Maeve's Daze !

With a groan, you pushed yourself off your bed, stomach churning greedily. You ignored it; you always did. You moved down the steps of the accommodation slowly, already feeling your vision blur. Your head felt all fuzzy. You felt nauseous.

You moved into the living area, greeting the team as per usual. Kenma was seated with Yamamoto and Fukunaga, passing his DS around, seemingly trying to beat a level. Not too far from them, Yaku and Kai were sat talking about something you couldn’t hear.

You hummed, curling up in one corner of the couch and staring at the ceiling. It was already quite late into the night. You pulled a pillow to your stomach, hugging it there. Pulling out your phone, you played whatever mindless game you installed on the busride here, gradually hearing the shuffling of the boys departing the room one by one. 

Your stomach groaned again, contracting painfully at the hollowness. You swallowed hard, as if saliva would curb your hunger-induced stomach-ache. You thought you’d be used to it by now, it’d been nearly a week since you stopped eating. No one had noticed so far since you always went to eat with the other managers. You’d lied to both your new friends and your team. You didn’t feel much guilt over it, though. It was for a reason. The pros outweighed the cons. 

Your eyes began to blur, and despite your helpless blinking to try and make it disappear, your eyes remained blurred. You lifted a hand, rubbed at your eyes. It didn’t do much to cure your hazy vision. 

Sitting up, the pillow fell from your lap. You reached for a glass of water on the table, only to knock it over in your messy attempt. You swallowed down your saliva again, your stomach growled in retaliation. 

The room felt like it was spinning on its axis, eyes blurring harsher than before. Your body swayed, dizziness overcoming you. Your knees felt weaker, suddenly balance was a thing of the past as you swayed forward, hands outstretched in pure reflex, then—

“Woah there, careful.” Kuroo huffed as you fisted the front of his shirt, his hands settling on your biceps. He furrowed his brows down at you, your face was stuffed into his chest, too dizzy to do much else.

He walked backwards with you leaned on him, looking around to make sure he didn’t bump into anything. You didn’t question it, the churning pain in your stomach wiping all sentience as you walked forward into him.

He decided he couldn’t take you up the stairs like this, slowing his backwards steps to look down at you in confusion and worry. He’d spent the most time with you out of anyone in the team. As captain, he met with you quite frequently past practicing hours to strategize. He’d never seen you like this.

“Gosh, what did you eat?” He muttered softly, trying to lighten to mood.

“Nothing.” You said absent-mindedly, causing his face to drop. His footsteps stilled, and that’s when the blunt-nature of your words dawned on you.

You didn’t dare look up, and after a beat he continued his reverse steps to his accommodation room. He entered it, silently signalling for Yaku and Kai to get out, before laying you on a futon in the dark room. He moved your hair out of your face, and stood up. You stuffed your face into your pillow, stomach churning with more than just hunger now–dread.

“I’ll be back.” He mumbled, grabbing Yaku and Kai’s futons before walking out, shutting the door behind him.

And back he was. After nearly ten minutes of waiting, he returned with a glass of water and ice cream. 

You hadn’t moved since he left, wallowing in your dread at what would come. Admitting something of that nature of Kuroo scared you beyond all else. Not due to fear, but disgust.

Slowly, he helped you sit up. You stared at your lap, still unable to look him in the eye. 

“Drink, please.” He said so softly your heart ached, so you did what he asked, handing the glass back to him once done. 

He gave you the ice cream. He picked that instead of anything else because he assumed it’d be the easiest thing to eat after not having eaten all day. Your stomach probably couldn’t take too much, he knew all about it—not from experience but from his own studies and research on the subject.

You took the bowl of ice cream, unable to do much besides staring at it. He watched you stare at the cold dessert for a minute before taking it in his hands, looking at you firmly. “Open your mouth.” He said, his tone soft yet firm. You opened your mouth hesitantly, still unable to look at him. Your cheeks burned as he spooned ice cream into your mouth.

