#ginjima

[officialhaikyuucontent]

[babu50t]

Pairing: Miya Osamu x reader Fandom: Haikyuu Rating: T

He watches her interacting with others, munching the onigiri she'd made them, feeling slightly confused and lost. It wasn't anything new nor unusual for their manager to get along with the team members, in fact it was expected. - she was their manager. She's been around him and his dumbass of a twin since they were in diapers, being a constant in their life. Osamu didn't know when exactly his affections towards her had become something more than a friendship or that of a family, without being related to each other, kinda feel. Maybe it was when she'd cheer for them with that pretty smile on her, or maybe it was when she'd call Atsumu out on his stupidity. Or maybe when she'd give Suna a run for his money with her blackmail material on them all (too many times had he seen those two sharing their blackmail material-proof, all while snickering or wearing a shit eating grin). Or maybe it was during one of those times he fell asleep on her shoulder as they sat on their family porch, watching stars and talking just about anything and everything. Atsumu would be there too, but Osamu liked to monopolize his thoughts to just her. Or maybe it was when she had her first relationship, which wasn't either him or Atsumu, and would excitedly share stories of her first kiss...Atsumu had to hold him back from punching the guy. Or when she had her first break up, heart broken as she cried in his bed. It didn't honestly even matter to Osamu when exactly he'd fallen for her, but he has and he was starting to get more than irritated at his brother and team-mates for being overly touchy with her.

Like they had any right to touch her so freely. His hand clenched, quickly finishing his onigiri before he stood up and started to walk towards them. He watched her brush it all off with a smile, occasionally giving one of them a well-deserved smack or bite back a jab. A part of him knew it was all harmless - that Atsumu was well aware of Osamu's romantical feelings towards their manager and was just trying to make him jealous or something. He'd heard them talk about it, thinking Osamu was still talking to their teacher, wondering if something was going to happen before the year ended. He'd chosen to ignore it, knowing things would happen on their own time. But he did not expect to hear the following from Ginjima, making him stop right behind her.

"Is it true that a third year asked you out?" Osamu felt his heart skip a beat. She wasn't a stranger to the confessions, nor was she refusing to give someone a chance every once in a while. "What's this about?" He asked, sounding more gruffy and annoyed than he liked. She jolted, looking up at him with a blink. "Samu, how long have you been standing there?" She looked a bit nervous, or maybe it was him wishing that, as she tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. "Samu only heard the last bit," Atsumu plopped an arm around Osamu's shoulder, before doing the same with her. "So, who's the guy we need to check out this time?" She shook her head, shoving him with her elbow making Atsumu groan and release them both. "I think he's in Kita-senpai's class," she said, glancing at their Captain, who'd been sitting behind them this entire time. Aran, who'd been watching them with a smile, nodded. "When did he confess?" Osamu asked, trying to recall a moment one of them hadn't been with her. He couldn't really recall one. She bit her lip, looking at Suna, who shrugged. "At the library, the other day when I was studying there with Gin and Suna."

Osamu glared at the two, making Suna raise his eyebrows and Ginjima to shrug. Atsumu was rubbing the sore spot, muttering something inaudible under his breath. "And? How did you respond?" He tried to get rid of the gnawing feeling his stomach. But he couldn't. "He asked me to think it over before responding," she shrugged, giving him a strange look. "But I'm likely going to say no, I've got no plans on dating during this season - you guys are already keeping me on toes, imagine adding extra person to it?" Suna and Ginjima snorted, and Atsumu went into a tirade calling her heartless. Kita shook his head, before returning to his chat with Aran. Osamu felt a bit better, but she hadn't completely said she wasn't interested in that guy. For the remaining of the practice, Osamu's mood was sour. He kept looking for any hints that she might say yes to that guy, who definitely didn't deserve her. Not noticing the concerned eyes on him. He'd try a way to talk about this once they were alone, Osamu thought, looking at their manager, whose attention was on their coach. She was nodding and saying something he couldn't hear. But a glance from her made him nearly drop the ball Atsumu sent, earning him another shout. Yeah, he'd definitely need to have a talk with her. Before he's killed by his own twin.

A small piece of writing... I'll see whether I'll continue it or not. It was originally meant to be a work of smut but then took a different turn on its own. Also, I was bored... none of this is planned for anything besides originally being smut but became angsty? First test in writing OC without a name.

[dira333]

No Dating Allowed - Ginjima x Chubby! Reader

Words: 6k, angst to fluff

Warning: Fatphobia but not from the Inarizaki Volleyball team - Also the boys are idiots but they're teenagers so that's to be expected.

“You’re so fat. You’re like a cow. Mooo!” You duck your head at the comment, try to let it slide off you. It still hurts, even if your face doesn’t show. Crying only eggs them on.

“You wouldn’t be so fat if you actually participated in some sports.”

“Like any Club would take them in, she’s too fat to even be a manager.”

You can barely read the words in your book now, the letters blurred by unshed tears. 

You don’t believe that what they’re saying is true. What they are saying is not true.

But it still hurts. Oh, does it hurt.

If only you could make them believe.

-

The idea is so bad you can’t believe you’re going through with it. 

It won’t change anything. 

If your classmates find out that you tried and failed, the bullying will surely get worse.

But still… what if it works out?

Your heart’s beating like a jackhammer in your chest as you approach the door of the third-year classroom. You’ve never been here before and you’re not sure how this is going to go, but you have to at least try, right?

“Can I help you?” A girl asks, her smile open and friendly.

You nod. “C-Can I… Can I talk to K-Kita-san for a… a minute?”

“Oh, sure. Stay right there… Kita-kun! There’s someone here for you.”

The decision to ask him first wasn’t made lightly. You don’t know much about Volleyball other than what you’ve seen during Gym Class. You don’t have to run around much - which you prefer - but you’re not good at jumping. But all the other Captains are way scarier than he is and when you’ve seen him around he’d always been surrounded by an air of calm indifference. If he doesn’t like you, he’ll at least be polite about it.

“Yes?” He’s tall, looming over you like an attractive shadow. You swallow thickly.

“I-I wanted to ask… if you needed… a manager? For Volleyball, I mean.”

Kita blinks.

“You’re a first-year, correct?”

You nod.

“How about we walk for a bit and talk about it?” He leads you down the hallway, away from the prying eyes of his classmates. 

You’re not sure how he does it, but you find yourself talking, explaining, rambling at times about the reasons you have to ask. But when you bite your lip in panic, clearly having overshared, he just nods and urges you to go on. 

“Practice is every day after school. When does your last bus leave?”

You look it up on your phone and he nods. 

“It might happen that we train a little longer, especially the twins. Don’t let them rope you into staying longer. If you do have to stay longer for any reason, don’t hesitate to ask any of the boys to walk you home, okay?”

“O-okay.” 

“Good. I have to get back to class now. I will see you after school. You can see if you like it and decide later.”

You nod, speechless. To say that this has gone better than expected would have been an understatement.

-

No one saw you change into your gym clothes in the bathroom and you’re thankful for that. 

You’re not ready to let anyone from your class know you’re doing this, if ever.

Maybe that’s a bad idea, maybe that would make them see you differently, but with how things are going right now they might just use it as another way to bully you.

It’s so weird to approach the Gym alone. No one’s waiting outside and you panic a little.

Did you get the time wrong? But Kita said after school, right?

You rush to the door to find him in there with three other boys, all of them taller than you.

A dark-skinned boy spots you first.

“Hey!” He waves at you. “I’m Aran Ojiro. You must be the one who’s trying out for manager.”

You swallow hard. This is a try-out? Like a test? What if you fail?

