Beep Beep! Beep Beep!

The incessant sound of her alarm clock shattered the tranquility of (y/n)'s slumber, rudely pulling her away from the depths of sleep. Disoriented and still half-asleep, she instinctively reached out, desperately searching for the snooze button. Her hand collided with the bedside table, but the irritating beeping persisted. Frustration surged through her as she realized the alarm clock was not where she expected it to be.

With a grumble of annoyance, (y/n) reluctantly swung her legs over the edge of the bed and rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. As her vision cleared, she scanned the hotel room, locating the source of the obnoxious noise on the desk across the room.

"Of course," she muttered to herself, mentally scolding her past self for her sleep-addled logic. "I thought I was being clever by placing it over there to resist the temptation of hitting snooze."

Dragging her tired body toward the clock, (y/n) silenced the blaring alarm, allowing the room to settle into a comforting silence once more. She took a moment to stretch, feeling the satisfying pops and cracks as her muscles awakened from their slumber. Determined to make the most of the day, she made her way to the window, drawing back the curtains to reveal the gentle glow of dawn spreading across the horizon.

The soft hues of pink and orange cast a warm glow over the cityscape, painting a breathtaking backdrop for the start of a new day. The beauty of the scene breathed life into (y/n)'s weary bones, infusing her with a renewed sense of energy and purpose. She knew that today held its own set of challenges and adventures, and she was ready to face them head-on.

Eager to embrace the day's endeavors, (y/n) swiftly moved about the room, shedding her sleepwear and donning a comfortable set of workout clothes. She meticulously gathered her belongings, ensuring she had everything she would need for the day ahead—her notebook filled with the strategies she and Kenma had diligently worked on, her water bottle to stay hydrated, and a few snacks to keep her fueled during breaks.

As she took one last look around the room, her gaze fell upon the bed where she had peacefully slept just moments ago. A pang of nostalgia washed over her, reminiscing about the dreams and thoughts that had occupied her mind during those precious hours of rest. With a bittersweet smile, she mentally tucked them away, knowing that the waking world held promises and possibilities far greater than any dream.

Ready to seize the day, (y/n) took a deep breath, letting the anticipation of what lay ahead fill her lungs. The hotel room seemed to buzz with a vibrant energy, echoing the beat of her eager heart. With renewed determination, she stepped out into the world, prepared to face the challenges, connections, and triumphs that awaited her in the realm of volleyball and beyond.

Once (y/n) had gathered all her belongings, she made her way down to the lobby, her footsteps echoing softly in the stillness of the morning. As she descended the stairs, her eyes instantly caught sight of a familiar figure—a yawning Yaku, rubbing his eyes and stretching his arms, as if trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. A small smile tugged at the corners of (y/n)'s lips as she approached him, her voice laced with drowsiness.

"Morning, Yaku-senpai," she greeted him in a voice still tinged with sleepiness.

Yaku's tired eyes widened momentarily, a mix of surprise and amusement flickering across his face. He let out a soft chuckle before responding, his voice gentle yet firm.

"Morning. And don't worry about the whole senpai thing, just call me Yaku," he said, his tone inviting and reassuring.

The blush that crept up (y/n)'s cheeks was impossible to ignore as she nodded shyly, her words stumbling out in agreement. Yaku couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through his chest at her bashful response, finding her endearing in a way that made his heart skip a beat.

With Yaku leading the way, (y/n) followed him out of the hotel lobby and onto the vibrant streets that were slowly awakening with the arrival of a new day. The gentle sunlight cast a warm glow over the surroundings, illuminating the bustling cityscape and infusing the air with a sense of anticipation.

"Oh, before we go practice, you probably haven't eaten yet, right?" Yaku's considerate voice broke through the anticipation in the air.

(Y/n) nodded, her stomach rumbling in agreement, betraying her unspoken hunger. A soft blush colored her cheeks as she tried to will her stomach into silence, but Yaku's snicker only deepened her embarrassment. To her surprise, he reached out and took her hand, his fingers gently intertwining with hers. Although caught off guard, (y/n) assumed he was merely helping her along, oblivious to the fact that their joined hands brought a warmth to his heart.

