Part 1: Chapter 3
"Wow! This is where we're staying?" Both you and Hinata shouted in excitement as the two of you stared at the building before you.
"Ne, ne Hinata-kun! Let's go and explore the place!" You turned to Hinata with stars shining in your eyes, excited at the thought of spending the next few days here. It's been a while since you last went to a training camp and the idea of being in the same building with your team excite you. With that, you grabbed both Hinata's and Kageyama's hands as you dragged them inside the building. Meanwhile a certain blonde-haired male made a remark that would have him questioned his life choices if you have heard him.
"Wah! Let's explore a place that is like any other houses Yamaguchi!" Tsukishima mocked you while Yamaguchi just laughed.
Luckily for Tsukishima, you have already disappeared into the building and not hearing the remark or else you would have probably killed him on the spot.
Once you were inside the building, both you and Hinata began to run throughout the building, opening doors after doors with excitement shining in your eyes. Kageyama tagged along behind as he said. "Both of you need to calm down."
"But Kageyama, this is my first time at training camp!" Hinata shouted at the blueberry while you nodded your head up and down like a bobble-head doll, agreeing with Hinata's words.
"I have to hang all day with this slovenly bunch. What's so fun about that?" Tsukishima cut in annoyingly who was walking pass by when he heard Hinata's comment.
Upon hearing that, your eyes twitched in anger as you tried to punch Tsukishima in the face while Tanaka stood in the background, calling him a bastard. As usual, Tsukishima avoided your punch by taking a step back with a smirk on his face as he teased you. Nishinoya stepped in saying that "Kiyoko-san is within a 500 meter radius of us! How can that be slovenly?" while you tried to pried the hand off your head which Tsukishima managed to held onto tightly, giving an annoyed look at his second year senpais.
"Tsukishima teme, get your hands off me! I'm gonna become bald by the end of the day."
"Please, it's not like you have that much hair to begin with."
"Why you! Wait until I get my hands on you, you overgrown string bean!"
"I will like to see you try, that's if you can reach me first munchkin."
"STOP CALLING ME THAT AND LET GO OF ME!"
You were finally freed from Tsukishima's tight grip thanks to Suga who came to your rescue. You grabbed your head in pain as you glared at the middle blocker who simply smirked at you. Before the both of you could break out into another fight, Tanaka cut in eagerly.
"Noya, Kiyoko-san will be staying with us. It's like the wellspring in the Ou Mountain."
"Shimuzu's home is nearby, so she's not staying here."
Suga walked away after announcing that their beauty manager wouldn't be staying in the building with the rest of the team, leaving the two hyper second years laying face flat on the floor while you stood there, feeling sorry for your senpais. Sometimes, the silver-haired setter can be quite cruel.
***
"Sugoi!" Both you and Hinata exclaimed in awe at all the dishes laid on the table.
On the table were many dishes of food that looked like came out of the magazine. There were Japanese curry, grilled fish, fried vegetables and many more. You whipped your head towards the direction of Kiyoko and bowing at 90 degrees, you thanked your female senpai and sensei for the food.
"Arigatou Kiyoko-senpai and Takeda-sensei!"
You straighten up as you beamed up at the duo who said it was nothing, after all everyone deserved a good meal after a hard day of practicing. Tsukishima placed an arm on your head, using you as an armrest while Yamaguchi stood next to him. Glancing down at you, the blonde-haired male teased you.
"Are you sure you're able to eat that much? I doubt that tiny body of yours could fit all that food in there."
You tried to glare at Tsukishima which was quite difficult considering his weight was leaning on you as you struggled to support him. Yamaguchi simply just laughed at Tsukishima's remark, leaving you defenseless against the middle blocker's nasty personality. You were trying to push Tsukishima off you which wasn't working as he put more of his weight onto you. Luckily for you, Daichi came to your rescue as he scolded Tsukishima.
"Tsukishima, release (Name) and go seat down. It's time for dinner anyway."