The taste of the dessert was almost overwhelming to the point it brought tears to your eyes. You turned your head, and he gently brought it back to face him. “Thank you.” He muttered to you, eyes gentle and fond when you looked at him. It made your heart feel even heavier, tears growing in size as they began to fall down your cheeks.

He didn’t say anything about them; he didn’t need to. He kept spoonfeeding you icecream till the bowl was empty. Only then did he wipe your tears.

Only then did he kiss your forehead. “Good job. That was amazing, thank you.” He said softly, cupping your face in his hands to caress your cheeks.

You nodded, still unable to speak, not able to trust yourself not to sob as soon as you open your mouth.

You two sat like that for a few moments before he slowly stood up, taking the bowl of ice cream, leaving the glass of water with you.

“You can sleep here. Me, Yaku and Kai are sleeping with the first years. The door locks from the inside.” He said evenly, giving you a fond look. You’d never been so grateful for the absence of pity in someone’s eyes.

He smiled at you. “We’ll talk in the morning, okay? Really talk. Sleep well, we can’t have our beloved manager unwell, can we?” He said with a warm tinge to his voice. 

“Goodnight.” You mumbled softly, voice thick. His smile grew softer.

“Goodnight.”

You fished your phone from your pocket, flipping it open before opening your emails with Kageyama, re-reading the message he sent—an invite to come over to Karasuno to watch their practice match with Aoba Johsai. It was exciting. You used to be a junior manager at Kitagawa Daiichi, for the boy’s team. You knew the majority of the team went off to Seijoh, so the thought of seeing them again excited you. 

You hadn’t kept in touch with any of them since Middle School; except Tobio, of course. You used to be neighbours before you moved houses elsewhere in the prefecture. His grandfather knew yours, thus your families were intertwined. The two of you were supposed to go to Shiratorizawa together, but only you got in. 

You stayed in touch regardless, messaging back and forth, updating each other. The last time you saw him was the last day of middle school, which was months ago. Now, as both of you were freshmen with priorities, you hadn’t gotten around to planning anything. Kageyama planning something himself was something else entirely, so you were rightfully very excited to see him after months.

After taking the subway, you finally reached Karasuno. You were still in your white and purple school uniform. You fixed your hair as you walked up to the Gymnasium. You were late, granted you took the subway and ran from the station. 

You opened the doors, peeking inside to see the two teams already locked in their first set. You saw their managers and coaches on each side, saw the players on and off court.

You tried to sneak in undetected, but it was hard considering you were the only one there in The bell rung, indicatinguniform. Your eyes immediately searched for Tobio. It surprised you to see him play, becoming a regular in his first year is an impressive feat.

You grinned, putting your phone in your bag as you moved to the side of the court, watching the match in silence, trying not to cause a disturbance. Your presence was already noticed, of course. Kindaichi and Kunimi quite obviously recognised you from middle school. Even Oikawa and Iwaizumi did a double take during a time out. 

Yet, Kageyama himself barely glanced over at you once. You didn’t mind, he seemed to be locked onto the match pretty hard.

It took time, but eventually, Karasuno won. It was clear why; Seijoh didn’t have Oikawa for an entire set, plus they over-utilized their demon-quick Hinata and Kageyama pulled off. Nevertheless, it surprised everyone. 

You had to shove down the manager-ly urge to analyze the flaws of Karasuno, reminding yourself you’re simply there to watch. 

“L/N-san!” Kindaichi exclaimed, walking over with Oikawa, Kunimi, and Iwaizumi. You grinned in return, bowing slightly in greeting. “Good afternoon!” You chirped back, glad to reunite with your former middle school team. 

Oikawa smiled teasingly at you, tilting his head. “Shiratorizawa, eh? You wound me, Y/N-chan.” He mused, making you chuckle awkwardly. “Ah, yes.” You meekly mumbled back, catching Iwaizumi elbowing Oikawa from the corner of your eye.

