I'm only a weakling | haikyuu

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝗻𝗲: 𝗖𝗮𝗻'𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗔 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝘄

Bet you thought I'd never do it,

thought it'd go over my head.

*

Everyone finished changing and stepped out of the lounge, a group of tall players walking down the corridor together. You, stuck in the middle, couldn't help but feel a bit awkward.

As Shiratorizawa's players chatted, they rounded a corner and ran into another group of players heading their way. One person lagged behind, keeping some distance from his teammates.

You blinked.

It was Itachiyama. What a coincidence. They must have just finished their game. If I remembered right, they won—after all, they were the champions of the IH National Competition in the original story... Oh.

Right. Tomorrow's opponent.

... Champion? Opponent?

Your brain short-circuited for a second.

Both teams stopped at the same time. Tendou, with his wide eyes, glanced at the Itachiyama players, then tilted his head toward you, who was trying to keep a neutral expression. He grinned and asked, "Hey, what's the game plan now?"

You snapped back to reality. Thankfully, it wasn't the intense, trash-talking scene you had imagined. Instead, it seemed like both teams knew each other well.

Of course—they were both powerhouse schools, probably old rivals by now.

You quietly exhaled, relieved. It was all because of that match against Aoba Johsai, when Oikawa insisted on having a "classic showdown," that you mistakenly assumed intense confrontations were normal in the anime world.

"Eh? It's you! You look just as cool as in the video!" A lively voice called out. You turned to see Kumori, grinning widely.

You couldn't disagree. The original owner of this body was pretty handsome, after all, and you had mentally accepted your role as a "background vase"—someone who wouldn't stand out or mess up.

Though your mind was wandering, you nodded slightly to him, trying to play it cool after learning from past experiences. But, to your surprise, Kumori didn't hold back at all. He walked right up to you with bold confidence.

"Ahaha! It's the 'Libero Killer'! After watching those game videos, I still get chills down my spine!"

"I can't wait for you to serve at me!"

What are you talking about?

"Your serves that hit the line are amazing! And that explosive power! There's even more—@#￥%..." Kumori rambled on, his excitement almost dizzying. He reminded you of Tendou, giving your serve all sorts of strange names.

"Isn't it just a regular serve?" you said sincerely.

But as soon as the words left your mouth, the whole group—who had seemed comfortable and familiar with each other—suddenly fell silent.

Semi glanced at Ohira, and they both exchanged a look of helplessness.

Komori's smile froze for a moment, but he quickly scratched his head and laughed it off. "Haha, yeah, that's pretty amazing."

Is he laughing because he's impressed by my honesty? you wondered. After thinking it over, your expression relaxed as well. But then Tendou, ever loud, chimed in:

"Hey~ Sakusa's still keeping his distance! There's nothing dirty over here, you know!"

Sakusa's frown deepened, his expression dark and clearly disgusted. Muffled by his mask, he muttered, "Just finished playing... the sweat's gross."