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extravalgant · 2 years

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They say the book of secrets is never wrong.

You wonder if that was ever really the case.

Death is cold school, you find – not temperature-wise, like thaumaturgy, but by the way frigid, phantom hands seem to grip at your robes. You’re trembling and shaking before you know it, with whispers of the past clinging to your person. Your eyes are wide and frightened, trailing down your arms, looking around desperately to see if anyone else was watching, waiting to step in.

No one doesn’t.

No one, except Malorn Ashthorn, who makes them disappear with a delicate touch of his hand, as if they had only been flies bothering him. Your hands had never stopped being cold, trembling even when the sun hung high in the sky, but his –

His were warm.

...

Malorn was nice enough.

Older, shaped in his formative years in the spiral. His smile was warm and inviting - a constant sight in your life despite having been “summoned” here (a word they used - you didn’t mind it. Didn’t want to think about the implications otherwise.) with nothing on your back other than what was on your person.

He always stood at the end of the path near the myth and fire schools, eyes always crinkling with a smile as they gazed upon you. He had always given an air of loneliness, idling by where the sidewalk ends. Often, you watched him from afar as he, once again, comforts another crying student.

They talk of nasty looks from their peers and doubts in their future with necromancy. They want to switch to another school of magic.

His expression breaks. The façade shatters. And finally, you get to glimpse how young he really is. Older than most students, for sure, but you knew he was just a glorified teacher’s assistant by most standards. A stand in filling the role that seems almost entirely too big. Your hands are tight around your wand, so close to breaking it – you hear it squeak and crack underneath the pressure, a desperate plea.

Distantly, you hear him give in, saying that he’ll talk to the headmaster about having them be transferred. And as their footsteps fade away, it is just the two of you.

Silence.

He speaks.

“Still having trouble?” He asks, tilts his head to the side. The bells on his hat jingles, and the sound almost threatens to make you cry. A sound so innocent combined with the magic he taught - it was almost ironic.

“Yes.” You admit, quietly. A little white lie wouldn’t hurt anybody - most of all you. You would not bring up what had happened, would not trouble him any further. But you can’t deny the shaking in your hands, hoping he would return the favor.

“...Necromancy is a fickle thing.” Malorn says, instead. “Don’t worry – I’m here to help you.”

You believe it.

#wizard101 #w101 #malorn ashthorn w101 #this is literally a smaller piece of a bigger piece that im writing but halfway through writing it i was like. lol. this is going to be so #LONG #so i cropped out the part i liked and then edited it around a lil #what a funny little jester guy....#much as a i love dworgyn . i miss my first little emo crush when i was 12...#and hes an interesting character to think about all around #it was hard not to format this in a way that i did my wizbat fic but... hopefully yall like it lol #val.fics #also i scheduled this to post at 11:30... if yall see this... IM NOT AWAKE LMFAOOO #hopefully it works though . (sits)

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a-minion · 3 years

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Help Desk: Captains Edition

In which captains have spider-sense

Interlude before the Tokyo Summer Training Camp starts (is interlude even the right term?)

Warning: 🟢Kuroo tingles 😅

Masterlist | previous | next

Trivia (canon):

Daichi and Kuroo are the youngest 3rd years in the series.

Bokuto did set off the fire alarm in their school for the same reason he said in the chat.

Trivia (non-canon):

The other captains take any opening to tease Kuroo because he's the youngest and he should be on the receiving end of the teasing, not the other way around which happens more often.

Kuroo did not forget about the fire alarm fiasco and scolded Bokuto about it the next time they met in person. The entire Fukurōdani team found it extremely satisfying to watch.

Daichi was fully intent on teasing Kuroo about his bromance with Bokuto until he got to the training camp and saw how ridiculously close the two are that it's not even something he can joke about to which Asahi points out that he's the same with Suga but quickly apolologizes when both guys stare at him.

Bokuto calls Kuroo's older sister "nee-chan" as if he's really her younger brother. Kuroo does the same to Bokuto's older sisters.

Kuroo always invites Bokuto over when they're having Yakiniku or Sukiyaki. Kuroo's grandma plays favorites during these times and gives Bokuto all the meat. Kuroo makes sure he eats vegetables though.

AN: Why did I write headcanons on an extra chapter? I don't know either. I can't help it. I just love BoKuroo's bromance so much!

Taglist: @theblueslytherin @magical-fandoms @multi-fandom-fanfic @kotarousbabyowl @bakugousflowerprincess @random-fandom-girl-24 @kirakirasaku @mushimoon14 @gblubrry @ysatrap @moi-bunni @sakusasimpbot @jewlmin @polaristellar @encrytpta

**User names in italics can't be tagged. Sorry**

#haikyuu #haikyuu smau #haikyuu x reader #nekoma manager #haikyuu captains #val.fics #cats of tokyo #kuroo tetsurō #bokuto kotarō #sawamura daichi #gōra masaki #ogano daiki #fukurōdani gakuen group #haikyuu headcanons #w.green

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a-minion · 3 years

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The Jersey Misunderstanding

Turns out, chocolate milk and memes do not mix together

Warning: 🟡🔵sexual innuendo, hints of body shaming

Ideally, it was either Kenma's or Yaku's jersey that would have the best fit for her but somehow, Lev's comment about how she was "bigger" actually stung. She was sure he was teasing Yaku's height but could he also be implying something about her weight?

The Nekoma Manager shook her head, shaking off the thought but couldn't help herself from glancing down at her waist.

"I mean… I have been eating a lot of junk food." she muttered to herself. "and I do spend a lot more time playing video games and watching anime than being active"

The captain did always nag her to exercise but she always thought that was more for health reasons. After all, Kuroo did also nag her to quit playing video games late at night because it will destroy her sleep cycle and would be bad for her immune system.

He does the same thing for Kenma.

A lot of students say that Kuroo is the dad of the team, but really, he's more of the naggy mom.

She shook her head again, putting Lev's comment at the far back of her brain before grabbing the #5 jersey, the one she knew belonged to Kenma. To her shock, the red shirt refused to go any further down than her chest.

A sudden horrible realization made her freeze yet her arms slowly moved on its own, removing the article of clothing to not hurt her feelings any further.

Nope, just ignore that. Kenma's really thin so…

She moved on to the next one she could see.

