Author's note:
Yes! Another random fanfiction on the go. Haikyuu!
Mainly because the hype of the final movie last February, which I am still waiting for the international release!
On that note, waiting time means more time for more story on the making. Fun fact: I've already made sixteen chapters for this story, and I might gradually post it. But not too fast because I know this will me one of those stories that takes a long time to finish (just like my other ones, duh).
Anyway, thanks for visiting and enjoy!
- Chapter 1 -
"Hey, Yamaguchi-san." His head of the classroom called during their lunch breaks. "A quick word?"
Yamaguchi nodded. "Sure, what is it?"
"I've made the team schedule for class clean-up. You'll be in charge for today." The head of class informed him. She nodded her head to the student behind him with big headphones covering his ears. "Your friend is also with you. Here, the list of names. "
Yamaguchi screened the list and nodded. "Ah, yeah of course. Thank you, Suzuki-san."
When the girl left, Yamaguchi quickly turned to Tsukishima. "Hey Tsukki, how tall do you think she is? By the looks, she is maybe as tall as me. No, I think she is taller. Or maybe the same as you?"
Tsukishima paused his song, his golden eyes briefly glanced at Suzuki who was talking animatedly to another student; already towering over some standing boys. The boys looked overwhelmed, adverting eyes from her. "Still shorter than me. But close enough."
"Do you think she also plays volleyball? There is one for the girl's club, right." Yamaguchi pondered out loud. He waited for Tsukishima to respond. A shrug from him was enough. "Speaking of, don't forget we have to go to the gym later after school. Oh, I can't wait to see the volleyball team. I wonder who else is going to sign up."
"Actually, I'm thinking of one person." At this time Tsukishima had put his headphones around his neck. "Osama."
"Oh right! Kageyama Tobio is here. The King of Court. Hm, I wonder if he is as scary as people say."
The corner of Tsukishima's lips tugged into a smirk. "I wonder how much of a king he is." Yamaguchi chuckled and went back to eat his lunch.
The final bell and a class cleaning later, Tsukishima and Yamaguchi found themselves walking to Gym B where the boys' volleyball team gathered for their daily practice. Their high school gym was not that different from the ones in their middle school. Typical set of PVC flooring with mark lines to differ the type of sport. Some a place for net set-up and two basketball hoops at each side now mechanically folded up to the ceiling.
"Ah, the other first years!" the club captain said once spotting the pair by the door. "They're joining early for Saturday's try-out match. Why don't you go get change first while we set up the court?"
Both Tsukishima and Yamaguchi bowed their heads and got ready for the practice, changing their black uniforms for a pair of casual tee and shorts.
"Hey new kids, what're your names?" Tanaka confronted them. "What're your positions, damn it?"
"Tsukishima Kei-des."
"Yamaguchi Tadashi-des. We play middle blockers in Junior High."
The second-year spiker was about to say something when the team captain came to them. "Alright that's enough, Tanaka…. we'll start with a warm-up game. Let's do a four to four down-ball rally. Ja!"
As the warm-up and as the whole drill of practice went on, Tsukishima realized; this Karasuno team was not as bad as he thought, neither was it too good. He knew that the Crows had been under the radar over the past years. After the graduation of the Little Giant, and the retirement of a respected coach, there was nothing special about them anymore. Not that he cared. Not that he was going to change something about it.
Although there was one question: where's The King?
When the practice session finished and the moon had set above the darkened sky, his question was soon answered by a shouting near the track field. Two boys pairing for the serve and receive. One of them obviously sucked. And short.
"That's Kageyama, right Tsukki?" Yamaguchi pointed to the students. "Can't say I know the other one."
"Hm, let's introduce ourselves, then."
Picking up on the orange-haired kid was easy and fun since he looked like a child who would burst in tears in seconds. Kageyama however…
"I saw the match in the Junior High Cup. The one you lost. Your team was really patient to put up a setter like you. I know I couldn't — ah! It's 'cause you knew they couldn't, either."
Judging by the whitened knuckle and tight grip on his collar, Kageyama was easier.
"Pfft, so much for a king." Tsukishima snickered, juggling the ball. "You know what, we're going to beat up the King on Saturday—" a shadow loomed. And he barely had time to process it. He's fast and high.
"Osama, osama, all you talk about is osama! Don't forget about me! I'll get you back!" And loud.
Something about The King's self-centered-ness and the Squirt's obnoxiousness irritated him. Passing through the gate, he heard the thud of a ball hit and scowled. Pointless.
