"Took you long enough." There were no greetings exchanged when the Nekoma captain answered the call. He was formerly sat at his desk, running through some class notes when his phone had rung. Without confirming with the caller-id who was on the other line, he answered with a teasing tone, one that earned him a playful scoff from the girl.
"Don't sass me, Tetsuro! This bunny has grown claws now." There was a rare confidence in her voice, without being physically with her, he knew there was a goofy smile on those lips of hers.
"Oya? Claws? I'll have to send you to the vet to get those clipped then." He gently swayed in the swirling desk chair while twiddling with the pencil between his fingers.
"Just for that, I won't tell you how it went now!" By the end of her declaration, her voice had risen to a higher pitched octave, resembling a whine.
"Did you forget that you already did tell me?" A low chuckle had sounded within the confines of his throat as he propped an elbow on the arm rest, pressing his cheek against his closed fist.
There were a few incoherent words that were blurted out in retort by the girl followed an elongated squeal to release her frustration. The human equivalent to a computer error.
"Alright, I'll stop…" It was difficult to supress the smile that was twitching at the ends of his lips. She was just so damn adorable. "Do you feel better now?"
The question had brought her to expel a heavy sigh.
"I feel… elated." It was only after enduring his teasing that she was able to express the joy spiralling inside of her, from the alleviation of the weight of the past.
"That's a big word for you."
"Oh my god! You just said you would stop." The accusatory words were stated between laughs, maybe she was a bit lightheaded.
"Ya ya. Go to sleep. We'll talk tomorrow." It was truly unfair what effect her laughter had on his heart, despite being rejected, his heart refused to let go. The most logical solution was to place some distance between them, but he could not bring himself to do it. Not yet.
"You just wanted me to call so you could tease me? So cold." The second part was barely coherent, as her cheek was beginning to sink into her pillow.
"What else did you expect? That I wanted to see how you are? Pfft." The exaggerated laughter coming from the boy made Mina groan.
"I'm going. Goodnight you annoying cat." She grumbled into the phone, with her eyelids fluttered shut seconds after ending the call.
Kuroo brushed the tips of his fingers against his jaw as he mentally scolded himself for behaving so weakly. It was pathetic of him, waiting for someone who was happily in a relationship. It was obvious that she had developed an unhealthy habit of relying on him, one that would surely take a toll on him if he did not find a way to manage his attachment towards her.
He couldn't wait for her – more importantly, he shouldn't.
There was a lethal breeze roaming the streets of Miyagi the next morning, the temperature had dipped significantly overnight. The weatherman had commented that it was a bad omen, an observation that would likely cause some ruckus at the studio. Oikawa was not one who believed in superstitions, he believed in paving the way for your destiny. Somehow to him, those two beliefs were incompatible. Nonetheless, the warnings of the icy temperature had forced him to bundle up. He was halfway to Aobajohsai High when his phone vibrated within his jacket pocket. Prior to extracting his phone, he rubbed his palms together to generate some heat. The message was from Mina and included a photo of her hair styled in what she called a 'lace braid'. They rarely sent each other photos, and so he pondered why this had not become a tradition earlier on.
Lifting his phone, he snapped a shot of himself with a peace sign. It was only after he sent the photo did he realize the discolouration in his fingers due to the cold weather. Deciding it would be best to continue their conversation once he was inside, he tucked his phone back into his pocket. Seeing a picture of her first thing in the morning had already elevated his mood.
It should be noted that when the Seijoh captain entered the gymnasium, prepared for a productive morning practice, he did not expect to see her.
The damn weatherman was right.
"She got here ten minutes ago. Coach said that she's donating some equipment as an apology for yesterday." Iwaizumi had stepped to the side, blocking Oikawa's view of the woman. "Stop glaring, you're being too obvious, shittykawa."
"I don't understand why she is here making amends instead of speaking with Mina." His irritation with Ms. Beauvais had taken priority over the disrespectful nickname given to him by his best friend.
"From what you told me; she seems like the type of person who cares about a good impression." The Seijoh Ace gave a half-hearted shrug.
"She's coming here. Great." The battle with the chilly breeze earlier had caused Oikawa's facial features to become tense and strained, thus making it harder to fake a smile.
"Hello Toru. I wanted to apologize about yesterday." Her docile expression had caused him to involuntarily twitch. "In hope that you accept my apology, I have spoken with Nobuteru and arranged for someone to film you during your next few matches. The highlight reel will be then forwarded to some of my contacts."
Neither of the two boys had expected to hear that. It was an incredible opportunity for him, particularly because he had no desire to quit volleyball after high school.
"… Thank you. Thank you for the opportunity." He bowed respectfully, contemplating what more he could say.
"No need for that. I do have a small favour to ask of you. My daughter is very stubborn, and I doubt she will listen to me now. But my contact in Tokyo will be reaching out to her in a few days, please speak with her. Tell her to not squander this opportunity." It was the first time he could sense even a tenth of sincerity from her.
"I'll speak to her." He refused to accept that Mina would reject this opportunity solely because of who initiated it.
"Thank you. Now I have a flight to catch, so please excuse me." She offered the pair a final smile then slipped past them to reach the exit.
"You know she's using you, right?" Iwa had to confirm that his nitwit best friend had caught on the stubble hints that were threaded throughout the short conversation.
"What was I supposed to do?" Groaning, he thrusted his face into his palm. The question that remained was how would Mina react?
Mina Saito was showered in love from the second she awoke. Her father had prepared her favourite breakfast, one to renew her physical and spiritual health. Sugawara had waited to walk her to school, spending most of the journey exclaiming and relaying how badass she was the night prior. She had even received some encouragement from Bokuto via text, and a kind message from Akaashi.
'Bokuto-san mentioned something happened yesterday. Something about an ex? I hope you are okay.' The Fukurodani setter melted her heart, he was truly a precious friend.
At lunch, she sat with the third years and second years, and when Daichi subtly inquired how last night was, she decided to confess everything. There was a mix of reactions ranging from an overprotective captain who was annoyed that Karasuno was not invited but Seijoh was, to a pouting libero who was bummed he was unable to witness the badass moment.
"You guys are way too focused on me when we have less than a week until the nationals preliminary!" This was Mina's attempt to divert the conversation onto something other than her personal sob story… and it worked.
"I need to practice the synchronized attack with Kageyama. My spikes are still lacking in power." Sugawara pouted, dipping his head in shame. Beside him Karasuno's Ace shook his head, attempting to encourage his friend.
"You're doing really good! You've progressed a lot."
"I'll help you, Koshi! I've decided I will be attending every single practice until we get to Nationals. Yes, I know I am great." Jumping onto her feet, the brunette lifted in her chin skyward, smiling proudly.
"Oh yeah. What would we do without you?" The Karasuno Captain laughed gently at his friend's silly antics. He may have been teasing her, but he was truly happy to have her support.
A/N: Volleyball vs love, what will win? HMMMMM.