𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝐊. 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐌𝐀

# thirty-seven

#37 | UNEXPECTED PROMOTION!

The faint glow of your desk lamp illuminated the cluttered workspace in your apartment. Piles of paperwork surrounded your laptop, and your phone buzzed constantly with reminders and notifications. You had grown used to the chaos. It was a distraction, a shield from the persistent ache that lingered in your chest.

Months had passed since your breakup with Kenma, and while the immediate sting had faded, the scars remained. You weren't over it. Not really. But you could function now, burying yourself in work and convincing yourself that the distance from those memories made them hurt less.

It was during one of those late nights, with your fingers flying over the keyboard and a half-drained cup of coffee by your side, that the email arrived.

Subject: Congratulations on Your Promotion!

The words blurred for a moment as you read and re-read the email. You stared at the screen, the weight of your exhaustion pressing down on you, until the realization finally hit. You had done it.

You were no longer just the MSBY Black Jackals' team manager—you were now the head coordinator.

The title sounded glamorous, but the reality was a daunting mix of more responsibilities, longer hours, and constant phone calls. You had to manage sponsors, oversee logistics, and juggle an endless stream of meetings. It was exhausting, but it was financially rewarding, and that was all that mattered—or so you told yourself.

Rin refused to let your achievement go uncelebrated.

"You can't just get promoted and not throw a party," she insisted, her hands on her hips as she loomed over you in the living room. Her long black hair was loose, spilling over her shoulders like a glossy curtain. She looked determined, and you knew better than to argue.

"Fine," you relented. "But just a dinner. Nothing crazy."

And so, a few nights later, you found yourself seated at a long table in a bustling restaurant. The chatter of patrons filled the air, blending with the clinking of glasses and the aroma of sizzling food.

Rin had rallied the group effortlessly. Beside you sat Kiyoko and Yachi, their polished appearances starkly contrasting with the chaotic energy of Hinata, Bokuto, and Atsumu, who were already competing to see who could drink the most beer. Sakusa had surprisingly joined as well, sitting at the end of the table with his usual aloof expression, though his presence alone spoke volumes.

Rin raised her glass, a proud smile lighting up her face. "To Y/n, my best friend and the hardest-working person I know. Finally getting the recognition you deserve!"

The group erupted into cheers, glasses clinking together in celebration.

"Ah, finally!" Atsumu exclaimed, leaning back in his chair with a grin. "I was startin' to think they'd never notice all the work you do."

"About time," Bokuto added, his infectious energy drawing laughter from the group.

Kiyoko leaned closer, her soft voice carrying over the noise. "Congratulations, Y/n. This is well-deserved."

Yachi nodded eagerly beside her, her cheeks pink from the beer she was nursing. "We're so proud of you!"

"Thanks, guys," you said, a small smile tugging at your lips despite the exhaustion clinging to you.

"Alright, enough talkin'—let's eat!" Hinata declared, his eyes lighting up as the first round of food arrived.

Plates of steaming gyoza, bowls of rich ramen, and platters of sushi quickly filled the table. The savory aroma was intoxicating, and for a moment, you allowed yourself to relax.