Chapter 125: Extra Practice
The echoes of Shiratorizawa's seasoned third-years and the authoritative coaches gradually faded, leaving (y/n) amidst the spirited rookies and diligent ball boys, diligently restoring order to the gymnasium after the day's rigorous training.
Koganegawa fervently canvassed the gymnasium, seeking a willing partner for additional practice. His hopeful inquiries, however, were met with swift rebuttals from the nonchalant Tsukishima and the laid-back Kunimi, both dismissing the notion of any further drills with an air of disinterest that seemed almost tangible.
Undeterred by their reluctance, Koganegawa persisted, his enthusiasm undiminished. In the midst of this, (y/n) gracefully entered the scene, her presence injecting a fresh dynamic into the unfolding scenario. Observing the discouragement on Tsukishima's face, she couldn't resist intervening, a playful glint in her eyes.
"Come on, String Bean, a little extra practice never hurt anyone," she teased, her tone laced with good-natured encouragement. "Besides, you could use some more time on the court."
Tsukishima shot her a reproachful glance, the irritation evident in his furrowed brows. "I don't need extra practice," he asserted, a touch of defiance in his voice.
Kunimi, leaning against a nearby wall, chimed in with his usual nonchalant demeanor, "Yeah, (y/n)-san, don't go making us work more than we have to."
Undeterred, (y/n) smirked, her playful banter persisting. "Come on, it's not like I'm asking you guys to climb a mountain. Just a bit of extra practice won't kill you. Plus, it might help you loosen up a bit."
Tsukishima's annoyance grew more apparent, a low grumble escaping him. Koganegawa, sensing a potential ally, decided to capitalize on the opportunity. "See, even (y/n)-san thinks it's a good idea. You don't want to be left behind, do you?"
As the banter continued, the gymnasium echoed with a mixture of playful arguments and reluctant agreements, creating an atmosphere charged with the prospect of an unexpected practice session.
Kindaichi, catching wind of Koganegawa's plight, sauntered into the conversation with a wry smile playing on his lips. "Koganegawa, my man, you've got the right spirit but the wrong targets," he chuckled, gesturing towards Tsukishima and Kunimi, who maintained their stoic disinterest.
Koganegawa looked at him quizzically, prompting Kindaichi to elaborate, "These two aren't exactly the 'let's go for some extra practice' types. You might have better luck trying to convince a rock to move."
As the statement elicited a reluctant smirk from Koganegawa, Kindaichi continued, "But fear not, my friend, for I shall join you in your quest for improvement. After all, every great journey needs a companion, right?" He shot a glance toward (y/n), a subtle invitation lingering in his eyes.
(Y/n), catching Kindaichi's gaze, couldn't help but chuckle at his theatrics. "Well, if you're going, then so am I. Tsukishima, you might as well join in; it's not like you have anything better to do," she teased, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.
Tsukishima, visibly annoyed by the collective efforts to rope him into the extra practice, retorted, "I have plenty to do, unlike some people who apparently have time for unnecessary drills."
The banter continued, punctuated by Koganegawa's contagious optimism and (y/n)'s persistent attempts to cajole the reluctant players. The gymnasium, once resonating with the echoes of practice, now hummed with a lively energy as the prospect of an impromptu extra session gained momentum.
With a lively twinkle in her eyes, (y/n) declared, "Count us in for the extra practice! It's a great opportunity, Tsukishima." Her optimism was met with an audible grumble from Tsukishima, who folded his arms in protest.
"Seriously, (y/n)-san? I don't see the point in this," he muttered, shooting a sidelong glance at Kenta, who, sensing the excitement, barked enthusiastically, perhaps interpreting the word 'practice' as an invitation for play.
Kindaichi seized the moment, flashing a teasing grin at Tsukishima. "Come on, Tsukishima, don't be a killjoy. It'll be fun, and who knows, you might learn a thing or two." He patted Tsukishima on the back, earning an indignant scoff in response.
Koganegawa, ever the optimist, chimed in with infectious enthusiasm, "That's the spirit! The more, the merrier! We're going to be the most unstoppable team by the end of this."
Meanwhile, (y/n) shot Tsukishima a playful look. "Don't worry, Tsukki, I'll go easy on you," she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Tsukishima, clearly irked by the teasing and perhaps a little concerned about maintaining his tough exterior, reluctantly sighed, "Fine, I'll join. But only because I don't want you guys getting too close to her, our coach and teammates wouldn't appreciate it." His attempt at nonchalance was betrayed by the faintest hint of a blush.
