Disclaimer: I do not own anything from Free! Iwatobi Swim Club
[L/N] [name] was a bright young girl who was extremely outgoing and loud.
Keyword: was
She will never be quiet whenever she was out with her friends; and definitely never quiet when it comes to playing her favourite sports; volleyball. She has dark brown hair that reached just the middle of her back, and a pair of light blue ocean eyes.
But the [name] now, was all quiet and reserved. People often wonder what she's thinking; and the moment they look into her light blue ocean eyes; they get lost in them. Her eyes never truly showed her emotions; they never once shed tears in front of anybody. She kept most of her emotions to herself, hardly communicating much with the people around her.
She is captain and also ace of the volleyball team in Iwatobi High School, playing the position of middle blocker; but she hardly converses much with her teammates, yet she has the greatest bond with them the moment she plays on court. She is extremely different when it comes to being on court and off. When she's on court, anybody could see that she was happy. But the moment she was off, she became the girl that hides her emotions; the loner kind of girl. Yet, her teammates didn't force her to open up. Not because they were scared of her; but because they respected her enough to give her the desired personal space she ever so wanted. The ones who are currently in their third years; the same as [name], had admired her the moment they joined the volleyball team when they were back in their first year of High School; whereas the current first and second years had admired her ever since they joined the volleyball team as well; for reasons that [name] clearly didn't know at all.
Not realising that there was a reason why [name] acts in this particular way.
And today, her teacher advisor had insisted for her to bring her teammates for a visit to Samezuka Academy's volleyball court; for their coach was there, coaching the volleyball team from that Academy. [name] wore an emotionless expression as she continued to listen to her teacher advisor's words about how great Samezuka Academy's sports facilities were.
"[L/N]-senpai! Everybody is here already!" Hinami; a first year with dark blue hair and a pair of dark green eyes who played the position of wing spiker, spoke. Whenever [name] spoke, Hinami's eyes will always be filled with admiration and respect for her captain; for what reason that [name] deserves this, was unknown to her. [name] nodded in response, still with an emotionless expression on her face as she turned to board the bus that was behind her the entire time.
[name] settled herself right at the front seat, and soon everybody took their seats in the bus. That's when [name] noticed that their team's setter, and also vice-captain; was seated beside her: Rumiko. Rumiko has dark red coloured hair, with a pair of magenta coloured eyes; which [name] actually found it fascinating as it Rumiko's hair colour and eyes complimented each other.
"Want some?" Rumiko asked as she held out some pocky. [name] then took one and nodded her head slightly; for that was her form of saying thank you, which Rumiko and the team was definitely used to it; for they knew [name] HARDLY speaks. Even if she did, it will only be before the start of a match; and during the match when she gives out some instructions, and of course; when she tries to encourage her teammates. Other than that, when they're off court; they hardly hear [name]'s voice or laughter. Not even a giggle could be heard.
[name] munched on that single pocky stick for a good minute; and Rumiko was wondering how can someone eat a single pocky stick for that long? Well, it is [name] after all. Rumiko then shrugged her shoulders as she smiled wide and handed [name] another pocky stick; and [name] gladly accepted it. Knowing [name] ever since the first year of school; Rumiko knows when [name] was hungry.
"[L/N]-senpai!" a voice was heard from just behind [name]; and she tilted her head upwards and noticed their team's libero was speaking to her. Emi, the second year libero; has black hair with a pair of dark blue ocean eyes that was just the opposite of [name]'s. Her eyes always showed what she truly feels; but only [name] could tell. Which was what Emi really admired about [name].
"[L/N]-senpai, do you think that coach will make us play with the Samezuka Academy's volleyball team?" Emi asked with excitement, and [name] only shook her head in response to her question, causing her to pout at the answer that [name] had given.
"Come on Emi-chan, I believe [name] was just shaking her head in response to your excitement." The third year wing spiker spoke; Miranda. Miranda has dark green hair with a pair of light green eyes; which often sparkle whenever she sees something that she truly adores.
"I hope you're right, Mira-senpai." Hinami spoke out as she pouts slightly as she was thinking that maybe the coach was just going to make them do physical workouts instead of letting them play against an all boys' team.
"Don't get all so gloomy, Hinami." Yuri, a third year middle blocker with dark purple hair and a pair of black eyes spoke as she ruffled Hinami's hair with her free hand; her other hand was trying to reach for the pocky which Rumiko was holding out for them.
[name] then realised something and she stood up slightly and turned her body carefully as the bus was moving. She then placed her knee onto her seat and looked behind; realising that she didn't need to be worried in the first place.
