Everything has changed

Chapter 14: Parting Ways

The last afternoon of the training camp had finally arrived, and the air was thick with anticipation. The previous days had been a blur of intense practice, spirited competition, and moments of quiet reflection. Yachi felt it all weighing on her as she moved through the morning routine, her nerves tingling with the knowledge that today would be different. Today marked the end of a chapter, and while part of her was sad to see it go, another part was eager to see how the team would come together in this final stretch.

The evening sky, painted in hues of orange and purple, cast a warm glow over the training grounds as the sounds of laughter and sizzling meat filled the air. The volleyball nets had been taken down, the balls packed away, and the players had gathered around a large grill, their energy no longer focused on drills but on the camaraderie of a barbecue. It was a tradition—a way to celebrate the end of a demanding few days and the bonds formed between teams.

Yachi stood at the edge of the gathering, her hands clasped nervously in front of her as she chatted quietly with the other managers from the various teams. The laughter and excitement of the barbecue surrounded them, but a subtle undercurrent of sadness tugged at her. It was hard for her to shake the feeling that the camp had gone by too quickly. Despite spending most of her time behind the scenes, organizing and supporting the players, the atmosphere of the camp had drawn her in. She had made new connections, especially with the players and managers from the other teams. There was something comforting in the chaos of a shared experience, something she hadn’t realized she had been missing until now. But as the evening wore on, that sense of camaraderie gave way to a looming realization—the camp was ending, and soon the group would disperse, going their separate ways.

“I can’t believe it’s already over,” Kaori said, her voice quiet as she looked around at the bustling barbecue.

Mako, the manager from Shinzen, laughed softly. “Yeah, it feels like we just got started. But hey, it was fun while it lasted. We should do this again sometime, right?”

Yachi nodded slowly, her smile faint. “I’d like that. I… I think I learned a lot from all of you.”

The manager from Ubugawa grinned. “You’re definitely a hard worker, Yachi. I can see why Kageyama and Hinata rely on you so much.”

Yachi’s cheeks flushed slightly at the mention of Kageyama and Hinata, but she quickly shifted her focus back to the group. “It’s not just me, though. Everyone really worked hard. I just try to keep things organized,” she said modestly.

As the converdation wore on, she found herself stealing glances at Kuroo, who was talking animatedly with Bokuto and the other members of the Fukurōdani Academy. His voice, full of energy, carried over the crowd as he laughed with his teammates. Yachi’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, her heart giving a little flutter while thinking back to the moments they had shared. He had been a constant source of encouragement throughout the camp, his teasing often serving as a reminder that she was more capable than she gave herself credit for. His presence had been a steadying force, his easygoing nature a contrast to her own shy demeanor. Even when she felt uncertain of herself, he had a way of making her feel less invisible. And now, as the thought of parting ways settled in, the realization that the camp was drawing to a close weighed heavily on her.

The grill sizzled, releasing fragrant smoke into the air. She had been enjoying her time with the other managers, exchanging stories and offering advice, but the thought of saying goodbye to the people she had come to enjoy spending time with was making her heart ache.

As if sensing her distraction, Kuroo excused himself from the group. His long stride brought him toward the cluster of managers, and Yachi felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere. The casualness of his approach only heightened the sense of finality she had been trying to ignore.