Chapter 16: After The Match

(Y/n) and her brother eagerly prepared themselves to address the Nekoma boys, waiting with anticipation for their arrival. As the boys approached, (y/n) beamed at them, her smile radiating warmth and causing a few of the Nekoma players to blush, while Yamamoto nearly lost consciousness from the sheer intensity of her gaze. Sensing the effect she had on them, Keishin decided it was best for (y/n) to take the lead in delivering their praise.

"First of all, well done, everyone," (y/n) began, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "You guys are an incredibly strong and cohesive team. The way you work together is truly impressive, and your receives... oh, your receives are simply outstanding! Our team could definitely learn a thing or two from observing your skills."

Keishin interjected, recognizing his sister's tendency to veer off track. "You're getting off track, Jinx," he reminded her, his tone playful yet firm.

Realizing her digression, (y/n) refocused her attention on each player, starting with Inuoka. She directed her bright smile towards the energetic boy.

"Inuoka, you've got incredible reflexes and immense potential," she praised, her words laced with genuine encouragement. "Keep honing your basics and continue pushing yourself, and I have no doubt that you'll become even stronger in no time."

Inuoka blushed profusely, gratefully thanking (y/n) for her kind words and feeling a renewed sense of motivation coursing through him.

Turning her attention to Yamamoto, (y/n) acknowledged his infectious energy and indomitable spirit, drawing a comparison to Karasuno's own Tanaka.

"Yamamoto-senpai, your incredible energy reminds me so much of Tanaka-senpai. It's what makes you such a formidable ace," she commended, her admiration evident in her voice. "Channel that passion into your spikes, and you'll continue to be a force to be reckoned with on the court."

The compliment sent Yamamoto into a state of shock once again, nearly toppling over until Inuoka rushed to his aid, helping him regain his composure.

Shifting her focus to Kenma, (y/n) acknowledged his role as Nekoma's exceptional setter, emphasizing his unique approach compared to Karasuno's Kageyama.

"Kenma, you're a truly remarkable setter. You bring a different style to the game compared to Kageyama," she stated, her voice filled with respect. "You serve as the brain, the core of your team, allowing everyone else's strengths to shine. Your observation skills are truly remarkable. Just remember not to be too scared of the ball when it comes to blocking."

Kenma, usually reserved and quiet, nodded his head, his cheeks flushed as his teammates offered supportive pats on his back. A soft giggle escaped (y/n)'s lips as she moved on to Kuroo.

"You, Kuroo-senapi, are a natural middle blocker. Your blocks are nothing short of fantastic, and you possess a well-rounded skill set that contributes to the team's overall success," she praised, acknowledging the tall boy's prowess. However, her moment of appreciation was swiftly met with his playful comment.

"Well, thanks, Kitten," Kuroo responded, his voice filled with playful mischief.

"Don't call me that," (y/n) retorted, her response curt and unyielding.

"Reeoww," he playfully replied, refusing to back down from his nickname.

Undeterred, (y/n) turned her attention to Yaku, acknowledging his incredible contributions as a libero-a vital asset to any team's defense.

"Yaku-senpai, you are an incredible asset to the team. Your receives are executed flawlessly, and you act as the backbone of your team's defense," (y/n) acknowledged, her tone filled with genuine appreciation.

Yaku expressed his gratitude, a sweet smile gracing his face, mirroring the kindness and warmth of Sugawara himself.

Moving on, (y/n) focused her attention on Kai, recognizing his all-around abilities as a player.

"Kai-senpai, you are a truly well-rounded player. Both your receiving and spiking skills are on point, which demonstrates how much your team relies on you," she complimented, her words emphasizing the trust and confidence placed in him.

Kai, appreciative of (y/n)'s kind words, responded with a soft smile, his expression reflecting the recognition of his contributions.

Fukunaga, the next player to be acknowledged, received (y/n)'s praise for his exceptional spiking abilities and his remarkable control over the ball's trajectory.

"Fukunaga-senpai, your spikes are nothing short of amazing. The way you can manipulate the ball's trajectory is truly impressive," (y/n) commended, her voice filled with admiration. "You should take more credit for your incredible skills."

Fukunaga nodded, acknowledging (y/n)'s words, and responded with a peace sign, maintaining his usual calm and collected demeanor.

With each passing comment, (y/n) continued to provide thoughtful feedback and recognition for every member who played during the matches, ensuring that no one was left unnoticed or unappreciated.

