Kugushiba's Hidden Love: A fic of Secrets

Chapter 1: The Bus Ride

The atmosphere was tense as Nekoma High School's volleyball team filed onto their bus. They were about to embark on a journey to Nohebi Academy, a school from a different district known for its fierce rivalry with Nekoma. The bitter history between the two teams was palpable, with animosity hanging thick in the air.

As Shibayama, the team's substitute libero, settled into his seat, he couldn't help but smile down at his phone. He had been texting someone special for a while now, someone who had managed to bring joy into his life despite the impending showdown with Nohebi. His fingers danced across the screen as he typed out another message.

Yaku, the team's experienced libero and Shibayama's mentor, couldn't help but notice the constant smiles that had graced Shibayama's face recently. Suspicion gnawed at him like an itch he couldn't scratch. Yaku, with his stern and protective demeanor, had always seen Shibayama as a little brother.

Leaning over, Yaku raised an eyebrow and asked, "What's got you grinning like that, Shibayama? You're not usually this cheerful before a match."

Shibayama's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly pocketed his phone. He feigned nonchalance and replied, "Oh, nothing, Yaku-san. Just thinking about the game, you know."

Yaku wasn't convinced, but before he could press further, Lev, a fellow first-year player, intervened. Lev was tall, towering over most of the team, and he had a unique perspective on the situation. He had been dating Yaku for a while now, which gave him a glimpse into the dynamic between Shibayama and Yaku.

Lev, with his characteristic innocence, leaned over and chimed in, "Come on, Yaku-san, let Shibayama enjoy his own secrets. He's growing up, you know. Besides, aren't we supposed to focus on the game?"

Yaku sighed, realizing Lev had a point. He reluctantly backed off, but he made a mental note to keep an eye on Shibayama. There was something about that smile that didn't sit right with him.

Meanwhile, at Nohebi Academy, Kuguri, a formidable first-year player, was facing a different kind of challenge. He wasn't the team captain or vice-captain, but his reputation as the enforcer of discipline within the team was well-known. Daisho and Hiroo, the captain and vice-captain, were laid-back, and it was Kuguri who had to maintain order.

Kuguri was usually the one to scold his teammates when they stepped out of line, and they both respected and feared him for it. His presence alone was often enough to keep them in check.

However, today was different. Kuguri had been exchanging messages with someone special, someone who had managed to break through his tough exterior. They called each other by nicknames – he was "Nao," and he was "Uki." It was a secret bond that had slowly grown into something more profound.

As the Nohebi team prepared for Nekoma's arrival, Kuguri couldn't help but smile as he read Uki's latest message. His teammates exchanged nervous glances; they were more accustomed to his stern and unyielding demeanor than this rare display of warmth.