Kenta, sensing the change in atmosphere, wagged his tail even more vigorously, adding an unintentional touch of comedy to the situation. The gymnasium buzzed with a mix of banter, laughter, and the occasional protest as the group prepared for an unexpected but eagerly anticipated extra practice session.
The atmosphere in the gymnasium shifted subtly as Kunimi, typically the picture of indifference, displayed a rare moment of contemplation. His gaze lingered on the unfolding scene—(y/n) enthusiastically committing to the extra practice, Tsukishima reluctantly agreeing, and Kenta adding his own brand of chaos to the mix.
Sensing Kunimi's hesitation, Kindaichi shot him a knowing look, a silent communication that needed no words. Kunimi met his friend's gaze and, with a subtle nod, made his decision. He sauntered over to Kindaichi, the exchange between them masked in the casual camaraderie they often shared.
"What's the deal, Kunimi? You considering some extra drills?" Kindaichi inquired, a smirk playing on his lips.
Kunimi, ever the master of understatement, shrugged nonchalantly. "Just weighing my options. I might as well, right?" His response was accompanied by a glance in (y/n)'s direction, a fleeting expression crossing his face that hinted at something more than casual indifference.
With a chuckle, Kindaichi clapped him on the shoulder. "That's the spirit! Besides, it's not every day we get (y/n)-san to join in. Don't want to miss out on the fun."
Encouraged by Kindaichi's words and perhaps a newfound intrigue sparked by (y/n)'s involvement, Kunimi allowed himself to be swayed. "Alright, alright. Count me in," he conceded, the hint of a smirk playing on his lips.
As Kunimi joined the group, the dynamics of the impending practice session took a subtle yet significant turn. His presence added an air of mystery to the mix, leaving the others curious about what had prompted his decision. Little did they know, it was a combination of calculated nonchalance and a hidden desire for something more than the ordinary routine.
With a vibrant energy, Hinata bounced into the group, an eager grin stretching across his face. "Hey, I'll catch the balls for you guys! It's like a win-win, right?" His proposition hung in the air, met with puzzled glances from the others who couldn't fathom why Hinata, the embodiment of hyperactivity and enthusiasm, would willingly take a backseat.
Koganegawa scratched his head, voicing the collective confusion. "Hinata, aren't you supposed to be spiking and stuff? This is your chance to shine!"
Hinata, undeterred, flashed a bright smile. "Think about it! If I catch the balls, you guys can focus on spiking and blocking without worrying about retrieval. Plus, it's good practice for my reflexes!" His reasoning, while unconventional, somehow managed to win them over, and with a shrug, the group agreed to Hinata's unexpected role reversal.
As the impromptu practice began to take shape, Goshiki, a Shiratorizawa player known for his formidable line shots, strolled by with an air of indifference. Hinata, spotting him, decided to extend the invitation. "Hey! Want to join us?"
Goshiki's initial disinterest was palpable, his gaze flickering over the group as if assessing the appeal of the invitation. However, Hinata, ever the motivator, saw an opportunity. "Your line shots are amazing, you know? I've never seen anyone hit them quite like you do. Join us, and we can all learn from each other!"
As Goshiki made his decision to join the impromptu practice, a subtle shift in his demeanor was accompanied by a change in focus. His eyes, once aloof, now sought out (y/n) amidst the gathering. A spark of anticipation ignited in his gaze, a silent plea for affirmation as he awaited her response to Hinata's praise.
The mention of Goshiki's skills had triggered not just his pride but also a desire to impress, especially when (y/n) became a pivotal figure in the scenario. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, hoping to catch a glimpse of approval in her expression. The pleased smile that had broken through became a touch more pronounced as he subtly adjusted his stance, aiming to showcase his prowess not just to the group but, more importantly, to her.
"Well, if you put it that way," he began, addressing the group but with a slight tilt of his head towards (y/n), "I suppose I can't pass up the chance to showcase my skills." His words held a dual purpose, acknowledging Hinata's invitation while also seeking (y/n)'s acknowledgment.
