The Heart of the Ace (Iwaizumi x Reader)

Chapter 13

As the celebration ended, Aiko and Oikawa waved goodbye, leaving Y/N and Iwaizumi to walk home together. The evening air was cool and crisp, a soft breeze brushing against their faces as they strolled down the quiet streets. They walked side by side, the comfortable silence between them occasionally broken by casual conversation.

"So, how does it feel now that the performance is over?" Iwaizumi asked, glancing at Y/N.

Y/N smiled, feeling a mix of relief and excitement. "Honestly? I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I'm just glad it went well."

"It did," Iwaizumi said, his voice sincere. "You were incredible."

Y/N blushed slightly, looking down at her feet. "Thanks. I'm really glad you came. It meant a lot to see you there."

Iwaizumi looked over at her, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Of course. I wouldn't have missed it."

Just as they approached Y/N's house, the sky suddenly opened up, and a torrential downpour began. Without thinking, Y/N grabbed Iwaizumi's hand and tugged him toward the house, rushing them inside before they could get completely soaked.

The door swung open, and they were greeted by the warm light of the hallway. Jun was the first to spot them, his eyes widening with excitement.

"Hey, oneesan!" Jun called out, grinning. "You brought a guest!"

Y/N's cheeks flushed as she stepped inside, still holding Iwaizumi's hand before quickly letting go. "It wasn't planned," she mumbled. "It started raining."

Their parents soon joined them in the hallway. Y/N's mother smiled warmly at the sight of Iwaizumi. "Oh my, look at you two! Completely drenched! Why don't you stay over, Iwaizumi? It's already so late, and with this rain, it would be safer."

Y/N's father nodded in agreement. "She's right. You should give your parents a call and let them know. It's no trouble at all for you to stay the night."

Iwaizumi hesitated for a moment before giving a polite nod. "Thank you, I appreciate it. I'll call my parents."

As Iwaizumi made his call, Jun bounded over to Y/N with a mischievous grin. "You're blushing!" he teased, poking her in the arm. "Is Iwaizumi staying in your room?"

"Jun!" Y/N hissed, her face heating up even more. "Don't say things like that!"

But the teasing didn't stop there. When Iwaizumi returned from making his call, her mother gestured toward the hallway. "Why don't you take a shower and get comfortable? Y/N's father has some spare clothes you can borrow."

Her father handed over the clothes with a smile. "They might be a little big, but they'll do for the night."

Y/N's mind was spinning with embarrassment as Iwaizumi thanked them and headed off to the bathroom. She couldn't believe this was happening. Her heart pounded in her chest at the thought of him staying over.

After Iwaizumi showered and changed, the family gathered around the dinner table. The conversation flowed naturally, with Y/N's parents praising her performance while Iwaizumi chimed in with a few kind words of his own. Y/N couldn't help but feel a warm glow in her chest, knowing that Iwaizumi had been there to witness her big moment.

Jun, of course, kept the teasing going, making Y/N blush every chance he got. "Iwaizumi, you should come over more often."

Iwaizumi chuckled, clearly flattered. "I'd be happy to."

After dinner, they all gathered in the living room to watch a volleyball match on TV. Jun sat in between Y/N and Iwaizumi, eagerly asking questions about the game, while Y/N found herself sneaking glances at Iwaizumi whenever she thought he wasn't looking. There was something about him being there, sitting comfortably in her house, that made her heart race. It felt almost... domestic. Like they were already closer than friends.

As the night wore on, Y/N realized just how tired she was. It had been an eventful day, and exhaustion was starting to catch up with her. She noticed Jun rubbing his eyes sleepily as well.

"I think it's time for bed," Y/N's father announced as he stood up, stretching his arms. "It's getting late."

Y/N led Iwaizumi upstairs to her room, feeling a bit self-conscious about the whole situation. She quickly set up a futon on the floor for him, her cheeks still burning with embarrassment. "I'm sorry you have to sleep on the floor," she mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

Iwaizumi smiled softly. "It's really no problem. I've slept in worse conditions during training camps."

Y/N chuckled nervously, unsure of what else to say. 

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Iwaizumi's POV:

After finishing up in the bathroom, Iwaizumi took a deep breath and reached for his phone. The steady patter of rain against the window was a constant reminder of the unexpected turn of events. He dialed Oikawa's number, mentally preparing for his friend's inevitable teasing.

"Hey, Oikawa," Iwaizumi said as soon as his friend picked up.

Oikawa's voice was immediately buoyant. "Iwa-chan! What's going on?"

Iwazumi continued, "I'm at Y/N's place."

Oikawa let out huge breathe of surprised, "Really??!! Care to explain?"

Iwaizumi sighed, knowing he wouldn't get a straightforward answer. "It's raining heavily outside, and it's pretty late. Her parents insisted I stay over. I didn't have much choice."

Oikawa's laugh was light and mischievous. "Oh, is that so? Are you planning to sleep in her room? Better not get too cozy now, Iwa-chan~"

Iwaizumi couldn't help but smirk despite himself. "You know I'm sleeping on the futon in her room. Quit being a nuisance, crappykawa."

Oikawa's tone shifted, though he kept his playful edge. "Alright, alright. But this is your chance, you know. You've been spending a lot of time with Y/N. Maybe you should use this opportunity to talk to her about your feelings."

Iwaizumi felt a twinge of anxiety at the suggestion. "I'm still figuring things out. I'm not sure if I'm ready to talk about it yet."

"Come on," Oikawa urged, his voice growing more earnest. "You've been thinking about her a lot. Everyone can see it except for you two. You don't have to make a grand gesture, just be honest with her. If you're ready."

Iwaizumi's thoughts raced as he listened to Oikawa's advice. It was clear that his feelings for Y/N had grown deeper over time, but the thought of confessing made him anxious.

"Yeah, maybe you're right," Iwaizumi admitted reluctantly. "I'll think about it."

Oikawa's tone softened, becoming more supportive. "Just take your time, Iwa-chan. But don't let this opportunity pass you by. Sometimes, you have to take a leap to find out where you really stand."

As the call ended, Iwaizumi was left with his thoughts. The conversation with Oikawa had planted a seed of contemplation. He wasn't sure if he was ready to confront his feelings yet, but the encouragement had made him consider it more seriously.

Returning to the guest room, he glanced around at the cozy space Y/N's family had provided. Despite his uncertainty, he was grateful for the warmth and hospitality. Tonight was more than just a chance to stay dry—it was a moment to reflect on his feelings and the steps he might take in the future.

As he settled in, Iwaizumi resolved to be present and enjoy the evening with Y/N and her family. He knew that whatever came next, he needed to be true to himself and his feelings.