Tsukishima released you as both he and Yamaguchi headed towards the table, sitting down opposite the second years minus Tanaka and Nishinoya. You were about to join both Hinata and Kageyama when you realized that all the seats at their table have been taken up. This meant that the only available seat was next to the string bean who was clearly smirking at your demise. Both Daichi and Suga gave you a look of pity as you settled down next to Tsukishima, a pout evident on your face.
"Itadakimasu!"
Everybody shouted while you let out a miserable "itadakimasu" before digging in.
You were struggling to reach for the meat that for some reason was placed out of your reach. You glared at the meat which seemed to be mocking you, curse your short arms. You were about to give up when suddenly a pair of chopsticks with the meat on it was shoved right in front of your face. You glanced up to the person and was about to thank them when you realized it was none other than Tsukishima Kei. Tsukishima's face was bored as he placed the meat in your bowl, surprising you with his actions. The male raised an eyebrow at your gobsmacked face.
"Aren't you going to eat?" He asked you.
Your face brightened at the idea of eating such wonderful meat, completely forgetting that Tsukishima was actually a very evil person.
"Thanks string bean! Looks like you aren't as evil as I thought!" You thanked Tsukishima and picking up the meat, you placed into your mouth and let out a groan as the meat practically melts in your mouth.
Everyone froze at the sight before them. (e/c) eyes widen in surprise as Tsukishima's lips was against your right cheek. Tsukishima leaned back as he stared at your frozen body. Silence surrounded the room before chaos broke out everywhere. You quickly stood up as your chair fell on to the floor, your face reddening as you glared at Tsukishima with rage. Your (e/c) eyes blazed with fury as you tried to get your hands onto Tsukishima, but was held back by Ennoshita while you screamed at the middle blocker.
"WHAT ON EARTH WERE YOU DOING YOU OVERGROWN STRING BEAN?! DO YOU HAVE A DEATH WISH?! LET ME GO! I'M GONNA MURDER THAT TELEPHONE POLE!"
As you kicked and screamed to be released, you struggled against Ennoshita and Suga who had rushed to help the poor second year trying to hold you back against from killing the middle blocker. Meanwhile your brother who was also being held back by Takeda and Daichi to prevent him from murdering the blonde was shouting bloody murder at Tsukishima for tainting his precious younger sister. Tanaka and Nishinoya were on fire as they tried to get their hands on the middle blocker as both Narita and Kinoshita pulled on their shirts to hold them back as well, shouting how dare Tsukishima hurt their precious little crow with Hinata and Kageyama in the background spurring them on. Asahi was trying his best to calm everyone down but failing terrible at doing so while Yamaguchi tried to defend his friend from all the assaults. Kiyoko simply just stayed out of the way, used to the volleyball team and their usual antics.
After everyone managed to calm down and resumed eating, you were already gone by then. The moment Ennoshita and Suga released you, you ran out of the room as you hid yourself inside the storage room, squeezing into a corner. Everyone let you be as they knew that you needed some time to yourself after what happened. Daichi scolded Tsukishima who was feeling slightly guilty not that he would ever admit thanks to his pride, let out a soft apologize with a blank face. Takeda managed to calm down Ukai saying that Tsukshima was just being childish and that (Name) would be fine.
Finally after everyone was almost done with dinner, you decided to show your face again. Everyone watched warily as you calmly approached Tsukishima who was staring at you with suspicions in his eyes, wondering what you were going do. Despite your face showing no emotions, mischief was dancing in your (e/c) eyes. You smirked at Tsukishima before leaning down and placed a kiss onto his lips. You continued kissing Tsukishima who sat frozen in his seat, his face slowly becoming so red that it put shame to the tomatoes. You finally straightened as your smirk widen at your result. Tsukishima just sat there blankly, not moving at all. Finally the male regained his senses as he glared at you with a red face.
"That my dear string bean was revenge for what you did to me just now." You smugly said to Tsukishima.
You weren't one to back down without a fight.
The rest of the volleyball team were silent as they watched the scene enfold before them, shocked at what you have done. Kiyoko counted to three in her mind.
Cue another chaos breaking out as everyone finally reacted to what just happened.
