#sports anime writing

[vela-pulsars]

not enough stonjourner art out there

[todorokis-girl]

Getting back with your ex? - Suna Rintarou (pt 1)

(part 2) After a painful breakup and years apart, Y/N and Suna Rintarou are forced to work together again in the world of professional volleyball. When an unexpected injury and a work trip to Okinawa bring them closer, unresolved feelings and old wounds resurface. Amidst professional obligations and personal turmoil, they must navigate their complicated past and uncertain future. Can they overcome their history and find their way back to each other, or will the lingering pain keep them apart forever?

masterlist

I shake slightly as I walk into the Olimpic team training area, bag and binder in hand. The imposing structure of the stadium looms above me, filled with the echoes of bouncing volleyballs and distant shouts. The Japan media agency was recently activated to manage the promotions and media activities for the team, and I was assigned as their specific manager. Lucky me. Kuroo deserved to be beheaded, it was his job to promote them anyway, he could do it by himself! Ok, that would be unrealistic, and I’m just pissed. Kuroo did NOT deserve to be beheaded.

Taking a deep breath, I try to steady my nerves, but I only shake more the deeper I get into the stadium. Anyone would be thrilled to work with them—actually, everyone was thrilled. I think I was the only one not foaming at the mouth to manage them; yet I think that was my downfall. Damn you, indifference. In reality, I wasn’t indifferent. In any other circumstance, I’d foam at the mouth like everyone else for the job. Yet, Suna Rintaro was a member of this team. Of course he is. I would’ve given my left arm for it to have been Osamu instead.

Suna and I dated in high school. If anything was known about me in those days, it was that I drooled for my boyfriend. As the manager for the Inarizaki team, I most definitely gave him preferential treatment, and Osamu loved to bitch about it. I missed those days.

I was head over heels, down on my knees for this man. And then he became a professional volleyball player. To quote him directly, “I don’t have the time for you.” Yet weeks later, I started seeing magazine articles of him out with different models. No time, my ass. Just say you don’t love me and move on.

I took the deepest breath I could muster and walked into the court area, laser-focused on making it to the coach first. The court was a whirlwind of activity, players diving, spiking, and shouting encouragements. My heart pounded louder with each step. I needed to ask for the remaining time from practice to talk and get to know the players as much as I could. When the coach finally spotted me, he looked me up and down with a scrutinizing gaze, then stared into my soul. Intimidating man. I smiled and extended my hand to him once I was close enough.

“Hello, sir, I’m L/N Y/N. I’m the team's new media manager, Kuroo Tetsuro had called to notify ahead of time. I was told I could have the last hour of practice to talk to the team and get to know them, if that’s okay with you, of course.”

He narrowed his eyes, his gaze piercing through my façade of calm, and gave a deep sigh. “Yes.”

I smiled and stood back, giving him the space to address the team when he thought it prudent. “Everyone, head to the showers and meet this young lady in the conference room in 10.”

A chorus of “Yes, sir” rang around the court, followed by the sound of sneakers squeaking on the floor. The players began to disperse, casting curious glances my way. Before anyone could properly look at me, I bowed to the coach and attempted to make a run to the conference room after being given directions.

“Y/N.” I stopped in my tracks, my eyes widening as I recognized the voice of Suna.

“Who?”

“Y/N, c’mon.”

“I really don’t know who you’re talking about. I don’t know this... Y/N, was it?”

“I can see it’s you. I know it’s you. I’d recognize your back anywhere.”

I spun around immediately, ready to chew him out for what he was insinuating, but I was met by his bright smile, almost as if he was expecting it. His eyes twinkled with mischief. “Yeah, no doubt about it. That’s my girl.”

I stopped the words that were about to spill out of my mouth and replaced them with a different set. “I’m not your girl anymore.” I looked down at my watch, more for symbolic effect than to check the time. “I will definitely be telling Coach Foster if you’re late to the conference room. You have five minutes left.”

Without giving him a chance to process what had happened, I turned again and headed pointedly to the conference room, my steps echoing my determination.

As I marched towards the conference room, my thoughts were a whirlwind. The confrontation with Suna had set my nerves alight, but I couldn’t afford to lose my focus. The team’s future media presence rested on my shoulders, and I had to be professional, no matter how tangled my past with Suna was.

The conference room was a stark contrast to the bustling court. It was quiet and orderly, with a long table in the center surrounded by sleek chairs. I set my bag and binder down, pulling out my notes and arranging them meticulously. I had just enough time to compose myself before the players started trickling in.

First came Sakusa Kiyoomi, his expression inscrutable as he took a seat at the far end of the table. He gave a curt nod, acknowledging my presence without a word. Next were Hinata Shoyo and Bokuto Koutarou, chatting animatedly and filling the room with their infectious energy. They greeted me with enthusiastic smiles, making me feel a bit more at ease.

