Sometimes Aoi would watch Nishinoya's practice games when she has a free time because most of the time, she'll hurriedly leave the school after class and go on duty in their manju shop. And during those rare times that she was able to watch her boyfriend training, she would either witness him wearing a serious expression while playing, train the others how to receive, or worship Shimizu and try to help her with the managerial duties.

The last one bothered the other boys though.

Aoi doesn't seem to be bothered by Nishinoya's great crush on their beautiful manager, but her watching them and acting like nothing happened is one thing that even Coach Ukai wanted to not see and unsee. It's like seeing a real life drama and not being able to avoid it. They wanted to not witness the awkward tension whenever the three of them are in the same place.

Or it would be better if Nishinoya would stop flirting with Shimizu-senpai and just pay attention to the nikuman girl.

One time, Tsukishima sat beside Aoi while she was busy writing recipes on her notebook. He took a little peek and it seemed that Aoi wanted to make a bentou for Nishinoya. When he looked at her eyes, she seemed to be so fixated with Nishinoya that him flirting with Kiyoko doesn't make her worry.

"Akihana-san," he called.

Aoi slightly jumped and to him, quickly closing her notebook. "Y-Yes, Tsu.. Tsukishima-kun, right?"

"Aren't you jealous?" Then he nodded towards their manager and libero.

She followed his line of sight and saw Nishinoya and Tanaka with their sparkling eyes while showering Kiyoko with praises. It used to bother her one time when they weren't still dating, but all her worries vanished after his confession.

"As long as he doesn't do couple-y things to other girls, then there's nothing to worry," Aoi replied with a soft smile, her eyes not leaving Nishinoya's form.

Tsukishima's eyes widened a bit in surprise but nonetheless silently agreed with her. Nishinoya must've noticed the two of them casually talking to each other so he shouted across the gym, "Oi Tsukishima, practice here instead of making moves on someone else's girlfriend!"

Instead of complying, the middle blocker just smirked. "If I were really making a move," he grasped Aoi's shoulder with one hand and pulled her against him, "then it would be like this."

That was the last straw. Nishinoya flew towards them in rage, his form resembling a miniature version of the devil. Tsukishima wasn't fazed at all so he just left Aoi to practice again and Nishinoya immediately halted mid-air when he saw Aoi's innocent face.

"Yuu-kun, you can return to your club activities now," Aoi reassured.

Nishinoya looked so hesitant, as if he wanted to say something. He gave me that look before.

"Yuu-kun?"

"Manju," he was serious all of a sudden, "you're not falling in love with Tsukishima, right?"

Now where did that come from? "I am not. Why?"

"You told me before... that you like tall guys."

"And?"

"Maybe he's your type now or something," he mumbled like it was something he didn't want to accept, seeing that Tsukishima is a lot quieter and a lot cooler (well according to those girls who would come by to watch them).

Aoi only smiled and pinched his cheek lightly. "He is not my type. You can return now to your practice."

There was a slight smile despite him being reluctant but when Aoi noticed his new found energy, she was relieved. He should know after all that her feelings won't change so easily.

BONUS:

Aoi was staying over again at his place since her parents were on a trip. Aoi gathered the sheets around her and was about to sleep when Nishinoya suddenly hugged her from behind.

"Y-Y-Yuu-kun?" she asked, startled at the sudden display of affection. Whenever they would sleep on his bed, Nishinoya would just either kiss her head before they fall asleep or roll over and stare at the door before closing his eyes and drifting off to dreamland.

"Manju, do you also get jealous?" he asked, his breath close to her ear. "Like how I get jealous whenever other guys make a move on you?"

Aoi thought for a moment before answering. "Yes, I do. But I trust you. I know you like Shimizu-san a lot. But if your feelings for me are strong, then I have nothing to worry about."

There was silence and Aoi felt him remove his hold from her. She thought that he must've rolled to his side and decided to sleep but instead she was surprised to see him towering over her, causing her to blush and gasp for air. Even the mere fact that they were on his bed wasn't helping.

Be calm, Aoi. It's just Yuu-kun. He won't hurt you.

"Manju—no, Aoi."

"Y-Yes?" She wanted to look away, but his hazel eyes were seriously captivating that she can't.

"Can I kiss you?" he asked. "You can refuse if you want to."

"W-Why? Why do you think... I would refuse you, Yuu-kun?"

Something in him snapped and he instantly gave a kiss on her lips, an innocent one at that. It was a kiss with his breath tickling with hers and his lips tasting so sweet like the ice cream he always eats after school.

After that, Nishinoya rolled back to his side and mumbled a little too happily, "I finally kissed a girl."

Author's note: *still deciding on when to work on the flashback chapters*