Featuring: Kita Shinsuke, the Miya twins, Suna RintarĆ, and Ojiro Aran.
Kita Shinsuke, the annoyingly perfect guy. Academics, sports, manners, appearance, social etiquette, leadershipâhe was a top performer in all.
Kita Shinsuke, whom you only met when you transferred to Inarizaki during your second year. A top student from your previous school, you expected to assume the seat at the top here as well; unexpectedly, you met a wall. A very immovable, seemingly flawless wall, that from the moment you saw his name above yours on the results printout for the midterm test, you decided to break.
Kita Shinsuke, whom you began observing from the sidelines. His friend groups, his background, extracurricular activities, relationships with his teachers. You couldnât seem to find anything off, but that only spurred you to work harder.
Kita Shinsuke, whose name you cursed, screaming into your pillow in your bedroom. A copy of the latest ranking for whatever group competition, crunched into a ball and tossed to a corner of your roomâs floor.
Kita Shinsuke, whom you also cursed when the homeroom teacher for your class decided to rearrange your seating arrangements and placed you beside him, at his left.
Kita Shinsuke, whose name is written at the back of a draft notebook of yours, crossed out multiple times, voodoo spells done on ugly, deformed characters that are supposed to represent him. Drawn crudely and given horns and a tail.
Kita Shinsuke, who one day leans over to your table, his finger pointing at a line on your notebook.
He said it like he was just giving the weather report for the day. It was a miracle that you didnât snap the pencil in your hands into two.
'Not only was he placed next to you, but now he's also correcting the errors you make? Who does he think he is?'
Still, you coldly thanked him and made the correction. He said nothing else before returning to his own notes.
Kita Shinsuke, who came across a hardcover notebook that fell out of his seatmateâs bag while she was packing up after class, eager to leave the classroomâor perhaps just his presenceâas quickly as she could. Heâs pretty certain she barely even perceives him as anything other than air, but is surprised when he picks up the notebook with the intention of returning it, but then, despite knowing he shouldn't snoop into the private property of a stranger, he couldn't help himself from quickly scanning through the pages. What he didnât expect to find, however, were two whole pages at the back dedicated solely to him.
Kita Shinsuke, who has been interested in the transfer student from the moment she registered into the school and he accidentally saw her papers while helping a teacher out in the staff room. He thought her performance was incredibly impressive and, if possible, wanted to get to know her better.
Kita Shinsuke, who's used to being the target of envy, admiration, or even hatred, and is also used to ignoring it to keep doing whatever he does best as best as he can. However, for some reason, something about you disturbs him.
Kita Shinsuke, who's decided to get under your nerves even more by purposefully manipulating his performance on every test, exam, and assignment. Leaving just a one-point gap, sometimes two, three if he's feeling generous. Dangling the position of #Number 1 in front of you over and over again, driving you insane. It's only possible for him to achieve such calculated results because he's studied you like a subject he needs to pass. Your writing style, your thought patterns, your learning methods, even the way you take notes. Whether by peeking at your notes in class, or getting hold of them to submit while helping out a teacher. The knowledge that he has you in the palm of his handâjust another thing that he's successfully added to be within his controlâfills him with the same delight he gets when he perfectly supports his team to win yet another game.
Kita Shinsuke, who stares at your name in complete disbelief after the results sheet has been passed. You were number one. And it wasnât something he accounted for.
Kita Shinsuke, who, as much as he admires the smug smile on your face, can't help but notice your eyes... are no longer on him.
Kita Shinsuke, who tops the next text with a 10-point gap over the student ranking number two: you. He feels a little bit secure once more, now that your eyes are fully on him again.
The Miya twins, whom you've been childhood friends with since elementary school. Ever since your grandmother dragged you off to see her longtime friend, their grandmother.
The Miya twins, who ignored you to play between themselves or fight between themselves most of the time.
The Miya twins, whom you're used to just watching bicker, argue, and toss themselves about, but whom you've accepted because it's just their means of showing their relationship as brothers.
The Miya twins, whom you were unable to differentiate. Back then, they hadn't dyed their hair and it was hard to tell one apart from the other. They were quite identical appearance-wise and personality-wise as well.
The Miya twins, who, since they found out that you were unable to tell them apart, decided you'd become their favorite pastime. Playing pranks on you and both denying being the culpritâpointing fingers at each other, leaving you with nothing to work with and no one exactly to blame.