Jersey #1

Captain's jersey

She lifted the bright red jersey and realized that Kuroo is a really huge person. Sure, she knew he was muscular but not like this.

Oh man, if this doesn't fit me then I have to seriously re-evaluate my lifestyle

Kuroo had muscles from volleyball, she had fat… lots of it if Kenma's jersey and Lev's comment was an indication.

Putting it on, Y/n was relieved to find that their captain's jersey easily slipped over her head and fell effortlessly down to her thigh. It was NOT snug or tight at all. It was way too baggy on her which oddly made feel a lot more confident of her figure. Finally grinning to herself, the manager tucked the jersey into her sweatpants, tied her hair and grabbed her phone to inform her captain that she had ended up borrowing his shirt.

Later that day, as the team was cleaning up the gym, Kuroo made his way towards their manager who was gathering up the towels and water bottles. He let out a sigh and subtly stood close enough to make sure only she could hear him.

"You're not fat"

The girl stiffened and slowly turned to him, confusion in her eyes.

"Lev's an idiot. You're not fat" Kuroo repeated, suddenly feeling the need to scratch the back of his head in nervousness, "and you look great in red"

The last thing he saw before awkwardly walking away was a smile gracing the girl's lips.

Masterlist | First Impressions | next

Next Chapter: What does C37H40O9 mean?

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a-minion · 3 years

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Cats of Tokyo: Introduction

How did you become the Nekoma Boys' Volleyball Club manager?

In all honesty, you never had the intention of joining another sports club as a manager after Middle School where you managed the Boys' Basketball Club.

It all happened by chance and maybe some cosmic intervention. That, and you could not say no to the kind looking Coach Nekomata.

During the first week of your first year in Metropolitan Nekoma High, you got sick with the flu and by the time you got better and went to class, everyone already had groups and cliques. All except that one guy at the back whose face you rarely see because he was always looking down, playing something in his game console or phone.

Kozume-san?

You were naturally awkward and the only reason you had friends in Middle School is because they approached you. Unfortunately, all your Middle School friends went to other schools.

You were too scared to approach anyone so you didn’t. For two semesters, you just watched everyone, learned a lot about them without ever trying to talk to anyone.

After all, how weird would it be if some kid who had always been quiet in class suddenly started talking to you?

Better not freak anyone out.

But there was one guy in the class you just can't figure out.

Kozume-san

Sure, you know that he has good grades, he likes games (though what kind, you have no idea), he's in the volleyball team and he also didn't talk to anyone in class.

Eventually, you got curious. How interesting could video games be that anyone would spend so much time playing them?

You started with a PlayStation you borrowed from your older brother who had already gone to college and was currently staying at Kyoto. Your first thought:

This is addicting!

All your stress and anxiety about being the weird kid in class was suddenly gone once you enter the fantasy world where you are a bad bitch who kicks monster ass.

Eventually, you convinced your parents to buy you a portable one, provided you keep your grades up.

And so, you spent all the break-times and lunches emersed in the game.

From there, you began playing mobile, PC and online games. You suddenly had friends although you have never really met them.

By the second semester, you were now hooked with Minecraft and was staying up late nights building your own world in a server you shared with another player who calls himself "applepi".

He often complimented your red stone contraptions and always brought you materials for your build projects. You often teased him, saying things like "Oh, my hubby is home with the bacon." to which he just laughs. But applepi doesn't really laugh hard, just a timid little chuckle here and there.

By the third semester (around January), your teacher asked you to see him at the faculty room. He noticed that you were isolated from the entire class and was wondering if you were being bullied.

You admit that you were too scared to make friends or even talk to anyone but no one was bullying you.

Thinking that you were wasting your youth, he suggests that maybe joining a club would benefit you. He asked what your interests were and definitely looked disappointed when you said "Just video games".

At that time, Coach Nekomata had just finished a call at the faculty room and heard this. He chuckled, catching both yours and your teachers' attention. He apologized for unintentionally eavesdropping but tells you that he has someone in the team who is the same and only played volleyball because it was a little interesting.

You immedately knew who the coach meant: Kozume Kenma

Additional info on Kozume-san? Then again, wasn't that kind of obvious?

Somehow, the information that you used to manage the boys' basketball team in Middle School was brought up in the conversation.

Next thing you know, you were saying yes to Coach Nekomata's offer of managing the boys' volleyball team.

You had no idea how that happened. Either Coach Nekomata can hypnotize people, he's incredible persuasive or you are just too soft to say no to a nice old man who seemed like he could really use some help.

And it didn't stop there. After saying yes, you suddenly found yourself at the gym where the boys' volleyball team was practicing. They were suddenly gathered in front of you and you were being asked to introduce yourself.

How in the hell did I get here?

Your heart wasn’t ready. Everything in you, including your voice was quivering. Your mind suddenly couldn’t register any of their faces.

And so, due to the unplanned social and somewhat public interaction, you blurted out... something

You have absolutely no memories of the things you said that day. The only thing you were certain of was that you mispronounced almost everything, including your own name.

Apparently, whatever you said was hilarious and unintelligable because someone started laughing way too hard and another was asking "What'd she say?"

Masterlist | First Chapter | First Impressions

EDIT: 15.04.21 Ooooh, much edit, so wow. I just wasn't happy with the original introduction so... yeah. There’s more Kenma here than the original and uh... more games? idk

#haikyuu smau #haikyuu #haikyuu x reader #nekoma manager #haikyuu x you #haikyuu x y/n #y/n #f!reader #smau #nekoma x reader #nekoma x you #nekoma x y/n #coach nekomata #nekoma #val.fics #cats of tokyo #Kuroo Tetsurō #W:Green

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a-minion · 3 years

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Managers' Help Desk

In which passion is not a requirement

Masterlist | previous | extra | next

Trivia: At the exact same time as this conversation, certain volleyball players sensed a disturbance in the force.

Bokuto: Akaashi! Y/n-chan is talking about me! I can feel it!

Akaashi: You're just imagining things, Bokuto-san.

