#please don't take offense if we're friends and we talk sometimes it means i trust you with that little trust i have left

[novadreii]

the man-hating i let myself indulge in online as a form of therapy these last few months, while well-deserved, tended to direct me to circles where the women are also flaming pieces of human garbage who would do society a great service by jumping off the nearest bridge. conclusion: all humans suck, i should trust what my gut has been telling me very nearly since birth and stay the fuck away from them all.

[anime-corner]

One or The Other

A/N: When I first saw this, I was like: "Gah! Can't choose! They're too precious!" So, I made two endings!! Hope you like it! And like the previous one, sorry for taking too long.

The streets were dark, only illuminated by the lampposts that scattered. You were walking home alongside your fellow managers when a thought popped into your head, a question that lingered in your mind ever since you returned from Tokyo.

"Kiyoko, Hitoka?" You stated, eyes locked on the pavement in front of you.

"Hmm?" The third year manager beside you answered while the blonde first year looked at you curiously.

"H-hypothetically speaking… What do you do if someone confesses that they like you while there's this person who keeps telling you to avoid the other and you're not quite sure what to think or who to side with?"

"Hypothetically?"

"Well, not to you since there's Noya and Tanaka who're pretty much open with their feelings towards you." You pointed out, earning a nod from your junior.

"Oh! Is this about Nekoma's captain and Sugawara-san?" Hitoka asks as you slumped forward, a sigh escaping your lips.

"Was it that obvious?" They both nod, straightening up and fixing your hold on your bag, you repeated your question, "So, what do I do?"

"Well, what do you think (y/n), about the two of them individually?" Kiyoko answered with a question.

"Ah see, I've known Suga since that time he asked me to help you out and the team. I guess you could say that we've been close after that. He's really protective and caring so, I kinda get why he'd tell me to avoid the guy. And about the rooster…" You hummed, thinking of anything about the captain of the cats.

"R-rooster?" Hitoka tilted her head to the side, confused at the nickname.

"That bed hair of his, it sort of makes him look like one. It's funny and sort of… cute, in a way? No wait, that laugh of his was hilarious though! Also, he seems pretty laid-back too despite being captain. Daichi should learn a thing or two from him!" You chuckle, wiping off an imaginary tear in your eye as you remember the tokyo tower event, "But, like I said, I'm not sure who to side with."

"Well, it's still the first day. We're still going back for the training camp and more time for you to think. Just be careful, words are dangerous enough as it is, even more when feelings are involved," Kiyoko orated, both your and Hitoka's eyes shining in awe.

"K-Kiyoko… That was the most wisest advice I've ever heard in my entire life. And I'm in the same class as you!" You could feel your eyes begin to water, the words your friend had said already sunk within the depths of your heart, forever to be remembered.

"(y/n), please calm yourself down. We can't afford calling one of the guys at this hour to help you." You took offense and playfully hit her arm before the three of you erupted in laughter.

• • •

At Shinzen High, you noticed the captain of Nekoma glancing your way every now and then, talking to you whenever the both of you were available or during the times Sugawara was out of sight. The grey haired setter was glaring the life out of Kuroo every time, and you were confused. Did they do something to each other behind your back?

"Oi, Karasuno's manager-chan! Kitten hey!!" You heard the black haired captain call out, ushering you inside the gym. You took note that he was not alone, with him were two from Fukurodani, a teammate of his and Tsukishima Kei.

"Kuroo-san, you should already know my name at this point besides the fact that I keep telling you not to call me that nickname." You stated, greeting the others present.

"What? It's a cute nickname befitting a really cute manager!"

"At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if Sugawara-san heard this." Tsukishima commented, the rest turning towards the door, waiting for a certain setter to appear, except for you.

"Well, what do you need Kuroo-san?" You asked, bringing everyone's attention away from the gym entrance.

"Would you believe me if I say it's you?" Raising an eyebrow, you earned an awkward laugh from the captain before clearing his throat, "Right. Uh, could you help us with practice? That is if you're not busy preparing with the other managers."

"I guess I could lend a hand, I'm on wash duty today anyways," You picked up a ball, bouncing it lightly, "So, what do I do?"

"We're working on blocks, Lev over there has to work on it while Four Eyes just needs a few pointers." You nodded and took a stance, preparing to toss.

"Ready?"