The Miya twins, who decided you're a little bit more fun than they thought, and naturally got closer to you as their friend.
The Miya twins, who decide it's time to have their own clear identities from each other. Now that you can perfectly tell them apart anyway, it was no fun playing the game. Plus, neither of them wants to be mistaken for the other anymore. So Atsumu dyes his hair blond and Osamu dyes his hair gray.
The Miya twins, who have both secretly had a mini-crush on you since they were in middle school. You were the only girl they've gotten that close to, and stayed that close to as well. Who else could tolerate their shenanigans without blowing their top? And you understood their love for volleyball, supporting them through the highs and lows, playing mediator between the boys whenever they fought against each other.
The Miya twins, who have never said it out loud but are both aware that the other twin has a crush on you as well, and have both made an unspoken pact to keep their feelings a secret. In order not to make you uncomfortable, or get in between their brother's feelings for you, just in case... just in case you liked one of them back.
The Miya twins, who keep their protective nature around you, managing to convince your parents to send you to Inarizaki rather than whatever other high school you initially wanted to go to.
The Miya twins, whom you wanted to get away from but failed to. Since middle school, they've been the source of your envy and admiration among your peers. Popular, good-looking, and extremely talented at volleyball, already being watched by major powerhouses.
The Miya twins, whom you've mostly ever considered annoying, from when they enjoyed playing their stupid "Which Miya is responsible?" pranks on you when you were younger, to now, serving as the stars of the Inarizaki high volleyball team.
The Miya twins, whom you're proud ofâa tiny bit. Just a very tiny bit. If you let them know, their already inflated egos will get even more inflated and they'd never let you hear the last of it.
The Miya twins, who dragged you to watch their very first official game and made sure you attended every one since then. For every game you miss, you'd owe them a favor.
The Miya twins, who collect taxes on you through favors for the things you've failed to perform as a trusted long-term friend, each using that tax to get something from you. Mostly an activity that only involves you and one of them. Atsumu asks you to help him with volleyball-related activities, and Osamu asks you to help him with cooking-related activities.
The Miya twins, who compare gifts based on whatever you give themâalways different things, of course. The last time you gave them the same thing, they called you an idiot who doesn't care about their individuality enough to get unique things. You wondered where they learned the word, but apologized and proceeded since then to always get them something different. Even then, it must still be something equal, lest they cry favoritism over the other. It was exhausting, but they made up for it during your birthdays, always managing to get you the things you like the most, trying to outshine each other for your approval.
The Miya twins, whom you're rumored to either be best friends with, a distant cousin, some kind of relation, orâthe most popular oneâtheir girlfriend. Classmates and even teachers always wondered among themselves which of the twins you were actually dating. It's a rumor you're used to and weren't surprised to find at Inarizaki as well, although it's something that has prevented you from finding a boyfriend. Another reason why you were insisting on going to a different school.
The Miya twins, whom whenever you're asked who's more attractive or cool, you always reply: "Both of them." You've just never really stopped to consider it. In your eyes, theyâve always been a headache in different fonts.
The Miya twins, who've been getting tired of sharing your time and attention between themselves. Feeling more selfish and greedy by the day, their competitive spirit against each other growsâalthough never enough to ruin their bonds as brothers.
The Miya twins, who drag you off to a party they were invited to, but then lose you among the crowd of fans that swarm them.
The Miya twins, who stake their claim on your mind the next morning when you wake up in your bedroom a little bit hungover, but more importantly, extremely anxious. One of the twins secretly met with you last night, one of the twins kissed you, one of the twins confessed their feelings for you. The only problem is, you don't remember which twin.
Suna RintarĆ, the cynical middle blocker of the Inarizaki volleyball team. The only reason why heâs attending the school is because he was specifically scouted by them.
Suna RintarĆ, who knows very well that heâs good at what he doesâattractive too, the only problem is his personality, but he hasn't been bothered to fix that. At least not until now.
Suna RintarĆ, who spends his days on the volleyball team in peace, well, save for the usual chaos of the twins, though thatâs already more of a staple activity at this point. Something that always is.
Suna RintarĆ, who was the most unbothered when he heard the team would finally be getting a manager. His only silent request was that itâd be someone who wouldnât annoy him.
Suna RintarĆ, who immediately fell for your smile when you first met and greeted the teamâor was it your voice? He couldnât help but notice your nervousness. It was the first time, after all, that you were playing the role of a manager, and of all teams, it had to be a major powerhouse. Of course you were nervous.
