Winner [Haikyu!! x OC] (Completed)

Chameleon

I set up the last chair in the row and survey the gym. The net is up, baskets of volleyballs are out, towels are folded, and the scoreboard is set up on the side of the court. Perfect. I left my last class early to help set up for our practice match today. I'm particularly excited about this one. We'll be playing against a college team, which blows my mind. I never got to play against a college team when I was in America, but I would have jumped at the opportunity. It will be a valuable experience for the boys to test their skills against more advanced players.

Coach Irihata and Coach Mizoguchi enter the gym and wave Iwaizumi and I over.

"Oikawa is meeting with the athletic trainer. If he isn't here in time, you two will welcome the visiting team in his stead," Coach Irihata instructs us.

"Hai, Coach!"

I grab Iwaizumi's arm as we turn away. "Hey, why is Oikawa with the athletic trainer? Is he okay?"

"He's fine. He has a bad knee, so he meets with the trainer every so often to make sure he doesn't overdo it. And I back up everything the trainer says, so Oikawa doesn't have a chance of disobeying."

"Oh," I release Iwa's elbow. "I didn't know he has a bad knee. It must not be too bad though, to play the way he does."

Iwa nods and starts warming up some serves.

I pick up a ball and join him. My jump serves are looking better. I don't feel like I'm flailing so much to hit the ball anymore. "Wait, is that why he wears mismatched knee pads? One of them is a brace?"

"Did you think it was for style?" Iwaizumi laughs. "I would probably think that too, so I don't blame you for not realizing."

I serve a couple more times, absentmindedly. I have a new depth of respect for Oikawa's dedication to volleyball. It's tough to play through a chronic injury. There aren't many players who would stick with it for so long, especially at the intense level of practice that Oikawa pursues.

"Iwaizumi! Miss Kara!" Coach Mizoguchi calls.

The college team is here.

We run over and bow, introducing ourselves to the coaches and captains. These college guys are huge. But they seem really cool— all of them acknowledge me politely as I welcome them into the gym.

I lead them to their row of chairs so they can change their shoes and start warming up. "Thank you so much for coming to Aoba Johsai," I bow and say in Japanese. "If you need anything, please let me know and I'll take care of it for you!" I definitely stumbled over that last part, but they understood, I think.

"Yes, thank you for being here," a hand from beside me sticks out to greet the college captain, making me jump.

Oikawa is the picture of a polished, welcoming host, all smiles as he shakes hands with each member of the team. "And like Lily-kun said, if you need anything at all, don't hesitate to let her know. You can trust her to take care of you." He winks at me, then turns to rejoin our team in the warmup, leaving me to trot awkwardly after him.

I scowl at Oikawa's back. The manager who speaks clumsy Japanese following the flawless model. Darn that Pretty Boy. He makes me look bad.

The match starts with both teams keeping it close, getting a feel for the opponent's playing style. Seijoh is playing really well. All our plays are going through.

But the college team doesn't seem worried. They have a collected air about them— calm, but motivated. Tranquil, but strong. They stay connected with ease.