A/N: Hey everyone, here's the newest chapter of Miracle Lover! Thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed, and favorited Miracle Lover since the last update!
Luv it! I'm glad you love this story and enjoy the story of Wakatoshi and Yukina. You'll definitely enjoy the next chapters coming up.
Hsjjdjd: Thanks! I hope you'll continue to read on as I update.
Blue Sky of Love: Thanks! I had to watch Free! again as well as swimming competitions to see how to start writing Yukina's tournaments and competitions. I personally love Ushijima, and he's one of my favorite characters in the entire series. I don't know why there aren't that many fics that focus on Shiratorizawa and Ushijima, but I started to write Miracle Lover because out of all the characters in Haikyu, Ushijima is the only one to be explored on how volleyball influenced his personal life, especially his home life and relationship with his family. I hold all the other characters of Haikyu in high regard, but nobody can trump Ushijima at all. I'm glad you're loving Miracle Lover and I hope you enjoy this new chapter.
Wakatoshi took the towel nearby his water bottle and wiped the sweat off his face. It seemed that practice had truly begun, and Coach Washijo was not going to lighten up despite it still being the first week of classes. Wakatoshi looked over to see the team lying on the ground in exhaustion, and the first-years looking a little green. He really hoped none of them threw up on the ground, although Washijo-sensei would make them clean it up themselves if they messed up the floors.
"Who said you could take a rest!?" Washijo shouted from his chair at the sidelines, a glare on his wrinkled face as Saitou smiled in amusement. "Get your butts back over here unless you want to take a run around the school!"
"Let's go." Wakatoshi said. Jin clapped his hands for everyone else to follow and the reluctant regulars, exhausted first-years, and reserve players all formed a semicircle around their coaches. Washijo still looked angry, but he calmed himself to not kill his players. He would need them to win all the upcoming tournaments.
"If you think this is exhausting, you haven't seen nothing yet!" Washijo yelled. "For the first-years, don't even think about slacking off. If I find any of you even taking the smallest of breaks, you'll be doing torture regimes for the rest of the month!"
Everyone flinched as the implications of Washijo's words sunk into them. Saitou simply smiled and stepped forward, getting the team's attention to the younger coach.
"You'll be doing three-on-three matches today with the first-years to get them used to how things work." Saitou said. "Everyone here may be your teammates, but they are also your rivals. One may be a regular, but that can quickly change at a moment's notice. Get to work!"
The team bowed and left to form teams of three each as the Coaches watched on. Washijo looked at the documents in his hands as he finalized budgets and waivers for the team. Saitou's phone started to ring, drawing attention from the players, but a fierce glare from Washijo brought them back to their game. Washijo looked over to the younger coach who looked absolutely pleased. When Saitou hung up, he sat back down on the chair next to Washijo who raised one of his large eyebrows.
"Well?" Washijo asked. "Did they agree?"
"Yes, they did." Saitou replied, pushing his glasses up on his face. "Although I'm having trouble with Tokyo University. Their team has a strict schedule, but I contacted Ryuji-kun and he'll help us out."
Washijo nodded. "Good, we need more schools to play with." Washijo frowned at one of the first-years horrible receives. "We already have some of the alumni to help us out, but I need the boys to have matches with teams. We can't make all of our alumni players return when they have jobs and university."
"Agreed." Saitou wrote some notes down on the first-years who were playing and shook his head when he noticed Goshiki getting smacked in the face from one of Reon's serves. "Let's just hope we can keep them in one piece before the practice match starts."
"Goshiki, don't stand there and gape!" Hayato shouted as he received Reon's serve. "Always be on the lookout!"
Goshiki stood up and watched how the rally continued, his eyes constantly switching from the moving ball and the movements of Wakatoshi, Reon, and Semi. The ball fell over to Wakatoshi's side of the net, and Semi looked at both Wakatoshi and Reon who stood waiting. Both wing spikers ran up towards the net, but Semi pulled a feint. Goshiki was shocked, but threw his body forward to get the ball. It bounced off his hand and went over Kenjirou's head.
Kenjirou tossed the ball towards Goshiki and he ran to spike it, but it didn't reach his hand well. Goshiki's fingers touched the ball, causing it to fall over on Wakatoshi's side of the net, giving a point to Goshiki, Kenjirou, and Hayato.
"Yes!" Goshiki shouted. The wing spiker looked over to see Taichi change the score with an amused smirk directed towards the first-year.
20 (Goshiki, Kenjirou, and Hayato) - 24 (Wakatoshi, Reon, and Semi)
"So hyper." Taichi said on the sideline as he observed the match in front of him. "Your losing though."
"We'll win!" Goshiki yelled, his enthusiasm taking over and laughing despite Wakatoshi getting the ball and ready to serve. "Bring it!"
Wakatoshi immediately spiked the ball, his form perfect as he whipped his hand and set plenty of force into the ball that immediately bounced off Goshiki's arms and into the air. Goshiki gaped as he saw the ball eventually fall on the other side of the gym near the door.
20 (Goshiki, Kenjirou, and Hayato) - 25 (Wakatoshi, Reon, and Semi)
"Well, you definitely failed to bring it." Kenjirou remarked as he tied his shoes and spoke to Goshiki in a bored tone.
