Rabies

Changes

(A/N: I wanted to draw a new cover for this story, so that's why it's been changed. I think I'll draw new covers for other books of mine as well, who knows 👀)

  "Back up!" I growled while shoving my arm back to get space. An irritated groan answered before I shoveled the pasta onto plates. "Take these to the table."

  "You take them." The blond huffed under his breath while picking up the plates.

  "Be glad I'm even feeding you." Opening a drawer, I pulled out a couple of forks and sat down at the table. Passing one of the utensils to Kyōtani, he took it and started chowing down. "We have the practice meet-up when we're done, so don't choke."

  "I'm not!" He snapped, and I just waved him off. Kyōtani had come over for lunch before we were meeting up with the team- well....what was left of it now that the third years were gone. Kyōtani's skills had meant he was now the ace with Iwaizumi no longer filling the role, but a new captain had yet to be decided on. Yahaba was in the lead running for captain, and today's practice was also to find who would fill in the spots still open from the third years.

  We may not have any games anytime soon, but we still had to practice and learn the new setup before the next game.

  "Are you gonna listen to the coaches today?" I questioned while stabbing the fork into the pasta and looking across the table at Kyōtani. The blond's jaw clenched before he gave a small pout.

  "Maybe."

  "Kyōtani." His nose scrunched up.

  "Fine." I chuckled at his reaction, finding it rather amusing. "Shut up."

  "You first."

~

  The smell of the gym was like home at this point with how much time I spent in here. I was watching the team from the bench, taking notes of who did well together while the coaches were calling out names and switching around players.

  I already knew the main team would be compromised of the players that did best with my training since they already had adequate skills, but who knew if that'd change if a beast of a first-year joined next year.

  "Ah!" A pained shout was followed by a heavy thud, and the movement in the gym stopped. My eyes shot to the boy pushing himself up off the ground and Kyōtani standing over him.

  Without saying a word, Kyōtani grabbed the boy's shirt and pulled him up to his feet. He hesitated before awkwardly patting the boy.

  "Sorry." He muttered, and I snorted.

  "Kyōtani, next time don't try to steal the toss. I don't need any more players knocked down." The blond's ears tinted pink with embarrassment, but he gave a sharp nod in understanding. Our last official game had really done a number on his temper, so he was trying to be calmer.

  Yahaba looked like he wanted to chew Kyōtani's ear off, but since the coach had already dealt with it, the cream-7puff remained quiet.

~

  "You did good today. Wanna get pork buns?" I offered while digging out my wallet as we neared the corner store.

  "I'm not a dog in need of praise."

  "Could have fooled me. Bun or no bun?" Quirking up a brow, I watched as Kyōtani narrowed his eyes.

  "Bun." He reached for the door and opened it before following me inside. Going straight to the counter, I asked for two pork buns and pulled out the cash to pay. The blond patiently waited behind me, his gaze going from the clerk getting the buns to the buns themselves and back.

  "Could you be any more like a dog?" I handed Kyōtani his food while biting into mine as we continued walking down the sidewalk. He just growled briefly, and I gave him a sideways glance with a smile. "I'm only teasing." Holding out my hand, Kyōtani accepted it and laced his fingers with mine to hold my hand as we walked.

  "....I didn't mean to steal the pass."

  "Hm?"

  "I got lost in the game." He explained. "Got too excited."

  "It's okay." I bumped his shoulder with my own. "You're getting better at keeping focus. Once you get that down, you'll be golden." I chuckled, and he took a big bite out of his pork bun.

  Turning the corner, we entered a residential area as we walked on. The sun was setting due to the time, but there was still plenty of light to see the sidewalk ahead.

  "What about you?"

  "What do you mean?"

  "How are you doing? Don't you still want to play?"

  "I do, but I'm fine as the manager for now. I can still play with you guys."

  "It's not the same."

  "I know. I've got plans, though."

  "For?"

  "Joining a college team."

  "Can you even get into college?" I shot him a dirty look, and it only made him laugh.

  "I can! My grades are better now, and I've also got another year to get whatever credits necessary."

  "Good luck, then." Kyōtani smiled down at me, and I knew my ears were red.

  "Do you plan on going to college?"

  "Dunno yet. Got another year to figure it out." Turning, I paused while now standing on my porch.

  "Would you still play volleyball if you did go?"

  "Duh."

  "Duh me again, and I'll hit you."

  "Duh." A playful glint flashed in his eyes as he challenged me, and I followed through by punching his shoulder. "Ow!" Kyōtani was smiling while rubbing his arm. "See you tomorrow, Shori." He kissed my cheek before bouncing off the porch. Waving to me as he walked away, I waved back.

  "He's such an idiot." I mumbled while feeling the blush creeping onto my cheeks. Going into the house, I slid my shoes off at the door before going to my room to put my bag down. Unzipping the backpack as it sat in my desk chair, I pulled out the journal I had taken notes in and dropped it on the desk.

  Stretching, I groaned as my back popped while heading to the bathroom to shower after a long day.