Haikyuu imagines

Argument before the match- Kuroo

I should've known it would blow up.

Arguments with Kuroo don't start big-they simmer. They spark in tiny places: a clipped tone, a tense exhale, a look held a second too long. He's not explosive. He's not reckless. He's calculated, measured, annoyingly composed even when he's frustrated.

Which is why this fight felt like a fucking earthquake.

The worst part? I started it.

It was the morning of Nationals. His first big match as an adult-team coach. Months of stress, planning, sleepless nights. His brain had been living in game theory land for weeks. And he'd drifted-just a little. Not on purpose. Not maliciously. Just... absent.

Enough for something inside me to crack.

He stood in the hotel room adjusting his tie-sharp black suit, sleeves rolled to his forearms, hair messier than usual from running his hands through it in constant stress. He looked beautiful. And exhausted. And miles away from me, even though he was standing right there.

"You're thinking too loud," I muttered from the bed.

He glanced at me in the mirror. "Sorry, babe. Just... got a lot running through-"

"When don't you?"

He blinked. "What?"

And that was the moment. The spark that hit dry tinder.

"When's the last time you looked at me?" I said, voice low but sharp.

He froze.

"You've been here physically," I continued, "but you're not... here. I feel like I'm dating a walking volleyball spreadsheet."

Kuroo turned slowly, adjusting his tie again-nervous habit. "It's Nationals, (Y/N). You know how much-"

"I know," I snapped. "I'm not asking you to skip the match. I'm asking you to act like I exist."

His jaw flexed. "That's not fair."

"Neither is being ignored for weeks."

His eyes narrowed-hurt first, anger second. "Ignored? Seriously? You think I'm ignoring you because I'm working? That I'm not giving you attention on purpose?"

"I didn't say on purpose."

"But you implied it." His voice tightened. "You always do this right before something important."

My breath stilled. "Do what?"

"Make everything about how I'm not doing enough. How you're not getting enough. How I'm failing you."

"That's not-"

He exhaled sharply, cutting me off. "Do you have any idea how hard I'm trying? How many plates I'm spinning? I'm doing everything I can, and it still isn't enough for you."

My heart clenched. "Kuroo-"

"No," he said quietly, shoulders tense. "You want honesty? I don't have room for a fight right now. I need peace. I need my partner to support me, not make me feel like shit hours before the biggest match of my career."

His words hit like a slap.

He realized it the second they left his mouth-eyes widening slightly, breath catching. But he didn't take them back. Didn't apologize. Just stood there, breathing hard, hands curling at his sides.

I swallowed around the sting. "Wow. Okay."

"(Y/N)... that's not-"

"It's fine." I stood abruptly, grabbing my bag. "You don't need the distraction. I get it."