"I figured that'd be the case. I haven't eaten anything either, so let's grab something before our practice. We have plenty of time, so it's no problem," Yaku explained, his voice filled with a hint of amusement.

"You're a lifesaver, Yaku-sen--" (y/n) began, catching herself before she finished the honorific, "Thanks, Yaku."

"Just looking out for the well-being of a friend," he responded, his face turning slightly away to hide his shy smile.

Grateful for his thoughtfulness, (y/n) returned his smile, unconsciously squeezing his hand in appreciation. The simple gesture caused a rush of warmth to flood Yaku's face, his cheeks taking on the color of his beloved Nekoma jacket.

They entered a cozy café, their stomachs guiding their choices as they quickly placed their orders. The food arrived promptly, and the pair devoured their meals, savoring the flavors and nourishing their bodies for the training session ahead. Despite (y/n)'s protests, Yaku insisted on paying for her breakfast, a playful glint in his eyes as he huffed in response to her glares and pouts.

"Come on, don't be mad that I bought you breakfast. It's the least I can do since you're taking the time to work with me one-on-one," he reasoned, a touch of amusement evident in his voice.

"But still! I feel bad for making you pay. Plus, I'm more than capable of paying for my own food," (y/n) insisted, her determination shining through.

"Is that your stubborn way of saying thank you?" Yaku teased, unable to hide his delight.

"Fine. But next time there's food, I'm paying," (y/n) grumbled playfully.

"Deal," Yaku agreed with a lighthearted smile.

As (y/n) returned to her usual chipper state, Yaku felt like he was floating on cloud nine. Her words had implied that she was open to spending more time with him, a thought that brought a warmth to his chest. Although this outing wasn't technically a date, it was an opportunity for the two of them to hang out alone. And if (y/n) was interested in spending more time together, Yaku couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness, eagerly looking forward to future moments they would share.

Their banter continued as they made their way to the gym, their playful glances and good-natured teasing adding a lightness to the air. The energy between them was undeniable, a growing connection built on trust, friendship, and the shared love for the sport that had brought them together.

They arrived at the gymnasium, the air buzzing with determination and excitement. Yaku wasted no time, eager to absorb every bit of knowledge (y/n) had to offer. As a skilled libero, he possessed a strong foundation, so (y/n) decided to focus on introducing him to some new techniques that could enhance his defensive capabilities even further.

With each demonstration, explanation, and practice repetition, Yaku showed immense progress. His movements became more fluid, his reactions sharper, and his anticipation heightened. (Y/n) couldn't help but be impressed by his dedication and natural talent.

"Well done! Your improvement is remarkable. Just keep refining those new ideas, and you'll have an even greater defense," (y/n) praised him, a genuine smile of admiration lighting up her face.

Yaku's expression softened, his gratitude evident. "Thanks again, (y/n)," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity.

"It's no problem at all! I'm always happy to help a fellow libero like you. But hey, remember that story you mentioned a while back when we were texting? You said you'd tell me once I came to Tokyo, but you haven't spilled the beans yet!" (y/n) reminded him, a playful glint in her eyes.

A momentary pause followed, as Yaku's gaze shifted slightly, his mind retracing the path of their previous conversation. He cleared his throat, preparing to fulfill his promise and share the tale that had been left hanging.

"Ah, right... well," he began, a faint blush dusting his cheeks, "it's a bit embarrassing, to be honest. But I suppose I can trust you with it."

Curiosity danced in (y/n)'s eyes as she leaned in, her interest piqued. Yaku's voice took on a slightly nostalgic tone as he dove into his story, weaving a vivid narrative that transported them both to his past.

He recounted childhood memories, moments of triumph and failure, and the pivotal event that sparked his love for volleyball. With each word, his passion and dedication to the sport became more evident, painting a picture of the journey that had led him to the libero position he held today.

As Yaku shared his story, (y/n) couldn't help but be captivated. She listened intently, her eyes locked on his face, taking in every emotion that played across his features. In that moment, she felt a deeper connection forming, a shared understanding of the hardships and joys that come with pursuing one's dreams.

When Yaku finished his tale, there was a brief silence between them, a moment of shared reflection. (Y/n)'s heart swelled with admiration for the libero's determination and resilience. She reached out, placing a comforting hand on his arm.

