#all-japan intensive training camp

[liillyliilly]

Accismus

sakusa kiyoomi x reader words; 1228 synopsis; he feigns disinterest in something he secretly desires.

All-Japan Youth training camp. You're a lucky bastard if you can get an invitation. At least that’s what most volleyball players would say.

But for her, star female middle blocker for Itachiyama Academy’s girls' volleyball club, they personally scouted her out to come to the camp and play with some of the best boys across the nation. It wasn’t luck for her, it was pure skill.

The invitation for the girls training camp had come earlier of course.

She had to explain to the coordinator of the training camp that her father had scheduled a trip back home to his hometown in Brazil and then to her mother's home in America that same time, but that she was extremely interested in attending the camp. Her coaches helped to convince the board to let her attend the boys camp.

She had started off as any other volleyball player, lost and confused on the court. But after middle school and after intensive training, she proudly bore the title of middle blocker and pinch server.

“Kiyo?” Komori peeks his head into the dorm, Y/n taking her time observing the frame of Sakusa’s dorm room door. His room is spotless and practically shines from all the time he spent cleaning and sanitizing it.

“Yes?”

“Are you ready?” Komori pulls her into the dorm with him, the two sitting down on Sakusa’s bed and watching as he folded several shirts into a duffel bag. Sakusa keeps a blank face before shrugging and zipping up his bag.

When she groans at his lack of enthusiasm and falls onto his bed, Sakusa furrows his eyebrows. “Off.” He snaps his fingers, and Y/n immediately hops off his bed and races out the door claiming to need to finish packing before they all got on the bus. Komori tries and fails at hiding his smirk, looking out the door to check if Y/n had actually left. Sakusa knew full well that she had finished packing a week ago from pure excitement.

“So, you like Y/n huh?” Komori teased, poking Sakusa in his side before laughing wildly.

“No. I just admire her skills as a volleyball player.” He muttered. He put a mask on and lifted his duffel bag over his shoulder. “Let’s go.” Sakusa motioned his hand to usher Komori out, and then he exited the dorm.

Sakusa was lying. He did like Y/n. It was just never going to happen, them dating or anything. Sakusa was convinced of it. The only she wanted from him was a good training partner, and that was that.

He remembered how first year was scary enough for anyone, but being a first year and also joining and intense club sport? That’s difficult. So oftentimes, Sakusa found himself practicing throughout the night and into the early hours of the morning. When the sun shined through the gym windows with shades of pink and purple, calling out to Sakusa for him to leave the gym.

But when he did try to leave the gym, he was met with big eyes that bore into his soul. When he looked down a little more, he saw a smile so bright and blinding he thought he would need glasses.

“You’re Sakusa Kiyoomi right?”

“Yes?”

“Don't answer me with a question, Kiyoomi,” She had only known him for a minute and she had already begun using his first name. She walked into the gym and slid off her jacket, leaving her in the girls’ volleyball uniform. “You’re spiking for me. I need to work on read blocking. Let's go. Strip out of that hideous yellow jacket and spike for me.”

Sakusa froze and stayed in place, when she jutted a hip out and rested a hand on it, she clapped several times to bring him to attention. “Get going pretty boy.”

He didn’t know what compelled him to spike for her that early morning when he was already exhausted. All he knew was that she ignited a fire inside of him. A fire that told him to keep playing even though he was tired and his hair was matted down onto his head from the sweat.

They were only friends. That’s what he kept repeating to himself as they got onto the bus. As they unpacked. As they went through training camp. When she got sleepy and he let her rest her head on his shoulder even though she drooled a little. They were only friends.

Sakusa had decided to take an early bath one of the nights, before anyone else. Then he would get his dinner, the optimal way of avoiding as many people as possible.

She was sitting next to Miya Atsumu and Kageyama Tobio, arms motioning wildly around her, as she talked passionately about volleyball. Sakusa of course saw her, but also saw how entranced both Kageyama and the Miya boy were.

"Oh, I hate setter dumps. You think you're going to get another block kill yeah, but then a setter douchebag ruins the flow of the rally and shuts everything down by dumping the ball like a child." Even when she insulted a different position, everyone knew it was due to her keen game sense. A game sense that prioritized the flow, the respect between players, and treating the ball like God. Her place of worship was the court, and the net was the veil between heaven and hell.

Miya seemed to be in total agreement, nodding along. Kageyama pursed his lips in contemplation. Sakusa tucked his hands in his pockets. Once he turned the corner, he texted Komori to bring him an orange back to the room they were sharing.

The last practice was in game clothes, the uniforms each player would be wearing when they went back to their teams.

The girls uniforms this year were the typical sleeveless shirts, but they went with a tighter fabric than usual, the mesh and polyester designed to be a body suit rather than just a shirt, with the shorts going over the bodysuit.

She stood in front of the mirror, the yellow and green colors circling around the uniform. She shrugged before going to the main gym.

When the hungry gaze of teenage boys was present throughout practice, Sakusa sneered. His only solution to the newfound distraction was to throw his jacket over her shoulders.

The girls uniform was tight, uncomfortably so to Sakusa. She claimed she loved the way her movement was unrestricted and how she could feel the air rushing around her on the court.

“Kiyoomi?” She dropped her stance for blocking and she turned over to Sakusa. Several boys on the other courts clicked their tongues before sighing and then going back to practicing.

“When practice is over, you’ll get cold.” He stated before setting up for another spike.

She rolled her eyes, but kept the jacket around her shoulders before slipping her arms into the sleeves. It was just big enough to not hinder her blocks too much. Komori just shook his head, rubbed his temples, and squatted down for another receive.

After practice, when she took off the jacket again and set it down on the bench, Sakusa’s mouth curled downwards underneath his mask. He didn’t mean to catch feelings for her. Sakusa never caught anything, never germs, never any illnesses. So being lovesick is something that horrified him to the bone.

[ineedhaikyu]

Chapter 4

Summary: It was a bittersweet moment when Inarizaki lost to both Inarizaki's manager and Karasuno’s ace. What will happen next? Do the feelings stop there?

Word Count: 11.7K

Warnings: A lot of fluff. The slow burn is intense. This chapter is long because I wanted to add meaningful conversations. Spoilers for Season 4/Chapter 291! Dialogue from both sources. I don’t own anything. Haikyu belongs to Furudate Haruichi! Also, I added a scene that I found adorable. The Tiktok creator (astrq.ella) translates the fanmade manga into English and it's so cute!! Go check it out!

A/N: Obviously, the dialogue of the twins, Aran, Kita, etc are from the anime and manga. I tried my best to keep the flow of speech going throughout this chapter. Lol idk if I can keep up but I’ll do my best! When am I going to edit that dialogue in the previous chapter? Well, your guess is as good as mine! Also, I apologize for the sudden hiatus, my life is crazy but I hope you enjoy this new chapter.

The match ended with a score of 30-32. With each team winning a set, the third and final set was their last chance to win, to advance, to stay alive in Nationals. The hunger to win was there. The sheer determination to win was there. The will, the passion, the… Well, everything. Each player on the Inarizaki had it all. They played with everything they had.

Atsumu proved to everyone, whether they were familiar with volleyball or not, how his setter skills were top tier and worthy to be labeled as the best high school setter. With his opponent being a setter that attended the same All-Japan Training Camp, he was pushed to another level to become a star setter.

Osamu covered for any tiny mistake his brother made during the match. The unspoken intuition between him and his brother every time he scored a point through their version of Karasuno’s quick attack. Never before had he felt so hungry during a match.

Aran played his role as the ace more than ever. With each difficult pass that was made, he made sure to call out for the ball and with his strength he scored a point for his team. The title of ace suited him as he proved it with each service ace and spikes that broke through Karasuno’s blocks. Gin followed his senpai’s footsteps closely as he scored points through difficult blocks and receiving difficult passes. 

Omimi kept up his blocking skills all throughout the match, turning Karasuno’s possible points into their points through his blocks. The same can be said with Suna. The middle blocker, despite his deadpan expression, didn’t slack off as per usual. He lived up to his title as one of the best middle blockers in Nationals as he kept his sharp game sense and surprised his opponents with his wide-range spike.

Akagi did his best as lead libero. He saved the team on multiple occasions through his receives. His eyes focused on the ball more than anything as he commanded his body to follow after it. With each received he made, it brought a sense of security to his teammates to continue playing. He was the cornerstone for his team’s defense and wasn’t about to slack off, not even for a second.

Kita kept his plays consistent all the while keeping the rambunctious second-years in check. But ever so often, the match brought out a side of him that hasn’t been felt for a long time. Karasuno wasn’t like any other team. Every player on that team pushed his teammates to their limits so many times that it made him crack a smile or two throughout the game. Karasuno were worthy opponents.

Even the first years challenged themselves to play. They didn’t hold anything back. 

And yet… 

“It’s a madhouse in here!” The announcer’s loud voice filled the arena of the crowd’s uproar. “The entire Tokyo gymnasium is shaking with the roar of the crowd!”

The Inarizaki manager was the first to snap out of it. She didn’t realize how loud it was before until now. The last sound she heard was the sound of the ball hitting their side of the orange court. Everything after that felt muffled in a sense as she stood there motionless.

(Y/N) looked at her team. With the exception of their chests moving, no one made an effort to walk off the court. Whether they were too tired to move or they were in disbelief at their loss, (Y/N) knew that her friends were taking this loss harder than usual. 

They were so close…

“We lost.” It helped saying those two words out loud. It didn’t lessen the sting obviously, but it confirmed her reality. 

Even more so when she saw how unbelievably happy Karasuno looked. Her eyes automatically looked for Asahi. When her eyes landed on his jersey number, her wounded heart swelled up with admiration. Under the bright gym lights, Asahi looked unbelievably happy as his arms wrapped around his teammates. He, along with his friends, were hugging the two first-years that made the incredible block against the twins’ attack. 

The scene made her smile bittersweetly. While she was sad that her team was no longer able to advance, losing the match to Karasuno didn’t feel too awful. The match was almost like a battle of wills. Everyone was fighting for a point. No one gave up, not even when the odds were against them. 

There was no way around it, Karasuno won fair and square and while this didn’t mean the end of the world for her… Today marks the end of her Spring Tournament journey… Wow. Third year brings out a different perspective more than anything.

(Y/N) reminded herself to breathe. She looked for Kita. Unsurprisingly, the captain’s observant gaze was on her already. He always had a knack in knowing what she was feeling. It has been like that since their first year. The two smiled at each as they were thinking the same thing.

They couldn’t be any prouder of their entire team.

“It’s time to line up.” Coach Kurosu instructed with Coach Ōmi following behind.

She nodded and wordlessly grabbed the white picket sign that showed her school’s name. The manager waited for her captain to step next to her. Once he did, she gave the sign in his hands. Their eyes met and (Y/N) knew he was going to be okay. 

Everyone lined up on either side of the net; their Karasuno counterpart right in front of them. (Y/N) looked ahead and she smiled when she was met with Kiyoko’s teary-eyed expression. She hoped those tears were of happiness and not of pity for her and her team. In unison, everyone bowed down and thanked each other for the game.

After standing back up, the players stepped forward to shake hands. (Y/N), along with the coaches, did the same. 

“That was a great game.” (Y/N) told her when they shook hands. “Anyone who says Karasuno’s a fallen powerhouse is kidding themselves.”

Kiyoko wiped away the tears that threatened to fall at her new friend’s words. “Thank you. You don’t know how much this means to us.”

(Y/N) let out a good-natured chuckle. “You have a great team, Kiyoko. Take care of them because the competition is going to be even fiercer.”

“I will… And (Y/N)?”

“Hm?”

“I’m sorry-

“Don’t be.” The Inarizaki manager cuts her off. “Don’t apologize. You never know what’s going to happen. All we can do is our best and keep moving forward. Okay?”

“Okay.” 

“Good.” 

The girls smiled at each other. To Kiyoko’s surprise, (Y/N) gave her a tight hug. It took her a second but Kiyoko managed to hug back. The loud cheers of the arena along with the announcer’s voice almost made it impossible to hear (Y/N)’s next words but she still heard them all the same: “Keep winning.”

Kiyoko pulled away first as she gave her friend a determined nod. “We will.”

(Y/N) smiled at her one last time before following her teammates. She stood next to Kita in front of the Inarizaki cheer section. She scanned the crowd to see her fellow classmates and friends. They had tears streaming down their faces but it didn’t stop them from clapping or shouting words of encouragement. 

In the corner of her eye, she saw how frustrated Atsumu looked. Anyone who had eyes can tell by the expression he wore. 

With furrowed brows and a small pout to accompany it, Atsumu muttered under his breath, “C’mon. Boo us. Losers don’t need no consolation applause.”

To his surprise, one of the older fans called him out. “Shut yer mouth, Atsumu, ya little dimwit!”

(Y/N) smirked when her underclassman was taken aback; he’s probably thinking how on earth did the man see right through him. 

“It’s scrawled all over yer face, ya idjit!” The fan yelled at him, confirming (Y/N)’s theory from before. She didn’t miss the way Osamu smirked at his brother, most likely thinking he was a idiotic moron.

“A GOOD GAME’S A GOOD GAME, AND WE’RE GONNA TELL YOU IT WAS A GOOD GAME! YOU GOT THAT?!”

While the loss did sting, the fan’s words gave her a sense of pride. Everyone rallied behind the fan’s statement. The claps became louder. They shouted each member’s names, including her own, telling them it was a great game. They even brought out the hand-made signs that had their names on it and carried them proudly over their heads. (Y/N)’s eyes swept over the crowd until she was met with Kita’s grandmother’s gaze.

She met the older woman before on multiple occasions. Kita Yumie was the ideal grandmother as she wore a gentle smile that matched her kind eyes. The fact that she showed up to their game only proved how much she cared for her grandson and his team. Not to mention she wore a hand-made sweater that said ‘Good Luck Shinsuke’.

It didn’t help when the elder woman mouthed, “I’m proud of you all.”

(Y/N) could feel her tears well up around her eyes. She blinked rapidly to gain control but there was always that one tear that ended up escaping down her cheek. Her hand quickly wiped it away before her team saw. But, as always, the Inarizaki captain was watching.

He patted her back and gave her the same gentle smile that he shared with his grandmother. The smiles were almost identical. 

Wordlessly, everyone bowed to the Inarizaki cheering section and shouted, “THANK YOU VERY MUCH!”

~

As Coach Kurosu and Kita delivered their post-game interviews, (Y/N) busied herself with packing everything up. Once she deemed everything was accounted for, she zipped up her bag and took one last look at the orange court. It was bittersweet to say the least. 

“Can’t forget this.” Aran came up to her, her maroon Inarizaki jacket in his hand. “Y’alright?”

(Y/N) smiled at her friend and nodded as she put on her jacket. “I should be asking you that, Aran.”

The ace shrugged. “It hasn’t sunk in yet, y’know?”

She hummed in agreement. “I keep expecting to wake up but I pinched myself enough times to know this is real.”

The two third-years walked towards the crowd of journalists where their friend/captain continued to answer questions. As they waited on the sidelines, Aran couldn’t help but steal glances at his manager. Which of course didn’t go unnoticed by her. 

“Something wrong, Aran?”

He took a moment to find the right words before he spoke, “That samurai guy… He made some great plays.”

“He did, didn’t he?” (Y/N) recalled Asahi’s top moments of the match. A smile graced her lips when she remembered the moment Asahi feinted a spike that surprised both Aran and Akagi. She can tell by the look of his face that he didn’t mean to do that, all the while Inarizaki’s ace and libero glared at him. “Even our own fans cheered him on at one point.”

“I know right? But I couldn’t blame them for cheerin’.” Aran sighed as he crossed his arms in front of his chest. He mentally winced as he recalled the time Karasuno’s #3 received his spike with his shoulder. He didn’t want to brag but he knew for a fact that his spikes were strong. No doubt Azumane is going to have a bruise that will last a few days. “He’s definitely a strong ace.”

“You guys shook hands, right? Did you tell him something?” (Y/N) asked her friend, curiosity getting the best of her. 

Aran nodded. “Yeah, I told him something.”

(Y/N) waited for him to continue but when he didn’t say anything else she stepped in front of him. “Well? What did you tell him? You didn’t say anything mean, did you? He’s sensitive and-”

Her mini interrogation was cut off when Aran laughed and said, “Relax, (Y/N). I didn’t say anything mean.”

“Then what did you tell him?” She asked again, getting slightly annoyed by Aran’s secrecy.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s a guy thing.”

Oh, you suck.” (Y/N) pouted as she punched his arm repeatedly. “And here I thought you were the one guy that I can trust unconditionally. Guess Kita is the only one.”

“Aww. Don’t be like that.” Aran swung his arm over her shoulder and brought her in for a side hug. “After all we’ve been through these last three years, you’re just gonna toss me away like that?”

(Y/N) let out a small yelp when she felt Aran’s hand ruffle her hair. “Hey! My hair! It took me all morning to make it look good.”

“Oh?” Aran gave her a teasing smile that could rival the twins’. “You never do your hair for matches. You tryin’ to impress samurai guy?”

“S-Shut up! What’s wrong with me trying to look good?” (Y/N) defended, hoping Aran didn’t see through her tough act. “Are you really not going to tell me what you told him?”

Aran laughed and shook his head. “Nope!”

“Fine. I’m sure Kita would tell me.” She said before pulling away from the ace’s embrace. She wrinkled her nose before covering it. “You stink.”

(Y/N) opened her bag and gave him a clean towel. Aran huffed but didn’t argue because he knew he didn’t exactly smell like roses. He wiped away the sweat around his face and neck when he noticed his captain coming towards them.

“Looks like Kita’s done.”

“You guys were waiting for me?” Kita asked his friends. “You didn’t have to.”

“It’s tradition.” Aran pointed out. “We always walk together off the court.”

“It’s been like this since our first-year, Kita. Remember? Why would we change it now?” She added.

Kita hummed as his heart stirred at his friends’ words. “I guess not but let’s go. The next match is going to start soon and we shouldn't get in the way.”

He walked forward, missing the way his friends shared a knowing look. Together, the Inarizaki captain, ace, and manager made their way to the rest of the team that were patiently waiting for them.

Along the way, (Y/N) took the chance to ask the same question she asked Aran and hoped he would give her the answer she was hoping for. To her dismay, Kita gave her a soft smile and said, “Aran only told your friend the obvious.”

(Y/N) sighed. “You wound me, Shinsuke. I thought you were my friend. My best friend who would tell me everything. My good friend who should have my back after everything we went through. My-”

“Give it up, (Y/N).” Aran laughed at her attempt to guilt trip Kita. “I told ya it’s a guy thing.”

“That’s the lamest excuse I’ve ever heard.” (Y/N) complained as both captain and ace smirked at her. 

