Other Ways to Fly~ Haikyuu x OC

A Talk With Takeru

"You guys were awesome!" Himari jumped up and down with Hinata.

"Yeah!"

Himari heard the players leaving the gym and turned around to see Waku South already in the hallway.

"You guys go ahead, I'll catch up."

She ran towards the defeated team, making them turn around, tears still spilling from their eyes. She pointed towards Takeru and gestured for him to follow her. The team and Takeru's family was taken aback, but Takeru nodded and followed the girl.

After walking for a few minutes, the two reached a vending machine. Himari inserted her money and bought a sports drink. She tossed it to Takeru who caught it.

"What do you want from me?" Takeru asked, sadness and regret lacing his voice.

"You're a really good player, but you're holding yourself back." Himari said, sliding her back down the wall and sitting on the floor. She patted the space next to her and Takeru did the same.

"What do you mean?" He asked, confused.

"You're playing like the tiny giant, it's holding you back."

"Obviously I am, he's my role model!" Takeru exclaimed, frustrated.

"Yeah, but where is the tiny giant now? He doesn't even play volleyball anymore because he couldn't get scouted by good teams. If you keep playing like him, you'll end up like him."

Takeru listened to her and his eyes began showing hints of defeat, "Then what am I supposed to do? I've been playing like him for so long." He said, his voice cracking towards the end.

"Practice, make your own playing style. Our number ten, Hinata, sucks at anything that has to do with technique, but he has own style."

"But I don't know where to start." Takeru said, taking a sip from the drink.

"You're taller than Hinata, but you're not able to jump as high as him. He's able to jump higher because of his own natural abilities plus the training I made him go through, so we'll start with that. I took my team to the beach to play volleyball, it forced them to fix how they run and jump while also strengthening their legs. You don't have to go to the beach, but maybe jump on a soft floor and try to increase your vertical. Once you get on the court it will be easier for you to jump and you'll be jumping higher."

Takeru looked at Himari, thinking about what she said. Slowly, he nodded, understanding how that could help him.

"I think I get it." He said slowly.

Himari nodded and took out her phone, "Give me your number, so you can update me on your progress. I can also make you a meal plan and a training menu."

Takeru quickly took her phone and typed his number in, reading it back to himself to make sure it was right before handing it back.

"Also my dad knows a lot of college coaches. I'll send them your game reel, so it will be easier for you to get scouted. I can tell you want to go to college for your family, so I'll help you."

Takeru looked bewildered, "Why are you doing all this for me?"

Himari smiled at him, "It's hard to get scouted when you don't go to nationals and if you do, then it's because of connections, so I'll help you. Plus, I want to see you play in the future. It's fun to see players like you."

"Like me?"

"Yeah! Like people underestimate you and then you surprise them. It's fun to watch."

Himari looked at the time on her phone before standing up and stretching. She reached down and helped the third year up.

"I should get going, but it was nice talking to you. I'll let you know what the coaches say, also you owe me a bowl of ramen later."

Himari turned to leave, but was stopped by a hand on her wrist. She turned around and saw Takeru smiling down at her with gratitude.

"Thank you, so much. I won't disappoint you, I promise."

"You better not. Also, don't forget the ramen." Himari replied with a smile.

Takeru laughed and nodded, "I definitely won't. Do your best, and I hope your team makes it to nationals."

"Thanks, bye!"

Takeru ran back to his team, a smile had replaced the frustration that was previously on his face. When he made it to his team and his family they were confused as to why he was so happy.

"Takeru, are you okay? What did she want?"

He looked at them, his face full of determination, "She gave me another chance to play volleyball. I'm going to play again, and I'm going to do it my own way."

They didn't really understand what he was talking about, but they smiled seeing that he was so happy.

"We're happy for you, Takeru. Let's go so we can start our team meeting."

The team began leaving and Takeru's family said they were going to meet him afterwards. As Takeru walked with his team, he felt a buzz in his pocket with a text from Himari. His smile widened, thoughts racing through his mind.

I won't make her regret this.