kiddo

chapter five

"The practice game with Nekoma is fast approaching," Takeda announces, slightly out of breath

Excitement waves through the group, and I smile, happy at the chance to reunite with the rival team.

Takeda continues to talk about transportation and other details, but once he is done he glances at Ukai, asking whether there is more to discuss. He shakes his head and dismisses everyone, wishing them all goodnight.

I pack my bag, ready to head out of the gym, but a deep voice calls my name, "Takinoue, can I borrow, like, five minutes of your time?"

I swing to meet Keishin's gaze, pulling the bag up to my shoulder, "Sure."

"So I've been thinking," he begins after walking up to me, "I think it might be time that you look for an assistant manager."

I tilt my head in response and he is hasty to add, "Not that you're not good at your job, I think you might be one of the best managers I've ever seen. I mean, the amount of insight you gave me on the team was astonishing in itself."

I chuckle, his nervous word vomit only entrancing me, "Ukai, it's okay, you don't need to flatter me. I agree with you, and I'll start looking for one immediately."

"Sounds good," he says while a smile lights up his face, and then after looking around the gym he mutters, "I'm serious. I think you're incredible."

I look away, unable to contain my smile.

"Uhuh sure," I chuckle, face heating up as a blush paints my nose.

"Fuck me," he whispers as he leans in closer, eyes glinting with a sinister hue, "You're so cute when you're flustered."

My hands come up to my face, and with a smooth turn I'm walking away from him and heading out the exit.

"Goodnight guys," I yell, the sound muffled by my hands.

"Good night," Suga replies.

Hinata slams the ball into the opposing court and yells, "Get home safe, Takinoue!"

I start walking to the street, shaking my head in disbelief, taking a deep breath in order to calm myself down.

I hear footsteps running up behind me, and then grabbing my arm Keishin laughs, "Baby, come on I was just kidding."

I turn to look at him, eyebrows raised.

"I mean, I wasn't kidding, you really are cute when you get flustered, but I swear, I had no ill intent," his honest smile instantly melting my heart.

Trying to keep a serious composure I say, "Don't call me baby."

His face falls and his eyebrows furrow, "Then what should I call you?"

"Hm," I hum, offering, "I do have a name."

"But everyone can call you Koda," he pouts, "I want something only I can call you."

I rub my temple, knowing that he won't give up any time soon, "Will you shut up if I let you call me baby?"

He grins and nods, my heart skipping a beat at the sight.

I turn and begin walking again, but he catches up and wraps his arm around me, his warm skin against my shoulder.

"Can I walk you home?" he asks, eyes fixed on mine.

"Would you accept a no?"

"No."

"Then, yes, you can walk me home," I smile, eyes turning back to the road.