Next Chapter: A killer is lurking in Nekoma High and it's out for blood 🪓

AN: Okay, I'll admit, the reason this took a while is because... I forgot to post it 🤡. It's been in my drafts for who-knows-how-long, just waiting to be posted. I'm sorry? tehee 😋

TAGLIST: @theblueslytherin @magical-fandoms @multi-fandom-fanfic @kotarousbabyowl @bakugousflowerprincess @random-fandom-girl-24 @kirakirasaku @mushimoon14 @gblubrry @ysatrap @moi-bunni @sakusasimpbot @jewlmin @polaristellar

**still can’t tag the ones in italics.**

#haikyuu smau #haikyuu #haikyuu x reader #nekoma manager #val.fics #cats of tokyo #fukurōdani gakuen group #managers #shimizu kiyoko #shirofuku yukie #suzumeda kaori #otaki mako #miyanoshita eri #yachi hitoka

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a-minion · 3 years

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Junpei Protection Squad

In which the boys (and gal) watch Jujutsu Kaisen

Warning: Cursing and Jujutsu Kaisen spoilers.

Note: Light theme is for Y/n POV and Dark theme is for Kuroo POV

Masterlist | previous | extra chapter | next

AN: Y/n and Kenma knew what JPS meant through telepathy and mutual understanding (idk how they know either tbh). So sorry about the amount of Jujutsu Kaisen in this chapter and the extra one before this.

Next Chapter: Interhigh begins

TAGLIST: @theblueslytherin @magical-fandoms @multi-fandom-fanfic @kotarousbabyowl @bakugousflowerprincess @random-fandom-girl-24 @kirakirasaku @mushimoon14 @gblubrry @ysatrap @moi-bunni

**still can't tag the ones in italics**

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a-minion · 3 years

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Ato No Matsuri

The truth is, most of the time, we're only side characters to other people's stories

Warning: 🔵Just the angst of losing, if that makes sense, and a bit of fear of the future

The first match gave them confidence.

Maybe this is their year. Maybe they would finally reach that place they have failed to in the past few years.

"We'll reach the nationals"

The second match solidified their resolve.

They will conquer their opponents. They will get there, they will finally meet their rivals from the north and end up victors.

"We will win"

The third match sent them back to the status of a powerhouse team.

They were now one of the best eight teams in Tokyo. A little more push and they could see it; the top.

"We will conquer and be the best team in Japan"

The fourth match is where they fell. The second day, the quarter finals, the match against the number one seed. Itachiyama crushed them. They put up a good fight but in the end the stronger team won.

Kuroo wanted to make your words true, wanted to finally reach Nationals, to win, to be the best. He wanted so badly to finally put an end to Nekoma's reputation as the fallen powerhouse. Though they did achieve it in a way, best eight was not enough. He wanted to win it all, to reach the top.

But the very simple truth is that Itachiyama is better.

Bowing to the crowd that cheered them on to thank them, Kuroo felt so angry. If he had practiced harder, if he pushed farther, if he…

What can he really do? What could he have done differently for the outcome to be better?

Looking at his teammates as they returned to the benches, Kuroo knew they were also feeling the same way. Anger at themselves, regret for not pushing harder, sorrow for not being good enough to reach the top. He can see it, feel it all from the entire team.

Even Kenma had put more than his all. If this was a video game, Kenma would have called it Legendary Mode.

If only winning was as simple as a video game. If you can just respawn after getting defeated. If only you had unlimited tries. If only you can analyse opponents like monsters in a game and win by knowing a weakness. If only winning can be accomplished by give it more than your all. If only one can live on guts and win on determination.

But that's not sportsmanship. Thinking that way was disrespectful to Itachiyama and the teams who had given their best.

They lost because life isn't a video game, because Sakusa Kiyoomi is strong.

"You can take Sakusa"

He wanted to be angry at you for saying that, for giving him false hope, but he can't. Your job as manager was to give confidence, to believe, to support, to encourage. It was his job as Captain to play at his best. It was his job to block all of Sakusa's spikes and score. It was his job to win.

"Turns out, I'm not the best blocker in the country" he admitted, feeling disappointment on himself.

The look you gave him seemed as if you didn’t want to believe it. But you had to. It's the truth.

No matter how much you believe in him, the truth is still the truth.

Sakusa is stronger. Itachiyama is better.

Maybe they can grow, get stronger, be better but today, their 200% wasn’t good enough. Today, you all had to face reality; Nekoma can't always win.

It had been a good run so far. Three matches, three wins. Best eight wasn't bad. They did better than last year, that's for sure.

It's not good enough but it was something, he guessed.

But even then, Kuroo gritted his teeth and clenched his fists.

He's a third year now. Is best eight really the best he can do?

They probably could have gone farther if Itachiyama wasn’t in their block. But then, they'd still have to face that team to reach the finals. There was also Fukurōdani and he can joke around all he wanted but Bokuto is also strong. No matter how sad or unmotivated his friend can get, Bokuto always pushes through for his team.

Kuroo looked at his teammates again and felt even more angry. Not at them, never at them. They did their best but he could have done more. He was the captain, he should have done more.

He looked at you then. Your hand was shaking. Your lips were also trembling. Your eyes were glassy but you didn’t cry.

Kuroo can tell what you were thinking.

I have no right to cry. They're feeling worse than me so I can't cry.

In a way, that made it a little better. Not that much but it was something.

"Let's go" he tried to make his voice strong but it ended up strained and shaky. "You all did so well"

The first years were all already crying but among the third and second years, it was Yamamoto who broke first. Their ace looked away and with clenched fists, cried his eyes out.

Yamamoto must have felt really horrible. Kuroo knew he took pride in being the ace of the team.

I'm the goddamn ace. I should have scored more damnnit!

Yaku wasn’t doing so well either.

What the hell was I there for if I can't even receive Sakusa's spikes? Some libero I am…

Kenma was probably too tired to even think now but Kuroo knew he will internalize everything once he gets home. He'd probably play a bunch of video games to make himself feel better but screw that up because he's too emotional.

He's definitely going to curse a lot that night before rage-quitting.

Kuroo wanted to say something, anything to make them feel better. But how could he when he didn’t even know how to make himself feel better.

I am the captain! If anyone should be regretting not doing more, not doing better, it's me!

You opened your mouth, probably to say something to lift up their spirits, but ended up not saying anything. You tried to smile, but your lip was trembling too much. You were on the verge of crying that you just let your head down.

Kuroo lifted his hand and rested it over your head, giving you a pathetic pat and the best smile he could. He didn’t need to see your expression to know that he must have done a horrible job at hiding his pain. He can feel it even to the tips of his fingers.

Earlier that day….