The team's first year setter as well as pinch server; Yumi, who has dark brown hair and dark ocean blue eyes was asleep. Along with the team's second year wing spiker; Rima, who has dark blonde hair with a pair of brown eyes. The team's second year middle blocker; Seirin, who has light purple hair with a pair of violet eyes; was seen trying to support Yumi and Rima who were both leaning on her shoulders, fast asleep.
[name] then turned around once more and sat back down; not realising that her team was smiling at her the whole time. Rumiko then handed her somemore pocky and [name] gladly accepted it as she watched the view from the bus window.
"Great… Now what?" Miranda mumbled out as the group of volleyball players stood in the middle of nowhere in Samezuka Academy. The bus had dropped them off at least 20 minutes ago, and they were still at the same spot at where the bus had left them. They were, lost.
[name] shrugged her shoulders as she hoister her sports bag up upon her shoulder and gripped onto the strap, making her way towards some buildings that was ahead of them; the rest of the team soon followed suite. The volleyball players soon spotted students coming out from within the buildings, and the girls face lit up; well except for [name] that is.
Emi and Rumiko immediately made a dash towards the group of students, and the rest of the volleyball players soon caught up with them as Emi and Rumiko were asking for directions to the indoor sports hall of the academy.
"You'll just have to w-." and the boy stopped in his sentence the moment [name] came into his view. He stared at her, a blush on his face; and [name] looked at him with an emotionless expression as usual. The girls then giggled at the boy's reaction, as well as his friends' reaction. Why? Apparently they stared into [name]'s eyes, and now they're charmed by it.
"You were saying?" Emi spoke, and the boy snapped out of his thoughts and just pointed towards a building that clearly did look like a sports complex. The girls then thanked him and bowed; and [name] bowed slightly as she and her teammates made their way towards the building that the boy had pointed out.
"Her eyes!"
And a certain [name] sneezed, causing her team to giggle at her cute sneeze.
"What…" [name] thought to herself as she noticed her teammates stopping in their tracks right after entering the building. [name] then sighed as she made her way to the front; only to be greeted by the air filled with the smell of chlorine; and the sounds of water splashing. She then looked around and realised that the student had directed them to the wrong building; they had ended up in the indoor swimming pool of Samezuka Academy.
"MOMO! YOUR TIME ISN'T IMPROVING!" a muscular young man with semi-long, maroon colored hair with a pair of red eyes and shark-like teeth yelled out; [name] then assumed he was the captain of the swim team.
"Matsuoka Rin! Did you invite guests? And they're all girls too!" a tall, muscular young man with short, slicked back, tousled, bright red hair and golden eyes; and a rather dark complexion yelled from the second level in the indoor swimming pool. The whole team of swimmers then turned to look at the group of girls who were frozen solid; rooted to the ground, near the entrance.
"So, what brings you to our indoor swimming pool?" Rin asked as he made his way towards the group of volleyball players. The first and second years immediately hid behind the third years back; causing Rin to smirk at the scene before him;
"Don't worry, I'm not into girls."
"He's right." The same voice sounded, and that's when [name] noticed the bright red head was making his way towards where the team was standing.
"Captain." Rin spoke out in acknowledgement. The red haired then placed Rin in a headlock and nudged his head with his fist, drilling it somewhat into his head as he spoke out with a chuckle;
"Stop with the captain! You're the captain now, I've already graduated. How many times do I have to tell you to call me Seijuro!" Seijuro chuckled out as he continued to mess with Rin. [name] then felt a pair of eyes staring at her, and she immediately turned her head towards the left; her pair of light ocean blue eyes met with a pair of teal eyes. [name] then noticed it was a tall, muscular young man with short, dark brown hair and his eyes were droopy. She then gave a slight nod to acknowledge his presence and he too gave a slight nod as well.
"He looks hot." Rumiko whispered to [name], who just simply ignored it.
"GOOD JOB EVERYONE, GO AND GET SOME REST. TRAINING IS OVER." Rin yelled out, and almost immediately did the swimming pool cleared out.
"RIN-SENPAI! ARE WE STILL GOING TO IWATOBI HIGH? ARE WE?" a younger version of Seijuro yelled out as he ran towards where Rin stood with the others.
"Momo, don't run." The teal eyed man spoke as he made his way towards where the girls were standing as well.
"G-Gomen, Yamazaki-senpai." Momo spoke out, and his eyes almost lit up instantly when he spotted Hinami hiding behind [name]. He then ran up towards [name] and tilted his body to the side to get a better view of Hinami, who was shrinking slightly due to the excitement that Momo was showing.
