"We're almost there, right?" Mina was yawning uncontrollably for the last fifteen minutes, regardless of the fact she slept for the majority of the drive. It was almost seven am, and the sun was already in its full glory, shining through the glass windows. Sugawara was scribbling away in a notebook beside her when he responded to the same question he had heard for the sixth time in an hour.
"Yes, we should be there in ten minutes or less."
"Ugh. My body is cramping." Mina attempted to stretch out her legs to awaken her muscles but was restricted by the small amount of space. "What have you been doing anyway? Give me attention." She leaned to the right to peer down at the sheet, but he was quick to close the notebook.
"You'll find out when I'm done. I just have some ideas I'd like to try out." The silver-haired boy exhibited bashfulness, which was something his best friend was not used to.
"Ko, stop hiding things from me. I thought we were best friends." There she went, whining noisily as she tugged on his arm.
The vice-captain quickly covered her mouth, as she was beginning to wake the others. But it was too late.
Daichi slowly rose from his seat, with a terrifying expression etched into his features. His scowl was aimed directly at Mina, who squeaked involuntarily.
"Saito, what did Coach tell you last time about controlling yourself? Did you forget it already? If you have, I will gladly remind you."
The brunette blinked at him, then began shaking her head. Daichi could be incredibly intimidating, she had seen his anger directed at the first years before, but it was much worse when you were the recipient of his irritation.
She remained silent for the remainder of the drive, fearful that she would be scolded once again. For someone who was struggling to contain her yawns, she was buzzing with energy. When the bus was brought to a stop, Coach Ukai and Professor Takeda both delivered a speech. Mina bottled it down into: blah blah blah good behaviour, blah blah blah do your best. What would they do anyway? Steal volleyballs and run around naked? Well… She could totally see Noya and Tanaka doing something along those lines.
The second Mina exited the bus, she heard a familiar voice beckon her over.
"Hey hey hey!" The Fukurodani ace was bouncing on the spot and waving his hands in the air enthusiastically. Beside him, Akaashi wore a dim smile – which was a rare sight.
"So, you decided to come back after all." The ace commented, alluding to what transpired last time.
"Yeah, I wasn't being serious when I made those comments. I just wanted to shut Kuroo up." Since it was only the three of them, she was able, to be honest. That being said, she was slightly embarrassed by her immature actions.
"You're wearing your ribbon again, though." Akaashi raised an eyebrow at the girl, which only made her embarrassment increase.
He's calling me out for being a weakling, she realized while sinking her head, hiding her face with her bangs. If he knew the reason why I had to wear it now, he'd think I was crazy.
"Yeah, why shouldn't she? It's her style. I can respect her sticking it to the big guy." Bokuto folded his arms over his chest, then nodded to signal to her that he was on her side.
A mix between a sigh and a grunt sounded within the setter's throat at his team-mate's response.
"That's not what I meant, Bokuto. I meant he'd tease her again and she'd be upset."
Oh, that's what he meant, the brunette noted mentally, relieved that her new friends would not look down at her.
"Oh ho. Look who it is." The Nekoma captain appeared behind Mina with his arms folded behind his neck, and a grin plastered to his face. "Welcome back, bunny."
"See. What did I tell you?" The Fukurodani setter mumbled to his team-mate. But Bokuto was only partially listening.
"Awe yeah! The practice team is back together!" His voice had startled those nearby, earning the Ace multiple confused expressions.
Karasuno did not win a single match on the first day, but Mina, Yachi and Kiyoko strived to keep their spirits up for the boys. During every penalty lap, Mina would scream out affectionate expressions to each player that passed by, embarrassing most of them, except for Tsukishima who had given her a death glare in response. When they were running a penalty lap after their final match against Nekoma, Kuroo suddenly popped up behind her.
"Wow, you make losing look appealing." He had meant to spook Mina, but instead, his presence had sent Yachi into a crisis. The small blonde shuffled to the opposite side, away from the male who was towering over her seconds prior.
"Great you scared her!" Mina blew out a sigh, dismissing what was said by the male as she proceeded closer to the first year. "Yachi, he may look scary, but really… He's like an overgrown kitten."
The first year was visibly shaking but slowly raised her gaze to the male's face to determine whether her upperclassman was sprouting the truth.
Kuroo was slouching slightly, with his attention shifting between Mina to the younger blonde. If it were just the two of them, he would have commented on the older girl's portrayal of him. But since there was a third party, he chose to keep his antics to a minimum.
"I guess he's not that scary." The small blonde managed to croak out.
"You're honestly too cute for me." The brunette captured the smaller girl into a hug, before squishing her face. "You don't ever have to be scared, Mama Mina will protect you."
Yachi just stood there wearing a confused smile, yet she was grateful for the affection.
"Mama Mina?" The Nekoma captain scratched his head, chuckling to himself. It was never a dull moment with her.
After it was announced that personal practice could begin, Mina dragged Tsukishima with her to gym three by the collar. At first, she politely asked him to join, he refused without missing a heartbeat. Then she /told/ him that he would be joining in the practice whether he desired to or not. The middle blocker did not resist when she began leading him towards the gym, that being said, he was glowering the entire time.
When she reached the entrance of gym three, Kuroo began laughing at the sight ahead of him.
"So, you only managed to get glasses to join, huh."
"Was she supposed to bring more people?" Akaashi was only mildly interested in the conversation, it was Bokuto who was more thrilled about the new addition.
"… The other first years gave me excuses. It's fine. Hinata and Kageyama are practicing together with Yachi. And Yamaguchi hasn't ever been a problem in the first place." Mina fidgeted unconsciously – it was Kuroo's damn expression. He seemed to enjoy watching her squirm.
"Are you saying I'm a problem, Saito- Senpai?" The middle blocker questioned sarcastically. The 'senpai' was a good touch.
"Oh you." The girl narrowed her eyelids, half turning to catch the younger boy's gaze. He was grinning at her sinisterly.
"Now, now. Let's all be adults. Come on, skinny. Do some work with us. We need a blocker here anyway." The black-haired male tried to seem as inviting as possible, although the smirk tugging at his lips was not helping.
"No thank you." Tsukishima stated, his eyes only leaving Mina's for a split second before landing back on her. "Can I go now."
Mina was about to pounce on the middle blocker and perhaps give him a smack or two. But Bokuto had another idea.
"Hey hey. It's all cool. He's just afraid of practicing with the big dogs. Am I right, Tsuki-dude?"
The blonde-haired male twitched at both the accusation and the nickname.
"Fine. I'll stay." He shrugged off Mina's grip on him, then proceeded towards the net. Bokuto shot Mina a thumbs-up motion accompanied by a silly grin.
"So exhausting." The foreign girl sighed, lowering her head. Kuroo stepped closer to the female, lightly ruffling her hair.
"You should really work on your maternal instincts, 'Mama-Mina'."
The brunette clenched her jaw, attempting to control herself. Ultimately she pounced on the older male.
"You are so annoying, Tetsuro!"
A/N: I felt like this chapter was full on crack. I think we needed it after last chapter. LOL. I hope you guys enjoyed.