"Don't tease him, Shirabu." Hayato said, speaking to make sure Goshiki and Kenjirou won't start arguing. "Let's just get ready for the next set."
Tendou switched places with Reon while Goshiki's side stayed the same. Tendou pointed at Goshiki, gaining the first-years attention.
"You're going down, Tsutomu." Goshiki wasn't discouraged by Tendou's words, but ablaze with passion. It was like there was fire surrounding him as the others watched on.
"You're going to corrupt that poor guy." Taichi said.
"Jealous!" Tendou shouted, but a glare from Washijo from across the gym got the boys back into order. Kenjirou set the ball to Goshiki, letting the first-year spike first just to shut him up. Expecting his usual straight, Wakatoshi and Tendou ran to block him while Semi stayed back to receive. Tendou, being the most eccentric on the team, changed things up.
"Watch this!" Tendou shouted. "My new block: Shooting Star!"
Unfortunately for everyone in the gym, Tendou's failed block would bring them pain. Goshiki's spike bounced off Tendou's hands and was on the path where the Coaches were at.
Wakatoshi's eyes widened as he noticed the ball fly towards the Coaches without stopping. It seemed everything stopped in slow motion then, as the ball went straight to Washijo's head, knocking the Demon coach out of his chair and onto the ground. As Saitou helped the elder coach up, the boys froze in anticipation. The first-years were shaking in fear, the reserve players looked like they were going to have a heart attack, and the regulars were stiff as a board, with only Wakatoshi daring to walk to the coaches who were sure to unleash hell on their team.
Despite Wakatoshi slowly walking towards both coaches, his heart was thundering in anticipation. It wasn't from the practice they were doing earlier. When Wakatoshi was finally in front of them, he heard an audible gasp from the players as they noticed the large red circle on his face that was darkening each second as Washijo glared at all of them.
"Tendou." Washijo started, causing the middle blocker to stiffly move towards the front where Wakatoshi and the coaches were. "Hell run around the school for all of you." The players gulped audibly and turned to Wakatoshi and Jin with a pleading look, although they refused to meet their eyes since any form of sympathy would provide a deadlier punishment than a hell run around the school. "You all can thank Tendou. Now, go."
Wakatoshi and Jin immediately led the team outside of the gym to start stretching, making sure they didn't pull a muscle or accidentally injure themselves before any matches began. As they started to warm up, Wakatoshi and Jin led the team around the large campus that was Shiratorizawa.
As Yukina got out of the water and took off her cap and goggles, she turned to the twenty-five girls of the swim team who waited her instructions.
"Today we'll just test your average speeds as you swim through a 50, 100, 200, and 400 meter course with each style. If you're new to this, there are four swimming styles: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly. If you have a certain style you want to stick to, then go ahead, but do not neglect the other three. There's a chance you might have a better skillset in the other three than your specific one."
Yukina looked at all the girls in front of her and smiled lightly at the attentive ones, but felt irritation wash over her when she noticed two girls – girls who've been irritating her since they first joined the swim team – have a look boredom on their faces. Luckily for Yukina, Reika stepped up beside her and got the team's attention.
"Our pool is sectioned off into nine lanes, but we're going to have four of you go at a time while we do physical assessments for the rest." Reika said, but a glare towards the two girls who had the nerve to glare back at her. "We have cameras on both sides and above the pool so we can record and give you feedback on your form. Don't try and show off, we don't need any injuries before we have any practice runs or competitions."
The freestyle swimmers took to the pool first, stretching their bodies and placing their goggles and caps on their head. They bent their bodies down as they waited for Ikeda's whistle and the girls who would be in control of the cameras that would follow them.
The whistle blew and the girls were off.
Yukina, Reika, and Coach Ikeda were oddly quiet as the three of them watched the swimmers go back and forth, their bodies moving gracefully – except for two. Coach Ikeda frowned at the two girls, but said nothing as she made notes on her clipboard.
"Looks like Hana and Matsui didn't train at all during break." Reika muttered. "Why are they still on the team? They're annoying pieces of – "
"Reika." Yukina sighed as she took a nearby towel and dried her wet body and hair, also tossing one to Reika. "They may be annoying but there the second and third best freestyle swimmers on the team."
"True." Reika grudingly admitted. She started to dry her hair with "I hope Endo gets knocked off her high horse though, I'm tired of dealing with her snotty attitude."
"Ladies, you're here to observe and critique." Ikeda said, her green eyes narrowing in disappointment. "Not gossip. That can be after practice."
Despite the sigh from Yukina and the pout from Reika, both Captain and Vice-Captain tossed their towels in the nearby basket and joined the others. While Reika helped some of the team members fix their forms and give advice as well, Yukina joined Ikeda to review the footage of the freestyle swimmers.
"Butterfly swimmers, you're next!" Yukina heard Reika shout on the other side of the pool as she blew the whistle on her neck.
