Kuroo x reader (HAIKYU FANFIC)

02

"Again,"

I take a harsh intake of breath before attempting my loop jump once again. Of course, instead of landing my ankle tilts to the side and I fall in an awkward position, simultaneously landing on my back and ass.

I don't get up straight away. I let myself wallow in the nothingness of this moment. I was angry before, now I don't feel like doing anything accept sitting here and let the coldness of the familiar ice take over my fragile form.

"Come on, y/n. Don't just sit there,"

I look up at my coach and do as told. She takes my hand and guides me for another attempt. "Don't think too much about it, keep your core tight and your chin high,"

she lets go of my hand. "now, again."

-

After zero consecutive landings, I eventually make my way off the ice. It's now 7.20am meaning I only had roughly an hour of practise. 'It's fine. An hour burns around 400 calories. I'll do more later.'

I run my hands through my dishevelled hair, taking a moment to stare at my reflection in the changing room mirror. 'No wonder you can't land anything. The lighter you are, the higher you jump.'

I force my eyes away and place my skates back into my personal locker. '20 minutes until school starts. Takeda senpai should be here soon.'

I take a slow walk towards the entrance, sitting down on the curb since my vision had begun to get a little blurry— normal for me now but not a pleasant sensation.

When the familiar silver car that belongs to Takeda pulls up next to me I immediately get into the passenger seat— wanting to get out of the cold. For the past week now he's graciously offered to pick to me up from my practise and drive me to school since the rink is on the way past his house.

It was awkward at first, but since it's now April the weather seems to be picking up nicely and we have something to comment on atleast.

"Morning y/n! How was practise today?"

"Morning. It was good," good my ass. Which speaking of, is most definitely bruised once again.

"Good to hear. It's your first time coming with us to a practise camp tomorrow, isn't it? It's the same with the first years, are you excited? I know I am," he has a massive grin on his face, one that I can't help but returning with my own as I respond. "Yeah, I am."

-

Today for lunch the team had decided to all sit together so they can talk about the upcoming training camp + matches. Since I had missed the first training match against Nekoma, that meant that tomorrow morning would be my first time being a part of something like this— even as just a manager. Of course, the 3rd years had roped me into joining their lunch.

'Why why why I don't want to eat yet. It hasn't been 24 hours since my last meal,' I sigh quietly and grab my water and gum out of my bag, placing a piece into my mouth. 'I'll just keep quiet so they won't notice, and if they do I'll just say my stomach hurts or something..'

"Y/n do you want a lift tomorrow morning? I can pick you up," Kiyoko offers smiling at me gently.

"Sure, thanks Kiyoko-san," I give her a returning gentle but slightly forced smile, not wanting to be rude but my social battery has long been drained for the day.

"Okay, I'll text you."

The conversations continue and I zone out for a good few minutes, silently staring at the food my teammates are heaving down. I can't lie, I'm jealous. How can they eat such things- such massive amounts- and not be overweight? I understand how much they exercise but Ive been doing a similar amount and I haven't lost any weight recently. So lucky.

"Hey y/n are you not going to eat? You can have some of my rice balls," I glance up as I hear my name. Daichi gives me a smile while his eyes are showing concern, he must have noticed me zoning out.

"I'm alright, but thanks for the offer."

"But you need to eat," Suga chimes in, his eyebrows furrowed in a similar manner as Daichi's. This conversation has already gained the attention of the rest of the team who are now staring at me. Stop looking, go back to eating.

"I will, my stomach hurts is all. I'll eat later, don't worry. Besides, you need it more than me." I try to assert a genuine smile onto my face. Please believe it.

"If you say so.." Daichi says softly, hesitantly eating another of his rice balls. Shortly after the conversation the bell signalling lunch has ended goes off.

'Phew, only a few more hours to go until I can finally sleep the hunger away.'

The first thing I do when I get home is shower. I wash my hair, sitting down under the water so that I feel less lightheaded. I quickly dry my hair since otherwise it will be a birds-mess by the morning, and then change into my pjs as quickly as I can. I'm freezing— but also sweating, so I bundle myself up in a few blankets and quilts before setting an alarm for the next day. It's only quarter to 5, which means hopefully I can now sleep for a few hours before waking up and not being able to sleep again because of the hunger pains.

At about 4am Kiyoko picks me up from my house and we begin our way towards the school parking lot. When we arrive we are one of the last ones there which is surprising considering how late some of the others are to practise everyday.

"Where's Tsukishima and Yamaguchi?" Coach Ukai calls after scolding Noya and the rest their second years for yelling so early in the morning.

"They went to the convenience store to get snacks for everyone. Well- Tadashi did with a half asleep Tsukishima following him," I hum, taking a step onto the coach. It's now around 4:30am and the journey takes about 5 hours depending on traffic, so everyone's tired or grumpy. It's quite amusing to be honest.

"Y/n, you can have the window seat- here," Suga moves so I can get past him and I smile at him graciously. The team knows I get motion sickness, so being the supportive third year he is, Suga senpai offered to sit by me and keep my company during the journey. "Thanks Suga,"

-

We arrive a few hours later, and immediately are greeted by Nekoma's team. Some guy with a bleached Mohawk starts freaking out at the sight of me and Kiyoko, and I can't help but laugh as Noya and Tanaka swarm around us 'protectively'.

"It's good to see you again,"
"Likewise."

I look up at what I'm assuming is Nekomas captain and Daichi shaking hands, they each have a fake smile on their face, which is so obvious and yet it makes me feel excited. Weird.

Still giggling, me and Kiyoko go to daichi and each take a box of equipment from near his feet. I almost buckle over from the weight- it surprising me enough to make me loose my balance slightly, causing me to knock against the TALL AS HELL Nekoma Captain.

He grabs my shoulders to straighten me, looking a bit shocked but having a warm gaze. His hair is black and spiky and messy, like bedhead but it suits him so well. He's atleast 6 foot tall. what the heck.

"S-sorry. My bad.." I give him a innocent smile, avoiding eye contact after we hold it for what feels like a moment way too long. I quickly turn and practically run away, feeling my cheeks growing hot. embarrassing. Stop being so needy..

-
fin
01.10.24