"Thank you for sharing that with me, Yaku. Your journey is inspiring, and it's incredible how far you've come. I'm honored to have heard your story," she expressed sincerely.

A soft smile graced Yaku's lips, his eyes shimmering with appreciation. "I'm glad you think so. And thank you for listening. It means a lot to me," he replied, his voice laced with genuine warmth.

Their bond as teammates and friends grew stronger with each passing moment, as they shared not only their skills on the court but also their stories and aspirations. In that gymnasium, amidst the echoes of volleyballs and the aroma of determination, Yaku and (y/n) forged a connection that would endure beyond their time together in Tokyo.

...

As (y/n) and Yaku were engrossed in their conversation, unaware of the approaching Nekoma team, their teammates walked into the gymnasium and froze in their tracks. Their eyes widened, jaws dropping at the sight before them. There was (y/n), sitting in the middle of the gym, seemingly captivated by Yaku's storytelling. Her presence with the usually reserved libero sent shockwaves through the team.

Yamamoto couldn't help but voice his dissatisfaction. "I hate him right now," he grumbled under his breath, earning an agreeing grunt from Kuroo beside him. The captain's eyes narrowed, a mixture of annoyance and jealousy flickering in his gaze. (Y/n) appeared completely absorbed in Yaku's words, her (e/c) eyes sparkling with delight, a wide smile stretching across her face, and a hint of a blush gracing her cheeks.

Just as the tension in the room began to rise, Naoi entered the gym, clapping his hands to gain everyone's attention. The sudden interruption snapped (y/n) and Yaku back to reality, their connection momentarily severed. Yaku reluctantly left (y/n)'s side, making his way over to his teammates, who greeted him with scowls and glares. However, Yaku couldn't help but smirk, basking in their obvious jealousy.

"Alright, everyone, gather around," Naoi called out, taking charge of the practice. The Nekoma players obediently assembled, though their eyes darted back to (y/n) and Yaku every now and then, unable to hide their curiosity.

"Today, we'll be working on some new attack formations," Naoi began, outlining the plan for the practice session. "(Y/n), you'll be working with Nekomata-sensei and myself, overseeing the team's execution of the formations and ensuring they're getting it right."

(Y/n) nodded, acknowledging her role in the practice. She was eager to contribute her expertise and help her teammates refine their techniques.

As the practice commenced, the boys threw themselves into mastering the new formations. Initially, it proved challenging for them to synchronize their movements and adapt to the intricate maneuvers involved. In some formations, players were required to swiftly switch positions, aiming to confuse the opposing team.

However, their determination and relentless effort paid off. By the end of the first half of practice, they had memorized all the formations and were beginning to find their rhythm. The gymnasium reverberated with the sounds of sneakers squeaking on the polished floor and balls being spiked and blocked.

"It's looking good so far, guys," (y/n) chimed in, her voice filled with encouragement. She approached the team, offering guidance and adjustments. Her eyes glimmered with a mix of pride and confidence in her teammates' progress.

"Yamamoto-senpai, don't hesitate to barge through in formation C. Remember, it circles around you, so take charge and seize the opportunity," she instructed, her tone assertive yet supportive. Turning her attention to the rest of the team, she continued, "And everyone, in formation E, prioritize defense. Give Yaku the space he needs to dive freely. Trust him to guard the back area while you focus your power at the front and sidelines."

The team nodded in unison, their expressions determined. They absorbed (y/n)'s guidance, knowing that her expertise as a libero would lead them to success.

"Hai!" they shouted in unity, their voices echoing through the gymnasium, a testament to their commitment and camaraderie.

With renewed energy and a sense of purpose, the Nekoma team resumed their practice, their movements growing more synchronized with each repetition. The bond between teammates strengthened, as (y/n) provided guidance and support, and the players embraced their roles within the formations.

The lunch break arrived, and Nekomata and Naoi called for everyone to take a much-needed rest and replenish their energy. (Y/n) shuffled over to her bag, ready to retrieve her lunch, when she was taken by surprise as Yamamoto came charging over to her with a mischievous grin.

"Hey, remember I promised you an ice cream yesterday? Let's go get it now!" The second-year exclaimed, tossing (y/n) her jacket, a playful twinkle in his eyes.

