𝙨𝙚𝙩, 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠, 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙘𝙪𝙣𝙩 | 𝙖. 𝙢𝙞𝙮𝙖

4 ᡣ𐭩

After sending my texts, I put my phone away and leaned back on the bench, watching the team start to gather for practice. Atsumu appeared in his jersey, looking forward to join his team on the court. I couldn't help but steal a few glances at him as they began their warmups, his energy radiating across the gym.

As I watched the team dive deeper into their drills, the team's manager, a tall girl with a neat ponytail and a clipboard in her hand, approached me. She gave me a friendly smile.

"Hey, I saw you come in with Atsumu," she said, sitting down beside me. "You must be a friend of his?"

"Something like that, classmates rather," I replied, trying to sound casual. "We're supposed to study after practice."

She raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Studying with Atsumu? That's a first." She chuckled.
"I'm Aya, by the way. I manage this kindergarten," she told me with a soft smile which I returned.

"(Y/N)."

Aya nodded thoughtfully. "Well, (Y/N), good luck keeping him focused. I didn't think he could sit still for more than five minutes without thinking about volleyball."

I laughed, stealing a glance at him, who was now messing around with his brother. 

"Atsumu, Osamu! Back to practice, now," Aya shouted across the gym.

"Yeah, I have a feeling it might be a little challenging," I chucked.

"More than you know," Aya teased, nudging me lightly. "But he's a good guy. Once you get him to settle down, he's actually pretty sharp. He just prefers to, you know, not act like it."

I smiled, watching Atsumu's playful energy on the court. "Yeah, I noticed that about him."

Aya leaned back, a small smirk on her lips, her clipboard resting on her lap. "So, first time coming to a practice?"

"Yeah," I admitted, "I wasn't too sure what to expect from it."

"Well, if you ever want to come back, feel free. It's always nice to have new faces around here." She gestured towards the team. "It can be quite of a circus sometimes, but you get used to it."

"Thanks," I said, appreciating her laid-back attitude. "I might take that up on you."

As the practice continued, Aya pointed out some plays, explaining the strategies behind the drills. I found myself actually getting into it, more interested in the game than I thought I'd be. The gym was filled with the noise of shoes squeaking on the floor, players shouting, and the occasional bark from the coach, but it felt oddly comfortable.

After a while, Aya glanced at the clock. "They'll be wrapping up soon. Then Atsumu's all yours for that study session."

I laughed nervously. "Yeah, if we even get any work done."

Aya smirked. "If he's being a slacker, just remind him that his grades matter too. Or, better yet, tell the coach. That'll straighten him up real fast."

"I'll keep that in mind," I replied with a grin.

As practice wound down, I watched Atsumu and the rest of the team go through their final drills. Aya stood up, clipboard in hand, and gave me a wink. "Good luck with the study session. If he gives you any trouble, you know where to find me."

"Thanks," I said with a smile, feeling a little more at ease after talking with her.

A few minutes later, the coach blew his whistle, signaling the end of practice. The team slowly dispersed, some heading straight for the locker rooms while others lingered to chat or practice a few more moves. Atsumu jogged over, still catching his breath, but grinning as usual.