Finally, Suna walked in, casual and confident, as if our earlier exchange hadn’t affected him at all. He took a seat near the middle, flashing me a knowing grin. I ignored him and turned to face the team.

“Thank you all for coming,” I began, trying to keep my voice steady. “As you know, my agency has been hired to manage your media presence; Kuroo Tetsuro will handle the rest of the coordinations or team promotions. My goal is to help each of you shine, both on and off the court. I’ll be working closely with you to develop your public personas and ensure you get the recognition you deserve.”

I paused, gauging their reactions. Most of the team seemed receptive, though Sakusa remained impassive. Suna leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, watching me with an unreadable expression.

“To start, I’d like to get to know each of you better,” I continued. “Understanding your personalities, interests, and goals will help me tailor our approach to suit you individually. We’ll go around the table, and each of you can share a bit about yourselves. Let’s start with you, Hinata.”

Hinata beamed and launched into a lively account of his journey in volleyball, his eyes shining with passion. His enthusiasm was contagious, and soon, the rest of the team was sharing their stories, laughing and bonding over shared experiences. Even Sakusa offered a few guarded sentences, and I could sense the walls between us beginning to crumble.

When it was Suna’s turn, he spoke with a confidence that bordered on arrogance, detailing his rise to fame with practiced ease. I couldn’t help but notice the glances he threw my way, testing my reactions. “I even had a girlfriend once, with me all the way to the start of my professional career; can’t believe I let ‘er go” I met his gaze evenly, refusing to let him see how much he affected me.

“Thank you for sharing, Suna,” I said, cutting him off before he could drag out his story any longer. “It’s clear that each of you brings something unique to the team, and I’m excited to work with you all.”

I glanced at my notes, ready to move on to the next part of the meeting. “Now, let’s talk about some of the upcoming promotional events and media opportunities. We have a few scheduled interviews, photo shoots, and public appearances. I’ll need your cooperation and input to make sure we present you in the best possible light.”

The discussion flowed smoothly, with the players offering ideas and feedback. Despite the initial tension, the atmosphere gradually became more collaborative. By the end of the meeting, I felt a sense of accomplishment. We were laying the foundation for a successful partnership, and I was determined to prove myself as their media manager.

As the team began to disperse, Suna lingered behind, his eyes following me as I gathered my things. I braced myself for another confrontation, but he simply leaned against the table, watching me with an amused expression.

“You handled that well, Y/N,” he said, his tone surprisingly sincere. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but you’ve still got that fire.”

I paused, meeting his gaze. “I’m here to do a job, Suna. That’s all.”

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Sure, if that’s what you want to believe.”

“What I want to believe? You think I asked for this position?” I was appalled that he was suggesting I deliberately choose this to seek him out.

He gave me a cocky grin and without another word, he pushed off from the table and walked out, leaving me standing there with a mix of emotions. I took a deep breath, pushing aside the memories and focusing on the task at hand. There was a lot of work to be done, and I was ready to face it head-on. Suna was NOT going to make me lose my head. He let me go once, and I had given him all of myself, it wasn’t happening again. Kuroo was definitely getting an earful ‘don’t be so dramatic, It’s gonna be fine’.

I huffed to myself finally stepping out of the room and on my way to my car, my hand automatically reaching for my phone, if I had to vent, Kuroo was getting it.

As I reached my car and slid into the driver's seat, I quickly unlocked my phone and dialed Kuroo's number. The phone rang a few times before his familiar, lazy voice answered.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“What’s up? Seriously, Kuroo? You dumped the Olympic team’s media management on me, that’s what’s up!”

He chuckled, and I could practically hear his smug grin through the phone. “I knew you could handle it. You’re the best we’ve got.”

“Flattery isn’t going to save you,” I snapped, gripping the steering wheel. “You could have at least warned me about Suna being on the team. Do you have any idea how awkward that was?”

There was a brief pause, and then Kuroo sighed. “I’m sorry, Y/N. I didn’t think it would be that big of a deal. You’re professionals, right? Just… don’t let him get to you.”

“Easier said than done,” I muttered. “He’s still as infuriating as ever.”

“Look, just focus on the job. You’re great at what you do, and the team needs you. Besides, Suna’s just one player. Don’t let him distract you.”

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. “Yeah, you’re right. It’s just… complicated.”

“I know. But you’ve got this. If anyone can turn this team into media darlings, it’s you.”

“Thanks, Kuroo. I’ll do my best.”

“That's my girl,” he said with a note of pride in his voice. “Keep me updated, okay?”

“Will do. And Kuroo?”

“Yeah?”

“Next time, give me a heads-up, will you?”

He laughed. “You got it. Take care, Y/N.”

I hung up and took a few moments to collect myself before starting the car. The drive home was a blur, my mind occupied with thoughts of Suna and the daunting task ahead. By the time I pulled into my driveway, I had resolved to put all personal feelings aside and focus solely on my work.