Suna RintarĆ, who didnât comment much while the other guys warmly welcomed you, eager to have you on board. What was so special about having a manager anyway?
Suna RintarĆ, who keeps sneaking peeks at you from where you stand by the coachâs side, clipboard in hand, eagerly nodding your head as you watch the court with clear focus.
Suna RintarĆ, whoâd look away just before your eyes landed on him, keeping his eyes on the net while Riseki made his serves, his heart silently beating hard against his chest.
Suna RintarĆ, who still kept his distance, occasionally making his usual snarky remarks to the twins or anyone else, but couldnât help noticing every little thing about you. The way you looked when you were focused, your fast and insightful observations of the team, your firm authority by the side of the court in the absence and the presence of the coach. Even the way you styled your hair each day.
Suna RintarĆ, whoâd only be able to keep your gaze for a few seconds while you went around handing each player a bottle of water and a towel after an intense training drill. That annoying smile on your face and your soft fingers as they brushed against his. Heâd hide his face partly with the towel over his head and mumble a thank you.
Suna RintarĆ, who wonders if youâre aware he no longer slacks off as much like before whenever someoneâs not watching or the team has a significant points-lead, because he wants you to notice how much effort heâs putting in.
Suna RintarĆ, whom youâre glad is performing well after your addition to the team. Worried about being an unwanted outsider, you really want to win the team's approval, and youâre well aware that heâd probably be the hardest to charm.
Suna RintarĆ, whoâs always watching you with his cat eyes whenever you interact with the rest of the team privately, sharing jokes and exchanging feedback.
Suna RintarĆ, whoâs devastated to hear your confession, spurred by Atsumu that day.
"Y/n-chan, do you have a boyfriend? Youâre too pretty to be single, right?"
He wanted to tell the idiot off, not to pry into your personal life, but he was also dying to know, so he kept quiet, waiting for your reply.
You shake your head at Atsumu, not taking your eyes off your notepad as you record their performance for today.
"No. I donât have a boyfriend."
Sunaâs heart skipped a hopeful beatâone that was immediately squashed by your next comment.
You lift your head up to face them as you add, "But I do have someone I have a crush on. A senior from middle school."
'A senior? Was that your type? Older boys who are probably mature and capable and dependable and... whatever. What was he like? Why did you like him? Was he good at volleyball? What position did he play? Was he good-lookingâhalf as good-looking as he himself was?' And that smile on your face, that spark in your eyes... itâs something heâs never seen before. You really did like this crush of yours.
Suna RintarĆ, who spent the rest of the day silently brooding and fell asleep in his bedroom at night listening to heartbreaking romantic songs about yearning for someone else.
Suna RintarĆ, whoâs decided to bury his feelings forever, or at least kill them completelyâuntil he stays behind one day after a practice match to help you pack up.
Suna RintarĆ, who youâre glad to find out doesn't completely hate you or is unaffected by you. He was actually quite easy to talk with. Mostly a listener, but at least heâs not glaring at you with disgust, so thatâs a win.
Suna RintarĆ, whom youâre surprised to receive a question from. He asked what his average points per match was, and you immediately give it to him from the top of your head, well familiar with the stats of every single player. You were curious about where he was heading with this, but wasnât expecting him to make a bet.
"The match we have scheduled next with Mujinazaka. If I surpass my average, youâre going to owe me a favor."
You pause to think about it, while his heart races wildly behind his chest, yelling at him internally.
'What the hell does he think he's doing?!'
To his relief, though, you answer with a smile, "Sure." Good performance from the team is what youâre after, after all. Besides, itâs Suna; whatever his request could possibly be, youâre certain it wonât be anything too insane or out of pocket.
Suna RintarĆ, who can't believe you said yes, and decides to walk you home after you're done, already planning how he's going to ask you out on a date when he wins.
Ojiro Aran, who you thought was pretty ridiculous when you first met. During late middle school, while engaging in your most hated subject, P.E, you fellânot surprising considering your physical statsâand you scratched your knee against the pavement. You didnât cry though; you just sat there staring at it until a tall boy with grayish-green eyes walked over to you, a volleyball tucked under his arm.
Ojiro Aran, who saw you were hurt but didnât seem very bothered by it, though he wanted to help. His first priority, was to ensure you didnât cry; his first thought?... was to make a joke about Sazae-san.
