Mine! (Kuroo x Reader)

Chapter 10

The training camp had finally come to an end, and the atmosphere was both celebratory and bittersweet. The intense days of practice had paid off for many, but the departure meant saying goodbye to newfound friends and the growth they had experienced together. For Y/N and Kuroo, the camp had been a time of significant connection. Their friendship had deepened, but for Kuroo, there was an underlying feeling that something was missing.

As he watched Y/N across the camp's final barbecue feast, he found himself caught between his growing feelings and the fear that she might not feel the same way. The coaches had organized a massive spread of grilled meat, and everyone was diving into the feast with enthusiasm. The smell of sizzling meat filled the air, and laughter echoed around the campgrounds as players and managers alike enjoyed the last night together.

Y/N was in her element, chatting and laughing with the other managers and Shimizu. Her cool demeanor never faltered, even amidst the lively atmosphere. Kuroo, however, was preoccupied. Every time he glanced over at Y/N, he felt a mix of admiration and anxiety. Kenma, ever perceptive, noticed Kuroo's distracted glances.

"You're staring at her again," Kenma said, his tone more of a statement than a question.

Kuroo sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I guess I am. I really like Y/N, Kenma."

Kenma raised an eyebrow. "Really? And how do you know she feels the same?"

"That's the thing," Kuroo admitted, his gaze dropping to his plate. "I don't. I'm afraid to make a move. I know she had a rough time with her last relationship, and I don't want to push her into anything she's not ready for."

Kenma listened quietly, his usual nonchalance replaced by a rare moment of seriousness. "You should talk to her about it. But don't rush things. If you care about her, give her space to decide how she feels too."

Kuroo nodded, appreciating Kenma's advice. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I just need to figure out the right time and way to bring it up."

As the night went on, the barbecue feast wound down. Laughter and conversation filled the air, but Kuroo's mind was still on Y/N. When the time came to pack up and prepare for departure, Kuroo knew he needed to make his move before it was too late.

He waited until the Karasuno team was about to board their bus. With a deep breath, Kuroo approached Y/N, who was standing near the entrance, finishing up her farewells.

"Hey, Y/N," Kuroo began, trying to keep his voice steady. "Are you free next weekend?"

Y/N looked at him, a bit startled by the sudden question. "Uh, yes. I should be. Why?"

Kuroo's nerves were evident despite his attempt to appear casual. "I was thinking of coming to Miyagi to visit. Maybe we could hang out. I'll let you know the details soon."

Y/N blinked, processing the unexpected offer. Before she could say anything further, Kuroo quickly added, "I've been thinking about how much I enjoy spending time with you. I'd really like to see you again soon."

He gave a small, hopeful smile and turned to join his teammates, leaving Y/N standing there with a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks. She watched as Kuroo walked away, a mix of confusion and excitement swirling in her mind.

Shimizu, who had been watching from a distance, noticed the interaction and couldn't help but tease. "Looks like someone's smitten," she said, her voice lighthearted.

Y/N gave a small, uncharacteristic smile but remained silent. Shimizu's teasing continued, "Didn't expect to see you blushing like that! What's going on with you and Kuroo?"

Y/N merely shrugged, trying to maintain her cool composure. "Nothing much," she replied nonchalantly. "He just asked if I was free next weekend and said he'd like to hang out."

Shimizu's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Oh, is that all? Well, it seems like you might have some plans to look forward to."

Y/N rolled her eyes but couldn't completely hide her smile. "I guess so," she said, her voice calm despite the blush on her cheeks. "Now, let's get on the bus."

As they boarded the bus, Shimizu continued to tease Y/N, while Y/N simply brushed it off with her usual cool demeanor. The rest of the team piled in, and as the bus pulled away, the atmosphere was filled with a mix of exhaustion and anticipation for the upcoming matches.

Meanwhile, Kuroo was reflecting on his conversation with Kenma and the brief exchange with Y/N. As the bus rolled towards their next destination, he felt a strange sense of satisfaction. He hadn't confessed his feelings outright, but he had taken the first step. His teammates' teasing didn't bother him as much anymore. What mattered was that he had an opportunity to spend more time with Y/N and maybe, just maybe, find out how she truly felt.

Back on the Karasuno bus, Y/N sat quietly, her thoughts drifting between the intense training, the fun she had had with her new friends, and the unexpected invitation from Kuroo. She glanced out the window, the night sky reflecting her inner turmoil. The future was uncertain, but for now, she allowed herself to enjoy the anticipation of what might come next.