment before letting out a sigh and finally nodded in agreement.

“Alright fine I’ll play” you swore you saw your classmate having sparkles around them after you agreed.

And that is how you ended up in this situation as you were currently warming up on the basketball court and wearing the jersey your class designed, at least the color suited you nicely.

You couldn’t care less about the outcome of the game and you just wanted it to end as soon as possible, that is if it weren’t for them watching on the sidelines.

“GO [NAME]!!”

A certain piss blonde yelled from the audience, your eye twitched in annoyance and you could feel a vein pop from your head, good lord this is so embarrassing.

Although it was the Intramurals, varsity players weren’t allowed to join the games, hence why the volleyball club that you babysit managed decided to watch you play and embarrass you with their loud cheers (Atsumu).

“THATS OUR PRETTY MANAGER OVER THERE!”

“SHOOT THE BALL [NAME]”

You were mentally praying for the gods to take that annoying setter away and saying that he was ready for it, you didn’t even dare to give the group a single glance as your face heated up in embarrassment, your fist was screaming to pack a punch right now.

“Yer look good in that jersey!” why thank you Osamu for being the better twin but did it really have to be in front of half of the school?

And god forbid giving Suna a phone, you can clearly see that he has his phone up with the camera pointed towards you, what ever happened to media privacy these days?

The referee for the game suddenly blew their whistle, signaling to start the match, and gestured for the players to round up on the court.

‘It’s just intramurals’ is what you repeatedly told yourself, while you didn’t care about who would step out of the gymnasium as winners, you felt slightly nervous about making a mistake as you thought about the worst-case scenarios that could go downhill as you played.

One of your classmates noticed this as she approached you and gave a light pat on your back “Just take it easy and enjoy the game” Right, good point, you weren’t even a basketball player in the first place.

──── ──── ──── ──── ──── ──

The game was surprisingly going okay despite being four points away from the other section’s score, sweat trickled down your skin as your breath kept getting heavier. You placed your hands on your knees as you tried to regain your composure, damn since when was basketball this intense?

Meanwhile, on the sidelines, the volleyball club kept cheering for you as the game went on. Despite how worn out you were starting to feel, their cheers never failed to motivate you despite how stupid it’s gonna sound most of the time, a soft smile forms on your lips at the wholesome thought.

“[Name] is surprisingly doing good for a sport she doesn’t play,” Kita stated continuing to observe you, despite the lack of emotion on his face, he was impressed with your stamina and the ability to keep up despite how intense it gets and the disadvantage of your physique. (Atsumu and Osamu’s constant bickering was your stamina training)

Aran nods in agreement with Kita’s statement, unbeknownst to them, it was Aran who taught you a few tricks in basketball since you complained about not knowing the sport, although he wasn’t that much of a player of basketball, he was willing to help you learn since you’re their precious manager after all.

Aran taught back to the week before the intramurals, the volleyball boys had just finished their practice for the day and you were currently passing their water bottles to each one like the amazing manager you were. When it was Aran’s turn to receive it, you handed him the water bottle and proceeded to ask if he still played basketball.

“I don’t play that often anymore, but I still know how to, is something the matter with it?” He asks as he drinks from the bottle and wipes off the sweat from his face with a hand towel.

“It’s nothing serious, I just got forced to play for the upcoming intramurals, and well…” Aran made an ‘oh I see’ expression as he nodded in response.

He ruffled your hair and had a warm smile on his face “If you’re asking for help I’m willing to do so, we can start tomorrow after club practice” Sometimes you ask yourself if the man in front of you right now descended from the heavens.

“Really?! That really means a lot, thanks Aran!” he swore he saw your eyes light up. You got the ACE of Inarizaki feeling his knees weaken at your sight, you were just so adorable!

Atsumu abruptly standing up from his seat and cheering loudly snapped Aran from his thoughts, he can be so ironic sometimes.

The ball was passed to you as you dribbled away with it to go to the designated hoop your team was supposed to shoot in. Unfortunately for you, the disadvantage of getting the ball was getting cornered by the enemy team.

Fuck, this is what you hated the most, defense. You held the ball tightly as they cornered you from the back to prevent you from going further.

As you were about to attempt to pass the ball to another teammate, you felt a sudden force slam into your back, causing you to drop to one knee and gasp in pain as your knee collided with the ground, you swore you felt a bruising form there.

You were thrown off balance as your back was forced downward, propelling your body forward and sending a sudden shock through your spine with the sudden movement. You tumbled to the ground, hitting your head with a resounding thud.

It all happened simultaneously, a sharp, unbearable ache shot through your knee. You couldn't tell if it was bleeding or not due to your hazy vision. As if that wasn't enough, your back threatened to cramp up while your head throbbed with an intense, stabbing pain.

You could hear the referee's whistle signaling to stop the game. You clutched your head, trying to ease the pain, as your body shivered from the overwhelming intensity of the pain from head to knee.

“Oh my god are you okay? I didn’t mean to trip on you I’m so sorry!” one of the players from the other section that you were playing against with cries out, you could hear the visible guilt in her voice.

"[Name]!" Aran's urgent call rang out, prompting the entire volleyball club to spring into action. In an instant, they converged around you, their concern palpable as panic threatened to take hold.

“IS SHE OKAY? SOMEONE CALL THE POLICE!” Michinari panicked, not even realizing he mentioned the wrong department.

“Dumbass! yer mean the ambulance?” Atsumu replies as he had his arms protectively wrapped around your figure.

“Atsumu that’s enough, we should bring her to the nurse’s office.” Kita instructs as they all nodded.

“Can yer stand?” Atsumu assists you to stand on your feet and observed your figure, you weakly nod as you barely stood up straight, not when your knee was bleeding.

“Are yer a dumbass? Isn’t it obvious she can’t?!” says Osamu and this only fueled Atsumu’s anger until you spoke.

"No, I-I'm fine, I swear," you lied, trying to prevent them from bickering further. You feel your legs immediately giving up, so you quickly hold onto Atsumu's arm for support before you completely fall. "Okay, maybe not," you muttered weakly.

As your head spun and your whole body screamed for help, you found yourself holding onto Atsumu's arm for support like how a koala holds onto a tree. You rested your aching head on his shoulder, you couldn't help but release a frustrated sigh. Guilt washed over you as you realized you had dragged them into this mess. This was not how any of this was supposed to go.

The blonde's eyes softened when he saw you, he’s always had a soft spot for you after all. It was rare for you to ask for help from others, but this time was an exception. "I've got ya, princess. Yer can count on me," He said. You simply nodded in reply, not expecting what would happen next.

“Huh wait- what are you doing-“ You gasped when he swept you off your feet and held you in a bridal-style embrace as you held onto his shirt, drawing coos from the surrounding crowd.

“Yer so embarrassing!” Osamu cringed at the scene, Suna took a picture, the others just let out a sigh in disbelief, and you were too exhausted to protest and ask him to release you (you didn’t wanna walk anyway). Despite your weariness, you couldn't help but blush in embarrassment at the attention.

“At least be careful when carrying her yer pig!” the grey-haired twin calls out in concern and annoyance, he could never trust his brother with these types of situations.

“I am being careful! Would ya quit complaining?!” Atsumu retorted as he held onto you tightly as if he was scared to drop you.

“Oh my god, just go!” Aran stops them from fighting further as they all went to the nurse.

──── ──── ──── ──── ──── ──

You were currently sitting on one of the beds as the nurse tended your wound on the knee, “You should be more careful next time. It’s a relief it won't be that serious,” the nurse states as she sanitizes your knee before wrapping it up with a bandage.

You let out a hiss as the pain shot through you but soon collected yourself. You applied the cold compress the nurse had handed you to your forehead, and you felt a surge of cold, refreshing mintiness that eased the cramp in your back, thanks to the cooling patch the nurse had placed there.

Meanwhile outside of the nurse’s office was a bunch of guys who were waiting for you with distressed faces like they had just gotten their horrible exam scores, everyone who passed by them gave them a concerned look.

Although they may not always express it openly, they genuinely value and appreciate your hard work as their manager. Your significant contributions have made you an indispensable part of the club, and it's difficult to envision the team without your steadfast and reliable presence.

Who will refill the water bottles? Who will give them their towels after a match? Who will stop the twins from arguing? Who’s going to shower them with your lovely praises—?!

“You guys look depressed” Your voice suddenly cuts through the unbearable silence that loomed over them as you stood there at the door arms crossed, and a cooling patch on your forehead.

Not wasting a second later, the twins tackled you as they dramatically cried and rambled on how they couldn’t live without you.

“WE THOUGHT YOU WERE GONNA DIE!” chill out Atsumu.

“Please don’t do that again, I haven’t repaid your (favorite food) that I ate the other day” It’s okay Osamu– wait YOU DID WHAT?!

“I don't think you guys should do that-“Go tell them Omimi!

“Be careful with her! she just got out of the office!” Aran calls out in concern, poor him never getting a break with the twins’ antics.

“Andddd that’s going to the favorites album,” says Suna as he records the moment with his phone, what a bastard.

The pair of twins who were still clinging onto you are taken aback when they hear you let out a chuckle. Even Kita seems astonished, holy moly you were smiling? Their manager, who was always so serious and stoic around them was chuckling?!?!

"…Don't worry guys, it's just that my body isn't used to sudden physical activity, but the nurse assured me that I'll be back to normal in no time," you reassured them with a gentle smile playing on your lips, conveying the situation with a calming tone.

With the way they portray you in this moment right now, you probably wouldn't survive a Greek mythology story if Aphrodite was involved.

“Yer cute when ya smile,” Atsumu said as he rested his chin on your shoulder, shamelessly poking your cheek.

Aran approaches you and ruffles your hair, “We’re just glad you’re okay” he says with a warm smile.

Without warning, Michinari enthusiastically shouts, 'GROUP HUG!' and proceeds to pull everyone in close for an embrace.

You have consistently maintained a sense of distance from the boys, even though you are their manager, creating a substantial barrier that keeps you separated from them.

Becoming too personal and vulnerable with them was the last thing you wanted; it's not that you disliked them— you simply didn't want to appear as weak and delicate in their presence.

And not to mention their fangirls too, that burden alone was heavy enough to carry on your own, they were considered one of the best teams nationwide, and it was pressuring enough to just stand beside them, you weren't strong and outstanding like them, so you decided that it's probably for the best to stay hidden in the shadows.

Walking quickly past them in the hallways, only engaging in conversation if they initiated it, and maintaining a strictly professional relationship with them as classmates. These were the guidelines you set for yourself.

But seeing how much they were worried for you at this moment right now over an injury that would heal quickly tomorrow, you couldn't help but let a sense of vulnerability crack through your shell. You felt safe with them.

Maybe you could start getting used to moments like these.

NOTES ˎˊ˗ did i write this during our intramurals where i was supposed to be cheering for our team but instead wrote this? yes. Also I’m legit about the injury too btw, idk how my classmate survived that, shes a different breed😭😭

IKK im supposed to be updating love next door but i just had a thought, erm… forgive me🥹🥹

im never getting tired w/ these inarizaki manager fics, someone tag me on more 🔥🔥

hello mga fellow filipinos na intrams ngayon, kaya pa ba? HHAHAHHAHAH

sorry if i couldnt fit the rest of the inarizaki members and gave them more interactions… i may or may have not focused more on [name], whoops

337 notes · View notes

your-local-simp-writers · 15 days ago

Text

Secret Santa

Word Count: 5615

Warnings: None

Headcanons: Inarizaki x Fem! Manager ︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

Day 1: The Name Exchange The excitement for Inarizaki’s first-ever Secret Santa was contagious as Y/N stood before the volleyball team, the Santa hat in her hands rustling with small slips of paper. She couldn’t help but smile at the eager looks and hushed anticipation around her as the team huddled closer, trying to catch a glimpse.

“Alright, listen up, everyone!” she called out, her voice cutting through the chatter. “Each of you has a name in here. Draw one, keep it a secret, and remember—two weeks until the big reveal! We’ll meet at my place the night before Christmas for the exchange.”

A few groans of playful protest mixed with laughter. Suna nudged Aran with a smirk, teasing him about what he might end up with. Atsumu made a big show of cracking his knuckles, promising he’d find the ultimate gift—“as long as I don’t get Osamu’s name,” he joked, earning a light shove from his twin.

Y/N went around with the hat, watching as the players reached in, each drawing their slip with a sense of mystery and excitement. There were chuckles, a few raised eyebrows, and Atsumu muttering dramatically, “Oh, the suspense!” as he held his slip close to his chest, causing the others to roll their eyes.

When Y/N drew her own name, her eyes lit up as she unfolded the paper. Aran! She’d always thought of him as a dependable friend, and she immediately wanted her gift to show how much she valued him. Her mind buzzed with ideas as she pictured his usual calm, steady smile, and the warmth he brought to the team. Maybe she could do something unexpected, something unique that would make him feel genuinely appreciated.

Kita, on the other hand, had approached the hat with his usual calm demeanor, but as he unfolded his slip and saw Y/N’s name, his heart skipped a beat. He rarely showed his emotions openly, yet the weight of choosing something that would resonate with her felt both daunting and exciting. As captain, he knew her value to the team better than anyone, her quiet dedication and the way she supported each player in her own way. He found himself already thinking of what might make her smile, what could show her how appreciated she truly was.

As the last names were drawn and the team dispersed, everyone left the gym with a bit of holiday spirit—and a bit of secret anticipation—in the air.

Day 2: Observing Clues

The second day after drawing names, Y/N was back in the familiar buzz of Inarizaki’s gym. The faint echo of sneakers squeaking against polished floors and the steady thud of volleyballs filled the air as the team warmed up. It was one of those crisp winter mornings where sunlight poured through the high windows, casting long, amber streaks across the gym floor. Y/N leaned against the wall, taking notes on her clipboard, glancing up periodically to watch the boys’ drills. Her gaze, however, kept drifting to Aran.

He was in the middle of stretching with Suna, the two exchanging banter over a missed shot from the last game. Y/N caught herself smiling, noticing how Aran’s laughter seemed to resonate warmly in the cool gym air. Then, as practice wrapped up and the team headed for water, she noticed the telltale sign—Aran reached for his headphones, that familiar gesture he did every day. His music routine. She watched as he carefully untangled the wires, placing one earbud in as he leaned back against the wall, eyes drifting closed, nodding subtly to whatever song he had queued up today.

Seizing the moment, Y/N approached him casually, making her way across the gym while dodging stray volleyballs. She leaned against the water cooler next to him, the sound of clinking ice and the hum of the vending machine filling the space. “Hey, Aran!” she called, trying to sound offhand. “Got any good songs lately?”

Aran cracked one eye open, pulling the earbud halfway out. “Oh, hey, Y/N,” he said, his grin easy and relaxed. “Just my usual stuff. You know, same ol’ songs on repeat. Keeps me grounded after a long practice.” He chuckled, clearly embarrassed about his routine, but Y/N could tell music was something he genuinely enjoyed.

She tilted her head thoughtfully, filing the detail away. “You should send me some recommendations sometime,” she teased lightly. “Gotta keep up with what everyone’s listening to, you know?”

Aran laughed, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah, sure. I don’t know if it’s anything special, but I’ll send a few songs your way.”

Y/N left the interaction with a grin, her mind racing with ideas. A custom playlist and a quality portable speaker—that was it. Something personal but useful, a gift that would fit seamlessly into his life. She turned away to note her thoughts on her clipboard, nearly colliding with Kita, who was silently observing her as he collected water for himself.

He straightened up, his posture composed as always, but his gaze lingered on Y/N’s bag. It was the same bag she always carried: large, slightly battered, with straps that had seen better days. He noticed how she constantly adjusted it during practice, the way she shifted it to one shoulder as she darted between players to pass out towels, check equipment, and manage schedules.

Kita cleared his throat softly, catching her attention. “Y/N, your bag seems... well-used,” he remarked, voice calm but attentive.

She glanced down at the worn fabric, smiling fondly. “Yeah, it’s seen a lot, huh? But it’s my good luck charm. I feel like I can’t do my job without it,” she laughed, giving it a small pat.

Kita nodded thoughtfully, making a mental note. The bag, he realized, was more than just a tool for her; it was part of her rhythm as the team’s manager. If he found something similar—something just as sturdy and functional but with a touch of style—it might be the perfect way to show his appreciation. He allowed himself a small, determined smile, resolved to find a gift that would support Y/N as seamlessly as she supported them.

As the players returned to the court, Y/N and Kita both fell into the rhythm of practice, but both kept a quiet, secret excitement bubbling beneath the surface, each imagining how their gifts might surprise and delight their Secret Santas.

Day 6: Ideas Taking Shape

The gym was alive with the sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished court, the soft rhythm of volleyballs bouncing against the floor, and the occasional shout of encouragement from the players. Y/N stood near the bench, her clipboard tucked under her arm, keeping an eye on the practice while brainstorming her gift for Aran. The air smelled faintly of the gym’s polish and the chalky scent of the volleyball court.

She had been observing Aran more closely over the past few days, trying to get a better sense of what he might appreciate. As he hit a spike across the court, a slight grin pulling at the corners of his mouth, Y/N recalled a conversation from a week ago. Aran had been talking about his love for live concerts, especially the raw energy of the crowd and the unpredictability of those moments. He’d mentioned his favorite concerts, how he'd often play the recordings in his room, the sounds filling the space as if he were there, surrounded by that energy.

Her eyes sparkled with an idea, and she stepped aside, making a mental note. She could create a custom playlist for him, one with live versions of his favorite songs, capturing the essence of that experience. But she didn’t want to stop there. Y/N knew Aran well enough to understand that he appreciated quality, something that would reflect the effort she put into the gift. A high-quality portable speaker would be the perfect match for the playlist. She imagined him listening to the tracks, the sounds of the crowd flooding through the speaker as he relaxed after practice. It would be a gift that mixed both personal and practical, with a touch of thoughtfulness.