You were scared.

The moment you saw Sakusa Kiyoomi for the first time, you were terrified. Not because he was glaring at you when he caught you staring. It wasn’t because he was tall either since you estimated his height to be around the same as Kuroo. He didn’t seem all that menacing as well considering he's wedged himself on a corner.

But something about him was terrifying.

Maybe it wasn't even him. Maybe it was the concept that this boy could end something you treasured.

His existence threatened the happiness you felt now and you were terrified of that.

"Any reason you're staring down Sakusa Kiyoomi?" came the amused voice of Kuroo

"I'm not?" it sounded more like a question because even you weren't sure what you were doing.

"It's actually impressive considering you can't meet new people without ducking for cover behind any one of us" you can practically hear the laughter in his voice, "and here you are, glaring at the opponent's ace and getting him to back down with your ferocity"

Back down? Sakusa Kiyoomi? No way!

Sure enough, when you looked back at the aforementioned ace and caught his eyes once more, he hastily ducked his head down and turned away. His entire stance screamed "Help! I'm scared!".

"You scared him, Koneko-chan" Kuroo laughed, definitely entertained by the whole exchanged. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

"I'm sorry?" How would you know the big, strong, scary, wing spiker would be affected by little ol' you?

"Maybe say that to him?"

"After we beat their team" You retorted confidently, a wide grin on your face.

…

You didn’t beat Itachiyama. It was the other way around and all the light-hearted air before the match disappeared.

You didn’t know what to say or do to make any of them feel better. You wanted to cry but you knew that you had no right to.

What should you say?

The basketball team you used to manage back in middle school never really cared much about their games. They were more of the happy-go-lucky type. They didn’t have the drive, the deep desire to win. Not like the team you have now.

They were beyond upset and you felt so useless being unable to do anything.

It was your job to care for the team's wellbeing! Why can't you do anything now when they need it the most? Why was Kuroo-senpai the one trying to comfort you when all he seemed to want to do is break down? You should say something! Do something!

You did your best. It was a good game. You did great out there We can defeat them next time…

Next time? Would there be a next time?

Kuroo-senpai, Yaku-san and Kai-san were third years. Was this their last game?

No, it can't be! They'll continue on to the next competition, right? There's still the Spring Interhigh Tournaments!

But what if they don't? What if they retire after this game? What if they leave?

Suddenly, a new kind of fear consumed you.

You weren't stupid. You know that they would eventually leave. They would be graduating soon and would be leaving you and the team behind. Whether or not they continue volleyball after would still mean the Nekoma team you know now would never be the same.

What would you do if… when they leave? How will you handle Lev without Yaku-san. How would you motivate Kenma without Kuroo-senpai? How would you deal with Tora when he gets too rowdy without Kai-san? Will you even be able to do anything without them?

Don't go. Don't leave. Please stay…

"Y/n-chan?" You looked up to see Kai looking at you with concern

"Y-yes?" you heard your voice crack and cleared your throat.

"Are you okay?"

I should be the one asking that

Masterlist | previous | next

AN: I know the part where Itachiyama defeated Nekoma isn't canon but I have reasons for that (I just really wanna put Sakusa there because writing about Nekoma's defeat hurts). I'm also so sorry for the delay. I have no excuse, just didn't know how to write this chapter. I'm so sorry!!

Ato no matsuri (後の祭り): This Japanese proverb basically says that no matter how much you regret something, it's over so there's no point in sulking about it.

Next Chapter: Enter, Kuroo's competition/s?

TAGLIST: @theblueslytherin @magical-fandoms @multi-fandom-fanfic @kotarousbabyowl @bakugousflowerprincess @random-fandom-girl-24 @kirakirasaku @mushimoon14 @gblubrry @ysatrap @moi-bunni

**still can’t tag the ones in italics**

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a-minion · 3 years

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Rivals of Old - Part 2

In which Shimizu Kiyoko is from another world.

Note: mostly written parts (super long written parts)

[20:36]

Two days in Miyagi and several practice matches against two schools later, you found yourself drained and face down on a very fluffy pillow that smells like mint and spice.

It was so soft and comfy. You just wanted to lie there forever.

"Koneko-chan…" Kuroo drawled, "If you're going to fall asleep, please go to your room before you pass out on my bed using my pillow"

You can tell that he wasn’t even looking at you so you just groaned and rolled away from said pillow but didn’t get too far when you bumped into something. Without looking, you knew who it was and thus didn’t bother moving away.

"Too tired to go to my room"

Kuroo let out a chuckle and placed his hand over your head, patting and scratching you lightly. It didn’t encourage you to go to your room and instead tempted you to dreamland even more.

"Are you purring?" an amused question came from somewhere nearby.

"She is" Kuroo responded for you, "Come on, get up. Did you already take a bath? Want me to carry you to your room?"

You couldn’t let him or anyone from the team do that. You were only their manager and all you had to do was take notes, record stats, and tend to the team. You didn’t have to play at an actual game. If you were tired, you could only imagine the state of the boys

You shook your head and pushed yourself up, gasping a little at how close Kuroo suddenly is. Brushing it off, you moved at a respectable distance and declared "I'm okay, I'm up, let's do this!"

"You don't have to review the stats with me" The captain chuckled, "You can go ahead and sleep. You've done enough bringing all your notes on all our matches"

"Nope, I'm the manager, I need to know where our team needs to improve so I can help" you said, determination clear in your voice.

Kuroo was about to say something when a very energetic voice cut him off.

"Dumbasses! We have a female manager so if they don't, it means we're better than them!" Tora exclaimed

You wanted to point out that Fukurōdani had two managers but realized that they are, in fact, considered a stronger team if rankings of the previous tournaments were your basis. You also had absolutely no idea what they were even talking about in the first place. This is why you chose not to butt in and just opted to turn to your captain who was currently shaking his head.

Meanwhile, Tora is still going on about… whatever he was being so passionate about at the moment.

"You better watch out, Karasuno!" he suddenly exclaimed.

"Shut up Yamamoto!" Kuroo bellowed, unable to concentrate on what he's looking at.

It was either due to Kuroo being distracted or whatever force on earth Tora was currently running on, he chose to ignore the captain's irritation. Instead, he turned to the team's setter who had been staring at him oddly.

"Hey, Kenma. What do you think?"