"My god, Kuga's fast." Ikeda said. "Look at the way she moves." Yukina looked closer at the screen and saw each screen capture Mitsuki's movement in the water. Yukina silently agreed, nodding her head as she saw Mitsuki turn around for the second leg of the race. In the next lane, Endo was swimming, but it was clear to anyone who saw the two girls that Mitsuki was better. Yukina turned to Coach, but felt a chill run down her spine when she noticed her look. It was the same look that she was given when she was in her first-year, Ikeda noticing her talent and dedication to swimming.
"Coach, maybe we sh –" Yukina started to say, but was interrupted by Ikeda's sharp whistle. Everyone out of the pool turned to Ikeda while the girls in the pool stopped swimming and raised their heads above the water. Reika and Kazusa sent Yukina a questioning glance, but she only focused on Ikeda who looked directly at Endo and Mitsuki.
"Everyone out the water." Ikeda said. Everyone immediately complied, leaving the pool to line up against the fence that encased the entire pool. Yukina respected Ikeda very much, but she hated how the women encouraged such fierce competition among the team. One day, someone is going to snap and it won't be pretty for anyone. "Kuga and Endo will be having a 400-meter race against each other now."
Gasps and whispers came from the girls as they looked at Kuga and Endo specifically. While Mitsuki was shocked, Endo was enraged. Endo Atsuko was the team's principle butterfly swimmer. She was tall with short curly red hair, creamy skin, and bright blue eyes that burned with anger. Despite having such a beautiful appearance and being one of the most popular girls in looks from the guys of Shiratorizawa, she had such an ugly and haughty personality that Yukina hated dealing with since their first-year.
"Whatever." Endo scoffed, popping out her hip in a pathetic excuse of intimidation as she narrowed her eyes at Mitsuki. "This will be easy."
The team was restless as the whispers turned into loud talk, but a glare from Ikeda caused them all to cease talking immediately. Kazusa and a first-year took care of the cameras on each side of the pool while Yukina and Reika took the role of timekeepers. Mitsuki looked nervous, but a reassuring nod from Yukina calmed her down. Both swimmers stepped onto their blocks and got into their stationary positions, only waiting for Ikeda's whistle to go off to start the race.
Ikeda's whistle blew and both Endo and Mitsuki were off.
Screams erupted from the members who stood off to the sideline, and Yukina was pleased that most of the screams were for Mitsuki than Endo since the third-year swimmer hasn't left the best impression on anyone since she first joined the team. Yukina inhaled the scent of chlorine, feeling relaxed since she absolutely loved swimming and wanted nothing else. While Reika took time for Endo, Yukina took time for Mitsuki and was pleased how fast the girl swam and how great her form was.
"How come you can't time the she-witch?" Reika muttered. She wrote down Endo's time when she finished the first one-hundred meters. "I can't stand her."
Yukina laughed. "It is what it is, Reika." Yukina nodded as Mitsuki just finished her first one-hundred meters, approving of how she was correcting her form. "At least this will get Endo to practice more."
"I think you and I both know that Endo is only capable of being cruel." Reika smirked when she noticed Mitsuki swim ahead as the girls passed into the two-hundred-meter mark. "Remember the swimsuit incident from last year?"
Yukina's face turned grim as she recalled that horrible incident. "Unfortunately."
"I thought Coach would've kicked her off the team for sure after that."
"We didn't have cameras then, so even with all the accusations, there was no definite proof." Yukina smiled when Mitsuki got faster, earning louder cheers from the team as she went into the three hundred-meter mark while Endo was just about to complete the two hundred.
No way, I'm going to win this! Endo thought as she swam even faster in the water.
"Her form's crumbling." Yukina noticed.
"Which means MItsuki is going to win!" Reika cheered. She jumped up in anticipation, while Yukina shook her head in disappointment.
How have we been friends for more than ten years? Yukina thought.
"Here they come!" a first-year shouted. Yukina and Reika were ready to record their final times, but it was easy to tell who would win. Despite Endo being two years older and swimming longer than Mitsuki, her effort was lacking. She would come to every single practice and competition, even getting a few medals, but the work she contributed to the team was simply average. And average was not good enough for a place like Shiratorizawa.
Ikeda's whistle blew as Mitsuki touched the wall of the pool first, ending the race as Endo came last. While Yukina gladly helped Mitsuki out of the pool, Reika gave a reluctant hand to Endo who smacked it away. Immediately angry, Reika wanted to throw the watch at the girl's head, but barely held it in.
"Don't get pissy with me since you lost." Reika hissed. She really wanted to hit Endo, but there were too many witnesses around.
"Can it, Akiyama." Endo sneered. She ripped off her cap and goggles, shaking the wet gear towards Reika who was ready to gouge the girl's eyes out.
"Enough." Yukina said. Both girls flinched when they heard the cold tone in Yukina's voice, but Endo was stupid enough to try and open her mouth again.
"I don't take orders from you." Endo said as she walked towards Yukina, their noses practically touching. "Even if Hikari gave you the title as Captain, I don't recognize you as my own."
"The reason Hikari and I chose Kurosawa as Captain, was that she is patient, understanding, and a great tactician in and out of the water. She's also the only girl who can swim all four styles perfectly and has my absolute respect and admiration due to her dedication the sport." Ikdea said, interrupting the bickering that she was not fond of. She turned to her entire team, addressing everyone this time. "Make no mistake. Our usual swimmers can lose their spots to anyone of you. Whether you're a first of third-year, dedication and effort will keep you as a regular and lack of effort will get you removed."
