Hey guys I'm back! I received so much positive feedback from the last chapter so I'm glad you guys like the story. Honestly, I take the time to read your comments and check the stats of the story so I'm excited that so many people like it with only a few chapters uploaded thus far. It really encourages me to continue bringing posting content that I hope y'all will enjoy.
Like always, I do not own Haikyuu. I only own my Oc's. Enjoy!
Talking in unison
Speaking to self
The entire walk to our morning practice is silent between my brother and I. It's been like this since we got home from the practice match with Aoba Johsai yesterday. I have a feeling as to why he refuses to speak about what happened yesterday, and I'm grateful for it.
Since my brother is socially awkward, especially when it comes to romance, he tends to shut down during particular situations. Usually, around me, he calms down, but since it's the subject of romance, he's a bit lost as to how he should approach me. Also, Tobio is now aware that the real reason I broke up with Kunimi is technically because of him. He must feel guilty and awkward about the entire situation, and no amount of reassurance from me will help. He doesn't seem mad about the lie I told him last school year, but he might have suspected that I've been lying for a while now. In any case, his level of silence has reached an all-time high, and I don't like it. Still, I refuse to speak up. Knowing Tobio, he needs time to digest the information and come to terms with it on his own. Only then will he revert to his usual self. Hopefully, he will sometime soon.
When we arrive at school, we go our separate ways. Like always, I head to the practice field for the girls' soccer team. I'm not surprised when I see an empty field since I usually beat everyone here. I go ahead and start warming-up with two laps around the field before doing some stretches. Once I'm done I move on to practice my kicks. In soccer, there are different types of kicks you can do, depending on the situation. However, for some kicks, you require a partner to execute it. So I do what I can by myself while I wait for my teammates to arrive. Luckily for me, a couple of minutes into practicing by myself, a group of people walk in my direction. From this distance, I can tell it's Fuji-san, Higurashi sempai, Mori sempai, Minako, and Sato.
"Hey, guys," I call out to them as I shoot one last goal. I'm not happy with the results since it went lower than I intended. I need to practice my corner kicks some more and strengthen my legs. I'll add more sets and repetitions to my work out routine. Adding more weight to the machines and running a bit more will help as well, so long as I balance it correctly. The last thing I want is to strain my muscles.
"Hey, Kags, how was your brother's game yesterday," inquired Fuji-san as she put her bags down. Since we're at the fields each morning, only the captain, vice-captain, and manager go to the club room so they can gather supplies.
"Eh, his team won the match. Nothing too exciting," I shrugged as I help the girls set-up, keeping quiet about what else transpired the day before. Today we're working on defense, which is pretty fun for me, considering I'm only an offensive player most games.
"Did you see any cute guys?"
"Sato-chan, I only went to support my brother, not flirt with guys."
"That's why it's called window shopping, Kags~."
"See, Minako-chan has the right idea," Higurashi cuts in with a laugh, slapping me on the back and knocking the air right out of me. "Although volleyball guys tend to be pretty weak so there isn't much of a reason to look at them."
"Huh? What makes you say that?"
"There's a guy in our class who used to be on the volleyball team. He was even the Ace last I heard," Mori added beside our captain. "Higurashi used to have a crush on him until she got to know him. He has a timid personality, which is a turn off for her."
"Mori's right; I can't stand weak men."
"Eh, not all of them are like that," Fujioka points out as she slips on her goalie uniform. "Daichi is strong and reliable."
"Rio, he's scared of us...
"Kira, everyone is scared of us. We may not be the tallest females in school, but we're the strongest. Remember when you punched that one chick in the tit during our first-year?"
"You did what?" I gaped at my vice-captain. My shock soon turned to pride as I thought about how cool my sempais are.
"In any case," Higurashi coughed awkwardly into her hand, changing the subject. "Asahi is a prime example of what all volleyball players are like."
"I beg to differ," I announce to my teammates. "I may have never met Asahi, but I have spent a great deal of time near other volleyball players because of my brother. If you met the same players I have, you wouldn't say that."
"Girl, spill the tea."
...
"Mori sempai... did you say spill the tea while snapping your fingers?" I asked, a smile spreading across my face. The other girls begin to laugh as Mori hides his face behind his hands.