As all sort of noises were going on in the background, both Tsukishima and you glared at each with one thought going through both your minds.
'Two can play at this game string bean.'
'If this is how you're gonna play at it, it's so on.'
***
After dinner, you took a quick bath before heading over to the boys' room. Despite you wanting to share the same room with the volleyball players, you were forced to sleep in the same room as your brother and sensei. Pouting you recalled the conversation you had with your brother.
"Why can't I sleep in the same room with the boys?" You asked your brother for the fifth time.
Fed up with your whining, Ukai turned to you with a stern look and with a firm voice, he replied you. "For the last (nickname)-chan, you're a girl. This means that you can't share the same room with a bunch of boys. It's not appropriate."
"But I share a room with you all the time." You gave your brother a confused look.
Face palming, your brother sighed before he explained to you. "That's different as I'm your brother. Besides we are family."
"But-"
"For the last time, my answer is no. You will be sleeping in the same room as me and Takeda-sensei." Ukai cut you off before you could protest any longer.
You just sat there with a pout on your face, upset at the fact that you can't sleep in the same room with the rest of the boys.
Pushing the door to the boys' room open, all heads turned to you as they saw you standing at the entrance way. Nishinoya and Tanaka immediately leaped to their feet, pulling you into the room.
"(Nickname)-chan! You came to see us?" Both second years shouted at you, hopes gleaming in their eyes.
Laughing, you replied happily. "Yeap, nii-chan allowed me to join you guys before lights out."
Hinata jumped up and down besides you, shouting. "Hooray! (Name)-chan is here to play with us.
Kageyama and Yamaguchi were looking at you with blushes on their faces, not used to seeing you with your hair let down since you always have your hair up. Meanwhile, Tsukishima ignored you and continued scrolling through his phone.
"(Nickname)-chan, you wear glasses?" Suga asked curiously, seeing the glasses resting on your face.
"Yea, I don't remember seeing you wearing glasses at school or during training." Dachi piped in.
You removed your glasses to clean it before placing it back onto your face before explaining. "My eyesight becomes blurry at night, hence I need to wear glasses in order to see things clearly."
"That must be because you spend so much so time staring at your phone." An annoying voice reached your ears.
You faced Tsukishima who was smirking at you. You scowled at him before replying. "Tch at least my eyesight is better than yours. Unlike you, I don't have to wear glasses in the day and the reason my eyesight is this way is because it's an eye problem that runs through my family."
Tsukishima let out an annoyed "tch" when he realized that you were completely right. Tanaka, Nishinoya and Hinata were rolling on the floors in laughter, while everyone else just chuckled or smiled in amusement. You just stood there smugly, happy that you were able to have a perfect comeback against Tsukishima.
You spend the next few hours with the volleyball team playing and talking (in Tsukishima's case, arguing) when your brother came in to tell everyone it's time to sleep. You bid everyone good night before for following Ukai back to your shared room to call it a night.
You never had that much fun ever since you went to study abroad in (country). You were glad that you had decided to join Karasuno High and became the volleyball's official assistant coach.
***
The next day, practice resumed as the practice match against Nekoma draws closer.
"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with Ukai-san and Takeda-sensei discussing about the match against Nekoma?" Tsukishima asked you with a sneer.
Feeling irritated at the string bean's tone, you answered back, "I was forced by nii-chan to join in running or else he will take away my laptop, leaving me no choice. Besides, I already discussed with nii-chan. Now leave me alone string bean."
Tsukishima scowled at the nickname that you always called him by before smirking at you, saying. "Are you sure you're able to run that fast with those short legs of yours?"
"Excuse me? Doesn't me that I have short legs, I can't run that fast. Besides I'm a libero, it's necessary for me to be quick on my feet."
"Huh really? For a moment I forget that you are a libero considering that you're so short that I'm sure no one will notice you on court."
"Why you telephone pole! Fine, I'll race against you to prove you wrong."
"Hn. Fine. I will try to go easy on you then."
"No thanks. I'm sure I can easily win against you."