Despite Mitsuki's win, the young swimmer looked hesitant to smile since Endo was still angry. She felt someone come near her and turned to see Kazusa holding her arm in a protective manner.
"Thank you." Mitsuki whispered.
"Stay close." Kazusa warned. As much as she didn't want to scare Mitsuki, she wasn't taking any chances while Endo's temper was unleashed. "Endo is someone not to be trifled with."
Practice had gone back to usual, apart from Endo being watched by Reika. Reika almost snapped when Ikeda told her to be Endo's watchdog/partner for the day, but luckily had permission to inflict whatever type of punishment she wanted to on the girl. Reika enjoyed torturing the butterfly swimmer with an extra fifty laps and forcing her to do a run around half the school. Yukina frowned, but put her goggles and cap back on, ready to swim again.
About an hour later, Ikeda's whistle blew causing the girls to start to wrap up. While the first years started to put the fins and kickboards away, the second and third-years started to put away the cameras and towels away, Yukina and Reika were talking to Ikeda who was informing them about a few upcoming changes. As the team came back out and lined up in front of them, Ikeda stepped up.
"We'll be ending practice early since the school is doing maintenance on some of the facilities and the pool would be the first thing that they need to do." Ikeda started. "We'll be using the school's indoor pool for morning and afternoon practice. Morning practice from four to six and afternoon practice from four-thirty to seven. We don't have practice on Saturdays and Sundays, so I do hope you get some of your work done. You did a good job today, get ready for tomorrow."
As the Coach left for her office, the team went into the changing room to get cleaned up, sans Yukina and Reika who were looking at the times of all the first-years.
"They all look promising and Mitsuki is at the top." Yukina said. She kicked her feet in the pool as she sat at the edge with Reika who frowned at Endo's times. "If only Endo put some effort in her swimming."
"If only Endo would try to put some effort in finding a soul." Reika muttered. "I don't even know why she's still on the team."
"It doesn't matter." Yukina said as she looked at Mitsuki and Endo's times. "It's only a matter of time before a change."
"What?" Reika frowned. She pulled off her cap and goggles as she carefully dried her hair with a towel to make sure no water got on the notes.
"Endo's attitude is bad for the team." Yukina declared, her gray eyes ablaze with anger. "Judging from how Mitsuki's times kept on improving as the day went, she'll be replacing Endo before the end of the first term."
"As much as I would love that, there's no way Endo will let go of her position without raising hell."
Yukina smirked. "She can either be benched or kicked off the team."
Reika smiled. "Look at you, being such an evil scheming Captain." Reika enjoyed the embarrassed blush of her friend, enjoying how Yukina changed when it came to the topic of swimming.
"Oh, shut up." Yukina said as she pressed her palms against her reddening cheeks. As the girls talked, they were unaware of the furious Endo who came out in a towel to grab her goggles earlier and heard their conversation.
Nobody is taking my position, especially not Kuga, Endo thought.
Mitsuki scrubbed her head and sneezed when she felt the water start to lose some heat. Turning off the water to the shower, she placed her hand outside of the curtain to grab her towel, but felt nothing there on the ring. Wondering if her towel dropped on the ground, Mitsuki peeked her head outside and used the curtain to shield her body. She froze when she noticed Endo Atsuko standing outside her shower, holding her towel tightly in her hands.
"Let's get one thing straight." Endo started, her voice completely cold and her eyes ablaze with anger. "You are nothing. You are a lowly first-year who got into Shiratorizawa because coach gave you a recommendation. You have not won any medals or awards. You may wear the school's swimsuit and tracksuit, but you're worthless. Have you been to Nationals?" Mitsuki was going to open her mouth, but Endo's raised hand caused her to clamp up. "No, you've haven't. You haven't gotten any awards like I have from all our competitions. I've beaten swimmers from all over and if you think that I'm going to hand over my spot willingly, you have another thing coming."
Mitsuki couldn't tell if she was shaking from Endo's threat or the lack of her warm towel, but she was so afraid of Endo right now that she could barely breathe.
"What's going on?" Mitsuki and Endo turned to see a seething Kazusa who changed from her swimsuit and into the school uniform, holding her bag and Mitsuki's stuff. Kazusa placed the stuff on the closest bench, immediately walking to the two of them and snatching the towel out of Endo's hand. Taking the towel from Kazusa, Mitsuki nodded in thanks and closed the curtain to wrap it around her body before racing out the shower and grabbing her clothes to change with the other members.
"What is wrong with you?" Kazusa genuinely asked. She may not hate Endo like Yuki and Reika, but she was slowly coming close to it.
"I don't like it when annoying first-years think they can try and overreach for things." Endo said. "I am not being left behind."
"The only person who's going to keep you behind is yourself." Kazusa sneered. "If you keep acting out like this, you're going to screw yourself royally and I am not going to be there when that happens. You rarely have anyone in your corner because of your haughty attitude, so don't think that threats are going to keep Mituki from swimming. Unlike you, she has dedication."