While Y/N was lost in her thoughts, the other players continued their practice, moving in and out of drills. She overheard a conversation between Sakusa and Atsumu, both arguing about which music genre was better for post-practice relaxation. Y/N chuckled to herself, but her mind remained focused on Aran’s gift. The idea was starting to take shape, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

Across the gym, Kita was also absorbed in his own thoughts, though his gaze was fixed on Y/N. He watched her as she worked, effortlessly moving from player to player, offering gentle encouragement and the occasional correction. Her usual energy was contagious, but today, Kita noticed something else—her bag. It was slung over her shoulder, worn from years of use, its edges fraying just slightly. As Y/N moved through the gym, her movements fluid but with a slight struggle as she tried to reach for something inside her bag, Kita saw the small zipper snag.

It wasn’t just that the bag had seen better days—it was a symbol of how hard she worked to balance everything, always carrying the weight of her responsibilities. Kita’s thoughts immediately went to the idea he had been toying with since day one: getting her a new, high-quality bag. He wanted something that would be functional and reflect her commitment to the team, but also stylish enough to suit her personality. It had to be practical, yet show that he saw the effort she put in.

The following evening, after practice, Kita found himself wandering through a nearby shopping district. The streets were decorated with twinkling lights, adding to the holiday spirit that seemed to be everywhere. He passed by a small boutique that caught his eye. It was quaint, tucked between a couple of cafes, its windows filled with elegant bags. As he stepped inside, the warm air wrapped around him, and the scent of fresh coffee from a nearby café wafted through the door. The store was quiet, peaceful, and had a soft glow from the lights hanging overhead.

Kita moved through the aisles slowly, inspecting the bags with a focused eye. There was a part of him that wanted to find the perfect one immediately, but he knew it was worth taking his time. The bags ranged from minimalist designs to bold, functional ones. He picked one up, tested the weight, and inspected the stitching. He finally settled on a sleek, sturdy leather bag with multiple compartments—large enough to fit all of her essentials, yet compact and stylish. It was just right. The leather was soft, and the color would suit her perfectly—elegant, yet not too flashy. He couldn’t help but smile as he imagined how she might react when she saw it.

On his way out, Kita passed by a small coffee shop, the warmth from inside making him pause. He decided to grab a coffee, sitting by the window, watching the busy streets outside as he reflected on his decision. The holidays always brought out a bit of sentimentality in him, but this time, his thoughts were full of Y/N. He wanted this gift to be meaningful—not just a token, but something that would show how much he admired her.

Back at the gym, Y/N had already started discussing plans for the big exchange the night before Christmas. The players were still buzzing with excitement about the gifts they would give and receive. The gym, usually echoing with the sound of volleyballs and sneakers, was now filled with talk of Christmas cheer and gift ideas. Y/N had started to decorate the space with a few simple holiday touches—greenery by the door, a small tree with lights twinkling in the corner, and a basket of wrapped chocolates by the bench. Even in the hustle and bustle of practice, the holiday spirit was palpable, and everyone was feeling the magic of the season.

As the players continued their drills, the anticipation for the gift exchange built with every passing day. Y/N couldn’t wait to see everyone’s reactions, but there was something special about the idea of giving gifts that reflected how much she appreciated them. The warmth of the gym and the holiday spirit only made her more excited to bring everyone together for the big reveal.

And so, with the days slipping away, the team continued their practice, the sounds of volleyballs bouncing, sneakers skidding, and laughter filling the air. Christmas was coming, and with it, the promise of new memories, laughter, and unforgettable gifts that would bring the Inarizaki team even closer together.

Day 6: Gifts in the Making

After the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Y/N found Suna Rintarō in his usual spot by his locker, unhurriedly gathering his things. Students were buzzing around them, but Suna remained as calm and composed as ever, barely glancing at the crowds. She approached him with a purpose, though aware that she might have to make a convincing case to get him to come along.

“Hey, Suna,” she greeted, offering a small smile as she sidled up to his locker. “You busy after this?”

He looked up, meeting her gaze with a hint of curiosity but his expression otherwise unreadable. “Not really,” he replied, zipping up his bag. “Why?”

She took a quick breath before diving in. “I need some help with Secret Santa shopping… specifically for Aran. You have an eye for good stuff, so I thought you’d be the perfect person to bring along.”

Suna’s brows lifted ever so slightly at her suggestion, and he gave a small nod. “Fine. But don’t expect much commentary,” he said, swinging his bag over his shoulder.

“Perfect! That’s all I need,” she grinned, motioning for him to follow her out.

As they walked through the bustling city streets, they exchanged small bits of conversation—mainly Y/N talking about how she wanted her gift for Aran to be thoughtful and practical. Suna listened quietly, chiming in every now and then with a hum or a short response, more interested in taking in the scene around them than actively engaging in chatter. When they finally arrived at the mall, the holiday decorations were in full force: wreaths, lights, and a massive Christmas tree in the center of the atrium that seemed to reach up to the ceiling.

Y/N marveled at the decorations, nudging Suna with her elbow. “You gotta admit, it’s festive,” she said, smirking as she looked at his typically neutral expression.

He shrugged, giving the slightest of smirks. “It’s a bit much. But I guess it works,” he replied, following her as she led the way toward the tech stores.

They wandered into the first store, where rows of sleek gadgets and electronics lined the shelves. Y/N browsed the portable speakers, occasionally glancing at Suna, who was studying the products with a calm and discerning eye. After a few minutes, he picked up a speaker with a simple yet sturdy design, turning it over in his hands.

“This one’s pretty solid,” he commented, passing it to her. “Good sound quality, decent battery life, and compact enough that he could carry it around easily.”

Y/N held the speaker, feeling its weight and inspecting it. “Do you think he’d actually use it?”

Suna leaned back against one of the displays, his gaze level as he watched her consider the options. “If he’s into music like you say, he’ll appreciate it. And you can personalize it—load up some live recordings of his favorite concerts or something.”

She blinked, a smile spreading across her face. “That’s actually a really good idea. I didn’t think of that.”

“Yeah, well,” Suna shrugged, glancing away as if downplaying his own suggestion. “That’s why you brought me along.”

After comparing a few more options, she settled on the speaker he’d suggested, finally feeling confident in her choice. As they made their way to the checkout counter, Suna waited quietly beside her, occasionally glancing around the store. A small group of teenagers passed by, their arms full of holiday shopping bags, laughing and chatting. Suna looked on with mild interest before returning his focus to Y/N as she paid for the speaker.

As they stepped out of the store, they walked by a kiosk packed with holiday-themed wrapping paper, bows, and tags. Y/N paused, staring at the selection, her expression contemplative.

Suna noticed her hesitating and smirked. “This part’s on you. I’m here for the gift, not to play decorator.”

She laughed, nudging him lightly. “Noted. I’ll take it from here.”

Suna waited as she picked out a tasteful roll of wrapping paper with muted colors, steering away from the overly bright designs that didn’t quite suit her style. After paying, she held up her bag, feeling accomplished.

“Mission accomplished,” she said with a grin.

Suna gave her a short nod of approval as they made their way back through the bustling mall. The holiday energy buzzed around them, but there was a calm ease between the two of them as they headed out into the chilly evening, each silently content with how the day had unfolded.

Day 12: Putting It All Together

On Saturday morning, Kita headed out to town, intent on wrapping up the final details for his Secret Santa gift. He wanted to make sure the bag he chose for Y/N was perfect, and the added charm with her initials was a small but meaningful detail he hoped she’d appreciate. He found himself moving with careful purpose, his usual calm masking his excitement to see this gift idea come to life.

After visiting a boutique to confirm the bag’s quality, he stopped by a nearby shop to search for a keychain. As he browsed, he saw someone familiar in his peripheral vision—Y/N, standing in front of a colorful display. She was looking at a pair of vibrant roller skates with teal and yellow accents, her gaze fixed on them as if they held a world of memories. Smiling to himself, he walked over.

As Kita approached, he noticed Y/N’s attention was completely absorbed by the pair of roller skates on display. A small smile formed on his face as he stepped forward, intending to strike up a casual conversation.

“Didn’t know you were a skater,” he said, keeping his tone light.

She glanced over, clearly surprised but managing a smile. “Yeah… well, I used to be, I guess,” she replied, not offering more right away. Her eyes shifted back to the skates as if the memory behind them was something only for her.

Kita took a slow breath, recognizing her hesitance. Y/N was always open and friendly with the team, but rarely did she talk much about herself. He chose his words carefully. “Were you any good at it?”

Y/N’s smile grew a little wider as she laughed softly. “Maybe not at first. But I spent enough time on those skates that I got pretty good.” She paused, as if deciding whether to continue. “I used to skate down to the park on weekends. It was my thing.”

He nodded, giving her a moment. “Sounds like you had a good routine,” he said, understanding how much routines mattered in his own life.

She seemed to relax a little, glancing over at him. “Yeah, I did. I really loved it. But my old skates broke a while back, and I… just never got around to replacing them. Guess I figured I didn’t have the time.”

Kita took that in thoughtfully. “It’s tough to make time when there’s so much else going on. But it sounds like it mattered to you.” He didn’t push further, but his steady gaze invited her to continue if she wanted to.

She hesitated, then nodded, her expression softening. “Yeah. These days, though, it just seems like… too much to spend on something that’s just for fun, you know? Especially when I could put that money toward something more practical.” She shrugged, clearly uncomfortable discussing it. “I’d feel selfish asking my parents for something like this.”

Kita listened carefully, piecing together her reasons without judging them. Her dedication to the team and her responsibilities was something he respected immensely, but he couldn’t help but think she deserved something just for herself.

“They look like they’d suit you,” he said gently, looking at the skates. “You deserve things that bring you happiness, too.” He gave her a small smile, understanding it was a sensitive topic. “And if you ever want to get back into skating, I bet you’d pick it up again just like that.”

Y/N chuckled, the wistfulness in her expression easing. “Thanks, Kita. Maybe one day,” she replied, a hint of warmth in her voice.

The conversation lingered with him as they parted ways, and an idea started to form in his mind. He’d originally planned to keep things simple, but seeing Y/N’s reaction to those skates gave him a different perspective on what his gift could mean. For now, though, he kept the thought to himself, leaving her with a subtle but encouraging smile before they each went on their way.

Christmas Eve: The Gift Exchange

The morning was filled with bustling energy as Y/N’s family worked together to turn their home into a holiday haven. It was the day before Christmas, and despite the excitement of the neighborhood Christmas party, Y/N was focused on one thing: making sure the house was perfect for the special Secret Santa event with the boys. The living room needed to be transformed into a cozy, welcoming space for everyone to gather, and there was no time to waste.

Y/N’s mom was the first to start rearranging the furniture, moving the coffee table to one side of the room with a sense of practiced ease. "Let’s clear some space for all the gifts," she said, giving Y/N a warm smile. Her dad followed suit, slowly shifting the couch to create a better flow in the room. Y/N eagerly joined them, her excitement spilling over as she adjusted the throw pillows on the couch and added little touches of decoration. The Christmas tree stood proudly in the corner, draped with twinkling lights and vintage ornaments, but it needed a little more magic.

"We should add a few more candles to the mantle," Y/N suggested as she busied herself placing candles along the fireplace. The soft glow of the lights would create the perfect ambiance for the evening.

Her mom glanced over at her with a smile. "I love how much you’ve taken on this year. It feels like a real winter wonderland."

Y/N’s dad, who was busy hanging garlands above the windows, chimed in with a chuckle. "Your mom’s right, honey. This place is starting to look like something out of a Christmas movie." He paused for a moment, looking around the room with satisfaction. "You really went all out this year. The boys will love it."

Y/N couldn’t help but beam at their words, feeling a warmth in her chest. Despite all the holiday chaos, the effort was worth it. "I want tonight to be perfect. I want them to feel at home."

As her parents finished the final touches on the house, Y/N stood back and surveyed the room, feeling accomplished. The room was cozy with soft, plush blankets scattered across the couches, and the flickering lights set a serene, holiday atmosphere. A table had been cleared in the center, ready for all the gifts to be placed on it. There was a small area by the window where they would later enjoy snacks and drinks, but for now, the focus was on getting everything ready for the boys.

Her dad stepped back and gave Y/N a nod of approval. "I think it’s all ready. Let’s get those gifts out."

Y/N's mom smiled, heading to the kitchen to start preparing snacks and drinks for the evening. "Don’t forget to get those cookies out! We need something sweet for them."

"I’ll grab them," Y/N offered, bounding off to the kitchen. She retrieved the freshly baked sugar cookies her mom had made earlier, carrying the tray with a sense of pride. The warm, sweet smell filled the house, adding to the festive air.

As she returned to the living room, the first of the boys began arriving, and with their entrance, the room began to feel even more alive. Aran was the first to step through the door, carrying a bag of chips and a wrapped gift. "It smells amazing in here," he said, grinning as he surveyed the space. "You really did a great job, Y/N."

"Thanks, Aran!" she replied, her voice practically bubbling over with happiness. "I wanted to make sure tonight felt special for everyone."

With Aran came the other boys—Suna, carrying a box of homemade cookies, a small smile playing on his lips; Kita, with his usual calm demeanor, bringing a neatly wrapped gift and a quiet nod of approval; and Atsumu, always the life of the party, carrying a large bag filled with snacks and a grin that could light up the room.

"Did I bring enough snacks?" Atsumu asked loudly, dropping the bag on the table with a dramatic flair. "Because I could always grab more!"

Y/N laughed, her heart swelling at the sight of her friends. "You’re always over-prepared, Atsumu."

Her parents, who were now finished with their preparations, stepped into the living room to greet the boys. Y/N’s dad shook hands with each of them, offering a friendly smile. "It’s nice to see you all here," he said warmly. "Y/N’s been looking forward to this night for weeks."

Y/N’s mom followed with a gentle, welcoming smile. "I’m so glad you could join us. This is such a special time for Y/N, and we’re glad to have you all here."

The boys all murmured their thanks, the warmth in the room only growing stronger. Y/N’s heart fluttered with happiness—everything was coming together just as she had hoped.

"I’m so glad we’re all here," Y/N said as she bounced excitedly from one guest to the next. "This is going to be the best night!"

With everyone settling in, her parents busied themselves by gathering their coats and preparing to leave for the neighborhood Christmas party. "We’re heading over to the neighbors’ party in a bit," Y/N’s mom said, giving her a soft, knowing smile. "You’re welcome to join us, of course."

Y/N shook her head, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I’m good, Mom. I want to stay here and enjoy tonight with everyone. This is my special event."

Her dad chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Alright, but don’t forget to take a few pictures for us before we go."

Y/N nodded enthusiastically. "I will! I promise!"

As her parents made their way to the door, Y/N handed them her camera. "Don’t forget to take some shots of you both at the party!" she added with a grin.

After her parents left, the atmosphere in the room shifted from the calm of her family’s presence to the lively chatter of her friends. The energy in the room felt light and happy, everyone eager to start the gift exchange.

When it was finally time to exchange gifts, the living room was buzzing with excitement. Laughter filled the air as each person carefully selected a gift to give.

Christmas lights twinkling softly against the walls as each person gave their present with care and excitement. Y/N felt a sense of joy watching everyone unwrap their gifts—each person’s reaction was more than she had hoped for. When it was Aran’s turn, he immediately began to unwrap his gift. Y/N had been nervously waiting for his reaction, hoping he would like it as much as she had thought he would. As the paper fell away, he held up the portable speaker she had carefully picked out for him. The soft, golden light from the fireplace illuminated the device in his hands, and for a moment, everything seemed to pause.

Aran’s face lit up with an easy grin, his eyes sparkling with delight. “You really know me, huh?” he chuckled, holding up the speaker for everyone to see. “This is perfect, Y/N. Thank you.”

Y/N couldn’t help the huge smile that spread across her face. "I'm so glad you like it!" Her heart soared at his response, a deep sense of happiness filling her chest. It felt incredible to see him genuinely pleased, especially since Aran was always so laid back and hard to surprise.

Finally, it was Y/N’s turn to open her gift, and the room grew quieter in anticipation. She smiled nervously, feeling the weight of Kita’s gift in her hands. Kita, ever composed, had remained calm, not giving away anything about his present. As she slowly began to unwrap it, the atmosphere shifted, the warmth of the room giving her a sense of comfort as she carefully peeled away the paper.

When the wrapping came off, her breath caught in her throat. Inside was a beautiful pair of roller skates—bright, sleek, and exactly the pair she had been eyeing for months. Her heart pounded in her chest, the surprise overwhelming her.

Her voice barely came out as she looked at Kita, her hands shaking slightly as she held up the skates. “Kita… you remembered…?”

Kita’s usual calm smile was present, but there was something in his eyes—something softer—that made Y/N’s chest tighten with emotion. “You’ve mentioned it a few times,” he said simply, his voice steady but kind. “I thought you deserved them.”

Tears pricked at the corners of Y/N’s eyes. The roller skates were a dream she thought she’d have to give up, especially after her old ones broke so suddenly. She hadn’t been able to replace them, too caught up in work and life to find the time or money. But now, here they were, right in front of her, a gift from someone who had truly listened.

“I don’t know what to say,” Y/N whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you… really.”

She could feel the warmth of the room around her—the glow of the Christmas lights, the laughter of her friends, the love that filled the air. And in that moment, she realized that it wasn’t just about the gifts. It was about the thoughtfulness behind them, the way each of them had made an effort to show how much they cared.

