𝚃𝙾𝙱𝙸𝙾'𝚂 𝙱𝚁𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁

Chapter 25*

Currently, there were only three days left of the training camp. A lot happened during that small time period. Much of it he'd rather forget. But... there were some memories made that were worth remembering.

Still, Y/N wanted to get his mind off of things. Sitting around and doing nothing wasn't helping. Despite his coach's many offers to have him sit out, he refused. So, respecting his decision, Coach Goro let Y/N resume practice with the rest.

The (h/c)-ette made his way to the gym, where some of the others had already gone. Upon arriving, he was met with some looks from his teammates. Not judgemental gazes, but rather, looks of worry and concern. They knew their captain was a strong person. At least, in their eyes, he was. Still, surely anyone going through a loss wasn't alright.

"Captain..." one of the second-years started to say.

"I'm okay," he responded.

"But..."

He looked at all of them, who had gathered around him. "I'll admit that it hurts," he said. "But... I'm okay now. So, stop looking as if it were your fault."

"Captain!!" they all shouted, startling (h/c)-ette.

Immediately, the entire team tackled him in a hug. Yet again, Y/N had been caught off guard, leaving him unsure of what to do. A few were teary-eyed or already crying.

Further away, the coach, faculty advisor, and managers were watching with smiles on their faces. "Looks like he's doing better," Ms. Kurokami said.

"Sure does."

"Okay. Alright. Let me go," he said, but the rest refused, adamant about showing their captain their appreciation.

Their hug only tightened, annoying the (h/c)-ette. "I get it already! Let me go before you all start off practice with twenty extra laps around the gym!"

"Satan's back!"

--

"Alright, gather around, all of you," Coach Goro said.

They all walked to their side of the gym and gathered around their coach. "The line-up is about the same. Futoshi, Arima will be in your place this time. If anything happens, you'll get put back in. Fujiwara, you'll also be switched out this time. Chiba will take your place."

"Understood, Coach," the four replied.

"Don't take any offense. Regardless of who is put out there, I believe every single one of you has great talent and potential. However, I would like to rotate around the players on the court."

"If that's the case, Coach, why not switch me out with someone else too?" Y/N asked, his hands on his hips. "I don't believe I should be an exception just because I'm the captain."

"Kageyama, you are an essential asset. In addition, Yamaguchi's abilities as a setter are at their max when combined with a player who plays also at their max."

To that, Y/N didn't say anything. The others looked at him in agreement. "You all are really okay with that?"

"Of course," Futoshi said. "It's our best shot at winning, right?"

"Besides that, we're all getting a chance at being on the court regardless," Fujiwara added.

"I see... In that case, I appreciate your trust in me."