Everything has changed | t.kuroo & h.yachi

Chapter 2: Rivalry

Yachi Hitoka arrived at the gym early the next morning, her hands clutching a bag of freshly filled water bottles. The sun had barely risen, casting a soft, golden light over the sports complex. A gentle breeze stirred her hair as she crossed the court, her nerves beginning to tighten. The echoes of yesterday's practice still lingered in her mind, and she shook her head, willing herself to focus on the day ahead.

Kiyoko was already there, her quiet demeanor as composed as ever. "Good morning, Hitoka," she greeted, her voice soothing.

Yachi managed a small smile. "Good morning, Kiyoko-senpai." She took a steadying breath and set the water bottles on a bench, checking her clipboard for the practice schedule. "I think everything is in order for today."

Kiyoko nodded, her expression gentle but firm. "You're doing well. Don't let the pressure get to you."

"Thank you." Yachi's heart swelled with gratitude. Kiyoko had a way of making her feel just a little more capable, even when the anxiety loomed like a shadow.

The rest of Karasuno trickled in not long after, their energy high despite the early hour. Hinata bounded in with his usual enthusiasm, his bright eyes wide with anticipation. "Yachi!" he called, waving as he jogged over. "Did you see me yesterday? I think I got faster!"

Yachi giggled, her anxiety loosening just a bit. "You looked amazing, Hinata," she assured him, her smile widening as she watched him beam. His optimism was contagious, and she was grateful for the way he lit up every room he entered.

Kageyama, trailing behind, shot Hinata a glare. "Don't get cocky. You still missed the timing on half our quicks."

Hinata spun around, his expression indignant. "It's not my fault! You were off too!"

Yachi stepped back as their argument began to escalate, knowing there was no stopping them once they started. She watched as Daichi stepped in, his authoritative voice cutting through the noise. "Oi, knock it off," he commanded. "We need to focus today."

The team fell into their usual rhythm, warming up with stretches and laps around the court. Yachi took note of everyone's energy levels, making sure to jot down anything Coach Ukai might need to know. Her pen moved quickly across the paper, but she couldn't shake the feeling of eyes on her.

Sure enough, when she glanced up, she caught a pair of sharp, amber eyes watching her from across the gym. Kuroo stood with his teammates, leaning against the wall with a lazy sort of elegance. He wasn't smirking, not exactly, but there was a glint of something in his gaze-something that made Yachi's heart thump harder than it should have.

She quickly looked back down at her clipboard, her face growing warm. Why does he keep looking at me? she wondered, biting her lip. It's probably nothing. Don't overthink it.

But even as she tried to convince herself, she couldn't ignore the strange, uneasy fluttering in her chest.

---

During a brief break, Karasuno gathered around Coach Ukai, who outlined the next set of drills with an authoritative tone, his clipboard in hand and his brow furrowed with focus. The players listened intently, their faces glistening with sweat, and their expressions set with determination. The gym buzzed with a mix of fatigue and excitement, the kind that only came from pushing past physical limits and striving for improvement.

Yachi moved quietly among the players, her own rhythm practiced and steady.
She distributed the water bottles with deliberate care, ensuring that each player, including those from Nekoma, was well taken care of. Her hands moved with practiced precision, despite the whirlwind of emotions still swirling in her mind from the intensity of the match. Yachi offered a smile to Hinata, who took the water with a grateful grin, and gave Kageyama a hesitant nod that he returned with a curt but appreciative "Thanks."