Everything has changed | t.kuroo & h.yachi

Chapter 12: Games

The early morning light crept gently through the thin curtains, a soft glow waking Yachi Hitoka from a dreamless, peaceful sleep. She blinked a few times, groggy but content, before turning to check the time on her phone. It was just past 5:30 a.m., the perfect hour to begin her morning duties at the training camp.

With a light stretch, she slipped out of her sleeping bag and tiptoed quietly past her still-sleeping teammates. Yachi quickly dressed in a simple t-shirt and comfortable athletic pants, brushed her hair into a ponytail, and made her way to the small kitchen space where she was meeting two fellow managers: Suzumeda Kaori of Fukurōdani Academy and Miyanoshita Eri from Ubugawa High.

The kitchen was already buzzing with the sound of clattering pans and the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Kaori greeted Yachi with a warm smile as she tied an apron around her waist. Her hair was tucked neatly into a bun, and her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm despite the early hour.

"Morning, Yachi-chan!" Kaori chirped, handing her an apron. "Thank you for taking care of the breakfast yesterday. You really saved us!"

Yachi returned the smile, her own nerves easing. "Good morning! Sure, no problem. It was actually kind of fun."

Eri, who was leaning over a cutting board, raised a hand in greeting. "Morning, Yachi," she said, her voice calm but friendly. Eri's composed demeanor made her a natural counterpart to Kaori's lively energy, and Yachi felt grateful to be working alongside both of them.

Kaori shot a mischievous glance at Yachi. "So, how was your morning with Kuroo, hmm? You two made quite the team yesterday," she teased, her eyes twinkling. "You looked so comfortable in the kitchen together."

Yachi’s cheeks flushed a little, her hands momentarily stilling with the eggs in front of her. "W-What do you mean?" she stammered, hoping her flustered reaction wasn’t too obvious.

Kaori chuckled, her grin widening. "I saw the way he was looking at you. Maybe you're both just really good at cooking together, huh?"

Yachi stifled a nervous laugh, glancing at Eri for backup, but Eri only raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Seems like someone had a good time in the kitchen," Eri added dryly, clearly enjoying the teasing.

Yachi’s blush deepened, and she shook her head. "It’s not like that... we were just making breakfast," she muttered, hoping to change the subject.

Kaori laughed softly, ruffling Yachi’s hair. "Of course, of course! Just making breakfast..."

Yachi quickly returned to cracking eggs, trying to focus on the task at hand, though her thoughts drifted back to that easy conversations with Kuroo from yesterday. She smiled to herself, grateful for the lighthearted moment among the bustle of the kitchen..

The three of them settled into their respective tasks. Yachi focused on whisking the eggs into a frothy mixture for omelets, while Kaori began sizzling slices of ham and Eri expertly chopped vegetables for a nutritious side salad. The rhythmic motion of preparing food and the light, comforting conversations that filled the room created a sense of calmness that Yachi cherished.

"Did you see Bokuto-san's expression when he heard breakfast was omelets?" Kaori laughed as she flipped a ham slice in the pan. "He nearly jumped out of his seat in excitement."

Eri's lips curved into a small smile. "I'm surprised he didn't run straight into the kitchen to demand some early. He has a one-track mind when it comes to food and volleyball."

Yachi giggled. "Bokuto-san is really passionate about everything, isn't he?"

Kaori nodded, her laughter continuing. "That's an understatement! But it's part of his charm."