A low, persistent whine disrupted the tranquility of (y/n)'s Saturday morning slumber. Grumbling in protest, she groggily pulled the warm sheets over her head, hoping to drown out the noise. However, Kenta, her energetic canine companion, had other plans. Pawing at her, he emitted small yips, his furry face a picture of hopeful anticipation.

Reluctantly, (y/n) roused from her cozy cocoon, blinking away sleep as she realized the reason behind Kenta's persistent pleas. A surge of realization hit her like a lightning bolt. She had completely forgotten about her plan to surprise the second-year teammates who were diligently studying at Tanaka's place.

"Oh no!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with both annoyance and concern. Her older brother, who usually took care of Kenta in her absence, was out of town, leaving her in a dilemma. "Nii-chan is gone, and I can't bring Kenta with me to Tanaka's." Panic swirled within her, causing her thoughts to race. "Dammit, what should I do? Wait!"

Throwing off the covers with determination, (y/n) sprung out of bed, her mind racing for a solution. In a flash of inspiration, an idea took shape. She needed someone she could trust to take care of Kenta while she joined her teammates. Realizing who to call, she reached for her phone, the urgency evident in her actions.

Her fingers danced across the screen as she dialed a familiar number, her heart beating faster with each ring. Anticipation and a hint of worry mingled within her as she waited for the call to connect. Finally, a familiar voice sounded through the speaker, breaking the silence.

"Hello?" came the voice on the other end of the line, a mix of curiosity and surprise.

...

(Y/n) stood nervously at the doorstep, her heart fluttering with a mix of gratitude and slight embarrassment. She fiddled with the hem of her shirt, her fingers tracing the fabric's texture, while she absentmindedly twirled a strand of her (h/c) hair. Kenta, her lively companion, stood by her side, his tail wagging enthusiastically as he took in the new surroundings.

Finally, the front door swung open, revealing Kindaichi standing before her. A warm smile adorned his face, tinged with a subtle blush that revealed his excitement at (y/n)'s unexpected visit.

"Hey, Kindaichi!" (y/n) greeted him with genuine gratitude, her eyes shining with appreciation. "Thank you so much for agreeing to look after Kenta. I know it's last minute, and I really appreciate your help."

Kindaichi's blush deepened slightly, his eyes filled with a mix of fondness and admiration. "No problem at all," he reassured her earnestly. "I genuinely enjoy spending time with Kenta, and I'm always happy to be your dog sitter whenever you need it."

As if to affirm Kindaichi's words, Kenta barked joyfully, circling around the Aoba Johsai player. The tall teen knelt down, scooping up the energetic pup in his arms, his eyes meeting (y/n)'s with a soft smile.

"You go ahead and do whatever you need to do," Kindaichi said, his voice gentle and warm. "I'll keep this little guy busy and make sure he has a great time."

Kenta responded with a series of slobbery kisses, showering Kindaichi's face with affectionate enthusiasm. (Y/n) couldn't help but laugh at the adorable sight, her heart swelling with gratitude for Kindaichi's willingness to help.

"Okay, thanks again, Kindaichi!" (y/n) expressed her gratitude once more, her words filled with sincerity. "I promise I won't be too long."

With a quick kiss to Kenta's furry head, (y/n) bid farewell to her furry friend, reminding him to behave. As she turned to leave, Kindaichi waved goodbye, his cheeks adorned with a rosy blush. A cheesy smile played on his lips, his heart fluttering with the newfound responsibility and the prospect of spending quality time with the energetic pup.

"Well, it's just you and me for now, buddy," Kindaichi spoke softly to Kenta, his voice laced with affection. "Hmm? Who's calling me?"

Curiosity piqued, he glanced down at his phone, his attention momentarily diverted from the playful antics of Kenta.

...

With her arms laden with bags of snacks, (y/n) arrived at the Tanaka residence, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation. Placing one bag down, she rapped her knuckles on the door and patiently waited. To her surprise, the door swung open, revealing a pretty woman whom she assumed to be Tanaka's older sister.

"Hmm? Are you here to help my brother study?" Saeko asked, a hint of confusion in her voice.

"Um, sort of. I'm Ukai (y/n), nice to meet you," (y/n) introduced herself, feeling a tad flustered. "I actually came to surprise the guys with some snacks since they're working so hard."

Recognition dawned on Saeko's face. "Oh! I remember my brother mentioning you before!" she exclaimed. "I'm his older sister. You can call me Saeko-nee-san, okay?"

"Uh, sure! S-saeko-nee-san," (y/n) replied, her voice tinged with awkwardness.

Saeko chuckled warmly and gestured for (y/n) to come inside. "Haha, I like you, kid. I'll take you to where the guys are."