Endo's creamy complexion was shaded with red on her cheeks from anger. Before she could say anything, she noticed Yukina and Reika standing in the corner, both sending fierce glares her way. Noticing Endo's hesitation, Kazusa turned to see her friends standing there and left for them to handle the situation. Kazusa's energy was drained when talking to Endo so she went to find Mitsuki and leave so both could eat and rest.
"I'll take care of her." Reika said. She started to walk towards Endo, but Yukina put an arm out, stopping her friend. Reika frowned, turning her head to Yukina, wondering what she was going to do, but a firm look from Yukina made Reika step back.
"Let's talk outside." Yukina said. She took off the goggles that rested on her head and cap, giving them to Reika to hold. Endo smirked and followed Yukina outside while Reika took control of the team who heard everything.
If Yukina doesn't smack her, then I will, Reika thought.
Yukina led Endo to the path behind the pool, where two large trees casted a shadow over the swimmers who were faced opposite one another, Endo ready to strike while Yukina was relaxed. Endo hated Yukina's calm nature as she observed the so-called captain.
Yukina still wore the purple racerback, only donning a pair of black sneakers as her wet hair fell down her back in messy waves. As much as Endo hated to admit it, Yukina was quite pretty, as the swimsuit clung to her skin, showing her curvy body and decent chest size. Wanting to get this talk over with so she could return to her dorm, Endo was about to open her mouth but Yukina beat her to it.
"We're tired of you." Yukina said. She opened her eyes, sending a cold glare to Endo who looked shocked that Yukina had the ability to speak like this. "You've been a pain to the entire team since day one. Don't think because you were able to get away with what you did to Hira-chan last year means you're in the clear. Because you're not."
Endo growled, balling her hands into fists in anger. "What makes you think you can talk to me like that?"
"I don't know what happened to you to make you think that you can do whatever you want, but that is not going to happen here. Especially not when I'm Captain." Yukina declared. "It's annoying that Coach Ikeda has to assign Reika as your guard dog because you're an overeager princess who think she can get what she wants by throwing a tantrum or threatening others."
"Excuse me?" Endo said. "I've won medals at Nationals and helped raise our reputation. We're one of the top female teams at Shiratorizawa and I'm not going to be replaced by some mousy first-year who thinks sh –"
Yukina let out a sigh of frustration, immediately cutting off Endo from speaking further. "The only reason you won against Akita High's butterfly swimmer was that half their lineup got food poisoning the week of that race and the only person who could sub their usual swimmer was a first-year who just got the basics of the Butterfly!" Endo's eyes widened at Yukina's yell. "And you know that! So, stop bragging about that medal that every swimmer in Japan knows that you got because we all know that you didn't earn it since the competition wasn't the best for the Butterfly division that year."
"Also!" Yukina said, clenching her hair in frustration, wondering when Endo was finally going to get it through her very thick skull that her attempts to overpower others was ridiculous. "You almost destroyed our reputation when you tore small holes into Hira-chan's swimsuit, causing it to rip during a competition! Half the school knows that it was you and the only reason you got away with it was that Coach was pregnant that year and didn't focus on you that much! You're a nuisance to the team and you're going to bring us all down if you don't change! We all have rivals in any sport, so suck it up!"
Yukina's face was red from her yelling while Endo's face was red with embarrassment. Endo's eyes seemed to darken with rage as she ran up to Yukina and grabbed her. Yukina was shocked that Endo would do such a thing and tried to push her off, but failed. Endo pushed Yukina against the tree, causing her to hiss out in pain as she clenched her head in her hands. Looking up, she saw Endo's hand fly towards her face, ready to smack her, causing Yukina to close her eyes in anticipation. Luckily for her, Yukina didn't feel any pain on her face, causing her to look up in shock at the person who held Endo's wrists in a tight grip.
"Ushijima-san." Yukina said in relief.
Wakatoshi, Jin, and the team were running around the entire school, courtesy of Tendou's actions against Washijo-sensei. As they ran along the path that wrapped around the school, Tendou started to complain.
"This is crazy!" Tendou shouted from behind. "There should be a law against this."
"This is your fault!" Jin shouted from beside Wakatoshi, although the Ace was staring to pull ahead the team of volleyball players. "You don't get to complain!"
"If you keep talking, it'll take you even longer to complete the run." Wakatoshi said from up ahead. He gave Jin a look and he nodded in acceptance as he put his full speed into running so he could finish this run and hurry back to practice.
"So fast!" Goshiki said. He was about to put more energy to try and catch up to Ushijima but Hayato placed his body in front of the overeager first-year. "Geh!"
"Don't think about it!" Hayato panted. "Wakatoshi is just too fast for any of us. He'll be the first one back to the gym as usual."
Being in awe, Goshiki nodded and continued at his regular pace with the team as Jin led them around the school despite their bodies screaming in protest.
Wakatoshi knew he was already far ahead of the team as he barely heard Tendou's complaints anymore since they started running. Wakatoshi had a feeling that Tendou was going to pull something foolish since the middle blocker had somewhat started a tradition of getting the entire team into trouble since their first year. The first year they were forced to do two-hundred serves each when Tendou brought up Washijo's height. Last year was when Tendou unknowingly attempted to flirt with Washijo's granddaughter, causing them to practice outside in the unbearable heat. This time was the ball to the face which caused them to do the hell run around the entire campus. Wakatoshi wondered if Tendou planned these mishaps since they always happened during the first week of the new school year.
