redamancy • haikyuu oneshots

Hoshiumi Kōrai- Too Common (Knight!Hoshiumi x Commoner!Reader)

"Accompany your sister to the market, would you, (Y/N)?" my mother calls from the balcony of our small home, drying the rest of the laundry over the hanging line.

"Yes, mother, we'll be back by noon," I call back, ushering Hana, my sister, out the front door.

"(Y/N) I get it! I have legs of my own," Hana groans, handing a basket to me.

We maneuver our way through town and into the heart of trade and marketing. Passing through heavy foot traffic, we make our rounds, trading for necessary items with the scarce currency we own. As I'm in the middle of trading with a merchant for a loaf of bread, the volume of chatter erupts around my hearing, followed by Hana chiming in with her usual commentary.

"Isn't it right around that time of the year the public ball is held?" she muses, scanning the crowd for a noteworthy occurrence.

"Possibly," I half-heartedly mumble, placing the newly purchased loaf of bread in my basket. I feel a small tug on my tattered sleeve, and I turn back to Hana.

She points to the center of the market square, "Over there, (Y/N)!"

A few squires calm the gossiping crowd, "Order! Order! There is an announcement that must be made!"

"Prince Sachiro of the Kamomedai kingdom has determined the date of the public ball!" The messenger of the royal palace stands on the wooden platform in the center of the populous market area. He announces to the large crowd of common folk as they bustle around, "Ten days from now at approximately nine hours after midday, the public masquerade ball shall ensue for any who wish to partake. Spread the word!"

The crowd muses in delight, and a couple squeals are evident enough of the joyous news.

Every year, a public ball is hosted by the royal family for both commoners and nobles to enjoy together. It is very favorable among the ordinary civilians, as anyone can attend the ball despite their social standing.

"Wow, a masquerade? How fascinating!" Hana enthuses beside me. "You'll surely accompany me, won't you, (Y/N)?"

"Probably not this year, Hana. You know these aren't my type of gatherings," I respond bleakly, taking advantage over the ebullient crowd to trade with further merchants. I examine a basket of apples, turning them over as Hana sticks to my side.

"Come on, you say that every year! It's time you join me and mingle with the nobles, maybe capture a few hearts with what little charm you have?"

I briefly shoot her an ireful look, turning back to the apples after she flinches. "You are further unconvincing."

She pouts, "Just give it a thought and don't shoot me down so quickly, will you? Thinking about it shouldn't be too arduous."

I give her a meek look as a hollow smile ghosts her lips. I sigh, "Attire for the ball is not within our budget, Hana."

Hana releases a chagrin sigh, "If that is what you wish, (Y/N), I will refrain from acting strident and won't beg any further."

My look turns penitent as I mumble an apology, but I return my attention back to the vendor shortly after.

"I'll be heading home, I obtained everything I need," Hana curtly informs me. I give a small nod and she leaves.

After I finish at the merchant stand, I start to navigate my way back home. I try to, at least. I near where the crowds of the market end, before being abruptly stopped from a head-on collision. My feet stagger back, and unable to keep my balance, I topple to the dirted path.

As I expect the moment of impact, I shut my eyes and brace myself. But instead of the cold floor, I meet with sturdy arms, and my eyes fly open. I notice that I've been caught by male arms. When he helps me steady, my first thought is how strong of a build he must have, considering I don't need to look too far up to see his face or spiked light-colored hair. I almost mistake him for a squire, if not for the knight insignia to the right of his chestplate.