The next morning, I arrived at the training facility early, armed with my binder and a renewed sense of determination. Today, I had individual meetings scheduled with each player to discuss their personal branding and media strategy. I hoped to gain a deeper understanding of their personalities and how best to present them to the public.

Hinata was first. His energy was infectious, and his enthusiasm for the sport shone through every word he said. We discussed his goals and how to leverage his vibrant personality to connect with fans.

Next was Bokuto, who was equally charismatic but in a more boisterous way. His love for the game was palpable, and I made notes on how to highlight his dynamic presence in interviews and social media.

Sakusa was a bit more challenging. He was reserved and guarded, but I managed to coax out his interests and preferences. We discussed ways to showcase his quieter, more introspective side while still appealing to the team's fanbase.

Finally, it was Suna’s turn. He sauntered into the conference room with his usual nonchalance, sitting down across from me with a smirk.

“Let’s get this over with,” he said, leaning back in his chair.

I ignored his tone and focused on my notes. “Alright, Suna. I want to understand your goals and how we can present you to the public. What are you hoping to achieve with your media presence?”

He raised an eyebrow. “You really think people care about that stuff?”

“Yes, I do. Your fans want to know more about you than just your performance on the court. They want to connect with you as a person.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. I want to be seen as a serious athlete. I don’t want all that fluff and nonsense. Just focus on my game.”

I nodded, jotting down his words. “Got it. We’ll highlight your dedication and professionalism. Anything else you want to add?”

He studied me for a moment, his gaze intense. “You still care about what people think, don’t you?”

I met his eyes, refusing to back down. “It’s my job to care, Suna. And it’s yours too, whether you like it or not.”

He smirked again, but there was a hint of something softer in his eyes. “You’ve changed, Y/N. You’re tougher now.”

“I had to be,” I replied, packing up my things. “Meeting’s over. Thanks for your time.”

As I walked out of the room, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Suna was watching me, his eyes lingering longer than necessary. I pushed the thought aside and focused on the task at hand. There was still a lot of work to be done, and I was determined to succeed.

Over the next few weeks, I threw myself into my work, coordinating interviews, photo shoots, and public appearances. The players gradually warmed up to me, and we began to build a cohesive media strategy that highlighted their unique strengths.

Despite my initial apprehension, things started to fall into place. The team’s media presence improved, and their popularity soared. Even Sakusa, with his reserved nature, began to open up in front of the camera.

Through it all, Suna remained a constant challenge. He was professional during our meetings, but there was always an undercurrent of tension between us. Yet, I couldn’t deny that working with him pushed me to be better, to stay focused and not let my emotions get in the way.

One evening, after a particularly successful interview session, I found myself alone in the conference room, reviewing the footage. The door creaked open, and Suna walked in, his expression unreadable.

“Hey,” he said, closing the door behind him.

“Hey,” I replied, not looking up from my notes.

He walked over and sat down across from me, his gaze fixed on my face. “You’ve done a good job with the team.”

“Thanks,” I said, still focused on my work. “We’re not done yet, though. There’s always room for improvement.”

“Yeah, but you’ve made a difference. Even I can see that.”

I finally looked up, meeting his eyes. “What do you want, Suna?”

He leaned back in his chair, his expression softening. “I just wanted to say… I’m sorry. For everything. High school, the way I ended things. I was a jerk.”

I blinked, taken aback by his sudden sincerity. “Why now?”

“Because I’ve had a lot of time to think. And seeing you here, working so hard, made me realize how much I messed up.”

I sighed, feeling a mixture of relief and frustration. “I appreciate the apology, Suna. But it doesn’t change what happened.”

He stays silence his eyes seeming to be inspecting my face, as if looking for something else “I know, I still wanted to try” 

I studied his face, searching for any hint of insincerity. But all I saw was genuine regret. “Fine”

He smiled, a real, honest smile that made my heart ache with nostalgia. I hate that I genuinely miss him. 

As he stood up to leave, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders; but a certain, different desire settled in me. I watched him leave, and closed my eyes for a second. It seems watching him leave was all I knew how to do. 

I turned back to my notes. There was still a lot of work to be done, and I was ready to face it head-on, no matter what challenges came my way; but maybe I needed Kuroo to come along with me more often, even if he was busy getting the schedules and making the plans. 

One afternoon, after hours of looking through notes and interview footage, I found myself in the staff lounge, nursing a cup of coffee. The room was quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos outside. I was lost in thought when the door opened, and Kuroo walked in, looking as tired as I felt.

“Hey,” he said, flopping down in the chair next to mine. “How’s it going?”

I sighed, rubbing my temples. “Busy. Exhausting. But good. The team’s doing great.”

