Here's the promised training camp chapter.
Enjoy!
"Sagae-kun! Are those water bottles empty?"
The said dark-haired boy (who is currently busy wiping the sweat on the gym's wooden floor) turned to the voice in surprise. Upon seeing the face of the one and only Hinata Shouyou, he blushed lightly, feeling shy all of a sudden.
He, like the girl, is currently assisting on the first year's intensive training camp being held in Shiratorizawa that year. When he and his friend Akakura (who is a first year reserved player like him) were told that a girl or more specifically Karasuno's number 10 will be joining them on assisting the other trainees, they couldn't believe their ears. They thought it was a joke at first that one of the main players who defeated their team will not be allowed to play in the games, but when she started doing her role as the ball girl, they asked no more questions.
Realizing that the girl is waiting for his answer, he immediately opened his mouth to speak. "Y-yeah. I was about to fill them in-"
"Let me take care of it!" before he can even let out a word, the gingerhead already got the container full of empty water bottles. "You and Akakura-kun already mopped the floor earlier, so both of you should rest for now."
"It's okay Hinata-chan, we can still do it. You should be the one resting." Akakura said shyly, trying to persuade the girl who only shook her head.
"I still have lots of energy to spare, so this would not be problem." She then gestured to the nearby bench. "I also bought some meat buns for you two and you can eat those if you want. Just take a break and don't tire yourself too much, okay?" She then gave them a bright smile before walking away.
The two first years were left staring at her back, very flustered. It took a while before they're able to speak.
"So... is this what having a manager feels like?" Sagae said before sighing dreamily.
"It is initially us doing that job for Ushijima-san and the others, and it's been a long time since someone took care of me like that on a team. I definitely can get used to this." Akakura added, a smile gracing on his lips.
"Yeah. And she's so sweet and cute! Damn, Karasuno's so lucky to have her on their team! If I have a teammate like that, I wouldn't mind going to practice everyday."
"I know, right? She's an eye-candy."
"Hey, do you think she has a boyfriend? Do you think she'll agree if I-"
"Oi."
A voice from behind them made both first years froze in alarm and slowly, they turned around.
The tall, blonde middle blocker from Karasuno (whose name they heard is Tsukishima Kei and the one who stuffed Ushiwaka in the finals) is looking at them with an annoyed expression on his face, the sharp look on his eyes bringing chills down their spine.
It is definitely clear that he heard what they're talking about.
"First of all, she's a volleyball player, not a manager." he started off with a cold tone.
The two first years gulped.
"And second, she's attending here to improve her volleyball skills, not to date someone. So," he took a step forward, staring down at the two first years who are slightly shorter than him. "If you're planning to ask her out, don't bother. Unless you want to get ravaged by our senpais. I'm just saving your lives."
"Y-yes, sir..."
The megane turned around without another word, leaving the two Shiratorizawa freshmen trembling in fright.
Tsukishima Kei doesn't usually care about other people's business, unless it has something to do with him. This issue wasn't even about him in the first place, but well, he can't stop himself from interfering when he heard what the Shiratorizawa boys are talking about. And remembering the cause of this all, he clicked his tounge in irritation.
That idiot.
Apparently, his female teammate suddenly appeared on the morning of their first day even though she is uninvited. It surprised not only him but the other first years and coaches as well, and when they all thought that she was about to sent home, they let her stay. And though she was not allowed to participate in any of the exercises, Coach Washijou still allowed her to observe the games in exchange of being the ball girl/manager.
Things were awkward at first since most of the male players doesn't know how or is to shy to talk to the girl because 'hey, it's Karasuno's number 10' and 'she's so cute' . However, since Hinata is Karasuno's ball of sunshine who can easily start a conversation with anyone, it's not a surprise that in just a few hours, it's like she's already a part of their team.
