It was day three when Karasuno was finally able to break their losing streak. Once the win was confirmed, Mina and Yachi clung together, bouncing on the spot while Kiyoko respectfully clapped for the team. Ubugawa High were practically growling at the noisy reaction from the girls – it was only one win, anyway. Yachi immediately fell silent, her mind creating ridiculous scenarios like usual. Mina tugged on the skin below her eyelids and stuck out her tongue. She was allowed to celebrate her friend's accomplishments and refused to be silenced. They may have been unable to silence her but an icy glance from Kiyoko had brought the girl to drop the silly expression.
After their second match, lunch was announced, and the teams rushed to the cafeteria. Mina had trailed behind the group, partially distracted by a new game she had downloaded. She was in the middle of destroying a monster when an incoming video call from 'pretty boy' demanded her attention. A squeal sounded within her throat as she quickly adjusted her bangs, before pressing accept on the call.
"Hi, pretty girl." The mocha haired captain wore a toothy smile, yet his shoulders seemed tense, leading the girl to recognize something was bothering him.
"Toru, are you okay?" Sinking her teeth into her bottom lip, the brunette concealed her laughter.
"No, Mina-chan. No." The smile remained glued to his mouth, but his words were stated in a whimper. "I can't escape him." The camera was relocated to another person on the court, it was easy to spot who Oikawa was talking about. It was impossible to miss him; he was the tallest person there and the most intimidating.
"Oh my God," She pressed her lips together into a thin and strained smile. "I mean… At least you're getting to practice against one of the top ace's of the country?"
Oikawa respected the effort to lift his spirits, but dipped his head and sighed.
"Did someone say top ace of the country? You talking about me, huuuh?" Bokuto suddenly appeared behind Mina, his eyes landing on the screen. "Hey, Konoha. Isn't that the setter you showed me in the magazine?"
The brunette quickly took a step to the side to remove her friend from the frame, while Oikawa raised an eyebrow at her, remaining quiet.
"Bokuto, don't just barge into people's private conversations." The Fukurodani winged spiker scolded, pushing on his captain's back. "Sorry, Saito."
"It's fine, really." She reassured both the winged spiker and her owl haired friend who was pouting, unable to detect his mistake.
"Your friends seem interesting." Oikawa had mostly forgotten about his own problems, and was both slightly annoyed by the interruption and intrigued. "That the owl guy you told me about?"
"Yes. That's Bokuto, he's harmless really. He's also one of the top five ace's in Japan." Mina was proud of her friend, and the smile upon her glossed lips indicated that.
"I've heard about him." The mocha haired captain confessed.
"I guess you must be jealous," Mina added a dramatic pause, as Oikawa twitched at her words. "I guess it can't be helped! You ended up with the scary giraffe, and I ended up with the kind-hearted owl. I'm sure you and Bokuto would have gotten along well."
The Seijoh captain originally thought she meant something else and was relieved once she clarified her assumptions.
"I'd even choose your short fry over him."
"Wow. What about Kageyama?" After feigning a surprised expression, she lowered an eyelid into a wink.
"Ha-ha. Don't push it." He clicked his tongue in distaste before running his free hand through his hair. Behind him the Seijoh Ace waved at the camera, offering Mina a respectful smile. Although, his expression changed as his gaze redirected to his captain.
"Shittykawa, we're about to start."
Oikawa turned to face his team-mate, his usual pout in place.
"You could say it nicely, Iwa-chan!"
Mina laughed to herself, watching the two bicker was always so entertaining.
"It's okay, I need to go too. Try to stay positive, okay?" If they were in person, she would have embraced him at this point or stole a kiss. But alas, that would have to wait.
"I'll miss you, pretty girl." He tilted his head, flashing her a bright smile, one that tugged at her heartstrings.
Once ending the video call, Mina pressed her phone against her forehead, wondering to herself how anyone could be that cute.
During personal practice, they decided to play three on three. Mina was forced to participate on Kuroo's team with Tsukishima. But they were a solid team, holding their own against the others. Mina was not the worst setter after all, and most of their plays depending on blocking strategies. It was a positive arrangement after all – with Kuroo guiding the blonde middle blocker and Bokuto instructing Hinata. A few minutes after the game ended, Suzumeda had notified them that dinner would be over soon.
"You guys are so weak when it comes to food, seriously." Mina trailed behind the more energetic boys with Akaashi.
"Where do you think they get this energy from?" The setter commented, lifting his shoulders into a shrug.
"You are very right, my friend." The brunette began fiddling with the elastic in her hair, then began retying the ribbon.
