(chapter xviii)

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That day, as Yuna settled into her usual spot at the sidelines to watch the team's practice, she was taken aback by the coach beckoning her over. It was unusual, as the coach had never shown any interest in her frequent visits to the practices.

Yuna approached the coach, her expression a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

The conversation between the head coach, Nobuteru Irihata, and Yuna began with a simple acknowledgment, "Sugawara, Yuna."

Yuna responded politely to the elder man with a simple "Yes?"

Coach Irihata regarded her thoughtfully before asking, "I've been informed by some of the team members that you've a certain level of expertise in the sport. Is that accurate?"

Yuna admitted, "I have some knowledge in terms of studying it and observing the practices, but I certainly don't consider myself an expert."

The head coach continued, "But you have a general understanding of the basics, am I correct?"

Yuna nodded in affirmation, as the head coach paused, contemplating his next words. He tilted his head slightly and spoke, "You see..."

The head coach turned to stare at the court, his eyes fixated on Tooru. "I'm aware of Oikawa's current knee injury. He intended to keep it secret from the team, but surprisingly, he revealed it to me during the lunch break. He explained that he no longer wished to hide it and promised to stop overworking it and take care of it."

The head coach turned back to face her, a slight smile on his face," It seems that you've had an impact on him"

Yuna's eyes widened, her face flushed with surprise. "I...I didn't..."

The coach pointed out, "He wouldn't be wearing the brace you gave him during practice if it wasn't for your influence"

Yuna followed his gaze to the court, where Tooru wearing the brace she had given him was impossible to miss. When she arrived earlier to the practice, she had been surprised to see him wearing it so soon.

The coach then revealed, "He also accidentally let slip the reason why when I asked him what changed. He said, 'I can't let Yu-chan worry so much.'"

Embarrassed, Yuna buried her face in her notebook. She couldn't believe that Tooru had accidentally revealed his motivation to the coach, revealing that he didn't want her to worry. It was a rather intimate admission, and she felt uncharacteristically self-conscious about it.

The head coach addressed her, "I'm aware that you're part of the music club. However, if you're interested—and not just for Oikawa's sake, but to support the entire team—I'd be pleased to have you as a manager."

Yuna lowered her notebook and looked up at the coach, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "I...I'm not sure if I'll be any good at it," she admitted.

The coach clarified, "I'm not asking you to make it your main focus. I understand that the music club is important to you, and I won't ask you to sacrifice your time with them. As a manager, your responsibilities would primarily be during games and training camps."

Yuna considered his offer, realizing that her music club activities had a more sporadic schedule, with recitals occurring only a few times a year, allowing her to attend games and camps without conflicting priorities.

Her scheduled time in the music room aligned conveniently on days when the team typically didn't have practice, making it easier for her to balance both responsibilities. The only exception was Wednesdays, when she was required to use the music room, causing a minor scheduling conflict with the team's practice.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Yuna spoke up, "Can I get back to you on that offer?"

The coach nodded understandingly, "Of course, take your time. Just let me know if you're interested."

After their conversation ended, Yuna continued observing the rest of the practice, mulling over the coach's offer to become the team's manager. It was a responsibility she had not anticipated, but the idea intrigued her. As she watched the players, her gaze kept wandering back to Tooru, who diligently practiced with the brace on his knee that she had given him.

After the practice concluded, Tooru and Hajime approached Yuna, having witnessed her conversation with the head coach.

Hajime inquired as he patted his face with a towel, "Hey, we saw you talking to Coach Irihata. Is everything alright?"

Tooru promptly reprimanded Hajime, "Iwa-chan, you should've inquired about her well-being first, listened to what she had to say, and only then should you have asked her that question."

Hajime rolled his eyes at Tooru's words, responding, "So, what you're saying is that I should emulate your habit of being overbearingly nosey, huh?"

Tooru huffed in disagreement, "Iwa-chan, that's called being polite!"

Not missing a beat, Hajime retorted, "More like flirting."

Tooru sighed exasperatedly at his friend's comment, rolling his eyes and shaking his head. "You really are hopeless, Iwa-chan," he said, before turning his back on his friend, who looked increasingly threatening.

Yuna looked briefly at the coach and then scanned the team resting on the benches and the floor. She then turned to her friends, her voice dropping to a soft whisper, "It's a secret."

Hajime and Tooru immediately leaned in closer, their curiosity piqued by her words. Tooru quickly placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to hide his eagerness with a casual demeanor. "Oh, is that so?" he asked, feigning nonchalance.

Before Tooru and Hajime could press her further, Yuna swiftly bowed and made a quick exit from the gym, not giving them a chance to question her further.

She wanted to take the time to reflect on the coaching offer and even consider consulting Kiyoko for advice. Yuna was gradually becoming more comfortable approaching other teammates, but she wasn't sure if she should accept the offer without careful consideration.

Hajime and Tooru exchanged a look of concern as they watched Yuna quickly leave. They were aware of the team meeting they had to attend, making it impossible for them to immediately follow after her.

As they returned their focus to the meeting with the team, their thoughts still lingered on Yuna. They couldn't help but wonder what had prompted her to make such a hasty exit and what secret she was now burdened with.