Kita, already back to his usual calm demeanor, stood up and gestured for everyone to gather. Y/N's eyes widened in confusion as the boys—Aran, Suna, and even Atsumu—moved toward her. Though they hadn’t been planning a joint gift, the boys had secretly coordinated. Y/N hadn’t realized, but they had been discussing her for days leading up to this moment, deciding as a group that they wanted to show her just how much they appreciated everything she did for them, and how much they admired her strength, kindness, and dedication.

As Aran reached into a large gift bag, he pulled out a framed photo, and Y/N’s breath caught in her throat. It was a picture of all the boys together, their goofy grins and relaxed poses showing off the bond they had built over time. The photo was perfectly framed, the black frame elegant yet simple, and a small, personalized note attached. Y/N’s hands shook slightly as she read the words:

“Thank you for everything you do. We’re better because of you.”

Her heart swelled, and she blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill once more. She had never expected this. The boys, though each of them a character in their own right, had come together with such thoughtfulness and unity. The sincerity in their gesture left her speechless.

Suna stepped forward next, giving her a small but meaningful smile. "We might not always say it," he began, his usually quiet voice softening the mood, "but we’re all really grateful for you, Y/N. For everything you do. It doesn't go unnoticed."

Atsumu, always the energetic one, added, “Yeah, we know you’ve got a lot on your plate, but you still manage to keep everything together. We’re better off with you around.”

Y/N’s heart felt like it was overflowing. She had never expected such an outpouring of appreciation from them, and yet here they were, showing her just how much she meant to them. Her eyes welled up with emotion as she finally managed to speak, her voice a bit shaky.

“You guys… I don’t even know what to say to this,” she whispered, overwhelmed by their kindness. “This means so much to me. You guys really… you really do care.”

Kita, who had remained relatively quiet, gave her a small nod. "Of course we do. You’re family, Y/N."

The room fell into a comfortable silence, save for the soft crackling of the fire and the gentle hum of the Christmas music in the background.

With a happy sigh, Y/N finally said, “Thank you, all of you. I really… I don’t deserve this, but it’s the best gift I could ever ask for.” The boys, each in their own way, smiled back at her, their eyes full of affection.

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millenialfanfictionaddiction · 2 years ago

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Being Inarizaki’s Manager

Manager Defends Inarizaki

Inarizaki x Gn! manager

Warnings: swearing (?)

AN: this is a request from @plutoistireddd!

Being the manager for such a stoic team isn’t easy

They have high standards and literally work their butt off to fill them

They can be dramatic at times, namely two specific individuals 👀

So needless to say, finding you, our unbothered, calm angel was a blessing for these boys

Literally nothing rattles you

When Atsumu is aCtInG lIke a ToDdLeR you simply ignore him and move on

When the twins fight, you simply assure nobody else is in harms way and walk away 💅

You are probably the calmest person anyone has ever met

Kita, Aran, Omimi and Akagi adore you

Literally you provide the chill they need without the dramatics

Like when Atsumu gets all worked up, you simply say “Sumu you are literally the best high school setter in Japan right now, what do you have to worry about?”

Atsumu 👉🏻😐🤨 you’re right YN!

Literally there’s absolutely nothing that phases out sweet Yn

Onetime, you were walking back to the gym and the water bottle carrier broke, spilling water bottles and water all over the floor

The team thought “this is it, this is the one!”

Suna was ready with his phone 📱

Kita, Aran and Ginjima were ready to calm you down

But nope, you just shrugged and said “well now I won’t have to mop the floors tonight” as you went, grabbed a mop and cleaned up

The guys 👉🏻👁️👄👁️

Literally they were convinced nothing would ever break you

But what they didn’t realize is that their precious Yn had one weakness and they were too silly to see it

To outsiders, it was obvious how much you carried for your team

You would do anything in your power for them

You carried for them all like friends and family

So when Inarizaki made it to Nationals, their cheer section followed

And while you appreciated the support, you knew first hand how annoying and awful they could be

Sure they were supportive but they could also be huge jerks

During the game everything remained pretty neutral

When Riseki, our precious first year was up to serve and panicked, the crowd started in on him

That’s when your irritation started to grow

It had happened at other games but you we’re definitely reaching your limit

You tried your best to remain calm but it was difficult

During the final set, the crowd was all over the place

Boos and cheers were intermixed and your agitation only grew

“YN you ok?” Coach asked, noticing your balled up fist

You simply nodded, “trying to find your chi” as Hinata would put it 😂

When they twins quick was stopped by Hinata and Kageyama, you watched the ball fall as the boys frantically chased for it

You knew it was over and you knew what was about to happen

But unbeknownst to the team, you weren’t going to deal with it

Kita called for the boys to line up as you quickly followed

Akagi, Suna and Kita all watched you come to stand in front of the team

Your arms crossed and you stood in a power stance, protecting your boys

Suna was so mad he didn’t have his phone 😅

“ALRIGHT LISTEN UP!” You screamed as the crowded settled

The guys rn 👉🏻 🧍😐😳

“They boys played their hearts out and sure they have regrets but I swear, if I hear ONE BAD THINGS about them, I will personally ruin EVEDY SINGLE ONE of your pathetic lives! This is the time when our team needs support and if you can’t BE that support, then walk your butts right out that door and never come back!” You shout as the crowd all look at you

The team 👉🏻👁️💧👄💧👁️

The crowd 👉🏻😳🫣

The coaches 👉🏻😐😏

You 👉🏻🔥👄🔥

Suddenly the crowd starts applauding as the team stands there

“YN is right, these boys played a fantastic game?” Someone yelled

You nodded, happy with the outcome as you strolled off the court and to the sidelines, grabbing your stuff and heading out

The boys silently followed you, Kita in the lead as he spoke

“Umm YN,” he said

You turned around, putting your hand up to stop him

“Kita don’t thank me. I love you guys and I’ll do anything to protect you. You played your hearts out and while I’m sure you have regrets, that match was beyond amazing and well, today just happened to be Karasuno’s day,” you smiled as the boys all started to cry

You set your stuff down, going to hug them as a team

“I gotta say Yn, that was pretty badass,” Suna added

“I’m actually surprised it wasn’t Atsumu who finally broke you,” Osamu said

“Hey! I’m not that hard to deal with!” Atsumu said

“Oh you definitely are Sumu but we all just deal with it because we love you,” you say 🥰

Atsumu 👉🏻🥲 pain

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luvingtsumu · 10 months ago

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TODDLER!HAIKYUU BOYS that will be possesive over their favorite daycare caregiver.

His favorite game was when you pretended to be a princess and he was the brave and charming knight that saved you.

For his 3 year old brain, you were the prettiest girl he'd ever seen, you always made sure his milk was warm and that he had his favorite stuffed animal whenever he took a nap.

Every time he saw you with another child on your arms, he felt the absolute betrayal. Why would you take care of another kid that wasn't him!?

"No!" he whined as he hold onto your leg while you had in your arms a sleeping little boy "y/n mine!" he puffed out his cheeks as he intensely pulled your shirt trying to catch your attention back to him.

You found him adorable, but every day it was more difficult to keep him from pushing the other kids that got close to you, and you were sure his mommy didn't like you because he seemed to like you more than her; and it was always a problem when she came to pick him up, because he never wanted to leave their place in your arms.

✧—MIYA ATSUMU, MICHINARI AKAGI, RYUNOSUKE TANAKA, YUU NISHINOYA, KAGEYAMA TOBIO, HINATA SHOYO, LEV HAIBA, OIKAWA TOORU, TAKAHIRO HANAMAKI, KANJI KOGANEGAWA, BOKUTO KOTARO, SATORI TENDOU, GOSHIKI TSUTOMU, MOTOYA KOMORI.

#haikyuu #haikyuu x reader #hq x reader #miya atsumu #akagi michinari #ryunosuke tsunashi #yuu nishinoya #kageyama tobio #hinata shoyo #lev haiba #oikawa tooru #takahiro hanamaki #kanji koganegawa #bokuto kotaro #satori tendou #goshiki tsutomu #motoya komori #hq x you #haikyuu oneshot

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kissesforkita · 5 months ago

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𓇼ˎˊ˗‧₊˚.⸝⸝❀˖° Chasing Summer

❀˖° The Inarizaki boys volleyball club strives to achieve two things: making it to nationals, and making their manager proud.

❀˖° Inarizaki X F!Reader

❀˖° Slowburn romance, manga spoilers, fluff with barely any angst

00. 𓇼𓆉𓆝 With the Wind

#inarizaki #haikyuu #inarizaki x reader #miya atsumu x reader #miya osamu x reader #miya twins x reader #kita shinsuke x reader #suna rintaro x reader #aran ojiro x reader #akagi michinari x Reader #haikyuu x reader #haikyu x reader

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winternet-s · 1 month ago

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CAMPING IS FOR FALLING IN LOVE, ( r.miyagi )

، ✶ 🍚 ¿ ¡ ✷ we could stay out late until the sun sets past eight 𖤛 ⋆ 🧻 𖥉

summary : After Shohoku’s big win, you invite the team to your family’s camping site for a night under the stars. It’s supposed to be all fun and games—until Ryota Miyagi sees his chance to finally confess his feelings for you. With the fire crackling and the team teasing, he’s ready to open up… if his nerves (and Sakuragi's ego) don’t get in the way first.

notes : i loved writing that as u can tell sakuragi is my favorite 😔 plus be patient for misunderstood i'm trying to make the chapter long and bro it is hard !

warnings : slow burn - christian values and i think that's it

cw: 9,6k

━━━ 𝓘t was when the final whistle blows that the crowd exploded in noises. And it was at that exact moment that you felt yourself breathing, not even noticing that you were holding it. Every Shohoku player present on the court was drowned by their own sweat, still trying to catch their breath before finally erupting in cheers that seemed to shake the very ground beneath them. Their voices rise in unison—triumphant shouts, laughter, and cries of victory filling the air. High-fives, fist pumps, and backslaps are exchanged, the adrenaline still coursing through their veins.

The public join in, their cheers merging with the players’, a deafening roar that surges like a wave through the stands. Banners are waved, chants grow louder, and the entire gym is alive with the electric buzz of success. It’s a moment of pure euphoria—one born of hard work, determination, and the thrill of knowing they’ve earned their victory.

"They truly did an amazing job," you couldn't stop the smile that was spreading on your face , your eyes still absorbed by the team's excitement. "And Sakuragi seems to improve day by day! Every game, he’s improving—faster, sharper. It’s like he’s finding his rhythm, piece by piece" Your eyes lingered on the red-head proclaiming himself as a genius.

Kakuta shot you a grin, waving his hand dismissively. “You’re being way too nice, [Name],” he chuckled, leaning back with a teasing gleam in his eye. “He was just lucky!” His voice was light, playful, but you could tell he wasn’t totally serious—just ribbing Sakuragi the way he always did.

You awkwardly laughed while remembering a few scenes where Sakuragi was — embarrassing because of his ego — clearing your throat you continued, "Don't erase the fact that he's improving quite fast, you did a good job bringing him in the club Haruko!"

The brunette standing beside you flushed at the compliment, waving her hands in front of her modestly. “Oh, no, no!” Haruko shook her head, smiling shyly. "I didn’t really do much… he’s the one putting in all the effort." She glanced over at Sakuragi, her admiration for his determination clear, though she was far too humble to take credit for it.

At that very moment, out of the corner of your eye, you saw Sakuragi’s ears comically stretch and perk up like radar dishes, locking onto the sound of praise. His whole posture straightened up, and a huge, triumphant grin spread across his face.

“Nya-hahaha! Did you hear that, Ryo-chin?” Hanamichi’s booming voice cut through the conversation, puffing out his chest dramatically. “I’m improving fast! I’ve always been a genius, but even [name] can’t deny it anymore!”

Ryota groaned, glaring at him, while Sakuragi swaggered over to his teammates, throwing an arm over Ryota’s shoulders with exaggerated confidence. “You better catch up, little man, or I’ll be the star of this team in no time! You’re lucky to witness my greatness.”

The rest of the team exchanged amused glances, all too used to Sakuragi’s over-the-top ego boosts. Ryota shot you a look, half exasperated, half playful. "See what you started?" he said with a smirk, shaking his head.

You could only laugh at the scene, the red head antics were impossible to not laugh at and Ryota’s exasperated groans were impossible not to find amusing. Completely caught up in the moment, you didn’t notice the way Ryota’s gaze lingered on you, his eyes softening as he admired the way your laugh lit up your face. But underneath that fondness, a small twinge of jealousy tugged at his chest. He couldn’t help but feel a little envious of the affection you seemed to have for Sakuragi, even if he knew it was just playful.

"How about me, [Name]?" Ryota asked, his brown eyes sparkling with a playful glint, but beneath the surface, there was a light note of hope. Not that you caught it.

"You make the point guard position look so effortless," you replied, smiling brightly. "You’re so fast and agile. Plus, you do look really cool while playing, Ryo-chin!"

At your words, Ryota's face broke into a wide, giddy grin. His whole demeanor shifted, as if he couldn’t contain his excitement. "Cool? Did you hear that?" He mimicked Hanamichi's earlier boasting, lightly bouncing on his feet. "She thinks I’m cool! Oh, man! I'm on fire today!"

His exaggerated, playful reaction earned a sweat drop from his teammates, masking the way his heart actually leapt at your words. He ran a hand through his hair in mock arrogance, hiding any trace of the hope that had been there a moment ago. "Looks like I’m winning on and off the court!"

Excitement filled your body from head to toe, a positive energy coursing through you. You let your feet carry towards the players, , the source of that joy. The noise of the gym swirled around you laughter, shouts, the slap of high-fives, but your focus was ahead, where the team stood, basking in the aftermath of their triumph.

Haruko by your side reflected your enthusiasm, taking your arm in hers, a soft smile on her face as the two of you closed the distance.

Once close enough you called for them, “Hey, guys!” The players paused, turning their attention to you. “I wanted to invite all of you to my family’s camping site this weekend! It’ll be a great way to celebrate the win and bond a little more.” You announced.

A collective murmur of curiosity rippled through the team, and you could see the surprise on their faces. Hanamichi’s eyes widened in excitement. “A genius like me deserves a break after this exceptional performance!” Hanamichi puffed out his chest, grinning widely as if the entire match had hinged on his skills alone.

Clearing your throat you deviated your gaze on the others.

"My family owns a camping site, and with the summer holidays coming up, I thought it would be, um, a good idea, you know? Like, we could all go and, uh, hang out, maybe? I mean, it’s a really nice spot—there’s a lake and everything! We could have bonfires, or maybe… I don’t know, roast marshmallows? Or, uh, play some games? If everyone’s free, of course! I just thought it’d be fun, especially after all the hard work you guys have put in… but if it’s too much, that’s okay, too! And with Anzai's agreement too-"

Suddenly, you caught yourself rambling, the words spilling out in a rush as you felt heat creeping up your cheeks. You stopped short, laughter bubbling in your throat. “Wow, I’m really going off there, huh?”

Ayako who once was speechless found herself amused by your antics and approached you. “You’re fine! It sounds like a great idea!” She nudged you gently, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Haruko chimed in with a warm smile, “Honestly, you just made it sound even more fun! Who wouldn’t want to roast marshmallows and hang out by a lake?”

You let out a relieved laugh, grateful for their encouragement. The tension eased, and you felt a little more confident about your invitation.

From the corner of your eye, you caught Ryota who was drinking water, a teasing grin on his face. “Oh, come on! Who wouldn’t want to spend a weekend with all of you?” he chimed in, his tone playful. “It’ll be a whole new adventure for the rest of the team!”

He paused, glancing at Hanamichi, who was enthusiastically pumping his fists in the air. “Except for Hanamichi, of course. He’ll be the one leading us into trouble, trying to wrestle bears or something.”

You couldn’t help but laugh at the image. Just then, Mitsui walked over, Rukawa following closely behind, catching the tail end of the conversation. “Yeah, Ryota’s right,” Mitsui chimed in with a grin. “I can already see it: Hanamichi trying to show off, and we end up in the middle of the forest because he thought he could talk to a raccoon.”

Rukawa only nodded to the shooting guard's statement. Hanamichi pouted dramatically, crossing his arms. “You guys are just jealous of my camping skills! You’ll see, I’ll be the best camper ever!”

The room filled with laughter, the sound ringing off the walls and creating a warm, cheerful atmosphere. Your heart swelled as you looked around at your friends, their faces illuminated with excitement and joy. It was moments like these that made everything feel right.

“Oh thank you Lord! it’s settled then! A camping trip it is!” you declared, your voice ringing with determination. A broad smile spread across your face as you beamed at everyone, your spirit infectious. “And I’ll invite Anzai-sensei too! He can help keep things under control with Hanamichi around.”

The thought made everyone chuckle again, and you felt a flutter of anticipation. You continued, “And we can’t forget to invite Sakuragi’s gang! They’ll bring their own brand of chaos, but it’ll be fun!”

As you spoke, a wave of excitement swept through the group, eyes lighting up with eagerness at the prospect of the adventure. The anticipation in the air was electric, each person feeling the thrill of what was to come. You imagined the nights filled with stories around a campfire, the laughter echoing through the trees, and the bond of friendship growing stronger.

The team cheered at the idea, their voices melding together in a joyful chorus that filled the space around you. As you took in the happy faces, your heart swelled with warmth. This was the start of something special, a weekend filled with adventure, friendship, and unforgettable memories. You couldn’t wait for the camping trip to arrive, knowing it would bring you all even closer together.

After that day you sure couldn't handle your excitement the d-day was approaching and you wanted to make sure, everything was perfect and that everyone would feel comfortable. Armed with a notebook and a pen you dove into a planning determined to make it unforgettable, but also eager to make a balanced schedule mixing fun and relaxation.