"Eh Tsukki, what's wrong?" Yamaguchi caught up to him.
"I don't like them."
"Y-yeah, you really set off Kageyama. That was actually scary. Oh and the short one, annoying." He said. "Do you see his jump, though? That was a helluva jump."
"The Squirt's fast." Tsukishima said.
"Yeah. I kind of wonder how he'd play. How they would play. What do you think we should do?"
"Hm, doesn't matter." He scoffed quickly. "I don't like how overly zealous they are. Neither The King, nor The Squirt."
Yamaguchi blinked at the response but shrugged it off nonetheless. The two continued walking quietly until they reached the local store where Yamaguchi wanted to buy some snacks for home. Tsukishima reluctantly agreed and purchased a drink for himself.
"Oh Suzuki-san! You're still here?"
Once again their walkway was occupied by a figurine just passing by the store. Her lazy eyes roamed to them. "Yamaguchi-san, Tsukishima-san. Ne, you guys too?"
"Volleyball club."
"Figures." She said, slightly glancing up to the taller boy behind him.
"Hehe yeah, well Suzuki-san, what about you? What club did you do this afternoon?"
"It's a Student Council meeting." She curtly nodded. "All class heads were invited. It was more like an introductory and discussing plan for the year."
"I see. Is there any exciting event later on, Suzuki-san?"
Walking together was unintentional, yet Yamaguchi and Suzuki made no complaints as they went on talking and asking questions to each other. She was, after all appointed as their Class's head and he was chosen to help her out - a quick talk about the class' future plan bond them instantly; all while Tsukishima just tailed behind them, headphones already on.
Count off Yamaguchi's spikey hair and she is actually taller than him. That's like… what, 185 cm?
"Eto, Suzuki-san, Tsukki, I'll see you tomorrow!" Yamaguchi was the first to bid as he turned to a different street.
Usually at this time Tsukishima blared the song higher to compliment his steps home, alone. But when he noticed the tall girl did not intend to make another turn, he mentally sighed.
As if reading his mind, the girl abruptly turned around. "Where are you heading, Tsukishima-san?"
"Still across the street."
"Oh same then."
Yamaguchi might be shy and timid but between them, he was friendlier and the better one to engage in a conversation. That said, Tsukishima could practically feel the awkwardness around him and her. Occasionally he stole a glance at her; she felt that too.
"Tsukishima-san," she started. "You and Yamaguchi came from the same school, right?"
"Yes, Amemaru Junior High."
"I see. No wonder you two already know each other. Better than most students in our class."
"We've known each other since elementary."
"Ah, old buddies then."
"Yeah… and you?" He finally added the question at the last moment.
"I studied at Watasori."
The name did not ring a bell. And decided it was no use to try lengthening over the subject, he just nodded and cut it off.
"You want some?"
Tsukishima turned to see her hand holding a pack of bubble gum. He shrugged and took one piece into his mouth. "Thanks."
She just nodded and started chewing again.
None said another word for the rest of the walk as the two seemed finally able to cope with the tricky mood. Few minutes in and the only sound between them were either Suzuki's gum balloon pop or occasional vehicle engine driving past them.
"By the way." Tsukishima halted both of them. "I'm turning this way."
"Oh, alright then."
He nodded and pivoted his feet. But stopped. "What about you?"
"Just straight ahead. Only a couple of minutes till I get home. No worries." She nodded. "Alright, see you around, Tsukishima."
"Sure."
- Chapter 1 -
Tsukishima was very blunt and rarely showed any emotion other than disinterest and smugness. So when Hinata's served ball hit right dead on the King's head, he couldn't help it; a genuine mocking laugh boomed from him.
Other than that, he bluntly felt that his team sucked.
For the most part it was due to Hinata's nervous breakdown, running around like a headless chicken, taking the wrong chance ball, bumping into teammates and even the referee. Kageyama's short temper did not help at all. But overall, he realized this team (if one could be called a team) lacked coordination and well… teamwork. Pfft, what a sore thumb.
Going into the second set, however, Tsukishima felt a shift in the team. "Every single player on this side of the net is an ally!" Tanaka's call-me-senpai speech seemed to kick whatever sickening nerve out of Hinata's body, and with the help of the Majesty toss, he spiked a point. And when Tsukishima managed to spike another point of his own, he felt a slight shift in his own adrenaline.