You looked over at Iwaizumi, cheeks warming at the sight of him. You remembered the helpless crush you had on him back in middle school. He looked better, older. Two years really changed her seniors. 

You continued to exchange small talk with the boys, catching each other up on whatever has happened since middle school. As you were immersed in the conversation, you were pulled out of it by a soft poke on your shoulder. You turned to see Kageyama. Your face immediately softened. “Kageyama-chan!” You grinned out, turning away from the four Seijoh boys. 

Kageyama bowed in greeting, humming softly. “Good afternoon.” He mumbled, letting you bow in turn, repeating the pleasantry.

“That quick attack, gosh! You’re really improving at rocket speed, huh?” You mused, turning back to the boys behind you. Oikawa’s smile turned more strained, Kindaichi and Kunimi were now looking away. The only normal one was Iwaizumi. You sighed, pouting softly. “Gosh, middle-schoolers.” You huffed, turning to excuse yourself from your former teammates so you could talk to Kageyama without eyes burning into your back.

“Guess they haven’t let go of their distaste yet, huh?” You said to Kageyama, now sitting with him on the stairs outside the gymnasium. Aoba Johsai had taken their leave. He didn’t really respond, only offering a shrug. You were used to his lack of conversational skill. You turned your head over to him—he was practically glaring at the dirt floor in front of the gym. His face was flushed, you assumed from the match.

You sighed, smiling into the air. “Well, it was nice to see them again. Iwaizumi-san certainly looks better.” You hummed, cheeks warming ever so slightly. “You remember how helpless I was around him?”

He nodded stiffly, his jaw tense. It made you pout ever so slightly in confusion. “You okay, Tobio? You won, didn’t you?” You mumbled softly, making him stiffen and shake his head. 

“Not what I was—eh, yes.” He breathed out, looking at his perfectly manicured nails. His ears were redder than his cheeks. “Do you still like him? Iwaizumi-san, I mean.” He mumbled softly, unable to look you in the eye.

You leaned back on the step you sat on, looking up in thought. “Hmm.. I guess! He makes me feel all bubbly and warm inside.” You said with a shrug, smiling over at Kageyama. He was looking back, a slightly frustrated expression on his face. 

“Mm. Right. He’s attractive, then.” He muttered, almost to himself. You snorted at his serious tone, cheesing next to him. You nodded almost instinctively, like confirming a fact. “He is. Even objectively, it’s obvious. It baffles me how Oikawa-san is more popular than him. He’s a complete beefcake.”

Kageyama had practically completely stiffened next to you, glaring into your cheeks. “Yeah. Nice.” He huffed, doing a terrible job at trying to hide whatever distaste he had. You looked over and sheepishly grinned, tilting your head. “What? Have something against Iwaizumi-san now, Tobs?”

He shrugged, standing up. You mimicked the movement, standing next to him. “Didn’t think all you’d talk about when I invited you’d be Iwaizumi-san. It’s not middle school anymore.” He huffed. It may have been offensive if you weren’t already desensitized to his general blunt nature. “Yeah, yeah, I know.” You acquiesce, turning back to re-enter the gymnasium. “I guess I’m bored. Need something to think of again, you know?”

He just shrugged, and you snorted, letting him push open the door. “Right, you just have a volleyball-shaped brain in there.” You muse, making him scowl at you. “Eh?”

You cheesed, looking away to see his teammates practically (or trying to hide their) gaping at you and Kageyama. You awkwardly pretended to not notice, walking over to grab your bag as Kageyama followed behind. “I have other thoughts! Like, like–dinner! Passing tests!? Homework?!” He hissed, trying to prove you wrong.

You snorted, wiggling your brows. “Feels like you’re informing yourself more so than me, Tobs.” You cooed, making his scowl deepen. 

“Kageyama!” Yelled a short boy from across the court with vibrant ginger hair. He rushed over, Kageyama’s scowl receded to see what he had to say. “Is that your girlfriend?! Is that–you talk to girls?!”