The third-year trio met up with their team and together they departed to the sub-arena. As they walked down the stairs, (Y/N) could practically feel her underclassmen heavy stares on her back. It was only a matter of time before someone said something.

It’s almost comical how she was able to call stuff out before they even happened, especially when the twins asked for Kita. Judging by the guilty expressions on their faces, it wasn’t hard to figure out what they were going to say.

In unison, the twins began their apology. “Um… We’re sorry-” 

But, as usual, Kita was one step ahead of them as he interrupted their speech. “What? Gonna apologize to me so you can feel a bit better about yourselves?”

Standing next to the captain, (Y/N) shivered under her jacket at Kita’s seemingly ice cold words and she wasn’t the only one who felt the effects. The Miya twins straightened up their posture and with similar embarrassed expressions they yelled, “Wha?! N-No! Course not!”

(Y/N) grinned at the second-years’ panicked response. She’s going to miss those two when she graduates in a couple of months. 

Kita smirked to himself and waved his hand in dismissal. “I know, I know. Sorry.” His expression changed into a pensive one. “But… I think you should save the apologies for when you’ve done something wrong.”

Atsumu and Osamu’s eyes seemed to glimmer under the light, taking their captain’s words to heart.

Kita continued. “I don’t think you made a mistake by choosin’ to do that quick set right then. I thought you were gonna score too… Though I hafta say I hate the idea of tryin’ stuff in real games that we ain’t done in practice first.”

The twins grimaced as their eyes looked at the ground with great interest. They looked so guilt-ridden because they knew Kita had a point. 

“Still,” (Y/N) spoke up, causing everyone to perk up. “The fact you guys were able to copy that quick attack on your first try was amazing. I’ve never seen anything like that.”

Aran nodded. “And that last rally there… We probably just picked the wrong guys to try it against.”

“I agree.” Kita said as he recalled the match’s final moments. “When you two get all fired up and gung-ho-like… You usually leave everybody else back behind you in the dust.” He paused, recalling Karasuno’s so-called ‘freak’ duo before continuing. “But this once, the other guys were just as fired up and gung-ho-like as you two… It was amazin’ right?”

The captain couldn’t help the smile that grew on his lips and (Y/N) couldn’t help but smile as well. It was a rare sight to see her friend smile but it never failed to warm her heart. Kita began his descent down the stairs but not before saying, “It ain’t every day you get to play a game like that against a team like that. We got real lucky… Good for you.”

(Y/N) chuckled at how her underclassmen looked so shocked after hearing Kita’s touching words. They must have thought he’d be his stoic self. They don’t realize that he’s happy that his teammates found worthy opponents in Karasuno.

“Wait…” Atsumu said. “Kita-san was smiling just now, wasn’t he?”

“Yeah.” Osamu confirmed, his eyes following his upperclassman.

Riseki stepped beside Atsumu and added, “I caught him smiling bunches during the game.”

“Bunches?!/Yer kiddin’.” The twins exclaimed at the same time, not believing the first-year’s statement.

They looked at their manager, mentally asking her if it was true. Their jaws dropped when she nodded and said, “He’s not a robot, you guys. Kita can smile. Don’t act so surprised when he shows his feelings.”

Kita stopped in his tracks when he heard his manager’s words. He stood there in silence, contemplating his next words that could leave a lasting impression on his team. 

After a moment, he admitted his feelings, “Still, for some reason I’m awfully frustrated. Now, I did everything I could proper and I did it right. I can say I don’t have any regrets and mean it as the honest truth. Results like winning and losing, they’re still just side effects that happen when I’m doin what I oughta be doin’. But… It’s funny.”

The captain of the Inarizaki volleyball team turned to look at his teammates. His eyes met with each one along with his rare gentle smile that surprised the first and second-years. 

“‘Well? Isn’t my team amazing?’ I wanted to say that even more.”

(Y/N) opened her mouth to say something but she was left speechless after listening to Kita’s speech. She tried so hard to contain her tears but it was no use. Her strong facade crumbled with each tear streaming down her face. Kita’s words etched into her heart and she hoped her juniors will continue to work hard in the future. At the thought of her juniors, (Y/N) glanced up at them only to see they were tearing up as well. Suna was the only one who remained tear-free but (Y/N) knew him well enough to know he’s feeling the same way as everyone else.

As she tried to compose herself, Osamu tearfully spoke up, “Please keep saying it, senpai.”

Atsumu followed up and declared, “We’ll be the kind of teammates you can brag about to your great-grandkids.”

Kita looked up to the ceiling with a hopeful look on his face. His smile grew even more after hearing the twins’ promise.

“I look forward to it.” 

And with that, the third-year captain turned around and continued to walk down the stairs. The rest of the Inarizaki team were left spellbound, too stunned to move an inch. 

“Come on. Let’s hurry up and get changed.” Kita advised them. He looked at his friends and his eyes softened when he saw the state (Y/N) and Aran was in. “You guys okay?”

(Y/N) couldn’t help the small chuckle that escaped her lips. Automatically, her arms wrapped around him and hugged her friend tightly. It took a few seconds but she soon felt him hug back. Then she felt another pair of arms around them and it didn’t end there. In less than ten seconds, her and Kita were in the center of a massive group hug.

Inarizaki’s motto stated that they didn’t need the memories, but with this heartfelt moment she was experiencing… (Y/N) hoped her teammates would make an exception because she will definitely hold this memory close to her heart.

“You guys are the best. I wouldn’t manage any other team. Thank you for the last three years!”

It went without saying there wasn’t a single dry eye amongst the group.

“THANK YOU SENPAI!”

~Meanwhile in the baggage storage area~

Asahi never felt so exhausted before in his entire life. This match was, without a doubt, on his list of top three most difficult matches. The adrenaline from before seemed to evaporate the moment he stepped away from the court. He was sure he looked like the dictionary’s definition of tired. Despite the exhaustion and the victory under his belt, he felt conflicted.

He hasn’t seen (Y/N) since the final line up and he wondered if she was okay. Her team came close to winning. The last rally was really a battle of wills between his team and hers. He could only imagine the sting of hurtful defeat the moment the ball fell onto their court. And with (Y/N) being a third-year, it was her last chance to be with her team in Nationals.

Now her chance is gone… Asahi couldn’t help but feel a bit responsible for that. 

Which is why his eyes keep glancing at the entrance every five minutes, hoping to see her and talk for a minute. Even after he cleaned up and dressed back into his normal clothes, there was still no sign of the girl that made him nervous yet confident all at the same time.

It didn’t help how tired he felt. He yawned for what seemed like the fourth time today, but his tired eyes kept focus on the entrance. 

“Yo Asahi! You look like the walking dead.” Suga jested, sitting down next to him. “Everything okay?”

“Just tired. My arms feel like they’re going to fall off.”

Suga laughed and repeatedly slapped his aching back. “But you were great out there! You looked so dependable.”

Asahi let out a nervous chuckle. “Thanks. I didn’t want to let the team down.”

“Oh yeah? And here I thought you were just showing off for a certain Inarizaki manager. I caught (Y/N) smiling when you made that awesome service ace.”

“You did?” He hoped Suga wasn’t pulling his leg. The thought of (Y/N) smiling because of him felt too good to be true. 

Asahi wished he could have seen that smile but with how intense each set was he could only afford the briefest of glances in her direction. Thankfully, there was a moment they shared together that felt like an eternity. 

It was during a time out and he was intensely listening to Coach Ukai’s instructions. Kiyoko just handed him his water bottle and a clean white towel to which he gratefully took. He wiped away the beads of sweat that formed on his neck and face before taking a drink. As he took in the cold refreshing drink, his eyes drifted to the other side of the net where the Inarizaki players were huddled together. And there was (Y/N), doing the same thing as Kiyoko as she handed her teammates their water. She just gave her setter his water when she looked up and met his gaze.

His heart began to beat wildly against his chest and it had nothing to do with the high caliber game that was going on. Then she gave him that smile, the same smile that made him all warm and fuzzy on the inside, along with a small wave. His face began to burn bright red and for a few seconds he forgot how to breathe. Unfortunately, during those few seconds he was drinking his water which led to him having a small choking episode. Luckily, it wasn’t too bad so when he looked up and saw (Y/N)’s worried expression, wordlessly asking him if he was okay. Touched that she was worried for him, Asahi gave her a small nod and hoped it was enough to reassure her. 

The interaction lasted about maybe 45 seconds before the referee signaled for the game to continue but those 45 seconds were committed into memory, something he will cherish for a long time. He wondered if (Y/N) thought the same… 

“Are you remembering how you choked on your water when you looked at (Y/N)?” Suga laughed. “I thought you were going to pass out! Then we would’ve been in real big trouble!”

“I-It wasn’t that bad.” Aashi protested though he could feel his cheeks beginning to warm up. Trying to hide his blush, he grabbed a towel and wiped away the nonexistent sweat from his face. “She just surprised me, is all…”

Suga grinned at him. “How is it that you two are so adorably cute yet you guys aren’t even together?”

“Sorry?” The ace apologized with a confused look on his face because honestly he didn’t know what he was apologizing for. 

“Never mind. By the way, did Inarizaki’s ace say something to you when we shook hands?”

Asahi recalled that moment with Ojiro Aran. “Yeah, he did. He didn’t say anything bad. Just wished us luck in the next round.”

It was true…ish. His Inarizaki counterpart did wish him luck as well as some advice, something he wasn’t quite ready to share with his friends just yet.

“Huh, well that’s nice of him. He looks like a cool guy. The kind you want to hang out with, you know?” Suga remarked.

Asahi nodded. His eyes took a quick glance at the entrance, hoping to see the familiar maroon-colored Inarizaki jackets. He tried not to look disappointed when he didn’t see anyone on the team.

“I just can’t believe that Aran guy!” Suga exclaimed. “He was on a roll so many times. I can’t believe he jumped for the ball not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES!”

“Uh-huh.”

Suga furrowed his brow at his friend’s lack of active response. He was just about to ask him what’s wrong when he took one look at his face. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what was on his mind.

“Lighten up, Asahi, I’m sure your future girlfriend will walk through those doors any minute now.”

Another wave of heat washed over him as he tried to stutter out a reply. “I-It’s been a while. I wanted to talk with her before we go back to the inn.”

Initially, Suga was going to poke fun at the fact Asahi didn’t deny the ‘future girlfriend’ part but he decided against it. 

“I’m sure she’s with her team right now, Asahi. They lost their place in the Spring Tournament so they must be torn up. After all, they were the favorites to win this whole thing.”

“Yeah, I know. That's why I want to talk with her to see if she’s okay. I mean I know she’s a third-year so this is her last year, so I can’t help but feel bad.”

“I thought you guys agreed on being cool whatever the outcome was?” Suga asked.

“Doesn’t mean I can’t feel bad for her.” Asahi countered. “I mean, I’m happy we won but… I don’t know… I wished it was different.”

Suga sighed but he understood where his sensitive friend was coming from. “I get it, Asahi, but you also need to stand proud for what you accomplished, it’s almost like a slap in the face to her and her team if you don’t. I’m sure if (Y/N)-san was here, she’ll agree with me.”

Asahi slightly grimaced but he couldn’t find any fault in Suga’s advice. After all, he did make an agreement with (Y/N) before the match started that they would stay on good terms whatever the results may be. Still, the thought of her being sad, especially when he was the cause of it, made his heart tighten in anxiety.

The ace was brought out of his thoughts when he felt Suga’s hand on his shoulder, “Just breathe. Everything will work out in the end. So quit giving yourself a panic attack.”

“Right.” 

Following his friend’s advice, Asahi took a deep breath to calm his nerves and to get rid of the worst case scenarios in his head. It was difficult to say the least with each passing minute and there was still no sign of (Y/N) or her team. During the time he waited, he made the choice to sit on the bench closest to the entrance. 

Asahi was very much aware of the stares from the other players but he didn’t take it to heart. Instead, he kept his cool composure while his hands were balled up inside his black jacket. That’s when he felt his phone and an idea formed at once. He quickly pulled out his phone, clicked (Y/N)’s contact, but then stared at the blinking cursor.

‘What should I text her? Something short and sweet? No, it should be something meaningful. But if I do that then it will be a super long text and it might freak her out… Gah! Why is it so hard making a good text?’

“Listen up everybody!” Coach Ukai announced loudly. “We leave in a few minutes. Get your stuff and head outside.”

Focused on the task at hand, his mind wracked for the right words that would check off the metaphorical checklist of the perfect text. After a few rough drafts and deleting a few words here and there, Asahi was more or less sure, 85% sure, he wrote a good enough text. All he had to do was press the send button.

His thumb hovered over the button for a moment and at the same time his heart was beating like crazy. It’s unbelievable how nervous (Y/N) made him even when she’s not physically there next to him. He wished he could at least see her.

“Chop! Chop! Man-bun! Our ride is here!” 

Asahi shuddered under Coach Ukai’s nickname designed specifically for him. Without thinking, he hurried to pocket his phone, grabbed his bag, and joined his team. He looked over his shoulder one last time before following his team to the bus. Once he sat down, he took out his phone and opened up his messages when his heart jumped to his throat.

Message sent.

His message to (Y/N) has been delivered. 

He must have accidently sent it when he was getting his stuff together when Coach Ukai called him out. Maybe it was for the best. He wasn’t mentally ready to send the text but perhaps it was for the best. A little push from the gods to give him a little boost of confidence.

Now all he could do was wait for her reply. The anticipation of her response was suspenseful to say the least. Either way, at least he could breathe a bit more easily now that his text message was sent. He just wished he had another chance to talk with her.

~

(Y/N) stood right next to Suna as they all stood in line underneath their Inarizaki banner. Her attention focused on Riseki who was pointing the camera, ready to take the commemorative photo Kita had asked for. She put on her best smile and placed her hand on her hip, ready for the picture to be taken.

She felt a subtle shift in her hair and automatically her other hand went to pinch Suna’s arm as she knew how childish the middle blocker was for making bunny ears from behind. 

“Really, Suna?” She quietly chided, making sure to keep her smile on for the camera. “Bunny ears? What are you? Nine?”

“Don’t know what you’re talking about, senpai.”

“Watch yourself, Suna. I know your phone’s passcode. Don’t tempt me.” 

Suna pouted slightly before removing his hand away. He’ll just have to time it the moment the picture is taken. Easy enough.

“Ready? Say cheese!” Riseki called out.

Ding! (Y/N)’s phone alerted her that she received a text message.

Bi-Bip! Kashik! The camera took the picture without a hitch.

Multiple events happened at once the moment Riseki took the picture. What was supposed to be a normal commemorative picture that enshrined Inarizaki’s great volleyball players turned out nothing of the usual. Everyone gathered around the first-year to look at the picture, hoping it turned out alright. It didn’t take long for opinions and excuses to start flying all around.

“What the heck, Samu!” Atsumu exclaimed to his brother. “Look at the camera, wouldja!”

Osamu shrugged his shoulders and offered his excuse, “I thought I caught a whiff of curry comin’ from outside.”

“Curry? You’re imagining things!” Ginjima laughed but he wouldn’t be surprised if the ever-so-hungry Miya was right.

Suna joined in on the banter as he said, “You’re hallucinating smells now? Scary.” 

“Like you’ve got room to talk, Suna!” Aran called out the middle blocker. “You weren’t lookin’ at the camera, neither! Or you, Akagi!”

The libero offered the ace a smile. “I was thinkin’ maybe we oughta go call coach.”

Ōmimi sighed while closing his eyes at his team’s antics. He looked at Riseki, who stared wordlessly at the camera’s screen with a sweatdrop rolling down his face. “Time it better next time.”

Suna took one more look at the picture and his lips formed a smile when he saw his bunny ears hand gesture behind (Y/N)’s head. Even with the silly hand gesture unbeknownst to (Y/N), the manager looked effortlessly beautiful with her smile. He was sure if the president of the yearbook club were to see this picture, he wouldn’t hesitate to put it front and center of the dedicated pages because of their lovely manager that could charm any guy with a smile.

Speaking of their manager, Suna never heard her opinions about the picture. He looked up and his eyes searched for her. It didn’t take long to find her. She was in the same spot as she was in the photo though this time with her phone in hand. Come to think of it, he remembered her phone notifying her that she received a message.

Who could be texting her? He had a pretty good guess.

“Yo.” He called out to (Y/N) before peering over her shoulder. His eyes strained to read the screen before she quickly pressed her phone to the chest. “Is the samurai guy texting you already?”

She turned around and gave him a soft glare. “Quit sneaking up behind me, Suna.”

Suna ignored his manager’s words as he swung his arm over her shoulders. “Don’t dodge the question. I’m right, aren’t I?”

“... Maybe.” (Y/N) smiled up at her friend. “How did the picture come out? Are we taking another one?”

“Nah. I think Kita-senpai liked it. Said it looked just like us or something like that. You looked great compared to the rest of us.”

(Y/N) playfully rolled her eyes, “I would hope so. You guys need a shower. Like badly.”

“I take it back. You looked horrible.” Suna huffed in what was supposed to be annoyance but the third-year manager knew better as she saw the playful glint in his eyes. “Now I don’t feel bad for doing bunny ears behind your back.”

“You’re such a rascal. Just wait, I’ll get even with you.” (Y/N) informed him with a mischievous glint in her (E/C) eyes.  

“I like to see you try.” Suna remarked as he removed his arm away from her. 

Ever the observer, he looked for any signs of sadness that (Y/N) may be hiding. Today’s loss was a harsh reality for the entire team’s expectations to make it far into this competition. He’ll never admit it to anyone but he did try his hardest to help his team win. He wanted to keep playing more matches with the third-years… 

“You okay?” He asked her after sharing a moment of silence. “You can tell me the truth. I won’t tell anyone.”

(Y/N) couldn’t help but let out a light chuckle, leaning her head back to look at the gym lights. She replayed all the best moments from the match with a fond smile across her lips. There were no regrets at all as she answered, “Honestly and strangely, I feel fine. I know you guys played your best against them so that’s all I could ask for. If anything, I’m grateful for Karasuno because I know for a fact this loss will only push everyone, including you, to become better. ”

Suna frowned at the idea of the extra drills and long practices that will no doubt be inevitable. But before the tiring thought could take over his entire mind, the sudden urge to win against Karasuno grew tenfold. By this time next year, Inarizaki will come out victorious.

“I haven’t lost you, have I, Suna?” (Y/N) asked in a teasing tone. “How on earth are you going to manage your third-year?”

“Don’t ask.” Suna groaned. “You’ve been with us since day one. It’s going to be weird without you and the rest of the third-years around. We’ll miss you.”

(Y/N) bit her lip in order to contain the laugh that threatened to slip out. “I’m not dying, Suna. I can’t stay in high school forever.”