As if reading your thoughts another boy steps forward, his face serious but his words kind.

“Don’t worry too much. Since you’re going to spend a lot of time with us we have to make sure you’ll feel comfortable doing so. You can try out what it would be like.”

“He’s Ōmimi, I’m Akagi,” the last one steps forward, shaking your hand eagerly, “It would be so cool to have a manager again and a cute one too!”

You shy away from his touch and step closer to Kita who simply nods in greeting.

“Aran will show you around and explain the basics to you. As soon as the whole team is here you will get to know them and the official training will start.”

You nod and follow Aran who explains everything thoroughly.

“Can I ask you something?” You speak up when he shows you where the water bottles are kept and how to fill them up and wash them after use. 

“Of course.”

“Kita-san said you don’t have a manager yet. Why is that?”

“Well, Shiraishi graduated last year and after it became clear that Kita was going to become the Captain, he wanted to wait a bit before we got a new manager. I don’t know if you’re aware, but our setter is pretty popular with the girls and I guess Kita didn’t want us overrun with fangirls.”

“Why? Who is your setter?”

Aran stops and turns around. “You don’t know?”

You shake your head, already panicking. Should you know?

“Oh, Samu’s going to love this. Well, we’re finished here anyway, so let's go meet the rest of the team. Just a fair warning, they are a rather rowdy bunch.”

But as you step back into the Gym, the boys are sitting on the floor, quiet like mice. 

Kita’s standing next to what must be the trainer and waves you over.

“I’m Kurosu Norimune, First Coach.” He shakes your hand with a smile as you whisper your name before he turns around and announces it loudly to the students.

Some of them nod and at least Aran and Akagi smile up at you. 

A boy with light brown, messy hair looks up at you with wide eyes and you wonder what’s so surprising about you. Is it your height, or lack thereof, or your weight? 

You swallow thickly and miss at least half of the introduction.

And after that, everything comes to life.

“Hi, I’m Ginjima,” his eyes are still wide, but he’s smiling, a light blush adorning his face. You take a step back and his brows furrow. “I didn’t want to scare you, I just wanted to ask if you want to help me get the ball cart in? That’s usually my job.”

“Oh, of course.” You nod and trod along, trying not to lose him in the bustle of boys running around, setting everything up.

A few minutes later you’re standing on the side and watching, trying to gather their names from when Coach is shouting at them.

“Stop playing around, Atsumu!” That’s the guy with blond hair.

“Osamu! That was also meant for you!” He’s got grey hair.

“You could have gotten that, Suna!” This one turns and looks over as if you’d said it instead of Coach. He looks tired, but at the same time, a little… mean?

-

Too soon it’s break time and they all gather around you, pulling water bottles from your hands.

“Hey, I know you!” You blink up at the guy but you can’t really place his face. “You’re in Class 5, right? I’m Riseki!” He holds out your hand like he wants a high five and you cautiously tap his hand, not sure if that’s what you’re supposed to do.

“You’re cute,” he says, grinning from one ear to the other. Ginjima clears his throat pointedly next to him and your eyes drop back to the floor and all the water bottles you still need to pass around. Right. Work.

As it turns out, being a manager is a lot more work than you thought it would be. But it’s also a lot less hard than your classmates made it look like. You could totally do this every day. And why shouldn’t you, if they let you? You usually don’t like the books Literature Club reads together and you’re handwriting is too awful for that Club.

“What do you think?” Kita asks as he shows you how to disinfect the Volleyball’s one after the other. “Do you want to continue?”

“If I’m allowed to?”

He smiles and you can’t help but smile back.

If you’d get to have an older brother, you’d want him to be like Kita.

- - - xxx - - -

Droplets of water run down his back. It tickles, but he cannot focus on that right now.

“Are you sure Kita said that?” Ginjima asks again, hands practically folded in front of him.

“Absolutely positive,” Akagi confirms, “As soon as she was out of sight, he told us that no one was going to be allowed to ask her out. I mean, he said that we couldn’t make her uncomfortable by any means, but you know Kita, that’s what he meant.”

“Yeah, but he didn’t say it like that.” Tsumu declares pointedly, slinging a sweaty arm around Ginjima’s shoulders. “And you’ve seen our dear Ginjima. He’s fallen for her, he’s a lost cause already.”

“Ah, shaddap.” He throws him off, but Samu’s already there. “Hi, I’m Ginjima!” he teases, voice high. They all laugh, but Ginjima can’t help that he’s blushing. Again.

-

“I want to make clear,” Kita starts the next time they’re all at the Gym, no sight of you, “That no one is going to ask our new Manager out. I am aware that this affects your private life outside of Volleyball, but we don’t want to make her uncomfortable. If you cannot focus on anything but her, you have nothing to do in this team anyway.”

Suna whistles low through his teeth. “Damn, do you want her for yourself?”

Kita stares at him instead of answering and Ginjima swallows thickly, pulling his head in. So much for a chance at love.

-

But still, he can’t help himself. 

Just because he cannot ask you out doesn’t mean he can help you, right? Get to make you smile or even laugh, maybe?

“Here, let me help.” He’s got an eye out for you, making sure you don’t overdo it. “That’s too heavy for you anyway.”

“I’m stronger than I look.” You protest and he has to force himself to look away when you flex your arms. He’s a little jealous and a little thankful that he’s not seen you in your uniform yet. He’s not sure what he’ll do if he does. Probably have a spontaneous heart attack.

- - - xxx - - -

“Where are you going?” You freeze, even though you shouldn’t. 

“To my Club,” you say, your voice barely above a whisper.

“What Club? Who’s accepting Fatties?”

You swallow harshly, grab your bag and leave, hoping you can outrun them. 

They don’t bother to follow but you know this isn’t going to be over soon.

But just for a little longer you want to have this for yourself, just be happy with how things are. 

The boys are nice, Kita-san especially. He never gets mean and even when you get something wrong he just explains it calmly to you.

“We use this for disinfecting. You won’t get the same result otherwise.”

Aran’s super nice too, patting your head every time he walks past you like he’s blessing you. He doesn’t mind when you ask questions about Volleyball even though he’s probably explained most of it twice.

“Got that now? No. No problem at all. Maybe it’s easier if you picture the people. Kosaku and Riseki for example, are pinch-servers. Do you remember what that position means?”

Riseki, funnily enough, always asks you for help.

“Did you go over the math lessons already? You did? Sweet! Can you help me with them after training? We can do it here if you want. Kita doesn’t mind when we do our homework in here as long as we don’t disturb the others.”

Then there’s Ōmimi with his serious face who likes to trade books with you and Akagi who’s a bit too loud for your taste but always greets you with a joke.

“Where do the cows go to have fun? The Moovies!”

The second years, though you find the most difficult to work with.

The twins are loud and rowdy and Suna always gets this scary look on his face when he gets quiet. Ginjima always wants to talk to you and you don’t know why and Kosaku doesn’t talk at all.

You prefer to stick with the third years where you can and the first years when they call for you. No one from the Club is in your Class but just because you’ve made it one month doesn’t mean you will make it forever.

Eventually, you’ll be found out.

-

“Where are you going?” 

You try to dash away but this time you’re not fast enough. You hear fabric rip, feel the rush of air around your legs as your skirt drops to the floor. 

Laughter rings out in the mostly empty classroom as you gather the remnants of your uniform around you, leaving with tears streaming down your face.

You won’t be late, you promise yourself, even if you have to explain to your parents later why you need yet another expensive garment. You won’t be late, even if you have to wash your eyes with cold water in the bathroom to make sure you’re not found out.

“You okay? Your eyes are kinda red,” Ginjima points out the second you step into the Gym.

