far beyond these ocean tides... ~~// kozume, kenma

Chapter 2: Introductions

I've never seen the volleyball team so carefree like they are now, they don't even have shirts on.

They move so smoothly and coordinately. After watching them for a while, I realize it's not just that. It's as if they're connected. A group of bloodthirsty athletes led by a mastermind. It sends chills down my spine watching them play. A few minutes after that, they stop playing and grab their water bottles. Yamamoto spilled ice cold water on a tall slender boy and they proceed to bicker like little kids.

"Dumbasses! Get it together! I have an important announcement!" Kuroo declares to the boys. They quickly stop their quarrel and apologize to their captain. Wow, they really respect him around here. He'd probably beat their ass if they didn't though. "This is y/n she's a second year and starting today she will be our official manager. Don't bombard her, treat her with respect, and I better not hear any complains about any of you. Treat her like she's part of the team, which she is now. Go introduce yourselves."

I smile nervously and wave. Everyone simply looks confused. I mean, I can't blame them. This is really sudden for me too. 

All of them come by and tell me a little bit about themselves, except a boy with blonde highlights 

"Kenma, introduce yourself. Don't be rude. Sorry about him, he's my best friend but he's also antisocial." Kuroo says

He looks up from his hunched back posture staring at his nails and softly said "Kozume, Kenma. Second year setter, nice to meet you" 

"Oi that's an improvement, you can never get him to talk to you like that. Only chibi-chan can." Kuroo remarks. 

We gather around and sit in a messy circle as they discuss details about an upcoming training camp they will be hosting soon. I learned we have a rivalry with a school in Miyagi, known as Karasuno.

I share with them my experience in a volleyball summer camp when I was in my third year of junior high and they seem surprised on how much I understand the sport. 

"Lev, you need to practice your receives. You won't be a regular without them, ask Yaku to help you more." Kuroo adds

"Yea you already took my spot but I'm not going to lose to you." Inuoka adds. 

Everyone laughs but I can't help to notice Kenma doesn't. He is so focused on his game, I don't think he's listening to anything anyone's saying right now. I find myself staring a little too long, I can't seem to read him though. It's like he's in his own world. He tied his blonde hair with black roots up into a Man bun. I guess he never bothered to dye the roots blonde too. It suits him though. 

He finally looks straight at me with his piercing cat shaped pupils and such a serious look. He stares at me for over ten seconds. I feel my cheeks burning up. He is trying to read me right now. He is such an intellectual, I feel the power of his intelligence right now. 

He looks away after he seems like he found what he was looking for in my expression. I try to shrug it off. He is a genius after all, but he doesn't seem like the talking type. Maybe that look was him trying to convey something he can't or doesn't feel like saying in words. 

He looks like a dream. I would paint him if I was an artist. I would write about him if I was a writer. I would compose music about him and play his essence on my violin if I had talent.

I've never found myself seeing someone in such a light. Not to mention the burning hot sun looking down on us. 

"I'm surprised Kenma hasn't left yet. He hates the water cause he's literally a cat." Yamamoto says

"I brought him so he couldn't leave if he really wanted to. It's too far for him to walk, which we know he wasn't planning to do anyways." Kuroo remarks with a smirk. 

Kenma just yawns and gets up as his teammates force him to toss some balls for them. He only tossed two before giving up.

"Oh? You can toss five times for Shoyo but not for your own team, Wow I'm hurt." Kai jokes

The team agrees and begin fake crying but Kenma just sighs. Man he really doesn't seem to enjoy volleyball, he has no team spirit whatsoever. I think I can finally read him.

"Hey. I know you might not see this coming from someone you just met, but you're going to miss playing one day when you can't go back to this time again. Give them a toss, it can't hurt." I encourage him

He looks deep into my soul. He's humbling me right now, I feel stupid. It totally wasn't my place to say that. 

"Im sor-" I say before he cuts me off by simply nodding and saying yes. He goes back to his teammates. All of them surprised to see he came back, yet happy.

I'm glad I was able to do something for my team. 

They finish playing about an hour later and gather around for some food. I gather paper plates and cups Kuroo had brought and served each one of them two chicken drumsticks and a few slices of watermelon.

"Wow thank you so much, you're the best manager ever. We appreciate you." Lev says excitedly.

"Oh it really wasn't much. Kuroo brought all the stuff and helped me cook some of it. " I reply

"Still, we have never had someone to rely on or support us like this, so thank you." He adds

I smile at him and thank him. I feel really good about being with them. I hope we all get to know eachother better. 

We sit again and laugh and talk just like a couple of teenagers. 

'Hey Nanami, can I ask you something really quick?" Kuroo asks

I wonder if I did anything wrong, I don't think I did. I can't help my guilty conscience. I simply nod and get up to walk towards the tall dark haired man.

"What did you say to Kenma earlier when he didn't want to toss more balls for us?" He asks

"Oh I simply just told him he might regret not taking advantage of such opportunities later. Why? Did he take it the wrong way?" I ask

"No, he just never listens to what any of us say and you got him to agree so easily. He's not that kind of obedient, enthusiastic, social person. Thank you, not even I could've confused his lazy butt to toss some more." 

"Yeah I can tell he's like that. I'm glad I was able to help. "

"You have a gift with others Nanami, you know that right?" He adds

"No I don't know what you're talking about."

"You just give off such easy going radiant vibes. Even someone like Kenma would confide in you for advice or just company."

"You flatter me too much really. " I say

"You deserve it, and I am not wrong" Kuroo shrugs and pats me on the back.

Ouch! I don't think he realized the amount of force he put into that pat. 

"Guys take a short break to digest your food because we're playing until Sunset baby!"

Everyone shouts enthusiastically and show off their team spirit. Except Kenma, again.