“Not forever. Just stay another year with us.” Suna clarified.

“Tempting offer but this girl would like to step out into the real world. Besides, don’t pretend you aren’t going to send me daily texts. I’m counting on your videos to cheer me up.” (Y/N) smiled one more time at Suna before patting his back. “Now, come on. Let’s get going. We wouldn’t want to keep everyone waiting.”

“Oh? What’s the rush? Eager to see samurai-guy again?”

She could feel herself getting warm from Suna’s line of questions. Though it didn’t stop her from saying, “His name is Azumane Asahi.”

Suna exhaled but still smiled nonetheless. “If he cares for you, the same way you care for him then I guess I’ll remember his name.”

(Y/N) smiled at Suna and nodded. As the middle blocker made his way to follow the rest of the team, the manager slowly trailed after him. She took out her phone and reread the text Asahi sent her.

Hey (Y/N)-san. I don’t know if you want to hear from me or not but I hope you do. I wanted to talk with you face-to-face but I’m about to leave. I was waiting for you but I guess you were busy? I mean, I understand if you were. So if you’re free and if there’s any chance we could talk in person somehow, could you text me back? I want to explain myself to you (if that makes sense). Please… Thanks.

Even with words on a phone screen, (Y/N) can feel how anxious Asahi must have been when writing this message. It was almost adorable in a way. Then again, the fact that he said he waited for her really had her heart skip a beat.

She quickly typed her response:

Hi Asahi! I’m sorry we couldn’t meet up after the match. We were taking a picture and it took longer than expected lol. I’m sorry you waited for me. I wanted to talk with you too. Congrats on winning! It was a great game! If it’s okay with you, do you want to meet up tonight? Our coach is taking us out to eat so I’ll text you when we’re back at the hotel. 

It didn’t take long for another message to show up and she felt herself smile like a fool in love when she opened and read Asahi’s text.

If it’s no trouble then yeah let’s meet up. Enjoy your meal and see you soon.

(Y/N) smiled to herself once more as she held her phone close to her heart. She couldn’t wait to see him again. 

~Hours Later~

“SAMU!! QUIT STEALING MY ONIGIRI!!” 

“IT WAS MINE FIRST AND YOU KNOW IT!!”

(Y/N) sighed for what seemed like the hundredth time today but the amused smile never left her lips as she watched the twins continue to bicker. The other third-years sitting next to her also watched in amusement while adding their own comments.

“I’m gonna miss this.” (Y/N) confessed when she took a sip of her drink. “You can always count on the twins for entertainment.”

“Right? It’s going to be weird without hearing their arguments.” Aran laughed.

“Or separating their fights once every two weeks.” Akagi added.

“They’ll be fine.” Kita spoke up from the center of the table. “They all will.”

And strangely enough, no one doubted the captain’s words. (Y/N) had no doubt in her mind that by this time next year, their juniors will make it to Nationals once again and when that time comes, she’ll be there. 

“Hey (Y/N)-senpai? You’re still treating me to dessert, right?” Osamu asked from across the table. Sticky pieces of rice danced around his mouth but still had that hungry look in his eyes. 

“HUH?! If he gets dessert, then I should too!” Atsumu proclaimed.

Yeah. She’ll definitely be there for them. 

~

After leaving the restaurant with stomachs filled with ramen, curry, onigiri, and other delicious meals, the Inarizaki manager took her phone out and texted Asahi that she was on her way back to the hotel. With each passing minute, (Y/N) could feel herself become excited yet nervous at the same time. It wasn’t long until the familiar building of her hotel was right in front of her.

On the walk back to the hotel, she was laughing along with the rest of the third-years when she heard her name being called from outside the group. 

“Asahi!” (Y/N) greeted him with a wave. It was almost natural to have a smile on her lips; the crush she had on Karasuno’s ace was so obvious. She can practically feel her face burn with all the warm fuzzy feelings against January’s chilly air. 

“H-Hey (Y/N)!” He waved at her before giving the crowd of boys a nod of acknowledgement. His mind racked for the right words to say to them, but having ten or so guys staring (were they glaring at him?) made it almost impossible. Still, Asahi found the ability to speak and without stuttering he said, “Hey guys. Er, nice to see you again.”

While the first-years were too scared to reply and the second-years tried to maintain their silent dominance, it was Aran and Kita that finally broke the tension.

“Nice to see you too. Azumane, right?” Kita asked, giving the ace a warm smile. “You played a great game.”

“Oh, thanks! You guys did too.” Asahi returned the compliment, meaning every word. 

“Your receives were impressive, Azumane-san.” Aran followed up. “How’s your shoulder? Hope I didn’t hurt you too badly.”

Funny how at the mention of his shoulder, Asahi felt it throb in pain. Still, he made himself smile and lied, “It’s nothing I can’t handle. I’ll be fine by tomorrow.”

“That’s good to hear.” Aran laughed in good nature. “Karasuno is definitely a team to watch out for. Hope you’re ready for tomorrow.”

There were a couple of scoffs and a few mumbles but Asahi was sure he heard someone say, “Day three is always hell.” But before he could ask, (Y/N) clapped her hands together and stood in front of him. 

“Guys, let’s not make Asahi nervous. He doesn’t need the extra stress.” She told her friends, making sure to give the second-years a pointed look just as Atsumu opened his mouth to say something. “Why don’t you all head inside? I’ll catch up with you guys later.”

Kita nodded. “Alright, don’t stay out too long. You’ll catch a cold.”

“I’ll make sure she stays warm.” Asahi was quick to say, not realizing the slight innuendo his words sounded until it was too late. “I-I mean-”

Atsumu stepped forward with Osamu right behind him. “Oh, now we’re definitely staying.” 

“No you are not.” 

The Inarizaki setter flinched under Kita’s ice cold words that felt like a punch to the gut. 

“B-But (Y/N)-senpai-”

“Let’s go, you two.” Aran placed his hands on each of the twin’s shoulders before forcing them to the hotel’s entrance. “I’m sure your company isn’t needed.”

“What are you talking about? I make great company.” Atsumu argued.

Osamu scoffed. “Not really.”

“Shut yer trap, ‘Samu!”

Kita sighed before facing (Y/N) and Asahi. “Sorry about them. They mean well. Go ahead and have your conversation.”

“Thanks, Shin.” (Y/N) told him as she hugged her friend. “You’re the best.”

“No problem.” 

With one final wave, the Inarizaki captain followed the rest of his team. He helped Aran push the resistant twins into the hotel, but not before Osamu yelled, “No funny business!” 

“Yeah! What ‘Samu said!” Atsumu called out from over Aran’s shoulders. “(Y/N)-senpai is our manager. Don’t hurt her!”

“QUIT TALKIN’ AND GET INSIDE, YA STUPID TWINS!” Aran yelled as he gave one last push to make the Miya brothers enter the hotel.

(Y/N) sighed before facing her crush. It wasn’t until now she realized how warm she felt until a cold breeze flew by. It was funny how a crush can emit such feelings. She wouldn’t deny she never had a crush before. Perhaps there were fleetings moments of admiration and adoration to some guys at school and an embarrassing fangirl crush on famous celebrities.

But never before have the butterflies in her stomach felt so impactful. Asahi has unknowingly made his way to her heart and caused the warm feeling of love to bloom.

Which is why she couldn’t help but smile up at Asahi. He looked taller up close. Broader too. His hair wasn’t in its usual style, instead it was in a low man bun with a few strands framing his face very well. His eyes remained kind and warm and she could feel herself fall deeper in love with him. 

“So,” (Y/N) began, her hand instinctively tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Your text said you wanted to talk? 

“Y-Yeah.” Asahi confirmed nervously. “I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything with your team. You guys look close.” 

She smiled at how anxious Asahi was behaving and a small part of her hoped it was because of her. “I could say the same thing about your team, but don’t worry about them. We spent the entire evening together so they should be fine without me for a while.”

“Are you sure?” Asahi asked, the worry in his voice was evident and (Y/N) knew she had to do something to help him calm down. “I-If y-you rather be with t-them-”

Without a second thought, (Y/N) took his hand and held it reassuringly, “I want to be with you.”

Her heart swelled when she saw how Asahi’s eyes seemed to light up as he asked, “Really?”

“Really.” She confirmed, her voice firm yet gentle that washed away all doubt in Asahi’s mind. “Now, come on. Let’s sit down and have a friendly chat.”

Never before has Asahi felt his heart beating so fast against his chest than it was at this very moment. He was feeling hot and cold at the same time. His stomach was in multiple knots with those metaphorical butterflies dancing between his ribcage. Was it weird for his mind to go a million miles a minute yet he couldn’t figure out what to say to the most beautiful girl he’d ever laid eyes on? 

(Y/N) looked like an angel sitting under the strings of outdoor lights. Even while wearing casual winter clothes with her maroon Inarizaki jacket and a red scarf, Asahi thought she looked ethereal. Her (H/C) hair looked so elegant, almost magical in a sense when he noticed tiny snowflakes decorating her head, like shimmering diamonds. Then there was that smile of hers. A smile that made him feel like he could do anything in the world. He wished he could see that smile of hers for the rest of his life.

“So, what did you want to talk about, Asahi?” (Y/N) asked, her eyes were bright and inquisitive. “Your text said you wanted to explain yourself?”

“Y-Yeah, I did.” He admitted, his hand rubbing the back of neck. He took a deep breath to calm down before facing his crush. “I-I wanted t-to apologize.”

(Y/N) furrowed her brow upon hearing this. “What? Asahi, what are you- H-Hey!”

He was bowing his head and before she could ask further questions, Asahi spoke, “I-I’m sorry that w-we ruined your chance to advance. Y-You guys were the favorites to win this whole thing! A-And it’s y-your last year too! I’m sorry we took your chance away. Please forgive me!”

Asahi didn’t dare raise his head after spilling everything he felt ever since the match ended. He could feel his ears beginning to burn against the cold air. The silence was unnerving and it didn’t help when his mind was overtaken by anxiety.

‘Why would (Y/N) ever forgive me?’ He frustratedly asked himself. ‘She probably hates me. No. I’m sure she hates me and probably everyone on my team.’

‘(Y/N) is not like that. She’s kind, considerate…’ The tiny voice of hope spoke up. ‘She doesn’t hate you. You’re friends-’

But the dark voice of anxiety and doubt took over. ‘For now. (Y/N) probably only agreed to talk to you so she can say it’s over. She doesn’t want anything to do with you. Why would she be friends with the person who stole her and her team’s chance to win?!’

“Asahi.” (Y/N)’s voice sounded so soft and full of care. It may sound crazy but just hearing his name in her voice made Asahi feel the warmest he has ever felt. “Please look at me.”

He didn’t want to but something in her voice reassured him, similar to a ray of sunlight after a hurricane. Slowly, Asahi looked up and his eyes immediately found comfort in (Y/N)’s eyes. His heart skipped a beat when he saw (Y/N) was smiling up at him, not an ounce of hate anywhere.

“I thought we agreed that whatever the outcome of the match, we’ll be okay?” (Y/N) asked before taking hold of his hand, the very hand she shook when they made the agreement. “We shook on it, remember?”

Asahi felt himself flush under her words but he still found the courage to speak as he said, “I-I just thought… You would, I-I don’t know…hate me after what happened today.”

“I would never! Today’s match was the result of everyone’s hard work. Everyone played amazing. You guys won fair and square. If there’s anything I should feel, I think being grateful comes to mind. In fact, I feel like I should thank you.”

“Thank me?” Surely, he must have heard her wrong.

But (Y/N) flashed him a bright grin and nodded, “You and your teammates gave motivation to my team the next time they get to Nationals. I’m not sure if you realized this, Asahi, but you guys represent Nationals to a lot of people now.”

“Are you sure? I feel bad. I want to do something, anything, to make you feel better.”

Out of everything that came to mind, Asahi wasn’t expecting to be punched in the shoulder by the girl he has a major crush on. It was just like yesterday, (Y/N)’s punch wasn’t as forceful as Suga’s nor was it delicate and yet it was enough to send shivers and goosebumps all throughout his body. Then when her eyes met his, Asahi swore his breath was taken away with how close she was to him.

“First, you can stop feeling bad. I’m okay, really.” Her hand lifted again and Asahi mentally prepared himself to be punched again only to have her hand on his shoulder. (Y/N) offered a gentle smile before continuing on. “And second, if you really want to make me feel better then take the win. Take it and do the same thing tomorrow. Play each set and win some more. I promise if you do that, I’ll be more than okay because I’ll be rooting for you.”

Just hearing her words of encouragement was enough to make his head spin. All the self-doubt threatening to take over his mind washed away. How does she do that? Say these words so easily that brought him back from the edge? Words that held such meaning that easily helped him calm down and breathe.

“Asahi? You okay?” 

“Ah! Yeah! Sorry! It’s just…” Asahi looked at his feet, his hand scratching his cheek. “You just surprised me is all…”

(Y/N) was taken aback before smiling, “I hope that’s a good thing. But I meant what I said, Asahi. Though if you’re still worried about me being sad and you were serious about making me feel better then maybe… You could do me a favor?”

Asahi jumped at the chance and nodded furiously. “Anything!”

It was hard to hide the laugh that threatened to escape but (Y/N) can’t help how adorable Asahi was behaving. He’s a teddy bear. Ugh! She just wanted to hug this gentle giant!

“Win the next match for us.” 

He opened his mouth to say something, anything really, but his mind was still reeling of how sincere (Y/N) was with him at this moment. His eyes never left hers, searching for any hint of sadness or bitterness. Instead, he felt himself getting lost the longer he gazed into those beautiful, kind eyes. 

After what felt like a lifetime, Asahi found his voice and for the first time his voice did not waver, “We will.”

(Y/N) smiled before nudging her shoulder against his. “That’s the spirit! Plus look on the bright side, Karasuno is getting popular. I’m sure after today you guys earned some fans cheering you on. You’re definitely going to have fans cheering you on.”

Asahi let out a nervous chuckle. “I guess so. I just hope I don’t disappoint them tomorrow.”

“Hey!” A series of soft pats made their mark on his shoulder and Asahi could feel himself flush under her touch. “Think positive! Remember you’re not alone. You have your friends and the rest of your team that you can rely on.”

There was a moment of hesitation. He can see it in her eyes though it was gone because (Y/N) smiled at him and said words he won’t be forgetting anytime soon, “And if it helps, you have me too.”

She didn’t physically hug him but she might as well have with her words that filled Asahi’s whole being with warmth. 

“It does. Thanks, (Y/N). You-” Asahi stopped himself when he realized he was about to say something embarrassing. Instead he said what he always thought since yesterday, “You’re amazing.”

This time it was her turn to flush under his gaze. His warm brown eyes had her melting in her seat. Out of habit, (Y/N) let out a nervous laugh before playing with a strand of her hair, “I’m not as cool as you, Asahi, but thank you for saying that.”

The two high schoolers sat in comfortable silence underneath the twinkling lights and while neither one of them said a word they found themselves gazing at the dark sky full of stars. Maybe there was a stolen glance or two but no one said anything. 

“Hey, Asahi?”

“Yeah?”

“This is going to sound a bit weird but… What’s your star sign?”

Asahi furrowed his brow but he answered nonetheless. “I’m a Capricorn.”

For some reason, a childhood memory played in his mind and the thought of it made him smile. It was a bit silly thinking about it but it was a precious memory all the same. 

“You know, when I was a little kid I used to spend all my time looking for the Capricorn constellation.”

“Oh? Any reason why?” (Y/N) asked with genuine curiosity.

Asahi looked up at the sky full of stars. It was a shame they were in Tokyo as the bright city’s lights made the stars look faint, almost dim.

“Well, I thought that if I could find my constellation in the sky and make a wish it would come true.” The ace felt his neck grow hot when he confessed the next detail. “But whenever I couldn’t find it, I would go crying to my grandma.”

“Aww, Asahi.” (Y/N) cooed though there was a faint glint of amusement in her eyes. Her imagination took over as she thought of how cute Asahi must have been as a kid. He must have been the sweetest little kid with the biggest heart. “That’s adorable. Do you still look for your sign or did you grow out of it?”

“Will you think it's embarrassing if I admit I still do?” Asahi asked.

“Course not. I think it’s sweet to carry on your childhood tradition. I hope you made a lot of wishes.” (Y/N) looked back at the sky and sighed. “I wish I could see my star sign right now. I don’t even know what mine looks like.”

“Really?”

(Y/N) rubbed her hands together, trying to bring back some warmth. “You can’t really see the stars well back in Hyōgo.” 

Asahi rubbed his neck. “Well, if you want… I could show you.”

Surprised, (Y/N) looked at him before asking, “You would do that for me? You know you don’t have to, right?”

“I want to. You did a lot to help me. Besides, after looking at the stars for so long I’m sure I can find your star sign.” He looked at the sky and his heart physically deflated when he saw how faint the stars looked above the Tokyo city’s lights. “Though I won’t have any luck seeing any constellations tonight. I’m sorry.”

(Y/N) giggled before nudging her shoulder with his. “You really like apologizing, don’t you Asahi? It’s not like you could control the weather or light pollution. But it’s nice of you to offer. Maybe one day I can visit Miyagi and see what the stars are like from your perspective.”

Asahi felt his heart skipping a beat at the sound of her laughter and the smile in her eyes. While he only met her literally yesterday, he felt comfortable enough to relax around her, even if his heart was going a hundred miles an hour and his skin felt like lava.

He didn’t know where he found this extra boost of confidence to say, “I could show you around if you want. Miyagi has a lot of hidden gems that only locals know about. We can hang out i-if you want to.”

“I’d like that. Can’t wait for the tour.” (Y/N) said as she clapped her hands together in glee. “Maybe one day, you could visit Hyōgo and I could show you around too!”

“If it’s not a bother to you then yeah, I could pay a visit.”

“Great!” (Y/N) exclaimed. “Hyōgo has a lot of tourist attractions we can visit. I’ll show you all my favorite spots! Oh, like the Kobe Port Tower! It’s 108 meters high and it's designed to look like a traditional Japanese drum. It has an observation deck where you can see for miles! It even has a revolving cafe! Or if you don’t like heights, there's the Himeji Castle. It’s a very popular tourist spot because of its architecture-” 

It was only then she realized how much she was rambling. She glanced at Asahi only to find him already staring at her with those warm brown eyes, as if she did something amazing. Embarrassed, (Y/N) tried to hide herself behind her red scarf.

“Sorry.” What was she apologizing for? (Y/N) didn’t know. Maybe Asahi’s habit of excessive apologizing was starting to rub off on her. “I got excited for a second. I ramble whenever it’s a topic I’m passionate about. I know architecture is a bit boring to some people but I think it’s so cool to see the different kinds of designs buildings can have and- Oh. Sorry I’m rambling again.”