You nod and the lump in your throat makes your voice sound nasally.

“I’m fine. Just allergies.”

“Are you sure? If you’re sick you should go home and rest,” Kita had been in earshot, it seems. You shake your head. Home is the last place you want to be right now. 

“It’s fine, I was just… my eyes were tearing up a lot.”

Kita doesn’t look convinced. He turns to the boys. “Start training. I’ll be back soon.”

Without another comment he grabs you by the arm and gently drags you outside.

“I’m really fine,” you insist once you’re outside and you can trust your voice again. “It’s just allergies.”

“You don’t get allergies from one day to the other. You can tell me what’s wrong. No one’s listening in.”

Fresh tears fall. “My skirt ripped.”

“Oh.” A pause. “That’s unfortunate. Can I see it?”

You freeze, shoulders pulled up. “What?”

“Can I see your skirt? I’m not that good at sewing, but Kosaku is. Maybe we can do something about it.”

He inspects the garment for a second before he tells you to wait here. When he comes back, he’s got Kosaku in tow who looks not the least bit confused.

“Oh yeah,” Kosaku inspects your skirt as well. “That’s an easy fix. I can mend this after practice if you want.”

“You can?”

“Of course.” He sounds a little displeased that you’re questioning his abilities and you bow, immediately apologizing.

“It’s fine. You can buy me some snacks as a thank you… Or not, nothing’s fine too.” He adds hurriedly but when you look up nothing’s amiss. 

“Are you sure? I could bake something.”

“Only if it’s not too much trouble for you. I think all of the boys have a sweet tooth, so I wouldn’t be able to hold onto it for long.”

“They do?”

“Oh yeah. Especially Samu. Though to be fair, he devours everything edible.”

-

You’ve learned your lesson. You’re the first out of class and the last to step in. 

Still you know you won’t be able to get away forever.

But you will enjoy it as long as it lasts.

“I made something,” you exclaim when it’s time for the first real break. You pull the large container from your bag and prop it up, open it to reveal a small mountain of sugar cookies. They’re not in season, but they’re easy to make.

Just as Kosaku predicted, Osamu’s the first to grab one. His face lights up like firework as he tastes it.

“Hey, leave me some!” Atsumu pushes him to the side and you flinch.

“Behave!” Ginjima crows and half of the team turns to look at him, his face turning almost as red as the Inarizaki tie. “We don’t want crumbs in the Gym,” he tries to explain. You offer the box to him next and his hands shake funny when he takes a cookie. 

Maybe he’s just as anxious as you are, you think and send him a small smile. It only deepens the red on his face and you turn back, glad to see Aran approaching. Aran is safe.

- - - xxx - - -

“Does anyone know how we got her to make cookies?” Samu asks, licking the last remnants of his fingers. 

Ginjima listens only with half an ear. You’re sitting on the other side of the large Gym, head bent over Riseki’s books as you explain something.

Why are you just so cute??? “I told her we all like sweets,” Kosaku explains simply.

“And she brought in sweets?” Suna’s voice is teasing enough to gather Ginjima’s whole focus.

“What are you saying?” He asks, voice skipping an octave.

“What do you think I’m saying?” Suna asks back.

“It’s just cookies,” Tsumu argues, clearly annoyed, “Can we get over it and start playing again? I’m getting bored over here.”

-

“Ginjima?” Kita’s voice cuts through the noise and he turns, half expecting a stern reprimand.

Instead, his captain stands stiff like a board, waving for him to come over. Next to him: You, head bowed.

He rushes over, heart thundering ahead.

“Yes, Captain?”

“Our dear manager isn’t feeling well. I trust you to walk her to the bus station.”

“Of course!” His heart beats in his throat now, but at least he managed to get that out. “Can I carry your stuff for you? That’s absolutely no problem!”

“I’m fine,” you whisper, but when Kita clears his throat pointedly you relinquish your bag to him 

Ginjima makes sure to handle it with the utmost care, trying not to smile too brightly as he walks you out. Kita chose him for this job!

“Do you have a cold?” He asks as you walk. “Tsumu had it last week.”

“No, I don’t have a cold.” Your hands press against your stomach.

“Oh, a stomach bug then? Did you have the curry too today? I heard it wasn’t very good.”

“No… No, I didn’t.”

“Oh, what is it then? Do you have diarrhea?”

Your face pales and he goes almost cross-eyed looking for a trashcan to puke into. Instead, he finds a girl who’s pointing… at you.

“Are you for real?” She asks, voice shrill. “You’re a manager?”

“Who are you?” Ginjima asks, already pissed at the way she asked. 

“Who are you?” She asks back. “And what lame kind of sport do you do that you allow Fatty over here to join?”

“What the hell-” He starts, hands balled to fists. “Who do you think you are?!”

She scoffs. “Like you need to know that, loser. Bye Fatty. I’ll see you.” She laughs and runs off and Ginjima has to grind his teeth to keep where he is instead of running after her.

After all, you’re still sick and Kita entrusted you to him!

“Are you okay?” He asks, turning back to you. “Do you know who that bitch is?”

You gasp.

“What?” He asks. “Like she didn’t deserve that title! You’re not fat. My uncle is fat but even if you were that’s no way to talk about you like that! She needs a good beating if you ask me.”

You look up at him, eyes welled up with tears. Your mouth opens and closes and he kinda has to guess what you want to know.

“My uncle?” He guess. “He’s got a disease… I can’t name it properly, but when he was my age he couldn’t move at all because of it and he got so depressed only food gave him a source of comfort. He’s a lot better now but he’s still got plenty of weight. Not that that drags him down if you’ll excuse that joke.” Ginjima can’t help but smile as he thinks of Uncle Keiji.

You shake your head and sniff.

“Oh, you need a tissue?” He pats down his jacket but comes up empty. “Here,” he slips out of it, “Just wipe your nose on it, I’ll wash it today, no problem.”

That’s when you start laughing, his jacket clutched in your hands.

He laughs along, a little confused, but hey, he got you cheered up again.

-

You don’t look up when the door opens. But the rest of your class does.

“It’s Miya Atsumu!” One of the girls whispers, clearly shocked.

“And his twin!” Someone else mutters equally impressed.

Ginjima leans around them and finds you easily, head bowed over a Bento Box.

“Hey!” He calls out to you. “You coming? We’re going up to the roof to eat.”

Your mouth opens and closes like a fish.

“Come on,” Suna’s voice drawls out lazily, “We don’t have all day.” 

You nod, clearly confused, and grab your stuff, rush toward them.

“Who did you say was that bitch again,” Atsumu asks just as you’re a few steps from the door. 

Ginjima pokes his head in again and smiles at the girl in question, baring his teeth. 

“If you guys mess with our manager again,” Samu declares calmly, inspecting his fingernails, “Getting banned from our games will be the least of our problems. Are we clear?”

- - - xxx - - -

“Thank you for taking the time,” Kita closes the door behind him and smiles. The little storage room is cramped but filled with light from the evening sun.

“You wanted to talk to me?” You ask, hands fiddling. You haven’t lost your anxious ticks even after all these months.

“I’m resigning today,” he explains calmly. “It’s time to graduate. I thought Atsumu would be a good Captain. What do you think?”

You blink away a stubborn tear that won’t stay inside.

“He’ll need a little help,” you sniff, working against the lump in your throat. “But I’m sure he will do great.”

“You’ll help him, right?”

You nod, swallowing thickly. Kita’s warm hands land on your shoulders.

“Do you have any plans for the break?”

“No, not really.”

“Would you like to stay with us for those few weeks?”

You freeze. 

“Are you… are you sure?”