You spent hours crafting the perfect itinerary. There would be nature hikes in the morning, where the team could explore the surrounding woods and enjoy the fresh air. You made sure to highlight the best trails and included some scenic spots for group photos. For the afternoons, you planned various activities—friendly competitions, like a three-on-three basketball game, followed by a team-building challenge that would push everyone to work together.

"Okay perfect! Now the meals .."

But you didn’t stop there. You knew that a camping trip wouldn’t be complete without some delicious meals. You mapped out the menu with care, balancing easy-to-cook meals with everyone’s preferences. For the first night, you decided on a classic campfire dinner: hot dogs and veggie skewers, followed by s'mores for dessert. The next day, you planned a hearty breakfast of pancakes and fruit, ensuring everyone had enough energy for the day ahead.

Staring at your planning you couldn't deny the proud feeling that you had at the moment, you were excited not only for the trip but also to spend time with your friends out of a formal place, away from the pressures of basketball practice and school.

The day you finally shared your meticulously organized plan with the team, their faces lit up with enthusiasm. “Wow, [Name], you really went all out!” Haruko exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “This sounds amazing!”

Kogure, always the supportive friend, nodded vigorously. “Seriously! You’ve thought of everything. It’ll be a great way to bond as a team!”

Even Akagi, the usually stoic captain, couldn’t hide a smile. “This will help us build camaraderie off the court. Good job, [Name].” His praise made your heart swell with pride.

Ryota chimed in, “You’ve really put in the effort, and I appreciate that. This is going to be epic!”

But then, your excitement was interrupted by a wave of worry. “Like this, though—no surprises if someone doesn’t feel comfortable with some activities or…” You paused, suddenly flustered. “Wait, is any of you allergic to something or—” Your rambling turned into a cascade of concerns. “I didn’t ask about food allergies! What if someone can’t eat the hot dogs? Or if we go swimming and someone has a phobia of lakes? Oh no, what if Hanamichi tries to wrestle a bear and gets hurt?”

The words tumbled out before you could stop yourself, and you could feel heat creeping up your cheeks. You stopped short, a nervous laugh escaping your lips. “Wow, I’m really going off again ..?”

At the mention of bears, Hanamichi’s eyes lit up dramatically. “Wrestle a bear?! Pfft! I could take on ten bears at once!” He puffed out his chest, striking a heroic pose as he flexed his arms. “I’ll show them who’s the real king of the jungle!”

Everyone else stared at him, trying to suppress laughter. Ryota couldn’t help but roll his eyes, a smirk creeping onto his face. “Right, because bears are totally scared of an overgrown monkey like you. Plus bears don’t live in the jungle idiot!"

Hanamichi waved his hand dismissively, undeterred.

You couldn’t help but burst into laughter at his antics, the tension easing away as you watched the absurdity unfold. Ryota chuckled softly beside you, his expression a mix of amusement and fondness.

“Hey, don’t worry, [Name]. I’m sure everyone will be fine. Just ask them, and we’ll figure it out together,” he reassured you, his warm demeanor making you feel a little better. You remained oblivious to the way his eyes softened as he watched you.

“It’ll be an adventure, and we’ll all look out for each other, right?” you said, still giggling over Hanamichi’s theatrics.

As the laughter died down, Ayako’s gaze shifted between you and Ryota. A knowing smile crept onto her lips as she watched the way Ryota’s expression softened when he looked at you. There was a spark of something special in his eyes, a warmth that hadn’t gone unnoticed by her. She nudged Kogure, who was busy trying to stifle a laugh at Hanamichi’s antics.

“Do you see that? He’s totally into her,” Ayako murmured, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.

Kogure chuckled softly, nodding. “Yeah, it’s been pretty obvious for a while now. But I think [Name]’s completely oblivious.”

Hanamichi, still hamming up his imaginary bear-wrestling scene, overheard just enough of their conversation to catch on. His ears perked up, and with a dramatic pivot, he pointed at Ryota and shouted, “Wait, what? Ryota likes [Name]?!”

The sudden outburst drew the entire group’s attention, including yours, though you didn’t quite catch what he said. Ryota’s face flushed bright red, and he turned on his heel to face Hanamichi, already regretting everything about this moment.

“Sakuragi! Shut up!” Ryota hissed, glaring at him. “You’re way too loud!”

But Hanamichi was already rolling with it, puffing out his chest as if he were some great mastermind. “I got it! I’ll help you win her over! Leave it to me—the great Hanamichi Sakuragi! This will be the greatest play of my life!” His eyes gleamed with determination as if he were planning some sort of heroic moment.

Kogure and Ayako exchanged amused glances, knowing where this was headed.

“Oh no, no, no,” Ryota groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t need your help, Sakuragi. Really, I’ve got this.”

But Hanamichi wasn’t backing down. He threw a confident arm around Ryota’s shoulder, giving him a hearty shake. “Trust me, Ryota! I’ll come up with the perfect plan! Like, you could rescue [Name] from something dangerous! Maybe a bear!”

Ayako burst out laughing at that, and Kogure covered his mouth to hide his grin. The others were already chuckling, but Hanamichi’s next comment sent everyone over the edge.

“Yeah! Ryota will save [Name] from a bear! And then, when she’s all impressed, he’ll confess his feelings!” Hanamichi was so caught up in his fantasy that he missed Ryota’s growing look of horror.

But then, Hanamichi’s face twisted as he suddenly processed his own words. “Wait... hold on!” he exclaimed, looking deeply offended as if a great injustice had been done. “Why is Ryota the one wrestling the bear?! Everyone knows I’m the strongest one here! If anyone’s gonna fight a bear, it’s gonna be me!”

He stood tall, puffing his chest out even more, as if the idea that someone else might handle the dangerous task was an insult to his abilities.

Mitsui snorted from the side, shaking his head. “Hanamichi, you do know no one’s actually fighting a bear, right?”

“Yeah,” Rukawa added coolly, barely looking up from where he was sitting. “You’d lose.”

“WHAT?!” Hanamichi whipped around to face him, fists clenched, his face turning red with fury. “I’d never lose to a bear! I’d have it pinned in seconds! Don’t you dare underestimate the great Hanamichi Sakuragi!”

The rest of the team erupted in laughter, completely caught up in Hanamichi’s wild overreaction. Even you couldn’t help but laugh, though you still weren’t sure why everyone was talking about wrestling bears all of a sudden.

Meanwhile, Ryota stood there, his face buried in his hands as he tried to recover from the whole embarrassing scene. “This is a disaster…” he muttered.

Ayako, ever the observant one, saw the way Ryota’s flustered demeanor shifted slightly whenever you laughed, his eyes lighting up at the sound. She nudged Hanamichi playfully. “Maybe you should save the bear wrestling for the professionals, Sakuragi. It sounds like Ryota has his own plan.”

Hanamichi huffed, crossing his arms in a pout. “Yeah, well, whatever. Just don’t come crying to me when Ryota messes it up!”

Ryota glared at him, then shot a quick, almost shy glance in your direction. “I won’t mess it up, you idiot…”

Completely oblivious to the undercurrent of teasing and tension, you let out another laugh. “Well, let’s just hope no one has to wrestle any bears during the camping trip, right?”

Hanamichi puffed up again. “Don’t worry! If there’s a bear, I’ll take it down in one punch!”

"Stop with that bear thing!"

The excited buzz from the team planning session lingered in the air as you gathered your things, still feeling the high energy of the conversation. Once the final details were ironed out, you couldn’t help but feel a bit of pride for putting it all together. But as you packed away your notes, you noticed Hanamichi hovering near the door, his arms crossed in a self-assured stance.

“I’ll walk you home, [Name],” he announced, a grin on his face as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Since when did I need you to walk me home, genius?” you teased, your tone light.

He puffed out his chest, clearly enjoying his role as the self-proclaimed protector. “Since always!"

You rolled your eyes with a smile, falling into step beside him as the two of you exited the gym. The cool evening breeze brushed against your skin, and the distant hum of the town’s nightlife filled the space between your playful banter.

As you walked, you found your mind wandering back to the camping trip, thoughts of the logistics and details creeping back in. “I just hope everything goes smoothly,” you muttered aloud, almost to yourself. “What if someone doesn’t like the activities, or—oh, no, I didn’t ask about food allergies! What if someone’s allergic to the marshmallows or the hot dogs?”

Hanamichi gave you a sidelong glance, noticing the shift in your tone from excitement to concern. He shook his head in mock frustration. “You’re overthinking it again. It’s just camping, not a battle plan. Besides, if anything goes wrong, I’ll take care of it. I am a genius, after all.”

You let out a laugh, his confidence impossible to ignore. “Yeah, because when it comes to problem-solving, I’m sure ‘Hanamichi Sakuragi: the genuis’ is exactly the kind of help we’ll need.”

Without missing a beat, Hanamichi puffed up his chest, striking a mock-heroic pose. “Of course! Nya-hahahaha!” His voice boomed with exaggerated bravado, making you giggle.

“Sure you will,” you replied with a playful eye roll, though your smile never left your face.

Despite his usual loud and overconfident manner, there was a sense of comfort that came with having Hanamichi around. He had been by your side for years, your childhood friend who always made sure to walk you home—even if he made a show of it. And while he talked big, you knew he meant it when he said he’d always look out for you.

As the two of you walked in companionable silence, the streetlights casting soft glows along the sidewalk, Hanamichi suddenly spoke up again, his tone less playful this time. “You’re always putting everyone else first, you know. Like with this camping trip—you’re making sure everything’s perfect for us. But don’t forget to take care of yourself too.”

You blinked, taken aback by his unexpected sincerity. “Since when did you get all wise on me?” you teased, trying to lighten the mood, but his words had hit home.

Hanamichi shrugged, glancing away as if embarrassed by the sentiment. “I’m always wise,” he said, though the usual bravado was missing from his voice. “Just… don’t overwork yourself, alright? We’ll all have a good time no matter what.”

The warmth in your chest grew, touched by his words. “Thanks, Hanamichi. I guess I needed to hear that.”

“Of course! I’m a genius at everything, including pep talks,” he declared, back to his usual over-the-top self. “Just leave it to me. And no more worrying about it, got it?”

You couldn’t help but smile at him, grateful for the way he always seemed to know when you needed a little reassurance, even if he disguised it with humor. “Got it,” you replied softly.

As you reached your doorstep, Hanamichi stopped and gave you a small, sincere smile. “Alright, see you tomorrow! And remember—if a bear shows up, just call me. I’ll handle it.”

“Goodnight, bear wrestler,” you joked, waving him off.

With a final thumbs-up, Hanamichi turned and walked off into the night, leaving you with a lighter heart and the comforting knowledge that you weren’t alone in organizing this trip. Even if he was always a little dramatic, Hanamichi’s loyalty and friendship had always been unwavering.

The late afternoon sun bathed the street market in a warm, golden glow as the three of you continued your search for the last few items on your list. You were absorbed in picking out sunscreen and other camping essentials, humming quietly to yourself as you compared brands. Hanamichi and Ryota, on the other hand, had found themselves falling behind, distracted by the various street vendors and the usual chaos around them.

Hanamichi, ever the loud one, was grabbing random things from stalls and examining them with exaggerated curiosity. “What do you think of this hat?” he asked, plopping a wide-brimmed sunhat on Ryota’s head. “Too much?”

Ryota rolled his eyes, pulling the hat off. “Yeah, I don’t think that’s the look I’m going for.”

You glanced back, smiling at their antics. “Guys, focus! We still need to find a few more things for the trip.”

But even as you busied yourself with the task, Ryota’s mind was somewhere else. He kept glancing over at stalls, his eyes catching on various trinkets and gifts, trying to think of the perfect thing to get you. Something that showed how much he cared, something that was personal.

As they walked on, Hanamichi noticed Ryota’s distracted expression and smirked. “Oi, Ryo-chin, what’s with the face? You look like you’re trying to solve a mystery or something.”

Ryota blinked, snapping back to reality. “What? Oh, nothing, just… thinking.”

Hanamichi raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth quirking up in a knowing smile. “You’re thinking about getting something for [Name], aren’t you?”

Ryota rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, trying to play it cool. “Maybe. Just something small, you know? Something that’d mean something to her.”

Hanamichi’s smirk softened into a more serious expression as they walked. For all his bravado and loud personality, when it came to you, Hanamichi knew a lot more than he let on. After all, you were his childhood friend—someone he had known for years, someone he cared about deeply, even if he didn’t always show it.

“I get it,” Hanamichi said, glancing over at you as you sifted through a stall. “She’s always been the type to put everyone else first, y’know? When we were kids, she’d give up her snacks if someone didn’t have any, or spend hours helping with homework even when she had her own to do. She’s always thinking about others, making sure they’re okay.”

Ryota listened intently, surprised at how sincere Hanamichi sounded. “Yeah… I’ve noticed that about her.”

“And,” Hanamichi continued, his voice dropping slightly, “her faith’s a big part of that. She doesn’t talk about it all the time, but it’s there. It’s why she’s always looking out for people, why she worries about things like whether everyone’s comfortable, if we’re all taken care of. It’s just how she is.”

Ryota blinked, taking that in. “Her faith, huh?”

Hanamichi nodded. “She’s a Christian. It’s not something she pushes on people, but it’s important to her. When things got tough, like when her mom was sick a while back, her faith was what got her through it. I mean, she didn’t say it outright, but you could tell. She’d go to church, pray… It helps her stay grounded, I think.”

Ryota’s gaze flickered toward you as you chatted with a vendor, unaware of the conversation happening behind you. “I didn’t realize it was that big a part of her life.”

“Well, now you do,” Hanamichi said, his tone more serious than usual. “So, if you’re thinking of getting her something, maybe keep that in mind.”

Just then, Ryota’s eyes landed on a small stall displaying Christian jewelry—a collection of crosses, pendants, and simple charms. Something clicked in his mind as he spotted a delicate silver cross, its design simple but elegant. It was perfect.

Before Ryota could respond, though, they were interrupted by the sudden arrival of Sakuragi’s gang. Yohei, Ookusu, and Noma approached with their usual casual swagger, carrying bags of their own. Yohei raised a hand in greeting. “Hey, Hanamichi! Ryota! Looks like you’re stocking up for the trip, too.”

Ryota smiled and nodded. “Yeah, just getting some last-minute stuff.”

Yohei glanced between the two of them, then at you, still distracted with your shopping. He leaned in closer to Hanamichi, smirking. “So, what’s this about Ryota trying to impress [Name]?”

Hanamichi, of course, couldn’t resist the opportunity to tease. “Ryo-chin here is trying to find the perfect gift, something that’ll sweep [Name] off her feet. But he’s a little nervous.”

Ryota’s face flushed as he elbowed Hanamichi. “Shut up! I’m just… trying to get her something thoughtful.”

Yohei chuckled. “Sounds like someone’s got it bad.”

“Don’t worry,” Hanamichi added, “I’m sure she’ll love whatever you get her. Just don’t overthink it.”

As the group laughed and joked around, Ryota slipped away for a moment, returning to the jewelry stall. He bought the silver cross and the small leather-bound notebook, feeling a sense of satisfaction as he tucked them into his bag. They were simple gifts, but they carried meaning—something personal, something that connected to her faith, her love for others, and the way she always put everyone before herself.

When he returned to the group, you were finally finished with your shopping. You smiled at everyone, your arms full of bags. “Thanks for waiting, guys. I think we’ve got everything we need now.”

Hanamichi grinned. “You bet! And I made sure Ryo-chin didn’t buy anything too ridiculous.”

You laughed, not noticing the way Ryota’s gaze lingered on you for just a second longer. His heart raced, but he managed to keep his cool. He’d give you the gifts later, when the moment was right. For now, he joined in the banter, keeping things light and easy, but knowing deep down that the trip would be the perfect chance to show you how much he cared.

The day had finally arrived. Similar to the nergy that you were giving, the sun was bright and warm, casting golden hues over the camping site. As you stood in the middle of the grassy clearing, taking in the calm before the chaos. The supplies neatly organized, and everything you had spent the past few days preparing was in place—food, sunscreen, even a first-aid kit, just in case.

You took a deep breath, feeling the slight tinge of excitement and nervousness dancing in your chest. Everything was ready—the only thing missing now was the team, Sakuragi’s gang, and your friends.

And there you could hear the faint sound of voices and laughs echoing. Moments later, the familiar figures of your friends emerged from the trees, with Haruko and Hanamichi in the lead both were conversing - he looks giddy, you thought with a small smile.

Until his eyes fell on you, "Hey, [Name]!” Hanamichi’s voice boomed across the field as he waved, already hyped up. “The genius has arrived! I hope you’re ready for the best camping trip of your life!”

You couldn’t help but smile at his energy, waving back. Behind him, Yohei and the rest of his gang followed, along with Ryota, Ayako, and the rest of the Shohoku team. Everyone seemed in high spirits, their excitement contagious.

“Hello everyone!” you called out, stepping forward to greet them. “I’m so glad you all made it! You’ll see camping isn’t as boring as people make it look! My family’s camping site is the best! We have everything—a beautiful lake, hiking trails, and my dad always has the best stories to tell around the campfire!”

You felt your excitement bubbling over as you continued, “I mean, we have great food! My dad makes the best hot dogs and s'mores, and the scenery is amazing! It’s the perfect place to unwind and just enjoy nature. You’ll see—there’s no way this is going to be boring! I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend a weekend camping with the best team ever? It’s going to be epic!”

As you rambled on, you noticed the team exchanging amused glances, a few sweat drops forming as they struggled to keep straight faces. Ayako stepped forward, her smile wide and playful. “Okay, okay, we get it! Your dad is amazing, and the food will be great. Just promise us you won’t keep talking about it all weekend, alright?”

