Reincarnated In Another World As A World-class Volleyball Player

Chapter Three

"...Naka-chan..?"

You asked with confusion written all over your features, you had wondered who he was referring to at first before remembering your last name was Nakamura. Noting how friendly Oikawa truly was, you were slightly taken aback. He did seem rather cheerful in the series but all that giddiness being directed at you was rather strange, though you didn't dislike it at all. It was just different from what you were used to, you had friends that were bubbly in their own right but it always took some time to be comfortable with each other's presence to the point where calling someone by a nickname wasn't something out-of-place.

"You don't like it?"

Oikawa asked as he tilted his head to the side, humming to himself. You guessed he was thinking of a new nickname to call you since in his head, you disliked "Naka-chan" though that was only his assumption of the situation. He was being considerate of your opinion, at least.

"No, that's not it! I like it- don't worry, Oikawa-san!"

You quickly replied, slightly stumbling over your words. If this boy came up with embarrassing nicknames, you weren't sure if you could continue living in this world without too much worries. "Naka-chan" would suffice for now.

"Really? My friend doesn't really like the nicknames I give!"

He exclaimed cheerfully though the tone he used to coat his words wasn't what caught your attention. You had some ideas on who this friend of his may have been - Iwaizumi Hajime, "Iwa-chan" as Oikawa often referred to him in both the manga and anime. Though Iwaizumi never verbally expressed his dislike for the nickname itself, it was clear that being called "Iwa-chan" irked him if the only basis was the facial expressions the future ace made.

"Oh? Who's this friend of yours, Oikawa-san? Are you guys close?"

You asked with a wide smile. For now, you'd try your best to be associates with Iwaizumi and Oikawa for better chances of finding the other boys. Sure, you could have stopped your search for the others and focus on making one of them fall for you - but you weren't simple-minded!

Being rejected multiple times in your past life, you knew nothing was certain. If the both of them failed to even catch a fragment of romantic interest in you after spending a few years with them then you would be devastated. You didn't want to end up heartbroken - no! Being rejected was not in any of your plans for this life and you would make sure to never be the target of unrequited love!

"His name is Iwa-chan! I'll introduce you to him during recess!"

Oikawa had replied to you, an innocent grin on his face. Because of your goal of making this life worth it, you kind of forgot to live in the moment. So dead-set on the future, you were ignoring the present, you still needed to remind yourself that you were a 6-year-old. Nodding enthusiastically, you mirrored Oikawa's expression with a grin of your own.

"That would be great! Can't wait to meet him!"

You expressed your gratefulness happily. Things would become easier with Oikawa and Iwaizumi by your side. If you got close to them, life was bound to be fun and not only that, you would be able to practice your volleyball skills. Oikawa gained fame during his junior high days so if you stuck with them before that, you would be able to enter their inner circle which was literally like a VIP ticket to becoming close to other volleyball players.

In addition to becoming close with the both of them, you would also make it a priority to not let the future setter get his knee injury, if that would ever become true. It was only briefly mentioned in chapter 13 of the manga during Karasuno and Aoba Johsai's practice match that he did have an injury though you suspected it to be an injury in the ankle, not the knee. It was something that was often discussed in the fandom due to Oikawa's choice to wear a knee brace in his right knee but it was never really confirmed. It was still a mystery to you if it was simply a preventative measure or assistance for an injury but nonetheless, you wanted to be extra careful.