Everything has changed

Chapter 28: Partnership

The office buzzed with a quiet energy as Yachi discussed her latest design work with Ayaka, one of the more senior designers on the team. Kuroo leaned back against the frame of the door to the meeting room, watching from a distance. He couldn't help but notice how Yachi's face lit up as she spoke, her usual shyness replaced by a newfound confidence. The past couple of weeks had brought a noticeable shift; the tension that once lingered in the air between them had melted into a comfortable familiarity.

"Yachi, I really like how you incorporated the team's color scheme here," Ayaka said, pointing to the mock-up of the campaign design on the screen. "It's bold but not overbearing."

Yachi nodded, a small, proud smile on her lips. "I was hoping it would capture that balance."

Kuroo's gaze softened as he took in the scene. It was a rare moment when he let himself pause and reflect on the people around him. Watching Yachi flourish reminded him why he had taken the job that bridged volleyball and the business world-because it let him stay connected to the sport and people he cared about.

---

Later that day, Kuroo leaned back in his office chair, one hand holding the phone as he waited for the call to connect. The rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall seemed louder in the quiet room, filling the space with a subtle reminder of the passing time. His other hand absentmindedly traced the edge of a photo frame on his desk-a picture from that memorable training camp. The picure was full of life with Karasuno Nekoma, Shinzen, Ubugawa and Fukurōdani members mingled together, laughter caught in the frozen moment.

The photograph was a testament to those formative days-the camaraderie, the shared victories and defeats, the sense of belonging that had been palpable in the air. Kuroo's gaze lingered on the details: Yaku mid-laugh with Noya, Kenma half-hidden but with a rare smile, Bokuto with an arm thrown high as if celebrating something only he knew.

Then his eyes found Yachi. In the photo, Yachi stood between Hinata and Eri, laughter captured on her face as Hinata's arm draped over her shoulder, his smile wide and bright. Eri's gentle expression balanced out Hinata's energy, but it was Kuroo, standing just behind Yachi, who seemed to anchor the scene. He recalled how he had subtly guided her into place, his voice low and reassuring, a gesture that seemed insignificant then but resonated deeply now.

A soft click on the other end of the line pulled Kuroo from his reverie. "Ah, Kuroo. I hope you have good news for me," Miho Iwakura's voice came through, firm and direct as always.

He straightened, eyes briefly flicking back to the photograph before focusing on the conversation. "I do, Miho. I wanted to give you my feedback on Yachi's recent work."

There was a pause as Iwakura processed his words. "Go on," she said, the sound of typing faintly audible in the background.

"She's proving herself in ways I didn't anticipate this quickly," Kuroo said. "Adaptable, innovative, and she collaborates seamlessly with the rest of the team. To be honest, she's been a fantastic addition, even exceeding expectations at times."

He could almost picture Iwakura's sharp eyes narrowing as she weighed his assessment. A moment later, a small, approving hum came through the line. "Good to hear. I expected no less from her, but having it confirmed is valuable. Thank you, Kuroo. Your insights are appreciated."

The call ended with the efficient brevity that defined Iwakura's style, leaving Kuroo in the silence of his office once more. His gaze drifted back to the photograph, a fond smile playing on his lips. The snapshot, once just a memento of a routine training camp, now felt like a window to a moment that was more meaningful than he'd allowed himself to acknowledge.