Inarizaki's Hidden Foundation

Ch. 18

You blink and suddenly the Inarizaki volleyball team is getting loaded into the bus on their way to Tokyo for the annual all-star training course.

As everyone files in, Momo checks off their names on her clipboard.

Your shoulders are slightly slumped in preparation for the exhausting 2 weeks ahead. Mina is staying behind to catch up on school work and her tummy is getting larger by the day, her center of gravity changing with it and causing her to be very clumsy. You were hesitant to leave her alone at your place but she convinced you that she would be fine and that she wanted to learn to be independent again. Osamu had also suggested to stay with her but she turned him down too.

Sitting down next to Kita, you start to subconsciously bite the inside of your cheek in nervousness. Kita reaches over and grabs onto your hand, distracting you.

"Hey. I know you're worried for Mina but she'll be find. You have to trust that she can take care of herself," he tries to reassure you.

"Yeah that's easier said than done.." you trail off when he gives you a hard look. "But you're right. I have to focus on taking care of y'all. Still I asked Javier to call in every so often just in case."
"Javier?"

"The receptionist in my apartment. He's a nice dude. Very responsible," you explain.

Kita nods and you slump in your seat. You say, "Wake me when we get there?"

"Sure." He gives your hand a squeeze as you try to get some shuteye.

»»————-　　————-««

METROPOLITAN TOKYO CENTRAL GYMNASIUM

The large sign captures your attention as the team walks into the facility.

"Damn, they really went out of their way to make sure people know what this place is," Atsumu says.

"Well, yeah. Why wouldn't they?" Osamu juts in.

Atsumu gives his twin a side glare. "I'm just saying!"

Before they can get into a brawl, Kita says, "Let's hurry into the main gym. All the teams are supposed to gather there at 12. It's 12:03."

No one questions the captain and starts to pick up their pace. Once you all get inside, you see that there are many teams in their respective colors already waiting there.

Many of the teams turn towards your team when you all come in to join the crowd. The coaches at the front gesture towards Coach to come join them to get started.

The teams listen to the coaches speeches but you tune them out while scanning everyone else. They're all in their respective schools' practice shirts and it's like a sea of different colors. It was such a stark difference from Inarizaki's typical black jerseys and it was a little nauseating. Among them, there was a red team, yellow team, blue team, and a particularly highlighter yellow-green team that caught your eye. Itachiyama. Of course they were here. And that meant that sly manager of theirs was here too.

You decide you'll do your best to avoid her at all costs to avoid any inevitable conflict.

The coaches finish talking to the players and they disperse. It'll be a few hours of getting settled and meeting others before the camp officially begins.

"Oy! You the Inarizaki captain?" You turn to the voice that calls out to Kita. It's someone from the red team, at least 6"0 and with bedhead that you can only describe as being rooster-like.

Kita turns to him and calmly says, "Yes. Who's asking?"

Rooster-head holds out his hand. "Tetsurou Kuroo. Captain of Nekoma. I heard you guys are the favorites to win nationals this year, next to Itachiyama."

Kita takes his hand and shakes it. "Nekoma.. I'm sure I've heard of your team before. Yes, I suppose we are. I hope we can live up to expectations."

You come over to the two captains, curious. It isn't like any stranger to approach Kita since he has an intimidating aura. But Kuroo didn't look the least bit scared of your boyfriend.

Seeing you join them, Kita introduces you. "This is my girl- I mean, our manager, Y/N."

You give a wave of your hand in greeting. You're surprised that Kita had slipped up, almost revealing your relationship with him. Maybe he's got a lot on his mind but you'll have to talk to him about it later.

"Hi," you say.

Kuroo smirks and says, "Hi to you as well." A few of his teammates come over to join him. There's a guy with two toned, shoulder length hair who is tiny compared to Kuroo, and another taller dude with a blonde mohawk. This team really likes to dye their hair, you guess. The small guy just nods but the other says, "H-hi. I'm Taketora Yamamoto."

Kita introduces himself again but the dude's name catches your attention.

Yamamoto.. where have I heard that before.. Realization dawns on you. Oh shi—

Instead of introducing yourself, you interrupt, "You don't happen to be related to a Sayuri are you, Yamamoto?"

His eyes bug out in surprise and a kind of sheepish look takes over his expression.

"Oh.. you know my cousin?"