A game of hearts {Kuroo}

6.

The first cool gust of autumn swept across the university campus as Y/N made her way to the sports arena. Today marked the first official volleyball game of the season, and for the first time, she was going to watch Kuroo play in an actual match. The idea had seemed simple when Kuroo had invited her earlier in the week, but now, standing outside the crowded arena, she could feel her nerves begin to build. She had no idea what to expect.

Y/N clutched her coat tighter around her body as she approached the main entrance. The energy around her was palpable. Groups of students wearing the university colors and holding up signs made their way into the building, excitedly chatting about the upcoming game. It was clear that volleyball was a big deal at this university, much more than she had realized.

Before entering, she glanced down at her phone, finding a text from Kuroo.

*Kuroo*: "Don't forget, I'm counting on you to cheer louder than anyone else out there 😏"

A small smile tugged at her lips as she typed back a quick response.

*Y/N*: "No promises. But good luck."

She stowed her phone and took a deep breath before stepping inside. The moment she entered the gymnasium, the noise hit her—cheering, clapping, and the sound of volleyballs being hit during warm-up drills. The space was massive, with bleachers filled nearly to capacity. Banners with the university's colors draped the walls, and the court itself was polished to a shine.

Y/N scanned the crowd, feeling slightly overwhelmed. She had never been to a university sports event before, let alone one where so many people seemed so passionate. She made her way toward a spot in the bleachers, sitting near the middle, hoping to get a decent view of the game. As she settled into her seat, the announcer's voice boomed through the speakers.

"And now, introducing your university volleyball team!"

The crowd erupted into applause as the players began jogging out onto the court, one by one. Y/N's eyes instinctively searched for Kuroo, and soon enough, she spotted him. He stood out easily among the team, his tall frame and signature messy hair unmistakable. He wore a confident smile as he waved to the crowd, exuding an energy that was hard to miss. When his name was announced, the cheers seemed to get even louder.

Y/N found herself smiling despite the unfamiliarity of the environment. There was something about seeing Kuroo on the court, in his element, that struck her. He wasn't just the playful, sometimes cocky guy she had come to know in their study sessions—here, he was something more. A leader. A captain.

As the game began, Y/N tried her best to follow along. The ball flew back and forth across the net with lightning speed, the players moving like they were choreographed. Even though she didn't understand every aspect of the game, she couldn't deny how intense and captivating it was. Each point was earned through fierce effort, and the crowd responded with roaring approval or collective groans of disappointment.

Kuroo, as the team captain and middle blocker, wasat the heart of every key play. His presence on the court was commanding. Hecalled out orders to his teammates, his deep voice cutting through the noise ofthe arena, and every move he made was precise and powerful. His signature smirk was ever-present, even when the game got tough. He seemed to thrive under the pressure, making sharp blocks and strategic plays that had the crowd on their feet more than once.

Y/N found herself leaning forward, her eyes glued to the action. She wasn't the type to get easily excited by sports, but there was something about this game—and watching Kuroo—that was different. For the first time, she began to understand why he was so passionate about volleyball. It wasn't just a game for him; it was a way to express himself, to lead, and to win in a world where strategy and skill went hand in hand.

---

Midway through the second set, the opposing team launched a powerful spike that seemed destined to score. Y/N tensed, watching as the ball flew toward Kuroo's side of the court. But Kuroo's reflexes were quick—he leaped into the air, his hand raised high, and with a loud slap, he sent the ball back over the net in a perfect block. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Y/N found herself clapping along, her heart racing.

Kuroo glanced up at the stands, and for a brief moment, their eyes met. He shot her a quick wink before turning back to the game. Y/n's cheeks flushed, but she couldn't help but smile. Even in the middle of an intense match, Kuroo still managed to find a way to tease her.

As the game went on, Y/N's respect for Kuroo grew. She had always known he was competitive, but seeing him in action was something else entirely. His confidence wasn't just for show—it was backed by real talent, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to his team. He was constantly encouraging his teammates, pulling them together whenever things got tough. Even when the opposing team won a set, Kuroo kept his head high, rallying his team for the next round.

---

The match was tight, and by the time they reached the final set, the atmosphere in the gym was electric. Both teams were giving it their all, the score neck and neck. Every point was hard-fought, and the tension in the air was palpable. Y/N could feel the anxiety building in her chest as the game neared its conclusion.

It all came down to one final rally. The ball flew across the net, back and forth, each team desperate to land the winning point. Y/N held her breath as the ball soared high, the entire gym watching in anticipation. Kuroo, positioned perfectly near the net, leaped up for one final block. His hand connected with the ball, sending it straight back down to the opposing team's side.

The ball hit the floor with a resounding thud.

The crowd erupted in deafening cheers, and the scoreboard flashed the final point. Kuroo's team had won.

Y/N found herself on her feet, clapping along with the rest of the crowd. Her heart was racing, and despite her usual reserved nature, she couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. She had never expected to feel so involved, so invested in a game, but here she was, genuinely thrilled by the victory.

--- 

After the game, as the crowd began to disperse, Y/N lingered near the entrance of the gym, waiting for Kuroo. He eventually emerged, still in his jersey, his face flushed with the remnants of adrenaline and victory.

"Not bad, right?" Kuroo said with a grin as he approached her.

Y/N crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Not bad? You were incredible, Kuroo. That block at the end—seriously impressive."

Kuroo's grin widened, clearly pleased by the compliment. "Thanks, but it's all about the team. We wouldn't have pulled it off without everyone working together."

Y/N nodded, understanding now more than ever how true that was. "I see why you love this so much. It's not just about winning, is it?"

Kuroo's expression softened, a rare moment of seriousness crossing his features. "No, it's not. It's about pushing yourself and your teammates to be better. Every game, every point, it's about more than just the score."

Y/N smiled, feeling a new sense of admiration for him. She had always respected his dedication to volleyball, but now she truly understood it. "Well, I'm glad I came. It was... exciting. And I might have even cheered once or twice."

Kuroo chuckled, brushing a hand through his messy hair. "Good. I'll expect you at the next one, then."

She rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of warmth in her voice. "We'll see."

As they walked together out of the gym, Y/Ncouldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted. Watching Kuroo on thecourt had given her a deeper glimpse into who he was—someone driven by passion,loyalty, and an unyielding desire to succeed. And perhaps, in some small way,that drive was beginning to inspire her too.