“Yes. Granny would love you. I’m sure your parents won’t mind and you can help me with the harvest if you want. Or stay inside and help Granny with the house.”

Silence enfolds between you. 

Eventually, with the warmest voice you’ve ever heard from him, he says “I’ve never had a little sister, but if I did… I’d want her to be like you.”

-

Ginjima’s eyes zero in on yours - surely red rimmed from all the bittersweet tears - but he doesn’t say anything. 

Not long and Tsumu’s crying too, wiping his nose on his sleeve as Osamu blinks up into the sun, acting like he doesn’t care at all - the liar.

It’s hard, saying goodbye to the third years.

It will be different with them there, Aran’s daily blessings and Ōmimi’s book recommendations, Akagi’s silly jokes, and Kita’s calmness. 

It will be different, but it won’t be bad. Not with all your friends around you.

“I entrust this Club to you,” Kita reminds Tsumu again as he leaves. “Every member and our shared goal. And don’t forget our dear manager.”

-

“What are you doing over the break?” Ginjima asks later as you wait for the bus.

Your hands fold around the seam of your skirt and you pinch it as if you remind yourself that this is real.

“I’m staying with Kita,” you tell him proudly, “He asked me to come.”

“Oh,” he makes and falls quiet.

“And you?”

“Training, I guess.” He pulls his shoulders up. “Text me when you get back, okay?”

“Okay.”

- - - xxx - - -

Another graduation comes much too soon. 

Riseki’s crying this time, the captain’s title heavy on his shoulders.

“Ah, like you’d forget us,” Tsumu says but his voice is heavy with emotion.

Samu’s looking up and squinting into the sun, one of his eyes impressively bruised to match Tsumu. They’ve gotten into a fight this week and even though they refused to talk about it, everyone knows what it’s about.

-

“You coming in tomorrow?” Ginjima asks as he walks you home, the last bus long gone.

“For your graduation? Like I’d miss that.”

He smiles, fiddling something between his hands.

“You know, about that tradition… the second button… Did you get one so far?”

You laugh. “A second button? No way I’d get one.”

“But would you want one?”

You blink up at him. “Why would I want one?”

“Ah,” he smiles, “Just asking. Don’t all girls want one?”

“I dunno. Depends on the boy, I guess. Would you want one? From a girl, I mean?”

He blushes furiously and you snicker, digging your elbow into his side.

“Come on, tell me. Who is it you like?”

His smile turns pained and you step away. 

“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to push you. It’s your decision to tell me.”

“Thank you. Though, I guess…” He holds out his hand. In it lies a button. “I think I should give it to you. For safekeeping, you know.”

“You don’t think she’ll accept it?”

“Doesn’t matter,” he tells you, voice strained, “I’m not allowed to date her anyway.”

“Oh, that sucks.” You pick the button from his hands and hold it up to the light. “But if you entrust me with it I will keep it safe until it changes. Would that be okay?”

He nods, redfaced, clearly unable to speak. 

You tap his elbow with yours and walk on, slowly. 

“Did I tell you about my summer plans?” You ask. “Kita got me a job at an accounting firm in Osaka. It’s nothing much but he thinks I might like it. What are your plans?”

-

Your hand is on Riseki’s shoulder and you’re crying along. 

It’s different when you’re the one who’s leaving. Fresh-faced first-years look back at you. The second years mourn the games they could have played - lost to Karasuno yet again. 

A new manager will help them go on and though you doubt the friendship will stay beyond these gym doors, you’ve burned her kindness into your heart.

“And don’t forget,” Riseki reminds them one last time, “Kita-san’s rule! Do not date the manager!”

You stop and turn, the tears forgotten for a moment.

“What?” You ask, not unlike a few of the boys who’ve been eyeing sweet Oyama for the better part of last year.

Riseki stumbles, clearly confused by the question.

“Yeah, he told us when you came in. It was very important to him so it must be important for the team. Keep that in mind, will you!”

They agree, some more, some less eager. 

You resolve to ask Kita about it the next chance you get. After all he promised to come in tomorrow for your graduation.

- - - xxx - - -

“Ginjima!” You hug him, tears streaming from your eyes. “You came? What a surprise!”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world!” He says, proud that it succeeded. “The rest of the gang is also here!”

“Heeeyy!” Suna waves lazily. There’s also Tsumu and Samu, fighting over a Bento Box like in the good old days, and Aran who’s blessing you with one of his well-missed head pats. 

Akagi drags Ōmimi and Kosaku over and for a moment, too short but still so precious, it feels like nothing changed.

“These are my parents!” You introduce them, grinning from one ear to the other. “Do you mind if I go out to eat with the boys?”

The boys. Ginjima’s heart sinks and lifts at the same time. He’s nothing but one of the boys.

Not like Kita who addresses your parents by first name.

But, he thinks when you fall into step with him, whispering how you’ve still got that second button if he needs it, not all hope is lost, right?

-

“Sit next to me,” he asks when you find chairs at the Izakaya. Half the team grins knowingly but you still don’t get it.

“No, no, I insist,” He pushes your hand back when you try to pay for your food. “It’s on me.”

“Let me walk you home, please.” He asks when they gather outside. 

Tomorrow he’s going to be back in Osaka where his job waits for him. 

Tomorrow you’ll be nothing but a too vivid memory of something that never got to be real.

Tonight you’re the prettiest thing he’s ever laid his eyes on.

“Sure,” you say, waving at the others, promises of meeting up soon hanging in the air. It’s been a year. It never gets easier.

But still, he leaves without a kiss, without a confession, without anything that means anything.

Because he can see it in your eyes, wide and warm and lovely, that you don’t get it. Maybe you never will.

But that’s okay. Or at least it will be okay someday.

- - - xxx - - -

“So you’re staying?” Samu asks as he plates the food. “For real?”

“For real!” You agree, breaking apart the chopsticks. “What should I try first?” 

“Whatever you want. Everything’s good.”

“Wow, what about being humble?” You ask, digging in.

He laughs. “When have I ever been humble?”

“A lot,” you point out, mouth full. “Gosh this is good. Tsumu was always more arrogant.”

“True,” he jokes. “Have you seen him lately?”

You shake your head. 

“Suna? Aran? No wait, Kita.”

You snort. “I see Kita at least once a month. That’s not news.”

“Ah yes, Kita, the love of your life.” Samu swoons, clutching his chest. You furrow your brows.

“What do you mean?”

“What?” Samu grins. “You’ve been a thing since when, his graduation?”

You choke on a bit of Onigiri. “What?! No! EW!”

“What?” Samu laughs disbelievingly. “I mean Ginjima told me you went to his place for the break. That’s kinda like making it official.”

“NO!” You belt out, horrified. “That’s what you all thought? But I was… But he is… We’ve always been more like brother and sister.”

Samu shrugs. “I mean he never seemed to mind that Ginjima was head over heels for you, so I didn’t bother-”

Your jaw slackens. “What?” You ask, voice breaking. “Ginjima was what?”

Samu halts, bottle of soy sauce in his hands.

“Don’t tell me you didn’t know.”

“How would I know?”

“How would you not?! He’s got a crush on you since the day you started! Kita made it very clear though that no one was allowed to ask you out and Suna thought it was because he called dibs on you… Are you okay?”

You shake your head.

If he’d pulled the floor from under your feet you couldn’t have been more at a loss.

“Oh my god. I still have his second button.”

“Who’s?” Samu asks, taking a piece of Nigiri Sushi from your plate and popping it into his mouth. 

“Ginjima’s.”

“Damn. That guy was bold. I mean I was never fully sure you were dating Kita after all, but at least Ginjima was convinced that you liked him more than him.”