“I don’t mind.” Asahi told her along with a soft smile. “I think it’s cute.” 

(Y/N)’s eyes widened when she heard her crush calling her cute. Did he realize what he just said? Or did she imagine it? So she had to ask, “Did you just say cute?”

The look on Asahi’s face quickly morphed into one of panic as he tried to jumble out a reply with an obvious blush painting his face, “I- Uh? No? I mean, I did. B-But I-I meant you’re rambling. N-Not you specifically. W-Wait! I think you’re cute too! P-Pretty even!”

(Y/N) couldn’t hold back her laughter at how panicked Karasuno’s ace was currently behaving. So strong on the court and yet he was practically shaking like a fall leaf. 

“Asahi, it’s okay. Breathe.” She placed her hand on his shoulder, hoping it offered comfort. “It’s just me.”

“I-I know.” He took a deep breath before facing her. “But I meant what I said. A-About you.”

There goes her heart again, beating like crazy against her chest. “Thanks Asahi… I… I think you’re pretty cute too. And you’re an amazing player.” She sighed longingly. “I just wish I can see you guys play again.”

“Wait,” Asahi furrowed his brow, concerned . “You aren’t coming to the match tomorrow?”

“I…I don’t know. I heard the coaches talk about it during dinner. Apparently, the principal called. He expected us to place further along in the tournament and since we didn’t… Well, there’s a chance we might go back to Hyōgo tomorrow morning.”

“Oh.” He couldn’t hide the bitter disappointment in his voice. Now more than ever, he didn’t want this night to end. It might sound a bit silly but he wanted to keep seeing (Y/N). Today’s victory dimmed in comparison now that he learned this might be the last time he’ll see (Y/N) in a long time. “Sorry again.”

“Hey, come on, Asahi.” (Y/N) got up from her spot and stood in front of him. “You don’t have to keep apologizing. There’s nothing to forgive.”

“Are you sure?” His eyes pleaded for the truth. 

(Y/N)’s light chuckle pulled his heartstrings and the vibrations sent warmth from his chest all the way to his fingertips. He can feel himself falling in love with her all over again when she surprised his soul out of his body the moment her hands touched his. She pulled him towards her and he was so anxious he almost tripped over his own feet as he stood in front of her. 

Then Asahi felt it. Her arms wrapped around his torso bringing him close. It was a hug that sent a huge swarm of butterflies in his stomach. She was so close, closer than he has ever been to her. Wait… That’s not exactly true. Yesterday, when he saved (Y/N) from getting hurt, he was able to pull her aside just in time. (Y/N) stood right next to him with his arm around her. It was the first time he ever did something that brave and he remembered every second of it in that short moment.

But that moment of (Y/N) being next to him so close only lasted a minute. Asahi thought nothing could top the moment he met the girl that made his heart race. 

Boy, was he wrong. Maybe his so-called bad fortune from his new year shrine visit was wrong. Or maybe the gods thought it was time to cut him a break. Perhaps he did something in his past life that granted him this moment right now. Whatever it was, he didn’t want this moment to end.

(Y/N) had her ear pressed into Asahi’s firm chest as she continued to hug him. She could hear how fast his heart was beating and she smiled to herself because of it. It was cute that she had this kind of effect on her crush. 

“(Y/N)?” His deep voice reached her ears and while she couldn’t see him she could imagine the nervous expression on his face. “Is this okay? You hugging me? I mean, w-we only met yesterday…”

“Are you uncomfortable with me hugging you, Asahi?” 

“No!” He was quick to reply. “I just meant… You don’t have to hug me.”

“You’re my friend and this is my way of showing you that there’s really nothing to forgive. You don’t have to apologize anymore.” She pulled away and smiled brightly up at him. “Deal?”

“Deal.” 

“Good.”

“Great.”

“Amazing.”

“Awesome.”

“Cool.”

“Uhh… Warm?”

(Y/N) raised an eyebrow at him. “What?”

Asahi let out a nervous chuckle. “I-I don’t know. You’re warm so I said what was off the top of my head.”

The two high schoolers stared at each other before they laughed together. They were still in each other’s arms but they made no movement to separate. If anyone were to walk by and saw them together, no one would have any doubts about how genuine young love can be.

Which is why they were surprised to hear a familiar voice that broke the calm, soothing atmosphere around them. 

“Oh? Asahi-senpai! I didn’t know you had a girlfriend!” 

(Y/N) pulled away but she didn’t stray too far as she stood her ground by Asahi’s side. Her eyes met with the innocent yet excited eyes of Karasuno’s #10, Hinata Shoyo and not far from him was the other half of the terrifying duo, Kageyama Tobio. Well, at least no else was here- Oh. Wait. Was that Tsukishima on a bicycle? 

“Hinata!” Asahi shouted before turning back to (Y/N). “Sorry about him. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

The manager smiled and reassured him that it was okay. She then turned to face Karasuno’s first years and introduced herself. They did the same and Asahi was just about to sigh in relief when-

“So are you Asahi-senpai’s girlfriend?” This time it was Kageyama who asked.

(Y/N) felt her neck warm up and it wasn’t because of her scarf. Out of habit, she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear before answering, “No, I’m not. I’m just a friend.”

Hinata and Kageyama looked satisfied with the answer. However, Tsukishima looked unconvinced. His calculated eyes looked at his upperclassman as if asking for the truth. Asahi tried to convey the silent message to leave them alone to the middle blocker, hoping they could leave them alone. Preferably before the duo could ask any more embarrassing questions.

“Hey, Asahi-san, why are you holding hands-”

“Come on, you two,” Tsukishima, Asahi’s savior right now, grabbed their collars. He bowed before his upperclassmen before dragging his teammates. “We finished your nightly jog. It’s time to get back.”

“Ack! You’re choking me!” Hinata cried.

“You don’t have to push! Besides, Asahi has to come too!” Kageyama argued, clearly frustrated at how he was being manhandled by the snarky middle blocker.

“No. Asahi’s right where he has to be.” Tsukishima stated. “You idiot.”

“HUH?!”

(Y/N) watched in amusement as the trio of first years entered their little inn. “They sure are interesting.”

“Sorry about that. They can be a bit much.”

“Oh, that’s okay. The Miya twins are like that too. But I think… I should let you get back. It’s getting late and you need your sleep. Tomorrow’s a big day for you.”

“Right. Tomorrow…” Asahi wished there were more than 24 hours in the day. “So I guess this is it?”

“Yeah...”

Her hand was still interlocked with his but did not make the effort to leave. She still wanted to spend time with him. Instead, she said, “So, um, good luck tomorrow. I might not be there in person but I’ll be cheering for you.”

“Thanks. That means a lot.”

“You got this Asahi.” She gave him one last hug. “I know you do.”

The ace hugged her back one last time before he awkwardly pulled away. (Y/N) cleared her throat before smiling.

“Keep in touch?” She asked.

Asahi nodded. “Of course. I’ll call you before and after the match.”

“Okay… You know, Asahi, I’m glad we’ve met each other. You’re not like any guy I’ve ever met.”

“That’s a good thing, right?”

(Y/N) laughed but nodded. “Yes. I’m glad we've become friends. I would have hated for you to be someone I used to know.”

“Me too… So I guess, this is goodbye?” Asahi couldn’t hide the sadness in his voice. His eyes landed where their hands were still connected. 

“Mmm, it’s more like see you later. We’ll see each other again.”

It was a silent promise under the endless night sky where the moon and stars were the only witnesses to see how enchanted Karasuno’s ace and Inarizaki’s manager were with each other. 

~ Meanwhile inside Inarizaki’s hotel room~

“Say Aran-kun.”

“What’s up, Osamu?”

“I wasn’t going to ask but (Y/N) brought it to my attention so I’m curious. What did you tell Azumane when you shook hands?”

“Oh that?” Inarizaki’s ace smiled to himself as he recalled that specific moment. “I just gave him friendly advice.”

“Which was?”

“Please don’t hurt my friend.”

~

Next: Chapter 5

[mari-writes]

Akaashi Keiji has a secret. One that he’s sure people might be surprised by if they found out.

He has a deep, prevailing love for classical ballet. He’s not sure when it started. Perhaps when his parents took him to a Nutcracker performance when he was barely eight years old. To this day, he spends hours of his free time watching videos online, and reads about the history of the art form. He even convinces his mother to take him to see live performances on occasion.

There's something so romantic and expressive about dancing. The way the dancers can convey emotion through their body, with no words at all—it’s absolutely fascinating. Keiji admires them so much. He wishes he could be like that.

He doesn’t tell anyone. He’s not ashamed, just cautious. Dance should not be a gendered interest, but alas, society is strange. His friends and most of his teammates already know he’s gay. No need to push the stereotype further, right?

What he doesn’t predict is that his best friend (and secret crush), Bokuto Koutarou, is apparently also a fan.

“Akaashi!” The older boy exclaims, right over his shoulder. “Is that the Australian Ballet?”

Keiji flinches, scrambling to switch off his phone. “Bokuto-san,” he scowls, “it’s very rude to eavesdrop.”

“Oh, sorry!” Koutarou plops down next to him. Their futons are close, much too close, and Keiji can smell his mint shampoo. It’s distracting. “But seriously, is it?”

Keiji shoots a nervous look around. Most of the training camp attendees are either taking turns in the bath or wandering around campus, enjoying the warm evening. Only Komi is here, casually lounging with a magazine on the other side of the room. “Ah, um, yes,” he nods. “You’re familiar with ballet, Bokuto-san?”

The other boy nods enthusiastically. “My sister does it! My other sister and I tried it when we were younger, too!”

Surprised, Keiji stares. “I didn’t know that.”

“Yeah! I still do exercises I learned back then. It’s good for flexibility and to strengthen muscles. People don’t know how much of a workout ballet is! It’s really hard.”

Again Keiji nods, awkwardly shuffling on his futon so that he and Koutarou are sitting thigh-to-thigh. “Would you… like to watch the rest of this with me, Bokuto-san?”

Koutarou answers with a beaming smile.

They make it a habit of watching dance videos together. Koutarou is surprisingly knowledgable about the different companies, even mentioning specific dancers and performances. It’s odd, only because he never watches or talk about it otherwise. Perhaps he’s shy about his interest, too?

It isn’t until one evening, when Koutarou is staying the night at his house, that he discovers the truth. 

Keiji is eager to show his crush the souvenir program her purchased after seeing a performance of La Sylphide two years ago. He carefully passes it to Koutarou, wondering if the other boy will be surprised, or maybe even jealous that Keiji was able to attend such a special, sold-out show.

But instead—

“Oh! My sister was in this!” 

Keiji freezes. He turns slowly to look at his friend, unsure if he heard correctly. “What?”

“Yeah, she was made principal ballerina that year!”

Keiji frowns. “Your sister… performed with the National Ballet of Japan?”

“Yeah!” Koutarou grins. “She was there for two years, until she went overseas. I miss her so much.”

“Wait a minute.” Keiji is having trouble trusting his own ears. Because it sounds like Koutarou is insinuating… but no, that can’t be it. Can it? Suddenly frantic, he flips through the program, until he find the cast profiles. He leans in to look at the lead female dancer. A familiar face in the modern ballet scene. He blinks, turning to look at Koutarou, and then back at the woman on the page. 

Intense golden eyes. A wide, toothy smile. Silvery hair, with just a hint of black at the roots. “Bokuto-san,” he croaks, “is your sister… Bokuto Kai?”

Koutarou chuckles. “Well, yeah! That’s my Kai! Isn’t she so cool?”

Keiji chokes on nothing. He sputters, enough for his friend to reach over and pat his back consolingly.

“You okay, ‘kaashi?”

Is he okay? Keiji doesn’t know. The fact that his best friend’s sister is one of the most well-known ballet dancers in Japan, the world even, is actively shifting his reality.

“So… I guess you’re a fan?” Koutarou smiles in obvious amusement.

“Y-yes,” Keiji admits, thoroughly shaken. “I am. She’s incredible.”

One year later, Keiji is standing frozen in the threshold of his now-boyfriend, Koutarou’s family home. He’s been here many times, and spent time with most of the family. But the person at the door is not anyone he’s met before.

But oh, he knows her well.

“Ah, you must be Akaashi!” Kai Bokuto is short, the crown of her head barely reaching Keiji’s shoulders, but her immaculate posture seems to expand her presence. She’s wearing a cotton hoodie and leggings, her silver hair tossed over one shoulder in a long braid. 

She’s a vision.

Keiji’s mouth drops open. He blinks. “B-Bokuto-san, um, hi! Hello there. You… um, I… well...” His words stumble out of him like dominos. He’s never felt so inarticulate in his entire life.

Kai laughs. “Please, call me Kai! I’ve heard so much about you. Come in, Keiji-kun!”

When Keiji finds his boyfriend inside, he greets him with a light punch to the shoulder. “You could have warned me she was here,” he hisses, “I just made a fool of myself.”

Koutarou snorts. “You’re such a fanboy!”

“Shut it.”

It turns out, Kai and Keiji have a lot more in common than a love for ballet. Both of them love literature, poetry and art history. Kai regales him with stories of her time in Europe—including her recent stint in Paris, thes city Keiji wants to visit more than anything.

They also happen to be quite protective of Koutarou.

“He’s very important to me,” she says, as they watch Keiji’s boyfriend hurry to help his mother in the kitchen. “He means the world to all of us, really. It doesn’t matter how tall or strong he gets—he’ll still be our baby Kou.”

Keiji grins softly. “Yeah.”

They exchange numbers that first night, and stay in touch when Kai flies back to France for her next set of performances. She regularly sends him photos, poems, news articles, and of course, updates on the Parisian ballet scene. They ask each other advice on outfits and home design.

“Ya know, I’m starting to think you like her more than me,” Koutarou pouts, one morning when they are curled up in Keiji’s tiny dorm bed. 

“Are you jealous?” Keiji raises one eyebrow.

“Hmm,” Koutarou hums, “maybe a little…”

Giggling, Keiji turns in his hold, leaning up to touch noses. “Don’t worry, love. You’ll always be my number one star.” The comment seems to light a fire in Koutarou, whose face splits into a brilliant smile as he pulls Keiji in tighter. “Promise?”

Keiji smiles back. “Always.”

//

I love the idea that Keiji gets along great with Koutarou’s sisters, and admires them (almost) as much as his boyfriend. The idea for Kai being a ballerina was inspired by the beautiful artwork of Temari! I just can’t get the idea out of my mind.

Please, if you enjoyed this, reblog and comment! It really helps me out. 🥰❤️

[icyhottodo178]

New Year’s Confession: Atsumu Miya X Female Reader

Description: You have been crushing on your best friend for some time so you decide to confess to him on New Years Eve before he goes abroad for a volleyball tournament with his team.

Contains: Fluff, cursing, adorable moments, love blossoming, romantic moments and confessions.

Word count: 1210

Note: Happy New Years to everyone and I hope you all have a great year in 2024. Thank you all so much for the love and support you’ve given me as I really appreciate it. I will continue to write a lot of different oneshots and possibly some series in the future so be sure to look forward to those. Anyways this is my first fluff oneshot so I hope you all enjoy.

Being best friends with Miya Atsumu since childhood has made you realise that you’ve been falling in love with him as the two of you got older and now that he was a professional volleyball player on the MSBY Black Jackals while you were a English teacher, you knew that you had to confess to him before it was too late otherwise you knew how much you’d regret it. Atsumu was a year older than you as he was 23 and you were 22 years old but you remembered when you two first met when you were younger.

He was an amazing person as he’s always looked out for you and you always helped him with his homework since he would sometimes struggle on subjects like maths or science. As the two of you grew older, you started to develop feelings for Atsumu as they became stronger in middle school but you never told him anything because you were scared of being rejected or your love being unrequited so you kept quiet about it.

Once you two had finished high school, you went to different places as Atsumu was invited to the All-Japan Youth Intensive Training Camp while you went off to university to study English and you both kept in touch but only when you two were free. After graduating from university, you went on to become an English teacher as you found out that Atsumu was apart of the MSBY Black Jackals when you saw the team playing on television once.

On New Year’s Eve, you were invited to a party by Oikawa as you decided to go in hopes of meeting Atsumu again since you really missed him and you got ready. You wore a simple dress along with your favourite shoes as you decided to get going since the party started at half past ten but you wanted to get there early. You decided to walk to Oikawa’s place since you didn’t want to drive in case you got drunk as you were glad that the place wasn’t too far away and it took you twenty minutes to get there.

You knocked on the front door as you tucked a strand of hair behind your ear and the door was opened by Oikawa who was happy to see you. You both greeted each other as he steps to the side to let you enter before closing the door behind you and you make your way inside. You saw some familiar faces as you were hoping to see Atsumu but you couldn’t see him anywhere until your eyes were covered by someone and you already knew who it was.

“Guess who?” Atsumu said to you as you smiled since you instantly knew who it was and he removes his hands from your eyes before he hugs you. You were so glad to see him again as you missed him so much and you knew that you had to confess to him soon. You pulled away from the hug as you smiled at Atsumu.

“It’s so good to see you again, Atsumu. How have you been lately? We haven’t talked in months and the last time we did was during the summer. I guess we’ve both been pretty busy with our lives but I’m so glad to see you again. I’ve missed you so much,” You told Atsumu as he could tell that you were glad to see him and he noticed how much you’ve changed.

“It’s good to see you again and I’ve been doing well. I’ve missed you too and I’m glad that we’re able to see each other but I’m going abroad tomorrow morning so let’s make this night memorable, alright?” Atsumu replied as you were surprised that he had to go abroad tomorrow and you knew that you had to confess to him before it was too late.

One hour passed as there was some time left until midnight since it was currently 11:30 and you had only two drinks of alcohol but didn’t drink anymore since you didn’t want to be too drunk when you confessed to Atsumu or make a complete fool of yourself. You were playing Truth Or Dare with Shoyo, Kuroo, Osamu, Bokuto, Oikawa and Ushijima as it was currently your turn so you decided to go for a dare.

“I date you to kiss the most attractive person here,” Oikawa said as you wanted to kiss Atsumu but he wasn’t playing right now so you kissed Bokuto on the cheek and you sighed in relief that you didn’t have to kiss him on the lips. The game continued for another ten minutes or so as you decided to go and see what Atsumu was doing. You saw him talking to Kenma, Iwaizumi and Akaashi as you went over to the group to join in their conversation.

“Hey guys. It’s so good to see you again. How have you all been?” You said to Kenma, Iwaizumi and Kenma as they smiled at you and gave you their own replies. You all talked for some time until it was announced by Oikawa that there was a few minutes left before the countdown as you had to speak to Atsumu on his own and you pulled him away from the group into a corner of the house.