"Kageyama, I know you're good with blocking too. But don't get carried away." Tsukishima could not hold another remark. "Your Highness."
"Oh I will block them for you. Since you'll only be pushed away, Skinny Beanpole!"
Locking eyes on the ball, the front row jumped and extended their arms up, shielding the ball from passing through. A thud and the ball bounced into the opposite side.
"Yosh! I blocked that."
Tsukishima sneered. "Are you nuts? The ball hit my hand."
"No! My hand was there too!"
"Shut up you two!" Daichi's voice was enough to stop all of them. And that somehow boosted the mood on the team.
Coming into the final point of the third set, things started to get a little tense. The first serve, Tsukishima failed to receive it. The second serve, again, frustrated him. The third, he managed to bounce the ball back into the game but Tsukishima knew the receive still was not right. The opponent celebrity setter pinpointed the team's weakness right away, which was himself and his inability to make the perfect receive, and that triggered a mental response.
"Ah Tsukki, nice game!" Yamaguchi said once the players all benched, preparing to go home. "It's very cool to see you play. Very intimidating."
"Yeah, I guess."
"Tell me, how do you feel?"
Tsukishima filled his mouth with water instead of an answer, lazily shrugging his shoulders. Yamaguchi rolled his eyes. "I see you've got pretty competitive with Kageyama's senpai, the setter. He got you all riled up."
"He was targeting me the whole serves. He knew my retrieve was still weak. What a jerk."
"Ah, don't mind that. We can keep practicing the rebound. Sawamura-san must have taken notes about it too."
Tsukishima just nodded and went on with life.
It was some minutes before eight where the team had returned to the school. But not before a short huddle to discuss their first ever match as a team.
A team. Just about a week ago, the Captain banned two first years from the gym due to lack of teammates understanding. Looking at the team now, well they still lacked that, but at least there was a profound trust slowly growing in them. And that was oddly satisfying. The whole volleyball team casually walked into the gym, all tired and experienced winning at the same time.
"Eh, Daichi-kun! Suga-kun!" Someone greeted him. "All of you've returned! How's the match?"
"Hiamura-chan. A very good practice match; enough to get the first year all pumped up." Sugawara exclaimed. "Anyway, Hia-chan, how's your training going?"
The female third-year nodded. "Yeah, we're just about to wrap things up. Thanks again for letting my team use the gym today, Daichi."
"No, we were not using it anyway. Switching schedules is no big deal. Although, Hia-chan, if you're almost finished, I'd like to use the gym for a brief huddle."
"Of course. We are almost done anyway!"
The huddle agenda merely consisted of a quick motivational speech by Takeda-sensei and a brief training schedule by the Captain, and a little mentioning of a search for a new coach. With that done, Tsukishima plugged his headphones back on and walked home.
The next day came by like usual. Morning homeroom briefing from their teacher, classes, lunchbreak, another class and another afternoon practice session in the gym.
"Alright, gather around, team." Daichi called out. "I am sure you still remember yesterday's match against Seijoh. I know I am because this was the first time I saw the first-years' potential come through." He told them. "That being said, we still need to work on a couple of things."
Both Hinata and Tsukishima shared a look of: Damn it. Unlike Hinata who immediately sprung into retrieving pose, Tsukishima only grunted and lazily moved on to warm up around the court.
"Tsukishima-kun, is this yours?" Ennoshita asked, holding what appeared to be a sports goggle. "I found it in the storage room."
Looking down at his own glasses resting on his thigh, he shook his head. "No. I don't have that type of goggles."
"Oh okay. I guess I just put it back."
Indeed today's exercise theme was about receiving. Corner receive drill, running receive drill, diving drill, all that other drills. In addition, serving drills.
"Hey Hinata, can you show me the head serve again?"
"Kya! S-shut up, Tsukishima!"
"Tsukishima, you receive his serve." Daichi paired them up.
He failed to suppress a sneer. "Tch, lame."
"Heh, would you like me to face-serve you, Four eyes!"
"Try that and you'll see what comes after you, Squirt."
Their pair was possibly the loudest with name calling and careless comments amongst the others since Hinata served the ball all over the place and then Tsukishima purposely served the ball too hard, making it very hard for the both of them to retrieve the ball. After a while they were paired with other people instead to ease up the court.
Alternatively, those hot-headed individuals proved their potential when placed on the same side of the net. To end their session, a short match was set. The first-years versus second-years, with Daichi and Sugawara as the referee. And the first-years actually led by three points and it was at 24.