"This is why I hate hanging out with you females, and why I can't have male friends. You guys have ruined me! I can't help but say stupid crap like that!"
None of us really pay attention to his rant because we're too busy laughing at his misery. The poor guy grew up with Fujioka and Higurashi, so he's accustomed to being around girls rather than boys. He now blames the two older girls since he can't speak like a regular guy.
"You know how hard it is to speak to guys when I keep saying stuff like that? Now everyone in school believes I'm some mysterious, silent guy, but they don't understand I'm trying to save myself from the embarrassment of speaking to someone and having this happen!"
"I'm sorry, Tashi, but it's your fault for hanging out with us all the time," Fuji-san points out before looking around for a second. "Whatever, it doesn't matter anymore since the rest of the team has finally arrived."
Looking behind us, the rest of the team appears in the distance. It seems, for now, we'll have to pause our conversation. It's time to practice for our upcoming match this Friday.
By the next day, I completely forgot about the ace of Karasuno. The only reason I recall the man is due to two volleyball obsessed boys peeking into my classroom during break-time. I excuse myself from my conversation with Yachi to find out why the two boys sought me out.
"What's up you two?"
"Hey, Yuko-chan!"
"We need help."
"Okay, with what?" I asked my brother.
Quickly the two explained what happened yesterday morning before practice when last year's libero showed up. Now the two are looking for Karasuno's ace so they can get the team back together.
"What does any of this have to do with me?"
"Well, you're smart," Tobio pointed out to me as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Intelligence has nothing to do with knowing where to look for the man," I counter, hotly. Honestly, does my brother even think things through? Sighing as a thought popped into my head, I finally respond. "It just so happens this time I do know where to find him."
"Really?"
"Yes, the vice-captain and manager of my team have the same class as he does."
"So, what class is he?"
"Hmm, I might as well show you myself since I'm curious about this supposed ace. I heard quite a bit about him."
"Just don't flirt with him," Tobio grunted at me as we start walking to the third-year hallway.
"You're gonna flirt with him?!" Hinata asked a second later. "With the Ace?"
"What? I never said I was going to do that," I told the two. "However, Tobio, if he doesn't join the volleyball team, he's technically up for grabs."
"YUKO!"
"Don't Yuko me. I can date whoever I want so long as the person in question isn't on your team. That's the deal, remember."
"But he was on the team."
"Key-word was."
The irritated look on Tobio's face is hilarious, but I decide not to laugh at his discomfort. Hinata, on the other hand, has a look that I'm not sure how to read. It's just blank. It's disconcerting since the boy is usually so expressive. After a couple of minutes of walking, we arrive at class 3-3. I'm about to enter the classroom when my brother grabs me by the bicep, holding me back.
"Not you, Yuko."
"Huh? Why not?"
"Because Hinata is the one who wants to meet him, so he'll be the one to speak to the ace."
"Ugh, you're no fun."
"Um, guys?" Hinata shyly interrupted.
"What?"
"I rather stay out here with Yuko-chan, so why don't you go instead, Kageyama."
"What, no, you wanted to meet the ace."
"But I can't go to the third-year classroom-"
"Why not?" I asked the small boy as someone walks past us.
"Asahi!" Suga-san suddenly screamed, popping out of class 3.
"Asahi?"
"What?" an older student asked from the other side of Hinata. I didn't even notice when he appeared, but now I can't help but admire the view. The man looks good, but I guess in Hinata's case, it can be frightening to be in the shadow of a giant, so the boy runs to stand behind me.
"What are you three doing here," Suga asked as he comes around to stand next to my brother. Since the two younger boys found themselves tongue-tied, I stepped in to speak for them.
"They wanted to meet Karasuno's ace, and I happened to know where to find him."
"How did you know where to find me?"
"So it is you," I mumbled as I took a gander at the older student. He's tall, alright, muscular too. With his hair in a bun and a nice amount of facial hair, I have to admit the man is my type. "Well, my sempai's are in your class, and you just so happened to come up in our conversation yesterday. By the way, I'm Kageyama Yuko; it's nice to meet you."
"Uh, hello, I'm Asahi, Azumane," he said, a bit shyly. "Who's your sempai?"
"Higurashi and Mori."
"Oh, so you must be a part of the soccer team then."
