The Unfamiliar Player | Kei Tsukishima

5 (五): Ball

4/30/2020 (83 Days)

The past few days was becoming the usual. [Name] would walk or sometimes drag her cousin to the library. If anything, she would blackmail him into going or studying a little more at home since his parents didn't know about his failing grades.

She knew that Oba- san and Oji- san would take him out of practice so that he could do better. Usually the tutor sessions were 30 minutes before or after practice.

Tsukishima would be annoying as ever and his snarky remarks were so infuriating. Especially the 'Chisai' nickname he gave her. She needed a name for him but the nicknames she would come up with were common as she would hear some of guys call him that.

As the four of them walked out of the library, like usual, Hinata and Tobio would start sprinting, racing and screaming, trying to beat the other.

"I swear those numskulls never get tired." [Name] mumbled, shaking her head.

"They really are simpletons." Tsukishima muttered, putting on his white headphones, stopping the girl from continuing the brief conversation.

[Name] rolled her eyes at the tall, blonde's behavior. She was getting tired of him. As the two finally reached the gym, Tsukishima went to go to the boys room and change into his volleyball attire as [Name] pulled her shoes and knee- pads out of her bag as she slid them on.

"[Name]- san! Can you help me with passing?"

Yamaguchi asked her, nodding, she went to his side and started to pass the ball. As they continued to pass the ball, [Name] noticed his stiff posture.

"Y'know, if your knees lock up and you stay in place, it'll be harder for you to move and get the ball. You should relax!" She commented, pointing at his knees.

"Oh.. Thank you [Name]- san but it's just hard. I'm the only first year that isn't a regular and the serves and passes I do get to do, aren't good enough most of the time, they- they don't even go to where I want them to."

Rubbing the back of his neck, he sighed, recalling the moment he was used to serve during the Aobi Johsai match. Even when he told his body to move and get the ball, he froze! [Name] noticed the frustration and smiled softly.

"Then that's why you practice. You learn from your mistakes and the fact that you're striving to better yourself shows how dedicated you are. Sure, get upset and curse the moon. But use that anger to fuel your desire to win. Whenever you serve, think of it as a redemption. Prove your worth that you can stay on the court." Yamaguchi couldn't help but admire [Name]'s positive aura.

She was such a huge contrast to her cousin, who couldn't even smile correctly.

"Okay! It's time for practice!" Keishin- sensei announced, earning an 'Osu!' from everyone.

The drill was simple. Sensei would serve a ball and you would have to receive and pass it to Tobio or Suga, who will set it to you, so you could spike it. Nishinoya and [Name] were on Sensei's side as they would receive the spikes. That way, everyone was able to practice.

[Name] glared at the person who was next. Of course it was Tsukishima. After passing the ball, Suga tossed him a ball and Tsukishima ran and spiked the ball. [Name] called out to Nishinoya that she got it, and ran to receive the ball.

Satisfied with Tsukishima's scowl, she stuck her tongue out at him before focusing back upon the next player. The balls she would receive from the guys were heavy and made a thundering sound from their hand.

Sometimes, she was terrified when they would hit the ground. Girls and boys volleyball contrasted differently. Remembering her time on the girl's court, it wasn't as intense- it didn't feel like a war and that the teams weren't filled with blood-lust.

[Name] looked at the guys in front of her and couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Their bond may still be growing, but it was so much stronger than hers with her team back in America.

Japan truly opened her eyes as she looked and enjoyed everything the country offered her. The streets weren't filled with cars unless you were in Tokyo. There were beautiful Cherry Blossom trees everywhere and she felt like she was in a completely different world.

"[Name]- san!" Nishinoya yelled, snapping her out of her thoughts as she saw a ball coming straight towards her.

[Name] cursed and tried to move but the ball slapped her, stumbling and falling onto the ground. She groaned.

"[Name]- san! Are you okay?" Daichi and Suga asked, as everyone ran towards her. Asahi went to her side and bowed, continuously apologizing.

"Y-Yeah.. It's my bad, Asahi- kun, I wasn't paying attention. Gomen." She apologized, bowing her head towards the coach and Asahi.

"We're just glad that you're okay." Kyoko- san said, helping the girl up.

"Watch yourself, next time. Tch." Tsukishima added, looking down at the girl as Yamaguchi nodded.

"Definitely, you guys can continue, I think I'll just sit this one out. To prevent a concussion." [Name] replied, walking with Kyoko to the bench and sitting down.

"Osu! Everyone, back to practice!" Daichi- san yelled, clapping his hands.

___

"Are you going to the camp, [Name]- san?" Kyoko asked, [Name] froze as the raven- haired beauty turned to her.

"U-uh. Yes, no." She replied, which made Kyoko tilt her head. 'Yes, no?'

Realizing what she just said, she quickly bowed and apologized. "I mean, I do want to go and Tobio- kun does want me to, as well but I would feel like a bother.." [Name] replied, looking down at her hands.

"You can help me, actually. I'm still looking for a manager and you've helped me multiple times. Plus your volleyball knowledge helps a lot." Kyoko smiled, grabbing [Name]'s hands. Smiling back at the third- year, she nodded.

"Then I'll happily go and help you!"

___

Walking home with Tobio was pretty peaceful.

"You should watch yourself next time, Oba- san would have my head if she found out her daughter got a concussion." [Name] laughed and bumped his shoulder.

"It's part of the game. I signed up for it. Also, we should talk to the family about the trip. And make sure you study and memorize, okay?" Tobio nodded as the two walked into the house.

"We're home!" The two yelled, earning a greeting from the family.

"How was practice?" [Name]'s mom asked, looking at the two. Tobio's sweat dropped as he tried to come up with words.

"And this is why you need to learn English." [Name] snickered at her cousin as they both took off their shoes.

"It was good, mom. Actually, Tobio- kun's volleyball club is having some practice matches in Tokyo. Can I go with him?" [Name] crossed her fingers as her mom thought about it.

"Well, if it's okay with the coach and the team, then I don't see why not." Her dad said in English, coming towards them with his brother by his side.

"Plus you can watch over your reckless cousin." Her uncle replied, motioning over to a groaning Tobio.

"I'm not reckless!" Tobio started but was interrupted by his dad, uncle and cousin. 

"Yes, you are!"

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Kyoko: "..Please vote." (•///•)