Mine! (Kuroo x Reader)

Chapter 8

The training camp was in full swing at Shinzen High, with players from Nekoma, Fukurodani, and other schools gathered to sharpen their skills. The gym was filled with the sounds of volleyballs being spiked, shoes squeaking against the floor, and the constant hum of chatter as teams strategized and coached each other. But there was something noticeably different about this camp—two key players were missing.

Kenma, Nekoma's setter, was the first to notice. During a break between drills, he glanced around the gym, his gaze settling on Kuroo, who was wiping sweat off his brow. "Where is Shoyo and the other one?" Kenma asked, his voice as flat as ever, but there was a hint of genuine curiosity.

Kuroo looked up, slightly surprised by the question. "Oh, Hinata and Kageyama? They're not here yet."

Kenma raised an eyebrow. "And why is that?"

Kuroo shrugged, a smirk forming on his lips. "They failed their exams and have to take a makeup test. Y/N decided to stay back and help them study."

Kenma blinked, processing the information. "So, they're going to be late?"

"Yep," Kuroo replied, leaning casually against the wall. "But they should be here by tonight. Knowing Y/N, she won't let them miss this camp."

The rest of the Nekoma team overheard the conversation and quickly gathered around, eager to tease Kuroo.

"Aw, Kuroo," Yaku grinned, nudging his captain with his elbow. "Missing your new friend already?"

Kuroo rolled his eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth. "She's just helping out her teammates. Nothing wrong with that."

"Yeah, but you've been texting her non-stop since the last match," Lev added with a mischievous grin. "I'm starting to think you've got a thing for Karasuno's manager."

Kuroo chuckled, trying to play it cool. "You guys are reading too much into this."

Kenma tilted his head slightly. "You did smile when you mentioned her."

Kuroo paused for a moment, realizing that Kenma had caught him. He sighed in defeat, unable to argue with the ever-observant setter. "Alright, alright. Maybe I do like her a little."

The Nekoma team erupted into laughter, with Yaku patting Kuroo on the back. "We knew it! Our captain's got a crush!"

Kuroo groaned, but the playful banter eased some of the tension he'd been feeling. He couldn't deny that he was looking forward to seeing Y/N again.

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Meanwhile, back in Karasuno, Y/N was waiting anxiously outside the classroom as Hinata and Kageyama took their makeup exams. She had spent the last few days drilling them on the subjects they struggled with, determined to help them pass.

When the doors finally opened, Hinata and Kageyama stepped out, looking nervous but relieved. Y/N gave them both a reassuring nod. "How did it go?"

Kageyama sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It was tough, but... I think I did okay."

Hinata, on the other hand, was still buzzing with energy. "I actually knew most of the answers! Thanks to you, Y/N!"

They all waited in tense silence as the teacher returned with their results. After what felt like an eternity, the teacher handed them their marked papers, and Hinata and Kageyama both broke into wide grins.

"We passed!" Hinata exclaimed, nearly jumping out of his shoes.

Y/N allowed herself a small smile, relieved that all their hard work had paid off. "Good job, both of you."

The three of them wasted no time rushing out of the school. Waiting at the gate was Saeko, Tanaka's older sister, leaning casually against her van with her signature wild grin, "Hop in kiddos! We're going to Tokyo!"

Hinata and Kageyama exchanged a look, both knowing exactly what kind of ride awaited them, but there was no turning back now. They hopped into the van with Y/N, and before they knew it, they were speeding down the highway, the city skyline quickly fading into the distance.

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After a few hours of driving, they finally arrived at the training camp. The van screeched to a halt outside the gym, and the doors flew open, revealing Hinata and Kageyama, who both leaped out, trying to look as cool as possible despite the wild ride.

Y/N followed, stepping out of the van with her usual calm demeanor. She stood slightly behind the two boys, watching as they attempted to play it cool in front of the gathered teams.

Hinata puffed out his chest, trying to strike a confident pose. "We're here!" he declared.

Kageyama crossed his arms, trying to match Hinata's energy. "And we're ready to play!"

Y/N just shook her head, a small, amused smile tugging at her lips as she let them have their moment. She gave them a few minutes to soak in the attention before walking past them, nodding politely to everyone who had gathered around.

As she made her way into the gym, her eyes met Kuroo's. For a brief moment, the world seemed to slow down as they exchanged a glance. Kuroo felt his heart skip a beat and couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face. Y/N, ever composed, gave him a slight nod before turning her attention back to the gym.

But the moment was quickly shattered by the sound of Hinata gagging. Everyone turned to see him doubled over, looking pale and sickly.

"What's wrong with him?" Yaku asked, concerned.

Hinata, still struggling to keep his lunch down, waved weakly at everyone. "I'm... I'm okay. Just... need a minute."

Kageyama rolled his eyes, clearly embarrassed by his partner's antics. "You're hopeless."

The Nekoma team burst into laughter, the tension of the long-awaited arrival easing as they watched Hinata try to recover from his nausea.

Kuroo, still smiling from his earlier interaction with Y/N, couldn't resist one last comment as he walked over to help Hinata. "Next time, maybe take the train. It's a lot less bumpy."

Hinata groaned in response, but even he couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. The teams quickly regrouped, ready to dive back into practice now that everyone was finally together.

As the evening wore on, the gym buzzed with activity as players from all the schools mixed together, trading tips and techniques. Y/N kept herself busy with her manager duties, but every now and then, she found her gaze drifting toward Kuroo, who was always somehow in her line of sight.

And each time their eyes met, that same small smile would creep onto her lips, and Kuroo would feel his heart skip a beat all over again. Despite the chaos, the missed exams, and the wild ride to the camp, something about this training camp felt different. And neither of them could wait to see where it would lead.