"It just so happens I am," I softly purr, batting my eyelashes. Abruptly, I'm pulled to the side by someone else. Looking at the hand in question, I see Tobio attached to it. He doesn't look too happy with me either. "What? You weren't talking?"
"Well, give us a second before you pounce!"
Suga-san chose at this moment to step in to do the rest of the introductions. "Asahi, these are the new players, Kageyama and Hinata."
"Ah, the first-years," Asahi stated before putting a hand on Hinata's shoulder. "Good luck!"
"But how about you?" The tangerine asked in return. "I want to be an ace, so I like to learn from you."
"Hey, the teacher is waiting," another boy called out, interrupting us. I scowl at the boy who, in turn, takes two steps back in fear. He doesn't say another word after that.
"Don't interrupt us," I said, and the boy nods in return, his eyes still wide with fear.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not the ace," Asahi finally speaks up.
"That's not what I heard," I pointed out to the brunette. "Did you quit?"
"Yes, I did..."
"Why?"
"I-I have to go meet with the teacher now," he said, following the student who spoke up before. As he walks away, he hunches his back to appear smaller than what he is. Slowly I begin to realize what my sempai's meant yesterday.
"I don't understand what happened to him?" Hinata asked no one in general.
"I can explain," Suga-san said before delving into Asahi's backstory. The longer the silver-haired boy spoke, the less I liked Asahi. It seems Higurashi-san was right in calling the older boy a cowered. The first time Asahi gets completely shut out by another team, and he gives up.
"So, he's weak is what you're telling us," I blurted out to the group of boys. "A cowered who's too scared to get shut out again. right?"
"YUKO?!"
"What? It's true, and you know it, Tobio. Am I supposed to lie because he's older than me? Respect someone who runs away when things get tough? No, I don't think so. You might as well give up on him and find a replacement. In any case, you don't have to worry about me flirting with him anymore because I want nothing to do with him now. It's a shame too because he's my type in everything except personality. I can deal with someone looking different from my usual type, but it's the personality that seals it for me. Oh well, on to the next third-year I find, see you guys later!"
Leaving behind the three boys, I head back to the classroom. Yachi is still at our seats waiting for me, and I feel kind of bad for leaving her for some spineless ace. Sitting back in my chair, I go back to the previous conversation I was in with the smaller girl. When class finally starts back up, I can't help but allow my mind to wander to the two missing members of the Karasuno's volleyball team. I can understand why the libero is so upset and why he refuses to return without the ace, but Asahi still confuses me. I know how it feels to get shut out. I wasn't always able to make great goals. In elementary, I made a few, but as soon as I made it into junior high, I quickly realized how difficult it is to score a goal. Facing bigger, taller, and more experienced opponents forced me to up my game so I could stand on the same field as them. That's the year I learned how to do the bicycle-kick, and when I became friends with Oikawa.
The thought of quitting never crossed my mind, no matter how difficult things got. I guess that's the difference between some people. There are those who see a wall and back down immediately, while others see it as a challenge to overcome. Now that I think about it, Hinata is like that. He may be short, but he hasn't let that get in his way. If anything, it's motivated him to stand on the court with the other players. He even wants to become the next ace of Karasuno like the little giant.
Huh, maybe I was wrong about Hinata-
"Kageyama, read the next paragraph," my teacher ordered. Snapping out of my train of thought, I grab my book and stand up from my seat. Even as I read the dry text to my class, I begin to drift in my thoughts about a certain orange-haired oddity and his will to fight.
On Friday afternoon, the time finally came to play our practice match with Johzenji High. They have a good team, so I'm excited to play them. From what Mori sempai told us, the team has never gone past their spot in the top eight in the high school soccer division for girls. Most of the time, their practice matches consist of girls vs. boys, which doesn't help them much. The team itself has a steady defense, but their offense is lacking in ferocity.
When I get to the club room with Minako, I see most of the girls have already arrived. However, they aren't acting like their usual selves. Instead, most of them are pretty nervous and getting jumpy. Don't get me wrong; I'm always nervous before a match, still, I like to think I handle it well enough that it isn't noticeable to the whole world. If the other team sees us like this they'll eat us alive.
"Alright, hurry up and get on the field, ladies," Higurashi-san called out to us. "We need to do warm-ups before Johzenji gets here."
