Teach Me Kōshi || Sugawara x Reader

21: Tryouts.

He was right.

I hadn't seen Noya the entire day, not even the teachers remarked about his lack of presence. It was like he was completely erased from the earth.

I had to go through the entire day worrying about tryouts. Kōushi and I have been practicing like crazy, but for what?

Recently so much has been going on that I've barely had any time to think about Jale, or my future. Nearly my entire life I've planned to go to Jale, study Japanese, and teach in on countries abroad. Why am I doubting it now?

Eventually 5:42 pm rolls around and I find myself sitting in the hall, alone. I was too early for the 6 pm tryouts, so the hall was completely empty. I allowed myself to think for a moment, about how things planned out.

My mother always wanted me to be happy doing what made me feel good about myself, but I've always told her that I need to step out of the comfort zone my anxiety gives me and learn new things. I was determined to show her, and everyone else, that I can manage on my own. But I can't.

These past months in Karasuno have taught me so much. I didn't need to be calm all the time, and it's okay to let loose and feel new emotions. Every since I've met Kōushi I feel like my life has taken a dramatic change.

And I love it.

He's showed me new things, new people, and new emotions that I didn't even know I had.

Do I really want to leave this all behind?

"Heads up!" I heard Yui shout, throwing a ball directly at me. I yelped, catching it in a single movement. It was now I had realized that tryouts were starting, and Kōushi still wasn't here.

"Ladies! This is the final year for most of you, including me. I want everyone to give it everything they've got. Karasuno is going to rise to the top with this years team, I know it!"

Everyone replied with yells of enthusiasm and joy. I simply looked around, to be met with a pair of hazel brown eyes staring proudly at me. Kōushi was leaning against the gym wall, smiling at me.

Yui quickly separated us into teams, which were playing against the old Karasuno High Girls volleyball team in a competition for their spot.

The games flew by fast, that was, until it was my turn. Yui launched the ball towards me, curling at what felt like 1000 mph. I quickly swerved left, returning the ball with a swift save. "Good." Yui hit back harder, towards a smaller, meek girl. The girl dodged Yui's ball with a shriek and ran off to the side. "Does this look like dodgeball, Arita?!" She called, her loud booming voice echoing around the hall.

It was match-point and Yui's ball landed directly into my hands. I felt my mind drift for a moment as I took a look around, and locked eyes with Kōushi, who was cheering loudly at me. I felt so confident in that moment. Like all these weeks of practice had finally led to something worthwhile.

"Y/N! Serve it already!"

I yelped in surprise to find one of my teammates rolling her eyes in laughter. "Quit making eyes with Sugawara and do it already."

That needed context.

I always had a good jump, but Kōushi had told me that I had the power of a setter. So we combined them both.

Karasuno volleyball team's main rival, Oikawa, had a serve just like mine. However, Kōushi and Kagayama teamed up well to show me the right angles and techniques to a higher strike point.

I placed one foot back on the ground in a warrior-like stance, and with a single, easy movement the ball was high in the air. I lunged high to strike the ball on the way down, and tossed it directly in the angle of our ace. The ace hit it perfectly, slamming through the defending teams blockers.

There was a seconds silence as the ball hit the ground with a thud. Yui stood dumbfounded by my serve.

"WHOO!"

I looked over to find the other girls, along with Kōushi standing on a bench looking like a bloody idiot, cheering and shouting. My face turned a scarlet red as the other girls patted me on the back.

"SETTLE, SETTLE." Yui called. The entire court silenced in seconds. "Alright ladies! And uh- Sugawara. That's the end of team trials. Always remember that if you don't get in this year." She shot a glance at the smaller, shy girl. "There's always next year. I will have the results posted on the notice board within the next few days."

So with chatter ringing in my ears, the girls separated to get changed to their normal clothes again. Kōushi ran to me, happily embracing me, lifting me off the ground slightly. "Gaaah- oxygen- is- needed-" I squeaked. He let me down with a soft chuckle as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Oh my gosh Y/N! That was amazing! You could barely pull that off in practice." He grinned taking his hand in mine. "There's no way you aren't getting on the team." I gave him a quick nod. "Thanks Kōushi..."

"Y/N!" I swung around to meet Yui's eyes, she was smiling brightly, and I felt my stomach churn as she grabbed my hand and pulled me away from Kōushi. "One moment, Suga."

"What the—!" I stammered. She sighed, leaning up against the wall and folding her arms. "You already know what I'm going to say, Y/N, don't you?" I have a small nod in reply, and she carried on. "That serve was like nothing I've ever seen before. You have talent, and I apologize for not recognizing it earlier on. I want you on the Karasuno High volleyball team.

"Actually.... about that..."