Of Cats and Crows (Sugawara Koushi)

Announcement Bonanza

A mass text had gone out from the managers saying that the two teams would be holding a joint meeting before the morning practice. Everyone stood in a semicircle around the coaches. Nobody had an idea what the urgent matter was.

"So, from now until Nationals, is training camp season." Coach Ueno had a stack of envelopes in one hand. He smacked them against his palm as he spoke. "As you know, this is our chance to polish every move we have. These envelopes are all practice match requests."

Coach Yamata nodded in agreement. "We will be having practice matches three times a week until the competition. But, some of you won't be able to make it to every match." It took everything in him to keep a straight face. Everyone had confused expressions on their faces. "Mitsumi, you have an invitation to the National Volleyball Team Training Camp. It's a two week camp at the Ajinomoto National Training Center right after final exams during the holiday break."

"EHHH?! SERIOUSLY?!" Bokuto and Kuroo exclaimed in total shock.

Nomiya held her head in shock. "You're literally a freshman!"

"Takuma, you have been invited this year as well." Coach Ueno added before things got too crazy.

Takuma simply nodded, "Sounds great!" He said with a beaming smile.

Mitsumi stood there frozen. Yes, she was on the National Youth Team, but this was a whole other level. She didn't think that she would get that kind of invitation. The training camp was right after finals, so it wouldn't be conflicting with anything school related. "I'll go!"

"Dang! Usually only upperclassmen make the cut. But, I guess you're really the only one here who has experience on a National team." Shimura hid her jealousy by giving the freshman a congratulatory slap on the back. Her eyes told a totally different story. She had been a candidate in high school for the National Youth Team. However, she barely missed the mark. So, she had been working hard to get invited to the National Camp.

Coach Yamata took an envelope out of his pocket. He handed it to the libero with a smirk. "The rest of you will be bustin' your butts with us here during the break."

Suga had a massive grin on his face. Being invited to something of that caliber was a gigantic achievement itself. He turned towards his girlfriend and flashed a thumbs up. She saw this and returned the gesture with a cheesy smile. Matsuda caught sight of this. "Hell must have frozen over because Mitsumi actually smiled for once!"

Ichiyama broke away from the celebration to kick the vice captain behind the knees. "Respect the ladies, Matsuda." He sighed heavily.

Coach Ueno clapped his hands through the sounds of celebratory cheer. "Chop chop! We have a lot of work to do today!"

...

Mitsumi was suddenly sandwiched in a group hug. She had to run off to piano practice after volleyball. So, she didn't get the chance to talk to any of the boys afterwards. Although, it didn't stop them from tracking her down and basically attacking her.

"Guys! I can't breathe!" She croaked. They were all acting like an overgrown puppy that didn't know it's own size. They all let her go before she could attack back. Although, Suga was quick to wrap his arm around her waist.

"The big shots really want to snatch you back." Kuroo messed with Mitsumi's hair which made her pout and scramble to swat his massive hand away.

Bokuto began to jump up and down. He grabbed onto her hands as he bounced excitedly. "YOU'LL HAVE TO TEACH ME ALL THE NEW MOVES YOU LEARN!"

Mitsumi yanked her hands away and shoved them in her pockets. She was honestly a bit overwhelmed by everyone's emotions. Suga had let go of her and instead crossed his arms. "You're making her uncomfortable!" He said with a disapproving glare.