Following Saeko upstairs, (y/n)'s heart fluttered with excitement. As the door swung open, she caught a glimpse of the second-year trio immersed in their studies. A bright smile illuminated her face as she waved at the group.

"Wahhhhh! (Y/n)-san!!" Tanaka and Nishinoya exclaimed in unison, rushing towards her and enveloping her in a tight hug.

Giggling, (y/n) returned their greetings, exchanging waves with the other second years, Kinoshita and Narita, who were gathered nearby.

After extricating herself from the duo's enthusiastic embrace, (y/n) finally entered the room, feeling a surge of joy as she took in the scene.

"I wanted to surprise you guys," (y/n) explained, her eyes sparkling. "Since I can't actually help you with the study materials, I figured I could bring you guys some snacks for motivation."

Ennoshita chimed in, expressing his gratitude. "Thanks, (y/n)-san. You're honestly too awesome."

"Wow, (y/n)-san! Thanks for the snacks," Kinoshita chimed in with a cheerful smile.

Narita nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's great to have a surprise like this during our study session. You're the best!"

Blushing at their kind words, (y/n) felt a wave of gratitude as she thanked the upperclassmen, "Thank you! I'm glad you guys appreciate it."

However, her attention was soon diverted as she noticed Nishinoya and Tanaka gazing dreamily into the distance. Concerned that they might faint again, (y/n) hurried over to check on them. "A-are you two alright?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

"(Y/n)-san brought us snacks," Tanaka declared, a dreamy smile playing on his lips.

"I can die happy now," Nishinoya added, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Ennoshita deadpanned, "You broke them again."

Feeling a mix of guilt and amusement, (y/n) blurted out, "I'm sorry!"

Meanwhile, Saeko observed the scene, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "My brother wasn't kidding, you are just as adorable as he described," she commented, a playful smile gracing her lips. "No wonder he's so fond of you."

Blushing at the compliment, (y/n) thanked Saeko, feeling a warm sense of acceptance and camaraderie within this group of friends. Kinoshita and Narita joined in the conversation, adding their own words of appreciation and amusement.

"You really know how to brighten up the atmosphere, (y/n)-san!" Kinoshita exclaimed with a grin.

Narita nodded, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Yeah, it's always fun when you're around. We could use some of your energy during our intense study sessions."

Laughter filled the room as (y/n) soaked in the warmth of their camaraderie. The study session transformed into a delightful gathering, where laughter, support, and the joy of friendship filled the room, making it a memory (y/n) would cherish for years to come.

...

After the whole ordeal of getting Nishinoya and Tanaka to resume studying, (y/n) hung around for a little while longer, encouraging the two as they worked hard. Checking the time, (y/n) said her goodbyes and wished the group the best of luck, particularly encouraging Ennoshita not to give up on helping the two.

As (y/n) walked down the street, she arrived at Kindaichi's house and knocked on the door once again. This time, the voices inside seemed livelier, accompanied by a girlish scream and the sound of Kenta barking. The door finally opened, revealing Iwaizumi instead of the first-year she was expecting.

"Oh, hello, Iwaizumi-senpai," (y/n) greeted the Seijoh ace. "Um, is Kindaichi here? He's been watching Kenta for me."

"Yeah, he's here," Iwaizumi confirmed. "He said to let you in; he's getting Kenta now."

Smiling at the third-year, (y/n) slipped inside after him, removing her shoes and following him to the living room. There, she saw the entire Aoba Johsai team, all glancing at her, with a few waving in greeting.

"Uh, I don't remember asking all of you to take care of Kenta," (y/n) stated, feeling confused.

"Yeah, well, we had no idea Kindaichi was watching him," Iwaizumi began to explain. "We all came over here since it was his turn to host... whatever you call this volleyball hangout thing."

As Iwaizumi began to explain, (y/n) noticed the absence of two players from the team. She furrowed her brows in curiosity but decided to focus on the conversation with the third-year ace. They engaged in a lively discussion, reminiscing about their past match against Shiratorizawa. Sensing an opportunity, (y/n) took a moment to express her apologies to the team for their defeat.

"I have to admit, I was mad when we lost to you guys," (y/n) began, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "But deep down, I wanted to see the team that defeated us go on and win it all. We fought against you, and I knew the strength you possessed. Unfortunately, those giants from Shiratorizawa emerged as the champions. Their ace...he's just so intimidating! I mean, no one should be that tall and overpowering!"

Iwaizumi and the other third-years couldn't help but burst into laughter at (y/n)'s candid remark. Their laughter echoed through the room, causing (y/n) to tilt her head in confusion, eager for their response.