Kageyama scoffed, tilting his head and flicking the shorter boy's forehand. “Idiot, no. She’s a family friend. I invited her.”

Sugawara sighed softly from across the court with a smile, nudging Daichi. “She’s Shiratorizawa’s manager. I’ve seen her at a few practice matches; first student manager on the team. Guess she’s almost as crazy over volleyball as Kageyama. No wonder.” He mumbled softly, making Asahi chuckle.

You picked up your bag and smiled at Hinata. “You’re Hinata, yes? Kags is so glad to finally have a friend–” You start, cut off by Kageyama turning red and clearing his throat. “L/N-kun, let’s go.”

You nodded, waving goodbye to the general direction of the team before following Kageyama out of the gymnasium.

Tanaka crossed his arms over his chest and watched you both leave, quirking a brow. “Shiratorizawa’s got pretty spies now, hm? No matter. Our manager can beat her easily.” He huffed proudly, making Noya nod with fervour. 

“Gosh, it really was lovely to see Kindaichi and Kunimi-kun again! They didn’t really keep in touch. Makes sense, I stuck with you a lot. I guess they thought I’d yell at them or something. I should have, huh?” You rambled on, walking with Kageyama back to his house to meet his mother and sister.

Kageyama grunted in reply, looking ahead. “I’m unsure. I haven’t thought of them much. Only before this match, really.” He mumbled, making you nod in understanding. “I don’t count this win as a true win against Seijoh. Oikawa barely played for a set. I’m sure they weren’t trying their hardest at all.”

You looked over at him, lips parted. Your smile softened. “Yeah.” You mumbled, not wishing to start dumping analysis on what his team could do better. “You’ll play them again in inter-high, no? We’ll get to see.”

He frowned, turning his head over to you. “I was hoping you’d take notes. Analyze the match. Tell me where I went wrong.” He said plainly, making you bite back a snort at his bluntness. “It’d be weird to do that for a potential opponent, Tobio. I manage Shiratorizawa now. Can’t be helping other schools, can I?”

He frowned, looking away to think about it for a moment before turning back to you. “Help me as a friend, then. Tell me about me. Not about the team.”

You smiled, looking away to see that you’d neared his house. “Fine, but later.” You relented, following behind him through the gate and knocking on the door. After a few moments Mrs. Kageyama answered the door. 

“Y/N!! Oh, good! Come in, come in!“ The older woman chirped, pulling you into her arms before wrapping her arms around her youngest. You entered the familiar home and looked around before greeting Mr. Kageyama and Tobio’s older sister.

“Miwa-kun!” You exclaimed, jumping into the girl’s arms. She giggled and squeezed you in return. “Heyo! I didn’t know you’d be coming over, I would’ve bought you a gift.” She huffed, ruffling your hair. She smoothed over your uniform and quirked a brow. “Shiratorizawa, eh? Tobio didn’t get it.” She said with a teasing drawl over at Tobio who was now beet red and scowling.

He grabbed your wrist and pulled you off his sister. “Shut up, Miwa!” He hissed, pulling you into his room. You snickered, waving over to Miwa before stumbling into Tobio’s room. “Gosh, I missed her!” You sighed, falling back on his bed, taking off your white school blazer. You got to convince her to visit more. She’s a gem.” You huffed, stretching out on his bed. Tobio hummed, dropping his gym bag down before grabbing a towel and walking out to the bathroom to shower. 

After changing into an extra pair of Miwa’s pajamas and after Tobio finished showering, you two decided to sit and talk. Usually he wasn’t very talkative, but you’ve known him long enough that he became more unfiltered than he usually is. 

“I still can’t believe Karasuno has three freshmen as regulars?! I mean, I understand that tall guy, and you, to an extent, but how is that short one a middle blocker?!” You exclaimed indignantly, hugging one of the pillows on his bed to your chest. He laid on his back next to you, tossing up and down a volleyball as you sat near his hip, legs crossed. 