"You're cute!" Momo yelled out, and Hinami tightened her hold onto [name]'s hips. [name] winced slightly at Hinami's strong grip and turned her head slightly to look at Hinami; who realised what she was doing and quickly loosened her hips. [name] then turned to look back in front.
"I'm Matsuoka Rin, the captain of Samezuka Academy swim team." Rin spoke as he shook hands with Rumiko.
"I'm Sasaki Rumiko, vice-captain of Iwatobi High's volleyball team." Rumiko responded.
"Iwatobi High? Then you must know the swim club!" Seijuro called out, and Rumiko nodded in response.
"But what's the volleyball team doing here?" Yamazaki asked as he continued to look in [name]'s direction.
"Forgive Sosuke. He always speaks in a manner like as if he doesn't want you around." Rin explained, and Rumiko waved it off.
"We're here because our coach told us to meet him in the indoor sports hall of Samezuka Academy, and we were pointed to this building by one of the students here." Rumiko explained, and Rin raised an eyebrow;
"Then, where's your captain?"
"Our captain? She's over there." And Rumiko pointed towards [name] who was busy dealing with Momo's excitement and Hinami's shyness. [name] then looked over and nodded slightly at Rin, acknowledging his presence. Rin then frowned slightly and then he noticed a girl walking towards them;
"Don't let it get to you. Our captain hardly speaks off the court. I'm Miranda by the way, third year." Miranda spoke as she shook Rin's hand.
"I see. Well, if you girls could wait while we head for a shower; we could bring you girls to the indoor sports hall." Rin explained, and both Rumiko and Miranda gladly accepted his offer. Rin and Sosuke then made their way towards where Momo was, and Rin immediately grabbed him by his head and dragged him off.
"So… What's your captain's name?" Sosuke asked the first year volleyball players; to lighten up the awkward atmosphere around them. Yumi then squealed silently whereas Hinami was giggling to herself; Sosuke then turned flustered and kept quiet then.
"Her name is [L/N] [name]." Hinami spoke after giggling for a good minute.
"Why are you giggling?"
"Because you're struck by her eyes, weren't you; Yamazaki-san." Yumi spoke as she stared at him.
"YOU'RE LATE!" a voice boomed through everybody's ears, and the girls soon giggled as they realised that they had reached the indoor sports hall. [name] was the first to go in; and almost immediately she got yelled at.
"You're all laughing when your captain gets yelled at?" Rin asked as only [name] had entered the indoor sports hall, and she was the only one being yelled at. Miranda then placed a finger on her lips and giggled some more. That's when Rin, Sosuke and Momo realised that it was too quiet.
Too… Quiet…
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"We can go in now." Rumiko spoke up as she saw [name] gesturing towards them to enter the indoor sports hall. The coach was seen to have a guilty smile on his face, and the girls giggled at it for they knew that [name] was definitely lecturing him about not giving them to specific directions to get to the indoor sports hall. They then noticed [name] was putting on her kneepads and elbow sleeves, and also tying her hair. They then cheered as they realised that they were going to be playing a game, and they too quickly placed their belongings by the side and geared up…
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"Let's warm up!" [name] called out, and almost immediately did Rin, Sosuke and Momo's eyes widened in surprise as that was the first time [name] had spoken.
"Yes, captain!" the team called out in an enthusiastic manner, and Rin sighed.
"Didn't know she's such a good captain."
"Rin-senpai! Yamazaki-senpai! Are we going to wait for them to finish their game then we head over to meet up with the Iwatobi Swim Team?" Momo asked, and Rin nodded in response; whereas Sosuke was watching [name] warming up.
"[name], come here." The coach called out, and the moment [name] was done stretching, she jogged up towards where her coach seated. He then spoke to [name] in a soft voice, and [name] occasionally nodded. When he was done, [name] went to join back her teammates. She then looked around and noticed that Samezuka Academy boys' team was already set and ready to go; just waiting for them.
"We will play with our official set, which is; Rumiko, Miranda, Emi, Yuri, Rima, Hinami and me. Then in the middle we'll sub players; alright?" [name] explained, and the girls nodded. [name] then brought them into a huddle and…
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"I have faith in you girls! Remember, you have people to count on in every court that you're going to play in! It's not a matter of winning or losing. The team with the stronger bond will have…" [name] trailed off...
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"MORE FUN!" the girls yelled out, and they all immediately got into position.
"Woah, that was motivational." Rin commented, and Sosuke nodded in response.