Which, brought him some problems:
1. He can't stop the irritation bubbling inside him everytime she interacted with some of the boys who are obviously mesmerized by her. And the idiot is oblivious to it and it's giving him a terrible headache. (it's not like he's jealous- no, not at all)
2. He was forced (?) to commute with her everyday to and from Shiratorizawa because apparently, they're from the same school and practice are always ending when it's already dark (his senpais will kill him if he will let her travel alone).
3. He's distracted while she's here.
He clicked his tongue again.
Out of all people, why does it have to be her?
"Hey, guys!" Koganegawa called in a loud voice. "This is gonna be over before we know it, so who wants to have a practice with me?"
"Not me." Tsukishima and Kunimi answered in unison while walking away, making Koganegawa stare at them with his mouth open.
"You're asking the wrong guys. I can help you if you want." Kindaichi volunteered, walking towards the tall Dateko setter.
"Me too. Can I practice my jump and blocks?" a first year from another school joined in. Soon, all the players who are interested for an extra hour of practice formed their own group.
"Is this going to be an open practice?" Karasuno's female middle blocker suddenly piped in, eyes filled with excitement. Koganegawa turned to her with a happy face.
"You're going to join us, Hinata-chan?"
"Not really. But I can be the ball girl for you guys if you want." she responded. She suddenly spotted Tsutomu walking away, and she immediately run up to him.
"Tsutomu-san! Aren't you going to practice?"
"Why do I have to-"
"Please show me those awesome straight of yours!" the gingerhead said with sparkling eyes, making the taller first year step back with a surprised expression.
"The blockers can't stop them even if they're looking out for it, you know? It was soooo amazing like whaamm! How can you even do that? You must be a genius or something!" the girl continued on praising while the poor Tsutomu can't help but just blush brightly, feeling so overwhelmed.
It's... it's been a long time since someone praised me like this! I was surrounded by my cold-hearted senpais for so long that I forgot this feeling of being... made a fuss off! And to top that, it's coming from a cute girl! I hate to admit it but she's so damn...cute!
"W-would you like to see my crosses too?" he suddenly asked shyly and the girl's eyes brightened more.
"I'd love to see that too!"
Around them, most of the boys watched the scene enviously.
W-wow... she really got him to agree. That's amazing. Kindaichi sweatdropped. But well, if it's me in his position, I'll say yes too.
Unconsciously manipulative, that girl. Kunimi thought warily. I better stay away...
"Oi." Tsukishima approached the girl, his brows twitching. "Are you really going to stay for extra hours of practice? We still have classes tomorrow, just in case you have forgotten."
"I'll just do it for one hour then I'll go home, promise." Hinata responded as she turned to him with her big, puppy eyes. "But if you really need to go home, you can go ahead and I'll understand. I'm really sorry, Tsukishima..."
The blonde just stared at her face with a conflicting look, before he scoffed and turned away. "Fine, I won't be practicing anymore but I'll just watch. I'll only give you one hour, got it?"
"Okay! Thanks, Tsukki!"
"...Please don't call me that."
It's the third day of the training camp when unexpected visitors came in.
"It's Ushijima-san!" Nagamatsu, a third year middle school student from Kousen Academy, exclaimed with admiration.
"It's really him in person. The real deal..." the freshmen libero from Hakusuikan High added.
"Shiratorizawa's third years agreed to have a practice match with you guys." Coach Saitou announced to the younger players who all just stared at the third years in mixed excitement and wary.
Hinata on the other hand, looked on enviously. A practice match with Ushiwaka!
Seeing a mop of orange hair, Tendou perked up and pointed at Hinata excitedly. "A wild, Karasuno number 10 has appeared!"
"Eh!"
"How about we play right now, huh? I know you're a girl and all, but I won't back down!"
Before the gingerhead can respond, Nagamatsu suddenly appeared behind Hinata. "Um, Hinata-chan, can you fill up the water bottles?"
"Oh, sure! Let me take care of it." the girl took the water bottles from the boy, bowed her head to the third years and scurried away. Ushijima and Tendou just gave her a questioning look.
When she came back to resume watching the ongoing match, the red-haired middle blocker approached her curiously.
