A game of hearts {Kuroo}

1.

The campus of Tokyo University of Science buzzed with energy as the new semester began. The tall buildings stood proudly against the bright blue sky, casting long shadows on the pathways filled with students rushing to their next classes or catching up after the break. Among them was Y/N Morine, a transfer student stepping into this world for the first time.

Y/N had always been the quiet, introspective type, preferring the company of her books and research to the chaotic social scenes of university life. Her major, biology, demanded long hours in the lab and at her desk, something she didn't mind at all. But this new environment larger, louder, and brimming with activities made her feel like a fish out of water. As she clutched her heavy bag filled with textbooks, her eyes darted around the campus, taking in the bustling students and the impressive buildings.

Her best friend, Aya, a bubbly, extroverted journalism student, had convinced Y/N to transfer here from their smaller college, claiming the university had better resources and more opportunities. Aya had been adamant that Y/N needed to "experience life" beyond the classroom, and so far, Y/N wasn't quite sure if she'd made the right choice.

"Come on, Y/N!" Aya chirped, bouncing next to her as they walked through the campus quad. "You've been here for like...what? A day? And all you've done is study. You need to have fun! Let's start with something exciting. There's a volleyball game tonight! I heard our team is incredible this year, and the captain, Kuroo Tetsurō, is practically a legend."

Y/N groaned internally but nodded out of politeness. She had no interest in sports, much less volleyball, but she didn't want to disappoint Aya. Besides, maybe a break would do her some good.

The evening arrived quicker than expected, and Y/N found herself seated in the university's massive gymnasium, surrounded by loud, enthusiastic students dressed in the school's colours. The stands were packed, and the air buzzed with anticipation. Aya had managed to snag them seats near the front, where the court was only a few feet away. It was louder than anything Y/N had ever experienced and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, already counting down the minutes until the match would be over.

Then, amidst the noise, the sound of whistles, and the clattering of volleyballs being passed back and forth, a tall figure caught Y/N's eye.

Kuroo Tetsurō.

He was unmistakable, his tall frame towering over the other players, his wild black hair with streaks of gold sticking up in all directions, and that signature cocky smirk plastered across his face. Even from the stands, Y/N could see how effortlessly he commanded the court. The way he moved swift, agile, always in the right position showed an undeniable mastery of the game. His voice, deep and full of authority, cut through the cheers as he called out orders to his teammates.

The match began, and though Y/N had no knowledge of volleyball, even she could tell that Kuroo was something special. He seemed to be everywhere at once, diving for impossible saves, setting up spikes with surgical precision, and rallying his teammates with an infectious energy that filled the gym. The crowd erupted in cheers every time he made a play, chanting his name as if he were a celebrity. Aya, sitting beside Y/N, was shouting along with them, completely swept up in the excitement.

But what struck Y/N the most wasn't the cheers or Kuroo's impressive athleticism it was his eyes. Sharp, focused, with a gleam of intensity that made it clear he was playing for more than just the win. There was something deeper driving him, a determination that seemed almost personal.

Y/N watched in silent curiosity, momentarily forgetting the noise around her.

By the time the match ended, Kuroo's team had won, and the crowd roared with approval. Aya jumped to her feet, clapping and cheering like everyone else, but Y/N remained seated, lost in her thoughts. She had never been drawn to athletes before, always preferring the academic world where her mind could roam freely. But there was something about Kuroo Tetsurō that intrigued her. Perhaps it was his charisma on the court, or maybe it was the way he seemed to balance his playful demeanour with a sense of responsibility. Whatever it was, he'd left an impression on her one she couldn't quite shake.

As the gym slowly emptied, Aya turned to Y/N, eyes sparkling with excitement. "What did I tell you? Wasn't that amazing?"

Y/N smiled weakly. "It was...interesting. He's a good player."

"A good player? He's a genius! I've heard he's studying something science-related, like you. Imagine being that good at both school and volleyball," Aya said, shaking her head in disbelief.

Y/N raised an eyebrow at that. A science major? That was unexpected. Kuroo didn't seem like the type to excel academically. In her experience, people who were passionate about sports rarely had time for anything else. Yet, if Aya was right, Kuroo somehow managed to balance the two.

"Well, I hope his grades are as impressive as his plays," Y/N muttered, standing up and grabbing her bag.

As they left the gym, Y/N couldn't shake the image of Kuroo from her mind. He was clearly someone who thrived in the spotlight, comfortable with the attention and praise that came with being a star athlete. She, on the other hand, preferred to remain in the background, unnoticed, and undisturbed.

Little did she know that their paths would soon cross in a way that would change both of their lives.