Kuroo nodded, taking a sip of his own coffee. “You’re doing an amazing job, Y/N. Glad I choose you to help me out, I don’t know how I’d do it without you”

I smiled, feeling a bit of the tension ease. “Thanks, Kuroo, I apreciate the apreciation; what are you doing here anyway? Mister sports promoter not have a big fancy office at a big fancy building?”

He raised an eyebrow and turned to face me, the scrutiny in his eyes heavy “I want to wear gym clothes every once in a while, and I cant do that at the office. Miss sports media manager” I smiled and nooded, showing I understood. 

I mean, he was right, one of the couple of upside of working in the training arena was the ability of being able to show up in sweats and leggings, as it was the most proper attire. 

He chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “But seriously, if you need anything, just let me know. We’re in this together, even if I am technically your boss”

“Actually,” I said, glancing at him, “I was thinking if you could come along to a few more of the meetings. Having you there would make things a bit easier.” My voice filled with hope. 

Kuroo looked at me, his expression thoughtful. “Of course. I’ll rearrange my schedule. All the player meetings or someone in particular?”

I felt like a deer caugh in headlights “well… uhm…”

“So just Suna Rintarou?” he asked with a knowing tone, and I couldn’t deny it; I just hoped he would agree to it and not pull the ‘I’m your boss’ card, not that he ever did “Sure, I’ll do the meetings with Suna and pass along the info” 

“Thanks, Kuroo,” I said, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.

He grinned, standing up. “Alright, I’ll leave you to it. Let me know when the meetings with Suna are”

“Will do,” I replied, watching him leave the lounge. As I turned back to my coffee, noticing it was cold. 

I was going to start seeing Suna a lot less often, no more weekly meetings with him, and I would try to make my time in the office a little more unnavailable to him by doing them exclusively during practice hours. This was something high school me would’ve come up with, and I knew that, but I don’t currently have the mental space to come up with something better. 

(part 2)

[idrawprettyboys]

Wahoo! I think I actually managed to make this look okay! That background looks a lot better with Kenji and Mitsuo covering up a lot of it! xD Anyway, here are my racers in Chrome City! They look happy to be there. :) I might use this for a volume cover later, if I'm still happy with it when the time comes.

[freebooter4ever]

geno front and center ^_^ also i asked the Coolest 90s animator ive ever met for critique on the geno renders and he called them 'drawings' and i havent decided if thats something i should correct or not yet. but if im fooling people into thinking they're drawings instead of 3D renders that's probably a good sign. but also a bad sign because does that mean recruiters will overlook it thinking its just concept art?

i hate computers.

but i think what i concluded was that instead of sending people just the one action render, i will send that PLUS a link to the turn around saved to my drive.

edit: just looking at it as its own image my portfolio as a whole still really screams 'girl' and 'colorful' doesnt it? sigh. people keep telling me i need to stop that but unfortunately unless i am being forced like in the case of following an art director i think its just gonna stay colorful.

[sireington]

what if: Wii Sports but manga structured with some similarity to the Splatoon manga?

Seems like a good idea, so I'll start spouting thoughts.

Over the white hot sand and cool blues, violets, and cyans of the waves, sits Wuhu Island! A tropical paradise with plenty of activities to do! Priding itself on its numerous sporting events and competitions, the greatest of the greatest come to Wuhu for the yearly tournaments. Here we meet our protagonist, an aspring athlete in hopes of becoming champion, it's...

Basic Mii guy! Along the way he'll make friends, make bonds, and defeat greater foes! Maybe even beating...

MATT, THE UNDEFEATED

anyways, that's all I got for now under a few minutes, feel free to add on to the ideas! Have a nice day!

[raytm]

there is nothing quite as homoerotic as sports anime.

[homvlily]

if you leave me

i’m scared i’ll find your body lying by the rugged road

your heart drawn still and your blood ice cold

i’ll no longer kiss the moon-mark on your forehead

or your snow-tipped paws in the safety of my bed

what if i forget the singsong sound of your cherubic cries

and the gentle blink of your topaz eyes

if you leave me early, i’ll never come to forgive

myself for losing your sole chance to live

@homvlily (2024)

[recurring-polynya]

This weekend I was thinking about the lucky sandwich episode of Kuroko no Basuke and feeling strongly in my heart that Shin'ou has to have its own, gonzo cafeteria-based superstitions.

Then I got kinda sad because Shin'ou, being what it is, has no peer institutions, which means it has no rivalries and therefore, you could never set a sports anime there.

Now I want a sports anime-style, Shin'ou-centric filler episode more than I have ever wanted anything. I would probably set it in some post-TYBW era, and for stupid filler episode reasons, Renji and Hinamori would come back to coach their sad sack team out of last place. Hisagi would want to cover it for the paper. Kira would also be there against his will, because he's necessary for the whole "getting the band back together" vibe. Hitsugaya would probably also be there, also against his will. I feel like this lends itself naturally toward soccer, but I think that it would be honestly funnier if it were some obscure sport or something that is also just a skill like swimming or possibly even made up gym-teacher ass sport that would upset Ichigo to learn about.