When I finish getting ready I wait for Minako and Sato to grab their cleats. As we walk to the soccer field, I realize how quiet it is between us. Usually, the two girls are talkative. They chat about anything that comes to mind, so to hear nothing from them is a bit disconcerting.
"Are you two okay?"
"Ye-yeah, why w-wouldn't I- I mean we- be," Minako-chan stuttered a response. I didn't think she would be this tense, considering this morning she was fine. Maybe it finally hit her that we're about to play a match.
"Minako-chan, don't lie to us. If you're nervous, then say so. That way, we can help you through it," I gently explain to my friend. I see Sato nodding her head in agreement, and I narrow my eyes at her playfully. "That goes for you too, Sato-chan. Don't think for a second that I haven't noticed how little miss nosey has been awfully quiet since school ended."
Sato ducks her head, but the small smile she has lets me know she isn't too bad off. If I keep talking, perhaps that will calm them down. It's worth a shot at the very least.
"So, I met Karasuno's ace yesterday."
"Really?"
Bingo! I got their attention now!
"Yeah, but he isn't all that. Higurashi sempai is right about him being weak. He quit the team cause he got blocked out."
"But is he cute?"
"Is that the only thing you care about, Sato-chan?"
"Yup!"
"I'm not surprised... well, to be honest, he is very handsome. He's a tall man with long brown hair, a bit of facial hair, and he's very muscular. Good grief, I would have made him mine if he wasn't so weak."
"Ugh, you're just like Higurashi sempai, Kags!"
"Sato-chan, do you like timid men?"
"Yes!"
"Why?" Minako-chan asked in slight disgust. "I would have thought you'd hate dating them."
"Maybe, she likes making them fluster?"
"Could be..."
"A bit sadistic, don't you think Minako-chan?"
"Hey, to each their own, I guess."
"Stop talking about me as if I'm not here!" Sato-chan yelled at us, shaking her fist at us. All of us begin to laugh at the utter ridiculousness of our conversation. By the time we reach the soccer field, the two girls no longer appear agitated, which is a relief.
Now that the entire team is on the field, we start our warm-ups and stretches. Amid our stretches, Johzenji finally appears. Just like us, they aren't wearing their official uniforms yet; instead, they have mustard yellow jerseys while we have a gaudy orange. I can't help but wince at the number of obnoxious colors I see. Why can't we have nicer colors on the field? No, we have to wear the two brightest colors on the color wheel.
After the coaches greet one another, it's time for our captains to decide who's doing what. When Fuji-san comes back to the team, she informs us we're starting with the left side of the field, and Johzeji has the ball first. After a quick group meeting, we break and head out to the field. Once I'm in my spot, I give myself a moment to breathe. Most people don't take the time to have a moment, no matter how short it is, to breathe. I usually take three deep breaths before each game, exam, or anything that might make me feel nervous.
1… 2… 3… Ready
Getting into my stance, I wait. Ordinarily, my job as a Striker requires me to stay near the goal at all times. I can't go past the defenders since that means any passes made to me would be considered offsides unless my teammate moves past the defensive line before passing to me. However, since the game is just starting, it's different. I have the choice to seize the ball and make it down the field and pass to the other two forwards working with me. If by some chance, the ball escapes us and goes down the field, I have to bequeath the work to my teammates and wait for them to bring it back to me so I can score a goal.
As the whistle sounds, Johzenji's team passes the ball to the left side, which is the opposite of my position. I move slightly forward towards the right as my teammates surround the players and try to cut their passes off. After a moment of struggling, my teammates steal the ball from the other team. I signal to Jojima that I'm open, and she kicks the ball my way. Once I receive it, I make my way down the field, doing my best to avoid the other players who are trying to stop me. Up ahead, I see a wall forming that'll prevent me from scoring. Looking to the side, I see Naka open, so I quickly pass to her before I hit the defensive line. She cuts around the two people to get within striking distance of the goal, but her opportunity to kick is lost as one of the defenders, number 7, steals the ball back, kicking it down the field. Luckily Mazaki receives the ball with her chest before the other team can take it. The problem we have now is getting the ball back over here. It takes another few minutes before Minako-chan gets the ball to drive up the field. She passes it to Jojima, who gets it past the defenders before giving it to Naka. Slipping through their defenses, I sprint to the other side of the goal, signaling to Naka-chan that I'm open. Seeing me, she sends the ball right at me. The goalie tries to stop me, but I quickly switch positions and kick it to the upper left corner of the goal, scoring our first goal.
