Clawed & Flawed: A Nekoma Story

Chapter 1

Saturday – 9 A.M. 

An old and gentle-faced coach in all red tracksuit walked in with hands behind his back as the members greeted him enthusiastically. He motioned for them to carry on and took a seat on the side of the court. 

"Kuroo-san, I'm still thinking about a female manager for our team," the mohawk guy nagged as he wheeled in the volleyball cart. 

"I thought it was your job to try and recruit someone. I told you I had no problem with that as long as you don't drag me along with you," the captain muttered lazily. 

"I asked Tanaka for advice, but it hasn't been working. Why can't you just help your poor junior? There are many first- and second-year girls who adore you. Even though your receives aren't as cool as Yaku-san's, I'm sure it could've gained their attention." 

"What do you have to put me down and up at the same time?! Anyway, I don't care much about what those girls think. I'm not Bokuto." 

"I'm just saying, we should let them watch you play and open an application for the spot. It will help with the team's morale." 

"Tora, I told you I don't want to get involved. Besides, you should increase the accuracy of your spikes before thinking about girls. Go on and play around if you want Lev to take over as the ace," Kuroo smirked and turned around. 

"No one is taking my place as Nekoma's ace. Spike accuracy my ass," Tora took a ball and aimed a powerful spike at his senior's head. 

BAM! 

The contact between the ball and his hand made a booming sound, but he wasn't the captain and main middle blocker for nothing. Kuroo knew exactly what his junior had been scheming and dodged it at the perfect timing. The ball shot right past him and went straight for the ajar gym door. He prepared himself to catch the rebound and eyed for his target. But the ball was slipped out of the gap; still carrying its full velocity. 

Thump! 

"Agh!" a person let out a scream. 

"Uh oh," the two people responsible yelped in unison. 

They ran out to check on the person as Coach Nekomata remained seated. He didn't budge or scold his students. Instead, he laughed at their foolishness instead. 

"I-I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to spike the ball out. Are you okay? Did it hurt?" Tora helped the stranger up as Kuroo picked up their duffel bag off the ground and dusted it. 

"Of course, it does. I told you to work on your accuracy, didn't I? The ball was supposed to stay within the court you know," the captain teased. 

"No, I'm okay. It just caught me by surprise," they dusted their sweatpants and windbreaker; their voice soft but stern. 

"Phew, that could've been my head, but it seems like you are a tough one," Kuroo sneered and leaned on the door as he watched them. 

Tora clicked his tongue before returning to the stranger, "Can I help you with anything?" 

"Yeah, I'm looking for Gym 3. I was supposed to help with the boys' volleyball club," the stranger unfolded a piece of paper before looking up to meet their eyes. "Am I at the right place?" 

Before either of them could say anything, they shared a look of acknowledgement. The stranger's eyes were rounded, although it held a cunning sheen. Kuroo snapped back into reality and pushed Tora in the gym to allow himself to take charge of the conversation. 

"So, you can speak English, huh? Where are you from? What are you doing in Nekoma?" He led her inside the gym. 

'This guy read my notes? What a tall stalker,' the kid thought before replying to the series of questions. 

"I just got transferred here from London. My parents sent me away," the stranger looked down and hid their face under the black cap. 

"Oh, not many freshmen are applying for the volleyball club this year. I'm glad to welcome you as our newest member. You can call me Kuroo senpai. Hehe," he smiled, causing his eyes to close. "But before I help you with anything, let me introduce you to our coach." 

Stray hairs hung out of the back of their cap and strands of silver hair loomed over their sharp, piercing gaze. The stranger oozed the same great aura of intimidation and mystery around as the old coach, though the former possessed a kinder rounded pupil. 

"Ah, you're finally here. Weren't you supposed to arrive at 7? Take the taxi next. You'll get lost walking around in a new city all by yourself," Coach Nekomata grinned. 

'The coach is familiar with the new kid?' Kuroo's eyes widened at the interaction. 

"Shut up, old man. I didn't want to come in the first place," the stranger's voice suddenly became cold. 

"Hey! You can't just talk to him like that," Kuroo grabbed onto the back of the person's collar. 

His coach held up a hand and replied calmly, "It's fine. Go ahead and continue with the rest." 

"Yes, coach," he eyed the newbie before going back to his group. 

'What's wrong with that kid? Do they really know each other? *sigh* Arrogant tourists,' he grumbled internally. 

"As for you, go and change your shoes. Wear something more appropriate next time," the old man's tone changed. 

"I don't understand the need for two shoes. And I'm fine wearing this if I'm only watching a mediocre volleyball game. Besides, I just came from the airport. This is already more than I've bargained for." 

"Hahah... Suit yourself. Morning jogs are from 7 A.M. to 8.30 A.M. and practices start from 3.30 P.M. to 6 P.M. depending on the free practices. If some of them want to extend their own practice time to 8 P.M., you have to stay back with them. Now, sit and enjoy the view," he folded his arms and observed his team with his watchful cat eyes. 

"This suck!" the student grunted; attracting the whole gym's attention. 

Mutters of things along the lines of 'eh?' and 'what was that?' swarmed the court. 

"Keep your eyes on the ball!" the coach yelled out. "Be ready for your practice match." 

"Yes, coach!" they replied eagerly and shifted their gaze back at their initial activities.