"So, what's your deal? Aren't you gonna play?"
"... I was not invited to this camp."
"Eh? Then why are you here?"
"I came here on my own. I invited myself."
"W-what?!" Tendou gave her a look of disbelief before laughing very hard. "W-Wakatoshi-kun, did you hear that? Hahaha!"
Hinata's cheeks reddened in embarrassment but she did not say anything. Ushijima just stared at her face.
"... Stop teasing her, Tendou."
The third year middle blocker stopped laughing and just raised his brow at the ace, but did not say anything afterwards. For the next few minutes, the three of them continued on watching the matches, the girl's eyes becoming more calculating and focused as it goes on.
"...That look in her eyes is giving me the creeps." Tendou whispered to Ushijima, who glanced at the girl from the corner of his eyes.
"Yeah. I don't like it."
"Thank you for the games!"
"Thank you!"
"So we're really going to sleep here starting tonight, huh? I wonder what kind of food we're going to have."
"It's gonna be freezing in the sleeping quarters."
"Seriously?!"
"How about you, Hina-chan? Are you going to stay for the night too?" Sagae asked the decoy, who immediately shook her head.
"Nope, I'm still going home."
"Eh? But we finished practicing later than usual. Isn't it too dangerous for you to go home alone?"
From the side, the other first years stared at the girl in realization. Tsukishima in particular looked on with his brows furrowed. That's right... I won't be going home with her tonight.
"I'll be fine. Besides, my mom will not like it if I'll sleep on a training camp with no other girls around. It's inappropriate."
"Y-yeah, I guess you're right..." Sagae responded, embarrassed. "But still..."
"Don't worry, Sagae-kun! I'll be careful, okay? I'll be back again tomorrow." she gave him a bright smile which made the other boy blushing.
Coach Washijou just stared at the girl with a slight frown on his face, but he did not say anything. From the gym's door, Tendou turned to Ushijima, whispering.
"We have a girl's dormitory, don't we? I'm sure coach can ask someone to lend her a room since it's not full unlike the boys' quarters. Is he really going to let her go home alone at this time of night?"
"..."
"Anyways, I need to get going. Akakura-kun, please wear your jacket or you'll catch a cold."
"Yes, ma'm."
Hinata said goodbye to the other players, before finally turning to the coaches and bowing her head. "Thanks for today."
"Wait." Tsukishima called before she can even move towards the door. She turned to him confusedly as he stood in front of her.
"Make sure you head straight home and that you will avoid talking to suspicious people. Also, stay away from those dark streets and don't you dare stop by that park again to look at the kittens like what you've been doing this whole week, got it?"
The tiny middle blocker just blinked his eyes at him in slight surprise before she nodded her head. "S-sure. But honestly, you don't really need to tell me that because I already know. You're starting to sound like my mom."
"I'm just telling you to be careful. You're a natural trouble magnet and with the kind of head that you have, you would likely get yourself kidnapped."
"Wha- that's so mean! You don't have to say those words if you're worried, geez!"
"Who says I'm worried, shrimp?"
"I know you are. You're just shy to admit it, Tsukki."
"I told you not to call me that."
"Then don't call me shrimp."
"Ahem."
Both Karasuno players stopped bickering upon hearing Coach Saitou's interruption, and they both turned red upon realizing that everyone was actually staring at them.
They're arguing like a real couple. Tendou thought in amusement, watching their faces.
"Umm, sorry to interrupt but we'll be having a quick meeting." the coach announced.
Still wearing a red face, the gingerhead bowed her head towards the group for the last time before disappearing behind the gym's door.
"...Okay, so let's start." the glasses-wearing coach continued after a while as he turned to Coach Washijou. "Coach, if you will."
"We'll be discussing your training exercise for tomorrow." the old coach started. "But before that..."
"Wait up, chibi-chan!"
Hinata jolted in surprise upon hearing a familiar voice calling her name. She quicklly spun her head around to see Ushijima and Tendou heading towards her direction.