To those who don't play sports, it may seem like this took five minutes, but in reality, it took close to ten. Soccer games take a very long time to play. There are two forty-five minute parts to the game with a break in between for the players. Depending on the team, it can take an entire match to score a single point. Unlike most sports where gathering points takes less than a minute, for those who play contact sports, it isn't the same.
Once we're back in our spots, we start again. Since we scored the point, the other team gets to keep the ball, and this time they send it to the forward on my side of the field. Jojima and I form a pincer to cut off number 11, but she sends it to a player behind her, who passes it to number 3. Mazaki steals the ball and passes it to Minako, who kicks it to me. I make my way past the defense and pass the ball to Naka, and she scores the second goal of the game. Seventeen minutes into the first half, and we have 2-0.
Finally, after the entire ninety minutes are up, we come out as the winners. The score is 6-2, with the last point of the game going to Johzenji. As far as I'm concerned, their team needs more work with communication. They scatter too much when they need to regroup in order to defend themselves. When it comes to attacking, they aren't bad, but our defense overwhelmed them.
"Ladies, good job on today's game," Coach Noguchi congratulated us as we huddled together. Mori Sempai was passing out waters as we listen to Coach speak. "As far as teamwork goes, this team is a well-oiled machine. However, when it comes to personal techniques, we still have a lot to work on. Also, at the end of the game, we completely lost it, allowing the other team to score two points against us. During golden week we'll focus on that along with a few other skills to improve our team. Until then, you ladies go home and get some rest. I'll see all of you here tomorrow bright and early."
Packing up and changing into our sweats, the soccer team decides to head down to the shop at the bottom of the hill. Once we arrive, we're shocked to see someone else standing behind the cash register instead of the regular blond-haired man. I wonder if he's ill and when he'll be back.
As we grab our snacks and drinks, I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. I ignore it at first, but after a few more minutes, I decide to check who's texting me. I'm surprised to find two different people sending me messages this late in the afternoon.
Flattykawa: Bad news :( we can't hang out this weekend. Totally forgot about Golden week, so we'll have to reschedule. Text me when you can!
Wada-chan: Hey!
Wada-chan: Is it true? About you and Kunimi-kun?
Wada-chan: Nevermind, you can tell me in person when you come to Johsai for the practice match at the end of golden week.
Wada-chan: See you soon!
I reread the messages a couple of times as I wait for the girls to pay for their stuff. Wada-chan is a friend from my former soccer team during middle school. She went to Aoba Johsai since she wanted one last chance to catch Oikawa's attention and make him her boyfriend. Honestly, who in the world chooses a school based on a boy who doesn't know you exist. In any case, I'm not surprised she knows the latest round of drama. I'm positive Kindaichi told her since the two speak often. The boy may have a crush on her, but I never asked when we used to be friends, so I only have my suspicions.
After paying for my stuff, I meet the rest of the team outside to hang out. We talk about the upcoming golden week, and Mori-Sempai confirms we're going against Aoba Johsai on the final day.
"From my research, Aoba Johsai is a well-rounded team. Nevertheless, they do not stand at the top of the prefecture. The top three schools are Shiratorizawa in third place, Niyami girl's academy in second, and Date Tech high school in first."
"Practice is practice," Fuji-san smiled nonchalantly. "It doesn't matter which school we go against! Our goal is the same in any match. To conquer!"
We scream in unison, agreeing with our captain. After a couple of more minutes of goofing around, we all head our separate ways. I receive a text from Kyoko about my brother's current match. Apparently, it's still going on, so I head to the gym to observe how the team is fairing against their new challenger.
Arriving at the gym, I notice everyone's attention focus solely on the game. Trying not to distract the boys, I quietly change my shoes at the entrance after closing the door behind me. Still, I'm glad I have half of my attention on the game since one of the spikes went in my direction.
