Mine! (Kuroo x Reader)

Chapter 14

Days turned into weeks, and the connection between Y/N and Kuroo deepened with each passing day. They texted and called each other regularly, though neither of them seemed to gather the courage to confess their true feelings. Their conversations ranged from teasing banter to more serious talks, each one bringing them closer together. Yet, the unspoken words lingered between them, like a secret neither was quite ready to share.

Kuroo's teammates at Nekoma noticed the change in their captain. He was always quick with a smile, but now there was a certain softness in his eyes, especially when he glanced at his phone after practice. They knew he was talking to someone special, and it didn't take long for them to figure out who it was. Kuroo's reluctance to confess, however, earned him the label of a "scaredy cat," a nickname that stuck as his teammates playfully urged him to man up and tell Y/N how he felt.

Kenma, as always, was more subtle in his encouragement. He didn't push Kuroo but often dropped hints about taking the next step. "If you don't tell her soon, someone else might," he'd say casually during lunch breaks, causing Kuroo to groan in frustration. But Kenma knew his friend well enough to see that Kuroo was just waiting for the right moment.

Y/N, on the other hand, was as calm and composed as ever. Her friends at Karasuno occasionally teased her about her connection with Kuroo, especially when they caught her with a small smile on her face after reading one of his texts. But Y/N took it all in stride, her cool demeanor never wavering. She wasn't one to be easily flustered, at least not outwardly. Inside, however, she couldn't deny that her feelings for Kuroo were growing stronger with each interaction.

As the Interhigh preliminaries approached, the atmosphere at Karasuno was electric with anticipation. The team had trained relentlessly, and their efforts paid off as they secured victories against powerhouse schools like Aoba Johsai and Shiratorizawa. Each match was intense, and Y/N was right there, her sharp eyes following every move, every point. She didn't show much emotion, but anyone who knew her well could see the pride she felt for her team.

When Karasuno finally qualified for the next stage, Y/N felt a surge of satisfaction. That evening, she sent Kuroo a message: "Karasuno made it. Looks like we'll have to settle this crow vs. cat battle soon." The message was simple, but Kuroo could sense the quiet determination behind it.

Kuroo's reply was just as lighthearted: "Can't wait to see if you crows can finally outsmart us." But beneath the playful banter, he was genuinely excited at the prospect of facing Karasuno, knowing that Y/N would be there, watching.

The Spring Tournament arrived faster than expected. Kuroo, always confident on the court, felt a different kind of anticipation this time. He knew Y/N would be there, and the thought both thrilled and unnerved him. He wanted to impress her, to show her the best of what Nekoma could do. But more than that, he just wanted to see her, to be near her.

As Nekoma prepared for their match against Nohebi, Kuroo scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. He didn't have to search for long. There she was, standing quietly among the spectators, her presence as calm and steady as ever. Seeing her there, Kuroo felt a surge of energy. He wanted to make sure that Nekoma's victory today would be one she would remember.

The match against Nohebi was as challenging as expected. Nohebi was known for their sly tactics, using every trick to try and throw Nekoma off their game. But Kuroo, with his sharp instincts and quick thinking, led his team through each obstacle. Every time Nekoma scored, he felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing Y/N was watching.

When Nekoma finally secured their victory, the team erupted in celebration. Kuroo couldn't help but smile as he looked around the arena, his gaze eventually landing on Y/N, who was making her way down from the stands. She approached him with that same composed expression, but there was a warmth in her eyes that made Kuroo's heart skip a beat.

"Good game, Kuroo," Y/N said, her voice steady. "You guys played really well."

"Thanks, Y/N," Kuroo replied, his smile widening. "It means a lot that you were here."