Offline Connection (Kenma x Reader)

Chapter 6

It was a regular day at school, but Y/N was once again proving her unofficial title as "The Mom of the School." First-year students whispered her name with reverence, especially after one incident where a group of girls experienced an all-too-common mishap-bleeding through their skirts. Of course, Y/N, with her ever-present motherly instincts, swooped in like a hero with extra skirts from the home economics club. The girls were saved from a social disaster, and Y/N gained even more respect from the student body.

But Y/N's reputation wasn't just with the girls. Some of the boys, sensing an opportunity, began "accidentally" tearing their shirts or losing buttons, knowing Y/N would fix them up with a smile. Her club members often watched in silent amusement, but sometimes they couldn't help but feel sorry for Y/N, knowing how students often took advantage of her kindness. Still, Y/N never seemed bothered. She was always happy to help.

Over at volleyball practice, the team couldn't stop talking about the "Y/N Effect."

"I heard some guys in my class are just ripping their shirts on purpose," Lev said, shaking his head in disbelief.

Yaku glanced at Lev and deadpanned, "Didn't you tear your pants once, Lev?"

Lev flushed bright red, flailing his arms. "It was an accident! I tried to bend, and... never mind!"

Kuroo snickered from the sidelines. "Classic. Maybe Y/N patched it up for you?"

Lev sputtered, "I-I didn't even ask her! It was someone else from the club!" His voice trailed off as the rest of the team broke into laughter.

Kenma, meanwhile, sat quietly with his console, seemingly absorbed in his game. But in truth, he was listening closely to the conversation. Why does she help so much? he thought. Doesn't she ever get tired of being so nice? He couldn't help but wonder.

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Later in practice, disaster struck again. This time, it wasn't Lev or any other random rookie. It was Yamamoto. With a loud, unmistakable "RIIIIIP", the entire gym froze. Yamamoto stared down in horror at his torn pants, his face turning bright red.

The entire team erupted into laughter, even Coach Nekomata couldn't suppress his chuckles. Lev, still a little salty from the earlier teasing, pointed at Yamamoto. "Payback!" he shouted triumphantly, doubling over in laughter.

Yamamoto stood there, mortified. "I forgot to bring a spare pair!"

Yaku slapped his back, grinning. "Well, looks like you're stuck!"

Kuroo wiped away tears of laughter and clapped his hands. "Alright, alright. Calm down. Somebody go call Y/N. She can help. Besides, the new clothes are not in yet."

Yamamoto's face went even redder. "I-uh-don't wanna bother her..."

Just as everyone was about to argue over who would call Y/N, Kenma suddenly closed his console and stood up. "I'll go."

The gym fell silent. Everyone, including Coach Nekomata, stared at Kenma in shock. Kuroo blinked, then grinned, clearly trying to hide his amusement. "Kenma... volunteering? Are we in an alternate reality?"

Kenma shot him a glare. "Shut up. Give me your pants and I'll be back."

As Kenma left the gym, Yamamoto awkwardly stood in place, trying to avoid any further teasing. Lev leaned over to Kuroo. "You think Kenma just wanted an excuse to see Y/N?"

Kuroo smirked. "Oh, absolutely."

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Kenma walked through the school hallways with the torn pants in hand, his mind racing. It's not like I wanted to see her, he convinced himself. I'm just being helpful. That's it.

When he reached the home economics clubroom, he knocked lightly before entering. Inside, Y/N was busy working on some fabric, while other club members bustled about.

"Kenma?" Y/N looked up, surprised. "What brings you here?"

Kenma shuffled awkwardly, holding up the torn pants. "Yamamoto... ripped his pants. Coach asked if you could fix them."

Y/N giggled softly, clearly amused by the situation. "Of course. Take a seat; it'll only take a minute." She motioned to an empty chair as she got out her sewing kit.

Kenma sat down, watching Y/N as she worked. Her hands moved quickly and skillfully, stitching up the tear as if she had done it a thousand times before. Kenma found himself staring at her hands, lost in thought.

After a few moments of silence, Kenma finally spoke. "Why are you always so nice to everyone?"

Y/N paused for a second, surprised by the question. Her hands continued sewing, but there was a soft chuckle in her voice as she answered. "I guess... it's just who I am. My parents raised me and my brother to always be kind. Maybe, I'm more like my own mother."

Kenma frowned slightly. "But doesn't it get annoying? People take advantage of it."

Y/N smiled gently, not looking up from her work. "I know. Sometimes people do take advantage, but I don't mind. If I can help someone, and it doesn't bother me, why not? I know when to say no, but being kind is something I enjoy. Even if some people don't like me for it."

Kenma stayed silent, digesting her words. He glanced around the room and noticed that the other club members were quietly listening too, clearly interested in the conversation but pretending to be busy with their tasks.

Y/N finished stitching up the pants and handed them to Kenma with a warm smile. "There you go. All set."

Kenma took the pants, still a little lost in thought. Before he left, he turned to her and said, "We're waiting for you after practice. To walk home."

Y/N's eyes brightened. "Really? I'll meet you guys outside then."

Kenma gave a small nod and turned to leave, but as he walked back to the gym, he realized something: his face was warm. Am I... blushing?

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When Kenma arrived back at the gym, the team was still laughing at Yamamoto's misfortune. As soon as they saw Kenma's face, though, the laughter shifted targets.

Kuroo was the first to notice. "Kenma... why are you all red?"

Shibayama grinned, practically bouncing with excitement. "Did Y/N say something to you? Huh? Huh?"

Kenma, trying to keep his composure, tossed the newly stitched pants to Yamamoto. "Here. Try not to rip these again."

Yamamoto caught the pants with a grateful, "Thanks, man," but everyone else was too focused on Kenma's flushed face.

Kuroo smirked, walking up to Kenma and nudging him with his elbow. "So, how was your little visit with Y/N? Get a hug? A pat on the head?"

Kenma scowled, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Shut up, Kuroo."

Fukunaga, who rarely spoke, added in with a sly grin, "Looks like Kenma's the one who ripped... his heart."

The entire team burst into laughter, except for Kenma, who was desperately trying to regain his usual cool demeanor.

"Guys, seriously, knock it off," Kenma muttered, feeling his face get even warmer. Why did I even bother? he thought, but deep down, he couldn't shake the slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

As they finished practice, Kenma found himself wondering if Y/N was already waiting for them.