A game of hearts {Kuroo}

20.

The gym buzzed with anticipation. Today marked Kuroo's official return to the court after weeks of rehabilitation following his injury. The crowd, eager to see their star player back in action, filled the bleachers, and Y/N found herself surrounded by the familiar noise and energy of a volleyball match. Only this time, her feelings were different—more confident, more at ease.

In the past, she would have been overwhelmed by the loud, enthusiastic spectators, feeling out of place and disconnected. But today, she was there for Kuroo, not just as a fan but as someone who deeply understood what this sport meant to him. It wasn't just a game—it was his passion, his identity. And now, after supporting him through his recovery, she felt more connected to that part of his life.

---

Kuroo, standing on the sidelines as his team warmed up, felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. His body was ready, the injury fully healed, but there was always that lingering doubt. Would he still perform at the level he was used to? Could he lead his team back to victory after such a long break?

His eyes scanned the crowd, and when he spotted Y/N in the stands, a wave of reassurance washed over him. She gave him a small smile and a thumbs up, the gesture simple yet powerful. Kuroo smiled back, feeling a sense of calm settle in. Knowing she was there, cheering for him not out of obligation but out of genuine care, meant everything.

The whistle blew, signaling the start of the match. Kuroo took a deep breath and stepped onto the court, the familiar squeak of his shoes against the polished floor grounding him. His teammates patted him on the back, welcoming him back into the fold. There was an unspoken trust between them—they believed in him, and he couldn't let them down.

---

The game was intense from the first serve. Kuroo, as captain, had always been a tactical player, relying on his sharp instincts and strategic mind to outwit the opposing team. Today was no different. Despite the pressure, he kept his cool, directing his teammates with quick hand signals and sharp commands.

Y/N watched in awe, marveling at his focus and leadership. She had seen Kuroo in so many different contexts—during late-night study sessions, casual coffee shop chats, and even vulnerable moments of doubt. But here, on the court, he was in his element, commanding the space with confidence and precision.

At one point, the game became neck-and-neck, both teams tied with only a few points needed to win. The tension in the gym was palpable, and even Y/N found herself gripping the edge of her seat, her heart racing with each play. She couldn't take her eyes off Kuroo, who was pushing himself harder with every spike, every block, every dive for the ball.

As the final point approached, Kuroo's team set up for one last attack. The ball was passed to Kuroo, who leaped into the air with a force that seemed almost impossible after his injury. The crowd held its breath as he spiked the ball straight down the line, past the opposing blockers and into the floor.

The gym erupted in cheers. Kuroo had done it. His team had won, and his triumphant return was sealed with victory.

---

After the game, as the team celebrated, Kuroo found Y/N waiting for him near the locker rooms. She was smiling, but there was a softness in her expression that made his heart skip a beat. He walked over, still catching his breath, his hair damp with sweat.

"You were amazing," Y/N said, her voice warm and genuine.

Kuroo grinned, running a hand through his messy hair. "Thanks. Feels good to be back."

She hesitated for a moment, then added, "It's different, watching you now. I think I get it more—why you love it so much."

Kuroo's eyes softened. He stepped closer, reaching out to gently brush a stray hair behind her ear. "I'm glad. I wanted you to see this part of me, really see it."

"I do," she replied quietly. "And I'm proud of you."

There was something in the way she said it, a depth of understanding that hadn't been there before. Kuroo could feel the difference in their connection now—it wasn't just about volleyball or their deal anymore. They had become a real part of each other's lives.

---

That night, after the post-game celebration with the team, Kuroo and Y/N found themselves walking back to his apartment. The streets were quiet, the excitement of the game slowly fading into the calm of the evening.

"I've been thinking about something," Kuroo said after a while, breaking the comfortable silence between them.

Y/N looked up at him, curious. "What's that?"

"I don't think I could've come back the way I did without you," he admitted, his tone serious. "You helped me through a lot—more than you probably realize."

Y/N felt her cheeks warm at his words. "I didn't do anything special."

"You did, though," Kuroo insisted, stopping to face her. "You were there. You pushed me when I needed it and gave me space when I didn't even know I needed it. That's not nothing."

She looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there. "Well, I guess you've helped me a lot too. I've learned things about myself, about... stepping out of my comfort zone."

They stood there, in the middle of the sidewalk, their connection stronger than ever. The tension that had existed between their different worlds—his as the volleyball star and hers as the quiet, reserved student—seemed to have faded. They had found a way to fit into each other's lives, not by changing who they were, but by growing together.

Kuroo smiled softly, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "We're a pretty good team, huh?"

Y/N chuckled, resting her head against his chest. "Yeah, I think we are."