“He can jump really high. He hits my sets well.  We do that one quick attack. He can be utilised well if he works for it.” He said matter-of-factly, eliciting a hum in response from you. “I suppose so, it’s just surprising. His receives are sloppy at best, he doesn’t seem to know a whole bunch with spiking put aside. He’s really going to need to work.” You sighed out, your analytical perspective shining through. 

You both sat in comfortable silence for a while, the only sound in the room was Tobio’s practice with the ball. After a few moments, your phone dinged with a message from your email. 

‘Iwaizumi-san has sent an email.’

You gasped like you’d witnessed a murder, startling Tobio. The ball landed on his face as he sat up, looking over at you with widened eyes. “What?!” He hissed.

You shoved your phone in his face, baring the email to his eyes. His eyes narrowed at the sight before landing on you. “Okay? Open it, then.” He muttered.

You turned the phone and clicked on the notification, opening the upperclassman’s message. It was almost entirely pleasantries—asking how you were, if you liked the match, and wishing you the best. You were grinning so wide your cheeks hurt. You weren’t used to male attention, so despite the fact it was an incredibly generic message, it still made your stomach flutter. 

Tobio was practically glaring at you now. “What, does he want to meet up?” 

You shook your head, frantically typing a message back to echo the sentiments. “Nope! Just being nice!” You chirped, mood boosted. He scoffed, turning to pick up the ball he dropped. “That’s enough to make you squeal? I’ve said more to you than that.” He grumbled, more to himself.

He frowned, continuing his setting practice. His limerance over you now making his heart feel like it’s squeezing. 

“So you still like him, then.” He muttered. You looked over, quirking a brow. “Well, it’s not like guys are diving at my feet, cut me some slack. Iwaizumi-san’s a great pick.” You huffed back, rolling your eyes. He scowled at you; you were right. Iwaizumi was a wonderful person, he’d probably be an amazing partner.

Not to her, though. He wouldn’t be perfect for her. She wouldn’t be happy.

His scowl softened as his gaze moved over to you. “So you just like him for the sake of it, then?” You asked, making you frown. “You make it sound evil, but to some extent.” You grumble begrudgingly, fiddling with your fingers. You sat up, leaning against the head of his bed. 

He pushed off his bed, and just as he was about to seemingly storm out of his room, his steps faltered upon hearing your phone ping. You didn’t immediately reach for it, he turned his head. “Iwaizumi-san responded already?” He muttered, hardly a question. You didn’t know why, but it felt like you were doing something wrong. “I guess he was online.” You mumble uncertainly. 

Before you could even look up, Tobio practically snatched the phone from your hand, walking away with it. You squawked ungracefully, scrambling off the bed. “Tobio!” You hissed, trying to get your phone back. You could see him typing. “What are you typing?! What are you doing!?” 

He ignored you, finishing off the message he was typing out. He clicked send, then tossed your phone past you, onto your bed. “I’ll tell mom you’re sticking around for dinner.” He said expressionlessly. You gaped at him for a moment, watching him walk out of his bedroom before turning and snatching up your phone from the bed, hastily checking what Iwaizumi has messaged, and what had been Tobio’s response. 

[Iwaizumi-san] : Haha, you’re right. Was great to meet you. Next time you’re free, maybe you could stop in on our next practice match? [You] : Maybe. I’m busy hanging out with Tobio right now, I’ll get back to you later, Iwaizumi-san. Bye.

You groaned, cheeks flushing red. You never really called Tobio Tobio in front of other people as to not give off the wrong impression. You looked at the closed door that he exited from. Your eyebrows furrowed, cheeks heating up. You couldn’t for the life of you understand why he was upset. He was on good terms with Iwaizumi last time you checked.

Tobio, on the other hand, was currently red in the face, sulking to his mother as she sympathetically stroked his hair.