"Three blockers!" the boys yelled out, and almost instantly did three blockers came up to block [name]. Rumiko then tossed to [name] as she sensed the vibe that [name] was giving off; and [name] slammed the ball down, getting pass right through the blockers; earning a point.
"ACE!"
"Nice kill, captain!"
It was the second set, and the final for the girls; for the boys had lost to them in the first set with a score of 18 – 25; the second set was soon about to come to an end as the score was 18 – 23. The girls then rotated as they had scored a point, and the opponent had served previously. [name] ended up in the back, and it was her turn to serve. She bounced the ball slightly, and held it in her hands…
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"Before I throw the ball right into your face, stop staring at me." [name] snapped and glared at Sosuke, who was surprised at first; but his face soon softened and a smirk appeared on his face.
"Rin-senpai, I think Yamazaki-senpai is in love." Momo teased, and Rin nodded in response as he teased Sosuke as well. Whereas the girls giggled at [name]'s outburst, as they hardly see it happening off court.
"[name], nice serve!" and [name] served, which the ball dropped just before the outline.
"Out!"
"Match point!"
"Service ace!"
"[name], one more nice serve!" and [name] served.
"Nice receive!"
"Left!" and the boys' setter tossed to the right of [name]'s vision. [name] then noticed a hole in Hinami's block, and she signalled to Emi to position herself at her previous spot. [name] then quickly got behind Hinami, and sure enough the spike got through Hinami's block, but it did manage to hit her hands as well; causing it to be a one-touch.
"Nice one-touch!" [name] called out and received it nicely, passing it to Rumiko. [name] then returned to her position and started running forward from the backline as Miranda, Hinami and Yuri were running in the frontline…
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"ACE!"
"Iwatobi High wins!"
"Mou, [L/N]-senpai, you're not joining us?" Rima asked as she spotted [name] walking the opposite direction of where they were heading to. Apparently after that practice match, Rin, Sosuke, Momo and a boy called Ai were going to meet up with Iwatobi swim team for dinner; and they had invited the girls to come join as well; which they accepted except for [name]; much to the girls' disappointment.
[name] then walked towards where Rima stood with the other girls, and she ruffled Rima's hair slightly. She then looked at the rest of the girls;
"Gomen, I can't today. See you girls on Monday." [name] spoke out in a voice loud enough for the girls to hear. She then turned to walk away, down the now empty streets of Iwatobi.
The girls then turned and went to join up with the boys from Samezuka Academy, and Rin raised an eyebrow as he realised [name] wasn't around;
"What about [name]?"
"She has to go to work." Rumiko explained as they started to walk down the street towards the food stall that the Iwatobi swim team boys were waiting at.
"Work?"
"[name] lives on her own."
[name] quickly rushed out of her house and jogged down the streets as she made her way towards her workplace. She was working part time at a particular food stall, the pay was low; but at least she was able to pay off the bills that was necessary. [name] then quickly entered the food stall, and stopped in her tracks when she realised the whole volleyball team was there; along with the swim boys from both schools. [name] inwardly cursed as her face remained emotionless.
"Ah, [name]! You're here already! Come on, we've quite a crowd!" the head chef called out, and [name] nodded in response as she quickly made her way into the kitchen and prep herself. The head chef then shook his head and smiled, he then turned to face the group of high schoolers and spoke;
"Beautiful, isn't she? Too bad she's all quiet; maybe that's why she doesn't have much interest in love life." The head chef spoke and then chuckled when Rumiko supported his assumption.
"Woah, [name] cooked this?" Makoto asked as he continued to take bites out of his food. The head chef nodded in response, and was extremely proud to see that they were enjoying the food that [name] had cooked for them.
"It's sad though." The head chef suddenly spoke out, and everybody listened;
"She used to be a bright young girl, who was loud and outgoing. Now look at her, ever since that incident; she's completely changed." The head chef sighed as he straightened his back and got back to work.
"Come to think of it, I've never heard [name]-chan laugh." Nagisa spoke as he continued to take bites out of his food.
Everybody was enjoying their food, whereas Sosuke had a certain light ocean blue eyed girl stuck in his head.
"[name], we're heading home! Don't overwork yourself!" Rumiko yelled out from the front, and [name] looked up and waved her hand, getting back to work. Rumiko then shook her head with a soft smile on her face as she exited the stall.
"Alright, we're heading back already." Rin spoke.
"You guys go ahead." Sosuke spoke all of a sudden, and Rin smirked.
Leaving everybody else in confusion.