“Woah! What’s going on? Is everything alright? I wasn’t excepting you to drag me like that,��� Atsumu said to you as you sighed and let go of his hand before taking a deep breath. This was your chance to tell Atsumu your feelings towards him and you did.

“I love you so fucking much, Miya Atsumu ever since middle school but I never confessed earlier because I was scared that you didn’t feel the same way as I did so I kept my feelings all bottled up until this moment. I know it must so fucking pathetic that I did that but I had to do it because I was scared. You probably don’t love me the same way as I do but I’m letting you know now before it was too late and I never got another chance,” You told Atsumu as he was stunned by your confession and you waited for his answer.

“You love me? I love you too and I was also scared of confessing to you because I thought you were already in love with someone else but you’re not in love with anymore which I’m thankful that wasn’t the case. You’re not fucking pathetic for keeping your feelings bottled up and I understand that it must’ve taken some courage to confess so I’m proud of you,” Atsumu said as you teared up at his words before he pulls you closer and he kissed you on the lips.

You kissed him back as you heard the fireworks go off and you pulled away from the kiss. You hugged Atsumu as you were looking forward to your future with the person you love and you were hoping the new year would bring you two even closer than before. Dating Miya Atsumu was going to be interesting as you were glad to have finally confessed to him after so long and you couldn’t wait for start the new year together with him.

Note: I hope you all enjoyed this New Years themed fluff one-shot as this was my first time writing one so I hope that it turned out well. If you have any ideas on a oneshot then please let me know down below and I’ll try my best to write it. Anyways please make sure to comment and like this post as I would really appreciate it.

This is @icyhottodo178 signing off until next time!! Peace out!!

[alwayshappyhoursomewhere]

[Translation] SPUR September 2023

Exclusive Interview with Stéphane Lambiel "About Love"

Stéphane Lambiel invites us into his beautiful musical world with his smooth skating and graceful ballet-like movements on the ice. He talks about his love and passion for skating, and everything in his life.

Looking back on his remarkable season as a coach.

Stéphane Lambiel came to Japan to perform in "Fantasy on Ice," the most prominent ice show in Japan. In the 2022-23 figure skating season, Japan's Shoma Uno, whom he coaches, won his second consecutive World Championships, and Koshiro Shimada won a silver medal at the All-Japan Championships. Latvia's Deniss Vasiljevs has also distinguished himself in the Grand Prix Series, so it has been smooth sailing for the coach.

"Shoma, Koshiro, and Deniss are not the only young talents sprouting up one after another. I want all the students at Champery (Switzerland) to grow. I hope my teaching will have a positive impact on their careers and lives. That's my number one goal right now."

After the Corona disaster, the international sports scene is slowly returning to its original state. This year, Stéphane organized a joint training camp in Kyoto with students from the Kinoshita Academy in Japan and Champéry.

"This is a good opportunity for the students to experience a different method from the one they are used to," said Stéphane. This time, we also made time for them to learn physical performance that is different from skating, such as yoga and dance lessons, not only on the ice. By learning new ways to use their bodies, they can feed back to their skating and improve their artistry. They were able to motivate each other, so I felt it was beneficial to share practice.

Today, Kinoshita is home to an elite group of figure skaters who are the future of figure skating.

"I was amazed by all the students. They are able to practice very meticulously while also maintaining their focus. If I had to name a few players that I personally pay attention to, I would say junior players Mao Shimada and Shunsuke Nakamura. I feel something special about them. Hana Yoshida knows her body well and has the ability to use it well."

About the challenges to tackle for the new season

During the training camp, Stéphane also choreographed new programs. He also said it was an opportunity to see the response from Uno, Shimada, and Vasilijevs.

"As for Koshiro, he will continue with his SP "Sing Sing Sing". For FS, he will perform a piano version of "Danse Macabre," choreographed by me. Denis performed his new SP "Hallelujah" for "Fantasy on Ice". This was his first time working with choreographer Shae-Lynn Bourne. It was a very innovative piece, and it took him some time to understand what she was trying to achieve. Then he practiced a lot, and made it his own. I will be choreographing the FS, which will be different from the atmosphere of the past. Please look forward to it.

Shoma has two programs for SP, and I think he is considering which one to use for the competition.One is by Shae-Lynn, and the other one is my creation. I think he will decide after skating both of them at the summer ice show. The SP I made will have a pretty challenging content. It will be divided into several parts, with a short intro to present the outline of the story, followed by a romantic and lyrical part, and then a dynamic change at the end. The unfolding is quite extreme, and I think it will be a very intense performance. I'm looking forward to seeing it at the show, too. For FS, I have proposed some songs, and the choreography will be done by Kenji Miyamoto."

This will be his third (sic) season as Uno's coach. Stéphane says he will do his best to support Uno, who has expressed his desire to improve his expressive side.

There are two wonderful things about Shoma," said Stéphane. One is the rich expressive power of his eyes and of his body movements as a whole. The other is his passion to control everything by himself. When he learns something new, his willingness to practice and make it absolutely his own is second to none. These two virtues have already made him a unique, one-of-a-kind skater. If he is looking for something more on top of that... from me, I think I can help him in terms of musicality. Of course he has musical sense, but I think he can deepen it even more. by refining his sensibility, he will be able to add more "umami", as they say in Japanese, to his performance, a taste that only he can bring out. I believe that the audience too will be able to sense something special from his performance.

Putting his love for his soulmate into his dance on the ice

Thirteen years after retiring from professional skating, Stéphane is now in his mature stage as a professional figure skater. The two performances at this year's Ice Show were truly musical works that moved the audience emotionally.

The first piece performed at Fantasy on Ice was the fourth movement of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 5, Adagietto. My friend Beatrice Belieu(?), a musician, played the piano and made the arrangement. The second is "Simple song" from the soundtrack of the movie "Grand Finale" (2015). Adagietto was choreographed by Salome Brunner. In fact, the performance presented here is only a part of the whole. Champéry has a festival called "Rencontres Musicales de Champéry" (Encounters with Music), and next year I will be skating Adagietto with Beatrice, who will play live.

The adagietto by Maher, known in the 70's for the film "Death in Venice" and more recently as the key piece in the film "TAR" (2022), is a classic. The sweet and dramatic tune is linked with a personal story.

Mahler's Adagietto was written with love as its theme. Through this song, I wanted to express the various stages of love that I have experienced. It begins with the meeting of two people, the period of burning love that brings them together as one, and then the period when there are discrepancies in the relationship. After overcoming these difficulties, they feel comfortable with each other, and then they rediscover each other as if they had met anew, even though they are the same person. The first meeting and the last meeting have different meanings, and their love evolves. When I skate to this song, I envision in my mind's eye a very rich relationship with the person I am now living with, my soulmate. There is actually a subtle twist to this performance. I thought of it with Salome, it has the same movement at the beginning and the end, but in reverse. With that movement, I expressed the evolution of the relationship and the sense of distance that is created.

He devised the choreography for 'Simple song' with his colleagues at Champéry. It is an insert song for the movie, sung wistfully by Korean opera singer Sumi Jo.

I had heard this song by chance before I saw the movie, and I thought it was a great song. I rediscovered it after watching the film, and then chose it. The personal theme of this film is growing older. Considering my own career, I am slowly approaching the limits of my physical capabilities, and I don't think I will be able to skate for much longer in the future. Still, there is a part of me that wants to skate forever. So when I am skating to this song, I express myself to the fullest as my performance, and I hope that it will be forever. *Adagietto and Simple Song both incorporate movements that require quite a bit of physical endurance, since I have to stand on one point of the edge of my skates and hold it for a long time. The goal is to achieve a noble movement despite being forced to exert that kind of control. Although I feel pleasure in being able to be in control, there are also times when I feel fragility and danger in front of the audience. It's a very lovely moment."

At this year's Fantasy on Ice, fellow skater Johnny Weir retired.

We get together every year in early summer for the show, and the performers are like family. I've talked about that with Johnny, too. It's sad to retire from the ice show, but I think it's also a positive thing. I can't speak for him, but I think he would like to do another project in his life. We have promised that we will spend time together again somewhere. Maybe a private vacation! Sometimes I think about my last show myself. I haven't made up my mind yet.

Despite being involved in a variety of activities, you are still passionate about skating. What is the source of your motivation?

I think it has something to do with the fact that I have matured, and when I aim for my best performance, I want to express myself in the most natural way. My personality is lyrical and romantic, so I often get inspiration from watching that kind of movies or from stage music. Music shakes up emotions from a deep place inside of me, and pushes to the surface the life force within. I can skate by borrowing the energy of the song. As I feel that, I guess that maybe I can perform better, with a sense of unity."

[aughby]

Unbroken Bond

Mayu Ishikawa and Yuki have always had a unique relationship. When they were younger, they were best friends and would spend their days playing volleyball in their backyard while harboring dreams of competing for Japan internationally. Mayu's keen intuition and Yuki's limitless energy made them the ideal brother and sister, closest friends, and collaborators in everything.

As they grew older, different paths started to take them. Due to his obvious talent, Yuki was rapidly being scouted by prestigious volleyball academies. Mayu, who possessed equal skill, chose her own route and joined the women's national team. Their careers took off together, but they hardly saw one another because of the demands of training, international matches, and travel. When they did, there was an uncomfortable distancing in place of the relaxed friendship of their early years. The years had altered them, yet they were still close and family.

Following a protracted period of competitions and training camps, they both found themselves back in their hometown of small town life one winter's evening. Their mother insisted on a family dinner, even though it was the first time they had both been free in months.

They sat across from one another at the table, and the air was heavy with the shared memories and unsaid words. As Yuki played with his chopsticks, he cast a sidelong glance at Mayu, who was staring at her dish of rice.

Yuki broke the ice by asking, "So, how's the team?"

Mayu looked up, taken aback by the query. "Good. We're working on some new plays for the Olympics. How about you?"

"I saw your last game. You were incredible out there." He paused before continuing, "Same. Training's intense, but it's worth it."

With a trace of the old Mayu showing through, she grinned. "Thanks. I caught some of your highlights too. You're really carrying the team."

As they conversed further, the years of awkwardness gradually started to fade. They told each other stories about their teammates, giggled over old games, and even made jokes like they used to.

As the evening drew on, they discovered themselves wandering about their town's well-known streets in the bitter cold. The air was fresh, and the stars were brilliant.

Yuki paused to gaze up at the sky and murmured gently, "Do you ever miss how things were?"

"All the time," said Mayu. "But we're still here, right? We've got each other, even if it's not like it used to be."

Yuki nodded, his chest suddenly warm in a way it hadn't felt in years. "Yeah, we do."

For a while, they stood side by side, aware that it would be months before they saw each other again but also aware that their tie, despite its differences, remained unbroken.

Mayu said, "Let's not wait so long next time," as they started to return home.

Yuki said, "Deal," feeling happier than he had in a long time.

They felt like the siblings they once were—and still are, in the most important ways—as they walked home together for the first time in years.

Yuki and Mayu went for a walk and then came home to find their mother had made a warm space by the fireplace and hot tea ready for them. As they settled in, they relished the warmth and the infrequent window of quiet.

Mayu winced a little when she reached for her cup during their conversation. Yuki noticed right away.

"What's wrong?" His voice was filled with anxiety as he asked.

In response, Mayu dismissed it with "It's nothing. Just a slight discomfort from practice. I made a strange landing during a dive."

Yuki was not persuaded. He leaned forward and insisted, "Let me see."

Mayu extended her wrist while rolling her eyes. A slight swelling was there, not too severe but noticeable enough to be uncomfortable.

Yuki took her hand gently and gave it a close inspection. "You need to have spoken up sooner. Have you been keeping this a secret all along?"

Despite her appreciation for his concern, Mayu responded, "It's really not a big deal."

"Not very important?" Yuki gave a headshake. "Mayu, you need to look after yourself. You cannot choose to disregard these issues."

He got up and walked to the kitchen, coming back holding a bandage and a tiny ice pack. He delicately and precisely wrapped it around her wrist, resembling the times they were children, and he used to heal her cuts from hard play.

"Do you recall doing this following our outdoor games?" Mayu inquired, a tiny smile teasing her lips.

Naturally, Yuki responded, wrapping things up. "You were always so obstinate, never wanting to acknowledge your own pain."

With a cheeky sparkle in her eyes, she responded, "I guess some things never change."

Yuki laughed, but as he glanced at her, his expression softened. "Mayu, I understand that you're both quite busy and that our time together isn't always as uninterrupted as it once was. But remember, I'm always available to you. Whatever the case may be."

Mayu turned to face him as his words warmed her heart. "Yu-kun, I am aware. I'm also always available to you. Even though we've matured, you're still my big brother. I'm still your little sister, too".

Even if they had become more apart in several aspects, Yuki's smile belied the love and concern that had always been in his eyes. "So let's make sure we don't lose sight of that,"

For a time, they sat in cozy stillness as Mayu rested her head on Yuki's shoulder and felt his steady breathing. These insignificant moments were when she realized how much she had missed him—not just as her best friend but also as a brother.

Mayu's eyes grew droopy as the night went on. Yuki saw and gave her a small poke. "You ought to get some sleep. Tomorrow, we'll chat more."

"Yes," she muttered as she slowly stood up. However, she stopped and turned to face Yuki before leaving. "I appreciate you being here, Yu-kun. I truly did miss you."

With the gentle warmth that only a sibling could provide, Yuki smiled. "I also missed you, Mayu. Go to bed now. There is a lot for us to catch up on."

Yuki watched her go upstairs, a sense of protection building inside his chest. He was aware of how busy their lives were and how frequently their paths diverged. However, tonight served as a reminder to him of what was really important: their relationship, their concern for one another, and the unwritten assurance that they would always find a way to return to one another no matter where life led them.

[natedogx15]

Elite of the Hero's Academia

So, this is a bit of a twist on the All For One decendent au ideas.

The H.P.S.C. discovers a descendent of All For One after the massive battle between him and All Might. Worried about the future of Japan after the symbol retires and in need of someone to replace Lady Nagant, they decide to train this child with/instead of Hawks.

For years, the H.P.S.C. has been secretly bringing corrupt or annoying heroes in and having the descendent take their Quirks while training said descendent to wield them to become the perfect weapon. Eventually, the descendent has a chance to escape their control. This could be someone in the H.P.S.C. going behind their back to enroll them in U.A., a high-up hero finding out and stopping it, or possibly Nezu pulling some strings.

Whatever way, the descendent, whether it's Midoriya or not, gets to experience a relatively normal high school life at a hero school. While there, they cause an uproar due to having multiple Quirks and All Might finds out who they may be.

Things they could do is, demonstrate the efficiency of their power in the Sports Festival by stealing the other contestants' Quirks before giving them back, taking Muscular's Quirk during the training camp, or (if Midoriya isn't the descendent) bringing Midoriya back in an intense fight between the new generation of All For One and One For All.

Things could be really interesting if Midoriya isn't the descendent and actually bonds with them. Since the previous wielders and All Might could try and get in the way due to their dislike for All For One and most may not trust the descendent.

[tobitofunction]

Oh Baby Part 20

Part21

You woke up to the sound of giggling, “Shh Haruto, Mommy and the others are still asleep” Daichi whispered in a baby voice. You slowly opened your eyes and saw Daichi rubbing his nose against Haruto’s,” Morning” you whispered,” We didn’t wake you?” Daichi asked with a frown,” It was a nice way to wake up” you smiled reaching for Haruto’s small hand,” Morning Haru, how is my little heart doing” you said carefully as both Yachi and Kiyoko were still asleep. Haruto smiled back in response showing off his gums,” Couldn’t sleep?” you asked Daichi who was playing with the small tuft of Haruto’s hair,” Well I slept well until an hour ago, woke up and couldn’t go back to sleep” he stated making you frown,” It’s still early Dai, come here, maybe some cuddling will help you sleep a little longer” you said holding out your arms for Daichi to lay between, the Karasuno Captain didn’t think twice and cuddled into your embrace with your son between the two of you.

“Did the extra two hours help you?” you asked Daichi as he was stretching,” Yes, most definitely” he said with a smile,” Thanks baby?” he said pecking your lips,” I will up the water bottles, want anything from the vending machine?” Daichi shook his head and continued stretching. You walked past Takeda who was currently holding Haruto and Ukai who was trying to convince the Japanese Literature teacher to hand him the baby.

“Hey there,” a male voice said from behind you, you turned around and were met with a volleyball player with orange-dyed hair,” Umm hey?” you said unsure,” Am I in your way?” you asked pointing at the sink,” No, I can wait,” he said shrugging you off making you nod,” You're from Karasuno?” he asked after a while, you screwed the lid on the bottle before turning to face the stranger, he had a maroon coloured jacket on with black shorts, which wasn’t telling on what team he played for,” Yeah” you said lifting a brow,” Kageyama is your setter right?” you nodded this time,” Interesting, he’s good but he doesn’t risk anything, such a goody-two-shoes” he smirked stuffing his hands in his pocket,”Oh, I forgot I'm Atsumu Miya, I’m the setter from Inarizaki,” he said removing his hands from his pocket and held it out for you,” Y/N, I'm basically the nurse of the team” you smiled,” With that face and smile you can heal about anything, we don’t have one at the moment so we are stuck with our Captain healing our wounds” he smirked,”I say with your track records you might need to invest in one, you are quite daring at times” you said filling up another bottle,”Ahh so your side did some research on us, that’s smart” he said scratching the back of his neck,” But it be to know use, we are the favour to win this competition and we have on of the top 5 aces in our team and they have me” you rolled your eyes,”Confident aren't you” he chuckled in response,”It’s the truth, I have been part of the All-Japan Youth Intensive Training Camp since I was in my last year of Middle school” he said making you swallow,”And people called me Japan's best high school setter, as well as its best server” he shrugged his shoulders,” Well, we might not have any titles yet but we have a good team and they will wipe the floor with your titles” you mused grabbing the last bottle and walked away,”Come on, don’t be like that. I was a miracle that your team beat Ushijima and nothing more, this is the end of the road for you guys” he said grabbing your arm,”Let go of my girlfriend” Daichi said appearing out of nowhere,”This is your boyfriend? Mmmh, so your the milf everyone around here talks about” he said letting go of your arm,”Sorry man, didn’t want to lean on your territory. Just wanted to make things clear to her, that we will win, as I hate loosing” he said before stalking off,”Great another Oikawa” Daichi hissed,”You did Oikawa before so you can easily beat him” you said with a smile,”Mmmh, for you anything my beautiful milf” he smiled, you rolled your eyes at the comment,” At least I'm not the pregnant cheerleader anymore” you sighed,”Milf suits you better” he said patting your hip,”Let me take these of you” he said grabbing the crate of water bottles before you could curse him out.

