Of Cats and Crows (Sugawara Koushi)

Revelations

Everyone was watching the news broadcast in the hotel conference room. The top 10 plays of the day had just finished. While all of them were impressive, they would become even more impressive as the week progressed.

"And now we are with Tsukibahara Yuno and Mitsumi Chie. Both are candidates for the Japanese National Team. Mitsumi is competing this week with Tokyo University as their starting libero. Tsukibahara is here as an assistant coach for Kyoto University's team." The reporter's voice blared over the television.

Mitsumi's blood was boiling at the report. She crushed the paper cup she was holding without realizing it. She knew everyone would see it, but she didn't want them to. Deep down, she was hoping her family wouldn't see it either.

"You are really bad at hiding the fact you hate her guts!" Ichiyama burst into a laughing fit with Kuroo, Bokuto, Makoto, and Shimura.

The girl shot out of her seat and was about to dash over to the laughing group. But, Suga yanked her down into her chair before she could even take a step. But the threat of her going over there was enough to quiet the cackling group down. "Shut your mouths."

"Who are you guys playing tomorrow?" Takuma turned the television off after the broadcast finished.

Riza looked at her phone, "Well, we have two games tomorrow. Our first one is with Matsukawa University. The second one will either be with Kyoto University or Fukuoka Technical University." The manager recalled the discussion from the team meeting earlier and felt a sweat drop form on her forehead. "It's going to heat up fast this year."

"Oof." Matsuda winced as if the news caused him pain. "We have another round of some lesser known schools."

Watanabe nodded in agreement. "It would have been a double header day, but we have a bye for our afternoon match. Our issues will start on Day Three. Osaka International University is probably going to be a hassle to deal with. If they win, that is."

"I'm turning in for the night." Mitsumi slid out of her seat. All this talk about matchups wasn't doing her any good. "See you in the morning." She walked out of the conference room and went straight for the elevators. It wasn't that late yet, but she needed a social and emotional reset.

Luckily, she had won the hat draw and scored the only single room. Everyone else had a roommate for the week. Mitsumi was quick to shower and change into her comfortable penguin flannel pants and an oversized shirt. She was sitting on her bed brushing her hair when there was a knock at the door. Not knowing who it was, she didn't respond. And then she heard the secret knock. "It's unlocked."

Suga came in with a plastic bag. He had made a quick trip to the convenience store for some snacks for the night and next day. "I come bearing gifts!" He announced as he took his shoes off at the door. He had also changed into his night clothes.

"You didn't have too." The girl ripped her hairbrush through her thick and wet hair. The sound of the brush could be heard across the room.

"I owe you for that heaven sent 200 yen." He brought over a large, warm, cinnamon roll that was wrapped in foil. "Are you doing alright?" Suga took the hairbrush and moved behind her on the bed. He began to gently brush out all of the super tangled strands of hair and work out the knots. It was much better than watching Mitsumi tear the brush through her hair on her own.

Mitsumi shrugged and unwrapped the cinnamon roll. "I'm alright. I'm already done with people. That's all. And don't worry, I took my meds already." She bit into the warm and sweet treat with a grateful hum. He really did have a habit of spoiling her. The gentle touch of his hand running through her hair as he brushed it was relaxing. It had been a long time since he had done this for her.