Both you and Tsukishima stood next to each other, glaring as everyone else got ready to run. Once Daichi started the run, you took off as you were determined to win against that string bean when you realized that he was jogging next to Yamaguchi with a teasing smirk on his face. Knowing that you had been fooled, you retracted your steps as you ran as fast as you can towards Tsukishima before hurling yourself at him. Meanwhile Tsukishima simply stepped out of the way, sending you flying past him.
"TSUKISHIMA TEME! YOU LIED TO ME!"
"SHUT UP AND STOP DISRUPTING PRACTICE, (NAME)!"
"Gomenasai Daichi."
***
You stood next to your brother who was buying a drink when suddenly a certain silver-haired setter approached you both. You stared at Suga in confusion, asking.
"Everything okay, Suga-chan?"
"Don't worry, I'm fine." Suga replied you before turning to face your brother.
"Ukai-san."
"What?" Your brother answered back.
"Taking a deep breath, Suga continued on. "We third years are done after this year. That's why our desire to win is double that of others. We want the ticket that will take us to our next stage. If it's Kageyama who deserves that ticket more than me, you should give it to Kageyama without a second thought."
Both you and Ukai's eyes widen in surprise upon hearing Suga's words. Looking at the determined look on Suga's face, it reminded you of the conversation you had with your third year senpai.
"It's just that I have a feeling that Ukai-san might choose Kageyama as Karasuno's official setter not because of him being just a genius setter, but as well at the fact with both Hinata and Kageyama freak toss-and-spike, it will bring our team to greater height. I know that it's gonna happen and I was even ready to accept it. But something in me doesn't feel right."
Suga went on. "Dachi, Asahi and I have been playing together since our first year. I'd like to stand on the same court with them, and play as much as I am able. If Kageyama gets tired or if something happens, I want to fill that void or be a substitute. Even if it's out of pity because I'm a third year, as long as I get another chance to play in a match, that's all that matters. I don't care if I'm not the official setter. I won't give up my desire to play on the court. So I want as many chances as possible."
By the end of Suga's declaration, there were tears shining in your eyes as your heart swelled with pride for your vice-captain.
"I'm sorry for being so presumptuous." Suga apologized as he looked at his feet.
You glanced up at your brother, wondering what he will do next as your brother faced Suga.
"Sugawara. I think I've been underestimating you. To be honest, I'm amazed at you right now. I'm not an experienced coach yet, but I will do everything in my power to so you guys can go on winning."
Upon hearing your brother's words, Suga's face lit up and bowing, he shouted. "Thank you!"
Meanwhile, you just gave Suga a big small which he returned it with a smile of his own.
Dinner time...
"Thank you for the food!"
Tsukishima and Yamaguchi stared in disgust at Hinata and Kageyama who were gobbling down their food like no tomorrow while you just laughed at them.
"Where does that appetite come from?" Tsukishima asked in horror while Yamaguchi looked he's going to vomit anytime.
"Hey, eat. Eat even if you can't eat anymore!" Nishinoya cut in as he point his chopsticks at the first years.
Shaking your head at their antics, you turned your attention towards Suga who seemed to eating more than usual. You smiled to yourself as you overheard the three third years talking, knowing that Suga would be fine.
***
Today was the last day of training before the practice match against Nekoma. Everyone was gathered around Ukai as he gave some instructions before training starts.
"For the Nekoma battle, this will be our starting order. It's a configuration you're barely used to, so I'm not expecting you to synchronize straight away. We now have an amazing libero and the ace has returned, but don't really on those facts or think victory is assured. Victory goes to the team that connects. Let's see how this configuration works in the battle against Karasuno's long-standing rival, Nekoma."
Everyone let out a resounding "yeah" before getting ready for practice. You elbowed your brother who gave you a glare as you smirked, saying.
"Ne, nii-chan. Who knew you can be this serious and smart? If you have applied this when you were still schooling, you would find a better job as compared to being a clerk at our family's convenience store."
"Why you!"
Everyone watched in amusement as you ran away from your brother who was planning your murder as we speak. Seeing how relaxed you were despite the practice match being tomorrow put the volleyball players at eased.
"Asashi-san."