You cleared your throat before apologizing.

Hanamichi crossed his arms, feigning annoyance. “Honestly, you sound like you’re trying to sell us on this camping trip! I get it; your dad’s great, but don’t make us feel bad about our own camping skills!”

Ryota, who had been leaning against a tree, watched you with a soft smile that spoke volumes. “I could listen to you ramble about your family’s camping site all day, [Name].” His voice was sincere, his brown eyes sparkling as they met yours. “It’s really great to see how passionate you are about this.”

You blinked, caught off guard. “Thanks, Ryota! I just want everyone to enjoy themselves.”

He nodded earnestly, a hint of a blush on his cheeks. “It really shows how much you care about everyone having a good time.”

You tilted your head, puzzled. “Uh, thanks? But, I mean, isn’t that what friends do?”

“Of course!” he replied, but his tone was slightly more eager, causing Hanamichi to smirk and glance at him knowingly.

“Looks like someone’s a bit lovestruck,” Hanamichi teased, crossing his arms with a grin.

You were oblivious to the undercurrent of teasing. “So, are we going to set up the tents or what?” you asked, trying to steer the conversation back on track.

“Right!” Ayako chimed in, clapping her hands together. “Let’s get started! The sooner we set up, the sooner we can enjoy the rest of the day!”

As the team began to move towards the area designated for the tents, you couldn’t shake off the feeling that Ryota was acting a bit different, but you shrugged it off and focused on the excitement of the camping trip ahead.

As the sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the campsite, you could feel the excitement bubbling in the air. "Alright, everyone! For our first activity, we’re going to set up the tents!” you announced, your voice ringing out above the chatter of your friends. The team gathered around, their faces lighting up with anticipation. “But here’s the twist! We’re going to see who can set theirs up the fastest! The winners get first dibs on the food tonight!”

The response was immediate—a chorus of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the team, filling the clearing with a sense of camaraderie and competition. Hanamichi, ever the dramatist, puffed out his chest, eyes gleaming with determination. “I’ll show you all how it’s done! No one can beat the great Sakuragi!” He struck a pose, hands on his hips, and a wide grin plastered across his face. Laughter followed, light and infectious, as the rest of the team playfully rolled their eyes.

“Just try not to trip over the tent poles this time, okay?” you teased, recalling past camping mishaps where Hanamichi’s enthusiasm had led to comical disasters. He huffed in response, his pride wounded but only momentarily.

Your father stepped forward, arms crossed with a knowing smile, clearly enjoying the banter. “So, who’s going to lead this expedition into the wilderness?” he asked, his tone teasing as he directed his gaze at Hanamichi, who stood with exaggerated confidence.

“Me!” Hanamichi shouted, puffing out his chest further as he embraced the moment. “I’m a camping genius!”

Your father raised an eyebrow, amusement sparkling in his eyes. “A genius, huh? Last I checked, you almost set our tent on fire during that camping trip when you were younger. What was it you said? ‘I can make fire like a pro’?” His laughter was contagious, and soon the entire team joined in, memories of Hanamichi’s previous escapades bringing about a flood of fond chuckles.

Hanamichi’s cheeks flushed a bright shade of red, indignation clear in his voice. “Hey! That was one time! And I still managed to help with the marshmallows!” He crossed his arms, trying to appear tough despite the laughter directed at him.

As the team began sorting out their tent supplies, you noticed Ryota standing a little off to the side, brow furrowed in concentration as he prepared his gear. He looked so determined, and you found it kind of cute. Before you could dwell on it, your father leaned closer, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “You know, it’s nice to see everyone so excited, especially Ryota. He seems to be quite taken with you,” he said, glancing knowingly in Ryota’s direction.

You blinked in surprise, turning to follow your father’s gaze. Ryota was deep in conversation with Mitsui, laughter ringing out as they joked about the competition ahead. You shrugged off your father’s comment, genuinely oblivious to any underlying feelings. “What do you mean? We’re just friends!” you replied, waving your hand dismissively.

Your father chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the moment. “Sure, if you say so,” he replied, but the glint in his eye indicated that he wasn’t convinced. “Just keep an eye on him. You never know when a boy might start taking a special interest in his childhood friend.”

You shook your head, still not quite understanding. “We’re all just here to have fun camping together!” With that, you clapped your hands together, rallying the group’s focus. “Okay, everyone! Let’s get those tents set up!”

With a rallying cry, the teams scattered, each group diving into their supplies with enthusiasm. You joined your friends, the sound of laughter and chatter swirling around you like a warm blanket. Hanamichi immediately grabbed a pile of tent poles, launching himself into the project with reckless abandon, while Ryota moved methodically, glancing around to ensure everything was going smoothly.

Your father watched the scene unfold with amusement, a smile spreading across his face. “Looks like some are better at basketball than camping,” he joked, shaking his head. You could feel a wave of warmth at his support and encouragement, even amidst the light-hearted teasing.

As you positioned your tent, your eyes drifted toward Ryota. He was deep in conversation with Mitsui, animatedly discussing strategies for setting up their tent. You felt a flutter of admiration at the way he commanded the attention of his teammates, but it was a simple appreciation. The thought that he might have deeper feelings for you didn’t cross your mind.

“Alright, everyone! Time to see who can get their tent up the fastest! And remember, there are prizes at stake!” your father called out, igniting a spark of competitiveness among the group. Cheers erupted from the team, ready to tackle the challenge.

With your team in high spirits, you felt a sense of pride swell within you—not just for the tents that would stand tall by the end of the day, but for the bonds being strengthened in this beautiful outdoor setting. The laughter, the camaraderie, and the warmth of shared moments filled you with happiness.

As the tents began to take shape, you couldn’t help but smile at the chaotic yet joyful scene before you. This camping trip was going to be unforgettable, and you were determined to make the most of every moment.

The sun was shining brightly overhead, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor as you stood at the center of the campsite, ready to kick off the next activity. The group had just finished setting up their tents, and the excitement in the air was palpable. You gathered everyone around, heart racing a little as you prepared to explain the rules of the scavenger hunt organized by your father.

“Okay, everyone!” you called out, waving your hands to get everyone’s attention. “We’re about to start the scavenger hunt! My dad is leading this one, and he has set up a great list of items for you to find. This will be a fun way to explore the area and work together!”

As you looked around, you spotted Kogure, Haruko, Ryota, and Yohei in your group. Their eager expressions reassured you that the day was shaping up to be a blast. “The rules are simple. Each group will have to find a series of items from the list my dad created. The first group to find everything wins!”

Just then, your father appeared, holding a clipboard and sporting a grin that radiated excitement. “Remember, teamwork is key! Make sure to stay together and watch out for one another. There’s a little prize for the winning group, so I expect you all to give it your best!”

You couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride at your dad’s enthusiasm. He glanced at you and winked, and you felt warmth spreading through your chest. But then he added, teasingly, “And no slacking off, Ryota! I know how you like to zone out when [Name] is around!”

You felt your cheeks heat up at his comment, glancing quickly at Ryota, who looked a bit sheepish but was clearly amused. He caught your eye, and you both exchanged a brief, nervous smile. For a moment, the atmosphere felt charged, but you shook your head to clear your thoughts, determined to stay focused.

“Alright, let’s get started!” you said, trying to bring the energy back up. “Kogure, Haruko, you two can help keep us organized! Ready, set, go!”

With a whoop, the group burst into motion. As you led the way, you began to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. Your father’s teasing comment lingered in your mind, making you acutely aware of Ryota walking beside you. You tried to shake off the feeling, focusing instead on the scavenger hunt.

“Okay, our first items are a red leaf and a smooth stone,” you announced, glancing at your list. “Let’s head toward that cluster of trees over there!”

As you navigated through the underbrush, you could feel Ryota’s presence next to you, and it both comforted and flustered you. He seemed to be scanning the ground intently, clearly focused on finding the items. You couldn’t help but admire his determination, which only heightened the butterflies in your stomach.

“Look! There’s a red leaf!” you exclaimed, pointing toward a particularly vibrant one hanging from a low branch.

“Nice spot!” Ryota replied, smiling as you both rushed over. Just as you reached for the leaf, your fingers brushed against his, sending an unexpected jolt through you. You quickly withdrew your hand, your heart racing for reasons you couldn’t quite understand.

You focused on the scavenger hunt to distract yourself, but it wasn’t easy. As you gathered the leaf, your father’s earlier comment echoed in your mind. Ryota was genuinely trying to help, but you found yourself feeling increasingly awkward around him.

As the group continued to search for items, you caught Haruko and Kogure gathering a few items in the distance. You felt proud of your team, but your mind kept drifting back to Ryota, who was trying to help you with the scavenger hunt. He noticed your distracted behavior and gently nudged your arm.

“Hey, are you alright?” he asked, his voice low and concerned.

“Yeah, I’m fine!” you replied too quickly, forcing a bright smile. You could feel your cheeks warming, but you tried to brush it off. “Just thinking about what we need to find next.”

Ryota looked at you with a knowing expression. “You sure? You seem a little… lost in thought.”

“Oh! Um, well, it’s just that we need to find a smooth stone now, and—” Your voice trailed off as you searched for something to say to divert the conversation from your swirling thoughts.

Before you could say more, Kogure’s voice broke through the moment. “Hey! Look what we found!” He waved a bright green feather, and Haruko held up an oddly shaped rock, both of them beaming with pride.

“That’s awesome!” you cheered, momentarily forgetting your awkwardness. “We’re still on the lookout for our red leaf and smooth stone!”

“Don’t worry; we’ll catch up!” Haruko said, playfully nudging Kogure, who was puffing up with pride.

As the scavenger hunt continued, you found the smooth stone and rushed back to join your teammates. The chatter and laughter around you felt comforting, but every now and then, you caught Ryota stealing glances your way. It made you self-conscious and yet inexplicably thrilled.

Finally, when the time was called, everyone regrouped, and your father tallied up the findings. “Looks like Team [Name] is the winner!” he announced with a grin, holding up a small prize bag filled with goodies.

You cheered with your group, feeling a swell of pride. But your thoughts drifted as you looked at Ryota, who was beaming at your success. The moment felt meaningful, and you couldn’t help but wonder what his smile meant.

“Alright, let’s celebrate with some lunch!” your father said, clapping his hands together. “You’ve all earned a good meal!”

With everyone buzzing with excitement, you took a moment to reflect on the scavenger hunt. You felt grateful for the friendships you had nurtured over the years and the memories you were creating, even as the stirring feelings for Ryota lingered in the back of your mind.

Lunch felt like the perfect reward after the excitement of the scavenger hunt, and as everyone gathered around, the spread was unmistakably traditional. Haruko and Yohei unpacked a variety of beautifully arranged dishes: onigiri stuffed with different fillings, tamago-yaki (sweet rolled omelet), grilled fish, and fresh vegetables. There were even a few containers of miso soup kept warm in thermos flasks. The familiar aroma of soy sauce, sesame, and seaweed filled the air, blending seamlessly with the natural scent of the forest.

Everyone sat down on picnic mats, chatting about the hunt and comparing the items they'd found. The conversation was light and cheerful, but you couldn’t help but glance over at Ryota every now and then, feeling a new tension you hadn’t noticed before.

After everyone had their fill of food, your father announced, “Alright, who’s ready for some fun by the lake? We’ve got kayaks, and those of you who just want to swim or relax by the water can do that too. It’s a bit of a hike, but nothing too tough after that meal!”

The group’s excitement reignited at the mention of the lake, and you all packed up quickly. The walk to the lake was filled with more laughter and friendly chatter, the path lined with mossy stones and towering trees. Ryota stuck close to you, but this time, you found yourself less anxious about it. His presence had become both familiar and comforting, and the awkwardness from earlier seemed to fade into something more intriguing.

When you arrived at the lake, the sight took your breath away. The water was a calm, deep blue, reflecting the sky and surrounded by thick trees. A few kayaks rested on the shore, while a wooden dock jutted out into the lake, perfect for those who wanted to dive in for a swim. The air here was cooler, the breeze carrying a refreshing hint of water.

Some of your friends immediately headed toward the kayaks. Haruko and Kogure paired up, already debating who would paddle faster, while Yohei stripped off his shirt and dove into the water with a triumphant splash. The scene was peaceful but lively, and you found yourself drawn to the calmness of the lake.

Ryota wandered over to the edge of the dock, motioning for you to join him. "Want to sit for a bit before jumping in?"

You nodded, walking over and sitting beside him, your legs dangling over the edge, just above the water. The two of you watched your friends in comfortable silence for a while—Haruko and Kogure laughing as they struggled to synchronize their paddling, Yohei floating lazily on his back, and your father enjoying the sight of everyone having a good time from the shore.

Eventually, Ryota broke the silence. “So, I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” he said, leaning back on his hands as he glanced your way. “Your dad mentioned your faith a couple of times. You’re a Christian, right?”

His question caught you off guard, but you nodded, curious about where this was going. “Yeah, I am. I’ve been a Christian for as long as I can remember. Why do you ask?”

Ryota hesitated for a moment, seeming to choose his words carefully. “I’ve always been kind of interested in that. It’s different from how I grew up, you know? And I guess… I’m curious about how it works. Especially when it comes to things like relationships.”

You felt a warmth spread through your chest, a mixture of surprise and nervousness. “Relationships?”

He rubbed the back of his neck, clearly unsure of how to phrase his thoughts. “Yeah. I mean, I know in some faiths, there’s a certain way people are supposed to approach relationships, right? Like, with certain values or… expectations? I don’t know, I’m probably not explaining it well.”

You smiled, touched by his interest. “No, you’re making sense. In Christianity, there are definitely values that guide relationships. Things like love, respect, and faithfulness are really important. And, well, being honest about your intentions with someone. I think the idea is that relationships are meant to reflect how God loves us—selflessly and with a purpose.”

Ryota nodded slowly, his gaze drifting out over the water. “That sounds… really different from what I’m used to hearing. My parents never really talked about relationships in that way. They were always more focused on other things, like school or work. But I think there’s something nice about the idea of being with someone for a reason, like it’s not just random.”

Your heartbeat a little faster as you considered his words. Was he just curious, or was there something more behind his questions? You could still hear your father’s teasing voice from earlier in the day, and now, it seemed to echo more loudly in your mind.

“I think it makes relationships deeper,” you said softly. “When you believe there’s a purpose behind them, it changes how you see the person you’re with. It’s not just about how you feel in the moment; it’s about something lasting.”

Ryota glanced at you, and for a moment, you felt as though he was seeing you differently. The look in his eyes was more thoughtful, like he was really taking in what you were saying. He gave you a small, almost shy smile. “That’s… pretty cool. I didn’t know you thought about things like that.”

Your heart fluttered at the sincerity in his voice. “I think about it a lot,” you admitted, trying to keep your voice steady. “Especially when it comes to people who are important to me.”

For a long moment, neither of you spoke, the sound of the water lapping against the dock and the distant laughter of your friends filling the silence. You felt that same charged atmosphere from earlier, but this time, it felt less awkward and more like… potential. Something was shifting between the two of you, and you weren’t sure if you should be excited or scared.

Ryota leaned forward slightly, his voice quieter now. “So, do you think... that’s something you’d want? A relationship like that?”

Your heart skipped a beat. Was he asking about your general beliefs, or was this more personal? You weren’t sure, but as you met his gaze, you realized something had changed. Maybe your father had been right, and maybe, just maybe, Ryota was seeing you in a new light.

“Yeah,” you replied softly, feeling your pulse quicken. “I think I would.”

Just then, Hanamichi called out, breaking the moment. “Hey, you two! Are you coming in, or are you just going to sit there all day?”

Ryota chuckled, shaking his head, and you both stood up. “Let’s join them,” he suggested, his expression brightening. As you walked together to the water, you felt a new sense of connection between you, something that promised to grow deeper with time.

Once you reached the shoreline, you all split into teams for some fun activities in the water. Hanamichi and Mitsui set up a light-hearted relay race involving swimming and kayaking, while the rest of the group gathered in the shallow end to play games. As you teamed up with Ryota, you felt a giddy rush of anticipation and nerves mingling together.

Ryota grinned, and you noticed how he looked at you with a newfound spark. “Ready to get wet?” he challenged playfully, splashing water in your direction.

With laughter spilling out, you splashed him back, the both of you fully immersing yourselves in the cheerful chaos. As the laughter and shouts surrounded you, you felt lighter and freer than ever, and the connection with Ryota grew stronger.

As the sun began its slow descent, casting a golden glow over the lake, the group gathered on the shore, preparing for their final activity of the day. Your father had planned a simple, laid-back session—painting on small wooden plaques, each person getting the chance to reflect on the day and create something meaningful to take home. The atmosphere was calm, the earlier excitement of the scavenger hunt and lake fading into a quiet sense of contentment.

The group settled on blankets near the water, the wooden plaques and paintbrushes laid out in front of you. Haruko was already chatting with Kogure about what she wanted to paint, while Yohei, never one to miss a chance to make a joke, was talking about painting a self-portrait “so everyone can remember his greatness.” Laughter rippled through the group, but as you glanced over at Ryota, you noticed he was quieter than usual, focused on something in his hands.

After a while, everyone got lost in their own creations, and the conversations became softer, more reflective. You dipped your brush into the paint, unsure of what to create but enjoying the calmness of the moment. The day had been perfect in its own way, but there was still something lingering in the back of your mind—Ryota’s earlier questions about relationships and Christianity. The memory of his thoughtful expression stayed with you, making your heart race whenever you looked in his direction.