"Tanaka, what kind of senpai loses to his kohai?" Daichi stunted and this caught the ear of the buzz-cut player.
"Cha! I ain't letting you beat me, my kohai! Chikara, Hisashi, Kazu! Let's show these brats what we can do!"
"Yosh!"
That surely triggered Karasuno's wild card as Tanaka's powerful spike broke past the blockers. That one hurt, Tsukishima pondered quietly feeling the sting when the ball connected to his palm, a lot.
"Are you alright, Tsukishima-kun~" Tanaka sang to him. "Fret not, my kohai. I'll go softer next time."
Failing to block was one thing. Letting someone else know you were failing was another - and he didn't like it very much. When the ball started rolling again, Tsukishima scanned the court. Tanaka was standing, loudly calling for a toss and Narita was already bearing for a jump. He squinted his eyes for advanced focus. Kinoshita-san often tossed the ball slightly near the net for Narita to jump to and higher for Tanaka to accommodate the strength of his spring.
The ball was higher! Quickly, Tsukishima jumped in parallel with Tanaka, hands outstretched and rigid.
"Tsukishima kora!"
The future ace spiked and Tsukishima felt the contact on his palm. Gritting his teeth, he tensed his fingers. The spike was so strong that it bounced from the hand and out of the court and hit the door. Before the ball would uncontrollably lose its direction, another outstretched hand firmly grabbed it in place. Thanks to Tsukishima, the block won them a point and drove home the set. And it took the team a while to realize the person stopping the ball was not another player; in fact she was not part of the team after all.
"Tsukki," Yamaguchi called him. "That Suzuki-san?"
Tsukishima set his eyes to Sugawara and Shimizu approaching the unwelcome guests near the door; one girl he was not familiar with. The other girl, the one holding the ball, not many girls in the school was as tall as her so he immediately recognized her.
"Whoa, yabai! That girl is so tall." Hinata beamed. "She's the tallest I've ever seen."
"No. You're the short one, Squirt." Tsukishima did not skip a beat, his eyes still lingered to them.
With their little practice match won, Daichi cleared them all to clean up.
"Suzuki-san, nice to see you here." Yamaguchi called when he spotted the two girls approaching them in the storage room. "But what are you doing here?"
"Well I —"
"Have you seen goggles somewhere? I forgot where I put mine during yesterday's practice and maybe someone put it in here." The shorter girl exclaimed. "Mirai-des. Mirai Inoe, First-year Class 3 from basketball team. And this is Suzuki Taomi but I think you already know her."
Yamaguchi blinked before letting out a shy smile. "Oh y-yeah sure. Yamaguchi Tadashi. I am a classmate with Suzuki. Oh, what were you looking for again? Goggles? Um, I don't think I've seen that here."
"Oh okay. I can look for it myself. Can I come into the storage room?"
"Uh yeah, I guess you could. We're just done cleaning." When the girl walked past him, he turned to Suzuki. "What was that?"
To which Suzuki just shrugged, mouth chewing.
"So you do join a club." Yamaguchi started.
"Hm, I never said I didn't join anything. But yes, at last. I joined a little later than most of the first-years anyway."
"Oh, cool."
"So this is the volleyball team." Suzuki nodded and looked around the court. "You look like a bunch of interesting individuals."
"Ceh, you could say that."
"Yamaguchi, we're done for the day. Let's go home." Tsukishima walked past them, curtly nodding to Suzuki to which she bobbed her head in return. Trailing behind him were Kageyama and Hinata; the latter was gawking at Suzuki for a while.
"Wow, she's damn tall." He said, standing up to her, only reaching to her neck. "She is taller than you, Kageyama."
"Uh, thanks?"
"Hinata! She can hear that." Kageyama warned him. "Tch, baka."
"Oh! Err, gomen. I m-mean… I didn't mean it like that. I'm Class 1 Hinata Shoyo, middle blocker."
"C-class 4 Suzuki Taomi," she replied to the outburst. "Center."
"Center? You mean setter? Kageyama here is a setter too."
"No… volleyball isn't the only sports around here, you know." turning away from Yamaguchi, Suzuki glanced at the rest of the group and sighed. "Center is a position in basketball."
"Ooooh! Basketball team. I didn't know there's a girls' basketball team. So what do you do? Shooting balls into hoops?"
"Uh, yeah… something like so, Hinata-san." She replied curtly. "I better go check on my teammate. Nice to meet all of you. Ja ne."