As Waktoshi passed the outdoor tennis courts, which just happened to be when the female team were practicing today, causing numerous amounts of squeals from the girls, he heard yelling from ahead. Wakatoshi slowed down, wondering if the yelling was just some students goofing off or an actual argument took place. As his fast run turned into a slow jog, the voices became clear and were a definite female's.
"Also!" Wakatoshi heard, immediately recognizing the voice as Kurosawa's. "You almost destroyed our reputation when you tore small holes into Hira-chan's swimsuit, causing it to rip during a competition! Half the school knows that it was you and the only reason you got away with it was that Coach was pregnant that year and didn't focus on you that much! You're a nuisance to the team and you're going to bring us all down if you don't change! We all have rivals in any sport, so suck it up!"
Wakatoshi jogged faster, seeing how Kurosawa was pushed into a tree and a girl was about to slap her. Wakatoshi ran immediately, grabbing the girl's wrists tightly to put enough pressure on her, but not enough that it would leave a mark. He was angry that this girl would attack Kurosawa so recklessly and dangerously. He was angry, his eyes narrowed in distaste as he glared at the girl below him who had the audacity to glare back at him. She wiggled and even attempted to kick him so he could let her go, but Wakatoshi refused.
"Ushijima-san." Yukina said. Wakatoshi looked up at her and met her eyes. Gray and olive met, and as he saw her eyes, he saw immediate relief. "Let her go."
Despite not wanting to, Wakatoshi let the girl go who fell onto the ground because of her thrashing in his grip. She let out some curses in English and sent fierce glares towards both Yukina and Wakatoshi.
Yukina's heart was beating like crazy, shocked at the events that just happened. She looked up to see Wakatoshi leaning down towards her causing her to blush as she could feel the heat coming off his skin and mouth as he looked her over. He awkwardly placed his hand against her cheek, trying to give her some form of comfort as he noticed her clench her head from before. It must've been when she was pushed into the tree. Yukina leaned into his touch, grateful that he had come at the moment, even if it wasn't on purpose.
"Yukina!"
"Wakatoshi!"
Both athletes snapped out of the state they were in and turned to the voices that called their names. Wakatoshi looked over to see his team panting with looks of curiosity and coy smiles – especially coming from Tendou – while Yukina looked to see an enraged Reika.
"What the hell is going on!?" Reika shouted. "I could hear you yelling all the way from the changing room!" Reika was about to start cursing more, but her eyes widened when she noticed Wakatoshi's hand resting against Yukina's cheek. "What is going on?"
Wakatoshi took his hand way from Yukina's face, but didn't remove himself away from her. In fact, the Ace turned around, causing his back to be in front of Yukina as he shielded her against Endo. Endo stood up, cursing under her breath when she realized she may have overstepped when she got caught by Ushijima.
"She attacked Kurosawa by pushing her against a tree." Wakatoshi said. Gasps were heard from the volleyball team and Reika, causing Yukina to run out from behind Wakatoshi's broad back.
"You're dead." Reika snarled. She charged towards Endo who turned pale at Reika's advance towards her, but Yukina grabbed her waist, tackling her onto the ground.
"Idiot!" Yukina shouted. She was on top of Reika with her knees pressing into her thighs and her hands grabbing both wrists as Reika looked up at her in shock. "If you attack her, you'll get suspended!"
"I don't care about that!" Reika said. "I care that Endo thinks she can walk all over anyone and get away with it!"
"She won't." Yukina declared. Yukina got up from Reika and turned to Endo who looked like she was going to run, but Reika grabbed the girl's wrists, holding back the urge to snap them. "Endo won't get away with anything because she's going to change her attitude towards the team."
"What?" Everyone else said in unison.
"If you walk away right now Endo, I'll pretend that this never happened." Yukina declared. Endo wasn't convinced, even when Reika let go of her wrists as she went back to Yukina's side.
"I don't believe you."
Yukina shrugged. "Believe me or not, but I'm giving you a second chance. It's your choice if you want to take it or not." Endo looked at Yukina first, then Reika, and lastly the volleyball team as she nodded slowly and eventually ran away. When Endo was out of sight, Yukina fell against Reika.
"Your back." Wakatoshi said. Yukina looked up towards Wakatoshi and heard Reika lightly gasp when she turned Yukina fully so she could see the damage Endo inflicted on her friend.
Tendou let out a low whistle as himself and the team were shocked at Yukina's back. Yukina's back was covered in scratches that bled heavily. There were even pieces of bark in her flesh which caused Goshiki to look a little green.
"That's it, I'm cleaning you up." Reika said. She carefully led Yukina back to the pool and the volleyball team followed. Reika didn't comment on the boys following her, just silently approving that they were guarding her in case Endo decided to come back.
When they reached the gate, Reika led the boys to the pool while Reika went inside the changing room to clean Yukina up. When Reika instructed Yukina to lie down on the bench as she grabbed a first aid kit and started a shower, Reika turned to her friend who winced in pain.