As you worked on your painting, Ryota stood up and wandered over to you. “Hey,” he said quietly, his voice a little nervous but gentle. “Can we talk for a minute?”

Surprised, but curious, you nodded and stood up, leaving your half-finished plaque behind. He led you a little farther down the shore, away from the rest of the group, to a quiet spot near a cluster of trees. The soft breeze from the lake carried the faint sounds of your friends’ chatter, but in this moment, it felt like the world had narrowed down to just the two of you.

Ryota took a deep breath, and you could see the tension in his shoulders as he seemed to gather his thoughts. After a long pause, he pulled something from his pocket—a small cross necklace, simple but beautiful, glinting in the fading sunlight. He held it out to you, his hand steady even though you could tell he was nervous.

“I wanted to give this to you,” he said, his voice soft. “I know how much your faith means to you, and… I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said earlier. About how relationships are supposed to be about love, respect, and purpose. I don’t know if I fully understand everything yet, but I’ve been learning more—about you, your beliefs, and what really matters to you.”

Your breath caught in your throat as he continued, the weight of his words sinking in. He reached into his bag and pulled out a small notebook, its cover worn but neatly kept, and handed it to you. “I’ve been writing in this for a while now, just thoughts and questions about everything—about life, and faith, and you. I want to understand, and I want to do things the right way. So… I guess what I’m trying to say is…”

Ryota paused, his gaze steady but full of emotion. “I like you, [Name]. A lot. And I want to be with you, but I also want to respect what’s important to you—your faith, your values. I don’t want to rush into anything if it’s not the right way to do it. I’d rather get to know you better, in a way that honors what you believe.”

For a moment, you couldn’t find the words. The sincerity in his voice, the way he had thought about this so deeply, touched you more than you could have imagined. Your father’s earlier teasing seemed to have been more than just playful—Ryota had clearly been thinking about you in a different way for some time, and now he was standing here, offering you something real and honest.

Your heart raced, but you felt a deep sense of peace. “Ryota,” you began, your voice soft but steady. “I really appreciate this. It means a lot that you took the time to understand what’s important to me. I like you too, but I think… I’d like to take things slow. To get to know you more, the way my faith teaches me to. It’s not about rushing into a relationship—it’s about building something with intention, with respect.”

Ryota nodded, a warm, relieved smile spreading across his face. “I’m okay with that,” he said, his voice soft but certain. “I want to do this the right way, with you.”

In that moment, everything felt right. You reached out to take the cross necklace from him, your fingers brushing against his hand as you did. The simple gesture felt meaningful, like a quiet promise between the two of you. Ryota gently helped clasp it around your neck, and as his hands lingered near your shoulders, he leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead.

The gesture was sweet, respectful, and full of unspoken emotion. It wasn’t rushed or filled with the urgency of new relationships—it was thoughtful, careful, the beginning of something deeper.

As you stood there by the lake, the warmth of the necklace resting against your chest, you felt a deep sense of gratitude. Not just for Ryota’s confession, but for his willingness to respect your values, to take the time to do things the right way. And for the first time, you felt that the possibility of something meaningful with him wasn’t just a distant hope—it was something real, something you could both build together.

You glanced up at him, a soft smile playing on your lips. “Thank you,” you whispered, the words carrying more meaning than you could express.

Ryota smiled back, and in the quiet moment that followed, everything felt perfect. The future was uncertain, but for now, you both knew that you were beginning something special—something worth waiting for.

As you shared that look of understanding, the gentle waves lapping at the shore felt like the perfect soundtrack to your budding relationship. Hanamichi and Ayako exchanged glances, clearly thrilled by what they’d witnessed. With soft whispers and playful nudges, they continued to cheer each other on, completely happy for their friends navigating the thrilling waters of newfound affection.

winnie's talk: so if it seems rushed it is bc tumblr did not saved at some point and i got fed up - anyways please reablog, comment & like !

#anime fanfic #slam dunk x reader #slam dunk fanfic #slam dunk fic #sakuragi hanamichi #ryota miyagi #mitsui hisashi #akagi takenori #ryota miyagi x reader #fluff #fanfic writing #jujutsu kaisen #anime x reader #rukawa kaede #christianity #christian values

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cerisesakurainspring · 8 months ago

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Hello, may I please ask for headcanons for Inarizaki reacting to Omimi having a long distance gf, she's a foreigner in an all girls school

Thanks for the interesting concept request! Hope you like this one:)

For some reason, this prompt reminded me of that Juju Stroll scene where Megumi was being hit on.

I think that;

Kita - already knows. He knows everything.

Ojiro - still thinks moitié is the name of the girlfriend

Ginjima - goes along whatever Atsumu thinks of the girl

Suna - thinks she's just a fan. He doesnt really care though.

Kosaku - whispers “did he threaten you?”

Riseki - proud of his senpai

Akagi - created a whole ass scenario in his head as to how they were “forced to date” each other. Who threatened who? Shares the same braincell as Kosaku.

Atsumu - in disbelief. Is jealous and thinks he should also be handsome enough for a foreign girl to have a crush on him

Osamu - thinks Omimi’s cool for dating a foreign girl. Also slightly jealous.

°°°°°°°°°°

“Where’d you three run off to again?” Aran’s raised eyebrow and slight lift of his lips betrayed the serious tone he was pretending to portray on his kohais.

The Miya twins were running towards them, Suna trailing casually behind. He wondered what the second year trios were up to again.

“Omimi-senpai is being hit on!” The blonde Miya raised his pointy finger towards the gym exit doors.

“Someone’s hitting our senpai?!” The brown-haired wing spiker rolled his sleeves and clenched his hands as if readying himself for battle, “Let’s go as back-up!”

“Tone it down, Ginjima.” Kita interrupted as he finished folding his uniform. Once he put it neatly inside his gym bag, he looked up at Atsumu to inquire further. “Is Omimi speaking to a foreign-looking lady?”

The setter nodded his head eagerly and grabbed Suna’s phone from his hand. “Look at this, captain!” He pointed at the photo of the 3rd year middle blocker conversing with an angelic looking girl. The whole team gathered around him to look at the subject of interest, curiosity dancing in the air.

“Uh, should we worry about Omimi-san or the girl?” Inarizaki’s libero remarked as he stared at the unfamiliar figure in the photo.

“I think her name is Moitié.” Aran stated. “She is Omimi’s girl-”

“Speaking of the devil!” Osamu cut in as two figures entered the gym. The girl’s shy but gentle smile rendered them in awe.

Not for long though because Kosaku ran up to his senpai and coddled his arms, “Omimi-san, where’ev you been. You promised we’d have dinner tonight!”

“Yer still sleeping over at ours right?” Atsumu jumped up behind Omimi’s back and wrapped his legs around his waist. Osamu followed suit and clung onto his legs like a koala would to a tree.

Suna wasted no time and took excessive photos at varying angles. These will definitely be in the yearbook he mused to himself.

Kita sighed and approached your giggling figure, “Y/N-san, please pardon my teammates' behaviour. Although it is nice to see you again.”

“It’s all good Kita-san. I find it amusing.” You smiled warmly and nodded your head at Omimi. The latter smiled softly and grabbed your hand.

“Everyone, meet my girlfriend.”

A resounding consecutive gasps echoed in the gym, their mouths left agape with surprised whispers shared between a few.

Atsumu pointed his finger between the two of you accusingly. How is it that he himself, blessed by the gods for his fine and attractive features, does not have a girlfriend yet and his stoic but, yes, still good looking senpai does first?

Two big oh’s resembling that of a donut hole was all Suna and Osamu could muster.

Akagi was also still deep in thought when you spoke up. “Hello, pleased to meet you all!”

“It is nice to finally meet you in person, Moitié-san.” Aran extended his hand for a handshake but Omimi choked on his saliva as you laughed at the possible misunderstanding.

“Moitié is an endearment that means ‘my other half’, Y/N is my name, Aran-san.”

“Oh.” The color in his face drained from embarrassment. “Oh. Oh, I always thought that was your name because that’s what Omimi has on his contact list.” The sudden realization hit him like a truck, he almost would have been isekai’d to a fantasy world where he’d be reborn as a talking tree. “Oh. Omg I’m sorry.” Aran put up both his hands on his face from awkwardness.

“Did Omimi-senpai threaten you?” Kosaku whispered to which you laughed at what you presumed was a joke.

“No, silly. We met at a cosplay convention last year and have kept in contact since then.”

“I’m not sure if I should focus on the fact that Omimi-senpai is dating a foreigner or that he went to a cosplay convention.”

“I cosplayed Zoro from One-Piece.” Omimi said matter-of-factly so simply as if telling a grade schooler that 1+1 is 2.

“YOU COSPLAY?!” Inarizaki’s team were all astoundedly in disbelief at the surprising fact. All except for Kita.

Of course, he would know. It’s one of those things Omimi would talk over a hot cup of tea.

#haikyuu #haikyū!!#haikyuu fic #hq fic #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu fanfiction #inarizaki #omimi ren #omimi x reader #kita shinsuke #haikyuu miya atsumu #miya osamu #suna rintarou #ojiro aran #ginjima hitoshi #kosaku yuuto #akagi michinari

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kanekoii · 10 months ago

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mechatu-a being your boyfriend <3

mika’s notes -> i love niji jp sm y’all don’t even know and this group has most of my oshis too-

pairings -> saiki ittetsu, akagi wen, usami rito, hibachi mana, hoshirube shou, murakumo kagetsu, koyanagi rou, inami rai x gn! reader (all seperate)

genre -> scenario, fluff

song -> perfect hero - mechatu-a (cover)

warnings -> canonical hero stuff, i love these fellas!!, they’re all simps lmao

SAIKI ITTETSU ->

when i say he’s naturally a loud person i mean it. of course, he still has your best interests at heart during his more chaotic moments. given his somewhat intimidating exterior, it was a little surprising to learn that he was a hero after all. if anything, he’s the anti-hero the group needs to ensure some unruly people are put in their place with his deep and intimidating voice. yet behind closed doors, he’s such a sweetheart! always sharing his food with you and gladly sitting down with you just to chat on the longer work days. being a hero isn’t just beating up bad guys after all! there’s also a decent amount of celebrity work that goes into it, so please allow him to take time out of his schedule to love and pay attention to you, because nothing could make him happier.

AKAGI WEN ->

unlike ittetsu, he doesn’t wait until he’s behind closed doors to be a total sweetheart to his beloved partner. he’s always cooking meals for you, and he’ll be absolutely over the moon if you offer to help. if you’re okay with your relationship with this cheery hero, he will talk about you constantly in interviews and such! wen just wants the whole world to know he loves you to the moon and back! ultimately, he wouldn’t trade his relationship with you for the whole world. he’ll come home to you late at night sometimes with a plushie and a dessert for you as a sort of apology for possibly worrying you, seeing as he was out so late. absolute and total soft little sweetheart boyfriend who just wants to make you happy so please reassure him sometimes and do something for him in return!

USAMI RITO ->

this foodie hero’s love language is absolutely sharing his snacks with you. seeing as he often treats food as if it’s the only thing in the world that matters, it’s a real honor that he’s willing to share with you! he’s a bit of the chaotic dad of the group, so if you date him, you’d likely end up taking on a caretaker role to the other heroes too. he’s very cheesy with his shows of affection, it’s his way of saying he doesn’t care what others think and that even if he’s technically a public figure, you’re the only one he wants in the whole world. his ideal date would likely be bringing your favorite snacks home with him and watching movies while he cuddles with you! like the others, he’s a total softie even if his job as a hero doesn’t necessarily favor that due to questionable moral situations he may be put in. he’s not as upfront about his relationship with you, but he mentions it offhandedly every once in a while to remind people that he loves you oh so much.

HIBACHI MANA ->

your relationship with him most definitely started as friends and slowly evolved into something more, mostly without either of you noticing. most definitely a friends to lovers situation, because he had been your best friend since childhood. this hero has always been a very sweet and kind person, but especially towards you. his love for you most definitely would stand the rest of time as he continued his hero work. despite stress and injury, you were always there for him no matter what. it really made mana have a new appreciation for your relationship when you would drop everything to comfort him. he knows his job isn’t the most favorable for romantic relationships, but the fact that you stay with him despite that just makes his heart flutter when he thinks about it.

HOSHIRUBE SHOU ->

seeing as he’s much more of a quiet type, it was surprising he even allowed his feelings for you to be heard in the first place. especially considering how shy and quiet he is, having someone he loves as much as you is a blessing. he knows he's not the best with expressing affection verbally, but he makes up for it by always holding your hand or hugging or kissing you. in a way, it's easier to express than saying he loves you. of course, that doesn't mean shou doesn't love you with all his heart. the first time he audibly says the words "i love you", his face is covered in blush. he hides it behind his purple and blue hair, voice shaking slightly out of nervousness. he still blushes when you take the initiative and kiss him first, even if you’ve kissed hundreds of times. showing affection in public makes him very flustered, but he still holds your hand in front of other people just to show everyone that he loves you!

MURAKUMO KAGETSU ->

simply put, you’re everything to this ninja hero. he’s much more private about his relationship so many people wouldn’t even know he had a significant other aside from his closest friends. he reassures you constantly that he isn’t ashamed or anything of the like, just that it might cause danger for you due to the relatively risky nature of his work as a hero. ultimately, it’s just to keep you safe. as soon as he’s certain of your safety, he’ll be parading you about and talking about you every single chance he gets just to show the world how much he adores you. there’s a picture of you and him together in his phone case as a sort of motivator when his hero work has him down, cuz if nothing else, he has you to come home to every day. he has you to hug and kiss and pour all his love into at the end of every day. coming through the door to your shared home and seeing you is his absolute favorite thing in the world. especially if kagetsu is home especially late and sees you sleeping on the couch waiting for him, his heart just melts on the spot.

KOYANAGI ROU ->

most definitely a more condescending type who teases you over the smallest things sometimes. he can’t help it, it’s just his love language! rou isn’t really the best with being super affectionate, so please understand that him teasing you is how he shows he loves you. of course, he occasionally shows more traditional signs of love and affection such as buying you gifts or cuddling with you, but he just isn’t that affectionate of a person. please don’t let it get you down or make it think he doesn’t love you, because he really warms up to the idea of being affectionate after dating you for a while. behind closed doors at least, he’ll be wrapped around you all day and night commenting on how cute you are and how he just loves you so so much! he would never let his friends or fellow heroes see him in such a state though, they would never let him hear the end of it and he’s the one who teases other people, not the other way around! once in a blue moon, his friends will see him kiss your cheek or forehead though, and just as expected, he will never hear the end of it.

INAMI RAI ->

the mechanic prefers just having you by his side as he works on his newest invention or tinkers with his fellow hero’s gear to hopefully improve it. just sitting and chatting with you while he tinkers with things is his favorite pastime because he gets to mess with mechanical things and talk to his beloved!! he has a bunch of pictures of you at his work station as well as in his phone case just like kagetsu! his fellow heroes end up getting pretty annoyed with the way rai won’t shut up about you, but he thinks of you so highly that he could barely even convey how much he loves you in words. doesn’t mean he doesn’t try tho, cuz he does…he talks for hours just about how much he loves you. at first, he was scared to ask you out and rou had to put him up to it. both of them were absolutely taken aback when you actually agreed to go out with rai, and ESPECIALLY when you started seeing him regularly and made your relationship official.

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bandousama · 9 days ago

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୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ ‘two neglected bodies’

ft. akagi shouhei x reader * ˚ ✦

late night conversations with shouhei. he'll text you at around midnight each time and within half n hour he's at your door. he takes you on a drive until you're in a spot where you're leaning on the side of his motorcycle with him, overlooking the whole of shizume city.

the both of you are struggling, but you both have each other. the two of you will talk for a while, sometimes silence but it's a nice comfortable silence. he'll complain sometimes about his girlfriend or how he just hates himself. you'll talk about your shitty retail job or how your day went. there's never any judgement between you two.

and whenever he pulls out a cigarette, you always tell him it's bad for him and he always laughs. it never stops you from taking a drag from it too sometimes.

most the time, if not always, the night ends with shouhei taking you back home and then he goes home to his girlfriend who doesn't care where he's gone or gives any shits about him, she's just passed out in bed and shouhei feels miserable. he feels free with you.

you wish shouhei would stay the night but you don't want to be some sort of home wrecker, even though it's painfully obvious how un-inlove shouhei and his girlfriend are.

so you're left clinging to your pillow whenever he leaves, hoping one day you'll be clinging onto him.

prequel

#k project #k missing kings #k memory of red #k return of kings #k project x reader #akagi shouhei x reader #akagi shouhei angst #homra x reader #shouhei x reader #akagi shouhei #shouhei drabble #k project drabble

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youmarin · 10 months ago

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Now Recruiting! ft. Inarizaki VB Boys - Part 8: Inarizaki v.s. Itachiyama

Summary: It’s time for the Summer Interhigh Tournament. Rivals face each other. And after, what will the next semester bring to the boys and Miss Manager?

Word count: 3,690 + Extra 12 (214)

previous, series masterlist

“Oi! I’m leaving, you know! Exhausting yourselves won’t help you out.”

“Just one more.” The setter said as he made his starting run. One. Two. Three. Four. Jump floater. Suna, who was on the other side of it, wasn't able to discern the real trajectory - or maybe he was already tired and began to half ass-, and took position too far up front. He received it. The only problem is he did so with his face. “Holy fuck!” Atsumu cursed and ran over to him.

“Suna!” You dropped the other volleyballs you had picked up on the cart - didn’t want to risk anyone tripping on one and getting injured. One’s never too safe- and ran over to check up on the dark haired boy lying on the ground.