“As a brother, maybe.” You huff, heart beating. Everything looks different now, looking back, with that information in mind.

“You need Sake?” Samu asks, voice comforting. “Or Soju?”

-

Sleep isn’t coming to you these days.

Kita’s explanations made sense - you had been afraid of everyone breathing back then, scared shitless every time someone other than him or Aran tried to speak to you - and you couldn’t hold it against him that he tried to protect you.

You’d have to talk to their current Captain though, to make sure that ridiculous rule wasn’t still in use.

You’d have to talk to Ginjima too at one point. But you don’t know what to say yet.

If you think of him now, all the moments you’ve been through together, the little things stand out so much more.

How he’d always been so eager to help, always wanting to talk.

How often he blushed around you. 

How he defended you, told the other second years - no doubt that whole plan had been his idea. 

You can’t think about all those quiet walks home, side by side yet barely touching, how he asked about your day and told you of his, without curling into a ball, warmth filling you to the point of overflowing.

If Kita’s the warmth of a fireplace in winter, a spot to stay safe and comforted, Ginjima is the warmth of the spring sun, guiding you outside. He’s the bright blue sky on summer days that makes you want to stay awake forever.

And every night, without fail, you pull his second button from its safe place and rest it where it had been on his blazer, on the place closest to your heart.

-

Ginjima works as a Gym Instructor now, not far from where you work.

Twice you’ve walked by and chickened out. You’re not sure you’ll be more successful today.

This time, though, you spot him through the tall windows. 

He looks just like the last time you were a team, a towel slung around his shoulders.

It’s that sight that gives you the push you need and you step into the Gym, heart beating in your throat.

He turns and spots you, surprise widening his face. It reminds you of the first time you’ve met and your heart beats even faster.

“Hey!” He rushes over, almost tripping over a weight. “What brings you here.”

“I have something for you.” You stretch out your hand.

Ginjima stops and stares.

“I…” He starts, face split between confusion and pain he’s trying to hide. “I don’t understand.”

“It’s mine,” you explain nervously. “Samu told me… That you had a crush on me.”

“What?” He blushes furiously. “He told you what?”

“And that everyone thought I was dating Kita. We’re just... We’re just friends. Like brother and sister, actually. I didn’t know… I didn’t know you liked me,” your voice is getting lower but his eyes are wide.

“How could I not like you? You’re literally perfect!” He shouts and from somewhere behind him you can hear a voice shushing him.

You snort and he laughs, flustered, hand moving to take yours - and the button.

“And the No Date Rule?” Ginjima asks as if he’d only just remembered it.

“Officially no longer valid.”

- - - xxx - - -

“Lovebirds are in!” Tsumu declares loudly from the bar as the door opens. Ginjima shoots his cap at him, whistling in victory when he hits him square in the head.

“Don’t fight,” you chide behind him, your hand in his. “Are we late?”

“Nah,” Riseki waves from the other side, “Like you’d ever be. Ginjima should be glad to have you.”

“I am!” He declares. “Who’s questioning it?!”

“No one,” Kosaku drawls, hugging you as he moves toward the bathroom. But have some mercy on the single guys.”

“Hey, I could have a girlfriend if I wanted to!” Tsumu points out, followed by laughter.

On nights like this, when they all get together to watch one of them on TV - today it’s Aran - things hardly ever calm down.

But he wouldn’t change this for the world, not even when he has to work a shift tomorrow.

It reminds him of being young and a fool like he’s got nothing to lose and yet so much to fight for.

And when you curl into his side on the Couch, cheer him on when he manages to eat his bowl of soup faster than Tsumu, or defend him against Suna’s jabs he knows that nothing much has changed.

He’s still a fool in love.

My Kofi if you want to tip me

[youmarin]

Now Recruiting! ft. Inarizaki VB Boys - Part 8: Inarizaki v.s. Itachiyama

Summary: It’s time for the Summer Interhigh Tournament. Rivals face each other. And after, what will the next semester bring to the boys and Miss Manager?

Word count: 3,690 + Extra 12 (214)

previous, series masterlist

“Oi! I’m leaving, you know! Exhausting yourselves won’t help you out.”

“Just one more.” The setter said as he made his starting run. One. Two. Three. Four. Jump floater. Suna, who was on the other side of it, wasn't able to discern the real trajectory - or maybe he was already tired and began to half ass-, and took position too far up front. He received it. The only problem is he did so with his face. “Holy fuck!” Atsumu cursed and ran over to him.

“Suna!” You dropped the other volleyballs you had picked up on the cart - didn’t want to risk anyone tripping on one and getting injured. One’s never too safe- and ran over to check up on the dark haired boy lying on the ground.

“Are you okay?” You leaned over him from one side. He was blinking, probably trying to make out what had just happened to him. And there were three of you looking down on him. If he hadn’t been worried by the simultaneous numbness and hurt he felt on his face he might’ve thought he was having a dream.

“He should be okay. If it were a spike serve he might’ve passed out.” Everyone finds reassurance differently, you guessed.

“I’m fine.” He tried to sit by grabbing the hand Osamu was offering. He missed it.

“Think you might’ve given him a concussion?” Osamu tried again and gently helped him sit. Suna’s head spun for a moment but it slowly came back to focus. “What day is it?”

“2nd of August.” Suna answered as you inspected the red spot on his forehead, brushing his hair away from his face.

“Who hit ya straight on your snout?” No answer. “Oi. Suna, I’m speaking to you.”

“What?” He briefly looked away from your concerned eyes and looked over to where Osamu was by one side before returning to look at you. “Oh. ‘Tsumu did.”

“Okay, y/n, Imma need you step out for a moment.”

“What?” You looked at him, confused.

“You’re clearly distracting him. I can’t consider the integrity of this test if I don’t know if he’s concussed or just crushing on you.”

“Well, okay.” You left, still worried yet a bit flustered. “I’ll bring the first aid kit.”

Kita gave the team a fearsome earful for not going home after the countless times he told them to, making them warm up properly before leaving -and 10 extra laps to make things interesting-. After making sure that Suna was okay -Suna’s punishment got a rain check, but for now he was staring at his fellow second years, Akagi and a couple of first years, thinking he was on the clear- , you took care of his nosebleed, sitting on the court’s left side bench. He felt so lame right now. “I’m glad it wasn’t anything serious.”

“Of course it’s serious.” Suna answered, “Atsumu could’ve broken my nose or ruined my face.” You laughed.

“Well, he didn’t. But someone else might someday if you’re continuing this career path.”

“Not if I actually receive with my arms.”

You fell in a comfortable silence as you worked. You tilted his head and moved to wipe the blood off his lips and nose .

“How are you feeling?” You asked after a while. Suna straightened up and seeing as he wasn’t bleeding over his face and t-shirt anymore you considered it safe.

“I’m okay.” He nodded, trying to ignore how his surroundings blurred when he did. But when he stood up, you noticed the gone look that flashed in his eyes for a second.

“You’re still dizzy, aren’t you?” you quirked a brow, then chuckled softly, “Here.” proceeding to wrap one of his arms around your shoulders and put one of yours around his torso.

***

Everyone was busy. From afar, you could hear the faint melodies while the school band rehearsed. The cheering squad gathered their team and practiced their routines and mottos - the captain even asked if you were interested in joining them like last time-, and as every year it was expected that a great part of the student body would attend to support their team. It was a big moment for the whole community. Thankfully, the boys were used to all of it, and rather than feeling pressure over it, they couldn’t be more excited. They knew the extent of their capabilities and their responsibility. And as their team captain always said: There’s no point in being nervous if you know what you can do.

***

“Where’s y/n?”