Kenma then glanced at you, at Kuroo then back at Tora, looking rather baffled by the question.

"What does it matter if they have a pretty female manager when we have one too?" he asked, "I don't care either way"

"Heeeeh?" You grinned widely, twisting your body to turn to your friend. "Did you just call me pretty, applepi?"

"This is why nobody wants to compliment you" Kuroo muttered, chuckling quietly to himself.

Without answering, Kenma ducked his head back down to look at the game he was playing. You did, however, notice the light blush of embarrassment on his face. You just giggled and was about to turn back to the captain when Kenma surprised you with an additional comment.

"But…" Kenma looked up again, staring at Tora, "I'm kinda looking forward to it, our match against Karasuno"

It wasn’t just Tora who was surprised by this but the two first years present as well. The three gaped at Kenma as if he had grown another head, Tora being the most exaggerated one.

"Kenma, who has no will to play, is looking forward to a match?" The second year wing spiker exclaimed and you could already feel Kuroo getting annoyed again.

"Yamamoto, you seem full of energy." The captain began. "You can practice double the amount if you'd like"

Knowing damn well how serious Kuroo was, Tora could only bow his head timidly and mutter an apology. With that settled, Kuroo turned back to you and caught you mid yawn.

Shaking his head once more, "Y/n, go sleep. It's okay. I'm just killing time until it's our turn to use the baths. Go ahead and sleep"

"Oh-" another yawn made you pause."-kaay. Night everyone! Sweet dreams"

[08:50]

The energy you had during the morning somehow disappeared by the time the team was about to meet with the Karasuno volleyball team. It took you less than two hours for your biological battery to be lessened by half and all you really did was unecessarily hype the team up in their up-coming face-off against their supposed rivals. You have absolutely no idea how the boys do it.

Minus Kenma, who is eternally tired, everyone's stamina is probably bottomless. Considering their daily schedule of a recieving and serve drills in the morning, team meetings during lunch and several practice matches against different teams for 3 consecutive days, you don't understand how Tora can still try to pick a fight with Hinata Shōyō and who appears to be his non-mohawked clone.

"Is there a problem?"

"Wanna fight, city boy?"

Shitty boy? That's a little uncalled for…

Thankfully, Yaku-san and someone from the other team was there to intervene before there was an actual fight. With just a few choice words, the two hot-headed boys were shut down and unable to say more.

Shaking your head, you tried to move past the two to enter the gym but nearly dropped all of the bags you were carrying when Tora dramatically gasped.

Tracing where the boy was looking, you ended up dropping your jaw instead. Just behind the bald Karasuno guy was the prettiest girl you've ever seen. Pretty wasn’t even a proper description.

She had glasses that framed her beautiful eyes perfectly, hair flowing from the soft breeze, and a beauty mark just under her mouth. She was ethereal. When she noticed the two of you looking, she gave a soft smile and a nod and all of a sudden, your face heated up and you didn’t know what to do.

Tora, the poor boy, had it worse. His heart practically leapt out of his chest and next thing you knew, he was running away. It would have been funny had the stunning girl not decided to walk towards you.

Unconsciously, you had moved closer to Kenma and reached for the sleeve of his jacket. Your eyes were looking everywhere except the girl and you hoped to all the deities in heaven that she will not speak to you because you know you will make a fool of yourself.

"Hi" the girl spoke and you felt Kenma's elbow nudge you lightly. "You must be Nekoma's manager. I'm Shimizu Kiyoko, Karasuno's manager"

Kenma nudged you again, this time with more force.

"L-l/n, Y/n" you stammered, subtly and slowly stepping behind your friend to gain a level of comfort back.

You didn't like situations like that, situations where you can feel people staring at you. Hinata Shōyo, the angry guy and the angel had their eyes on you, you can feel it.

"What's going on here?" Kuroo's voice was heaven-sent at that moment. You swore you could hear trumpets.

"Captain!" you ran towards him and ducked for cover. His frame was larger than Kenma and thus provided more coverage to hide you from scary feelings and scary boys.

"What happened?" Kuroo turned to Kenma for explanation.

Your friend only shrugged and offered a simple "She got shy".

Kuroo looked at the three Karasuno students, each had varying expressions. The bald one was giving him a look that was basically asking for a fight, the female one was blinking and glancing at the other manager in concern and the small orange haired one had just gone white from terror.

Ignoring all that, Kuroo turned back to you and bent lower just to ask if you were okay.

You have no idea what got into you. All of a sudden, you just felt really shy and scared to say anything. You were historically bad with social interactions when it involves people you don't know but you were getting better. Shimizu-san seemed like a nice person but she intimidated you.

"Come on, let's go inside" Your captain gave you his rare smiles that had you smiling back.

While he took one of the bags you were carrying and wrapped an arm around your shoulder, you opted to clutch on to his jacket.

Kuroo left you after you relaxed a little and went on to greet Karasuno's captain. You then began your duty as manager and started setting up the boys' things by the bench and reached for the empty bottles to fill them up with water.

You were only half finished when you saw Shimizu-san again. She was approaching you again and there was no escape, no Kenma and Kuroo whose backs you could use to hide.

Shimizu-san must have felt your discomfort because she just smiled and silently began to fill her team's water bottles in silence. Finally at ease, since she's not talking to you, you let your guard down. You reached for your bag again and opened a Tupperware filled with lemon you prepared earlier that day.

"Lemon?"

You flinched when Shimizu-san asked that question.

"Y-yeah" you nodded before ducking your head to hide from her gaze. "I-it helps hydrate the body with e-electrolytes"

"Hmm. I didn't know that"

You braved a glance at her and saw a thoughtful expression.

"S-since it also has vitamin C, it helps improve their immune system, especially for Kenma who doesn’t get much sleep" You were suddenly braver, probably because you were talking about the wellbeing of your boys. "Tora didn’t like drinking water much so adding flavor encourages him to hydrate. Sometimes I add mint or honey. Yaku-san likes the ones with berries so sometimes, I add them to his water"

"Our team has lots of energetic guys, maybe I should do that too" Shimizu-san mused. "Do you do this for every match?"

You grinned and nodded, "I do. But for tournaments, I also prepare some fruits and honeyed lemons for them to snack on."

"You seem very close to your team. You even know what they like in their drinks" she noted.

Suddenly, it was Shimizu-san who seemed uncertain.

