The Third Miya: Isuma

XII

<<NSA, where the others are waiting for the Miya brothers>>

"So where were they again?" Suna asked, looking down the street. Akagi sighed. "They probably decided to beat each other up on the way here."

Just then, they saw the Miya brothers running towards them, almost definitely trying to get there before the other. Osamu was there a split-second before his brother. "Sorry, Senpai. We got a little distracted."

"How'd it go, Isuma?" Atsumu asked, straightening. She was her regular quiet, shy self now and barely looked at him. "Fine. I have to go home though."

"Why?" Osamu blinked. Isuma replied, "We have two tests next week. I haven't studied."

"Wait- we do?" Ginjima exclaimed. Suna raised his hand. "Can I copy down your notes on Monday? I need to get home soon."

"Sure. Oh, wait a second, though!" Suna had turned around to leave. Isuma quickly shrugged off his jacket and handed it to him. Akagi asked, "Why did you give her your jacket?"

"We were only at the check-in desk and three guys had already looked at her," Ginjima explained. "So we made her wear the hood for a while."

Suna pulled on his jacket. "Thanks."

Kita glanced at the Miya brothers. "Don't be late for practice."

"We won't be." Osamu's eyes flicked to Isuma. "Are you coming?"

Everyone looked at her at the same time and she took a step back. "I- don't know. If you want me to."

"We do."

"Yep."

"Definitely."

<<Skip to Monday morning, at the gym>>

"I just remembered we never asked Kurosu Sensei if Suma-chan could join the team," Atsumu said. He and Osamu were setting up the volleyball net together. Osamu looked over. "Why are you worried about it?"

"Because we already told her she could join! What if he says no?"

"Relax, you idiot. Why wouldn't he let her?" he asked. Atsumu protested, "Hey!!"

Osamu didn't bother replying and continued, "If she helps us out and doesn't just hang around like the other managers we've had, then there's no reason for him to say no, right?"

"...you're right. I guess." Atsumu stopped just as Kita walked into the gym talking with Aran. Kita noticed them and walked over. "Sensei agreed to let Isuma-chan be the manager-"

"He what?!" Atsumu demanded.

"-on one condition." Kita finished. Osamu asked, "What's that?"

"He wants to talk to her about something first," Kita answered. Atsumu blinked. "About what? And why?"

"I don't know." Kita shrugged just before he caught sight of their expressions. "Relax, what do you expect? Probably something about her way of picking up on everything."

"...I hope so."

<<10 minutes later>>

"What does he want to talk about?" Isuma asked, already anxious. Atsumu quickly said, "If you don't-"

"Tsumu. It's fine, she can." Osamu glanced at Isuma. "Right." she sounded a little uncertain but she managed a smile to reassure Atsumu. "...if you say so, Suma-chan." Atsumu bit his tongue to prevent himself from protesting. Isuma pulled on her jacket. "I'll go find him. See you in class, Samu."

Isuma walked out of the gym as the two of them stared after her. Atsumu almost took a step forward, but a split-second before he did, Osamu put his hand on his shoulder firmly. "Tsumu."

"I know, I know. Let's go." Atsumu dragged Osamu inside the gym.