“She has a talent of disappearing without anyone noticing.”

“It’s quite scary if you think about it.”

“She hasn't left. Her stuff’s on the bleachers.”

“I can’t wait to get over with this.”

“I know. I bet it’s been awfully hard for you to keep your mouth shut.”

“Guys,” They all turned when they heard you, “c’mon, we have to leave soon. Don’t even think of extra practice time today- Wait. What are you up to?” You eyed them warily. The boys were all huddled in a group, each set of eyes looking in your direction pairing with innocent smiles - which inspired the opposite of innocent intentions. No one could blame you for being suspicious -.

“We have a surprise for you.” Osamu said, stepping up. His twin grabbed what he was holding and didn’t give him a chance to protest before he was handing it over to you.

“A-A what? Why?” After all, you thought you were the one supposed to prepare them a gift given the occasion. You stared at the box with a little bow on top, then straight to the blonde’s smiling face and at the rest of the boys, at a loss for words.

“When someone offers you a present you don’t ask such questions. Just accept it.” Aran encouraged.

You reached for it, brushing hands with the setter as you grabbed it. “Thank you.”

“But since you asked,” Osamu started after glaring at his brother as you opened it and saw it, “We wanted you to know, if you still hadn’t figured it out, that you are as important to us as any of the members of the team.”

“We appreciate all the work you do, your kindness and you taking care of us.” Kita added.

In your hands, you held a familiar fabric of equally familiar colors. It was a shirt like the ones they used on their official matches: black, with the name of the team written in white bold letters on the front and your name on the back.

You felt warmth spreading all over your chest. They could be a handful sometimes, but this was your team and also your friends, and you were so proud of them.

You hugged the blonde boy in front of you , taking him by surprise yet he was quick to return it. When you pulled back, you beamed at him, and he was thankful the other guys joined for a hug and stole your attention from his burning face and pounding heart.

Morning came, and this morning was not one to wish to stay five more minutes in bed or to sit at the edge of it with your head lost in space. You were up in a beat, turning off your alarm before it could go off and dashing to the bathroom to get ready. Getting out, you got dressed up, your Inarizaki tee shirt under your jacket.

“Good morning.” your mom saluted, looking at you oddly for how animated you appeared this morning.

“Mornin’ mom.”

“Wait, you’re not having anything for breakfast?”

“Uh no,” you said, adjusting your bag on your shoulder before balancing on one leg while you put on one shoe, then doing so the other way, “I grabbed something for later though. Want to get to the club room before the boys to double check that everything's in order.”

“You have everything you need?” She asked and you ran over your mental note.

“Yeah, I think so.” You kissed her cheek goodbye when she came over to see you off, “I’m heading out. See ya later.”

“Good luck!”

All the boys were quiet during the ride over to the gymnasium where Interhigh Tournament would take place, and by all it means even Atsumu was sharing his earphones with his twin and was sitting quietly, bobbing his head softly to the beat of his music. He was lively, could even describe him as wild sometimes, but you could count on him to remain sober and serious on such big moments. Suna was nodding to whatever the captain was saying to him. It was a bit amusing and also endearing seeing him look a little nervous listening to Kita. Ginjima was speaking with his upperclassman Aran, while Omimi and Akagi chatted with the first years, which seemed to be the most nervous.

The gym was a large building, fit for the several matches that would be taking place simultaneously. You went with the coach and you were quick to find your section upon your arrival, leading the team inside. Bright lamps on the ceiling met your eyes as you looked up, taking in the scene, while the chilly air from the air conditioned space hit your face. Other teams were heading to their respective areas and some of the first contenders were already warming up on their side of the court.

Dropping their bags, the boys took off their school jackets and changed their tees to their uniform. Some put on their knee pads and arm sleeves before they all headed over to the court to start their warmup routine. Warmups and drills had also another purpose besides, well, getting ready for the game. It was also a time to show off; show your confidence, your skill to the opposite team, and what they were about to confront. If you knew how to do it, and the Inarizaki boys were infamous for that, you could lead them on with a bit of intimidation.

“C’mon show me your best one, ace.” Atsumu encouraged Aran, who gave his start before jumping in the air with excellent form and slamming the ball on the floor to the other side of the net with booming force. Smiling, the setter watched the ball bounce off, making eye contact with one of the players from the other team when he looked up, smile unwavering.

Other players achieved to make their rivals uneasy without meaning to. Kita was that type. As he carried out with his drills, purpose-set as usual, boys from the other team stared at the captain move seemingly effortlessly. Reputation also helped, as the known middle-blocker Suna Rintaro moved on the court with such familiarity as if he were back on the Inarizaki High gym.

Of course, they didn’t reveal everything then and there. It was only a taste before the real thing started. The boys were also good with the element of surprise.

The stands above began to fill up with students from the different schools of the prefecture and from outside, and volleyball fans overall. These sort of events always attracted people from all over, ages ranging from the youngest to the eldest.

You recognized your school, the band standing in their place and the cheering squad hanging the banner you had made on their spot. Soon enough, the ref blew his whistle calling for the coaches to hand him the information of their respective starting lineups and player positions. After, it was just a few more minutes before he called for the captains to decide which side served first.

*

When the boys’ first couple of matches were over and they’d won without major inconveniences, you rushed over to watch the other matches and keep track of the bracket.

“I think Inarizaki should be over too. You think they did alright?”

“Dunno. But if Miya plans to defeat us they better have.” The blonde may not be his favorite person, but the rivalry was there. And things wouldn’t be as interesting or fun without it.

At that moment as they turned to head over the court where your team’s match had taken place, Sakusa saw you coming.

“Y/n!” Motoya waved at you, “Good to see you.”

“Hi, guys.” you smiled, happy to find friends out of the multitude. They were carrying a towel around their shoulders and you took it as their most recent match had just finished as well. Sakusa’s otherwise neat kept locks were a bit messy, slightly damp by his sweat. His dark eyes emitted friendliness as he acknowledged you, even a small smile threatened to take over his features.

“Did you guys win?” He asked.

“Yeah.” You responded with a satisfied tone and knowing smile. “Did you?”

“You really had to ask?” Motoya said jokingly.

“So that means that if we both win our next matches,” you looked down at the papers on your clipboard.

“We’ll face each other.” Sakusa finished for you. “So you better make it.”

And both teams did make it and were bound to face each other.

The other matches had gone alright. The team never underestimated any of the others. Sure, someone could get a little over its head and there was a little taunting, but it was normal for players to mess with opponents psychologically.

But considering these two teams knew each other better, they felt as if there was this responsibility for each other to go all out for it to work and have a good match. Both teams didn’t seem as exhausted as they saluted each other in the middle of the court before their match started.

During the first minutes of the first set, the team made a few mistakes while the coach told them to get themselves together. He had to call for a time out before Itachiyama could further their lead. After that, things fell into a good rhythm for them and they took the first set.

The game went downhill for them from that point on. Itachiyama’s defense surpassed them, not letting a lot of the boy’s attacks land and prolonging the rallies. Even when both Suna and Aran were on the court they couldn’t earn enough points to steal another set. They knew how to find their weakest spots, and who to target. And things only got worse as the game continued and they grew more fatigued and frustrated.

Atsumu set the ball for Suna, but the latter wasn’t fast enough in his approach and had to hurriedly make the pass, without as much force as he would’ve liked.

“Feint!” Motoya called and another of the players called for the ball, easily receiving it. They spiked it over and Kita was there to readily pass it to Atsumu, who set it for Aran. The ace tried to hit over the blockers that were marking him, but the hit lost power as it hit one of the blockers' hands.