Was it weird that you were close to your team? Most of the managers you knew were the same. In Fukurōdani, Bokuto-san and Yukie-san even exchange side dishes during lunch. At least that's what Akaashi told you.

"I-isn't that normal?" you asked, your head tilting a little.

Was it strange that you hung out with Kenma after school and practice to play video games? Or that you eat lunch with him, Tora, and Shō? Or that you even study together?

You sometimes even go to karaoke with the them and most of the Fukurōdani team. Of course most of the time, it was the same two people singing (Kuroo and Bokuto) but you hang out… a lot.

Or maybe she found it weird that you don't have friends other than the team?

No, no, you're overthinking again. She didn’t even say that.

"I didn’t mean anything by it" Shimizu-san must have felt your discomfort. "It's just…"

She let out a sigh and began to tell you how she did speak to her team but she often felt as if she was being too detached from them. It seems, Shimizu-san even found it difficult to cheer them on or encourage them.

Ah, so it's that…

"Oh, uhm… well… I'm not really sure I'm the right person to give advice about this" You admitted. As you helped her fill up her team's water bottles, even sharing some lemons with her, you told her about the "rough patch" you encountered when you had just become the team's manager.

You told her of how the current third years were friendly and helpful from the start, that Kai-san was like the father of the team who silently takes care of everyone. Meanwhile Kuroo-senpai and Yaku-san were the different kinds of moms, the one that nags you to eat vegetables and the one that scares you into eating vegetables.

Shimizu-san's chuckle made you grin proudly.

You then told her about how you thought you were hated, how it was a miracle called "Monster Hunter" that got you and Kenma on amiable terms, how it took time for you to understand that Shō was actually telling you jokes and was being friendly, how a nightmare it was trying Tora to even look at you longer than one second and not have him run away.

As you headed back to the gym, you were telling Shimizu-san about the time you had to corner Tora in the storage room and demand why he hates you.

The captain had encouraged you to befriend the boys in your year and you were determined to do so, thinking it was the duty of a manager.

"You… trapped him in the storage room?" Shimizu-san seemed at awe.

"He left me no choice! Tora can run really fast!"

You were aware how defensive you sounded just then.

"B-but I'm embarrassed this happened but I ended up crying" You sheepishly scratched your cheek.

You then told her how Tora was in such a shock and at a loss of what to do that he ended up just consoling you for the next 30 minutes. How that got him comfortable enough with you or how you became friends after, neither of you were sure. You just know that Tora began to actively try speaking with you and you would sometimes help with hypothetical questions regarding the subject of speaking to girls.

He would still sometimes get all flustered and forget you two were on speaking terms but other than those odd moments, Tora was pretty cool when he got used to your presence.

"As for the first years, I just bribed them with nikuman"

Shimizu-san mused that it's probably why their first years were closer to their captain because he's the one who treats them to nikuman after practice.

Once you entered the gym, the boys have all noticed the two managers chuckling and amiably speaking with each other. You even caught a rather proud expression on your captain's face.

You could almost hear him say, "Good job, Koneko-chan"

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AN: I'm so sorry for not updating earlier!😭 To quote Nanamin; work is shit. Lot's or people are also shit. I just had my payroll account hacked and my salary stolen. I don't even earn that much! Hopefuly, since it's not that big of an amount, the bank can do something about it.

Other Notes: I probably should have mentioned it in the earlier chapters but "koneko" means kitten (子 ko=small, 猫 neko=cat). Nikuman is steam porked buns, if you were also wondering what that is (siopao in the Philippines😊).

Fic hcs: Neither Kuroo nor Y/n remembers when he began calling her Koneko-chan. It used to be strictly for private conversations but he started slipping at some point and now, the team is just used to it. Y/n referring to Kai and Yaku with a -san and Kuroo with a -senpai is intentional.

TAGLIST: @theblueslytherin @magical-fandoms @kotarousbabyowl @bakugousflowerprincess @random-fandom-girl-24 @kirakirasaku @mushimoon14 @gblubrry @ysatrap @moi-bunni

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a-minion · 3 years

Text

Rivals of Old - extra

In which a bored Bokuto is a sad Bokuto 🥺

Note: It just a random thing that happened on the way home from Sendai, Miyagi. It's mostly nonsense. I just really miss Bokuto and Akaashi

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AN: Kenma was a little salty there at the beginning. It's mostly because he's tired and a tired Kenma is a mean Kenma. Kuroo's name in that group chat is KuBroo TetsuBrō

Taglist: (should I tag people for an extra chapter? It's just some random bullshit. Oh well. Sorry for bothering you) @theblueslytherin @magical-fandoms @multi-fandom-fanfic @kotarousbabyowl @bakugousflowerprincess @random-fandom-girl-24 @kirakirasaku @mushimoon14 @gblubrry @ysatrap @moi-bunni

**I still can't tag the ones in italics. Why tumblr?**

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a-minion · 3 years

Text

Birds of Prey: The Great Horned Owl

In which petting and hugs can bring world peace ✌

Warning: 🟡Just a reference to a misunderstood sexual innuendo.

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AN: It was never clear to Bokuto (or anyone who knew) when he actually started liking Y/n. Could have been the time she mistakenly insinuated that she wanted to do the nasty with him, could have been earlier. What everyone in Fukurōdani knows is that he's both obvious yet oblivious about it.

Trivia: Bokuto's name is taken from the Horned Owl (I'm pretty sure we're all aware of that by now) and he looks like one 😅.

Next Chapter: The managers form a support group

**still can’t tag the ones in italics**

#haikyuu smau #haikyuu #haikyuu x reader #nekoma manager #val.fics #cats of tokyo #bokuto x reader #fukurodani #bokuto kotarō #bokuto #w.yellow

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a-minion · 3 years

Text

Birds of Prey: The Rufous-Legged Owl

A quiet contender makes a move

Note: Entirely written

It had been a few days since the Interhigh Preliminaries. Fukurōdani had once again made it to finals. He was rather happy about it but he's not exactly the type to go jumping around and announcing it to the world nonstop like their hyperactive captain.

Akaashi had heard from Bokuto who had heard from Kuroo that Nekoma lost in the quarterfinals. It was bad luck that cats had to face Itachiyama so early on but what bothered him more is what he saw before their own match.

