Everything has changed | t.kuroo & h.yachi

Chapter 26: Drive

The dinner continued with the team settling into a comfortable rhythm, the conversations growing louder and more animated as everyone chipped in with stories and laughter. Plates were cleared, drinks refilled, and the table was filled with a contagious energy. Yachi leaned back in her seat, laughing along with Ayaka's story about a recent mishap at work. For the first time in days, Yachi felt herself truly relax, the initial tension of the new environment starting to melt away.

Suddenly, a buzz interrupted the flow of conversation. Yachi glanced down at her phone, seeing a message pop up in the Karasuno alumni group chat.

**Karasuno Chat**:
*Reminder: Don't forget the gathering next week! Let's catch up before everyone gets too busy!*

Yachi's heart skipped a beat as she read the message. She hadn't been able to attend the alumni meetups in the past few years, but this one felt different. There was something about the idea of seeing her old teammates again-especially with everything that had changed since then-that felt both exciting and nostalgic.

She typed a quick response, confirming her attendance, but as she hit send, Ayaka, seated across from her, leaned in with a sly smile.

"So," Ayaka began, her tone playful, "texting your boyfriend, Yachi?"

Yachi's fingers froze over her phone as she looked up in surprise. The sudden shift in attention made her feel like the entire table had focused on her, every set of eyes now waiting for her response. She felt a flush creep up her neck, her heart racing as she tried to process the question.

The rest of the table fell silent, with everyone looking at Yachi in varying degrees of curiosity. Ryota raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, while Haruto's lips quirked into a teasing grin. Even Sora, who had been in the middle of an animated conversation with Mai, leaned forward to listen intently.

Kuroo, who had been leaning back in his chair, a calm presence amidst the clamor, suddenly sat up straighter. His dark eyes locked on Yachi's with an unreadable expression. It was subtle, but the way he tilted his head suggested that he, too, was waiting for her answer-just like everyone else at the table.

Yachi's thoughts raced. She hadn't expected this question, not in a million years, especially not here, not now. Her mind briefly flashed to the recent memories of her time in Karasuno, her first meeting with Kuroo, and the tension they'd shared. But now, this was something different. The table was full of strangers, yet somehow they all felt like friends in this moment, and Ayaka's innocent question had put her on the spot.

"No," Yachi replied, her voice steady despite the nerves running through her. She gave a soft smile, trying to keep the atmosphere light. "I don't have a boyfriend."

There was a pause, but it wasn't awkward. Instead, it was more like a moment of mutual understanding, as if everyone at the table was simply waiting for the conversation to continue naturally. Ryota, sitting gave a playful shrug.

"Fair enough," he said with a gentle smile, his tone kind, as if he wasn't pressing her for more information. "You're working hard, right? No time for distractions."

The rest of the table nodded in agreement, the atmosphere remaining warm and friendly. Ayaka tilted her head thoughtfully, but her expression was more curious than anything.

"Absolutely," she said with a soft laugh. "Work can definitely keep you busy. But, you know, it's always nice to have a little balance."

Yachi nodded and smiled at Ayaka's response, feeling a sense of ease settle over her. It wasn't about the teasing or pushing-everyone seemed genuinely interested, but in a way that felt comfortable, not intrusive.