Here is the best I could come up with for potential rivals:

It's intramural (kinda boring)

Some fancypants private school in the Seireitei (would think Shin'ou would have the obvious advantage here, altho it would be hilarious to make the "sport" be Science Bowl or poetry or something intellectual.)

Karakura High, for some reason (if this were a real filler episode this is what it would be so that Ichigo could be in it)

Harribel is always open to new ideas and Hueco Mundo has a school now. (Grimmjow has big would-never-play-a-sport energy but Harribel would make him be Nel's assistant coach. He would have to wear a hat and it would sort of float atop his weird hair)

Maybe Hell has a school??? Maybe now is a good time to be submitting filler episode ideas for the Hell Arc, which I expect to animated sometime around 2069?

Just really sucks, imo, that people from the Kidou Corps and Onmitsukidou also go through Shin'ou. Real missed opportunity there, Kubo.

P.S: God bless whoever maintains the KnB wiki:

[imbecominggayer]

Writing Inspiration And Prompt

Look at me donating my abandoned WIP stories onto you like the generous cult leader I am :)

"For a good stable time period Elias was your standard privlieged captain of the number one [INSERT SPORT TEAM] but all good things come to an end. Unfortunately. Elias received a message from someone called E-GIrl that said "I have blackmail and if you don't want it getting out you'll bring your team down to fourth place". Elias obviously didn't care for the wishes of a rando named after a Tiktok trend until Elias saw that this person really did have fucking solid evidence of their crimes. Elias was left with four options.

Option One: Purposefully Sabotage Or Convince Their Team To Fail Until They Reach Fourth Place.

Option Two: Become The "Close Companion" Of The Team Captains.

Option Three: Ignore The Demands And Kill The Blackmailer.

Elias chose option four. All of the motherfucking above.

Elias' plan goes as follows. Firstly, befriend/romance Reza Heyati, the leader of the second place team, since Elias has some inside information that Reza is planning to quit and he isn't looking to reason with a blackmailer. Obviously, Elias is going to struggle since he literally got into a huge fight with the guy a week ago since Reza accidentally triggered some traumatic memories when he made a sex joke about him and this random girl.

Secondly, abuse Alexei's superiority complex by offering to be his mentee in morality which won't be hard since the third-place champion is notoriously convinced that he is the greatest guy around.

Thirdly, sabotage his own team because diplomacy is not an option with Vanesa. He kind off blackmailed her about aforementioned traumatic secret. Ironic.

Finally, Elias has to silence the blackmailer. Literally. He did it once before. He isn't proud of that fact but god, this secret can never come out. He'd look so weak and pathetic if it did. Who even cares about the prison time?

I just combined Sports Anime with Mystery genre.

Please answer how my absolutely gay emotionally-constipated and traumatized baby who genuinely did something horrible yet sympathetic story will end :`<

[always-a-joyful-note]

You know. Thinking about it, the best thing the anime did for Tsumugi was give her professional attire. Like the clothes she wears on the CGs we see her in are cute, but I really think she looks best in the formal business style

[todorokis-girl]

That's really not what I meant - Kuroo Tetsurō (pt 1)

Hey 🌸

Summary: Our protagonist struggles with unrequited love for her childhood friend and team captain, Kuroo Tetsuro. With the support of her twin brother Kenma and their teammates, she faces the challenge of moving on and finding happiness beyond her crush. This story is filled with high school drama, emotional moments, and the strong bonds of friendship and team spirit. 💖🏐

(part 2)

masterlist

"You're drooling," my brother remarked, his eyes glued to the screen, the distinctive music of his game continuing uninterrupted.

“I am not,” I retorted, though my voice lacked conviction. 

“You are,” came a voice from the opposite side of me, the familiar tone of the libero, Yaku, unmistakable.

“Yaku!” I exclaimed, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. To add insult to injury, they were probably right. I had the most annoying crush on the team captain, Kuroo Tetsurou, a childhood friend who had grown from an awkward boy into an undeniably attractive and charismatic leader. Watching him command the court with such confidence and skill was mesmerizing.

I sighed deeply, resigning myself to the teasing. "Fine, maybe I was," I admitted, rolling my eyes as I stood up. I grabbed a water bottle and a towel to hand to the captain as he walked back from the court for the break. My heart thudded in my chest as I approached him, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance.

“Good job, captain,” I said, trying to keep my composure as I handed him the bottle and the towel.

Kuroo’s eyes lit up with a mischievous glint. “Thanks, miss manager,” he replied, taking the items from me. His fingers brushed mine ever so slightly, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. I rummaged in my waist bag and pulled out a band-aid, noticing a small scrape on his finger.