"Why did you let her go?" Reika asked.
Yukina let out a sigh as she attempted to relax in the uncomfortable position she was currently in. "If we told Coach or anyone else about what Endo did, she'd be suspended from the swim team for at least a month. She may not be able to be a nuisance during practice, but if she was screwed over with a suspension, imagine what she would do outside practice. We can control her and if she doesn't do what we want. . ."
"She'll get kicked off the team permanently and probably out of Shiratorizawa." Reika finished. "But wouldn't that be good if she got kicked out of the school?"
"If she did, she'll probably join another team at a different school and screw our reputation." Yukina said. "A caged Endo is better than a loose one."
Despite not entirely agreeing with Yukina, Reika was silent as she helped her friend strip out of her swimsuit and into the shower. Reika tried not to wince at Yukina's moans of pain as the mix of chlorine, blood, sweat, dirt and soap ran down her skin. When Reika was done cleaning Yukina, she sat her down on the bench and helped disinfect and clean the scratches on Yukina's back.
"So." Reika started as she placed a gauze on Yukina's back. "Want to explain why Ushijima had his hand against your cheek in which you seemed so pleased about?"
Yukina stiffened and turned away from Reika. "That was nothing."
Reika shook her head at her friend's denial. "That didn't seem like it was nothing. It seemed like you actually lov –"
"Reika!" Yukina hissed. "He was just comforting me since Endo attempted to slap me earlier, simple as that."
"That piece of crap did what?"
Thank god for you having a short temper, Yukina thought.
"Don't worry, it's been dealt with." Yukina said as she placed her underwear on her naked body and then her school uniform as she braided her long hair so they could leave and return to their dorms. "Plus, you know I don't believe in love. Love is just something that will cause more harm than good."
"You gotta admit, this place seems pretty peaceful." Reon said. The regulars and Goshiki were outside talking to each other as Wakatoshi and Jin sent the reserve players and everyone else back to the gym, not wanting them to get involved in any of the drama that happened with Yukina, Reika, and Endo.
The boys' shoes were off as they placed their feet into the clear blue water, waiting for Reika and Yukina to arrive from the swim team's changing room. Despite the peaceful nature that the pool brought, the team was interested in the scene they took when Wakatoshi's hand was against Yukina's cheek.
"Wakatoshi, what happened?" Reon asked.
Wakatoshi looked over to his friend and frowned when he saw how Endo treated Kurosawa. "She was attacked by her teammate and almost hit by her again." Wakatoshi could feel anger slowly washing over him as he hated how such a person could do to another, especially Yukina.
"Eh!?" Tendou shouted. "I can't believe it!"
"Kurosawa was yelling at Endo earlier." Wakatoshi said. "I believe they do not get along at all. They were yelling about things in the past as well."
"Girls sure are scary when they fight." Semi said. "I'm surprised that Akiyama didn't kill that Endo girl."
"I wish I saw them fight." Tendou purred. "It would've been a good to see Reika-chan to kick some butt."
"I can kick yours, you annoying toothpick." The boys turned to Reika and Yukina who changed back into their school uniforms. Yukina was wincing in a bit of pain while Reika observed the volleyball boys who relaxed in the pool. Wakatoshi immediately got out of the pool and Reika took his place, not caring if her sock clad feet got wet as she took her shoes off.
"I see you missed me, Reika-chan." Tendou said. He put his arm around her, causing Reika to flinch. She grabbed Tendou's arm and twisted it behind his back before pushing him into the pool. The team laughed as they watched Tendou whine in the pool as he flailed around with a pout. Reika looked back to Wakatoshi and Yukina's retreating backs as they exited the pool.
"The only thing I miss was the peace and quiet my life had until you came into it." Reika said.
"So, you agree, I do shake things up in your life." Reika took her nearby shoes and tossed it at Tendou, but the middle blocker caught them easily, causing Reika to look momentarily stunned. Tendou swam back to Reika and offered up her shoes, but as she reached for them, Tendou moved back which made Reika fall into the pool.
Shirabu shook his head at Tendou, but a smirk came onto his face when he noticed Reika charge through the water like an angry shark, immediately pouncing on Tendou as the middle blocker screamed in pain as Reika pulled at his hair, only being held up as her legs wrapped around his waist tightly, her thighs squeezing his sides as tightly as possible.
"Can we bring Tendou to Reika so she can beat him up all the time?" Taichi asked. He laughed as he pulled out his phone to record Tendou's beating, with the others following his lead. When Reika noticed phones, she stopped for a quick smile and continued her attack on the foolish Tendou.
"Are you okay?" Wakatoshi asked.
Yukina looked upwards to Wakatoshi who had an odd look of concern on his face. She found it slightly odd that the Great Ace of Shiratorizawa looked so. . . off. Yukina had always seen Ushijima at a distance with either a frown or a neutral expression that showed little of what he thought around others.
"I'm fine." Yukina said, a small smile placed on her face as she looked up to him. "Thank you for coming to help me."
"You were different back there." Wakatoshi said. "You seemed more assertive despite the hostile situation."