My brother and Tsukkishima were doing a two-man block against a player on the other team. I didn't see who, but I did notice a couple of adults in the gym, so I assume it's a college student. The ball, getting spiked, hits Tsukki on the arm and bounces off, heading towards me. My shoes are tied, my hands are free, and my head is clear of all distractions even as people yell at me to watch out. My instincts kick in as I receive the ball with my head, sending it up into the air. Locking eyes with my brother, who moves past Tsukki, at this point, I silently motion to him what I'm about to do. Taking two steps, I jump into the air and kick the ball to my twin, who catches it with a wince. All of this takes less than five seconds, but it always feels like slow-motion to me.
"Nice receive," Kyoko-chan's soft voice calls out to me.
"Thank you~," I said back to her in a sing-song voice. Ignoring the various stares directed towards me, I begin to walk to the older girl when I notice a certain someone's gaze. "Hey, it's the sexy coward, Asahi-san! I didn't think I would find a wimp like you back here. Maybe you got some guts after all."
I can see about half of the reactions from different people concerning my comment about the tall third-year. A few are shocked by the statement; others get jealous that Asahi has my attention while some of them laugh at the poor boy. Tobio, on the other hand, looks miffed right now. I can't help but allow a smirk to grace my face when I see my twin. Honestly, nothing's better than getting on his nerves. Being the hermit that he is, Tobio hates it when I call someone attractive. It brings too much attention in the wrong way, he says.
"Aren't you supposed to be at a practice match right now?" Tobio asked irritably, throwing the volleyball back to the other side of the net.
"Nope, the match is over. It has been for a while now. So, the team and I bought the entire stash of pork buns from the convenience store at the bottom of the hill. Plus, now I understand why the storekeeper was missing," I said, nodding my head to the older blond man. "By the way, Tobio, don't think I haven't noticed your team is losing. What gives man? Off your game?"
A blush comes over his face as I point out the score. My brother has never liked to lose, or for those he holds a certain level of respect to notice either. However, at times it takes losing to enact growth. Plus, I like making him squirm in front of me. It's sibling rivalry at it's best.
"Shut up," he mumbles under his breath. "How did your game go anyway?"
"Eh, we won," I shrugged in response. I walk towards my brother, and in a proud voice, I announce, "Perhaps the problem with your team is how unbalanced you are."
Tobio tries to take a swing at me, but I dodge as I make my way to Yamaguchi.
"Hey, Yams, why don't you go with the others. I'll take over the scoreboard for you."
He allows me to take his place with a stuttering thanks as he runs to another side of the court. It doesn't take long for the opposing side to beat my brother and his team. Kyoko filled me in with all the details while the game progressed into its final stages. From the sounds of it, the former Ace and Libero, along with Suga, are on the opposing side. The storekeeper, Ukai, is the temporary Coach.
"So, the team really is trying to get all of their pieces back together?" I ask the older girl. "That's great!"
"Yes, but this also brings a few challenges."
"What do you mean?" I asked as I helped the girl gather the water bottles and towels. Right now, all the boys are outside speaking with the Neighborhood Association group, leaving us in a semi-empty gym. The only people left inside the gym other than the two of us are Ukai and Takeda-sensei.
"Hinata-kun is jealous of Asahi since he's the ace, and that's the title he wants most."
"Why would he want to be the ace?"
"I suppose he wants to become the next little giant."
"Oh right, Hinata-kun did mention him before..." I muttered more to myself than to my friend. Looking over at the smaller boy as the group reenters the gym, I feel the need to speak to him. In a way, I understand how he feels since I experienced something similar myself when it came to playing soccer.
As Ukai calls the team together, I begin to think back to the amount of work I put into playing soccer. Although many people call my brother and I geniuses, no one realizes how much work we put into our individual sports. Seeing someone have something you want can become draining for anyone in any sport. Still, there are ways of dealing with it. When the team begins to clean up the gym I keep my distance from Hinata. I prefer it if I had less of an audience when I go to speak with him. The last thing I want is to embarrass the shorty in front of everyone. It's at this moment, I hear someone call out to me with a loud boisterous voice. Turning around, I find the short Libero, racing towards me with Tanaka not far behind.
"Hey," the shorter boy yells as he reaches me. "Nice move earlier! I'm Nishinoya; who are you?"
"Kageyama Yuko, but my brother's teammates usually call me Yuko."
"Ah, so you're the one everyone keeps telling me about," he gaps at me with a light blush and a wide contagious smile. "You're prettier in person, you know."
"Oi, stay away from my sister," Tobio yelled at the duo from a distance. "Yuko, stop flirting!"
