Childhood friends

22. Cute Little Boy

You walked out of the gym with the Shiratorizawa boys, Goshiki included. "So, Goshiki-kun, tell me about yourself. What are your likes, dislikes, hobbies, stuff like that?"

Goshiki took a deep breath. "I like volleyball, I guess you could say it's also the only hobby I have. I dislike homework, but I still get pretty high grades. Um, what else do you wanna know?"

You hum, then say the first thing that comes to mind. "Do you have a girlfriend?"

Tendou smirked. "Why, are you interested in Tsutomu-kun?"

You shake your head. "No. I mean, Goshiki-kun is such a cutie, but I'm in a happy relationship. I'd be surprised if Goshiki-kun didn't have girls all over him."

Goshiki turned red. "Th-thank you very much, L/n-san! But I don't have a girlfriend!"

You pout. "Aww, why not?"

"W-well, I'm - I don't really - I guess I never really paid attention to girls. I was always so focused with volleyball. I mean, I guess I'd like to have a girlfriend one day, but I don't know if I'm ready for one right now. Does - does that make any sense?"

"No. You're rambling and stuttering like an idiot."

You smack the setter. "Shirabu, that's so mean! But, Goshiki-kun, I can totally understand how you feel. Believe it or not, I was once they same way. I didn't really think much about relationships, and all my attention was on volleyball. Being the ace of the team was all that mattered to me. Then, one day, after I couldn't play volleyball anymore, I just kinda realized I liked Taichi as more than a friend. And now I have a cute volleyball playing boyfriend that goes to a powerhouse like Shiratorizawa!"

Kawanishi frowned. "I'm not cute."

You raised a brow. "I've known you since we were babies. You're cute, no arguing with me."

Goshiki tipped his head to one side. "You used to play volleyball, L/n-san? What happened?"

"I tore my ACL and was instructed to not play sports anymore. Instead, I decided to become the manager for the team at my school. Right now, they're pretty much the only friends I've got."

Shirabu frowned. "So what are we?"

You roll your eyes. "Fine, the only friends in my school."

Kawanishi raised a brow. "What happened to Riko, or whatever her name was?"

"We don't see each other anymore. We haven't spoke with each other since the time that rumors about me dating guys on the team was going around."

Your boyfriend groaned. "Don't remind me of that. Every time I think back to you telling me about that, I get upset."

You grin. "Then you're gonna be really upset. The whole school is absolutely convinced me and Oikawa are dating. No one believes me when I say I'm dating someone from Shiratorizawa. Even Oikawa has to pout and admit that I'm dating someone from the very team he hates. You should see how worked up he gets every time it's mentioned!" You start laughing, picturing how Oikawa has nearly lost his composure due to your relationship.

Kawanishi crosses his arms over his chest. "I need to show up at your school to prove it. I'll kiss you in front of the entirety of Aoba Johsai. I don't even care what they end up saying."

"Please don't show up to my school. Oikawa will literally throw a fit." You could already imagine how your team would react to anyone from Shiratorizawa appearing on your school's campus.

Tendou had an evil glint in his eyes. "So, what you're telling me is to bring our entire team to your school?"

You froze in your tracks. "If any of you come onto Aoba Johsai grounds, I'm pretending like I don't know who you are. I don't want any rumors of me being a traitor to my own team to get out."

Semi shook his head. "Don't worry, L/n. We won't show up at Seijoh. You have nothing to worry about. Tendou, don't even think about doing something that could affect L/n's school life. As her friends, we need to respect the boundaries that she sets and know when to leave her some space."

Goshiki looks over at you. "So, L/n-san, do you really think I'm cute and can get a girlfriend whenever I want."

Shirabu scrunched his nose. "How'd we get back to that topic?"

You giggle, looking at the younger boy. "Of course. I would never lie to you. Goshiki-kun, I do find you to be one of the cutest boys I've ever met. I'm completely confident that girl will absolutely fawn over you. And, you have another advantage. Lots of girls like boys that can play sports, especially if they're one of the best players on the team. I think once girls see that a first year like you gets put on the starting lineup, you'll have fan girls from all over trying to go out with you."

Shirabu frowned. "Don't inflate his ego. There's no way he'll be a regular this year."

"Why not? I'd say he's probably the only person that stood out from all the first years. And I talked to your coach. Even he thinks he might wanna gamble on Goshiki-kun being good on the starting lineup."

The second year setter groans. "Why do you have to actually have a good eye for shit like this."

Goshiki, however, was beyond thrilled to hear you compliment him. "If you really say all that, then there's no way it won't happen! You must be the best person to ever exist, L/n-san!"

You chuckle. "I must be. I'm glad you can recognize that, Goshiki-kun. I think you and I are gonna get along just fine, you little cutie."

Semi sighed, knowing how this team was bound to function with you around. "L/n, please don't overdo it with the compliments."

Shirabu snorted. "We don't need him to have an unbearably large ego. Try to tone it down with your flattery."

You frown. "Now you're just being mean. You need to give your kouhai compliments. That's the only way you can get them to work well. They need to know they're talented and are doing things right. It's good motivation. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. I do this with my team all the time, and they continue to improve and work harder."

Ushijima deadpans. "Yet they haven't beat us."

"Too far! Don't diss my boys like that!" You look at your boyfriend and begin to whine. "Your teammates are being rude!"

Kawanishi shrugs. "That sucks. Maybe tell your team to actually beat us for once."

You scoff, turning to head home. "You're so not cute right now, Taichi. Don't worry, Goshiki-kun, you're still super cute."

Kawanishi pouts. "Now you're the one being mean."

"You started it."

"Goodnight, L/n-san! Get home safely! I can't wait to see you again."

You smile, waving at the group of boys. "Bye, bye! Get plenty of rest! I should see you guys on Monday next week!" And with that, you head home.