"Aha, oh man, you really have a unique way of cheering people up, (y/n)-san," Iwaizumi managed to say between fits of laughter, reaching over to ruffle her hair awkwardly. "You're right, their ace is a force to be reckoned with. He's a pretty intense player, that's for sure!"

Chuckling, Hanamaki joined in on the conversation, offering his perspective. "You know, (y/n)-san, you're not wrong. That guy has an air of pride about him. But hey, when you're towering over everyone else on the court, it's hard not to feel a little self-assured."

Matsukawa nodded in agreement, a playful smirk forming on his lips. "It's like he's got the entire sky on his side. But don't worry, (y/n)-san, you'll get to meet him someday and see for yourself just how tall he is."

Amid the banter, (y/n) couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with the team. Their teasing remarks were light-hearted, a testament to the bond they shared as teammates. She smiled and nodded, appreciating their understanding and acceptance of her unique perspective.

Nodding his head in agreement, Iwaizumi gave (y/n) a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Unbeknownst to him, his own strength caused him to smack her a little too hard, and she stumbled, losing her balance. Instinctively, (y/n) reached out to steady herself and, to her surprise, ended up faceplanting right into Iwaizumi's chest. The sudden closeness left the usually composed ace blushing various shades of red, further amusing the rest of the team.

Hanamaki and Matsukawa couldn't resist snickering quietly at the sight before them, savoring the rare moment of Iwaizumi's flustered state. Their laughter, though subdued, added to the lighthearted atmosphere in the room.

However, Iwaizumi's potential embarrassment was quickly saved by the arrival of (y/n)'s little companion, Kenta, who bounded into the room with boundless energy, stealing her attention. The team watched as (y/n) welcomed the distraction with a beaming smile, their own laughter fading into the background.

Cooing, (y/n) swept Kenta up into her arms, planning a light kiss on his forehead. She stood there, looking around the room with Kenta in her arms, when her eyes landed on a side table with some pictures. Among them, she instantly noticed a photograph of a young Kindaichi, no older than six, sitting on his father's shoulders at a fair. Unable to contain her excitement, (y/n) squealed over the picture, commenting on how precious the middle blocker looked.

As (y/n) continued to coo over baby Kindaichi, the first-year returned with a certain third-year setter whom (y/n) hadn't seen since he completely annoyed her. Noticing Kindaichi, (y/n) bolted straight over to him, her eyes filled with excitement.

"Kindaichi!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with delight. "You were such an adorable little munchkin! Look at those chubby cheeks! So cute!"

The scene caught the attention of the other players in the room. They observed the interaction with amusement and couldn't resist joining in the teasing.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Hanamaki grinned mischievously, nudging Matsukawa playfully. "Seems like (y/n)-san has found a new favorite."

Matsukawa chuckled, joining in on the fun. "I always knew (y/n)-san had a soft spot for cute kids. Kindaichi is stealing the spotlight now."

Kunimi, ever the observant one, whispered to his teammates, "I never thought I'd see the day where (y/n)-san turns into a gushing fan over Kindaichi."

Yahaba and Watari exchanged knowing looks before adding their own playful remarks to the mix.

"Should we tell Iwaizumi-senpai about this newfound crush?" Yahaba asked mischievously, a gleam in his eyes.

Watari nodded, a mischievous smirk forming on his lips. "Definitely. Iwaizumi-senpai might need some ice for that burn."

Meanwhile, Iwaizumi stood nearby, his face turning as red as a ripe tomato. The teasing remarks from his teammates only exacerbated his embarrassment, and he struggled to find the right words to defend himself.

"N-no! I'm not jealous," Iwaizumi protested, his voice wavering slightly. However, his weak denial only fueled their amusement.

Hanamaki let out a hearty laugh, unable to contain himself. "Oh, come on, Iwaizumi. It's okay to admit that you're a little green with envy."

Matsukawa joined in, his smirk widening. "You can't fool us, Iwaizumi. We know you secretly wanted (y/n)-san to shower you with that much attention."

Iwaizumi's face grew even hotter, and he tried to change the subject, desperately seeking an escape from the teasing.

"Can we please focus on something else?" he pleaded, his voice a mixture of frustration and embarrassment.

But his request fell on deaf ears as (y/n) continued to coo over Kindaichi's photo, her enthusiasm unwavering. She took the photograph and playfully placed it next to Iwaizumi's face, comparing their cheeks with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Look, Iwazumi-senpai! Kindaichi's cheeks were just as chubby as yours!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her laughter.

The sight of Iwaizumi with his cheeks squished and the comparison to Kindaichi's childhood cuteness sent the group into fits of laughter.

Hanamaki couldn't resist adding to the teasing, chuckling as he remarked, "Iwaizumi, you might have some competition in the cuteness department."

