Breaking Through the Noise

Chapter 7

As the bowling games continued, the group naturally divided into their respective lanes. You, Kaori, Yukie, Sarukui, and Konoha on one side, and Bokuto, Akaashi, Onaga, Komi, Anahori, and Washio on the other. The competitive spirit was high, and laughter echoed throughout the bowling alley as each person took their turn.

You had just finished your shot—landing a solid seven pins—when Kaori sidled up to you with a sly grin. "So, Y/N," she began, stretching out your name in that teasing way that meant she was about to say something embarrassing.

You raised an eyebrow, already feeling like you knew where this was headed. "What?"

Kaori nudged Yukie, who was standing nearby, and they both exchanged amused glances. "You totally have a thing for Bokuto, don't you?" Kaori said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

You almost choked on air. "What?!" You sputtered, your face heating up immediately. "No, I don't!"

Yukie giggled and waved her hand dismissively. "Come on, Y/N. We've seen the way you two interact. You can't deny that there's... something there."

Konoha, who was lining up for his shot, paused mid-swing and looked back at you with a grin. "Oh, is this about Bokuto and Y/N?" he called over, loud enough for the entire lane to hear.

Sarukui leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. "Called it. You've been giving him a lot of attention lately."

You rolled your eyes, trying to deflect the accusations. "I'm literally helping manage the team. Of course, I'm giving him attention."

Kaori raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Sure, sure. But the way he looks at you? He's definitely into you. And don't even try to pretend you haven't noticed."

You glanced over at the other lane where Bokuto was dramatically celebrating after finally managing to knock down a spare. Realizing what you were doing, you quickly turned back to your friends, defensive. "He's just... Bokuto. He's like that with everyone."

Yukie shook her head with a knowing look. "Nope. Not like that. Trust us, Y/N. He acts differently around you. And honestly? You're acting a bit different around him too."

Konoha grinned from the lane, having finished his shot. "I mean, I get it. Bokuto's got that... intensity. You sure you're not just a little bit into him?"

You glared at him, your heart racing as you tried to brush off the accusation. "Guys, seriously. We're just friends."

Kaori smirked, unconvinced. "Uh-huh. Keep telling yourself that."

~

Meanwhile, over in the other lane, Bokuto was basking in his small victory, though his teammates weren't going to let him celebrate without a little teasing of their own.

Komi walked over and gave him a pat on the back, grinning. "Nice spare, Bokuto. Maybe Y/N will be impressed."

Bokuto blinked, caught off guard. "Huh? What does Y/N have to do with this?"

Akaashi, who had been quietly observing the whole time, glanced up with an amused look. "It's been kind of obvious, Bokuto. You get extra fired up when she's around."

Onaga, eager to join in, added, "Yeah, I thought you were just competitive at first, but you're... different when she's around."

Bokuto scratched the back of his head, frowning slightly. "What do you mean 'different'? I'm always fired up!"

Washio, ever the calm one, chuckled softly. "You're more... intense. And it's not just about winning. You're always trying to impress her."

Bokuto's eyes widened, looking genuinely confused. "I-I'm not trying to impress her! I'm just... being me!"