Forty Winks | K. Shirabu

┗ 𝘛𝘞𝘌𝘕𝘛𝘐𝘌𝘛𝘏 𝘞𝘐𝘕𝘒

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𝘛𝘞𝘌𝘕𝘛𝘐𝘌𝘛𝘏 𝘞𝘐𝘕𝘒:
— you scare me.

━━━━━━━━

She was stuck between laughing or pitying the poor boys' demise after being subjected to the wraths of none other than the demon coach himself.

It apparently turned out that Shiratorizawa's starting line-up wouldn't be allowed by Washijo-sensei to participate in the tournament if they weren't able to get passing grades in at least, most of the subject examinations.

She knew it was a threat— a very evident physical threat. A part of her was aware that Washijo-sensei only said that so they would actually try harder at something other than volleyball and that he wouldn't prohibit them from joining in the Nationals. Yui heard of their conversation with Saito when they were on the benches while she was busy setting up the net.

The most delightful scenario is that they'd all pass. Of course, that would hardly ever be the case. Thinking logically, they'd all most likely be able to join the Nationals. However, some, or maybe most, would get yelled at or receive a slap in the worst-case scenario.

That's what they get for making their lives revolving around the sport, she presumed.

Since that proclamation, Yui was postponed from handing out the fill-outs for the event. Like some sort of trophy for their hard work, she was told that they'd only be able to fill it out if they were blessed with the achievement.

Miserable souls.

The only individuals who didn't falter from that were the two second years in their starting line-up— Kawanishi and Shirabu. The former doesn't get the best grades, but he does pass in every subject. Since they started studying together for the past days ever since the preliminaries ended, his scores might even soar by leaps and bounds if he was able to retain the information. The latter didn't really need an explanation from no one. She witnessed his dedication in both academics and sports to the point that she can flatly bet her whole life that he'd pass with his eyes closed.

As for the others, she knew nothing of their academic capabilities. Nevertheless, judging how they seemed to freeze upon the coach's words uttered enough message. It was surprising to see Ushijima stare blankly at the wall after that too.

At the same time, it wasn't new that there might only be volleyballs running in his head at how much time he allocated for the club.

Truly miserable souls.

"As much as I want to help—" She was only a second year. Anyone a year above was off-limits to her aid, "I can't suddenly become a genius. Uhm, just believe in yourself?"

"And so we're putting it to faith."

"Please add more conviction to your words, Otsuka-chan."

She laughed weakly, averting her gaze; that which suddenly fell on Reon as he was in the middle of drinking his beverage, "Doesn't Reon-san excel in his studies?"

Hearing his name, the male turned to approach the group of troubled individuals and perhaps— troubled them more at his reply.

"I'm grateful that's your impression of me, Otsuka-san. Sorry."

"Oh my." Yui lowered her head in apology if she had offended him in some way— which didn't seem to be the case because he smiled at her to dismiss it. She raised her head, hands finding their way to the back of her neck, "It's fine! I'm sure everyone will do well!"