With a delighted smile, (y/n) quickly slipped on the jacket, understanding the unspoken invitation. She eagerly followed Yamamoto, leaving behind a group of pouting teammates who watched in envy as their ace whisked away the girl they secretly admired.

"I thought he was terrible at talking to girls," Inuoka sulked, his disappointment evident.

Kuroo, equally annoyed, chimed in, "Well, apparently he's got enough confidence to get ice cream with Kitten."

"I hope he trips and falls on his face," Inuoka grumbled, his pout deepening.

"Agreed," Kuroo replied, sharing his underclassman's sentiment.

...

As they strolled along, Yamamoto couldn't help but compliment (y/n) on her ability to make convincing delinquent faces. The ace spiker grinned at her, genuinely impressed.

"You're pretty good at it, (y/n)-san! Tanaka-senpai and my brother taught me a few tricks, but I'm nowhere near your level. I can maybe scare off a ladybug," she laughed, a hint of self-deprecation in her voice.

Caught off guard, Yamamoto blurted out his next words, stumbling over his thoughts. "Well, in a volleyball match, you can get pretty scary...I mean, not that you're scary!" Panic washed over him as he realized how awkward his words sounded.

To his surprise, (y/n) laughed, unfazed by his slip-up. "Yeah, I can get a little intense. Maybe I should channel that intensity when I'm trying to make a delinquent face." Her laughter was infectious, and Yamamoto couldn't help but join in.

Amidst their shared laughter, Yamamoto marveled at how comfortable he felt conversing with (y/n). He had always struggled with talking to girls, but with her, it felt effortless, as if the words flowed naturally. He couldn't help but recall Tanaka's words of wisdom.

"(Y/n)-san makes you feel comfortable. It's like you're suddenly great at conversations. I can't explain it, but I can always hold a conversation with her. Sure, you might stutter a little, but it's not like with Kiyoko-san, where you simply admire from afar. (Y/n)-san will actually go out of her way to talk with you. She's an angel."

"It must be that," Yamamoto mused to himself, a realization dawning upon him. "I might still get nervous, but somehow, I can talk to her."

Arriving at the convenience store, Yamamoto darted inside to fetch their ice creams. Emerging with the sweet treats in hand, they settled on a nearby bench, savoring the coolness on their tongues.

However, as (y/n) indulged in her ice cream, Yamamoto found himself entranced by the way she enjoyed it. He couldn't tear his eyes away, a mixture of awe and desire flooding his senses. Heat rose to his face, and he had to fight back a nosebleed or the urge to faint. (Y/n) licked at her ice cream, running her tongue along the treat with a contented hum. Unbeknownst to her, a bit of cream lingered at the corner of her mouth. In one swift motion, she flicked out her tongue, removing the remnants with a playful flick.

Caught in a daze, Yamamoto's own ice cream was forgotten, melting away in his hand. He watched (y/n) with his mouth agape, wide-eyed and breathless. His hand instinctively found its way under his nose, trying to cool the warmth that rushed through his veins. Oblivious to his inner turmoil, (y/n) glanced at him, her innocent gaze further amplifying his internal struggle.

"Um, Yamamoto-senpai, your ice cream is going to melt," she gently reminded him, breaking him out of his wild thoughts.

"Huh? Oh, right. Thanks," he stammered, grateful for her interruption and the chance to regain his composure.

"Mhmm!" (Y/n) chirped happily, returning her attention to her cone, blissfully unaware of the effect she had on him.

'This is getting out of hand. I really shouldn't be thinking this way, but how can I not!? And then she looks at me so innocently! It drives me crazy when she looks at me like that!' Yamamoto's mind raced, his thoughts a chaotic mix of desire and confusion.

After finishing their ice creams, they made their way back to the gym, the sweetness still lingering on their lips. Before practice resumed, (y/n) expressed her gratitude once more, offering to treat Yamamoto to ice cream next time as a token of appreciation. As she walked away, a sweet smile on her face, (y/n) remained oblivious to the effect she had on him, leaving Yamamoto to collapse onto the floor, overcome by a mix of emotions.

"...She broke our ace," Naoi snickered, unable to contain his amusement.

"She doesn't even realize it, and that's what makes it even better," Nekomata replied, joining in the laughter, their voices echoing through the gym.