“Well, well, who do we have here,” a female voice said behind you,” Coach?”,” The one and only, we thought you guys could need some extra encouragement,” she said snapping her fingers making the Karasuno crow’s appear behind her,” You guys want to support us?” you asked with big eyes,”Of course not preggars anymore. We don’t have anything better to do as someone fell of the pyramid” she said shooting a look at the current captain of the team, who pouted and folded her arms in front her chest,” I also went to your house and brought something which will fit you better than that ugly outfit” she said handing you a small bag,”It’s my cheer outfit”,”Good observation, if the Captain of the Titanic only had the same eyesight” she said,”Anyway as off today you are back on the team and back as Captain” she said making your mouth drop,”What? I only lost one comp, give me another chance”,” Sorry sandbags, your now at the bottom of the pyramid” you send her a mocking wink making her shoot you the dirtiest look possible,”I get changed than”.

“Oh wow,” Daichi said seeing you in the uniform,” Coach is here to support us and she decided to make me Captain already. I thought I would have to wait until next year,” you said looking down at the uniform you missed so much,” Now we have hot cheerleading milf on the team,” he said making you slap his chest playfully.” Hi Haruto,” you said with a smile as Yachi approached you with Haruto in her arms,” What’s wrong?” you said to him as you saw tears build in his brown eyes,” I think he needs to be changed,” Yachi said with an awkward smile, you took a quick sniff which made you grimace,” Oh yeah, he needs to be changed. Here Daichi,” you said holding the baby in front of his face,” Why me?” he said,” I carried for 9 months and feed him, so you can do the small thing of changing him” you with a pout,” Fine, I can’t wait until he can go the toilet himself” he said taking Haruto into his arms when he slowly began to cry,” Don’t cry buddy, you be fresh in a couple of seconds again” he said speed walking towards the bathroom. You smiled after them when you heard a whistle, you looked up and saw the crows in the stands,” You better win this otherwise it be very embarrassing for all of us” the coach said making you roll your eyes,” Still as annoying as ever” Ukai said looking up at the coach who was began to bossing around random bystanders and her cheerleaders,” But I see your back on the team, congrats. You deserve it” he said patting your shoulder.  

Atsumu wasn’t wrong when he said he was Japan's best high school setter, as well as its best server, the way his body moved to set for his teammates was extraordinary. You looked up at the stances and saw Haruto in Yachi’s arms staring with big eyes at the scene below him.” Relax, he isn’t throwing knives at ya” Ukai shouted at the boys,” Right” Daichi nodded. 

After what felt like an eternity the game finished with Karasuno winning, Daichi ran towards you and picked you and twirled you around,” You did Dai, I knew you guys could do it” you said happily to the boys, Noya wrapped his arms around your waist and hugged you happily.” Ahh another win, now you guys know we felt” the cheer coach said making Ukai roll his eyes and take a deep breath before turning around,” Didn’t you lose the last comp?” Ukai teased making her hiss,” Well now that our y/n popped that already bald creature out of her, we can win the next year once” she said before sticking her tongue out,” Have fun beating team furry” she said before turning on her heel,” She dissed my hairline again, didn't she?” Daichi asked licking his lips,” Your hairline is fine, and even if your hairline declines, my sperm donor still has a good hairline, which gives a good chance of Haruto having one as well, the only positive thing I can say about him now” you said with a twitch of your brow,” I want to be offended at the remark but I feel like you need a hug more” Daichi said as he noticed the slight hurt on your face after you mentioned your father. Daichi wrapped his muscular arms around you and kissed the crown of your head, suddenly you felt additional pair of arms around your waist,” We will make you forget about your trashcan of a father y/n, don’t you worry” Tanaka said, Noya hummed both of the boys had big smiles on their faces while they hugged you.

“Hello there squirt,” Kuroo said patting Haruto’s head gently,” I’m about to beat your daddy’s butt” he smirked making you roll your eyes at him,” Don’t listen to him Haruto, Daddy is going to win,” he said pressing his lips against Haruto’s head, Haruto smiled at the feeling, making him cuddle into your chest more,” He seems to like to hear that” you cooed rubbing his back,” I wasn’t lying when I said I will beat your butt out there,” Kuroo said placing his hands on his hips,”Mmh, well I wasn’t lying either,” Daichi said cocking his head to the side,”HARUTOOOOO” Bokuto voice sang/yelled from the far, the owlish ace came to a halt before you, his golden eyes widen at Haruto who was gently sucking at his fist,” Can I hold him?” he said surprisingly soft,” Mind his head,” you said gently moving Haruto towards Bokuto, Akashi was close behind,” Don’t drop him,” he said,” I WONT- I won’t drop him,” he said quickly changing his tone of voice, Haruto sighed and slowly opened his eyes, he looked around with an questioning look, his gaze stopped at you, his small hand reached out to you, with noises leaving his mouth,” Haruto, this Bokuto, the last time you meet him you were asleep” Daichi said rubbing his head making Haruto turn to him, he also tried to reach out to him but Bokuto doesn’t seem to want to let go of him.” Hey Bokuto” Hinata said jumping to his side,” Haruto your awake” Hinata smiled at Haruto who giggled and grabbed his bright orange hair,” Ouch, why is he so strong?” Hinata hissed as Tsuki and Yamaguchi laughed at the sight, meanwhile, Kageyama tried to pry the babies hand of friends hair,”Haruto, let go” you said poking his side making the boy let go in an instant,”Sorry Hinata” you grimaced while ruffling his hair,”It’s fine, I forgot how strong babies can be” he said rubbing his head.

[aventurasdeunatortuga]

Friday, July 12th

Today I took a tour to the DMZ, the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. It was one of those things I wasn’t really sure whether I wanted to do because I don’t like how an area with such a painful history has been turned into a gimmicky tourist attraction for the foreigners who caused this pain and suffering. But I also wanted to see it and learn, and our tour guide did a good job of being very honest about the history and maintaining respect, even though it was mostly American tourists interested in the gimmick and shock value of it. I didn’t really realize how close it was to Seoul, it was only about a 40 minute drive.

It was a very intense tour, we made 6 stops. The first was at a park just outside the DMZ. This park had the old railroad station that used to lead from Seoul to Pyongyang. You could see the old train that was totally destroyed by bullets, and there was a memorial garden to the soldiers and civilians impacted and the divided families. The most impactful memorial for me was dedicated to the Comfort Women. These were women who were tricked, kidnapped, and trafficked by the Japanese in WWII and were put into sexual slavery camps for Japanese soldiers. Japan still denies engaging in this practice, and the international community and the Korean government only very recently acknowledged the existence of these women. The survivors lived with extreme social stigma, and the few survivors only in the last few decades were able to come forward to talk about their experiences and demand apologies. There are only a few surviving comfort women left today and they still work to demand acknowledgement of what happened to them.

There was also a monument in this park that had a large concrete wall with a barbed wire fence that faced the DMZ, where families left messages and memorials to their families. The DMZ is heavily guarded and is 4km wide, so people on the other side wouldn’t see this, but it was impactful. This park was also strange because you could take a gondola through the air to get closer to the DMZ it was very strange.

From there we went through several checkpoints and were examined by the military. Korea has mandatory military service for all men aged 18-27. In South Korea you get to choose when you start your military service and it lasts for 18 months, usually people do it after their first year of college. Our guide told us “be nice to the soldiers they are only 18 year old boys they are like gigantic babies”. In North Korea it is also mandatory to do military service but it is much more intense. You are required to serve for 10 years if you are a man and 8 years if you are a woman, and not really allowed to communicate with your family during that time.

We crossed the border into the area just outside the DMZ, the DMZ has a ton of layers of fences with more security on each level, the middle section is a 4km wide no mans land where no one is allowed to enter and is filled with land mines. There were signs on the outer layers with areas that hadn’t been swept for mines yet also. The 4km area in the middle is really interesting because it is one of the most biodiverse, flourishing natural areas in the world because humans don’t interfere with it.

Strangely there was a large statue of a cow built on the bridge into the DMZ. The story is that in 1953 just after the war a man in North Korea stole his father’s cow and sold it and used the money to escape to the South. That man became the founder of Hyundai, he later in the 90’s led an entire herd of cows across the bridge to the North as a gesture of friendship and diplomacy. Now there is a cow statue there.

From there we saw one of the tunnels. North Korea has continuously built a series of tunnels with the aim of being able to infiltrate and invade the south. Only 5 of these tunnels have been discovered due to defectors disclosing their whereabouts, but there is believed to be many more. North Korea claimed initially that the South had built these tunnels to blame the North, then they claimed they were just mining for coal. They had painted the walls black to make it seem like there was coal, but there is no coal to be found anywhere in the region.

One of the tunnels is accessible to tourists, at least 300m of it. It is huge and if it had been completed would have been large enough for at least 300 troops to invade in less than an hour.

Around 1,000 people defected from the North to the South annually pre covid, now it is more like 100 people. In the north there are only a few ways to escape, one is if you are a soldier who works along the dmz and know your way around the landmines and fences you may be able to reach the southern side and plead asylum, however the North only places soldiers who come from very wealthy high ranking families along the dmz because these people are less likely to want to defect. Only about 10% of North Koreans have what could be considered a middle class lifestyle anywhere else in the world and have access to things like cell phones and cars and consistent food and electricity.

The other way is to swim across the river on the northern border to China, however if you are caught by the Chinese you will be returned to North Korea and either sentenced to life in a labor camp or execution, as well as all of your relatives. If you are able to evade capture and leave from China to a third country and then South Korea you are able to plead asylum. The only way people know anything about what life is like currently in the North is through testimonies from defectors. People have been imprisoned and executed for just about anything even things like watching a non approved tv show, you’re required to regularly report to neighborhood meetings and to report any of your neighbors who engage in suspicious activity, young children are required to attend public executions of anyone who disobeys. It is very scary.

Outside the tunnel there was a little line on the ground where the old demarcation line used to be pre 2011, the line has changed over the years and now there isn’t an actual line, just the no man’s land. There is a small area called the JSA (Joint Security Area) where diplomats and formal visitors to the North can enter that is heavily guarded, they used to offer tours there up until last summer when an American soldier who was facing punishment and deportation back to the US signed up for the tour and purposely ran across to the other side and defected to the North; which was very shocking. Now no one is really allowed to that area.

From the tunnel we went to the observation tower along the fence of the no man’s land. From the roof there were binoculars where you could see the city of Kaesong, the 3rd largest city in North Korea. You could see a big flagpole and a statue of Kim Il Sung. There was a smaller village built closer to the border known as the propaganda village, which no one actually ever lived in, but was built post Korean war while the North Korean economy was much stronger than the South. It was built with lavish buildings and people would dress up and go on picnics there in view of the South Koreans in order to boast of their wealth and encourage people to defect. They would also blast propaganda on speakers for 10 hours a day. In response the UN built “Freedom Village” (Paju) just across the border from the propaganda village and paid farmers to move there. The village is actually home to some of the wealthiest farmers in the country now. They also blasted propaganda for 10 hours a day, namely Kpop music interspersed with international news reports. In 2018 the UN decided to pass a resolution to stop both sides from playing propaganda as it was so loud.

After that, we had lunch in the freedom village, and then crossed out of the checkpoint and visited Mt. Gamaksan just outside the DMZ. You can apparently see the North from the top of the mountain, but I did not have it in me to climb to the top. There is a famous red suspension bridge there that was built to honor British troops from the UN who had fought on that mountain during the Korean War.

After that we went back to Seoul. It’s been an interesting day.

[kalliopeia]

Daisuke Takahashi - Cutting Edge 2005

Congratulations to Kana and Daisuke for an amazing performance at Worlds! I'm so glad they finally managed to skate a program that they're happy with, in front of the home crowd.

When I first heard that Phantom of the Opera would be Kanadai's FD this season, I was skeptical. But it made for an amazing story. I still remember 2007 Worlds so vividly -- I tuned in to the live audio stream of British Eurosport at 4am (there was no video stream back then!) and cried with happiness when Daisuke won the silver medal. I never imagined that another lifetime later, he'd be skating to Phantom at Worlds again, this time as an ice dancer.

The legacy that Daisuke has left on the sport is undeniable. Mark Hanretty said during the ISU broadcast that so many of the 180 competitors at Worlds cited Daisuke as an inspiration. It's pretty incredible that even after becoming a two-time World Champion, Shoma stated that he still wants to be able to give a performance like Daisuke.

The first interview I ever read from Daisuke was from Cutting Edge 2005, where he said that he hopes that his skating will remain in people's hearts in the future. It's so heartwarming to know that has come true.

I translated this interview and posted it on FSUniverse in 2006. The site I used to host the original translation is gone now, but sometimes I still see parts of the interview quoted in various places. Here's the full interview and scans of from the original book.

Daisuke Takahashi Surging Brilliance and Passion (Translated from Cutting Edge 2005)

At the age of 16, he obtained the honor of becoming Japan's first men's Junior World Champion. The boy who was expected to become the ace of the next generation turns 20 this season. He has fluid skating, splendid footwork, and a natural spark that captures the hearts of spectators. If he conquers his competitive weakness, he has the ability to become the World Champion. Not a former Junior World Champion, but a true World Champion someday. A firm goal can be seen before his passionate gaze.

Those effortless jumps in exhibitions, those intense steps. If only he showed that energy in shows in competition... Daisuke Takahashi, who always makes people nervous, was even more lackluster than usual in the first half of the 2004-2005 season. In the Grand Prix Series' Trophee Eric Bompard, he was in third place after the short program, but fell four times in the free and ended up eleventh. At the important Japanese Nationals, he finished a nightmarish sixth. What happened to him in the critical pre-Olympics season?

Where did the passion for skating go?

"Last year... I hated skating. I didn't want to do it. I had an injury, but it wasn't very serious, so that wasn't the reason. Why... I don't know, but I hated being on the ice. In practice, I'd think, 'I've already skated for 30 minutes,' but not even 10 minutes had passed... When I skated, time somehow felt longer. My feelings weren't into it at all.

When I got injured in September and took a break for a while, I thought, I've done nothing but skating up until now. All through high school, I had gone from school to the rink. I'd go to school and practice in Okayama, and then go to Osaka on the weekends to practice. ...With that kind of lifestyle, I never had any fun. I didn't know how to have fun.

Then in April I started college and moved to Osaka. My environment changed, and I became more independent. When you can take care of your everyday life and school matters on your own, your perspective changes, right? So then I thought... 'Is it okay for me to only focus on skating?' But even though I thought I'd do other things, in the end I didn't do anything. I still felt that I had to skate. But when I went to the rink, I didn't want to skate at all. I neither skated well, nor had any fun doing other things. If I couldn't participate in the special training camp... I definitely would've quit skating. The reason I didn't quit was because I was at the level where I couldn't quit by my own will. That's all. But anyway, my feelings of hatred towards skating were really strong last year..."

Due to his major environment change, he began to question his life of solely skating. In the 2004-2005 season, Daisuke Takahashi wholly felt the difficulty of the sport of figure skating, where mental doubts show up in one's skating itself. But he did not end his career like this, for he is the man who went as far as becoming the Junior World Champion.

"But those feelings finally subsided when I finished sixth at Nationals in December. I thought, ah, the season is over now. Strangely, when I thought that, the turmoil disappeared. Then after Nationals was the Medalists on Ice show. I was called to participate even though I was sixth, and at first I didn't want to go. 'I'm not a medalist, so I won't go!' I said. But my coach Nagamitsu-sensei told me, 'Go anyway,' so I went reluctantly. But it turned out to be really fun! I skated to Secret Garden's 'Nocturne,' a song I chose myself. The program was a very simple one that I also choreographed myself. Since the shows were right after Nationals, I was tired after the first of the three. But as I skated, they became more and more fun. I skated happily for an audience with a program I chose and created myself! From then on, I was gradually able to think once again that skating really is fun."

Along with his recovered feelings, his skating visibly regained its spark. In Medalists on Ice, he showed unbelievable jumps and skating that made spectators think, "This is the sixth place finisher?" At the beginning of the new year, he placed first at the Universiade, and finished on an international podium again with a third place at the Four Continents Championships. Unable to maintain his good results, he finished fifteenth at the World Championships, but even so, his revitalized expression after the season's end was like a different person's.

"So last season was the season where I grew to hate skating once, but then became able to love it again. Because that happened last year, my feelings this year are different. Of course, practices are still tiresome, but I'll never slog through them reluctantly like last year. I practice decisively now with refreshed feelings. So every day, when I'm done practicing, I feel good. I don't know how that'll turn out in competition, though. (laughs)

But the biggest difference from last year is that I don't just 'wish' in competitions now. My thoughts last year like, 'I wonder if I can land this jump, it'll be nice if I can,' were merely 'wishes.' But this year, I don't wish; I have strong feelings of, 'I'll land it' or 'I won't fail.' I've practiced to have that kind of confidence this year!"

Those new feelings have already appeared on the ice. At the Japan International Challenge in October, he defeated foreign skaters and placed second! The voices of, "I want to see Daisuke in Torino!" continue to build.

Daisuke Takahashi's Craftsmanship

He captivates spectators with his beautiful skating, and excites them with his triple axels and quadruple jumps. When he sends his strong gaze to the audience, his steps have even more force. When he's on, Daisuke Takahashi is almost unrivaled. Many fans had been waiting anxiously for him, thinking, "I wanted to see this kind of male skater!" Just how was this kind of skater born?

"When I was little... I was weak, and I hated going to school. (laughs) My parents were worried about me, so they made me try many different sports. I have three older brothers, and all of them did Shaolin Kung Fu. But Shaolin is painful, isn't it? I hate pain. It's scary! At first I thought about doing hockey, which is also skating, but I couldn't do it because I was scared of getting hit in the chin. I really am a coward. (laughs)

Other than martial arts and hockey though, I originally thought gymnastics might be good. But the gymnastics place was far away in inner Okayama, so it would've been difficult for my mother to drop me off and pick me up there. So I tried skating thanks to a friend's suggestion, and it was really fun!

What about skating was fun... I can't remember anymore. I don't remember what about it was fun at all, but anyway, it was fun. I didn't take skating lessons with the intention of becoming a serious athlete, or because I admired anyone. I just started it normally, without thinking about anything. When I was little, I used to joke around saying, 'I'm going to skate in the Olympics!' but it really was just a joke. I skated really contentedly just thinking of it as a hobby.

But... when I won Junior Worlds in my first year of high school, I thought, 'I have to do this as a serious athlete' for the first time. That I can't just do this as a hobby. I felt that I had to become a responsible athlete. To think that... shouldn't have been so difficult. But after Junior Worlds, I was completely awful in seniors, right? I might've tried too hard to become serious after skating as a hobby for so long... No, I didn't try hard enough to be able say that (laughs), but these past few years, I tried too hard with only my feelings. With those feelings accumulating for so long... last year, I just thought, 'I don't want to skate anymore.'

