Inarizaki's Hidden Foundation

Ch. 8 - Tutoring Lessons

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It's been 3 months into you and Mina managing the Inarizaki volleyball team. Managership has been going surprisingly well and the team is on a winning streak, having won every match in the season so far. Oh, and this whole time also you've strictly worn only contacts, as per Kita's advice. Everything really is running smoothly but now you have to prepare for the training camp with big teams like Itachiyama in a few weeks. And as in prepare, it doesn't mean more practice but more.. studying.

The annual winter training camp this year is held on the same weekend as supplementary classes for those who fail any subjects. Most of the team does not fall in that failing category except for a few first years: the Miya twins, Suna... and Mina.

"I've got a list here of those of you who are doing not just less than stellar.. but are on the brink of failing your classes," Coach announces, his gaze landing straight on the Miyas and Suna. To your right in the periphery of your vision, you see Mina slump a little lower to the ground. You give her the side-eye and she avoids your gaze. "In the eyes of the principal and school district, academics come first so if any of you DO fail, that means no training camp for you."

The Miyas' eyes look glazed over and like their pupils have disappeared. Suna just looked like he could care less.

Once practice was over, you decided to take the liberty of volunteering to tutor the idiots of Inarizaki. They're dumb, but they were essential parts of the team and should not miss that training camp.

Taking Mina along, you approach the three boys and tell them, "I'll tutor you guys and Mina. We're in the same class so it'll be easier and good practice for me too. Everyone wins, what do you think?"

Osamu says, "WOW, that would be a huge help. Thanks, Y/N." Suna nods in agreement.

Atsumu adds, "Yeah, we can always count on our smart, beloved manager to take care of us."

You roll your eyes at his sarcastic comment. "I can't take the tests for you so you better shape up your dumb asses and actually work hard the next few weeks. Mina, I'm looking at you too." She flinches at being called out, but smiles meekly.

"Thank you, Y/N.. not that it'll be too much practice for you. You're already at the top of our class. I don't know how you do it," she says.

From across the way you see Kita talking to Aran and Gin, the latter two looking down and nodding their heads. Oh, maybe they're also struggling in their classes. You all head over, and you say, "Hey, what's up? Are you guys on that list Coach has too?"

Aran and Gin nod, clearly embarrassed.

"I've volunteered to give them tutoring lessons up until finals," Kita says. "I assume you're doing the same for these four? Maybe we should hold it together a little before and after practice everyday in our clubroom."

You think about it for a second. "That's.. not a bad idea. I usually am not a fan of big study groups but having you there might keep them on their toes," you say to Kita. He nods. "Okay, then. It's settled." The four first years grumble in agreement and so do Aran and Gin.

For the next three weeks, the tutoring lessons take session in the clubroom. They work hard to follow your and Kita's instructions and study tips. On the weekend before finals week, you hold more tutoring at your place since it's the largest.

"I'm surprised you all don't have at least one subject you're good at," Kita says to the Miyas, Suna, and Mina. You chortle, not being able to hold in your laughter. The Failure Four have been doing poorly in all subjects and it was very comedic, even impressive. However, they've been improving significantly and it was looking like they would pass their classes, barely. They're just experiencing study fatigue.

Osamu glares in his direction. "Not everyone can be a genius like you," he says as he goes through his English vocabulary flashcards you helped him create.

"I'm not a genius. It's 95% effort and 5% natural-born talent. Anyone can do well in these classes," Kita replies, going back to checking Gin and Aran's assignments. The silver haired twin continues to grumble and go through his cards with Mina.

"Atsumu, Suna. You both were doing fine up until sin vs cos. These ones are wrong," you tell them while correcting their practice exams. You give it back to them to redo and you lean over to Kita next to you, sighing in exhaustion. He reads you and says to the group, "Keep practicing. Y/N and I will go get us all some snacks." Grumbles sound from them as he drags you to the front door. You don't protest, grateful for the break.

The convenience store is right across the street so you and Kita walk on over.

"What kind of snacks do you like?" he asks you.

Going down the aisles, you both pick out a variety that everyone would enjoy. After checking out, he and you walk back and step into the elevator. "How're you holding up with them?" Kita says.

You reply, "They're doing well in English and science but struggling with trig.. I'm worried about that subject for them."

"There's only so much we can do and they have to do the rest. You've been helping them loads so they may just be able to pass." The elevator dings and you both get off on your apartment floor.

"Mmm that's true. I just hope all this effort into getting them to actually study isn't in vain, though."

He grabs your wrist, stopping mid-walk. "Hey. It's all about the process, not necessarily the results. You've been working really hard with them and I won't let you downgrade your own efforts. Plus, if they don't pass all they're missing is one camp but they will have gained the ability to study effectively, as you said."

His words are gentle and encouraging, and you look down at his hand holding your wrist. "I can't believe it was just a few months ago that I thought you were cold-hearted and arrogant." Chuckling, you look up at him. "Thanks, Kita."

You thought he was staring at you funny so you ask, "What, is there something on my face?"

"Yeah. A smile. I haven't seen it in a while. It's.. nice." he says, hesitant. His hand rises as if to touch your face and you feel your heart rate quicken-

"There you guys are! You were taking a while so I thought maybe something happened!"

You both jump at the sound of Mina's voice. Standing in front of your doorway was the girl in question. Turning towards her, you see Kita's hand quickly go back down to his side.

"Nah, we just were meticulously choosing the snacks which Y/N has told me you take very seriously," Kita replies. He hands her the bags and she takes it inside commenting, "Thanks, guys! Oooh! Pocky, yes my favorite!"

Kita turns back to you. "Just a few more days. We can handle that, right?" He holds the door open for you and you walk in, nodding.

For a second I thought he was going to kiss me.. but maybe I'm just crazy or tired. But.. Did I want him to? Would I have let him?

You shake your head, trying to clear your mind and focus on the task at hand. But for the rest of the night, your nagging inner voice kept pestering you with those thoughts.