The road for Inarizaki ended with none other than Sakusa sending a spike over to their side.

*

The beginning of the second semester. Your second semester in your new school, and this time it wasn’t as daunting. Now, you had the boys from the volleyball team. You reached the school gates, and not long after crossing them, you found your fellow second years.

“Y/N!” Gin noticed you first.

“We gotta take a group photo.” Atsumu stated, leading Suna to ask a random student to take a picture of you. Awkwardly, the boy accepted Suna’s phone.

“Do we really have to?” First mistake.

“Are you saying you don’t want to take a photo with us? Do you even like us?”

“No! Of course not!- Wait. Hold up,” Nothing you were saying was coming up straight judging by his face. Even the other three seemed to deflate a little. “What I mean is that I do like you.” You said looking straight into the setter’s eyes. And why were his cheeks burning all of a sudden?

“Then why not take a picture?” Suna, who kept a digital record of everything he could, asked you. “It’ll be nice to look back at it.”

“I just don’t look very flattering in front of a camera.” you shrugged, trying to play down your insecurities. “Plus, we have taken plenty of photos together.” During games they always made you.

Of course, some of them had noticed you’ve been shy regarding the topic. But that wouldn’t be the end of it. “But we don’t have one of this moment.” Osamu said.

“If I may say, I think you’re very pretty, Y/n.” The boy, still holding Suna’s phone, nervously said. Suna quirked an eyebrow.

“Oh. Thank you.” Receiving compliments was nice. You wished you knew how to take them. It made you feel a little bad that you didn’t even know the boy’s name. But to be honest, you were bad with those too.

“Yes, she is. Glad your eyes are working dude. Now take the picture.” Atsumu shared his opinion but wasn’t thrilled to hear the boy shoot his shot right in front of his face. You ended up apologizing for him. Someone was a little on edge today.

They all looked at you, their expressions all saying, Please?

“Fine.”

Now, the other problem was picking where they would stand. Osamu ended up pushing his way between you and his twin, while Gin stood on your right. Since Suna was the tallest, he stood behind you. He whispered something in your ear, which made you smile and your face heat up.

After looking through the pictures, complaining about how he looked on some of them, the blonde finally broke down, “Did ya see that nonsense about a ceremony to recognize the team for our representation at Interhigh?”

You looked at the others searching for clues regarding the cause of Atsumu’s newest outburst, which was somehow related to the ceremony. Osamu’s expression denoted some sort of pain (now you had no doubt Atsumu was the cause of this pain), Gin hung his head, while Suna turned away, whistling. Thanks a lot, boys. Finally, your eyes settled back on the setter. “Uh… Yes, the coach sent me an e-mail about it. That’s great!-“ Osamu started gesturing and shaking his head. What? Did you say something wrong?

Okay, so the school wanted to recognize the volleyball team’s job in the tournament. Of course, there were some mixed feelings about it. The team had lost. But they’d reached finals and that landed them a spot at Spring High Nationals. They might’ve not won but still their hard work paid off. So that was good, right? That was what you thought before this conversation and the scene unfolding at the moment.

Second mistake.

“Oh yeah. Right. I mean, after all, the important thing is having fun. And second place is great.” Atsumu’s words were dripping with sarcasm. “We are the second best.” He gestured with his hands, making an arch. “It isn’t enough that we lost. No, they have to rub it in our faces calling us shitty names. Just outright call us a bunch of losers.” He muttered the last part. For a moment you had forgotten who you were talking to. Atsumu was one of the most competitive people you’ve ever met.

But still, he was dismissing a lot. “Okay, I get it. Second place might suck for you but you can’t just brush away all your and your teammates' sacrifice to get where you are.” There you were. They boys could always count on you to knock some sense into them. “But it’s good that you don’t settle. It makes you keep aiming high.” You smiled at him.

Atsumu stared at you for a moment. That funny feeling from the other day kept creeping and blooming all over his chest. And what was that fluttering on his stomach?

Osamu looked at him, waiting for his brother to speak again whether it be another complaint or another snarky comment. But when it took a few beats more than usual, it clicked to him.

“But…” Atsumu’s voice wavered a bit as he regained his composure and started walking behind you as you made your way to your classroom. The bell would ring soon. The rest followed you two. “It doesn’t mean I have to attend, right?”

“Uh, I think you should. You don’t want to be rude.”

“You’re saying that to one of the rudest, meanest people here.”

“I’m not mean!”

“Remember that girl that tried to give you homemade cookies she made herself and you said you weren’t interested in buying them?”

“It was a misunderstanding, Gin.”

“Sure it was.” Suna snorted, “And right after when she clarified, you didn’t accept them saying you had to take care of your weight.”

“We’re athletes. It’s very important to look after what we eat, and I didn’t know what she put on those.”

“You were stuffing your face right after eating pudding. And one of those was mine.”

“I told you I didn’t eat it!”

“Okay. That is pretty rude, Atsumu.”

“Whatever.” He frowned, “I’m not interested in any of those squealing girls. And this is besides the point.”

“Well,” you said, swerving back to the topic, “Think of it as a rehearsal. Years later, you become a pro player and something like this happens. You dislike it, but you go, show your face, be grateful,” You emphasize that point, “and then you leave. Even if you truly hate it. You can still complain all you want and we’ll hear you out.”

“ “We” sounds like a lot of people. I don’t know.” Ginjima scratched the back of his neck.

“Count me out.”

“I’ll hear you out.” you fixed.

“I guess I will too.” Osamu added. He didn’t think he'd have much choice. “And who knows, maybe one day you’ll learn about good sportsmanship.”

“Fake it ‘til you make it.”

“So you want me to be fake.” Atsumu stated.

“No.” you glared at Suna, hitting him in the arm - it felt more like a caress to him.-, making him chuckle. “Just,” you raised a finger, “Don’t be rude,” another, “be grateful,” the finale, “and go to your classroom you all.”

**

Extra 12: Shirt on or shirt off? [word count: 214]

“I’ll walk you to your dorm. I just need to arrange some things into the storage room first.” You said as you walked behind Suna towards their locker room and stood in the doorway while he grabbed his stuff, insisting on seeing him off safely.

“I feel better now. And it’ll be more late for you to get home. Who says I’ll let you go if you go with me?” Suna tried reassuring you and, why not, teasing you a little bit.

With lack of a response, he turned to look at you to find you blushing and mouth open to answer back, but settling on frowning.

Then your eyes traveled to his sweaty t-shirt, sticking to his chest and torso. A white tee, basically see-through at the moment, and the bloodstains on it. “Take your shirt off.”

Suna nearly knocks down the rest of his things. “What for?” Just how fast the tables turned. And the thing was you weren’t even trying to get him flustered.

“The blood. I might be able to get it off.” Then you turned around to give him privacy.

“Right.” He did as told. You reached your hand back for him to hand you the shirt, making him chuckle while doing so, and you were out of there.