As Goshiki seamlessly integrated into the practice, the gymnasium transformed from a quiet space to a vibrant hub of activity. Bouncing balls created a rhythmic soundtrack, punctuated by sporadic laughter and triumphant shouts. Amidst the camaraderie, Goshiki found himself not only drawn to the prospect of showcasing his abilities to the group but, more significantly, driven by the desire to impress (y/n) with the unique flair of his line shots. The shared purpose of the practice became a subtle backdrop to his personal quest for acknowledgment and admiration.
As the practice unfolded, the gymnasium became a symphony of energetic efforts. The rookies fervently honed their spiking and blocking skills under the watchful eye of (y/n). Meanwhile, Hinata darted across the court, a whirlwind of motion, snatching stray balls with impressive agility. His focus on retrieving balls behind the players turned the session into an unexpected but valuable receiving practice.
"Hinata! Watch the angle on that spike! You need to position your arms better!" (y/n) called out, her voice carrying over the gymnasium.
Grateful for her constructive feedback, Hinata nodded in acknowledgment. "Got it, (y/n)-san! Thanks for keeping me on my toes."
However, as the session progressed, a subtle undercurrent of discontent began to surface among some of the rookies. Murmurs of dissatisfaction circulated, and the disgruntled whispers grew more audible.
"Why's (y/n)-san giving Hinata all the attention? This is supposed to be a team practice," Kunimi grumbled, the frustration evident in his tone.
"Yeah, we're all here to improve, not just him," Kindaichi added, casting a skeptical glance at the continuous feedback Hinata received.
Unaware of the simmering dissatisfaction, (y/n) continued her coaching, oblivious to the murmurs that lingered in the background.
Meanwhile, Kenta continued his adorable pursuit of flying balls, adding a touch of charm to the otherwise intense session. His playful antics brought sporadic smiles to the faces of those present, momentarily alleviating the tension that had begun to brew among the players.
As the extra practice neared its conclusion, the gymnasium buzzed with a mix of exhaustion and accomplishment. The rhythmic thud of balls against the floor echoed the intensity of the session.
As the final whistle blew, signaling the end of the practice, (y/n) acknowledged the team's efforts. "Great work, everyone! Remember, the small details make a big difference. Keep pushing yourselves, and we'll be unstoppable!"
Hinata reluctantly acknowledged the inevitable. "Guess I'll head home then. Thanks for letting me join, guys!"
Kenta, clearly disappointed at the prospect of the fun coming to an end, let out a whimper.
"(Y/n)-san," Hinata turned to her, a glimmer of gratitude in his eyes, "thanks for the pointers. See you tomorrow!"
The others exchanged tired but satisfied glances, silently appreciating the unexpected camaraderie forged during the practice. The gymnasium, once filled with fervor, now settled into a quiet lull as Hinata made his way home alone, leaving (y/n) and the rookies to bask in the afterglow of a practice well-spent. The prospect of a night's rest at the school awaited them, a temporary respite before the challenges of the next day.
After a satisfying dinner, (y/n) found herself reclining on a sleeping mat in one of the classrooms, surrounded by the quietude of the empty school. The echo of the day's practice lingered in the air, a testament to the shared dedication of the team.
In the tranquility of the moment, her phone buzzed, breaking the silence. It was a call from her brother Keishin. With a warm smile, (y/n) answered, greeted by the familiar voice of her sibling. Keishin informed her of a recent call from Hinata seeking post-practice nutrition advice, and (y/n) couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at the thought of Hinata's dedication.
"That's fantastic! I'm glad he's reaching out for guidance. It's a sign he's taking his training seriously," she exclaimed, her enthusiasm evident even over the phone.
The siblings delved into a conversation about Hinata's progress, dissecting the intricacies of his performance during the practice session. Keishin, always the astute observer, shared insights into Hinata's strengths and areas of improvement, fostering a shared sense of pride in the player's growth.
As the conversation with her brother concluded, (y/n) felt a gentle sense of contentment wash over her. The camaraderie with her fellow players, the encouraging feedback she had offered, and the news of Hinata's proactive approach to improvement created a tapestry of fulfillment.
With a sigh of contentment, (y/n) nestled into her makeshift bed, Kenta curling up beside her. The quiet hum of the school's surroundings enveloped her, and as her eyes closed, she drifted into a peaceful slumber. The day's events and the promising developments within the team played like a pleasant reel in her mind, ensuring that she embraced her dreams with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for what the future held.
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