Connections || Aoba Johsai x OC

1.2 • ''The Boys' Team?'' [filler?]

A/N - This chapter is like half the length of the rest and it also takes place in Yumi's household for this one. It's less of a filler, more of a.. fill in? idk you get some insights or sum

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"So, Yumi, got any clubs in mind?" Fusae asks her daughter at the dining table. It's one of those rare days that the family eats together in the evening. Mayumi's parents are always busy with work and whatever the hell they do, and Haruki is visiting for a little while for once.

Mayumi let out a sigh, almost subtle enough to pass as regular breathing, but her brother noticed it right away. "I've got a chance for the volleyball team." She responded right away, wanting to dismiss the topic she hated hearing from her mom.

Haruki swallowed some food before propping his elbow on the table and resting his head on his palm. "Hm? Thought you were uninterested in playing, especially after, uh, yeah." He bit his lip and nodded his head, knowing she understood what he meant.

"Oh, that's great, sweetheart! I'm sure playing the sport will do you well, s-"

"Not- the girls' team." She interrupted her mother before she could finish speaking. Mayumi's mother looked a little taken aback at the interruption, her face showed 'What are you talking about'.

"Oh, oh~" Haurki hummed with delight, realizing what you meant by your words, "I thought the girlies in your school were aaallll over the place to get that spot, imoto. What makes you think you got a chance, eh?"

"I know one or two of their players," She explained, eyeing her mother now and then to check for her reaction. "They said I was the first girl who they believe actually fits the role, compared to the countless other times a student has begged them for the spot."

"Yeah right," Yumi's older brother chuckled, "As if the rest of the team will like you." He said with a teasing smile. Only an older sibling could say that with such a face.

"Hey hey~" She swirled the juice in her glass with a little smirk, "I got the most stubborn one to tolerate me already, so, I think I'm winning so far."

Her father chuckled quietly as Mayumi's mother looked at her incredulously. "Is that really a pr-" "Don't you worry, mom."

Haruki interrupted with a grin, "It's a busy job that so many people want but so little get-- the boy's are crazy good players and there are so many great paths opening up for her by just joining!"

Thank god for her brother. He always knew how to convince their mom somehow.

"..Alright then. As long as you're happy with it." She smiled. Though the tone sounded more like I have my doubts but I'll let it slide for now.

Yumi just sighed and eyed her brother, 'thanks but now what'

Haruki smirked as he took a sip of water, his eyes squinted at her as if saying 'she genuinely thinks it's dumb, prove her wrong' "Plus, if you do it, I'll treat you to ice cream."

Ah, peak persuasion. Bribery.

She shrugged and stood up to wash her plate. "Deal is sealed. I like chocolate and vanilla, by the way." She hummed as she disappeared past the kitchen door.

Fusae eyed the door as it closed. "Is it really a, y'know, productive club? A good extracurricular?"

"I think it's a great idea!.. What exactly is it?" Yumi's father wasn't too sure, but he had the spirit!

Haruki happily filled his glass to talk longer with his parents. He finished his food, but he knows his sister gets bored of explaining.

"Manager of the boys' volleyball team. I remember when Seijoh's current captain was still in, what was it, middle school? Best all-rounder, or sumthin." He shrugged and smiled. "Very popular, really talented players, and god, those fangirls go crazy! They may be a strong team, but they'll want that extra support eventually."

"So..?" Guess his mom didn't quite understand. "What would Yumi's job be?"

"Some teams, a lot of teams, have managers to help out on the side. On the outside it looks like all they do is prepare water bottles, hand out towels, watch their bags and cheer for the team, but it's so much more than that."

Haruki sighed. "I heard from other alumni that they haven't been able to get a manager because most people at the school don't have the dedication to it, and the rest are a million fangirls who want the spot as an excuse to be close with the players-- most commonly the pretty boy captain."

While his dad started packing away their empty dishes, Haruki watched his mother contemplate, "And you're sure Yumi isn't doing it for the same reason?"

"What?" He laughed, "Seriously? Do you seriously think she has those kind of intentions? Last I checked, she disliked overly popular guys! Look, just trust her, okay? She will be fine. If your concern is being productive-- dedicated managers like her do this like a side job, an extra class if you will. If your concern is 'eUh bOyS', uhm, hello?? This is Mayumi we're talking about? Plus she's totally clueless and probably is in love with her textbooks already."

"She's just.. I dunno, couldn't she be better off in, like--"

"Let her be her, sweetheart." The hearty man interrupted. "If our daughter wants it, let her choose her path." And with that, the #1 dad disappeared into the kitchen.

"Give her some time, ma, have some more faith in her, eh?"

Haruki followed his father into the kitchen, continuing some old conversation about his current job.

"I mean, it- it gives me a real reason to stay out longer, right?" Yumi thought out loud, "No, no, I mean, it's a plus, but that's not why--"

How lucky she was to be alone in her own room.

"Like, I don't know! Yahaba-san and Watari-kun said they really really believe I can- that I should!"

It's been a while since she's gotten so distressed over a decision that she talked to herself.

"I am completely capable, I know it! Maybe it's just the thought of being constantly surrounded by those boys?"

Reputation-wise, what's that gonna do?

"Big chance I'm locking into having only guy friends if I join. If some random girl pops up and becomes the manager, she's bound to become every girls' opp! Then, that girl is ME???"

How does one even defend themselves from that.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid!" She sighed and flopped onto her bed, her voice becoming muffled, "All this arguing with myself even when I know I'll say yes..!"

Haruki leaned on the wall of the hallway while chuckling to himself. He never really gets to see his sister that often, but when he does, there is never a dull moment.

And while Yumi composed herself and started getting ready for bed, Haruki mumbled a small 'good night, imoto' at the slightly open doorway before he had to leave.