“You scraped your finger earlier,” I pointed out, trying to sound as professional as possible. “If you don’t put a band-aid on it, it’ll be bad. We can’t have our middle blocker out of commission.”

Kuroo chuckled softly, a sound that made my heart flutter. “Thanks for looking out for me,” he said, his eyes twinkling with appreciation.

I watched as he carefully applied the band-aid, my mind wandering back to the countless memories we had shared. Growing up, Kuroo had always been there for me, whether it was to bandage a scraped knee or offer a comforting hug when things got tough. Now, seeing him in his element, leading the team with such passion, only made my feelings for him grow stronger.

As the break ended and the players returned to the court, I found myself lost in thought, my eyes trailing after Kuroo. The way he moved, the way he commanded the court, it was all so captivating. I shook my head, trying to focus on my duties as the team manager, but my mind kept drifting back to him.

Yaku’s voice broke through my reverie. “You know, you’re not very subtle,” he teased, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

I groaned inwardly, knowing he was right. “I know, I know,” I admitted, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration.

“Why don’t you just tell him how you feel?” Yaku suggested, his tone surprisingly gentle.

I looked at him, wide-eyed. “Are you crazy? What if it ruins everything? It’s a lifetime of friendship! Not to mention that if I ruin it with Tetsu, Ken will definitely kill me and then forget I exist.”

Yaku shrugged. “Or it could make everything better. You won’t know unless you try. I just can’t see Kuroo not being your friend at the end of it, no matter what his response is. At the very least, I know he loves you—friend or girlfriend, I don’t know.”

I mulled over his words, my gaze drifting back to Kuroo. Maybe Yaku was right. Maybe it was time to take a chance. But for now, I’d continue to support Kuroo from the sidelines, hoping that one day, I’d find the courage to tell him how I truly felt.

When the last whistle of the day rang, signaling the end of practice, I started packing up the team’s equipment, handing items to Fukunaga, who was assigned to place them in storage. The atmosphere in the gym was winding down, players joking and chatting as they headed to the locker rooms.

“Ken, you have 20 minutes to get ready. I want to get started on dinner early,” I called out to my brother. He waved me off without turning around, his focus already shifting back to his game. It seemed video games provided all the sustenance he needed these days.

As I gathered the remaining items, I couldn't help but steal glances at Kuroo. He was talking to Kai and Yamamoto, his face animated as he recounted some play from the practice. His presence was magnetic, drawing me in despite my best efforts to stay composed. I sighed, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

Yaku's words echoed in my mind. Maybe it was time to take a chance, to risk everything for the possibility of something more. The thought terrified me, but the idea of never knowing was even worse. I finished packing up and handed the last of the equipment to Fukunaga, my mind still racing. I could feel Fukunaga’s eyes on me, and I ignored him. I REALLY needed to get better at hiding how I feel.

Walking over to the edge of the court, I took a deep breath and leaned against the wall, watching as Kuroo and the others made their way to the locker rooms. Kuroo glanced back and caught my eye, offering a smile that made my heart skip a beat. I returned the smile, my resolve strengthening.

Later, as the team dispersed and the gym quieted down, I found myself lingering, my thoughts still in turmoil. The familiar routine of managing the team's needs provided some comfort, but it also underscored how intertwined my life had become with Kuroo. I couldn't imagine a day without seeing him, without feeling his presence nearby.

“I’m done, let’s go,” Kenma said, startling me out of my thoughts. He stood there with his gym and school bag over his shoulders.

I nodded and looked past him to see Kuroo still hanging out. “He’s staying past practice today. Says he has a date.”

“Oh,” I swallowed thickly and nodded, opening the gym doors to allow Kenma to head out first.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice unusually gentle.

“I’m perfectly fine, Ken,” I replied, forcing a smile. My heart felt heavy, and I could feel the sting of tears threatening to spill over, but I kept them at bay.

The walk home was quiet, the silence filled only by the sound of our footsteps. Kenma was lost in his thoughts, probably planning his next gaming strategy, while I struggled to keep my emotions in check. The idea of Kuroo on a date with someone else gnawed at me, a painful reminder of the feelings I had kept hidden for so long.

As we reached our house, Kenma headed straight to his room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I started preparing dinner, the repetitive motions of chopping vegetables and stirring pots providing a small measure of comfort. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake the image of Kuroo with someone else, laughing and smiling the way he did with me.

By the time dinner was ready, I had managed to push my emotions to the back of my mind, focusing instead on the task at hand. Kenma joined me at the table, and he seemed to sense something was wrong with my mood “You’re not ok” 

“I’m fine, Ken.”

“Y/N, we’ve known each other our entire lives, we’re twins for a reason. Don’t gaslight me into thinking I don’t know you.” He stared at me, almost reading my soul, forcing me to speak.

