Guardian (Nishinoya x Reader) 🏐

Chapter 19: I'm Sorry

*Y/N's POV*

Here were are. Once again on the bus to Tokyo. As usual and not surprisingly, I am sitting next to my lovely boyfriend, Yuu, peacefully resting my head on his shoulder. The only issue, he's been acting really strange, different even, since he came over my house a few days ago.

The normally energetic, goofy boy was silently sitting next to me, not a single word having escaped his lips. I thought it was weird and I tried asking him about it, but he would just deny it every time and replaced his look of sadness with a wide fake smile.

Since I've been so worried about my boyfriend's recent behavior change, I haven't actually eaten anything the last two days, which means if I don't eat again today, that will be three days without food. Before that, I was getting better at eating my meals and my body was showing ever so slight improvement, but when the going gets tough, I still tend to resort back to old habits. Now, I feel like I'm back at square one and my body already lost all the weight I put on. I wish I knew how to healthily cope with stress...

Clearly, I haven't told Yuu about this. He was obviously already concerned over something else and I didn't need to add to that. I just wish he could talk to me. Trust me with whatever was going on.

I was pulled from my thoughts when the bus stopped in front of a different school than the last one we trained at. "We're here!" Daichi called out across the bus.

Everyone eagerly scrambled to get off the bus and stretch their legs after the long drive. Well, everyone, but the spiky haired boy sitting next to me, eyes fixated aimlessly at the back of the seat in front of him. Seriously. What happened to him. This isn't my Nishinoya.

The team filed into the gym to begin warmups. I immediately sprinted to fill as many water bottles as I could carry, knowing for certain in this summer heat that they'd go through them fast.

Sure enough, I was right. With the team trying out all the new moves they've been practicing, they weren't quite able to link them in a game yet. Therefore, they really weren't winning any sets, which resulted in repetitively jogging up the hill as penalties for their losses. Out of pity, I jogged with them, screaming out in frustration as well, right along their sides. I even managed to crack a smile from the sad looking Yuu and a small smirk from my normally emotionless brother. I'd say my job here is done. I feel quite accomplished.

However, by running, I knew I was just expending energy I didn't have, but if it meant supporting the team, it was worth every last drop of energy I possessed.

When all the matches ended for today, the team was beat, sweaty, and exhausted, but that didn't stop them from practicing on their own. Yuu was at the wall practicing sets. My brother was still working on the accuracy point of his new set. Yamaguchi was improving his serves. I was eager to hop in somewhere, but as my eyes wandered around the gym, it appeared that everyone was intently focused on improving their own skill.

Instead, observing a few boys missing, in high hopes I walked out and headed to another gym. I followed the sound of shouts and squeaking shoes. A light shined from a door partially cracked open. I slowly pushed open the door, a smile spreading widely across my face as I peered at who was on the other side.

Four heads turned toward me, noticing someone barging in on their little practice. "Y/N!" Bokuto came running towards me, arms out. I panicked momentarily over how fast he bolted at me, but oddly relaxed when he engulfed me in an enormous hug, picked me up, and plopped me down on the court next to Kuroo.

"Hey guys," I blushed and gave a small wave. "Mind if I join you?"

Kuroo and Bokuto eagerly agreed. Akashi gave me a "sure why not" with a light toothless smile. And Tsukushima... well, he kind of just grunted and looked away... whatever that means.