But even though I say that, it's not that grandiose of a story! When I talk about it like this, it sounds exaggerated. (laughs)"

Skating fixations, style fixations

The boy who attracted great expectations due to his talent and potential forgot his feelings of "Skating is fun" and "I love skating" somewhere down the line. But now that he has remembered that important something, he is able to laugh away all the hardships he has had. One can also see his relaxed attitude towards skating.

"Truthfully, there aren't really any skaters that I aim to be like. Of course, I like certain parts about skaters; for example, I want Nobunari-kun's flexibility. But this year I've been working on my flexibility, so I've become a little more flexible! Also, I want Jeffrey Buttle's transitions. His transitions between elements and connection to the music are really amazing. There are various skaters whom I want to steal things from like that, but none of whom I think, 'Everything about him is great!' Because Takahashi's ideals are high. (laughs)

But there's the actor Joe Odagiri, right? I love him! I love his atmosphere. He has this mysterious air about him that other people don't have, right?

I admire that mysterious charm, so although I'm not trying to imitate Odagiri-san, I'd like to show that kind of charm that attracts both men and women in my skating. Do I think I'm handsome? I've never been conscious about that kind of thing! No, I don't, I don't. (laughs) I'm trying to become handsome, though! Because out of the four brothers in my family, I'm the plainest. I don't look like my three older brothers at all. Ah, I think the second eldest has gotten a little chubby lately, and has become a little dirty looking?

My brothers never talk about skating. Their attitude is, 'Why don't you just do what you want?' Though they do cooperate with me... Generally, my brothers don't watch my skating. (laughs) But it's easier that way. Isn't it easier to go home and not talk about skating? We talk about completely unrelated things, like they ask me, 'Have you gotten any presents from girls?'

Since I have those brothers, I'm not popular at all. (laughs) I'm bad with girls. Actually, I think girls are scary. (laughs) My skating friends are fine, but... I'm bad with girls I like. I can't talk to them at all. But I look okay with long hair, right? Didn't I look better when I had long hair? My choreographer in America, Nikolai, cut my current hair! Though, I had planned for a better hairstyle...

There's that much of a difference between my normal self and my skating self?

No, there's no difference. I'm always like this. But when I'm on the ice... I like people watching me. I want everyone to watch me. Starting from practice, I want people to watch me, not other skaters. I might really want to stand out! So when I come to Nobeyama, I skate while conscious of people around me. Anyway, I want to become really famous!

I want to become a skater that everyone in Japan knows. So I think of Miki Ando as my rival. (laughs) Though we haven't really become rivals at all. Huh, this interview is going to become a book? The picture you just took will be the cover? Seriously? I'll buy it when it comes out! You'll send me one? Yay!"

To Torino, with Nikolai Morozov's programs!

He says there's no difference between his off-ice and on-ice persona. But when this friendly young man stands on the ice, he turns into the ultimate entertainer who draws all eyes to him. Mysteriously, he shows us a completely different Daisuke Takahashi. But that's probably the Daisuke Takahashi who mischievously thinks, "I want to stand out, I want to attract people's attention." This year, a new choreographer who helps to bring out his entertainer quality even more joined Takahashi's team.

"My choreographer this year is Nikolai Morozov. At first, I thought about asking Lori Nichol. But when Nagamitsu-sensei suggested, 'How about Morozov?' I thought, 'Ah, that might be good...' Right when I heard Morozov's name, I thought, 'That might be good.' Just based on my feelings, I thought Nikolai might be better than Lori. I'd never had choreography done by either of them before. When I was with Tatiana [Tarasova] last year and the year before, Nikolai had already split from her. So that's how I went to Morovoz's place in America for the first time this year... There was no need to give him my opinions at all. I'm plenty satisfied with what he created! Since Nikolai's ideas just came flowing out one after the other, rather than telling him, 'I want to do this,' at first I had trouble trying to see how well I could do what he asked of me.

After Nikolai made my programs in America, he also looked after my practices... Nikolai used to be an ice dancer, so there are a lot of dancers around him like Ukraine's Grushina/Goncharov and Russia's Kulikova/Markov... Besides getting choreography, I learned a lot of things by watching Nikolai's practices with them. In Japan, the rink I used to skate at closed down, and the rink I skate at now is hard to commute to. But I was able to practice in a good environment this year thanks to my connection to Nikolai. Since I was able to practice well in the off-season, I don't want to lose to Nikolai's choreography! My free program this year is Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto, so I don't want to lose to Rachmaninov's music either! I want to show my own interpretation of it."

The Morozov programs he chose by intuition fit him perfectly. They are dramatic and sensational. In 2005-2006, the Olympic season arrives, as if it had been waiting for his mental growth and new choreographer. If he makes it, it will be his first Olympics. What kind of skating does he intend to show us?

"I haven't had many performances that I've truly been satisfied with. The only ones I can say were really good are this year's free program from the Universiade and the short program from the World Championships in Germany. And, well, the performances that I won Junior Worlds with. That's about it. Those are the only ones I think were 'complete' performance-wise, regardless of the jumps.

In competitions, I'm always overwhelmed. When I skate, I don't think about anything. When I receive applause during the steps I'm happy that the audience is cheering me on, but I can only feel like that for a split second during the performance. This is different in shows and exhibitions. Because I can be at ease with feelings like, 'It'd be nice if both the audience and I have fun.' That's why Dreams on Ice wasn't bad.

But this year, I want to have more satisfying performances in competition! My goal is to go to the Olympics, and I'm aiming for... the podium! I want to have a goal that's at least that high. (laughs) Everyone is serious this year aiming for the Olympics, which only one person can go to. Of course, I'm aware of the others. Even if we practice together, I don't dislike anyone. So if someone else goes instead of me, I want to cheer him on. I want to fight everyone without any bad feelings. But of course, other people have nothing to do with my own skating. So even above that, I want to have my own goals. I'll continue working on my flexibility, becoming more flexible little by little over the next four years, towards my final goal of Vancouver. I'm thinking of Torino as a stepping stone... but without abandoning my feelings of wanting to medal. If I'm lucky, that is. (laughs)

In Vancouver... it'd be nice if I could become the Olympic Champion. I want not only the people who watch at that time, but also young skaters way in the future, when I become an old man, to see my skating. My goal is to become good enough so that people will watch videos of me and say, 'Daisuke Takahashi was really good.' So that my skating will remain in the hearts of people who watched the Olympics. So that it will resonate in their hearts, no matter how many years pass. In order to make my skating have that kind of worth... Takahashi skates today!"

This was the interview he gave during the training camp. After we finished talking, he headed straight to the rink. His extremely serious appearance while skating, and his bright appearance while joking with friends... Hiding his tough heart with a smile, to Torino, to Vancouver. His journey continues. And someday, everyone in the world, not just Japan, will surely know of Daisuke Takahashi.

[msyzip]

2023.06.12 Premium Mel⭐️diX! Talk

An episode that exposed Masaya a lot 😂

0:08 Behind the scenes of PDJ. Shut out from the world; trainee's value changed, a piece of chocolate became priceless, etc. 1:24 Super hardcore training camp in SK during pre-debut time. The schedule and training menu were made and decided by Masaya. 3:05 INI's special rule ⓵ – Even just 1 second late, 1,000 yen fine. Nishi's fine is up to 110k yen. 4:50 INI's special rule ⓶ – Studio cleaning is assigned on a day-of-the-week basis. 6:17 Wonder boy Masaya practiced astral projection before bedtime 7:57 Masaya gets power by talking to the moon!?

Detailed translation below the fold ↓

0:08 Behind the scenes of Japan's largest audition program (PDJ)

🐶Kyo: Audition overall was intense, especially the environment... everyone lived in single room, personal phone were taken, no tv, no even a window... It really felt like being trapped. 👤Yama: It doesn't sound like an audition. 😬Taji: That's right. And they provided only three meals per day, no snacks at all. There was only one time that the staffs were handing out the Alfort (chocolate brand) to all trainees. We were so excited and realized that Alfort could be this heart cheering. 👤Yama: (thought it's) the first sweetness for such a long time. 🐲Rihi: Because we were completely shut out from the world, our value got weird that Alfort became so priceless that some would exchange with their personal items such as lotion.

1:24 Super hardcore training camp in SK during pre-debut time The schedule and training menu were made and decided by Kimura!

🧀Nishi: Of course audition was intense, the pre-debut time (between INI formation and 1st CD release) was also hardcore. We went for training camp in South Korea.

👤Yama: What did you guys do?

🧀Nishi: Just practiced dancing from around 9am to 11pm, like every day we kept practicing dancing and singing...

👤Yama: ?? There was no law? (😼Kim: right, it should be 8 hr work)

😼Kim: It was actually me that decided the schedule. (🐲😬🐶 ??? 🧀 ··· 😼 uh uh)

👤Yama: ?? It was not decided by the higher ups?

😼Kim: It was me😆

👤Yama: That's surprising... what's going on?

😼Kim: I was told that I can decide how many hours to practice per day, so I made the schedule every day... 🧀Nishi: I knew nothing... 🐶Kyo: I just knew it now (🐲😬 nod nod) 😼Kim: Really?

👤Yama: Kimura was told that he can decide how to use the time, so he made the schedule to get as much practice as possible, thinking everyone would feel the same way. (😼 uh uh) 👤Yama: Anyone felt if there would be less practice time that would be great?

🐶Kyo: I thought that was the entertainment industry standard.

👤Yama: Then Kimura's pure and innocent thought of heavy practice turned out really great! 🐲😬🐶 that's true... 🧀 nah 😼 Hiroto doesn't agree😆 🧀 I'd like him not to do that. (👤 It was too much afterall) 🧀 It helped for sure... but... too much...

---------------------------

3:05 INI's special rule ⓵ If you are late for even one second, you will be fined 1,000 yen 👤Yama: That's harsh, who set the rule? (😬🐶 👉 😼) 👤Yama: Kimura you're a badass. (🧀 He is! 😼 I become the badass) 👤Yama: You're being too stoic!

😼Kim: Other groups also do that. We have many members, wanna us to be more cooperative so I set this rule.

👤Yama: Who got fined the most? (🐲😼😬🐶 👉 🧀)

🧀Nishi: ☺️ I am self-aware. I'm late for a little time very often, one second, a few seconds... I am living on the edge.

👤Yama: wow that sounds so cool. You are the one who being late, don't act like you're cool! How much have you been fined?

🧀Nishi: Total around 110,000 yen.

👤Yama: What do you do for the fine? (😼: Go for meals together)

👤Yama: Nishi kun you should say something, like 1 second is too harsh. (🧀: Well... if everyone is happy with my fine, I am cool with that)

4:50 INI's special rule ⓶ Studio cleaning is assigned on a day-of-the-week basis

🐶Kyo: It varies depending on the day. Somehow we don't practice on weekdays, but we practice a lot on weekends. Rihito and Masaya are in responsible for weekends (Sat & Sun)

🐲Rihi: Yeah, we practice a lot on weekends. We almost do the cleaning all day.

😬Taji: Nishi and I are responsible for Thursday, but we've probably done the cleaning for 3 times so far.

👤Yama: Rihito, don't you feel a bit unfair?

🐲Rihi: Well, it's been decided already... I have to obey Masaya. (Pat on Masaya's shoulder)

😼Kim: I decided that😆

👤Yama: You again?!

😸

👤Yama: it's kinda scary. That smile becomes more and more scary!

😬Taji: That's right. 🐲Rihi: We have to obey Him. 😼Kim: I decided that (repeat again)

👤Yama: You've become a hell of a king!

---------------------------

6:00 The leader • Kimura Masaya is such a mysterious character that is impossible to understand.

👤Yama: I agree! (that he's not able to understand Masaya) I feel that way.

😼Kim: Why😆😆 I haven't shown the serious side of mine. That side is still hidden.

🐲Rihi: One thing that shocked us is that he seemed to practice astral projection for a while.

👤Yama: ⁉️ what what, wait what's that?

🐲Rihi: We don't know actually...

😼Kim: It's as it is. (the astral projection)

👤Yama: That is what makes us scared...

😼Kim: I wanna experience *astral projection, so I did lots of research and practiced every day. It's spiritual theory; there's routine to achieve that. For example, before going to bed, go to the front door. While falling asleep, imagine the soul is getting out of body. I did this every day. *Astral projection: an intentional out-of-body experiences, where consciousness can separate from the physical body and travel in the astral world.

👤Yama: Did you make it? To what extent have you reached?

😼Kim: I didn't really succeed, but I become aware that I'm dreaming while dreaming (明晰夢 lucid dream) and able to control my dream.

👤Yama: That's impressive! ...but why?

😼Kim: I flew (in my dream)

👤Yama: You flew in the sky! (🧀Nishi bursted out chuckling🤭) 👤Yama: Must be fun... Hey (👉 Nishi) "poo" is not good! 👤Yama: The old man (himself) is listening carefully!

🧀Nishi: So probably our ridiculously long practice time is this guy's lucid dream?

👤Yama: Like he is in the dream and (doing an impression of Masaya) thinks that 11-hour practice might be fun hehe

😼Kim: I'm not like that😂

👤Yama: (doing an impression of Masaya) if anyone is late even for one second, maybe let him pay some money

😼Kim: I'm like a badass. 👤Yama: You are. Anything else? Let's get it!

🧀Nishi: He can have conversations with the moon🌕

👤Yama: Kimura kun, you can have conversations with moon? (Yamachan's tone lolll it's like he is talking with a kid www)

😼Kim: Especially with the full moon.

👤Yama: The full moon is easier to talk with? (🐲Rihito giggling) What do you talk about? (again yamachan's tone lolll)

😼Kim: I would say something like "thank you"

👤Yama: Did the moon do anything for you? 🐶Kyo: About what...?

😼Kim: That I cannot tell you. (all: you can't say?!) Anyway I would say thank you.

👤Yama: Then what did the moon say?

😼Kim: It reflects with phenomena in real life. For example, it gives me bright feelings and good things happen. (Yamachan, Shizuchan and Rihito can't help but laugh)

👤Yama: So the moon gives you power, when you feel good you appreciate the moon.

😼Kim: I look straight into the moon and say thank you🙏🏻

👤Yama: That sounds fun. (Turns to Shizuchan) Why are you laughing? Are you making fun of Kimura??

😼Kim: I am serious.

🙍🏻‍♀️Shizu: (smiles) I think it's a really fun way to live.

🐶Kyo: I wish Masaya reveals more serious side of him (like talking with the moon, etc)

🧀Nishi: Is that (talking to the moon) serious?!

🐶Kyo: He tries to hide it.

👤Yama: Better to hide it! It's dangerous!

🐶Kyo: He tries to hide it. (🧀Nishi: Don't show it! x2)

😼Kim: The staffs did such a deep research. I haven't revealed these so far, but they were written on the scripts.

👤Yama: But is it okay to broadcast those? When we were talking about Masaya's episodes I saw a (higher up) person come and say something to the staffs and leave. I thought that person might be saying "please don't broadcast it."

FIN.

====================

I enjoyed this episode a lot! love how Yamachan reacted to Masaya's weirdo behaviors. Half way he acted like talking to a 5 y.o boy loll

Also looking at Rihito in the back. He was first listening very carefully, nodding when Masaya talking about his astral travel practice. But the moon topic, he finally bursted out laughter www

Masaya also talked about these with straight face, which made it even more hilarious 😂 btw, appreciating moon is similar to praying, so it's not really a weirdo thing. I admire his positiveness and optimism, and hope that helps him relieve daily stresses.

Anyway, like kyo said I'd like to hear more hidden facts. Like Masaya once said, INI members are all weirdos. so please show those sides more www

[a-god-in-ruins-rises]

What's your ideal solution to our obesity issue?

as with most issues, i want it attacked from all kinds of directions.

first and foremost, one angle of attack is an angle i think would help with a lot of our social ills: build denser, more walkable cities. upzone, subsidize public transport, build bike lanes, build more "green space", build more grocery stores, etc. build an environment that encourages people to get out and walk around (or ride bikes). this will also help build a greater sense of community which should, ideally, help people's mental wellbeing and we know that poor mental health can affect obesity.

which leads me to my next point: better, more accessible mental health treatment.

honestly, just more healthcare in general. the more accessible healthcare is the more preventative measures can be taken. make health/nutrition classes a more standard part of healthcare.

and that requires more (and higher quality) research into health and nutrition.

unironically, subsidize gyms. gyms memberships can be expensive. have the government subsidize the cost for low-income individuals. or give tax breaks for gym memberships. or just government subsidies weight management classes or fat camps.

reduce work week. overworked people are stressed and sleep less and have less time to be physically active or cook healthy homemade meals, all of which contribute to obesity.

not sure how this would be done but there should be an effort to create adult sports leagues. sports are huge in high school and college but after that, unless you're one of the lucky ones that play professionally, most americans will probably never play a sport again for the rest of their life. i think we should create adult sports leagues. not only would this make people healthier but i think it would foster a greater sense of community as well. maybe have government sponsored athletic tournaments with a bunch of cash prizes? let's get greco-roman in this bitch.

also there's my dream about mandatory militia service. one weekend every month or something everyone will have to muster at their local militia armory and do some intensive physical training.

education. make health and fitness and home economics more serious parts of the education system. i know some places still do home ec but my school didn't. it should be mandatory. you'd be surprised how many adults i know who don't know how to cook and who primarily subsist on fast food. teach people how to cook, yo. and teach them how to eat healthy. i'm not sure how to get people to take physical education more seriously. maybe make it a bigger part of their overall grade? make sports mandatory? bring back corporal punishment? lmao. also, part of education includes educating parents. i've discussed elsewhere how i want to create a new "reimagined" family planning organization and one thing that it would emphasize is educating parents about nutrition and keeping their children healthy and active.

fat taxes and healthy food subsidies. part of the reason why people opt for fast food and junk food so much is because it's simply really fucking cheap. tax foods with sugar and high fructose corn syrup in them and subsidies whole foods. also wouldn't be opposed to literally taxing obesity itself, sorta like they do in japan. also, here in california we have this program where people's food stamps are worth like twice as much if spent at local farmers markets. i don't know if the data is out but i can say from personal experience that it seems to be pretty effective. farmer friends of mine have told me about how much more business they've had lately and how a lot of it is due to food stamps. would love to see a program like this applied at an even larger scale.

stricter regulations on junk food advertisement combined with an intensive "anti-junk food, pro-healthy food" propaganda campaign.

i think this would be a start.