Matsukawa playfully nudged Iwaizumi's shoulder. "Don't worry, Iwaizumi. You still have your charm, even if Kindaichi has stolen the spotlight."

Yahaba chimed in, unable to resist the opportunity to tease. "Looks like Kindaichi is the new cuteness champion around here."

Watari couldn't help himself and joined the chorus of laughter, mimicking Iwaizumi's serious expression. "Ah, the art of chubby cheeks. It seems Kindaichi has mastered it from a young age."

The playful banter continued, leaving Iwaizumi torn between feeling flustered and amused. While he tried to maintain his composure, it was clear that the teasing had gotten under his skin.

As the laughter echoed through the room, (y/n) couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction, knowing that her innocent admiration for Kindaichi had inadvertently sparked a playful exchange among the teammates. Little did she know, this teasing banter would become a cherished memory, strengthening the bonds of friendship that existed between her and the Aoba Johsai.

An awkward cough interrupted the lighthearted moment, followed by a snarl. Hearing Kenta growling, (y/n) looked up and instantly frowned. Standing in front of her was a nervous-looking Oikawa, rubbing his arm uncomfortably. (Y/n) brushed past the brunette after giving Kindaichi a hug and thanking him once more for taking care of Kenta. She said goodbye to everyone and headed out, but not before glaring at the arrogant third-year.

"Looks like she's still pissed at you, Asskawa," Iwaizumi stated bluntly.

"Yeah," the setter replied softly, his gaze fixed on (y/n) as she walked away.

Walking down the street, (y/n) felt her anger from their last encounter resurface. It was best to just leave and not engage with Oikawa further. Just seeing his face was enough to bring back all those negative emotions again. Suddenly, she heard someone calling out to her. Turning back, (y/n) saw the third-year setter sprinting towards her, waving desperately.

"(Y/n)-chan! Please wait!" he called out to her.

Growling, (y/n) stopped walking, waiting for the teen to catch up to her. Kenta instantly became defensive, standing between them and eyeing the male with suspicion. Before she could say anything, a pair of strong arms pulled (y/n) towards his chest as Oikawa hugged her close.

"I'm so sorry for what I said last time," he started, his voice filled with genuine remorse. "I know I was an ass, and I can't make up for it, but please know that I'm not that guy. I don't know what came over me to say those things to you. I can't even explain how much I regret it. My pride took over, and I hurt you, and that is not okay."

"I'm not some fangirl you can just win over by hugging and batting your eyes," (y/n) responded, her voice stern.

"I-I never said you were!" he defended himself. "I already know you get annoyed by me, but I want to try and make you like me, like you like Iwa-chan and Kindaichi. They get to talk with you and laugh, and I want that too. I want to be able to have you call me, asking for a favor too."

(y/n) remained silent, contemplating his words. She couldn't deny that Oikawa had his moments where he was tolerable, but his arrogance and fake smiles often got on her nerves. She wanted him to be genuine, to be honest with her.

"Please?" Oikawa tried again, his voice filled with sincerity.

"Bow," she demanded, her eyes unwavering.

"Eh?" he asked, confusion evident on his face.

"You heard me. Bow," she repeated herself. "I want to see how serious you are."

Without hesitation, the brunette dropped to his knees and bowed down, looking up at (y/n) with his big brown eyes, pleading for forgiveness.

"Dammit," (y/n) muttered to herself, feeling conflicted. 'I can't stand him when he's an ass or when he's arrogant. But he has his moments where he's tolerable. It's like he's putting up a façade with people.'

Growling internally, (y/n) told him to stand up, eyeing him over once more.

"Fine," she stated. "But I want you to stop being so fake. I can tell your smiles aren't sincere, you know. I don't want to talk with someone who can't even be honest with me."

Nodding his head, Oikawa leapt at her, twirling (y/n) around as he rubbed his cheek against hers. The brunette continued to thank her and hug her tightly until he heard a very familiar snarling. The girlish scream (y/n) had heard earlier escaped the teen's lips as he hid behind her, seeking protection from the little pup.

"Also, don't get too clingy," (y/n) continued, her voice laced with amusement. "Since Kenta will try to hurt you."

"H-hai," Oikawa stuttered out, peeking out from behind her with a sheepish smile.

"I never knew your scream was so girly," (y/n) deadpanned, causing Oikawa to pout and protest.

As they walked together, with Kenta happily trotting alongside them, (y/n) couldn't deny that Oikawa's sincerity had touched her. She still had her reservations about him, but perhaps giving him a chance to be genuine was the right path to take. And maybe, just maybe, they could build a different kind of connection—one that went beyond annoyance and animosity.