"Um... is there something you need?"
"We'll be walking you home."
She blinked. "Huh?"
"What Wakatoshi meant is that we'll walk you to the bus station." the guess monster elaborated. "Coach Washijou also told us to do it, so we're here."
"Eh? He did?" the gingerhead said, dumbfounded. She remembered how the coach used to ignore her existence despite the fact that he's letting her stay.
"He might look very scary, but that old man actually cares." Tendou went to her side as the three started walking. "Actually, the four-eyed teammate of yours volunteered for it, but they're on a meeting right now so he can't do it. And then Wakatoshi-kun here said that he'll do it, so I decided to come with him and here we are."
Hinata stared in surprise at the Shiratorizawa ace, who is wearing a nonchalant expression as always.
"T-thanks for that. And I'm sorry for bothering you both."
"No problem, chibi-chan."
"How about you guys? Are you on your way home too?"
"No. We're sleeping in the boy's dormitory." Ushijima answered, speaking at last.
"You have a dormitory?! Wow, that's Shiratorizawa for you." the girl exclaimed in awe. "How I wish we have that in Karasuno too..."
"Then you should have come to Shiratorizawa." the middle blocker joked, unknowingly quoting Ushijima's famous line for Oikawa.
"What? No way, I love being in Karasuno." the gingerhead immediately said, before suddenly turning red. "Um, sorry, I didn't mean to sound offensive but I really want to stay in Karasuno with my current teammates. And then we'll defeat your team again next year."
"You better say that to Tsutomu because we won't be here anymore next year." Tendou said amusedly, not even a bit offended.
"Yeah, that's right..." she then smiled sheepishly. "And besides, I heard that Shiratorizawa's entrance exam is so hard, so I'm not sure if I'm going to make it even if I tried."
"So you're stupid then."
"Yea-H-hey!" she exclaimed in an offended manner, and the red-haired guy just laughed even more.
Watching as the two started bickering back and forth, Ushijima just sighed, but remained unbothered.
As long as they won't start killing each other, he will not interfere.
She's staring at me.
Kunimi tried to ignore the look the gingerhead is giving him, but he's having a hard time doing so due to the intensity of her stare.
Actually, she's been doing that to every player in the room and Ushiwaka has been her favorite to watch so far, but today, it seems like he's her target. For people like him who's not fond of getting too much attention, it really bothers him. And also, it makes him feeling a little bit conscious.
It's a known fact among the players that one of the highlights of the training camp is the appearance of the one and only Hinata Shouyou.
Though unlike most of the boys, he's not bothering to start a conversation and the only word he said to her so far is 'thanks' whenever she's giving him a water bottle or a towel. Other than that, he's mostly just observing and based on what he's seen so far, he now understood how she managed to have Kageyama wrapped around her little fingers.
She's a natural charmer.
Just a few words or praise from her can make most of the boys feel giddy and even the stoic ones are not safe. Koganegawa and Kindaichi likes to be around her, and he noticed that Goshiki is always trying to impress her.
("That was an amazing spike, Goshiki-san!"
"O-of course! I'll be the next ace in the team so I'm naturally amazing!"
"Really? I'm aiming to be the ace too! I'll be working hard as well!"
"Well if you need any advice, just go to me. After all, I'll be surpassing Ushijima-san."
"Whooah!" )
He was also sure that her tall, blonde teammate might have a little crush on her. He is being so overprotective, though he's hiding it with his teasing and snarky remarks.
And now, he and the others watched as she tried to encourage (or as she said, lecture) the giant Hyakuzawa by mouthing praises to him. When the giant asked why she's doing this, her words brought chills down Kunimi's spine, and he saw the others having the same reaction.
"It's actually simple. I want to play and defeat you again."
That's why he doesn't know what to do when she suddenly approached him the next day during one of the breaks.
He waited warily as she gazed at him with wide curious eyes before she decided to speak.
"Kunimi-san, what comes through your mind when you're doing a receive?"