"Yeah. Oh wait! Lev!! Get your ass over here!!" Kuroo called for the first year lying on his back on the floor, who sprung to his feet at the mention of his name, running to Tsukishima's side of the court, "Okay, now we're ready.

It has been five days since you've agreed to help the little group with their practice and you took the opportunity to learn more about the captain. Despite being so casual, he was actually observant, noting everything his opponent does. Kuroo was also a provocative guy, something you only took note of when you asked the blonde first-year blocker what made him join their practice, having Daichi answer your question with a tale of the incident.

Honestly, your interactions with Kuroo were nice. He'd make a few compliments and small talk here and there and sometimes would act shy whenever he asks you for something. And during those times, a pair of eyes would linger in your direction, turning around, your grey haired friend would always be within your vision. It confused you, the feeling inside of you confused you and you hated it. So, instead of letting it be, you dragged Sugawara away from his group during their individual practices.

"Hey (n/n), something wrong?" He tilted his head slightly, his eyes scanning your expression.

"You tell me."

"What? What are you--"

"It's about Nekoma's captain, right? I'm aware that you don't want me hanging around him. Although, I just want to ask why?" You asked, noticing the way his gaze avoided you in an instant. Sugawara was silent for a minute or two, trying to find a better wording for his explanation, "Well..?"

"I just… didn't want you to.. I mean, he's here in Tokyo and you're in Miyagi. You don't even know him that well. I don't want to see you cry afterwards, when the two of you get together and break up! Can't I just worry for you?" You hadn't expected the third year to react the way he did. Yes, he was dubbed as the mother figure of the team but, that's just the way he cares for his juniors so why does hearing him say these words to you make you feel like there's more to it than just care, "I'm sorry if I'm acting like this. I really care about you, (y/n) so please understand, whatever you choose, I'll respect your decision."

He left you there, surprise etched on your face. You were conflicted, you knew he was right because that's what your mind kept telling you but then there's your heart, who genuinely wanted to know more before you decide.

• • •

That night, while everyone was asleep, you confided once again with your co-managers inside the darkened room, phones on, providing a bit of light.

"I'm really… I don't even know how to describe what I'm feeling right now after I pulled Suga aside to talk. And I'm desperate for an answer." You whisper yelled, making sure none of the others were to wake up.

"M-maybe you could describe it for us? The f-feeling I mean, it's okay if you don't want to!" After all the times you spent with the blonde first year, she was still nervous around you.

"No, no. I think it's best if I talk about it if I'm asking you guys for advice. So, um, where to start…" You thought of the past few days and your interactions with them, "Okay, I guess it started when Kuroo asked me to join them for practice, tossing when needed and handling the scoreboard during their two-on-two matches. In the morning, he'd come up to me from time to time and Suga would be glaring at our way. I thought that it was only because he was worried about me being around the captain. I mean, who knows what he's thinking inside that head of his! I'm kind of  not surprised he's getting along with Tsukishima, not that he'd admit it."

"And then..?"

"And then the talk with Suga just a few minutes ago… Somehow, there's this lingering feeling that I should trust his words a-and limit my contact with the guy. I've known Sugawara for three years ever since that day, so it makes sense that he kind of gets what'll play out. Plus, he's also a guy. I mean, he's just looking out for me right?" You ramble a bit, a crease on your forehead, "I really want to get to know Kuroo, he's really cool and funny, surprisingly on my part. But, I trust Suga's suspicion, he's still technically a stranger. Besides…"

"Besides you're much more comfortable with Sugawara, right?" You nodded at Kiyoko's words, shifting on your futon, "I could take a guess and say you like him but you want to give Kuroo-san a chance."

"(y/n)-san like likes Sugawara-san?" The black haired girl hummed in response, adjusting the position of her glasses, "Is this true?"

"That… I don't know. Maybe I just like him 'cause we're close?" Perhaps you were just trying to make yourself believe that it is only because of that or maybe it's the truth. Kiyoko glanced down the first year before turning towards your figure.

"Well, this training camp will end soon and until then, you've still got a chance to sort things out. Giving someone false hope is a feeling that makes you feel an intense amount of guilt, because you played with their feelings the same way you thought they were playing with yours."

So, in a few more days, the choice to make is in your hands. On the last day, you were going to talk to him and tell him what you think. And you just hope it was the right choice to take the risk with.

[ Kuroo Tetsurou ] • [ Sugawara Koushi ]