The referee's whistle blew, signaling the end of set four. The fifth one would be the tie-breaker in order to determine which team was going to the nationals.
You paced around the bench, practically fuming. As your small team's only libero, you were constantly moving. You had to have straight and maintainable hair. Hell, even when you woke up and it looked perfect for game day, you still straightened it for good measure.
You stupidly agreed to have a sleepover with your boyfriend, Lev, the day before as he was afraid of being home alone without his sister. You fell asleep early, as the next day was finals, while he stayed up chatting with Kuroo. The two decided it was so funny to braid your hair when you were asleep so it wouldn't be straight the next day.
Lev didn't believe in alarms (which is why he's always late.. that idiot) so you woke up late. You didn't have time to even look at your hair as you rushed to your school in order to get on the bus. Your teammates were horrified when seeing your bedhead and tried to fix it on the way to the finals.
Alas, it was no use. Your bangs and baby hairs were haywire and you wished you were bald at the moment. Scratch that, you instead wanted to murder Lev and Kuroo. Your boyfriend was somewhere in the crowd, you felt his beady green eyes on your back.
You frantically wiped your sweat off your face and tried to dry it. "You alright, (Y/N)?" the coach asked nervously. She was also concerned when you showed up at school in the morning. You nodded tightly.
The whistle blew and you got back into position. You thought about it as just a bad hair day. You couldn't let your mood ruin your whole team's chances.
The other team served a little off-center. You dived for the ball. "Chance ball!" you yelled, scrambling to get up as the setter and spiker excellently received the ball. You saw the blockers jump, it was perfect. Your eyes darted, ready for the ball.
After a few more plays, you were feeling the fatigue. The score was still neck and neck. You couldn't possibly get a lead. Your coach called for a time out. You bit your lip, furiously wondering what to do next.
"(Y/N)!" you heard an annoying voice shout in the quiet of the building. You gawked, looking up to see grey-haired boy cheering excitedly. "You got this!" he yelled, blowing you kisses. You plastered on a disgusted expression and turned back to your team.
As you listened to your coach, all you could hear were Lev's words. They were boring but really fired you up. The break ended and you were back on the court for the last few points. The other team served straight for you.
"Ah, it's too far!" you cursed, as you couldn't back up to receive. The ball went flying to the other side as they got prepared to spike. Time went in slow motion as the blocker on your team jumped a little too early. The fastball touched the tip of their fingers, sending it flying to the side.
Your eyes widened. Every point count. You planted your feet on the hardwood then sprinted towards the sidelines. Your worn-out thighs were previously affecting you but in these last seconds, you felt like you were flying. You hopped over the border but suddenly, your hair covered your eyes. You gritted your teeth and dived, hoping for the best.
You heard the 'pow' of the volleyball as your arms connected with it. "Chance ball!" you screamed, trying to get up. Instead, your knees gave out. You felt something crack and you fell to the floor.
You saw as your receive was spiked flawlessly.. then was immediately shut down by the blockers of the other team. You felt your heart drop.
"Don't mind! (Y/N), that was a supernatural re-" your teammates said, giving each other pats on the back. They turned to you, crumpled on the floor. You tried so hard to get up but your legs.. they weren't working.
"I'm fine!" you assured as a crowd formed around you. You just wanted to continue playing. You were so close to victory. They sat you upright and that's when the pain registered. You yelped, finding tears flowing down your cheeks.
"(Y/N), let's go to the nurses. Right now," your coach said, carrying you in her arms. Even though the gym was buzzing with everyone on edge, it was dead silent in your head. You turned back to your teammates, who looked terrified.
"Guys, please do it. For me," you mumbled, your voice hoarse from screeching. You were sure they didn't hear you but their eyes filled with determination. You smiled, knowing they will do fine, as you were carried out of the gym and was placed on a bench right outside.
Your coach looked at your injury for a second. The next play started and you could hear the bouncing of the ball inside the gym. The door then opened and you saw Lev standing there.
"(Y/N), are you alright?" he asked, his voice shrill. You rolled your eyes at him.
"Haiba. Let's bring her to the nurse together," your coach offered. He nodded, shifting half of your weight onto his shoulders.
A few minutes of waddling and you were on a cot, laying there as you waited for a nurse. Your coach quickly left, making sure to relay your messages and assuring you that they will do to nationals. Lev sat on the edge of the bed, looking nervous.
"D- Does it hurt?" he asked. You deadpanned to him.
"Are you serious? My meaty legs probably feel more pain than your chopsticks!" you teased, leaning over and smacking his arm. You flinched slightly at the movement but actually did feel better than before.
"I'm sorry," he said, avoiding your eyes. "I know your hair blocked your vision. I saw,"
"You think? It's fine. What's done is done," you huffed. "I was about to collapse anyway. I'm not used to playing five sets,"
"(Y/N)! I won't touch your hair ever again!" he sobbed, hugging you. You fake gagged as a nurse walked in.
"Ok. We'll see how long that lasts. Now can you please leave and tell me how we do? I want to be able to tease the girls later," you said, waving him off.
end.
note: part two of lev taking care of you? hmm, thinking.