He didn't know whether to address or ignore it. Akaashi wasn’t even sure how strong your friendship was to know if he can ask. One wrong word and he could come out patronizing or belittling.

The setter didn't want you to feel like he's pitying you, after all. He just wanted to know you're okay.

Which is why, when he saw you standing a few steps away from him at a bookstore he frequented, Akaashi panicked.

Time froze as his mind processed the several possible approach he could use and all the possible reactions you could give.

He approaches you and immediately ask if you're okay. You would either feel defensive, put your walls up and be angry or pretend you're okay, smile and steer the subject away from any issues you have.

He doesn't move and wait for you to notice him. You would greet him, smile, and lead the conversation and he wouldn’t even get to ask what was wrong.

He approaches and begins the conversation on a happy note. You might respond better to this, but it would be difficult for him to actually change the subject on a more serious one midway.

Pretend he didn’t see anything, turn away and go home then just ask you through text if you're okay. No. that's a coward's way.

Number 3 seemed to be the best option. He would just have to make sure to lead the conversation for you to open up to him.

"Y/n-san" He called out with the most cheerful tone he could muster. He just hoped it sounded natural.

As you turned towards him, Akaashi noted the book you were eyeing. It was a tankōbon of One Piece. That's great. It was a conversation starter.

"One Piece?" he smiled.

You were probably embarrassed by it because you suddenly blushed. Chuckling, you scratched your cheek lightly and mumbled how you started watching it again.

"I wanted to watch it too, but I think I'm too far behind" Akaashi admitted, mentioning the last thing he remembered from the series.

"Whoa, that's too far back" You laughed, "A lot of things has happened since then, lots of new crew members too"

He was at least successful at getting you in a good enough mood. It was probably why he let you go on and on about One Piece, even allowing you to tell him so many spoilers. Not that he minded. It wasn’t as if he was an avid fan. Akaashi wouldn’t even pretend that he'd want to start watching Once Piece again. He was just way too far behind to try to catch up.

"You mean, after hundreds of episodes later, no one still has a clue what One Piece actually is?"

"Well, Oda-sensei said it's definitely a material sort of treasure and so far, it seems like it's some kind of key to a lost history or something" you shrugged, "definitely sounds like there's one big conspiracy"

"I don't think I have the patience or enough curiosity to find out" He admitted.

But they were getting too far into a topic that Akaashi didn’t want to go to.

"Y/n-san, are you hungry?" he casually asked, "I just got off practice and I'm starving."

Without waiting for a reply, Akaashi went ahead to the bookstore's exit leaving you no choice but to follow him.

You both ended up at a park after buying some snacks at a convenience store nearby.

Akaashi had never been pushy or assertive before. Though he didn't particularly force you to go with him, this was the first time he had ever done something without asking his company for approval.

He was just that type of guy; nice, sweet, and extremely considerate.

You had no idea what to make of his change in behavior. You weren't even certain if you should think of it as a big deal.

It was definitely new, but it didn't really seem problematic.

Maybe he was just really hungry?

Considering the amount of food he bought, you guessed it was probably the case.

With that mystery somewhat solved, your mind chose to wander around the park then back to what had been worrying you since Nekoma lost.

"Y/n-san" Akaashi brought your thoughts back to the present. "I'm quite certain you won't be getting any more out of that drink."

You blushed realizing that you must be making so much unpleasant noise drinking through an empty cup of soda.

"S-sorry, I was…" you trailed off. You're sure that Akaashi has his own problems. He wouldn’t want to hear some stupid fear you have over the senpais leaving.

"Y/n-san, I've been wondering about this for a while now" Akaashi sat beside you, laying a plastic bag full of trash on his other side as there were no trash bins nearby. "Why is it Akaashi?"

You blinked. "Huh?"

"The name you call me" he explained, "you told me to call you by your first name the day we met. I do. But why is it that you call me Akaashi and not Keiji? I was just wondering."

Yukie-san asked that before. Practically everyone calls her by her first name yet there were only a select few whom she returns the favor. Yukie-san, being one of those select few.

"You never told me to" You pointed out. "I didn't want to presume it's okay to call you by your first name."

"Ah" He chuckled as if he realized this for the first time, "If I gave you permission, would you?"

Shrugging, you answered, "I don't see why not. Is that your permission?"

"Yes"

"Then Keiji-san it is from now on"

"Keiji…san?" He raised an eyebrow.

"It's only fair. You use the honorific for me", you grinned. "Drop the -san and I'll do the same”.

It was adorable how he blushed at something that was not really a big deal for you. Whether you were Y/n-san, Y/n-chan, Y/n, or some sort of other nickname, you didn't mind.

"Y-y-y/n" Keiji stammered.

"Yes, Keiji?” you definitely saw why Yukie-san said he was very popular to girls. You had always thought Keiji was extremely good looking but the fact that he was always so polite, and gentle made him seem prince-like.

A sudden image of Keiji as a prince sitting atop a white horse crossed your mind and you can't even laugh at how much it suited him.

"Y/n, since we're now both on a first name basis, I'm assuming it means we can be considered as close friends?"

What was going on with Keiji?

"Uh, yeah?"

"Good, then does that mean we're close enough friends for us to confide in each other with whatever is bothering us?"

Ah.

You realized that Keiji wanted to make sure it's okay for him to confide in you. The thought that he was so nervous about it made you smile.

What he said next surprised you, however.

"I know something's bothering you", he rubbed his nape. "I don't want to guess or assume anything. I want to hear it from you so maybe I could help?"

Gaping at him, you realized that had it the wrong way. Perhaps you weren't subtle when it came to your worries. Kenma knew, of course, but he was a different matter. He can read you like an open book even when he can't see you.

But for Keiji, someone you don't see often, to see it in an instant…

Should you lie? Would he see right through it?

Looking down and away from Keiji, you let out a deep sigh. Why would you even lie? Clearly, keeping it in wasn’t helping you in the least.

It shouldn’t even be a big enough deal for you to want to hide it.

"It's stupid" you mumbled.

"I'd like to think we're close enough friends for you not to think I'd think your problems are stupid. After all, I don't want to think you'd think the same of mine."

He has a point there.

"How did you even know? I mean, I'm not a master at hiding my emotions but, I thought I was being subtle."

A wry smile crossed his face, "From what I've seen, there are only a few reasons why people stare out at nothing; they're tired, hungry, in physical pain or something is bothering them. Believe it or not, Bokuto-san experienced all four at once during a game. He just stopped moving in front of the net."