“Were you teasing me, or was he actually going on a date?” Kenma rolled his eyes and pulled out his phone, taking a second to play around with it. Then, he showed me the screen on his smartphone.

It was a picture of Kuroo at some flowery local café shop, wearing one of his button-ups. Next to him was a familiar face. She sits next to us in class. How did I not notice… “Is that…”

“Yes, it is.” I let out a sigh and turned back to my food, deciding to finish the conversation, the weight of Kenma’s eyes on me trying to convince me to waver. “She asked him out during lunch break last week. She was very smart in timing it just as you left to the bathroom.”

“You didn’t tell me.”

“It wasn’t for me to tell.” I sniffled and cleared my throat, looking back up at him. I didn’t think my heart could’ve broken any louder.

“I think… maybe it’s time to move on. I can’t stay in this space forever. All I’m doing is breaking my own heart.”

Kenma reached across the table, placing a hand on mine. “You deserve to be happy, Y/N. Sometimes things don’t work out the way we want them to, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end. It just means there’s something else out there for you.”

I nodded, appreciating his words even though they couldn’t fully mend the ache in my chest. “Thanks, Ken. I just need some time.”

“Take all the time you need,” he said softly. “Just remember, I’m here for you.”

The rest of the evening passed in a blur. I went through the motions of cleaning up and getting ready for bed, my mind a storm of emotions. As I lay in the dark, staring at the ceiling, I couldn’t help but think about what Kenma had said, almost competing with what Yaku had said earlier that day. Maybe it was time to let go of my feelings for Kuroo, to stop torturing myself with what-ifs and maybes, IF all I had to do what tell him how I felt, I was too late anyway. 

But moving on was easier said than done. Kuroo had been a part of my life for so long, and the thought of not feeling this way about him was almost unfathomable. Yet, I knew that holding onto these unspoken feelings was only hurting me more.

As I drifted off to sleep, I made a promise to myself. Tomorrow, I would start the process of moving on. I would focus on myself, my friends, and the things that made me happy outside of Kuroo. It was time to heal and to find a new path forward, even if it meant letting go of the dream I’d held onto for so long.

(part 2)

[overtaken-stream]

Bros Ov3r Ho3s

Kicchou Fukuda x F!Reader

I'm ITCHING to write for Slam Dunk, also idc about his taste, he looks like someone who would enjoy spicy food. Shoutout to that tweet I saw on yt shorts with this convo it inspired me to write for a character I don't even enjoyed until I started writing this. (I only read manga so don't come at me if this is ooc I tried my best.) THE LACK OF SLAM DUNK CONTENT IS INSANE!!!!

Warnings: family, fluff, idiots in love, light pregnancy scene, a child is there.

Throughout the years spent with the basketball player, there was never a need to conceal secrets. Any actions or words that soured the relationship were swiftly addressed by both parties, although after spending this much time together, the mean remarks were non-existent, mutual understanding left little room for surprises or hurtful comments (Because you know the blunt words were not said deliberately, however, you found a curious amusement in his apologetic/awkward expression of realization, the ongoing teasing about how he broke your heart will never get boring).

Years of built friendship with Kicchou came to a standstill as you watched your friends advance into the new chapter of life with their partners from the sideline. But You were content with staying over at your friend's house, sleeping in the same bed while wearing his shirt, having breakfast with his parents, and having dinners at yours, the glances that the elders would give you two never really entered Kicchous's eyesight, he always seems lost in his mind at the end of the day.

Moving in together and attending his (now professional) matches became a natural progression in both of your lives, so did paying little attention to the way his arm rested across your tummy or his face nestled next to your ear, breathing deeply as you slept sideways, or how sometimes you would hug him on the couch with both legs wrapped around the torso, trembling from the pleasure you brought to yourselves.

(It's how it is supposed to be.) Your chest pressed against his back as he gets the dinner going with a cute Hello Kitty apron tied at the front. Breathing in his scent like it's going to quell your thirst, maybe it does.

(It's how it is supposed to be.) With your legs freezing in the middle of the night as he steals away the long blankets specifically bought to fit you both.

(it's how it is supposed to be.) His head lying gently on your enlarged belly, his hands and arms resting on either side of your hips as he sprawls out on the couch. The muted dialogue of the movie on TV slowly pushes him towards slumber, only for a gentle kick to wake him. Kicchou cranes his neck til his eyes catch your face smiling down at him and his heart skips a beat.

However, the one topic in conversation you had with your relative never really left your mind, unlike the rest of the day, it stuck after you got home, at the time it didn't mean much, it hasn't been dissected and thought out to the point that you don't recall your reply.

(``How have you and your husband been?``

``Husband?`` Since when did you have a husband? Your confused stare was met with the still curious expression of the woman.