“Are you okay?” You leaned over him from one side. He was blinking, probably trying to make out what had just happened to him. And there were three of you looking down on him. If he wasn’t worried by the simultaneous numbness and hurt he felt on his face he might’ve thought he was having a dream.

“He should be okay. If it were a spike serve he might’ve passed out.” Everyone finds reassurance differently, you guessed.

“I’m fine.” He tried to sit by grabbing the hand Osamu was offering. He missed it.

“Think you might’ve given him a concussion?” Osamu tried again and gently helped him sit. Suna’s head spun for a moment but it slowly came back to focus. “What day is it?”

“2nd of August.” Suna answered as you inspected the red spot on his forehead, brushing his hair away from his face.

“Who hit ya straight on your snout?” No answer. “Oi. Suna, I’m speaking to you.”

“What?” He briefly looked away from your concerned eyes and looked over to where Osamu was by one side before returning to look at you. “Oh. ‘Tsumu did.”

“Okay, y/n, Imma need you step out for a moment.”

“What?” You looked at him, confused.

“You’re clearly distracting him. I can’t consider the integrity of this test if I don’t know if he’s concussed or just crushing on you.”

“Well, okay.” You left, still worried yet a bit flustered. “I’ll bring the first aid kit.”

Kita gave the team a fearsome earful for not going home after the countless times he told them to, making them warm up properly before leaving -and 10 extra laps to make things interesting-. After making sure that Suna was okay -Suna’s punishment got a rain check, but for now he was staring at his fellow second years, Akagi and a couple of first years, thinking he was on the clear- , you took care of his nosebleed, sitting on the court’s left side bench. He felt so lame right now. “I’m glad it wasn’t anything serious.”

“Of course it’s serious.” Suna answered, “Atsumu could’ve broken my nose or ruined my face.” You laughed.

“Well, he didn’t. But someone else might someday if you’re continuing this career path.”

“Not if I actually receive with my arms.”

You fell in a comfortable silence as you worked. You tilted his head and moved to wipe the blood off his lips and nose .

“How are you feeling?” You asked after a while. Suna straightened up and seeing as he wasn’t bleeding over his face and t-shirt anymore you considered it safe.

“I’m okay.” He nodded, trying to ignore how his surroundings blurred when he did. But when he stood up, you noticed the gone look that flashed in his eyes for a second.

“You’re still dizzy, aren’t you?” you quirked a brow, then chuckled softly, “Here.” proceeding to wrap one of his arms around your shoulders and put one of yours around his torso.

***

Everyone was busy. From afar, you could hear the faint melodies while the school band rehearsed. The cheering squad gathered their team and practiced their routines and mottos - the captain even asked if you were interested in joining them like last time-, and as every year it was expected that a great part of the student body would attend to support their team. It was a big moment for the whole community. Thankfully, the boys were used to all of it, and rather than feeling pressure over it, they couldn’t be more excited. They knew the extent of their capabilities and their responsibility. And as their team captain always said: There’s no point in being nervous if you know what you can do.

***

“Where’s y/n?”

“She has a talent of disappearing without anyone noticing.”

“It’s quite scary if you think about it.”

“She hasn't left. Her stuff’s on the bleachers.”

“I can’t wait to get over with this.”

“I know. I bet it’s been awfully hard for you to keep your mouth shut.”

“Guys,” They all turned when they heard you, “c’mon, we have to leave soon. Don’t even think of extra practice time today- Wait. What are you up to?” You eyed them warily. The boys were all huddled in a group, each set of eyes looking in your direction pairing with innocent smiles - which inspired the opposite of innocent intentions. No one could blame you for being suspicious -.

“We have a surprise for you.” Osamu said, stepping up. His twin grabbed what he was holding and didn’t give him a chance to protest before he was handing it over to you.

“A-A what? Why?” After all, you thought you were the one supposed to prepare them a gift given the occasion. You stared at the box with a little bow on top, then straight to the blonde’s smiling face and at the rest of the boys, at a loss for words.

“When someone offers you a present you don’t ask such questions. Just accept it.” Aran encouraged.

You reached for it, brushing hands with the setter as you grabbed it. “Thank you.”

“But since you asked,” Osamu started after glaring at his brother as you opened it and saw it, “We wanted you to know, if you still hadn’t figured it out, that you are as important to us as any of the members of the team.”

“We appreciate all the work you do, your kindness and you taking care of us.” Kita added.

In your hands, you held a familiar fabric of equally familiar colors. It was a shirt like the ones they used on their official matches: black, with the name of the team written in white bold letters on the front and your name on the back.

You felt warmth spreading all over your chest. They could be a handful sometimes, but this was your team and also your friends, and you were so proud of them.

You hugged the blonde boy in front of you , taking him by surprise yet he was quick to return it. When you pulled back, you beamed at him, and he was thankful the other guys joined for a hug and stole your attention from his burning face and pounding heart.

Morning came, and this morning was not one to wish to stay five more minutes in bed or to sit at the edge of it with your head lost in space. You were up in a beat, turning off your alarm before it could go off and dashing to the bathroom to get ready. Getting out, you got dressed up, your Inarizaki tee shirt under your jacket.

“Good morning.” your mom saluted, looking at you oddly for how animated you appeared this morning.

“Mornin’ mom.”

“Wait, you’re not having anything for breakfast?”

“Uh no,” you said, adjusting your bag on your shoulder before balancing on one leg while you put on one shoe, then doing so the other way, “I grabbed something for later though. Want to get to the club room before the boys to double check that everything's in order.”

“You have everything you need?” She asked and you ran over your mental note.

“Yeah, I think so.” You kissed her cheek goodbye when she came over to see you off, “I’m heading out. See ya later.”

“Good luck!”

All the boys were quiet during the ride over to the gymnasium where Interhigh Tournament would take place, and by all it means even Atsumu was sharing his earphones with his twin and was sitting quietly, bobbing his head softly to the beat of his music. He was lively, could even describe him as wild sometimes, but you could count on him to remain sober and serious on such big moments. Suna was nodding to whatever the captain was saying to him. It was a bit amusing and also endearing seeing him look a little nervous listening to Kita. Ginjima was speaking with his upperclassman Aran, while Omimi and Akagi chatted with the first years, which seemed to be the most nervous.

The gym was a large building, fit for the several matches that would be taking place simultaneously. You went with the coach and you were quick to find your section upon your arrival, leading the team inside. Bright lamps on the ceiling met your eyes as you looked up, taking in the scene, while the chilly air from the air conditioned space hit your face. Other teams were heading to their respective areas and some of the first contenders were already warming up on their side of the court.

Dropping their bags, the boys took off their school jackets and changed their tees to their uniform. Some put on their knee pads and arm sleeves before they all headed over to the court to start their warmup routine. Warmups and drills had also another purpose besides, well, getting ready for the game. It was also a time to show off; show your confidence, your skill to the opposite team, and what they were about to confront. If you knew how to do it, and the Inarizaki boys were infamous for that, you could lead them on with a bit of intimidation.

“C’mon show me your best one, ace.” Atsumu encouraged Aran, who gave his start before jumping in the air with excellent form and slamming the ball on the floor to the other side of the net with booming force. Smiling, the setter watched the ball bounce off, making eye contact with one of the players from the other team when he looked up, smile unwavering.

Other players achieved to make their rivals uneasy without meaning to. Kita was that type. As he carried out with his drills, purpose-set as usual, boys from the other team stared at the captain move seemingly effortlessly. Reputation also helped, as the known middle-blocker Suna Rintaro moved on the court with such familiarity as if he were back on the Inarizaki High gym.

Of course, they didn’t reveal everything then and there. It was only a taste before the real thing started. The boys were also good with the element of surprise.

The stands above began to fill up with students from the different schools of the prefecture and from outside, and volleyball fans overall. These sort of events always attracted people from all over, ages ranging from the youngest to the eldest.

You recognized your school, the band standing in their place and the cheering squad hanging the banner you had made on their spot. Soon enough, the ref blew his whistle calling for the coaches to hand him the information of their respective starting lineups and player positions. After, it was just a few more minutes before he called for the captains to decide which side served first.

When the boys’ first couple of matches were over and they’d won without major inconveniences, you rushed over to watch the other matches and keep track of the bracket.

“I think Inarizaki should be over too. You think they did alright?”

“Dunno. But if Miya plans to defeat us they better have.” The blonde may not be his favorite person, but the rivalry was there. And things wouldn’t be as interesting or fun without it.

At that moment as they turned to head over the court where your team’s match had taken place, Sakusa saw you coming.

“Y/n!” Motoya waved at you, “Good to see you.”

“Hi, guys.” you smiled, happy to find friends out of the multitude. They were carrying a towel around their shoulders and you took it as their most recent match had just finished as well. Sakusa’s otherwise neat kept locks were a bit messy, slightly damp by his sweat. His dark eyes emitted friendliness as he acknowledged you, even a small smile threatened to take over his features.

“Did you guys win?” He asked.

“Yeah.” You responded with a satisfied tone and knowing smile. “Did you?”

“You really had to ask?” Motoya said jokingly.

“So that means that if we both win our next matches,” you looked down at the papers on your clipboard.

“We’ll face each other.” Sakusa finished for you. “So you better make it.”

And both teams did make it and were bound to face each other.

The other matches had gone alright. The team never underestimated any of the others. Sure, someone could get a little over its head and there was a little taunting, but it was normal for players to mess with opponents psychologically.

But considering these two teams knew each other better, they felt as if there was this responsibility for each other to go all out for it to work and have a good match. Both teams didn’t seem as exhausted as they saluted each other in the middle of the court before their match started.

During the first minutes of the first set, the team made a few mistakes while the coach told them to get themselves together. He had to call for a time out before Itachiyama could further their lead. After that, things fell into a good rhythm for them and they took the first set.

The game went downhill for them from that point on. Itachiyama’s defense surpassed them, not letting a lot of the boy’s attacks land and prolonging the rallies. Even when both Suna and Aran were on the court they couldn’t earn enough points to steal another set. They knew how to find their weakest spots, and who to target. And things only got worse as the game continued and they grew more fatigued and frustrated.

Atsumu set the ball for Suna, but the latter wasn’t fast enough in his approach and had to hurriedly make the pass, without as much force as he would’ve liked.

“Feint!” Motoya called and another of the players called for the ball, easily receiving it. They spiked it over and Kita was there to readily pass it to Atsumu, who set it for Aran. The ace tried to hit over the blockers that were marking him, but the hit lost power as it hit one of the blockers' hands.

The road for Inarizaki ended with none other than Sakusa sending a spike over to their side.

The beginning of the second semester. Your second semester in your new school, and this time it wasn’t as daunting. Now, you had the boys from the volleyball team. You reached the school gates, and not long after crossing them, you found your fellow second years.

“Y/N!” Gin noticed you first.

“We gotta take a group photo.” Atsumu stated, leading Suna to ask a random student to take a picture of you. Awkwardly, the boy accepted Suna’s phone.

“Do we really have to?” First mistake.

“Are you saying you don’t want to take a photo with us? Do you even like us?”

“No! Of course not!- Wait. Hold up,” Nothing you were saying was coming up straight judging by his face. Even the other three seemed to deflate a little. “What I mean is that I do like you.” You said looking straight into the setter’s eyes. And why were his cheeks burning all of a sudden?

“Then why not take a picture?” Suna, who kept a digital record of everything he could, asked you. “It’ll be nice to look back at it.”

“I just don’t look very flattering in front of a camera.” you shrugged, trying to play down your insecurities. “Plus, we have taken plenty of photos together.” During games they always made you.

Of course, some of them had noticed you’ve been shy regarding the topic. But that wouldn’t be the end of it. “But we don’t have one of this moment.” Osamu said.

“If I may say, I think you’re very pretty, Y/n.” The boy, still holding Suna’s phone, nervously said. Suna quirked an eyebrow.

“Oh. Thank you.” Receiving compliments was nice. You wished you knew how to take them. It made you feel a little bad that you didn’t even know the boy’s name. But to be honest, you were bad with those too.

“Yes, she is. Glad your eyes are working dude. Now take the picture.” Atsumu shared his opinion but wasn’t thrilled to hear the boy shoot his shot right in front of his face. You ended up apologizing for him. Someone was a little on edge today.

They all looked at you, their expressions all saying, Please?

“Fine.”

Now, the other problem was picking where they would stand. Osamu ended up pushing his way between you and his twin, while Gin stood on your right. Since Suna was the tallest, he stood behind you. He whispered something in your ear, which made you smile and your face heat up.

After looking through the pictures, complaining about how he looked on some of them, the blonde finally broke down, “Did ya see that nonsense about a ceremony to recognize the team for our representation at Interhigh?”

You looked at the others searching for clues regarding the cause of Atsumu’s newest outburst, which was somehow related to the ceremony. Osamu’s expression denoted some sort of pain (now you had no doubt Atsumu was the cause of this pain), Gin hung his head, while Suna turned away, whistling. Thanks a lot, boys. Finally, your eyes settled back on the setter. “Uh… Yes, the coach sent me an e-mail about it. That’s great!-“ Osamu started gesturing and shaking his head. What? Did you say something wrong?

Okay, so the school wanted to recognize the volleyball team’s job in the tournament. Of course, there were some mixed feelings about it. The team had lost. But they’d reached semifinals and that landed them a spot at Spring High Nationals. They might’ve not won but still their hard work paid off. So that was good, right? That was what you thought before this conversation and the scene unfolding at the moment.

Second mistake.

“Oh yeah. Right. I mean, after all, the important thing is having fun. And second place is great.” Atsumu’s words were dripping with sarcasm. “We are the second best.” He gestured with his hands, making an arch. “It isn’t enough that we lost. No, they have to rub it in our faces calling us shitty names. Just outright call us a bunch of losers.” He muttered the last part. For a moment you had forgotten who you were talking to. Atsumu was one of the most competitive people you’ve ever met.

But still, he was dismissing a lot. “Okay, I get it. Second place might suck for you but you can’t just brush away all your and your teammates' sacrifice to get where you are.” There you were. They boys could always count on you to knock some sense into them. “But it’s good that you don’t settle. It makes you keep aiming high.” You smiled at him.

Atsumu stared at you for a moment. That funny feeling from the other day kept creeping and blooming all over his chest. And what was that fluttering on his stomach?

Osamu looked at him, waiting for his brother to speak again whether it be another complaint or another snarky comment. But when it took a few beats more than usual, it clicked to him.

“But…” Atsumu’s voice wavered a bit as he regained his composure and started walking behind you as you made your way to your classroom. The bell would ring soon. The rest followed you two. “It doesn’t mean I have to attend, right?”

“Uh, I think you should. You don’t want to be rude.”

“You’re saying that to one of the rudest, meanest people here.”

“I’m not mean!”

“Remember that girl that tried to give you homemade cookies she made herself and you said you weren’t interested in buying them?”

“It was a misunderstanding, Gin.”

“Sure it was.” Suna snorted, “And right after when she clarified, you didn’t accept them saying you had to take care of your weight.”

“We’re athletes. It’s very important to look after what we eat, and I didn’t know what she put on those.”

“You were stuffing your face right after eating pudding. And one of those was mine.”

“I told you I didn’t eat it!”

“Okay. That is pretty rude, Atsumu.”

“Whatever.” He frowned, “I’m not interested in any of those squealing girls. And this is besides the point.”

“Well,” you said, swerving back to the topic, “Think of it as a rehearsal. Years later, you become a pro player and something like this happens. You dislike it, but you go, show your face, be grateful,” You emphasize that point, “and then you leave. Even if you truly hate it. You can still complain all you want and we’ll hear you out.”

“ “We” sounds like a lot of people. I don’t know.” Ginjima scratched the back of his neck.

“Count me out.”

“I’ll hear you out.” you fixed.

“I guess I will too.” Osamu added. He didn’t think he'd have much choice. “And who knows, maybe one day you’ll learn about good sportsmanship.”

“Fake it ‘til you make it.”

“So you want me to be fake.” Atsumu stated.

“No.” you glared at Suna, hitting him in the arm - it felt more like a caress to him.-, making him chuckle. “Just,” you raised a finger, “Don’t be rude,” another, “be grateful,” the finale, “and go to your classroom you all.”

Extra 12: Shirt on or shirt off? [word count: 214]

“I’ll walk you to your dorm. I just need to arrange some things into the storage room first.” You said as you walked behind Suna towards their locker room and stood in the doorway while he grabbed his stuff, insisting on seeing him off safely.

“I feel better now. And it’ll be more late for you to get home. Who says I’ll let you go if you go with me?” Suna tried reassuring you and, why not, teasing you a little bit.

With lack of a response, he turned to look at you to find you blushing and mouth open to answer back, but settling on frowning.

Then your eyes traveled to his sweaty t-shirt, sticking to his chest and torso. A white tee, basically see-through at the moment, and the bloodstains on it. “Take your shirt off.”

Suna nearly knocks down the rest of his things. “What for?” Just how fast the tables turned. And the thing was you weren’t even trying to get him flustered.

“The blood. I might be able to get it off.” Then you turned around to give him privacy.

“Right.” He did as told. You reached your hand back for him to hand you the shirt, making him chuckle while doing so, and you were out of there.

A/N: Hello, dear readers! It’s been a while - a year 💀-. Happy 2024! I hope you’re all well and safe. I’m happy to see people are still enjoying and showing love to this series. And here we are with part 8! Funny, I started writing this part the day I posted part 7 and it took me this long to finish it. The extra was just added. I got a little confused with the tournaments’s stuff lol but I figured shit out (I think). Not that anything needs to be accurate but yk, helps the writing flow. Happy reading and see you next time, whenever that is! **slow updates**

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cheesus-doodles · 9 months ago

Text

The Flag We Serve Under: Chapter 4

Yandere Azur Lane

Masterlist

‎‎‎

< Chapter 1 | 2 | 3

hello! not dead, but kinda busy - TR will be back next week :)

Something was off.

