Another Manager (Akashi Seijuro x OC)

Bokuto Kōtarō's Birthday (September 20)

Author's Note:

Oh my gosh, life can be so busy sometimes! I'm so sorry for not updating.🙁 I'll be honest, I only wrote here and there in my list of drafts for the past few months and barely worked on this particular chapter. But, my plans for this story still stand! I have to say, though, these birthday chapters were really kicking my butt haha. I think it's because I don't have a substantial image in my head of what each chapter will be about. (Feel free to give me ideas of what I should do or write about! 😊) While I had writer's block with the birthday chapters, I worked on fixing and writing some other chapters, both published and not yet published!

Anyway, thank you to old and new readers for sticking with me! Your comments and votes/(anonymous) reactions really help, too! Love you all<3

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Fukurōdani Academy:
Head Coach - Yamiji Takeyuki
Coach - Takizawa Yoshifumi
Manager - Suzumeda Kaori - 3
Manager - Shirofuku Yukie - 3
#2 Washio Tatsuki - 3 - MB
#3 Sarukui Yamato - 3 - WS / Outside Hitter
#4 Bokuto Kōtarō (Captain & Ace) - 3 - WS / Outside Hitter
#5 Akaashi Keiji (Vice-Captain) - 2 - S
#7 Konoha Akinori - 3 - WS / Opposite Hitter
#10 Anahori Shūichi - 1 - S
#11 Komi Haruki - 3 - Li
#12 Onaga Wataru - 1 - MB

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About a week earlier...

Ai-san: Hello Keiji-kun, I hope the second trimester's going well for you. I sent a package to your school for Kōtarō-san's birthday today. It's addressed to your managers, but I wanted to let you know, too.

The ping from his phone drew the setter to check the device. A soft smile spread across Akaashi's face once he saw who had texted.

Keiji: Hi Ai-san. Thanks. You didn't have to do that for us. I'll let them know. How are you doing lately?

He relaxed in the seat of the train while other students with Fukurōdani uniforms and people commuting to work in suits had to stand in the aisle. The morning train ride was always packed with students on their way to school early for club practice or people with black office bags. Being a punctual person, Akaashi usually secured a seat in the less crowded cars of the train and read a book.

Ai-san: I'm doing well. Our culture festival's coming up, so I'm busy going between my class and the clubs. The team and I are doing a yakisoba stand, and my class with Chikara and Kazuhito is hosting a planetarium. How are you doing?

Keiji: I'm doing good, too. Those sound like great ideas. The food stand seems tough to organize, though.

Ai-san: I know it'll be hectic, but either Kiyoko-senpai or Hitoka-chan will be there most of the time, and we have a handful of guys who I can trust with the cooking.

Keiji: Good luck with it. Hope it's a success. Our club might do a shooting game for our school's festival next month.

Ai-san: That does sound fun. I can imagine Kōtarō-san having a blast with it.

Keiji: It was his and Konoha-san's idea. I think it'll be simple enough. It's mostly just giving out prizes for successful hits on targets.

Ai-san: I can't wait to hear all about it. I'm picking up rumors about a final group training camp in October, too.

Keiji: We might have that at Nekoma. I think Kuroo-san would know more about it. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Ai-san: Same here. Tell Yukie-san and Kaori-san to contact me if they need anything? And of course, that extends to you, too.