Reignition (KurooxOC)

Starting Fresh

"Welcome everyone to the track and field team," the third year student Chitose Mao announced to everyone, "We are excited to have you all join the team this year. It will be full of hard work and fun. We have a list of events that everyone is interested in and will have you divided up as so. For the first day, we will do a trial run of events you signed up for to get base stats. You are welcomed to try out other events as well. By the end of the week, you will have your official events."

The team saluted and I found myself in a group of boys and girls in front of a long jump track and sandpit. The manager was going over the rules and regulations for long jump before we lined up. 

As I heard my name get called out, I heard the whispers of those around me.

"That girl, she is so short."

"I doubt she could get that far."

"She was sitting with the captain of the boys volleyball team."

"Kuroo-senpai? How does she know him?"

"Beats me, but I am jealous."

"Me too."

I blocked out their voices and took a deep breath. I may be only 5'5", but I was going to prove them all wrong. I did a running start while my mind recalled Naomi's words about being part of the team. It was hard to believe in her when I felt nothing but animosity from the group. I took flight and landed in the sand. Gasps sounded all around me as I got to my feet. All those voices of doubt went silent and only the dirty looks remained.

I was used to standing alone. Without another word, I returned to the lineup. Based on the results, I was in the top five and even beat some of the boys trying out. The next event I was trying was going to be was running.

As the gun went off, I remembered the runs that Kuroo and I would do early in the morning. He always wanted to practice and I didn't want to leave him on his own. He was much taller than I was and that only pushed me to keep up with him. Sometimes we would pass Kenma's house to see his light on only to discover he was up at 2:00am to play video games.

"Ayame," Naomi ran up to me, "How are you holding up?"

"I'm doing alright," I replied, "Definitely a lot of people here."

"Indeed," Naomi surveyed the group, "What events have you done?"

"So far I've only done two," I scratched the back of my head, "Long jump and 400m."

"Nice," she acknowledged, "I'm thinking of trying out javelin. I was never good at throwing, but I thought it would be worth the try."

"Go for it," I encouraged.

She left and I smiled at her childish excitement. Naomi was like a ray of sunshine. Just one smile and she could easily brighten anyone's day. I looked at the other events. There was pole vaulting, I didn't know how to do that and thought it would be smart to stay away. 

The high jump station was free so I decided that would be my next activity. The bar was lowered as I began my ascent. The first one I cleared easily. I envisioned a volleyball that was coming towards my side of the net. As I flew on my back, my arms instinctively went up so as to meet the imaginary ball. I cleared the net and the third year in charge of the high jump commented, "That was impressive. One tip I have is to try and keep your arms by your sides. That way, you'll fly through the air easier."

I nodded my head and gave it a few more tries. While I was good, it just didn't feel right for me. The urge to keep my arms out as if I were receiving a ball was had to resist.

In a tired heap, I laid back on the grass and say Aimi approaching me.

"Ayame," she said, "We need another girl to complete a girl's relay team. Would you be able to help us out?"