Again (Oikawa Tooru X Reader)

38) Denial

You hit the floor, hard, grunting as you get up you look into the blinding lights of the arena, searching for where your dig went.

You squint, your sweat stinging your eyes, Mira has just tipped it over from back row and the other team was counter attacking.

You watch carefully as they set the right side, jumping up to block but the set is off and they send a free ball over.

You transition, calling for the ball but Sasuki sets Ema in the middle.

The other team recovers and sets the right side again, and you jump up to block, but the left at opposite hits it into your hands and it ricochets backwards.

You turn swiftly to see where the ball goes, it's reaching the end line as both Teruhashi and Mira dive for it

The echoing sound of the ball hitting the floor, causes you to fall to your knees.

21-25.

You cover your face with your hands, soaking in your defeat. 

That last dig sucked, and my hands weren't pushing down enough to block that.

Your thoughts spiral, and you try to breathe to shake the negative thoughts that are plaguing your mind. All of which are blaming yourself.

You stand up, looking at your team whose tears have begun to flow.

Im not important enough to blame myself, this is a team sport.

You rub your eyes, emerging with a bittersweet smile .

How selfish can I be?

Your team lines up, slapping hands with the other team. When you reach Violet, she looks at you with her own tears.

"As an empath, I'm sad you lost." You snort, shoving her away under the net. "Shut up, and good game."

She grins at you, and the line continues on.

When the formalities are done, you huddle up with your coach, sniffles coming from everyone.

"I could not be more proud of you all, I swear this isn't just for the camera." He points at the man holding the camera and winks, the team chuckles softly.

"I'm being genuine, when I say you guys fought to the very end. All of you are so hard working and, you know i hate the word talented, but I will say you guys are all very, very skilled.

"I'm proud to be your coach, and you should be proud of how far you've come. We went from a small private school in miyagi to a semi-finalist national fricken tournament team guys, that's pretty awesome."

Mira sniffles, letting out a, "Woo!" And everyone decides to clap, cheering about the achievements you all made.

After lots of hugs on the court, you walk off, your face only wet from sweat. You didn't feel the need to cry, despite being so disappointed.

"Oi," As you walk, staring at your shoes, a familiar voice steps in front of you.  "Keep your head up," Tobio says, taking a few steps toward you.

You slow your walk as his long strides make him get to you faster. His strong arms wrap around you, gentle and unsure.

You hesitantly wrap your arms around him as well, your head moving down to rest on his shoulder.

A need to cry emerges and you blink back the tears, embarrassed.

He tightens his hug, and you shut your eyes.

"You did amazing, don't be upset." You nod, pulling back to look at him, "Okay, thank you Tobio."

"No problem," He nods at you, his face focused and serious.

You poke the wrinkle in between his eyebrow, "Relax buddy." You say with a small laugh, pulling him in for a hug again.

He wraps his arms around you again, his arms crunching the backpack slightly.

"Tobio?" You say after a moment, pulling back again to look at him.

He stares at you, signaling you to go on, "Why are you so good to me?"

His face flushes and he forces himself to look away, you stared with such genuine confusion. He couldn't handle it.

"Um, because we're friends, right?"

You chuckle at his embarrassment, pulling back completely, "Yeah. We are."

—

"Everyone thinks you guys are dating," Sasaki turns the phone toward you and you groan.

It's a tiktok of you and Tobio hugging after you lost, the song "All of the small things that you do" playing in the background.

"POV crying because the setter from Karasuno is comforting the girl from Seijoh after she lost." The platinum blonde reads aloud, "Someone said no he's mine. Wait stop it's a twelve year old." Teruhashi leans over Sasaki's shoulder, laughing as she reads it.

"She's gonna steal your man, just give her six more years and she'll be legal." Ema adds and you throw a pillow at her, "Guys stop. He's not my man, I don't like him."

"Cause you like Oikawa," Coach chimes in, "Do not get involved." Takara scolds him, and he giggles.

"Coach Irihata himself said it, Oikawa doesn't stop looking over at our practice according to him." You blow air out your nose, "That's got nothing to do with me."

"Oh right sure." He nods while pushing his glasses up, he turns his head back to his phone with an eye roll.

"Are you just in denial Y/N? Because you're not stupid enough to be oblivious." Mira chimes in, her mouth full.

"You've got two gorgeous setter boys bowing at your feet," Ema continues, "Tooru is not bowing at my feet—doesn't he literally have a girlfriend now?"

Everyone murmurs to themselves, things like 'oh yeah,' 'oh right' emerge.

"I still don't think he's over you Y/N, I bet he's just dating her because he likes you too much." Sasaki shrugs, writing away on her notebook.

The rooms silent as you look around, "Does no one hear how ridiculous that sounds???"

"It really isn't ridiculous Y/N, but think what you want." Kitomi pats your back, and you frown, crossing your arms.

"Denial isn't a good look on you sweetie." Mira comments, standing up from her spot next to you.

Your frown deepens, "Even if I did like him, he's in a relationship and I won't get between that. I ain't no home wrecker."

Mira shoves your head, singing "The other woman..." A part of song by Lana Del Ray.

You laugh, not questioning as to why her pronunciation was perfect.