There was no question about that fact in your mind, your unusually silent phone gripped tightly in hand even as you tried your best to push the uncomfortable feeling to the back of your head temporarily and refocus your attention on the present. And standing atop the highest natural point, surveying the seemingly endless blanket of pink cherry blossoms that covered the Sakura Nation’s mainland far below your feet, it would have been all too easy to do so, to push such turbulent thoughts aside and away.

After all, it was a respite from the turmoil and turbulence of the world outside of these isles; here, your troubles seemed so far away. There was no headquarters, no officers breathing down your neck, no subordinates clamoring for your time and attention for one matter or another. The breeze that swept through your hair rustled the leaves gently as you allowed yourself to bask in the stillness, the sounds of life just barely starting to echo up from the streets a stone’s throw away. It was peaceful, a tranquility you could barely remember from a time before joining the Azur Lane that sang in your veins, a slight floral scent that permeated the very air tickling at your nose.

On the far side of the island, the sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon, the light of dawn staining the clouds and gentle distant waves with pastel colors.

You could stay here, you mused, a nice long vacation away from your exhausting schedule, if not forever.

But one glance back at the battle-worn aircraft carrier far out from the island where it was docked, a mere speck floating atop calm, azure seas from this distance, was enough to shake you from your momentary delusions; you were here to do a job. A highly sensitive mission, and it was too quiet. Unnaturally so.

You weren’t the only one who thought as such either, you noted, spotting Enterprise frown down similarly at her phone out of the corner of your eye, the white of her hair catching the sunlight as she lifted the small device higher into the sky in a bid to get a signal, and your mind returned to your initial conundrum as you glanced down at your own phone once more. Why couldn’t you reach anyone back at base, or anywhere else for that matter? Could anyone reach you?

The lack of the endless notification of messages and updates that usually plague your phone was noticeably gone, but you were sure that it wasn’t just yours and Enterprise’s whose signals have been (allegedly) jammed. Chancing a glimpse back at the two quiet Sakura light cruisers girls standing behind you, their gazes respectfully lowered from yours. Kawakaze and Noshiro, you reminded yourself - why didn’t they have communicators? Or rather, why didn’t it seem like they were using any? Not a single cackle of static, or a mumble of acknowledgement, or even the accidental ping of a message since you had arrived on the island last evening: no doubt the sudden electronic void it was starting to get to you.

“Is there something wrong, Commander?” Nagato’s child-like voice pierced through your thoughts like an arrow, and you startled back to reality, stumbling backwards slightly at the realization of just how close those amber eyes were to yours. You hadn’t even heard her arrive. And when did she get so close?

“Ah- La-Nagato,” was all you managed to stammer out in your shock, before you caught yourself, straightening up to your full height. “You’re up early.” Your first mistake of the day. The embarrassment at your stupid straight-forward observation instantly set in, and you felt like you had put your foot straight into your mouth. Sure, you were attempting to avoid her question, still in the midst of considering whether you should bring up your connectivity troubles to someone that Headquarters has time and time again labeled as enemies, but to say something so lame? In front of the Sakura Emperor?

But the other did not take offense nor laugh at your trip up, the black-haired girl instead seeming to study your face carefully before replying. “I was informed that you had left your accommodation before day break, and I came to meet you at the earliest possible time,” she clarified, her small hands folding neatly over the red of her dress, though she made no move to back away. “I apologize if I have startled you, Commander.”

You waved off her apologies, straightening your own officer coat. “No, it’s fine, I was just a little surprised.” And then, you hesitated - your second mistake.

Cursing internally, you didn’t miss her right fox ear twitching slightly as you answered, nor the brief questioning look she threw at Kawakaze and Noshiro before her attention returned to you. “So is there something wrong, Commander?” Her voice this time more firm, the demand clear in her tone.

Fuck fuck fuck. You should have known better than to take this conversation with Nagato head-on unprepared - even in your dealings with her all those years ago, she had always been sharp as an arrow and well-versed in the game of politics. How could she not be, having to handle not only those of her court but also the likes of Iron Blood and Vichya Dominion? The sudden tension was heavy on your shoulders as you tried your best to keep your gaze unwavering from her pointed one, your thoughts a turbulent sea in your mind even amidst the now-uncomfortable silence. What now? What should you do?

You wished that you could have more time to turn the situation over a few times over your books, have the opportunity to consult with your senior office or Alabama, or just to think about it a while longer. The reality of the situation, however, was that the strain between you and the Sakura Emperor had spread to the other shipgirls gathered on the hilltop, and the hostility was threatening to spill over. Spotting Enterprise just to your right, her once-relaxed stance now taut with tension, narrowed violet eyes scanning the two light cruiser girls flanking Nagato, there was no doubt. Even if none had yet to summon their riggings, you knew your time was ticking. What you had in your hands was a live bomb, and you had to solve this. Now.

Taking a breath, you swallowed your anxiety and made your decision.

‎

The world finally breathed again as you held out one hand, signaling to Enterprise to stand down. “We’ve been having some issues with contacting anyone at base since last night,” you confirmed, your gaze shifting off of Nagato to glance warily at Kawakaze and Noshiro still in their alert position, hands resting lightly on their sheathed weapons. You could hope that you had made the right decision to divulge such sensitive information; after all, in the right hands, it was a glaring vulnerability. “I thought it might have been a one-off issue, but it is starting to get concerning that I can’t get a signal, even on the highest point I could find.”

You trusted Nagato not to exploit the weakness you had just handed her on a silver platter, but despite that, you still had your own nagging suspicions; you couldn’t have absolute certainty that the Sakura Empire hadn’t cut its own connections to the outside world upon your arrival to the island nation. Why they would do that was beyond you, given Naval Headquarters was aware that you were here, but it was too far-fetched. And it seemed the black-haired girl in front of you understood the unspoken implications immediately, fox ears swirling to face forward even as those amber eyes remained steely. “The lines are working fine. I have spoken recently with Prinz Eugen from Iron Blood. Perhaps there was no one to answer when you rang because of the time differences, but I’m certain that you’ll get a reply soon.”

Of course you doubted that; at the very least Alabama would have picked up no matter what time of day - you knew she would be worried sick if you didn’t ring her the minute you arrived. But you didn’t want to call Nagato a liar outright and certainly not to her face, opting to accept her reasoning at face value until either you had the bandwidth to investigate further or drop the matter upon your departure. Whatever came first. You simply nodded, opting to say nothing more on the matter and slipped your phone quietly back into the pocket of your skirt. “Alright, I’ll try again later.”

Enterprise, however, wasn’t convinced. “Commander, but-”

“It’s fine, Enterprise,” you repeated, bodily turning to throw a stern glance at the uneasy aircraft carrier, who fell silent. You understood her, but this wasn’t the right time, and even if she was a well-respected veteran, you were still the commander. Once more, returning to face the short-statured emperor, you kept your expression as leveled as you could manage, unwilling to show any further weaknesses. “Will your entourage not be at ease? I assure you we are unarmed.” Or as unarmed as an aircraft carrier without her riggings on could be, at least.

“At ease, Kawakaze, Noshiro,” the other immediately commanded, and said light cruisers relaxed their stance, arms falling back to their sides.

“I had a look at the schedule yesterday, Nagato, but I understand there have been some changes?”

Nagato waved at you, inviting you to walk with her, her massive riggings swinging smoothly aside to give you space as the bells that decorated her dress jingled lightly. “Yes, there has been. I have another urgent meeting to attend, and Akagi is eager to meet you over breakfast. I shall join you once my meeting has concluded.”

‎

Despite the arduously trained self-control that Nagato is known for, every one of the carefully constructed walls in her mind, built to keep her emotions at bay, was on the verge of catastrophic collapse as she pushed past Kawakaze, black hair streaming out behind her. ”I messed up I messed up I messed up-” The words mumbled repeatedly under her breath echoed her own spiraling thoughts as the forest of cherry blossom trees overhead gave way to traditional houses, tiled roofs shimmering slightly in the light of the morning sun.

It had been five minutes since she had left you outside the doors of the meeting hall where Akagi and Kaga were waiting, along with Noshiro to watch over you.

The sun was creeping ever higher into the sky, the pink of dawn having faded away into a cloudless blue sky. Hearing the hurried steps of her personal handmaiden attempting to catch up did little to slow her own pace, not with Nagato being hardly in the right headspace to bother. What had just happened was an absolute disaster, to say the least, and it took everything she had left to stop the tears from welling up and spilling over right that instance.

She thought you would be proud of her for putting on a brave, professional front in front of Enterprise, after all that that white-haired carrier had done to the Sakura Empire - instead, all she saw was the stern glint in your eyes as you failed to praise her or pat her head like you always did, and even rebuked her entourage. Were you mad at her? Why were you siding with that Eagle Union ship instead of her? Have you already forgotten everything that you had gone through together?

A sniff snuck out before she could stop it, and Nagato hurriedly pressed her sleeve to her nose, turning one final corner onto a quiet, narrow alley and away from the growing crowds along the main streets; the last thing she wanted was for her subjects to see their Emperor in such a pathetic state. Barely noticing as she swept past the ancient stone walls marking the transition from public place to her private abode at the end of a small, unassuming street, the ambient sounds of life faded away into the background as the architecture style of buildings around the two aged. The black-haired girl, lost in her thoughts, continued to trod silently down the meandering path, her feet bringing her to the majestic wooden hall at the end of the walkway.

The pair of slippers left neatly on the steps in front of the silk screen doors of the reception room was the only sign that her guest had already arrived. The emperor hastened to remove her own - it would be rude to keep guests waiting any longer, after all - though she did pause to instruct Kawakaze to return to your side, before sliding open the doors and disappearing inside. She would rather not find out what Akagi would get up to if she kept her attention off of the fox-tailed aircraft carrier for too long, even more so around you.

‎

The private reception room was simply yet tastefully decorated, just as Nagato liked it. A traditional Sakura style, the emperor picked her way across the tatami mats that she knew like the back of her hand, the dark cherry wood with its small but delicate flourishes combined with screens decorated with cranes and flowers enough to bring a certain grandeur to the room. Rounding the corner, the back of a black-purple coat was what took up most of her vision, with the tall lady wearing it faced away from the entrance, though it was clear that she was aware of the newcomer, those equally large fox ears twitching slightly at the footsteps that echoed across the otherwise silent room.

With speed that was rather unbecoming of royalty, Nagato quickly moved to join her at the table, folding her legs under her as she sat. ”I apologize for my tardiness, Musashi. There was an unexpected delay.”

But much to her surprise, said woman only moved to take a sip of steaming tea before those bronze eyes turned to meet amber ones. “Why the suppressed tears, child?”

It wasn’t a question Nagato was expecting, and she blinked. How did she know? “I told you, I am no child, Musashi,” the black-haired girl finally managed to protest, though her indignation did not last long as she found herself swept up and pressed into the other’s large bosom, nor did she deny. Compared with the Yamato-class Battleship, even the weight of her riggings was barely a deterrent.

Musashi simply smiled at the objection as she kept up her stroking, gently running one hand over Nagato’s silky hair in a calming gesture. It reminded Nagato greatly of the same way you would pat her head to the point that she wondered if perhaps the two of you had met before, before shaking off the ludicrous idea - no, there was no way. “You can tell me anything,” the taller of the two soothed. “Your safe haven is here.”

The larger battleship’s assurance was enough for the usually stoic Sakura Emperor to cave, allowing her emotions to well up and show on her face - the first in a while. “I think I made her mad,” Nagato found herself whimpering out into Musashi’s dress, tiny fists clenched around black fur tight enough for her knuckles to turn white. The world seemed to fall completely silent, the smaller girl doing her best to bite back and swallow down any other sounds of distress, though several still managed to slip out; even if she was allowed to be vulnerable in the privacy of this reception room, it just wasn’t very like her to do so. But she simply couldn’t get her thoughts off of you - what if you hated her? What if you wanted nothing more to do with her?

“This person who you supposedly made angry,” Musashi’s voice broke both the stillness and the thoughts swirling around in her tumultuous mind. “Is it the commander that the Azur Lane sent for negotiations?”

Nagato felt her nerves calm a little - the lack of admonishment coming from her trusted advisor on her moment of weakness was comforting. She took a deep breath. “Yes.”

A hum, as the other pondered for a moment. “I saw her arrival yesterday evening, but I’m afraid I have not had the chance to make her acquaintance. Why do you think you made her mad?”

At that moment, all the turmoil reared its head again. “She- she didn’t side with me.” But even as Nagato spoke out, she felt her cheeks flush - Musashi was right, she sounded so childish. Yet what ugly, ugly jealousy churning in her gut failed to fade. “She chastised me for not keeping Kawakaze and Noshiro in order.”

“I see.” A pause, and the two took the time to sip at their tea.

“But let us put that matter aside,” the Sakura Emperor finally continued, delicately placing her cup back down on the spotless wooden table. “I assume there is something that you wished to bring to my attention urgently, Musashi.”

“Indeed. We can take this up personally with the Commander at a later time. You do not have to do this alone, I shall be there with you to settle this matter,” Even as Musashi acknowledged the change in topic, the smile that pulled at the corners of her lips didn’t drop with the increase in severity of the matter they were discussing. “Two Iron Blood ships have been spotted within Sakura territorial waters, but they did not get close enough for the patrol to positively identify them.”

‎

Back across the high seas, the clear night sky studded with stars stretched out to meet the ocean’s abyss horizon in the distance, the remaining lights that dotted the empty streets of the forward base reflected in the bobbing waves splashing up against stone seawalls. Yet, it was peaceful seas and tranquil darkness that hid the turmoil churning just under the surface - this much South Dakota was certain of. Most of the shipgirls had long gone to bed, save for those on night watch, though even their patrols wouldn’t bring them to this isolated part of the island.

So why was she here? The tanned battleship let out a sigh, leaning back onto the wall, her black hair shimmering as it caught a stray silver of yellow light from the nearest lamp. She wasn’t even on duty tonight, and tomorrow was no doubt going to be an equally long day. It was nothing more than a gut feel that led her to wait here, and she was starting to question it as the minutes ticked by. But right as South Dakota was about to call it quits and retire for the night, a rustle of leaves and a sudden flash of white ponytails caught her eye amidst the clumps of bushes. Bingo.

Standing from where she had been seated all these hours, the Eagle Union ship stretched, allowing the satisfied grunt to leave her lips, making her presence known. “And where do you think you’re going?”

Alabama barely slowed in her trudge across the grassy area. “Where do you think I’m going?” Came Alabama’s response, her white coat flourishing as she swung it around, slipping it on in one graceful movement as she stalked past her older sister with no hesitation.

No response was needed - both of them already knew what the answer was. And she understood where her youngest sister was coming from, she really did. It was impossible to miss the heavy tension that weighed down every room Alabama entered after she had returned without you, the same weight that only grew with every passing hour.

A few quick steps was all it took for South Dakota to catch up to the white-haired girl even with the other’s long, fast strides, and one more was enough for her to blockade the other’s path. “I can’t let you leave. Orders from the Commander.”

That last phase didn’t sit well at all with Alabama as she tried to step past South Dakota. “The Commander is missing,” the last word practically hissed.

But the older of the two wasn’t phased. “Missing is a rather strong word.” South Dakota might have been a new transfer to your command as well to this particular forward base, but there was no doubt about one thing. She knew above all else that Alabama was extremely attached to you, and she was in turn your closest confidant, having been together right from the start of your journey as a Fleet Commander. “Have you at least passed this by Bunker Hill?”

“I’m her secretary,” with the unspoken question of why she needs to pass anything by said carrier, despite Alabama knowing full well that it was the other in charge of the Eagle Union division of your fleet up until your return and not her.

South Dakota tried again. “She has an escort, doesn’t she?”

A pause, before the older of the two felt the tension in the air grow. “I’m going to find her.” Oops. Seems like that was the wrong question.

South Dakota sighed, this time moving to grab her sister’s arm. “I can’t let you. Commander’s orders.” She had been warned beforehand by Bunker Hill of the probability of Alabama sneaking off as she was passing down your orders, and the battleship could only guess that Bunker Hill herself had in turn been forewarned by you. Whatever mission you were on, it was certainly extremely classified if you were taking such precautions.

Yet, the tanned black-haired woman mused as Alabama started to struggle in her grip, she had also heard of the stories about you and your past that floated around Naval HQ, passed between the other commanders and shipgirls. It was something that she was certain Alabama remained unaware about just yet. But it wasn’t her place to tell the youngest of the South Dakota-class battleships and get herself into unimaginable trouble that only god knows about, instead opting to turn her attention back to the current brewing storm. “She just could be busy.”

“She hasn’t picked up her phone in two days, not even a text,” Alabama retorted. “Something’s wrong.”

“Have you tried calling again?”

“The whole day,” Alabama snapped back, the ire that had been hiding beneath her unbothered exterior finally rearing up, though at least she did stop trying to break free. “What makes you think I haven’t been trying again and again?”

The namesake of the class only sighed. “Look, how about we bring this up to Bunker Hill first? You don’t even know where to start looking.”

Red eyes stiffly met gold ones, as if assessing whether the other’s intentions were genuine. It was clear just how protective Alabama was of you, this much was certain, but there were better ways to go about elevating her concerns rather than rushing out into the abyss of the oceans. The chirping of insects, accompanied by the soft symphony of the waves, was all that filled the night as the two finally turned to head back towards the base, with South Dakota sticking closely to her youngest sister.

Whatever the next day brought, it was bound to be downhill from here for a while.

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