"Overall, you are an exceptionally strong group, and you should be immensely proud of your accomplishments," (y/n) concluded, her voice filled with sincerity and admiration.

The Nekoma boys, basking in the warmth of (y/n)'s words, exchanged grateful glances, their spirits uplifted by the genuine praise. They knew that despite being rivals on the court, there was a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect between the teams that extended beyond the boundaries of the game.

After the post-match comments, the coaches assigned (y/n) and the players the task of cleaning the gymnasium, while they themselves headed off to engage in further discussions. (Y/n) stretched her back, feeling the pleasant ache that comes from exertion, and promptly darted off with Hinata to commence their cleaning duties. Inuoka eagerly trailed behind them, matching their brisk pace. As the orange-haired boy scurried off to gather a few brooms, (y/n) was in the midst of moving the score table.

A familiar voice rang out, capturing (y/n)'s attention. She looked up to find Inuoka staring at her with a hopeful expression, his eyes shining with a desire to help clean.

"Sure! You can lend me a hand by carrying this table back to its original spot over there," (y/n) suggested with a warm smile.

Nodding his head enthusiastically, the energetic first-year eagerly lifted his end of the table, joining forces with (y/n) to return it to its designated location. As they gently lowered the table into place, a soft yelp escaped Inuoka's lips, causing (y/n) to quickly turn her attention toward him. Her eyes widened with concern as she realized he had gotten a splinter embedded in his hand.

"Oh, come over here, Inuoka. I'll take care of that for you," (y/n) reassured him, guiding the boy to sit down on a nearby bench. Taking his hand in hers, she began examining his palm, her nimble fingers delicately working to extract the sliver of wood. Inuoka couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort as (y/n) diligently worked on his hand, but any discomfort was quickly overshadowed by his fascination with her presence. He found himself captivated by the way her tongue playfully peeked out of her lips as she concentrated or how her eyebrows adorably furrowed in moments of frustration.

'She's absolutely adorable,' Inuoka thought to himself, his heart fluttering with a mix of admiration and affection. 'And Coach told us she's an incredible volleyball player too.'

After a brief moment, (y/n) triumphantly announced, "Got it!" She proudly presented the extracted splinter to Inuoka, eliciting a grateful smile from the first-year player.

"Thanks, (y/n)-san," Inuoka expressed his gratitude, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.

Returning his smile, (y/n) gently patted his shoulder, reassuring him that it was no problem at all. With a cheerful goodbye, she bid him farewell and headed off to the storage closet, her destination set on retrieving a broom. As Inuoka watched her go, his heart swelled with newfound admiration, reaffirming his belief that (y/n) was not only an exceptional athlete but also a genuinely kind and caring person.

As the bustling sound of cleaning equipment filled the gymnasium, Inuoka couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of motivation. Inspired by (y/n)'s presence and her unwavering dedication to both the sport and her teammates, he approached his cleaning duties with renewed vigor, eager to contribute in any way he could. The encounter with (y/n) left a lasting impression on him, igniting a desire to improve not just as a volleyball player but as an individual. And as he swept the floors alongside his teammates, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the chance to be part of such a passionate and supportive volleyball community.

As (y/n) made her way to the storage closet, she unexpectedly bumped into Tanaka, causing her to pause momentarily and exchange a few quick words with him. With a warm smile and a playful wink, she swiftly continued on her way, disappearing into the closet's interior. Inside, amidst the neatly arranged cleaning supplies, (y/n) began her search for a broom, her mind focused on the task at hand.

However, amidst the quiet rustling of cleaning tools, she suddenly heard an awkward cough pierce the air. Curiosity piqued, she turned around, only to find Yamamoto standing before her, his face flushed a deep shade of crimson, nervously extending a broom in her direction.

"Y-y-you're l-looking f-for th-this, right?" Yamamoto stammered, his voice betraying his flustered state.

A bright smile danced across (y/n)'s lips as she reached out, her fingers lightly brushing against his as she gratefully accepted the proffered broom. In that moment, an unexpected surge of electricity coursed through Yamamoto's veins, leaving him momentarily dazed.

"I-It's... It's my pleasure, (y/n)-san!" Yamamoto managed to utter, his words intermingled with both genuine gratitude and a hint of infatuation.

As (y/n) swiftly took hold of the broom, a sense of warmth enveloped Yamamoto's being. Her presence had an intoxicating effect on him, rendering his heart aflutter and his thoughts racing. Tanaka's words of admiration echoed in his mind, reminding him of the undeniable charm (y/n) possessed, particularly when she cast those big, captivating (e/c) eyes upon him.