Asahi's body became rigid as he faced Nishinoya who had called out his name.
"I needn't mention Suga-san of course, but you're probably feeling sorry for Ennoshita-san and the others too, aren't you?" Nishinoya went on.
Upon hearing that, both Asahi and Ennoshita let out a "what" as you stood next to the short libero, wondering what they were talking about.
Placing his hands on his hips, Nishinoya went on. "The strong stand on the court. That's how it is."
Asahi's face paled even further at Nishinoya's words when Ennoshita spoke up.
"Um, Asahi-san. I can't say that I've always been a devoted player. There was a time I quit, even. So-"
Nishinoya cut in, glancing at Asahi. "If they become stronger than the ace in mind and body, they will rightfully steal the regular position out from other you, Asahi-san. Right, Chikara?"
Ennoshita quickly paled at the words coming out from Nishinoya's mouth, saying. "Huh? I wouldn't go that far..."
Meanwhile you added on. "Or if a regular position were to be stolen, maybe it would be Tanaka-senpai's first."
Upon hearing that, Tanaka rushed over and grabbing Ennoshita by the shirt, he glared at him.
"You've got some nerve! Throw the first punch, Ennoshita!"
You laughed as you watched Ennoshita desperately trying to defend himself against the bald wing spiker who was trying to hit him.
'Maybe I shouldn't have said that.'
***
Everyone was practicing half way when Kiyoko came in with a box in her arms. Ukai called everyone to stop and gathered in front of him as he pulled an item out of the box, it was none other than Karasuno's Boys' Volleyball official uniform.
"Sugoi! It's the one I saw on TV." Hinata exclaimed excited as he stared his uniform before him. It was a black and orange shirt with the number 10 printed boldly across the back. When he realized that Nishinoya's uniform was different from his, Hinata spoke up.
"But only Noya-san is orange. You stand out."
"Of course. After all, I have the leading role."
"Leading role?"
Laughing at Hinata's awe expression, you explained to him. "The libero goes on and off the court frequently during a match. He's the only that needs to be noticeable. Hence why Noya-senpai's uniform is different from the rest."
Hinata was about to reply back when he saw the number on Kageyama's uniform which was one number higher than his, shouting.
"Kageyama is one notch higher than me."
"I knew he was going to say that." Both Tanaka and Tsukishima smugly said while you stood next to Hinata, petting him on the back as you felt sorry for him.
Daichi and Suga looked at Hinata with a smile before commenting. "Yeah, I guess you don't remember that number. Because you saw it once on TV only, right?"
Smiling at Hinata, you add on. "The Little Giant wore #10 when he went to nationals."
Hinata's eyes lit up in excitement as he faced Ukai, saying. "Was this your thoughtful idea, coach?"
"Nope, just a coincidence."
You smiled in amusement as Hinata told Kageyama not to be jealous of him wearing the same uniform as the Little Giant while the blueberry tried to deny that he wasn't jealous.
"By the way, the Little Giant that Hinata admired played on the best team Karasuno's ever had. But even then, Karasuno never defeated Nekoma. Not even once. It was one loss after another. I want you to the table on them." Ukai spoke.
"Don't worry, with me on your team I'm sure we will defeat Grandpa Neko and his team for sure. You better be prepare to retire soon, you old cat." You said before muttering the last part under your breath. Everyone sweat dropped at the evil look on your face as you mumbled how you were going to defeat the coach of Nekoma once and for all. Sometimes you can be quite scary when it come to volleyball.
***
It was the day of the fated match against Nekoma.
Both Karasuno and Nekoma stood in a line, the players facing each other with their distinguish colours - black and red.
You stood next to your brother as you stared at Nekomata, the coach of Nekoma, with a smirk on your face. Nekomata returned your smirk with a smug look of his own, your brother's high school friend, Naoi next to him.
"Long time no see, Granpa Neko." You smirked at him.
"Are you ready to be crush, little crow?" Nekomata replied smugly.
"Oh, you're so on." You answered back, your smirk widening.
LET THE BATTLE AT THE GARBAGE DUMP BEGAN!