Ojiro Aran, whom you stared at blankly for a full ten seconds before responding, "That wasnât funny."
Ojiro Aran, whom you expected to walk away from the mean-spirited girl who didnât laugh at his joke, but was surprised to find him laughing to himself. You were going to ignore him, the seemingly abnormal boy. In the first place, when comparing physical stats, his were completely out of your league.
Ojiro Aran, who surprises you by setting his ball aside and holding out an arm to help you get up. Apologizing for the joke and for your hurt knee. You were going to say something about how it wasnât his fault with the kneeâyou should probably have been paying more attention when runningâbut you change your mind instead and tell him that he should work on his jokes.
'Seriously though... what or who the hell is Sazae-san???'
Ojiro Aran, whom you later learn from, while he took you to the nurse's office, that Sazae-san is an animated TV series from 1969.
1969???!!! What kind of shows did he spend his time watching???
You still let him know, though, that the joke still wasn't funny. He smiled and shrugged, stating that if he found it funny, then that was good enough for him.
Ojiro Aran, who started hanging out with you from that one meeting. Trying to pair up with you during P.E. for mixed-gender games. Thanks to him, you won the one-legged match race for the first time ever. An unexpected physical achievement that you were very proud of.
Ojiro Aran, who finds you during lunch to eat with you. Sharing whatever lunch you both brought while trying and failing to crack new jokes to make you smile. He fails at all attempts but doesnât stop trying.
Ojiro Aran, who was excited to find you in his class and immediately claimed the seat next to you.
Ojiro Aran, whom you realized might not be so out of your league after all. He might be way better at physical activities, but you were also way better at academic subjects, and he made sure you knew that. Always letting you know how smart you are. Encouraging you not to stress about tests or exams, and congratulating you whenever you cleared them, or helping you get your mood back up when you didn't meet your desired results.
Ojiro Aran, who couldnât believe his eyes when you finally laughed at one of his jokesâand of all times, when you were down after receiving a C-minus test result. You laughed so hard your eyes got watery. Was the joke that funny? He didnât care; he was just glad to see you in a good mood again. Of course, when you were done laughing, you made sure to let him know that the joke wasnât funny. He didnât question why you laughed if it wasnât funny. That wasnât his concern; even as you criticized his taste in humor, you still had a smile on your face.
The real reason why you laughed, though, was because you were reminded of how he hadnât changed. Still trying to keep you from crying with his three-generations-old humor.
Ojiro Aran, who tries his best to keep you from getting dragged into the twins' antics. Well aware that you have no energy nor tolerance for the brothers, he always stands as your shield of defense, keeping them away from you whenever they want to drag you into playing volleyball with them, and telling them off whenever they poke fun at one thing or another. Even if you didnât care, he always did.
Ojiro Aran, who always makes sure to get you your favorite drink whenever he gets himself some Ritz Crackers.
Ojiro Aran, whom you werenât surprised to see really get into volleyball. Already setting his eyes on the Ace position, he got it, of course, and was incredibly happy to share his wins with you. You were proud too, serving mostly as a moral support presence. You helped him work hardâstudying your notes in the gym while he practiced his drills.
Ojiro Aran, who manages to convince you to go with him to Inarizaki high, because in his words, "It would be fun to have a friend to hang out with other than the twins."
Ojiro Aran, who had unconsciously picked up some habits of yours. Reacting to the nonsensical things his teammates sometimes say with sharp comebacks, often wondering and asking what the things they say even means.
Ojiro Aran, whose favorite time other than playing volleyball is watching you study. Be it at home, school, the library, or whenever. You were always such a hard worker, and just silently sitting in your presence was calming for him.
Ojiro Aran, who still gives you piggyback rides like he did when you were kids whenever youâre tired or just feeling lazy. Sometimes youâd fall asleep quickly on his back; sometimes youâd listen to him talk about his day. He was always worried about Kitaâs robotic straight-laced attitude and the twins' idiotic behavior, but it was clear to you that he loved them all the same.
Ojiro Aran, whose therapy whenever he loses a game is to sit next to you, resting his head against your shoulder while he measures his hand against yours and tries to listen to the sound of your heartbeat.
Ojiro Aran, whom the twins corner one day to ask what's going on between you twoâthey had already cornered you the day before, and it certainly wasnât the first time that this was happening.
Ojiro Aran, who gives precisely the same answer that you did:
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