"I wasn't!" I yelled back before muttering. "At least I wasn't at the moment."
"Ahahaha," Noya-kun laughed at us. "Normally, I would try my luck, but I don't flirt with my teammates' sisters."
"Well, that's good because I don't date my brothers' teammates."
"By the way, what position do you play in soccer?"
"Bro," Tanaka cuts in all of a sudden. "Don't you know? She's on the starting line as the team's Striker!"
"Really?"
"Yup," I said, popping the P. The conversation flows from there on out. Not too long after that, Tobio joins us. We begin to joke around, trying to get my brother to loosen up as well.
Once the team disbands to change out of their clothes and into their sweats, I go to speak with Kyoko. "Hey girl, I have a question."
"Okay?"
"For golden week, are you staying here at the school?"
"No, since I don't live too far, I'm going home after practice."
"That sucks," I groaned a reply, dissatisfied with her response.
"Why is that?"
"Well, I wanted to hang out with you after practice," I explained sadly to the girl until I got a bright idea. "Hey, why don't you stay with us?"
"Hmm?"
"With the girls' soccer team, I mean."
"Do you think they would mind?"
"I doubt it, but I'll ask just in case."
"Okay, sure!"
After sending a quick text and receiving confirmation, Kyoko and I said our goodbyes as I waited for my brother. It didn't take too long, thankfully, but I still didn't like the wait.
"Come on, Tobio, I'm hungry!"
"We're coming!" he yelled back at me. It made me smile as I realized he meant the other players are walking with us again. Tobio doesn't get along with many people, so it's nice to see him finally have friends.
As all of us walked, I slowly but surely got the others to speak to each other so I could talk to Hinata alone. Slowing down our pace, to put some distance between the two of us and the rest of the group, I finally bring up the problem Kyoko spoke of earlier.
"So, Hinata?"
"ye-yes?" the tangerine asked once he realized we were alone. He must think I'm about to get him in trouble because his eyes keep shifting and his face is red.
"Kyoko told me about earlier, regarding Asahi-san."
"What?! How does she know when I haven't told anyone about that?"
"Hinata... you didn't have to. My brother called you out about it in front of everyone, remember?"
"He did?!"
"Yeah? I mean, it's pretty obvious you'd be jealous of Asahi-san."
"Really?"
"Yeah, but I just wanted to let you know that it's okay and you don't have to be."
"...really?" Hinata asked again in a quiet voice as he comes to a halt. He has this hopeful look in his eyes as he tilts his head upward to look at me. Hinata's eyes almost shine as he takes a step closer to me. "Are you serious?"
"Of course, Hinata-kun. Look, I realize it might not seem as sincere coming from me, but I don't think it matters if Asahi-san is called the Ace of Karasuno. I mean, from what Kyoko told me, both you and Asahi-san did great during today's practice match."
"Oh," Hinata muttered, his earlier excitement fading away and a deeper blush setting in. I guess he didn't want to hear that response. He probably wants me to say something different, but I rather speak the truth than sugar coat it for him.
"I know it's hard looking at someone have what you yearn for but give it time and maybe you'll find something better," I said gently to the boy. I lightly punch his shoulder with a smile on my face when I hear my brother telling me to catch up. "Come on, we don't want to keep everyone waiting."
As Yuko ran forward to meet back up with the rest of the group she misses the bitter look that crosses Hinata's face. Nor does she hear what he whispers under his breath as he stands alone under the street light.
"Maybe I'm not ready to be the Ace right now... but Asahi-san doesn't have to get everything, right? At least that's what I thought until I noticed how he got your attention. I wanted that..."
Slowly the small boy re-joins the group and although he holds a smile on his face, his heart carries a break that won't leave him anytime soon.
So let's clear something up right here. Both Yuko and Hinata misunderstood each other in the final scene. Hinata thought Yuko and the rest of the team found out about his feeling for Yuko. On the other hand, Yuko believes Hinata knew from the start that she was referring to the ace situation. She does not have any clue he has feelings for her. Now from here on out the story is going to pick up! The entire golden week is in the next chapter and I will of course included major Hinata content. However, I have to admit things (feelings) are going to get messy from here on out, at least for Yuko. Thanks for the support and I can't wait to hear from you guys! Well until next time!