The Conniving Crow

Chapter 83: Long Time No See

"Hey, hey, hey, (y/n)-san!" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm contagious. "Can you believe Tsukki actually wants to practice?! What did you do to him?"

"Oh, hey, Bokuto-senpai!" (y/n) greeted him warmly. "I didn't do anything! He just found his own motivation, so please don't do anything that will discourage him."

"Don't worry! I'll motivate him even more!" Bokuto declared with a determined look.

"I think that would have the opposite effect, Bokuto-san," Akaashi chimed in, trying to keep his captain in check. "It's good to see you again, (y/n)-san."

"Akaashi!" Bokuto whined, slightly deflated by his setter's sensible response.

"I'm glad to see you both again!" (y/n) smiled, genuinely happy to be reunited with the Fukurodani duo. "It's been too long!"

"You'll be joining us too, right?" Bokuto asked enthusiastically.

"I assume he's referring to the extra practice tonight," Akaashi clarified. "We'd be happy if you joined us."

"I wouldn't miss it for anything!" (y/n) replied with a smile, looking forward to spending more time with her friends from Fukurodani.

Glancing around, (y/n) realized that Kenta was no longer by her side. It didn't take her long to figure out where the little pup might be and who he would be with. Excusing herself from the Fukurodani duo, she made her way over to the person Kenta had been longing to see for a while now.

"Hey Inuoka, seems like it didn't take long for Kenta to find you," (y/n) chuckled as she approached Inuoka, who was already surrounded by the affectionate pup.

"Ah, there you are, (y/n)-san!" Inuoka smiled up at her, his eyes filled with happiness. "I was wondering where you were when Kenta started jumping against me."

"I guess he came running as soon as he smelled you," (y/n) laughed, enjoying the sight of Kenta showering Inuoka with affection. "He really missed you."

"I've missed you both as well!" Inuoka admitted, his face turning a bright shade of red. Realizing he might have revealed too much, he quickly changed the subject. "Oh, right, a new café opened up nearby. It's a dog café, where you can bring your own dog and enjoy cakes. They make them for humans and dogs!"

"That sounds so nice!" (y/n) exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Kenta would love a puppy cake!"

As if on cue, Kenta let out a little bark in agreement, as if confirming his interest in the delightful treat.

"We should have time to go there after the joint practice, if you want to," Inuoka offered, hoping that (Y/n) would accept his invitation.

"I would love that!" (y/n) beamed, touched by Inuoka's thoughtfulness. "And Kenta would love it too!"

As the practice was about to start, (y/n) heard her brother's voice shouting instructions to the Karasuno members. She knew it was time to focus on the task at hand, but she couldn't help but feel grateful for the moments she spent with Inuoka and the chance to catch up.

"I should go and help out. See you after practice!" (y/n) waved goodbye to Inuoka, and Kenta followed behind her obediently.

What she didn't see was Inuoka doing a small victory dance in his mind. He had scored some alone time with (y/n), and that made him feel over the moon. Kenta was always the perfect excuse to hang out with (y/n), and Inuoka cherished every moment they spent together.

Once (y/n) made her way over to stand beside her brother, the Karasuno boys were already in the midst of their warm-up. Tsukishima seemed to be torn between focusing on his own team's practice and stealing glances at the Nekoma team.