The Caged Crow II Haikyuu x Male Oc

Chapter 8: Aoba Johsai and the First Match pt.1

(TW: Thoughts of self-doubt/worth and suicide, as well as depression. Subtle mention of abuse.)

LI WEI SAT BY THE WINDOW SEAT ON THE BUS- which was meant to take them over to Aoba Johsai. Next to him sat Kiyoko, who was listening to music through her phone, with her eyes closed. He was excited to see an actual volleyball match that's live as he had watched many matches in secret through various online recordings. His parents had often scorned him for enjoying the sport at all, so it was a well-kept secret that he held dear to his heart.

The day had passed by pretty awfully for Li Wei, whose depression decided to rear its ugly head in his direction. The manager had felt unwell all day, finding himself unable to focus as thoughts of self-doubt swarmed his mind. It was hard to disregard them, as Li Wei often heard those thoughts in the sound of his parent's voices. 'You're worthless', they'd say. Of course, Li Wei would believe them.

He wanted to take a mental health day, something he'd never been allowed to do in his parent's home.. It would've given him a day to cleanse his mind of dark thoughts that often led him to believe sleeping in the bathtub was an idea he should partake in. However, if he had not gone to classes today, he would have been ineligible to attend the game. It was a rule he understood but wished didn't exist, as despite his excitement, he currently wasn't in the best place mentally.

A long sigh left his lips as he continued to stare out the window, watching the scenery that passed by. Noise sounded throughout the bus, with Hinata and Tanaka being the prime suspects. "What is that look on your face?" Tanaka bellowed out, loud enough for the bus's occupants to hear. Whatever Hinata said next must've been said in a whisper, as Li Wei couldn't hear it. However, the next statement that he could hear was a massive 'GWAH' from Tanaka and suddenly, an awful smell permeated the bus. Li Wei rapidly covered his mouth and nose, hating the smell of vomit more than anything.

When he used to go to gala's for his parent's associates, he would be allowed to have a bit more freedom on what he ate. However, once he returned home, he would be forced to throw it all up. Vomit brought bad memories in general. His thoughts were interrupted by Tanaka, who screamed out, "STOP THE BUS!" Something he was completely onboard with as the smell continued to fester within the bus.

When they arrived at Aoba Johsai, Li Wei was escorted off the bus by Kiyoko, who had noticed his rapidly palling face. The two stood around by the entrance of the school, waiting for the rest of their team to get off the bus and into the school. Li Wei noticed how a few of the team went over to two boys who were dressed in white jumpsuits with light blue-ish green highlights.

He didn't hear the conversation as he stood by Kiyoko and the captain, but the full-body shivers shown by those boys clued him into what was going on. The male didn't quite understand why they were trying to intimidate the two boys, who were most likely Aoba Johsai players. 'Maybe that's how team sports works?', Li Wei reasoned in his head, unaware that was not the case as he'd never really been on a team with other players for anything.

Eventually, everyone was led into Aoba Johsai's gym, which was far larger than Karasuno's. Li Wei also picked up on the fact that it was the school's 3rd gymnasium, something that only certain types of school had. His own school back in Beijing had 5 different gymnasiums, all for different sports. It was excessive, yet many of the students who attended the school had parents who donated money in order to secure connections with various alumni who were able to attend donator-only dinners. His own parents had done exactly that, even if they didn't need those connections.

Li Wei followed his team in greeting the other school with a simple 'nice to meet you' and a formal bow. Aoba Johsai's team followed suit. Their captain, who hadn't said much about the other school, finally spoke up. "Aoba Johsai is known for each of its members being highly skilled equally in offense and defense." That statement impressed Li Wei, who knew that most volleyball players excelled at one or two positions, but usually not equally.