Catching Feelings" Nishinoya

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Yū Nishinoya was known for his fearless attitude on and off the volleyball court. He was the kind of person who threw himself into situations headfirst, always ready to defend his friends and take on any challenge that came his way. But there was one thing he didn't see coming: feelings for his best friend's little sister, Aiko Asahi.

Aiko had always been a quiet presence at the gym, watching from the sidelines as her older brother and his teammates practiced. She cheered for them with a bright smile, but she often felt invisible compared to the energetic players. However, over time, she found herself gravitating toward Nishinoya's fearless enthusiasm. He had a way of making her laugh and feel included, even when her brother was busy.

The Beginning of Something New

It was a typical Saturday afternoon, the sun streaming into the gym, casting warm rays on the polished wood floor. Nishinoya was in the middle of a spirited practice, diving and rolling as he showcased his incredible reflexes. Asahi was trying to keep up with the fast-paced drills, and Aiko stood off to the side, observing the action.

"Come on, Yū! You can do better than that!" Tanaka shouted, his voice echoing through the gym.

Aiko couldn't help but smile at Nishinoya's infectious energy. He leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding a ball sent flying his way, his laughter filling the space. It was moments like these that made her appreciate him more than ever. He was fun, confident, and utterly fearless.

After practice, as the team began to pack up, Nishinoya caught Aiko watching him. "Hey, Aiko! You here to cheer me on?" he called out, a playful grin stretching across his face.

Aiko felt her cheeks heat up. "Of course! You were amazing today, as always!"

Nishinoya beamed at her praise. "Thanks! But you should join us sometime. I bet you'd be a great player!"

"Me? Oh no, I don't think so. I'm not as brave as you," Aiko replied, her voice softening as she looked down.

Nishinoya stepped closer, his expression turning serious. "Bravery isn't about not being scared. It's about facing your fears. If you want to play, just give it a shot!"

Aiko couldn't help but admire how passionate he was. It was one of the reasons she felt drawn to him. "Maybe I will," she said, a spark of determination igniting in her chest.

The Change in Dynamics

As the weeks went by, Aiko found herself spending more time at the gym. Nishinoya would invite her to join in on light practices, and slowly, she began to feel more comfortable with the sport. Their playful banter and friendly competitiveness became the highlight of her day.

However, she also noticed that her feelings for Nishinoya were changing. It was more than admiration; there was something deeper, something she was afraid to confront. Every time he flashed that charming grin, her heart raced. It was confusing, and she didn't know how to handle it.

One evening after practice, Aiko and Nishinoya sat outside the gym, catching their breath and enjoying the cool breeze. The sun was setting, casting golden hues across the sky.

"Do you ever think about what it would be like to go pro?" Nishinoya asked, leaning back on his hands.

Aiko looked at him, surprised. "Of course! You'd be amazing. I can see you as a star player. But what about you?"

Nishinoya shrugged, a wistful expression crossing his face. "Sometimes I think about it, but I love playing with my friends more. It's fun to have each other's backs."

Aiko's heart swelled at his words. "You're a true friend, Yū."

He turned to her, their eyes meeting for a brief moment that sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach. "And you're a great person, Aiko. You've got a lot of heart."

For a moment, silence enveloped them, both lost in their thoughts. Aiko's heart pounded in her chest as she wondered if she should say something more, but the words wouldn't come.

The Turning Point

The following week, everything changed. Nishinoya was acting different, and Aiko could sense something was off. He was still his energetic self, but there were moments when his gaze lingered on her a little too long, and his teasing became more pointed. She felt the tension building between them, and it was thrilling yet terrifying.

One afternoon, after a particularly intense practice, Nishinoya challenged Aiko to a one-on-one match. "Let's see what you've got! I'll go easy on you," he said with a playful wink.

Aiko laughed nervously. "Easy? I doubt that!"

They played for a while, Nishinoya taking it easy on her at first, but soon he couldn't help but ramp up the intensity. As they exchanged volleys, the atmosphere shifted. Each time Aiko managed to score a point, Nishinoya cheered louder, his excitement palpable.

Finally, after a particularly close rally, Aiko found herself breathless and exhilarated. She had managed to score the final point. "I did it!" she exclaimed, laughter spilling from her lips.

Nishinoya, his eyes shining with pride, rushed over to her, lifting her off the ground in excitement. "I knew you had it in you!" His warmth enveloped her, and for a brief moment, everything felt perfect.

But then, in the middle of their celebration, Asahi appeared, his face filled with concern. "Hey, what's going on here?" he asked, eyeing Nishinoya and Aiko with a frown.

Nishinoya quickly set Aiko down, his grin faltering slightly. "Just having some fun, Asahi!"

Aiko felt her cheeks heat up, the moment of connection with Nishinoya shattered by her brother's unexpected arrival. She glanced at Asahi, who looked worried but not entirely angry. "Just make sure you're not getting too carried away, okay?"

Nishinoya shrugged, brushing off Asahi's concern. "We're just playing!"

The Heart of the Matter

After Asahi left, Aiko turned to Nishinoya, her heart racing. "I think we should talk about what's going on between us," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Nishinoya looked at her, his expression shifting from playful to serious. "Yeah, I've been feeling it too."

Aiko felt a rush of relief mixed with apprehension. "What do we do about it?"

He stepped closer, his gaze intense. "I don't want to ruin our friendship, Aiko. But I can't ignore how I feel about you."

"Me neither," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

With that, the tension melted away, replaced by a newfound understanding. They both wanted to explore their feelings, but they also cherished their friendship. It was a delicate balance, but they were willing to navigate it together.

"Then let's take it slow," Nishinoya suggested, a bright smile returning to his face. "We can figure this out together, like teammates."

Aiko laughed, her heart swelling with happiness. "That sounds perfect."

In that moment, as they stood together under the fading light, they knew they were embarking on a new journey—one filled with excitement, uncertainty, and the promise of something beautiful.

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