Unexpected Spike (Bokuto x Reader)

Chapter 1

The gym of Fukurodani Academy was buzzing with excitement as the boys volleyball team of Fukurodani and Nekoma faced off in yet another practice match. Bokuto Koutaro, the ace and the captain of the Fukurodani's boys volleyball team was in his usual high spirits, bouncing on the balls of his feet, his eyes locked on the ball. The tension in the air only fueled his energy, his signature grin spreading across his face. In fact, he can be in his 'emo-mode' when he's sad or something.

"Akaashi!" Bokuto called out, his voice ringing across the court. "Send it to me!"

Akaashi nodded and sent the ball high into the air with a perfect set. Bokuto's eyes gleamed with determination as he leapt into the air, his powerful arm drawing back. He aimed for the open spot on Nekoma's court—but just as he unleashed his spike, the ball veered off course, sailing wildly toward the bleachers. It seemed he has unleashed a power as much as 110%.

There was a sudden, resounding thud, followed by a gasp from the players on both teams along with the coaches, managers and some of the audiences obviously. Bokuto landed back on the ground, eyes wide in horror as he realized what had just happened.

"Oh no!" he shouted, sprinting toward the bleachers. His heart pounded in his chest as he skidded to a stop in front of a girl - an innocent (but really really pretty, beautiful, lovely etc.) who was now sitting on the bench, clutching her face.

She had clearly not expected to be hit by a stray volleyball while quietly watching the match.

"I'm so sorry!" Bokuto blurted out, crouching down in front of her.

"Are you okay?! Oh man, I didn't mean to hit you! I was just trying to score, and—" he rambled, his hands flailing as he spoke, "—but it went whoosh in the wrong direction, and then bam! Right into you!"

The girl slowly lowered her hands from her face, revealing pink cheeks and a dazed expression. Despite the small red mark on her cheek, she smiled softly, though she winced a little.

"I'm okay," she said, her voice quiet but reassuring. "Really, it's fine."

Bokuto stared at her, blinking a few times. She wasn't angry. She wasn't even upset. In fact, she was smiling at him—this soft, kind smile that made Bokuto's heart do a weird little flip in his chest and his stomach suddenly churned?

"You sure?" he asked, still a bit panicked. "I can get ice! Akaashi! Do we have ice?!" he yelled to get the attention from the setter.

Akaashi sighed from across the court but jogged over with an ice pack in hand, clearly prepared for Bokuto's typical over-exuberance.

The girl gently took the ice pack and pressed it to her cheek, offering Akaashi a small smile in thanks.

"Thanks," she said softly.

Bokuto, still kneeling in front of her, felt his nerves start to settle as he watched her carefully. Now that the initial panic had passed, he realized something else—she was really, really cute.

She's so cutttteeeeeeeeeeee and look how smalllllll she is!!!!

"I'm Bokuto, by the way!" he blurted out, a goofy smile spreading across his face. "Bokuto Kotaro—ace of Fukurodani obviously since I'm really really great, volleyball superstar, and the captain of the team anddddd oh! I'm a third year!"

She chuckled, the sound light and musical, and Bokuto's heart flipped again.

"Nice to meet you, Bokuto," she said. "I'm L/N Y/N, you can just call me Y/N. And I guess you could say I'm the girl who got hit in the face by the ace of Fukurodani and uhhhh I'm a third year as well uhhh quite new actually ."

Bokuto's face flushed a little as he scratched the back of his head.

"Ohhh a new student and uhhh... not exactly the best way to introduce myself", he admitted with an awkward laugh. "But hey, you know what they say—first impressions are everything!"

She smiled again, and Bokuto felt warmth spread through his chest at the sight.

"I think it's a pretty memorable first impression,"Y/N teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

He's funny

For a moment, Bokuto just stared at her, mesmerized. He didn't know how to explain it, but something about her felt... comforting? Even though he'd just accidentally spiked her in the face, she wasn't upset. In fact, she was smiling at him like she'd known him for ages. That soft smile—it was enough to make his usual high energy settle into something gentler.

"Hey, um," Bokuto started, rubbing the back of his neck nervously, "after the match, do you wanna grab something to eat? You know, as an apology for, uh... this," he gestured vaguely to her cheek, still slightly red from the impact. "And also because... well, you seem pretty cool and cute."

Y/N blinked in surprise, her cheeks flushing slightly as Bokuto called him 'cute'.

"You don't have to apologize," she said softly, "but... yeah, I'd like that cause free food?"

Bokuto's face lit up with a grin that was so bright, it was contagious.

"Really? Awesome! I know a great place that has the best food ever! We can go right after I crush Nekoma!" He turned toward the court and shouted, "Akaashi! Let's wrap this up—I've got a date!"

Akaashi sighed again, though there was a hint of amusement in his eyes as he looked at Bokuto. "Focus on the game first, Bokuto-san," he said, but there was a small smile tugging at his lips.

Bokuto winked at Y/N before jogging back onto the court, his usual energy returning full force. But now, instead of just the thrill of the game driving him, there was something more a fluttering excitement that made him want to impress her even more.

Y/N watched him go, her heart fluttering in her chest. She hadn't expected this—any of it. But as she sat there with the ice pack pressed to her cheek, she couldn't help but smile. Bokuto was loud and a bit clumsy, but he was also warm and genuine in a way that made her feel special, even after such an awkward first meeting.

Maybe getting hit in the face by a volleyball wasn't so bad after all.