While Kageyama and Hinata began arguing about Hinata's awkward questions (what do you think, Hinata boke!) Tsukishima and Yamaguchi had already left them to return to the club room (with stolen glances from under his glasses to the girl).
- Chapter 1 -
From: Sugawara
Hinata, please inform the other first-years, today's practice will be starting a bit late. The court is occupied, probably until five. Thanks a bunch!
During lunch break, Hinata quickly ran to different classes.
Class 1-3. "Oy, Bakayama!" "Hinata you brat!"
Class 1-4. Now this, Hinata couldn't help but think: the college prep class. Smart people are scary…
Easily though he spotted Tsukishima and Yamaguchi in the middle of the classroom and appeared to be talking animatedly to each other. Hinata's own orange hair was also hard to miss. "Hinata, here." Yamaguchi waved him in.
"What are you doing here, Little One?"
"Shuddup, Banana Pocky!"
"Haha, Banana Pocky is actually a good one—ehe, gomen Tsukki." Yamaguchi grinned sheepishly when Tsukishima glared at him. "Anyway, what are you doing here, Hinata?"
"Sugawara-senpai texted me that the practice will start at five. I'm only sharing the news."
"Oh really? Did he tell you why?"
"Something about the court will be in use." Hinata said. "Yamaguchi, what are you eating?"
Yamaguchi glanced down at his chips and suddenly shared a look with Tsukishima. "Want some?"
"Oh sure — hey. Hey!"
With an instant Tsukishima stood up and grabbed the potato chips away from him. "What are you doing? Take it, Hinata."
"You bastard. Put it down!"
The bicker brought a lot of attention and students around them laughed at Hinata's antics, a failed attempt to reach up. Hinata groaned and took a step back. "Don't play with me, Tsukishima!"
Tsukishima knew what he was going to do, his stance ready for a high jump. Oh you asked for it, Squirt. The moment Hinata's knee bent, Tsukishima did the same. But a pair of hands stopped them. One held Hinata's head and the other gripped Tsukishima's shoulder, preventing them from floating. Tsukishima flinched in shock. That's kinda strong.
"As much as entertaining it is, you need to cut it out. Come on guys, lunch break is almost over." Suzuki said, rolling her eyes, patting Hinata's head. "You should better leave, Orenji-san."
"Hey, Orenji?! — oh! You're…" Hinata exclaimed. "You're the girl from yesterday!"
"Sure." She looked down and the boy immediately stiffened. "Hinata, right?"
"H-hai!"
"Well, you should go back to your class, Hinata-san." Once the kid scattered away, she briefly turned to Yamaguchi and Tsukishima. "Is he always so awkward?"
Yamaguchi just laughed. "You could say that."
Suzuki glanced at Tsukishima and he frowned slightly, unsure of what she was going to say. Either way, she only shrugged at him. "Clean this up, will you? Before the teacher comes." She nodded to the fallen chips on the floor.
"Gomen ne Suzuki!" Yamaguchi replied shortly.
"Ne, azas."
When the bell rang, the class went back to their normal setting. Teacher came and lectured, History Class, and most students already dozed off. Tsukishima was one of them, taking more interest in drawing dinosaurs in his book than paying attention. It didn't matter, the teacher often gave homework about the subject and he could just simply read it again. Or rather, copied Yamaguchi's notes after school.
That being said, the final periods of class ended in a blink.
After a quick clean-up, Tsukishima and Yamaguchi found themselves already walking towards the club room at the back of the gym. True to Sugawara's words, they could already hear loud noises inside the gym when they walked.
"Daichi-san." Yamaguchi greeted the senior inside the club room.
"Ah, you two. Have you heard the news? The gym is still in use by another club. Honestly I think it's a little later than five. They started late too." He told them.
"They? Do you know who's practicing there?"
"It's a friendly practice match with another school, actually. The Hakusuikan Girls' Basketball Team is visiting." Daichi said. "I was about to go in. Most of the boys are already there, watching. Come."
Yamaguchi and Tsukishima shared a look of similar interest. After getting changed into training gear, the two, following Daichi, entered the gym.
With the hoops lowered, their usual volleyball court had transformed into a real basketball court. And suddenly the gym looked bigger. In the middle, two teams wearing opposite jerseys scattered round, jumping and chasing the ball. Since Gym 2 was not big enough to have spectator benches, most of the audience were either taking out chairs of the lines or standing against the railing on the second floor. Tsukishima briefly looked around to search for their team, who was standing by one side.
