Mine! (Kuroo x Reader)

Chapter 15

As Kuroo and Y/N walked through the bustling hallways of the stadium, chatting quietly after Nekoma's victory over Nohebi, the atmosphere between them was comfortable, yet charged with unspoken words. Kuroo was still riding the high of the win, but there was a part of him that was keenly aware of Y/N's presence beside him. He kept glancing at her, wondering if today might be the day he'd finally muster the courage to tell her how he felt.

Y/N, on the other hand, was quietly proud of Kuroo, as well as excited for her own team's upcoming match. She hadn't shown it, but being around Kuroo always made her feel a certain calm, even though she often found herself questioning the depth of his feelings toward her.

As they walked, Kuroo's teammates gave him knowing looks, nudging each other and smirking as they passed by. Kuroo rolled his eyes but didn't say anything. He knew exactly what they were thinking and, honestly, they weren't wrong.

The atmosphere was relaxed until a voice called out from behind Y/N. It was a voice she had not heard in a long time but immediately recognized. Her body tensed, her heart skipped a beat, and she hoped, desperately, that she was mistaken.

"Y/N."

Kuroo noticed her sudden stiffening and glanced over his shoulder. There, standing a few feet away, was Hito (her ex-boyfriend). His presence felt like a sudden chill in the air, a stark contrast to the warmth of their earlier conversation. Hito, with his confident demeanor and imposing presence, looked every bit the volleyball player he was. His sharp eyes scanned Y/N with a mixture of recognition and challenge.

"Hey," Y/N said, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions brewing inside her. She tried to maintain her composure, but she could feel the tension radiating from her.

Kuroo stepped closer to Y/N, his stance protective. "Who's this?" he asked, his voice firm but curious.

Hito's eyes shifted to Kuroo, assessing him with a critical gaze. "I'm Hito. And you are?" he asked, his tone laced with a hint of challenge.

Kuroo's jaw tightened slightly. "I'm Kuroo. I'm with Nekoma," he said, his voice calm but carrying an undertone of authority.

Hito's gaze lingered on Kuroo for a moment before he turned back to Y/N. "I didn't expect to run into you here, Y/N. What a coincidence."

Y/N felt a pang of anxiety but forced herself to remain calm. "What are you doing here, Hito?" she asked, trying to keep her voice neutral.

Hito shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm here for my match. We're up against next. Didn't think I'd bump into you, though."

Kuroo raised an eyebrow. "You're a player too?" he asked, a mix of surprise and curiosity in his voice.

Hito smirked. "Yes, I am. I'm on the team from my school in Osaka."

Y/N swallowed hard, her mind racing. The thought of facing Hito on the court again was unsettling, especially with the unresolved emotions from their past. She took a deep breath, trying to focus on the present.

"We should probably get going," Kuroo said, his tone gently urging Y/N to move on. "Karasuno's match is coming up soon."

Y/N nodded, grateful for the distraction. "Yes, let's go," she agreed, starting to walk away with Kuroo by her side.

Hito's voice called out again, a smirk playing on his lips. "Don't be a stranger, Y/N. It's been a while."

Kuroo's expression darkened slightly, but he kept his tone even. "Take care, Hito."

As they walked away, Y/N felt a mix of relief and anxiety. She glanced at Kuroo, who was walking beside her, his presence a comforting shield against the unsettling encounter. Kuroo noticed her distress and offered a reassuring smile.

"Everything okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Y/N sighed, nodding slowly. "Yeah, just... unexpected. Hito's playing in the tournament, and I didn't expect to see him here."

Kuroo's expression softened with understanding. "If he's causing you any trouble, just let me know. I'm here for you."

Y/N looked up at him, appreciating his support. "Thanks, Kuroo. It means a lot."

They continued their walk in silence, the earlier ease of their conversation replaced by a more serious atmosphere. Despite the encounter with Hito, Y/N felt a sense of reassurance knowing that Kuroo was by her side. As for Kuroo, seeing Y/N unsettled by her past only strengthened his resolve to be there for her and to, hopefully, one day tell her how he truly felt.

Later, as they reached the arena for Karasuno's match, the focus shifted back to the game. Kuroo watched Y/N cheer for her team from the stands, and he couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. Even though things were still complicated and unspoken between them, he felt grateful for these moments together and hopeful for what the future might hold.