``Yes, that nice man with the textured hair! And what's with that stare you're giving me? Still not used to being a family? Fu-fuh!`` Their entertained eyes light up with the tease. )

Now that you think about it, sure you've been living with him for nearly eight years and sometimes go overboard with your affections and sleep in the same bed as him, as well as have a baby together but he never formally asked you out. Going out and spending time together as friends rather than partners is different from dates.

These thoughts linger for a few days as your quiet demeanor attracts minor attention from Kicchou, curious side eyes during the day and the firm hold around your waist during the night meet you because of it, his concern holds out until you're finally ready to bring up the topic. You thank his understanding self.

It was morning, about nine AM, you held hot chocolate milk while standing on the right side of the baby's high chair, not paying attention to the mess the babe made on the small table. Oftentimes you can't stomach breakfast unlike Kicchou, who now sat and enjoyed the leftovers from dinner, spicy roasted chicken legs left their evidence on his face and fingers. It made you smile and gave you confidence in the question you were going to ask.

``Say... Kicchou?``

A light hum gives you a hint that he is paying attention to your question despite not meeting your gaze.

``We...`` your ears brighten up in fright as you await his response when suddenly his index fingers covered in spicy sauce point in your direction and his chewing stops.

``... Are we... Dating?`` Your eyes glance in his direction when he freezes in the middle of a bite, shoulders hunched with nimble fingers in the air and the chicken on the plate. His eyes, full of indescribable confusion suddenly widen as his eyebrows raise, along with his posture. His pause gives way to concern... What if... You are not his best friend...? Are you... With him? The silence is deafening as you think about the moments when both of you crossed the line that friends should not have crossed, the moments that you hold close to your heart, that's swiftly beating against your ribcage. It's the only noise you hear besides the chaos of the child next to you in this stillness. You try to not let the anxiety show.

You fail.

``We just bros.``

He hit his chest with the fist multiple, being mindful of the spice before peace signing you.

``Hm, C'mere.`` Despite the demand Kicchou sent your way, he got up with heavy steps, only coming closer to your now-shy self who hadn't moved since the crucial question was dropped.

``...Bros?`` You look at the grown man before you and then at the babe next to you who similarly looks your way with big eyes and messy mouth, paying attention to your conversation and shoving whatever food was left on their table in their tiny jaws without understanding a word, yet their eyes understand the implication, it is kind of embarrassing having someone else experience this conversation, even if they are a cute little screaming and crying creature you gave birth to.

Your heart is beating in confusion this time.

It wasn't until he was all up in your face that his mouth finally laid over yours, the spices burned as hot as his affectionate action, clinging onto your swelled mouth as you took in his soft and plump lips. A moment of love was short, yet it's impact far greater.

As his lips drifted away from yours, all the doubts that survived finally followed after him only to not withstand the spice.

It was a silly answer to a silly question you always knew the answer to, he knows it too, can feel it throughout the day and practice, it's something that lives in the heavy basketball his hands carry, something that your core can provide when the object can't and it put you to rest, he loves you as he loves basketball, so you love him in a way basketball can't. It's an addiction that does not cause harm, only fondness, and he will never need a cure for it.

It's a satisfying step in your relationship. It's how it's supposed to be.

``Can you leave some chicken for me?``

``... No.``

[theriverbeyond]

btw. the unwanted guest gave me a brain disease.

[keep-writing]

it's kinda insane how I started watching haikyuu after years of procrastinating, just as something that can take my mind off while I'm on writing breaks, and now it has become such a core part of my life that I get my inspiration and motivation from them. Watch haikyuu, it's not just therapy, it will kick your ass towards your passion and dreams.

[marcobodtlives]

[confusedpandabear]

kageyachi first time would be so adorably awkward... kageyama being sweet and gentle and reassuring, even though he's nervous af, he just wants it to be perfect - and yachi notices his nervousness - endeared by it - she tells him to lay on his back, takes control and rides hi- [GUNSHOT]

Where Yachi had levelled out at fifteen or sixteen, Kageyama was still having growth spurts well past his eighteenth birthday, skimming then suppressing six feet in a span of a few of months.  The perfect height for a setter, she would tell him, craning her neck up to get a better look at his blushing face, the top of her head barely brushing his shoulders.  It was perverse, but Kageyama liked how small Yachi was in comparison to him. How she looked light and manoeuvrable enough to have her in any which way he’d like, given the chance.  But when they start dating (finally) and start being intimate (finally) their first time is not quite what he expects. It was as if he’d only just realised just how large his hands were, now that they were against her naked skin, and how her slight curves barely filled the palms of them. Suddenly, she is something that is fragile, something he can break, and she is someone that he never wants to hurt, so he is nervous, he is reassuring—to her as much to himself—until Yachi tells him to lie on his back and takes him in her hand, the span of her fingers not meeting as she wraps them around the length of him. “It’s ok, Tobio,” she said, with a saccherine smile. “Just sit back and enjoy the ride.”

Look at anon, out here making me write KageYachi in 2024 😉