"So, I heard Bokuto disturbed your phone call today. For that I'm sorry. He can get very excited." Even though he was apologizing, there was little emotion to be detected in his voice.
"Oh, that. It's fine! No need to apologize. It really wasn't a big deal. I was just talking to my boyfriend, anyway." After completing the bow, she relocated her hands into her pockets.
Akaashi's azure irises analyzed the completed bow before landing back onto the girl's face.
"Does he know?" The vague question was not asked with any malicious intentions.
Mina paused mid-step, confused about the subject matter he was referring to.
"Does who know what?"
"Does Kuroo know you have a boyfriend?"
Mina choked upon hearing the clarification, her pulse changing to an irregular rhythm.
"I don't know?"
"Oh. I just thought he liked you. I could be mistaken." The Fukurodani setter wore a puzzled expression, as he rummaged through the conversations, he had with Bokuto in his head. "Bokuto was sure he sensed something between you two."
A blush coloured her usually pale cheeks as she averted her stare to the ground.
"I don't think he does. Bokuto must have mistaken our fighting for flirting. An honest mistake really!" That must be it, she decided. It had to be a big misunderstanding.
Akaashi nodded in agreement, careful not to rile up the girl any more than he had already done (But that was done mistakenly, of course).
Ahead of them, Kuroo had noticed the pair were lagging behind and decided to wait until they caught up.
"So, what secrets were you two sharing, huh?" He smirked down at the pair, before carelessly draping an arm around Mina's shoulder, lightly pressing his weight onto her.
Mina rolled her eyes, attempting to squirm out of his grasp. There was no way that he liked her, nope.
For the next few days, Mina barely had a moment to breathe. Since she spent the personal practice slot at gym three, Sugawara and Daichi asked that she practice with them during the short breaks scheduled throughout the day. Her best friend was practicing spikes and begged her for guidance after showering her in flattery. It was a solid plan. There was no way she would turn him down. At the end of the fifth day, the brunette was beginning to feel exhausted. She just wanted to hide under the covers and sleep until her body no longer ached. But her plans were destroyed as she ran into Kuroo, who appeared to be waiting for her.
"You may want to stop dragging your feet, you'll ruin your shoes."
"Kuroo, I am so tired. Do not mess with me." She glared at him, attempting to emit an intimidating aura. Instead of intimidating him, she reminded him of an angry toddler.
"Why must you assume the worst of me?" He feigned a hurt expression, placing a hand over his chest.
"Pfft. Don't even try to look innocent!" Proceeding closer towards him, she prodded his chest with a finger. "You are evil. E V I L."
The older male chuckled, unbothered by the 'attack'.
"Alright, alright. I'll go. Just answer one question for me." He raised his eyebrows, waiting for her to reject his proposal, but she remained silent.
Mina immediately remembered the conversation she had with Akaashi days prior. Could it be regarding that? But why wait until now? Her chest constricted, but she maintained a cold exterior. Once she nodded, Kuroo bashfully brushed his fingers against the back of his neck.
"I wanted to know if you were okay. You know, after that thing with your mom." He had meant to ask her earlier, but she had been so busy and distracted. This was the only time he could have a conversation with her without being disturbed.
"Huh." The brunette blinked up at him, her mind was struggling to process what just occurred. "You… remembered?" She was astonished. Had she really read him completely wrong?
No. She knew he was kind.
"You don't need to say it like that." The black-haired captain removed his gaze from the girl, it was a rare occasion when he experienced embarrassment.
"I'm sorry. I'm just surprised. I've been avoiding my mother since she called. Although she did say something about having me meet with her contact. But I haven't received a call or message yet, so I guess I'll have to be on standby." The brunette tilted her head, then tapped a finger against her bottom lip in thought. "Come to think of it. They're in Tokyo too."
"If you need someone to take you there, I do know how to drive." Kuroo showcased a suggestive grin, prompting a laugh from the girl.
"I may take you up on that offer then!"
"As for your mother, you'll have to answer her at some point. Just think about it. Use that little bunny brain of yours." He gently knocked a finger against her forehead, causing her to wince.
"Yeah, okay. Maybe tomorrow." Mina began rubbing her eyelids with the back of her hand, Kuroo was surprised that she did not retaliate.
"Alright. You kept your end of the deal, so I'm off. Goodnight." Even if he wanted to spend more time with her, he knew that exhaustion was clouding over her. Mina mumbled a response, barely able to keep her eyelids from closing. She would properly talk to him tomorrow, right now she needed sleep.
A/N: Team Kuroo or Team Oikawa? I'm Team Mina being happy!