Yukina flushed as she remembered her yelling at Endo. "I'm quite defensive when it comes to my team. Endo has done so many things that caused most of the team to hate her."
"She did not make such a great impression."
Yukina snorted at his words. "She's always been a handful, but I definitely wasn't expecting her to push me against the tree and almost slap me."
"Why didn't you inform your Coach about what Endo just did?" Wakatoshi asked. "This Endo seems to be a threat to you and the other members of your club."
"It's best to keep a mad dog on its leash then letting it free." Yukina said. She had heard from Reika that Ushijima liked to speak in riddles most of the time, so maybe he'll understand if she spoke like him. "If you let it go, it'll cause more harm than good."
"What happens if the dog escapes the leash?" Wakatoshi asked.
"Neuter it." Yukina declared, her gray eyes burning with an intensity that Wakatoshi silently praised.
"I don't think that you're reasoning was correct." Wakatoshi said. "Although, if you believe that is the best course, I shall raise no complaint. Also, I apologize for invading your personal space without permission. It was wrong to touch you like that."
"I didn't mind your touch, it was comforting in fact." Yukina said, but her face flushed in a shade of red that seemed to wash over her pale skin. "I'm gonna go drown myself."
"Please, don't." Wakatoshi said, as his olive eyes widened in concern that felt oddly comforting.
"I won't." Yukina reassured him. "You're right, you know. I'm slightly embarrassed that you heard me yelling when I was. . . um. . . talking to Endo."
"I was a bit concerned when I heard you yelling." Wakatoshi admitted. "I did not think I would hear you yell so much since I met you."
"Well, I guess everyone has their breaking point."
Wakatoshi wanted to say more, but Tendou's screaming caused both to lose focus on each other and head back to their friends at the pool. When they arrived, Wakatoshi let out a sigh while Yukina just gaped at Reika beating Tendou in the water. As much as Wakatoshi felt sorry for his friend, he assumed correctly that Tendou must've said or done something to enrage Reika if she was pushed to the point of physically assaulting the middle blocker.
Yukina's face flushed in embarrassment as she ran into the changing room and came back out with a towel, t-shirt, and tracksuit.
"Reika!" Yukina shouted in embarrassment at her friend's appearance. "Your clothes!"
Reika looked down to see her school uniform soaking wet, clinging to her skin, and showing the outline or her figure and lace bra. The boys blushed in embarrassment, looking away as Tendou was stupid enough to give her a smirk in approval.
"Did you wear that just for me, Reika-chan?" Tendo purred, but Reika was not having it. The slap she striked against his cheek made an audible sound as the boys winced and Yukina flushed a darker shade of red at her friend's appearance.
Reika made her way out of the pool and gladly accepted the towel as she wrapped it around her body and left to get herself cleaned up and changed out of her wet uniform. When Reika left, the boys got out of the pool and Tendou looked awful.
The middle blocker was soaking wet and covered in small bruises that littered his body. His hair was a mess and his face had a lovely print of Reika's hand placed onto his right cheek. Yukina gave him a towel to dry himself off, but he wouldn't be able to dry his clothes or change into anything else since there were no spare clothes for him to fit into. Suddenly, a thought came to her as she questioned their appearance.
"Were you guys at practice before you came here?" Yukina asked as she took in their black shirts and purple athletic shorts.
"Oh crap." Taichi said, his eyes widening in fear at Washijo's reaction to them not returning to the gym after their run.
"He's going to kill us." Kenjirou said. He could already feel the pain of whatever torture that their Coach would inflict on their bodies. "How long have we been gone?"
"Too long in my opinion." Yukina said. "It can't be that bad, right?"
The grim faces of the boys told her otherwise.
"Tanji-kun's gonna kill us all." Tendou commented. The boys glared at him, except for Wakatoshi and Goshiki who just gave a deadpan stare to the foolish Tendou.
"It's your fault that we were even running in the first place!" Semi shouted, pointing a finger at Tendou's face. "You just had to spike a ball at the Coach's head."
"I didn't do it on purpose!" Tendou pouted. "Just imagine if it would've worked."
"Well it didn't." Reon bluntly said. "I'm sure we're going to be faced with a fierce practice for the rest of the week."
"It's only practice though, how hard could it be?" Goshiki commented. He looked at his senpai and they gave him a long look.
"Oh, the naivety of being a first-year." Jin said. As the team argued, Wakatoshi and Yukina stood off to the side and watched in entertainment. More so Yukina than Wakatoshi, as he was used to the craziness his team provided in his daily life. When Reika arrived out of the changing rooms, she handed Yukina her bags as both girls were ready to leave.
"I believe it's time for us to go." Wakatoshi said. "Stay safe."
Yukina blushed. "I will and thank you for what you did."
Yukina and Reika directed the boys out of the pool and told them of a shortcut that would get them back to gym in a shorter time. As the boys started to run back and Yukina and Reika locked the gate to the pool, Wakatoshi and Yukina both looked back to see each other before they disappeared out of each other's sight.
Thank you, Ushijima-san, Yukina thought.
A/N: And that's a wrap! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter of Miracle Lover! Please remember to follow so you can get updates on when I post the next chapter!
NEXT CHAPTER: LATE NIGHT CONVERSATIONS