You could see that happening.

"Awwww" Poor Bokuto-san, to have experienced all that at once.

Keiji rolled his eyes. "I should've known not to mention Bokuto-san. You always get distracted by him."

Well, that can't be helped. He's a precious unicorn that must be protected, admired, and always cooed upon.

"You are also unknowingly moving on to a topic that makes you feel comfort to avoid what is bothering you."

Keiji must either be a shrink in his past life, or he will be in this one.

"If it's too personal or if I'm overstepping, I won't push. But if I could help, I want you to know that I would."

You let out another sigh. Honestly, he wasn’t pushing but his thoughtfulness and consideration is making you feel bad for still not telling him.

"It's really stupid and I shouldn't even be bothered by it."

"If it bothers you, it's important to you. It's not stupid", Keiji said it so strongly that you had to look away.

It could be Keiji's considerate nature, the fact that he seems to be able to read you so easily or your own desire to just get rid of this horrible feeling in your chest. Whatever it was, you started telling him about how Nekoma lost against Itachiyama.

Keiji must have already known but this was from your point of view.

And then you began to tell him about what it was about losing that had really made it so painful.

It was the thought of losing the third years.

None of them said anything about it but with Interhigh now over for the team, it was very possible for them not to continue playing with the team and focusing on their studies instead.

Kuroo-senpai had told once before that he had been contemplating whether to continue volleyball in college or not. Kai-san had flat-out stated that he would be quitting after he graduated. Yaku-san was a bit vaguer, but he never outright told anyone he'd continue on to be a pro either.

Far more than the loss, though that was painful in itself, you were more terrified of not being able to see your senpais during practice anymore.

The team was given a day off by Coach Nekomata on Monday and thus did not meet after school. Today, your fears were causing you to zone out so much, you got scolded by the teachers for not paying attention.

Your worst fears came true when volleyball practice came and no third years were present.

Kenma tried to assure you, saying that Kuroo hasn't said anything about it yet, but that did not give you comfort at all. The fact that the captain hadn't said a thing yet meant he's debating with himself whether to continue to the spring tournament or not.

To make matters worse, you had seen Kai-san at the faculty earlier while you were being scolded by your homeroom teacher. He seemed to be having a rather serious conversation with his homeroom advisor and you did not doubt that it's about volleyball.

"It's stupid and selfish of me but I don't want anything to change" You didn’t even realize when you began crying but the wetness on your face is definitely not sweat.

You were scared because you didn’t know if you could even do anything without Kuroo-senpai. How would you handle Lev and Tora without Yaku-san? What are you going to do when everyone is getting pressured? You didn’t know how Kai-san calms everyone done when they're getting too rowdy or excited.

You hadn't even thought about all of it until they lost against Itachiyama but when the thought came to her, it was overwhelming, and she feels horrible for being so down when the boys in the team must be feeling worse right now.

You nearly jumped when you felt warm hands-on top of yours. Looking up, you see Keiji with a soft smile on his face.

"Just because the team is feeling bad doesn't mean you're not allowed to feel bad too." He began, "Last year, when we lost, I thought the same thing. I thought I'm not allowed feel bad because it was Bokuto-san who worked the hardest and must have felt the worst. But that wasn’t the case. Bokuto-san told me that suppressing my disappointment and sadness would only hinder progress."

Bokuto is known, at least to you, to say impressively wise things from time to time. The thought of the ace of Fukurōdani comforting the new team's setter made you all warm fuzzy.

It eased a little bit of the pain you felt thinking about a court that didn’t have Kuroo-senpai, Yaku-san and Kai-san.

Oh great, now my eyes are watering again.

Keiji shifted to sit in front of you, still holding on to your hand. He was now looking up at you with a very serious expression.

"Have you told any of this to your senpai-tachi?"

You only shook your head as a response and sniffed feeling your nose begin to clog up.

Ever the considerate gentleman, Keiji pulled out his handkerchief and handed it to you. You didn’t want to put snot on it, so you just dabbed it over your cheeks.

"I understand where you’re coming from" He begin to say. "We're going to nationals but after that, I don't know what will happen"

All the regulars in Fukurōdani are third years and though he's sure that Bokuto-san wouldn’t be quitting, he also thought about what would happen after graduation.

Keiji knew that all the third years and the other second years were going to make him captain and he didn’t know if he could do it. He didn’t know if he knew how to win without Bokuto-san, how to be a captain.

You suddenly felt horrible.

You were whining about all this when Keiji would be getting a much bigger responsibility while losing a lot more.

"Keiji, I'm so sor-"

"I didn't say any of it to make you feel bad" He actually pouted, and you felt bad for thinking he's so adorable. "I understand where you're coming from. It doesn’t matter if you're the manager and I might be the captain, it's scary. The people we used to rely on wouldn't be there one day. And realizing that that day is getting closer, and it would be our turn to be relied on, it's terrifying.

"You really shouldn’t keep these things to yourself but that might be a bit hypocritical of me since I had been keeping all these worries to myself too."

A sudden mischievous grin from Keiji caught you off-guard.

He can make that face?!

"You know, in a way, it's nice to have a confidante."

You couldn't help it; you lunged forward and hugged the living daylights out of this adorable person.

Masterlist | previous | next

AN: I AM SO SORRY FOR NOT UPDATING IN SO LONG!!! I will post the next part right away, I swear!! I am also working on some hcs! I am so sorry 😭 I've been so overwhelmed with all the projects suddenly handed to me at work (more like shoved into my hand but yanno, adulting). But you don't wanna hear that so I'm just so sorry!

Akaashi doesn't know how he feels about Y/n. All he knew is that he didn't like it when she's sad. He doesn't think much about it. After all, Akaashi also dislikes Bokuto being sad. He thinks it's the same thing.

Trivia: Akaashi's name is taken from "akaashi mori fukurō" or the rufuous-legged owl but his name is written as "赤葦" (赤 =red 葦 =reed).

Next Chapter: An unresolved misunderstanding is cleared

**still can’t tag the ones in italics**

#haikyuu smau #haikyuu #haikyuu x reader #nekoma manager #val.fics #cats of tokyo #fukurodani #akaashi x reader #akaashi keiji #akaashi #W:Green

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