"Hey Tsukishima!" Hinata called up once he had caught up with their team. "You didn't tell me your twin is playing right now."
"Twin?"
"Yeah, the tallest girl in your class. Look!"
"She is not my twin. Whatever." Before other members started to assume, Tsukishima cleared it out uninterestedly.
Twin? He was not aware of where the nickname came from. But he was very much aware of Suzuki Taomi standing tall and fierce in the middle of the court, all geared up with Karasuno's black and white tee and shorts, complete with knee and arm sleeves. Tsukishima knew little to none about basketball. Sure, the goal was to throw the ball in the hoops to score but in terms of position, rules, movesets, whatnot; he didn't know much. What did she say before? Center?
One thing for sure, the basketball match was as fast-paced as volleyball and honestly he was troubled to keep up with the ball. When Tsukishima tried to find the ball, Suzuki had snatched it from the opponent and dribbled the offence; jumped and dunked in just a blink of an eye, and actually hung onto the hoop. Some astonished sounds erupted.
Despite the amazing stunt by Suzuki, Karasuno actually lost by mere four points; two more scores. By then the match was already over and the team had dispersed.
"Come on, let's greet them!" Tsukishima heard Hinata's call along with automatic lining up down the stairs.
"Suzuki-san!" Yamaguchi called, as they got down, approaching the resting player by the chairs. "Nice match you got!"
"Whoa! That's a really high jump!" Hinata exclaimed.
"Oh, hi there." Suzuki abruptly turned and nodded. Her braided hair swished around. "Err, thanks."
"You know Hinata, I'm sure you can jump as high as that." Tsukishima said. "You should change clubs instead. You're not needed in volleyball anymore."
"Really? That's… wait, yah Tsukishima!"
"Don't touch me, Squirt."
"Hey, mind the noise or I'll stop the both of you, again." Suzuki casually warned them, a hint of challenge lingered. "But thanks for watching the match. I didn't know we have audiences."
"Yep. You were amazing back there, Suzuki-san." Yamaguchi replied. "And the slam dunk! That was really powerful."
"Uh, well… thanks."
"Hey look out!"
Just then the group looked up at a floating basketball, must have hit something and bounced off to their direction. Feeling like the tallest, Tsukishima thought of grabbing the ball but Hinata beat him to it. He jumped… and actually spiked the ball instead, much to everyone's dismay.
"Ah, itai!"
"Hinata boke!" Kageyama yelled. "That's not volleyball."
"That actually really hurts!" Hinata said, shaking the pain away from his palm.
"No shit. Basketball is heavier. Idiot!"
Suzuki blinked at the incident. "Does he always do that, the orange kid? Jumping around like nuts." She said to no one in particular. But with Kageyama and Yamaguchi already gathered around Hinata, Tsukishima concluded she was talking to him. "You have fun friends in the volleyball club, Tsukishima-san." That confirmed it.
"Tch, more like retards, really."
"Yeah right, if you say so." She said, "So volleyball training after this?"
"Uh huh."
"Are you not gonna help Yamaguchi? Looks to me he couldn't handle those two boys."
"Nah, more fun to watch."
"Hm you're quite right, actually."
None said more words and only watched Yamaguchi try to break up the ranting between the other two teammates. Tsukishima stood there, unsure of what more to say. He only watched when Suzuki bounced the fallen ball with her foot and dribbled it up before securing it around her arm.
"You guys had a friendly match too, right?" She began.
"Yeah, we went to Aoba Johsai."
"Aoba Johsai. Seijoh. Their basketball team is pretty good." She mused. "Did you win?"
"Of course, unlike you losers." It was rather automatic. Tsukishima was used to making snarky comments and truthfully the boys perhaps had gotten used to him. Would she be?
"Ouch." A moment later, Tsukishima heard a snort of laughter coming from the girl. "Whatever, you say Banana Pocky." She went along. "Frankly I don't expect to win, anyway. It's our first match in the school term anyway."
"That was our first match as a team too."
Suzuki raised an eyebrow, a challenge. "You're saying?"
Tsukishima lazily shrugged.
"Suzuki-chan!" A girl wearing sport goggles went up to her. "We're wrapping things up,"
Suzuki waved to her. "Ne Mirai, let's get going. We have some cleaning to do. The others are waiting." Turning around, Suzuki waved at him. "See ya, Tsukishima."
"Sure."