'She's incredible... and beautiful,' Yamamoto mused internally, his heart pounding in his chest. 'Tanaka wasn't kidding... I think... I think I'm in love.'

Utterly entranced by (y/n)'s infectious enthusiasm, Yamamoto found himself momentarily rooted to the spot, grappling with the newfound surge of emotions surging within him. He desperately attempted to regain his composure, fighting to stem the crimson tide that threatened to engulf his face. Meanwhile, (y/n) offered another heartfelt expression of gratitude before darting off to resume her cleaning duties, leaving Yamamoto to grapple with his racing heart and the subtle traces of her touch that lingered upon his fingertips.

As he stood there, the closet seemed to shrink in on him, filled with an air of unspoken longing and the intoxicating scent of newfound affection. Yamamoto knew that he would cherish this moment, carrying it with him as a spark of inspiration, motivating him to become an even stronger player both on and off the court. With a newfound determination burning within him, he took a deep breath, gently closing the door to the storage closet. As he turned away, his thoughts swirled with dreams of countless shared moments, uncertain yet brimming with hope, fueled by the indelible impression left by the radiant (y/n).

As (y/n) diligently carried out her cleaning tasks, she couldn't escape the all-too-familiar sound of Tsukishima's dry remarks toward the Nekoma captain echoing through the gymnasium. With a snicker, she brushed off the comments, refusing to let it dampen her spirits. However, the honey-eyed boy couldn't resist a playful jab, aiming his words with a mischievous edge.

"You're laughing, Munchkin-san, but deep down, we all know you're cleaning this part of the gym because you can't resist being around me," he jeered, a self-satisfied smirk tugging at his lips.

An indignant huff escaped (y/n) as she met Tsukishima's challenge head-on. "More like I was assigned this area because I'm the only one who wouldn't hesitate to give you a good smack with this broom, String Bean," she retorted, her eyes gleaming with playful defiance.

With his signature smug look, the blonde prodigy sauntered away, leaving (y/n) alone with the scheming captain of Nekoma. Kuroo, ever the opportunist, couldn't resist the chance to engage in a spirited exchange. He followed her as she moved about, effortlessly leaning against the wall while she diligently carried out her cleaning duties.

"So, if I can't call you Kitten, am I allowed to call you Munchkin-san?" Kuroo inquired, a mischievous glint sparkling in his eyes.

A firm "No" escaped (y/n)'s lips, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. However, Kuroo, never one to back down from a challenge, playfully continued to test the waters, determined to find a nickname that would elicit a reaction.

"Awe, you're no fun," he teased, a playful grin playing across his face. "I guess I'll just have to stick with calling you Kitten."

The mere mention of the nickname caused (y/n) to emit an involuntary growl of frustration, only serving to further amuse the Nekoma captain. His chuckles echoed through the gymnasium, amplifying the friendly banter between them. Sensing a moment of respite for his opponent, Kuroo took the initiative, gently relieving (y/n) of the broom she held, his body now close enough to share the same airspace.

"Let me handle this, Kitten. You go take a well-deserved break," he offered, his voice laced with a hint of concern.

The unexpected proximity of Kuroo stirred a warmth within (y/n), causing a delicate blush to grace her cheeks. Nodding in appreciation, she thanked him before hastily making her exit, her heart racing at the memory of their close encounter.

Behind her, Kuroo couldn't help but snicker to himself, his eyes locked onto (y/n)'s retreating figure. There was something undeniably intriguing about her, an enigmatic quality that beckoned him to delve deeper. As he watched her navigate the room, his mind began to weave a web of curiosity and fascination.

"She's certainly an interesting one," he mused silently, his eyes glinting with a newfound determination. "I'll have to keep a close eye on her. Who knows what surprises await us in the future?"

Lost in her thoughts, (y/n) pressed forward with a determined stride, her mind racing with ideas of how else she could contribute to the ongoing cleanup efforts. Unbeknownst to her, a figure scurried towards her, their paths colliding in an unexpected encounter. With a slight wince, (y/n) gingerly rubbed her sore head before directing her gaze upwards, only to find herself met with Kenma's wide-eyed stare. Just a few steps behind him stood Kageyama, his expression one of shock as if he had just snapped out of one of his intense moments. It didn't take long for (y/n) to connect the dots, causing a playful giggle to escape her lips as she extended a comforting hand to the shy setter.