A/N: Hello, dear readers! It’s been a while - a year 💀-. Happy 2024! I hope you’re all well and safe. I’m happy to see people are still enjoying and showing love to this series. And here we are with part 8! Funny, I started writing this part the day I posted part 7 and it took me this long to finish it. The extra was just added. I got a little confused with the tournaments’s stuff lol but I figured shit out (I think). Not that anything needs to be accurate but yk, helps the writing flow. Happy reading and see you next time, whenever that is! **slow updates**

[onigirintarou]

inarizaki fights over who will be kita’s best man at his upcoming wedding.

atsumu has always given kita tickets to see him play with MSBY, but now he extends these offers to you as well. not only does he offer volleyball tickets, but he has bought you tickets to concerts, plays, and other miscellaneous events. when it seems like kita doesn’t understand the message that he’s been trying to put down, he resorts to what he does best which is being blunt and shameless which is how he finds himself at onigiri miya, jumping up and down, showcasing his vertical, while shouting “pick me! kita-san, ya gotta pick me!” 

osamu rolls his eyes at his brother’s antics, but that doesn’t stop him from sliding kita and you extra portions each time you dine at onigiri miya - “don’t worry kita-san and future kita-san, it’s on the house!” sometimes, he’ll even drop off some food to kita’s place (which has since become your place as well), claiming that it was on the way even though kita knows that his farm is a solid one-and-a-half hour drive away from onigiri miya on a good day.

suna simply pushes his phone into kita’s hands and to the older man’s surprise, he’s taken a beautiful candid picture of the two of you. suna has really captured the tender look in kita’s eyes as he looks at you. “i can take more, you know.” the words come out in a monotone manner, but in the weeks leading up to their meeting, kita has received many texts with pictures of stunning landscapes and an odd message or two or twenty of suna stating that he had been taking photography lessons. 

aran tries to guilt-trip him into it. “you know i spent six years with the twins, right? six?!” he gesticulates wildly. kita nods but his face remains impassive. “so, it’s gonna be me right?” aran asks. before kita can respond, his grandma enters the room they’re in and steers the conversation towards whether aran has been eating well or not. 

omimi tries to bring up the topic when he comes over to play chess and have tea with kita. except, he doesn’t really bring up the topic. he was too nervous, and in his defense, their discussion about the floral arrangements had really captured all of his attention.

akagi and ginjima aren’t as involved as the other boys. there’ll always be another wedding, they think - that is until they realize that this is kita they’re talking about which means that this will be the only wedding. kita is deliberate which means that he is sure about you. you are his forever-and-always. so they panic. how can they stand out? they reason that the answer to that question is to help support the groom in anyway that they can. they call him up at least twice a week, asking kita if there are any errands he wants them to run. sometimes they’ll even message you and ask if there’s anything they can help you out with.

in the end, kita asks his grandmother to be his best man.

[215-luv]

// f!reader

your head lays on top of suna’s chest as you drift yourself to sleep, cuddling further against your boyfriends body. due to your actions, suna couldn’t help but smile at how adorable you look with your puffy cheeks and messy hair that made you even more beautiful - like a goddess. he slides an arm around your waist to pull you closer while the other holds yours that was layed across his body.

suna was about to close his eyes when the sound of his phone ringing interrupted his peace, making him groan at the sudden noise.

he glances at your direction to see if you had woken up from the ringtone - not liking the fact of you waking up from your nap.

suna stretches his arm to the dresser to reach his phone and saw the name of his volleyball groupchat displayed on his screen in large letters. the middle blocker taps the green button with his thumb to see the faces his other teammates. he lets out a short sigh while caressing your back with the hand that wasn’t holding the phone. he then narrows his eyes when atsumu started talking.

the setter whistled. “oooh, suna~ is that y/n beside you?” he teased and suna rolled his eyes in annoyance, trying his best to ignore the whistles from his teammates.

soon enough they started cooing at your position and couldn’t help but throw off comments that seemed to tick suna off.

atsumu goes closer to the camera. “aww look at y/n snuggling against you!”

“her cheeks look so squishy!”

“y/n looks so adorable!” ginjima cooed.

“i wish someone could cuddle me like that!”

“i want one too!”

all of it made suna scoff. “can you guys shut up?” his annoyance growing stronger every second passing by.

“oh, shit. someone’s jealous.” osamu chuckled, clearly entertained.

“you guys are annoying as fuck.” the middle blocker grumbles.

“you didn’t even deny it!” atsumu teases.

“didn’t know you could get mad that fast, suna~ i thought you were a quiet, composed guy”, ginjima amuses.

“i am. and i will always be.” suna deadpanned.

“yeah, sure.” atsumu snorts before continuing, “then explain why you completely look like a mad man while we continue on showering compliments about your girlfriend.”

suna furrows his eyebrows. “i’m not jealous”, he bluntly says as he felt you fidgeting in his arms. he moves his hand to slide it under your sweater to feel your soft skin, lulling you back to sleep while you snuggle against him further. he huffs,

“but with your big, blabbering mouths and nonstop talking, i’m pretty sure i’ll be able to beat all of you up if ever you wake my girl from her sleep.”

suna hears silence from the call and ends his statement, “end of discussion, bye.”

[h0emuras]

What the Haikyuu boys order at Starbucks/ how they are as customers

A/n: Using my knowledge as a (former) Starbees barista for 3 years~ inspired by the many customers I’ve dealt with over the years.

| Aoba Josai | Karasuno |

Inarizaki

Kita: Emperors cloud (green tea), he would have gotten a matcha latte but frowned after hearing it comes presweetened with sugar and the quality isn’t that good. The definition of the best customer! Calm and polite, will patiently wait at the counter without rushing workers if it’s busy. He’s always getting stopped in the lobby by older customers trying to set him up with their children.

Aran: Iced white mocha latte, no whip, add vanilla sweet cream cold foam. Wanted to try the tiktok drink trend and fell in love with it. His smile brightens up all of the baristas’ day and lowkey a flirt. Always tells the baristas, “let me know if anyone bothers you, I’ll handle them..” *winks* All of the baristas jokingly calls him their husband and he plays along with it.

Atsumu: Mocha frap. Wanted the mocha cookie crumble frap, but fumbled his order trying to look cool while ordering. Tried to lean on the counter in a flirty way, but ended up knocking down the gift card display on the counter. Unlike Oikawa, no one falls for his trap, sorry Tsumu. Always a bit too loud in the lobby, but you have a weird affection for him because he’s made you laugh a few times when you were visibly stressed.

Osamu: Caramel ribbon crunch frap. Won’t let Atsumu try his frap and now they’re fighting in the lobby. All of the baristas are used to their antics and don’t even bother stopping them, however other customers are concerned. He always orders 2 cakepops and inhales them immediately while trying to bat away Atsumu’s grabby hands. One time you were having a bad day and he gave you one 🥺 He’s the type of customer to keep to himself, but he’ll always ask about the new drinks being promoted. Once in a while you give him a sample.

Gin: Caramel frap. Wanted the caramel ribbon crunch frap like Osamu, but messed up his order while trying to break up the Miya Twins fighting. He’s always super flustered and keeps apologizing while ordering, overall nice customer. Baristas like him because he *tries* to tame the twins, but he gets pretty loud himself trying to calm them down. The store is just in chaos whenever they come in.

Suna: Will order whatever drink is currently being promoted. He’ll just point at the poster and say, “I’ll get that one.” He always ends up catching you and your coworkers talking about the juiciest gossip when y’all thought the store was empty. He’ll lean against the counter and smirk once you and your coworkers notice him. He knows all of the Starbucks tea, knows who’s hooking up with who and other drama going on at the store.

likes/reblogs/comments are appreciated *kiss kiss* ily~

[rinyagi]

i made these letters because i feel like everyone needs them, so here they are!! ♡

gender!neutral reader, fluff, comfort

— THIRD YEARS.

[ order; kita, oomimi, aran, and akagi ]

— SECOND YEARS.

[ order; atsumu, osamu, suna, ginjima ]

— FIRST YEAR(s).

[ order; it's just riseki ]

— i hope i made people happy reading these :( please take care of yourselves and never forget to be strong, i love you all so much! ♡

— the letter idea is also inspired by @/rintarhue's ongoing smau, love letter :) really good, i recommend it esp if you love oikawa!!

— also, do not steal, repost, or copy my work. 🙂 the idea is free to copy though.