"Huh?" he responded in surprise, not expecting that she's going to ask him. That's the same question she asked Ushiwaka earlier.
He just stared at her with a frown on his face before sighing.
"Nothing much. I'm just thinking that 'if I messed up here, our team will lose a point'." he answered.
"I see..." the girl said with a thoughtful look.
"... Why are you even asking me this?"
"Oh! Sorry, I just noticed that your receive is very similar to Ushiwaka's."
He blinked his eyes. "Huh?" She noticed that? Though I never knew...
Hinata nodded her head and tried to immitate the receive with her arms. "Yeah, it's like this. It's very efficient and there are no wasted movements..."
"Okay..."
"I'll be learning how to do it too! Just watch me, I'll even surpass your technique!"
What technique is she talking about? "...Whatever."
Someone called Hinata's name from the court, and before going over there, she turned to him one last time and smiled brightly. He paused from his drink.
"Thanks, Kunimi-san! You're really a talented player."
Ah, so this what it feels when you're in the receiving end of that smile. He said to himself as he watched her back thoughtfully.
It's not that bad.
"Hinata."
The said girl spun her head towards the direction of the voice and saw Kindaichi approaching her.
"Yes?"
"..." The said boy just continued staring at her with a conflicting expression on his face.
"Nothing. Never mind."
"Hey, what is it?"
"... Is Kageyama doing fine?"
"Yeah, he is. Outside of tests, at least."
"Oh..."
"Why are you asking."
"... Because his style of game suddenly changed you know... I just want to know-"
"Ugh. Are you still clinging to that stuff back in middle school?" Kunimi suddenly piped in while frowning at his friend. "You already did your best."
"W-what? No, I'm just making some small talk..."
"Ah. Are you talking about how no one can hit his sets before?" Hinata asked in realization, and the two Seijo first years turned to her. "I think getting into fights with a teammate or friend is normal."
"Fights?" Kindaichi asked in confusion. He slightly blushed when the girl suddenly went closer to him, staring directly at his eyes.
"When you both can't agree on something, it's only a normal thing to fight." she said to him. "That's why Kageyama is just doing fine."
"Whatever, who cares about Kageyama anyway." Kunimi came up to them to turn Kindaichi around and push him forward. He looked at her face and stuck his tounge out teasingly. "And next time we play, we'll crush your team."
"Huh? No way! We're going to win!" the girl said indignantly, and the boy laughed softly at her cute expression.
"Um... and Hinata." Kindaichi said again, a bit shyly. "We- we'll see you later."
"Later."
"Hinata-chan!" Koganegawa suddenly appeared in between them, holding his phone. "Can I have your number?"
The girl just nodded her head. "Sure."
From the side, some of the first year players who are not yet leaving stared at the tall boy in awe and surprise. Even Kunimi and Kindaichi stopped walking.
"Wow, he really asked her!"
"I'll ask her too!"
Soon enough, it's time to go home and Hinata, who is walking beside Tsukishima, stared at her phone happily.
"Wow, I gained so many contacts today!"
"Yeah, right. You just gave your number to anyone who asked." Tsukishima commented.
"It's okay, they've all become my friends after all."
"Tch."
"...What's with that face? Don't tell me you're jealous, Tsukki."
"Hah? Why would I be?" the megane denied, his brows twitching. "And I've been telling you a lot of times. Don't call me that."
"Fine. I'm so sorry, Kei." she said in a sweet tone, all the while giving him a mischievous look.
And then before her eyes, a thing she thought was impossible has suddenly happened.
Upon hearing her words, Tsukishima stopped walking and turned to her with his mouth open. For the very first time, he was not able to think of the word to retaliate and instead, he just stared at her with a very red face.
"W-what did you just call me?" he responded after a while, still shocked.
"Eh?" Hinata was completely surprised by his reaction, but seeing how the boy reacted, she still can't help but smile teasingly. "Oh, is Saltyshima feeling shy whenever someone's calling him by his first name?"