[vromansspecialbookstore]

About Jam Republic: Jam Republic is a dance-based network aimed at bringing together the diverse talent, creativity, knowledge and education of 17 different studios from all around the world. Inspired to create a global community for dancers around the world to grow and learn from, Nicholas Six (Singapore) and Joel Fuentes Gallarde (Melbourne) founded Jam Republic in 2009 with the vision of creating the best dance workshops and dance camps from all around the world, for both community and industry dancers. Today, the network has grown from local dance camps to include regional dance camp tours, choreographer workshops and choreographer artist management, most recently becoming the official Asian representative for acts such as Les Twins (over 40,000 subscribers, and 1.6 million views on Youtube) , Dea Sevilla, Kevin Nguyen, Laurence Kaiwai, Waydi Wayde , Majid and Michael Fallorina. Jam Republic are: HongKong ( Infinity Studio ) South Korea ( Koma Camp ) Japan ( En Dance Studio ) Australia & New Zealand ( Triple8Funk) Thailand ( Zassy B) Singapore ( Recognize Studios ) Borneo ( United Entertainment Network ) Vietnam ( Peace United Dance Studio ) Malaysia ( Dennis Yin ) Indonesia ( P.H.A.T ) Philippines ( A Team and Acts Event ) Taiwan ( Chorus Art Complex ) Hungary ( Quantam XXL Dance Crew ) Ireland ( Crystal Ice Studio ) France ( In Art Studio ) England ( Innate Dance Studio ) Spain ( P.H.A.T ) With over 300 talents from 15 different countries, growing recognition and collaboration with international artists, dancers and choreographers, Jam Republic has grown into a regional icon in the world dance community , and is set to take on the world stage! About Summer Jam Dance Camp: Summer Jam Dance Camp is the biggest urban dance convention in the Asia Pacific. Dancers from around the globe gather to experience world class training from an all-star line up of choreographers and dance mentors. Held in Singapore in March 2015, the event doesn’t just offer intensive training but also a unique opportunity to experience fun and party with everyone that will be there, bringing together dancers from different backgrounds & dance genres. This is hosted by the Jam Republic network & Recognize Studios, which is a network that spreads across Asia, Oceania & Europe. Summer Jam 2015 will also be in conjunction with the Radial Forze 17th Anniversary Jam 2015 weekend, which is one of the biggest gatherings of B-Boys & all-styles dancers on the planet. The whole event will be an amazing way to learn from the best, gain inspiration from each other while enjoying the fun party vibe this summer. “Dance All Day, Party All Night!” ****************************** Contact: jamrepublicofficial@gmail.com

[starrwulfe]

Last Week Today! S2024E7

🤦‍♂️ OK, I skipped out on hella posts for this category. I know, I know… I’ll backfill them later, but I really hadn’t done much of anything noteworthy I guess so there wasn’t the motivation to post one of these… Which is not the point of course, so I’ll just shut up and get on with this installment. Just watch out for the backfills if you’re keeping up with this on the socials or RSS or email or whatever.

🩺 I had my yearly physical exam, and it went well except for the one note under intensive fasting glucose being 101mg/dL which to make a long story short, prompted my doctor to admonish me about getting enough exercise or else worry about diabetes being a thing. Other than that, I’m just as healthy as ever.

🏋️ It’s no secret that since returning Stateside from Japan, I haven’t really been getting enough exercise, walks, runs, all that jazz and have low-key been stressed and a bit depressed. I have zero motivation to go to a gym; I don’t like doing routines so much to begin with, but I really don’t like being in a room with total strangers trying to figure out how to make my body do stuff to burn fat. It literally makes me even more stressed out than just jogging/riding a bike by myself. SuperWife and I had been going to the gym together at first, but her job changed, and our schedules fell out of alignment for that; I lost my motivation about a year later and here we are. I tried going to the little gym in my area, but my job no longer subsidizes gym membership, and probably more influential, the guy that runs it keeps asking me to join a “boot camp” class. I don’t want to join shit, I don’t want to be around people, leave me the fsck alone, I’m already anxious as hell just being there. So I stopped going.

🚲️ Excuses aside, I’m just gonna go and buy myself a bike and do what I used to do overseas that kept me fit in the first place. I used to cycle all over the place. I can’t walk or take trains like I did there but I’m going to try to at least bike around here and get out more. Did you know I once went almost a whole week without leaving my house a few months ago? (Working from home has its downsides too!) I miss Japan for my social life and urban living more than anything; it kept me on the “life gym” plan where my mind and body constantly got a workout every day without effort. Just living my daily JapanLife kept me fit. Now I actually have to actively work on it. I appreciate any tips on keeping motivated and healthy from y’all out there reading this please.

🚸 Moving on, the kids are doing well. I just realized we’ll have 0 mini-mes that will be in elementary school after this school year. Little Monkey will be a middle schooler. When dafuq did my cute little simian who learned to climb up my back like a ladder and sit on my shoulders get to be on the precipice of teenagedom?

🚗 At the other end of the scale, The Big One just passed her written Drivers Exam and is now permitted. I really wasn’t ready for this one. It’s not like she’s chomping at the bit to drive (kinda opposite actually – she frequently takes our fledgling bus system around here) but it’s always good to have another driver in the family in case something happens. I wish I had the cheddar to get a hoopty for her and Boy-Type (he’ll be at a permittable age this time next year 😨) to drive… But even if I did, we can’t afford the insurance on a 16 year old right now I’m sure.

🎨 Speaking of Boy-Type, his drawing skills are getting very good. Fingers crossed for him to be the next Akira Toriyama or Hayao Miyazaki. I’ll settle for him just being that guy that paints to cool murals in trendy shopping plazas and shops like his uncle does back in Tokyo. Getting paid to do what you like to do is the shit. One of the classes at the arts high school he’ll need to pay attention in is Creative Business Management. I hope he soaks it all up when the time comes.

🦸‍♀️ SuperWife is out here doing her thing and will attend a intensive technical training bootcamp style class this summer since she’ll have more time for that while the school district is on summer break. I think she’d make a great tech support technician or level 1 project lead; her time management is better than mine and that’s always been half the job for me. I can’t wait to have crazy “vim vs emacs” type discussions with her. LOL

🏁 Lastly, I’m looking forward to spring, warmer temps, and getting back out in the RV. We’re set to head down to Jacksonville, Florida for a few days during the first week of April and I can’t wait. I love being on the road with the tribe and I feel we’re at our best together out in the world exploring like this. We’ve hit daylight savings already and 25ºC/80ºF was hit for the first time last week too. Just gotta hang on a bit longer to shake these winter doldrums!

[faintlyof]

dr tiktok and dr google making me research POTS a bit >>

i mean, i wouldn’t say that omg i definitely have POTS, but i really don’t think it’s normal the barf/get extremely nauseous/get so light-headed and dizzy i have to sit down/pass out after being a little too warm a little too long. ツ

like it’s been like this since i was little. i can literally name every time its happened cuz i actively avoid to things that may make me hot like that.

first one i remember, camping at an rv park when i was like 7 or 8. my family all went in the hot tub, so i did too (yeah i was probably a bit too young anyways but what happened next surprised everyone! xD) but i ended up getting out of the tub after about 2 minutes because i started to feel nauseous. proceeded to spend the rest of the night vomiting. ツ actively avoided hot water for a while. it was also around this time that we had to write diaries for school and in one of my entries i had drawn a picture of a frowny me at a doctor saying “I‘m sick” and the diary entry was something like “I love water! It’s really good! But I don’t like drinking hot water. It makes my tummy hurt.” so yeah, there’s that too.

in high school, my choir went on a trip for a competition, so i was probably 16 or 17. a bunch of the girls wanted to go in the hot tub, so i kind of reluctantly followed them. sat in the hot tub for about a minute before telling my friends i wanted to swim in the pool instead, but actually, i was starting to get that cold sensation of nausea ツ went back to avoiding hot water

at my first job in japan, so i was probably around 23 or so, after many students harped on how awesome it is to take baths, i decided to very very carefully try to take a bath. i drank a big glass of cool water before, filled the tub with lukewarm water and left the bathroom door open so it wouldnt get too hot in the room. sat there for the most stressful 5 minutes of my life. mostly felt anxious i would be barfing for hours, but didnt actually feel too bad. stayed sitting in the tub and let the water drain out around me and only when the tub was nearly empty, i stood up. immediately my vision went grey around the edges and i felt faint and then i passed the fuck out. ツ went back to avoiding hot water but now also avoiding warm water. xD

and the most recent time, which doesnt actually involve water for once! yippee! got on the train to go to work in winter. it had snowed recently and it was quite cold, so i was wearing my winter coat and scarf and the train had the heaters going. maybe a minute or so after the doors closed and we started moving, i began feeling that cold, creeping overheating neasea feeling. i was already standing, so i leaned against the frame of the door so when the door opened, the cool air would hit me and toughed it out, slightly untying my scarf and unbuttoning my coat. when i arrived at my station, i was so light headed, i literally threw myself onto a bench on the platform and took off my scarf and coat and literally just chilled in a short sleeve shirt for like 5 minutes until i felt well enough to go up the stairs and get to work. ツ literally terrified all winter every winter that this will happen again because i do not want to be the person who passes out on the train.

then in general, when i try exercising, i get really sweaty and shaky like really fast. i can do like a low impact cardio workout for like 10 minutes max before i start to get shaky and start feeling a bit queasy. and omg if im watching a funny movie or talking to a friend and getting excited or laughing a lot, my lips go kind of numb and prickly and i cant really control them?? a bit in the fingertips as well. i dont know if thats related but laughing/being excited/whatever is kind of an intense activity soooo

so yeah, that’s why i’m curious about this whole POTS thing cuz the it gets worse in heat thing is a symptom that ive heard about pretty frequently.

or maybe im just weird. xD anyways, 10 minute lukewarm shower life v(n.n;)

[renaxwrites]

Hello! May I ask scenario about the Nekoma manager at the national training camp (where Miya, Kageyama, Hoshiumi etc.)? She was called there as the best manager. And Atsumu fall in love with her.

Nekoma Manager Pt. 2

- (Atsumu)

a/n: lol y’all probably thought this would be a short scenario but nope I like to write long stuff hehe so here ya go!! I hope you enjoy it 💘 pt. 1 pt. 3 pt. 4

Life as the Nekoma manager was steady. Hectic, and practically babysitting twelve hyper menaces, but steady. You had become the team’s backbone, the one they would turn to to make sure things were up to par.

At this point in time, it was pretty evident that your analytical talent had begun to shine through. It had gotten to where coaches from other teams would seek you out to ask for quick guidance, whether it be for a specific player, a play they used, or on the team’s connectivity overall. Many knew you by name.

On one particular day, came a couple of surprises.

“Alrighty boys, huddle up! There’s a couple of announcements to be made,” the coach boomed. The team quickly circled around you and the coach.

“As you know, the All-Japan Youth Training Camp is coming up. Luckily, we’ve been fortunate enough to have one of our members be extended an invitation!” the coach beamed. The players excitedly began to exchange looks, as if they already knew who it was. You were curious as well, with a few possibilities running through your mind as to who it could be.

“Now, this member hasn’t been with us too long, but they have definitely made their mark on the team, and I think I speak for all of us when I say that I am very proud that their talent is being recognized. So, without further ado, go ahead and give your congratulations to y/n!!”

It took you a second to process, and within that one second the whole team managed to suffocate you into a giant group hug.

“Congrats y/n-chan!!” “You’re the best, you deserve it!!” “We love you y/n!!” “Remember us when you’re famous!!”

Once they release you and allow you to finally breathe, there was one more surprise.

“Congratulations, kitten. The team is so fortunate to have you as a manager, and as both a thank you and congratulations, the team decided to pitch in and get you this,” Kuroo hands you a thin wrapped box.

The team is eager for you to open it, and inside you find a sleek, brand new iPad along with an Apple Pencil.

You tear up, “This is for me? You guys didn’t have to!”

Lev pipes up, “All of us felt bad about your hand cramps and paper cuts from hand-writing all your notes. You always care for us, so we wanted to do something for you.”

You’re speechless, a tear slipping in gratitude. Instead of thinking of what to say, you take the iPad out of the box and tell everyone to scooch in for a team selfie.

“Everyone say Nekoma!” “NEKOMAAA”

You made it your wallpaper.

A few days later, you’re on the train on your way to the training camp. Just as you worry about being alone in the sea of people, you spot a familiar face.

“Tobio-kun!”

The blueberry-haired boy turns toward the sound of your voice. “Oh, hello y/n-san. Where are you on your way to?”

You look down at your directions. “I’m on my way to the youth training camp! I actually got invited to help manage. They want me to analyze their players, kinda what I do now, but a little more intense. I hope I’m going the right way though,” you nervously laugh.

Kageyama reassures you. “Oh, I’m on my way there as well. Don’t worry, I’m pretty sure we’re going the right way...this should be interesting for the both of us then.”

Turns out, you did go the right way. You’re soon met with the coaches in charge and introduce yourself, eager to get started.

Once the formalities were out of the way, one coach began to introduce you. “This is y/n, who is not only Nekoma’s manager, but one of the best in volleyball analytics we’ve ever seen so far. She has the same level of authority of any of us coaches. She is here to benefit your growth, therefore, if she wants you to do something, you need to do it. Understood?”

Everyone in the line nodded. Soon, you were going down the line of players, having them state their name, year, school, and position. You had uploaded pictures of each player that the coaches provided, and jotted down the general info underneath. God, this new tablet was so convenient.

Things were running smoothly until you reach the last player in line, a confident one with a lazy smirk plastered on his face.

Atsumu Miya. Second year. Inarizaki High School. Setter.

You’re scribbling out a couple of footnotes when you hear, “So, you’re our personal cheerleader for the most part, right? Well, you don’t have to critique me too much, since I was number one high school setter and got ‘best server’ at the Inter-high. Just in case you wanted to write that down too,” you look up to meet a sly wink and grin.

You put your tablet down at your side and the other hand on your hip. Everyone had their eyes on you before, but they were definitely paying attention now.

“Atsumu Miya, is it? Listen. This not only goes for you, but for all the players here. I may know a couple of you personally, but the second drills start, I’m observing each of you as if I’m seeing you for the first time. So anything you’ve done before stepping foot in here, you need to leave at the door. I’m going to analyze every single one of you with the same level of intensity to be fair. So I’m more of a coach than a cheerleader, I think.” Your statement wiped the smirk off his face, but there was still a glint of amusement in his eyes.

You turn and walk back to the coaches, who now give the vibe that they take you even more seriously. The main coach turns to you and suggests, “On that note, I think we should start our warm ups. How should we start?”

You think for a moment, and propose, “I think we should do some across-the-floor serves just to get them warmed up, and so I can see them individually.”

“Alright, you heard her! Let’s line up and begin!”

The first day came to a close, so you began to help some of the boys pack up the equipment. You’re taking down the net with Kageyama and Chigaya, who had reunited. They’re careful with their words as they bring up the earlier incident. “You know, if he ever bothers you again, just let us know.” “Yeah, it won’t sit right with us knowing if you’re ever uncomfortable.”

You wave your hand in dismissal. “I’ll keep that in mind, but it’s okay. I can handle it.”

Out of nowhere you hear, “Just know if you ever want me to teach him, let me know. I’ll clean up that little filth. Only real scums disrespect women.” You turn around to find Sakusa tenderly looking at you, only to turn to Miya’s direction and stare daggers into his figure.

“It’s okay boys, I’m fine, really. If I ever feel uncomfortable with anyone here, I’ll be sure to report it to someone. Okay? I do appreciate you all,” you reassure them, just in time to have the coaches summon you to start their strategy meeting.

Later on at dinner, you’re sitting with the coaches, exchanging funny and wild stories of things you’ve seen at matches. Kageyama and Chigaya sit together, eating and making idle chit-chat, when Atsumu goes and pulls up a chair to join them.

“So, Kageyama. You know y/n, don’t you?” Miya inquires.

Kageyama finishes chewing. “Yeah, Like they said, she’s Nekoma’s manager. She’s a pretty good friend to both myself and Karasuno. Really nice. I’m not surprised she got invited here. Extremely accurate in what she does.”

Miya chuckles. “You seem to know her pretty well. Do ya know if she’s single, too?”

That catches Kageyama off guard. “Well...uh...I’m not sure. I think so, it might have been mentioned at the summer camp...I don’t think we should talk about her business like that, what’s it to you?”

Once again, Miya has a lazy grin on. “Relax, it’s just general curiosity. At what I said to her this morning, it was only to get a feel for her vibe. That’s the first time a girl genuinely challenged me, most girls usually flirt when I talk to them. Now that I know she wasn’t, I’m kind of interested. She’s got that spunk ya hardly find, ya know?” He looks at you thoughtfully.

Kageyama snorts. “Yeah, good luck at that,” Chigaya shakes his head.

The next couple of days go by. Miya may have seemed to be joking, but he was actually serious when he said he was interested.

At first, it was innocent. He apologized for what he said, and made sure to let you know that he takes you seriously in your position. He then began to take good note of your critiques, immediately correcting anything that you suggested needed to be improved.

At some point, his interest began to grow. The two of you began to converse a little more, starting to get to know each other a little more personally. It was then he would offer you sweet compliments and subtle flirtations. These would go over your head, thinking he was just being polite, but the rest of the players deemed it obvious, and began to be a little protective.

There were times when a slight spark was shared. When Atsumu would accidentally brush against you, or when you would adjust his hands to make sure they were in the correct position for the drill. You didn’t want to put too much thought into it, but you could feel yourself blush every time. You usually would counter it by saying something sarcastic. But if only you knew that your playful teasing was watering Atsumu’s growing feelings.

“Y/n-san, have you ever been on a date before?”

You’re caught off guard from Miya’s question, and look of from the plays you were studying.

“Nope.”

“Really? You mean to tell me that someone as feisty and exasperating as you has never gone out with anyone?” you can hear the teasing in his voice. And a hint of something else, too.

You roll your eyes and push his shoulder with yours. You fail to notice how he leaned in a little more than before.

“No, Miya-kun. As hard as it is to believe, no one has ever had the courage to ask me.”

He presses his shoulder to yours in return.

“Well, what if someone at this camp wanted to take you out? What would you say to them?”

You feel his intense gaze on you, so you turn and stare just as deeply back.

“I would tell them that they need to beat Nekoma in order to take me on a date.”

He smirks, his eyes lingering on your lips for a split second. But it was long enough for you to notice. “Sounds like a deal to me, then.”

You raise a brow, “Oh? And who’s asking?”

Atsumu gets up and begins to stretch. “Just curious, is all.”

The camp had come to a close, and you were all bidding your good-byes. Kageyama and Chigaya offer to walk along with you back to the train station. You begin to walk out the doors when you hear someone call out your name.

You look back to see Miya raising his hand to you in farewell.

“Just so you know, y/n-chan, I plan on beating Nekoma very soon. Start thinking of somewhere you’d want to eat!”

You giggle and wave your hand in return. “We’ll see, Atsumu Miya.”