"Great work, [name]! Time for you to head home! Be careful alright, I heard that a thunderstorm is about to come." The head chef called out and [name] nodded in response as she removed her apron and grabbed hold of her belongings; and then exiting the stall. She stepped out and placed her hand out, palm facing upwards. It was raining. [name] mentally sighed as she prepared herself to run home, when she realised someone was beside her; holding an umbrella above her head. She turned and was surprised to see that Sosuke was there.
"You work till this late?" Sosuke asked as he realised [name] was staring at him the entire time. [name] nodded her head in response and Sosuke sighed in returned. So much for waiting for her to knock off from work; only to receive the same treatment over and over again. He then turned to look at [name], who was looking up at the sky; he honestly couldn't tell what was going on in her head.
"I'll walk you home." And [name] nodded slightly; which Sosuke assumed that it was her way of saying thank you.
The walk home was extremely awkward for Yamazaki Sosuke. He had no idea how to deal with [name]; heck, he has never felt this way about a girl before. The moment he locked eye contact with [name]'s light ocean blue eyes; a spark went off in him, and he can't seem to shake her off his mind. [name] was being all quiet, and that caused Sosuke to remember what the head chef had said; she used to be an outgoing and loud girl. What happened?
Soon [name] came to a stop in front of her house, and she turned to look at Sosuke. She looked at him from head to toe, and quickly looked forward; unlocking the front door of her house. Sosuke gave her a questioning look behind her back, as she opened the front door. She then stepped in, and Sosuke took this as a signal to turn and leave; when he felt [name] grabbed him by the sleeve of his long sleeved shirt. She then tugged him slightly, and Sosuke understood what she wanted. He then turned and entered her house, removing his shoes. [name] then ushered him, still with an emotionless expression on her face; into her living room and made him sit down on the sofa. Sosuke then stared at her in confusion as she turned and walked up the stairs of her house.
"What's up with her?" Sosuke asked himself as he looked around her house. It was extremely neat and tidy, with books placed in the shelves; photo frames lined up on some shelves as well. Sosuke then stood up and headed to take a look at the photo frames; he then held one in his hands as he realised it was a family photo of [name]'s family;
There were her parents, [name]; and a man that looked like [name].
Sosuke soon heard footsteps descending the stairs, and he turned to look that [name] was just behind him. She then grabbed hold of the photo frame from his hands gently, and placed it back into its original place back on the shelf. She then ushered a towel and a set of clothes into his arms; and that's when Sosuke realised that his body was somewhat drenched from the rain.
"Go and take a shower." [name] mumbled out loud enough for Sosuke to hear.
Sosuke came out from the shower with the towel over his shoulder as he ruffled his hair with it to dry it quickly; his own set of clothes folded neatly, resting on the palm of his hands. He then descended down the stairs and realised [name] wasn't in the living room; he then proceeded to enter the kitchen, and spotted her making some hot tea. Sosuke then admired her for a little while before he realised a calendar was beside him; with lots of markings on it. He then took a look at it and frowned as he looked at her schedule for tomorrow.
Death anniversary of dad, mum and nii-chan.
Sosuke then felt a presence next to him, and he turned to look at [name] who was holding up a cup of hot tea for him; which he gladly accepted it. She then grabbed hold of Sosuke's clothes without warning and headed into the laundry room to place it into the washing machine as she realised there was some mud stains on his pants. Sosuke then made his way towards the living room, and settled himself onto the sofa while sipping the cup of hot tea.
A strike of lightning and the loud crashing of thunder was soon sounded;
*CRASH*
And Sosuke leapt up from his seat and ran into the kitchen to see [name] squatting down and picking up her now broken teacup with slightly shaky hands; but still with that emotionless expression on her face. Sosuke sighed and ran a hand through his hair as he squatted down as well and helped [name].
"The s-storm isn't going to cease anytime soon." [name] stuttered out, and she was surprised by it as well; but her face didn't show as she continued to pick up the broken shards of glass. Sosuke was also taken aback by her stutter, and he continued to help her;
"Yeah. It's going to last the night I assume." And silence was what greeted him…
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"Stay the night then. I've an extra room." [name] mumbled out as she stood up and went to throw away the broken shards of glass. [name] then came out after cleaning up, and she showed Sosuke to the extra room she had in the house.
"Thank you." Sosuke spoke with gentleness, and [name] only nodded in response. [name] then shut the door as she leaves; and Sosuke sighed the moment the door was completely closed. He then switched off the lights and laid in the bed; getting out his phone and texting Rin that he wouldn't be going back to the dormitory for the night due to the storm.
Sosuke then tossed and turned in bed as he thought about [name];
"She must have gone through something terrible." Sosuke mumbled out as he shut his eyes.