"You..." Tsukishima tried to have the heat on his face simmer down a bit. "Don't... don't ever call my name with that kind of tone again. It's disturbing."
"What?!"
"It doesn't suit you. It's annoying. It makes you totally uncute."
She puffed her cheeks in indignation and gave him an irritated look. "Who are you to call someone uncute? As if you're cute!"
"For your information, many girls from our school beg to differ."
"For your information, some boys are also calling me cute!"
"Oh?" A tick mark appeared on Tsukishima's forehead. "As if I care. Then go talk to them if you want. Don't bother me."
"Fine!" the gingerhead said loudly as she hastened her pace to walk ahead of him. Tsukishima watched her crossing the street, and he frowned.
"Oi. Slow down, you idiot."
The gingerhead turn her head to stare at back at him. "Hah? I thought you said that I should not talk to you. Why should I-"
A loud beep and a sudden ray of light caught her attention and for a moment, she was frozen. A sudden shout of her name woke her up from her stupor, and she immediately stepped back to avoid the speeding car. Falling down on her bottom, she watched in a mute shock as the said car just sped away as if nothing has happened.
"Are you okay?!" Tsukishima was suddenly crouching beside her, checking her out.
"Y-yeah-" she felt a sudden pain on her hands and upon looking at her palms, they were bleeding. Since she used them as a support when she fell, both have grazes due to the impact. A sudden pool of tears prickled from her eyes and the boy suddenly looked at her in alarm and concern.
"You idiot... stop crying." He helped her stood up and guided her as they both sat on the side of the road. "Is your leg hurting?"
"No." the girl shook her head and tried to wipe the tears from her eyes, but the blonde suddenly held her hands. Hinata watched as the said boy carefully put bandages on her wounded palms (luckily, he had some on his bag).
"Seriously, be careful next time will you? Who in their right mind will suddenly cross the street without looking?" Tsukishima reprimanded as he finished wrapping it up. The girl quickly wiped her tears.
"I'm sorry, Tsukishima."
He watched her apologetic expression for a moment and then he sighed. His expression softens. "Just please don't run away from me again."
They resumed walking home and watching her from the side carefully, Tsukishima tried to calm his heart that was beating so fast just earlier.
Seriously. She's going to be the death of me.
Extra:
"Are you sure you don't want to ask for Ushijima-san's advice? You'll never know when he'll visit again." Shirabu turned to Goshiki after watching the Karasuno girl approached their ace.
"What? Me, going to ask for a rival's advice? I would never-" Goshiki stopped speaking upon seeing the second year setter's expression.
Geez. If only looks could kill... Semi thought warily.
"Well, when it comes to taking an initiative, you're definitely lagging behind your crush." Shirabu continued.
The first year jolted upon hearing those words, and a sudden realization came to him. He's right. I need to learn things from Ushijima-san. I'm really falling behind-
He stopped and suddenly turned red. With an unbelievable expression, he stared at his senpai. "C-crush?"
"Do you think I wouldn't notice? You're trying to impress her all day." Shirabu deadpanned. Beside him, Taichi cursed.
"Damnit, Shirabu! I thought we're going to pretend we didn't see that!"
"Huh? When did we talked about that?"
"You-you're wrong!" Goshiki denied, flustered. "I'm not... I don't... Ushijima-san!" he suddenly turned away from them and run towards the third years.
"...Now you've done it, Shirabu. I bet he didn't even know he has a crush."
"...Let him be."
And that's the end of the chapter (*sigh in relief).
I kinda need to squeeze the entire training camp arc into just one chapter, so it's a bit hard and some events might have been shuffled a bit. But anyways, I'm so glad that I managed to complete this chapter despite the busy things happening in my life now (Christmas parties, work, work, work) and I'm so happy for the reviews and kudos this story has received last time. Really guys, thank you so much.
See you on the next chap! Sayonara! And advanced Happy Holidays!
P.S. That thing with Goshiki just crossed my mind, but it's not a major pairing. Just a tiny, little crush, nothing more. :-D