Chapter Text
It had been a few months since Yachi Hitoka transferred to Karasuno highschool. Before she was homeschooled abroad, due to her mother’s work branching out. Now that they settled in Miyagi once again, Hitoka was finally allowed to attend school normally.
Except, she was not ‘normal’. Perhaps a little awkward at times, but definitely not normal in her eyes. Since young, she was able to see splashes of colors whenever someone spoke. When she told her very young classmates at the time, they called her weird. Although not detrimentally hurt, Hitoka never spoke about what she had to anyone again, except her mother.
So Hitoka was never bothered by the idea of online-homeschooling through her middle school years. She enjoyed the solitude of not having to deal with her anxieties and interact with people upfront. Up until now.
Her first few months of being in Class 5 were fine. Hitoka focused on organising her lectures and studies, while maintaining a good relationship with her peers. It was an adjustable lifestyle, safely in her comfort zone.
That was, until a beautiful third year asked her for a favour, as she was club-less at the time. Throughout the conversation, Hitoka had an anxiety breakdown. Not comprehending the words and agreement that came out of her mouth. The only thing she saw was the splashes of deep sea blue that screamed calmness and elegance. The colour never suited the senior more than now.
“What’s your name?”
“U-um. Yachi Hitoka.”
“Nice to meet you, Yachi-san. I’m Kiyoko Shimizu. Thank you for agreeing to the trial. I’ll come pick you up after school for a quick introduction to the team!”
Before she knew it, the beautiful senior skipped away. The rest of the day blew past. Her numbed body did not even have time to worry about what distracting colour each subject created. Hitoka’s expression was her iconic blank one, as she was dragged away by Kiyoko to greet the volleyball club members at the gym after class ended.
Wait, I’m actually here? How- Hitoka screamed internally as the metal door loomed over her.
“Everyone! I have someone to introduce quickly.”
Oh no. They’re giants! Hitoka gaped as she tried her best to hide between Kiyoko. She felt her anxiety growing from the pitch of her stomach, crawling her insides and trying to push through her throat.
“Oh? Have you found a new manager?” A booming voice that was strict, yet friendly asked. Immediately, an image of a dark brown tree appeared in Hitoka’s mind.
“She’s trying out for a trial. We’re just doing a quick introduction for today as she has another duty later on.” Kiyoko responded calmly, before nudging Hitoka to step up and introduce herself.
Mustering her courage to suppress her anxieties, Hitoka introduced in one breath, “I-I’m Yachi Hitoka from Class 5. Nice to meet you!”
A chorus of replies were made, making Hitoka’s head spin. She wasn’t able to focus on the multiple colour images appearing in her head. The rest of the introductions flew by, with Hitoka noticing some members particularly for their scary appearances.
Unknown to Hitoka, the Karasuno boys volleyball team were ecstatic to have found a candidate for their manager. From the moment she stepped into the gym, most of the members couldn’t help but express their thoughts internally.
How cute.. Yamaguchi thought shyly.
A little nervous, but she seems like a nice girl . Sugawara thought, while smiling.
And a few couldn’t hold onto their thoughts.
“Aww yeah! We have two managers now!” Nishinoya shouted in excitement.
“U-um I’m not yet..” Hitoka tried to deny it but failed to voice it through.
“We’ll now have Kiyoko-san and a cute one, yeah!” Tanaka also became riled up.
Already drained mentally, Hitoka was unable to respond. Actually, she didn’t know how to respond. The members’ personalities were different to what she usually encountered before. Hitoka wasn’t ready for this!
“Alright, Yachi-san will be leaving now. Let’s go.” Hitoka was glad the meeting ended early.
“Tomorrow we’ll also have a practice session. You can change into a P.E. uniform to be more comfortable. I’ll show you the ropes starting tomorrow, will that be alright?” Kiyoko asked kindly, making Hitoka feel all buttered up and unable to deny again .
“Tomorrow is f-fine.” Kiyoko beamed at her junior proudly, instilling a surge or reassurance in Hitoka. Despite being the one who dragged her into this club trial, Hitoka was slowly growing attached to Kiyoko’s confident aura.
The next day, Hitoka dreaded the time of the afternoon practice to arrive. However, her anxieties were met earlier at the sudden appearance of an orange-haired boy and his black-haired friend walking into her classroom, calling her name. Panic ensues, as usual, before finding out their names.
“I’m Hinata Shoyo! And this is Kageyama Tobio.”
“Osu.”