"Don't mind Kageyama," she reassured Kenma, her voice carrying a soothing tone. "He may come across as intense, but trust me, it's because he truly admires your exceptional skills as a setter."

"I don't particularly enjoy being the center of attention. It makes me uncomfortable," Kenma admitted in his usual soft-spoken manner.

Allowing empathy to fill her eyes, (y/n) observed Kenma's every movement as she assisted him in picking up the fallen folded net. Sensing his unease, she shared a personal sentiment, hoping to establish a connection.

"I completely understand. I also struggle with large crowds, which is why I prefer to be near the court during volleyball matches when I'm not playing," she divulged, her words carrying a sense of understanding.

Kenma's cat-like orbs focused on (y/n), studying her with a hint of curiosity akin to a feline observing its prey. Feeling slightly self-conscious under his gaze, (y/n) shifted her weight from foot to foot, her gaze wandering around the gymnasium. After a brief moment, Kenma's lips curled into a small smile, and his gaze returned to the floor.

"So, I watched you play a game earlier, and it looked pretty cool. Honestly, if I were in your shoes, I'd be all over it," (y/n) proposed, a genuine interest shining in her eyes. "By the way, would it be alright if I gave you my number? I'm always looking for new games to play, but I struggle to find good ones. Perhaps you could give me some recommendations sometime?"

The revelation that (y/n) was also a gamer elicited a surge of surprise within Kenma, his eyes widening as he struggled to conceal the growing blush creeping up his cheeks. Agreeing to (y/n)'s offer, the reserved blonde carefully accepted the piece of paper bearing her contact information, his fingers gently tracing the digits. As he shuffled away with the net in his grasp, gratitude emanated from him, mingling with a faint smile that graced his features.

"She's so kind," Kenma thought, a warmth spreading through his chest. "Hinata mentioned they had a nice girl helping them, but I never expected her to be this wonderful. And she enjoys videogames, and she doesn't make fun of me for my aversion to the spotlight."

With a contented smile lingering on his lips, Kenma's mind buzzed with possibilities, both on the court and in the realm of gaming. A newfound anticipation filled his being, fueled by the prospect of future conversations and shared interests with (y/n).

Amidst her own amusement at Kenma's reaction, (y/n) turned around only to have her path abruptly intercepted by the energetic Nishinoya, who darted past her with Sugawara hot on his heels. Observing the commotion, (y/n) shifted her attention to Yaku, who stood behind Sugawara, showering praise upon her team's libero. She made her way over to the pair, offering a warm greeting before directing her focus to the brunet.

"I'm guessing Noya-senpai came over to compliment your skills?" she inquired, a hint of playful curiosity in her voice.

"Y-Yeah, how did you know?" Yaku responded, a tinge of confusion lacing his words.

"He may be intense, but he holds a great deal of respect for fellow liberos. He did the same thing with me," (y/n) explained, her tone laced with understanding.

"Wait, you're a libero too!?" Yaku's eyes widened in astonishment.

"Hmm? Oh, yeah! I guess you guys wouldn't know, but I was a national-level libero. I studied in (country) during my middle school years, so I'm not widely recognized in Japan. Right now, I'm just here to lend a hand to these guys," she clarified.

"That's incredible! You must have plenty of opportunities to train together," Yaku marveled.

"Yeah, we work on strategies and reflexes during our training sessions," (y/n) affirmed, her voice reflecting pride in her team's dedicated efforts.

"Noya is really lucky to have the chance to train with you. I'd love to witness your skills firsthand sometime," Yaku complimented her, genuine admiration shining in his eyes.

Caught off guard by the libero's kind words, (y/n) blushed, her appreciation evident in her response. Chuckling softly at her reaction, Yaku extended a piece of paper bearing his contact information.

"I know I'm based in Tokyo, but if you ever want to chat with another libero or if there's anything else I can assist you with, feel free to reach out. I'm more than happy to lend a hand. Plus, I'd be fascinated to hear your stories from your time playing in (country)," he offered, his tone friendly and welcoming.

Nodding enthusiastically, (y/n) expressed her gratitude once more before bidding farewell and setting off to find her brother. Yaku gazed at her with dreamy eyes, captivated by her presence, while Sugawara, standing nearby, discreetly cast a jealous glare at his new friend, silently pondering how swiftly (y/n) had warmed up to him.

Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top