The flash of warm orange, as blinding as the sun and an image of royalty blue accompanied the two boys. They walked over to her table before Hinata put his hands together in a pleading manner.
“Please tutor us! You ask too, Kageyama.”
“Please.”
Hitoka was puzzled. “D-do you mean help you study? Why m-me?”
“Well, we asked Tsukishima before- the glasses guy- but he was really stingy. And you looked like you like studying!”
“It’s not like I p-particularly like studying..” Hitoka mumbled, “I can help you but I’m not sure if I’ll be better than Tsukishima-san..”
“Nu-uh you don’t have to worry about that!” The beaming sunshine reassured her with Kageyama nodding from behind. The two then sat comfortably around Hitoka’s table. Much to her surprise, Hitoka taught the two easily without her anxiety bubbling up and overwhelming her.
Maybe I should consider being a teacher in the future?
Casual talk from Hinata explaining why they’re trying so hard to study calmed Hitoka as she adjusted to the presence of the two boys besides her. Hitoka paid close attention to everything Hinata babbled, with her adorable eyes and attentiveness. Kageyama, who was silently jotting down notes, acknowledged how well she would fit into their team. If she does decide to become their manager. He decided then that they’ll do everything to make her stay.
“Yachi-san, you will be our manager right?” Hinata addressed her, full of expectation that she could see an image of a fluffy yellow baby chick staring back at her.
“I-I’m not sure. I’m just a normal villager B. I’m not good at anything, I know nothing about volleyball! A-and I don't even know how to make friends..” Hitoka rambled anxiously, “Sorry for bothering you.. I can be a little nervous and annoying at times.”
Hinata’s gaze changed sharply, Hitoka could feel his aura turn crisp as a sunset orange flashed through his eyes, “You’re not good at nothing, and you’re definitely not annoying Yachi-san. Now, you’re even helping us to go to Tokyo! I was a villager B too.”
“Y-you were?”
“Yeah! We villagers B have our own capabilities!”
Hitoka was amazed at Hinata’s confidence. However, she couldn’t make herself fully believe Hinata’s words. The biggest obstacle for her is the lump of anxiety looming in her mind.
“And you don’t have to be worried about making friends, aren’t we one now?” Hinata beamed as he offered his hand out for a handshake. Hitoka was taken aback by his offer. She felt so touched that they had offered to be her friend that tears brimmed her eyes slightly as she returned his handshake with a charming grin. “Mhm!”
Cute .. Kageyama nodded silently. Although his head was only for volleyball, Kageyama definitely recognized a cute girl when he saw one.
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Hitoka found herself in the same gymnasium again. Wondering how much courage she will have to use up for this club. Thinking back to what Hinata said to her that afternoon gave her a brief boost of confidence to make it to the gym herself. Having arrived really early, Hitoka had nothing to do as she sat and waited by the door with her knees tucked.
“Hello~” A soft voice called out to Hitoka, a flash of white feather imprinted on the male’s voice. She looked up to see a beautiful grey-haired male smiling softly down at her.
“U-um hello senpai! I’m Yachi Hitoka.”
“I remember you, Yachi-chan. I’m Sugawara Koushi.” Sugawara smiled kindly before plopping to sit beside the younger girl, knees tucked into his chest too.
“U-um do you need anything Sugawara-san?” Hitoka asked nervously, not knowing what to do when her senpai was humming beside her.
“Just Suga is fine. Are you alright with joining the team? You seem really nervous.” Sugawara spoke softly, trying to calm her down, “I’m not trying to judge or anything. I just wanted to check on you as our team can get a bit.. rowdy if everyone’s here.”
Hitoka sighed as she fiddled with her sports shoes. “I guess I’m u-unsure about everything. I don’t know how to h-hold a conversation..”
“Mh-hm. I totally understand. Starting something new can be scary. What’s worse is when you feel like you’re the only one suffocating!” Sugawara laughed sillily, trying to make Hitoka feel better. “However, sometimes we just need to take a little step of courage. You can start with something small.”
“A.. small step?”
“Yep! Why don’t you try this trick I did when I was a first year just like you. Set a goal for yourself, the amount of people you want to be friends with. Whenever you talk with someone new, save their names in your contact list!”
“Like in my phone?”
“Yeah! Or you can write it down too, but I think the phone is more convenient. You can start really easily with just 15. The members of our club are already more than half of that!” Hitoka pondered for a few seconds, doubt in her mind. After glancing at Sugawara’s reassuring smile with Hinata’s words flashing through her mind, she clutched the shirt above her heart and decided that, she was going to change.