Chapter Text
"Ne, [F/N]-chi," Yumi poked at her food, her eyes not meeting yours as she drawled out your name. Your eyes flick upwards and she asks, "Are you really not going to join the volleyball team?"
Your eyes were unfocused as you stared into your cup of tea. Yumi sighed before gently pushing your forehead until your eyes made contact with hers.
"Yes?"
She laughed, "I asked you a question Daydreamer."
"Mm, we'll see."
"How vague," Yumi drawled before she got out of her chair. She stretched lightly and she asked, "You wanna go check out the clubs on campus?"
"That's a pain though."
Yumi lifts an eyebrow at you and you sighed, "Fine."
"You're the best."
You hear her laugh and you quickly down your already cooled tea. You followed your best friend out of the campus dining halls and onto the main campus road.
Shouts of different organizations attempting to promote their club were heard all throughout the road and you winced at some of the clubs that were blaring music into the air, drowning out the shouts with the bass.
You quickly pull your baseball cap to make it fit even tighter over your head as you struggled to keep up with Yumi. The girl glanced back and quickly grabbed your wrist, pulling you along and you smiled as thanks.
"So many clubs."
"College is definitely different from high school," you mumbled more to yourself than anything. So many people were trying to force flyers into your hands and others were literally dragging you over to their booth. If it wasn't for the fact that you weren't as weak as you looked and that Yumi was by your side the entire time, the crowd would have swept you away by now.
The two of you spot an opening near the libraries and both of you sigh in relief as you plop down onto a bench. You looked at her and you laughed, "Still wanna find that swim team you wanted to join?"
"No," Yumi pouted and then she looked at you, "I do."
You playfully stuck out your tongue, and passed her a slip of paper. Yumi takes it without a care in the world, and then her eyes widened and she gasped, "How?!"
"While you were towing me away, I had flyers getting shoved at me left and right so I just accepted everything at once."
Yumi laughed, "You're amazing, you know?"
"I do," you playfully teased. You were about to speak when a group of girls approached you, "Hey! You used to play volleyball right?"
Your eyes flicker over to them and you tilt your head in confusion before asking, "Me?"
The girl in the center nodded and offered you a flyer. She smiles politely, "The name's Amiya. Mikoshiba Amiya. I'm a fourth year, and current captain for the girl's volleyball team. We're ranked number 3 in the nation and-"
"Hey captain, I think you're forgetting to let her introduce herself," a softer voice interjected. You noticed it came from a rather tall stoic silver-haired girl, and before you can respond the captain gasps, "Ah! I'm so sorry, I got so excited at potential members that I started rambling!"
Amiya smiles at you and you kindly return the gesture and she asks, "But you were Niiyama's Joker Card, weren't you?"
Yumi sees you stiffen slightly and your smile is now strained and you respond, "If I was?"
"It'd be great to see you on the court again, especially ever since that last national's match. You guys were absolutely stunning!" Amiya praises. Although you can feel the good natured and well intended message in her words, a part of you was just not agreeing with it all and you accepted the flyer, "I'll think about it."
"Thanks Joker-chan!"
You immediately pouted as soon as they turned around and you softly whispered, "Don't call me that."
***
"So, you gonna join the volleyball team? Joker-chan," Yumi playfully teased. But the way your eyes narrowed meant that you were anything but amused and Yumi immediately felt the hostility and she put her hands up in defense. "Hey, I'm just wondering."
"Probably not."
The curt and blunt answer took Yumi by surprise and she scoffs, "Really?"
"Yeah, probably not," your fluffy ears flick forward and you frown. Yumi sighs and gently ruffles your hair, "But you want to."
The evident pout on your face was more than answer enough for your friend and she laughed, "You're such a troublesome child."
"Shut up, I'm older than you."
"By a week."
You stick out your tongue and Yumi laughs, "Love you too kiddo."
A fond smile is found on your lips and Yumi mirrors it, "You should do whatever you want to do, just like always."
"Or just go with the flow, that sounds nice too."
***
"Did you hear?"
"I know! I can't believe it!"
"I knew choosing to apply for this college was a good choice! Both of them are here!"
You blinked in confusion as you heard the girls in the lecture hall excitedly chatting. You ignored it, cap tight on your head, but reversed so that the front was facing the back. You sat down, ignoring the chatter by drowning it out in your music. You were early for class, you couldn't help it. It was your first time wandering around campus on your own and everything felt so surreal that you had left the dorm early just in case you happened to get lost.
As time began to inch towards scheduled lecture, you watched the lecture hall fill. It seems most people do prefer the back. You noticed. And those who sit alone often sit alone with empty seats between each other. How strange. But this wasn't a major class for you, if anything it was just a general elective that you were taking simply to get ahead.
The professor was beginning to set up to lecture when you hear the bottom doors open with two slightly out of breath males coming in. One adorning a dorky alien shirt and the other a Godzilla print. You blinked. I guess the rumors about people coming in their pajamas were real. But what surprised you were the hushed whispers from the same group of girls that sat a couple rows back. All of them in shock that the two boys you assumed it was them that they were talking about earlier were in the same class as them.
"If you had woke up on time-"
"Sorry Iwa-chan!"
"We wouldn't be late and-"
"Let's just find seats for the two of us!"
"There aren't any." 'Iwa-chan' growled out at his friend.
You see the taller male pouting and you very casually shift over one seat so you were now on the edge seat, giving the two males two empty seats next to each other. The shorter of the two males was surprised at your generous move and immediately claimed the seats, pulling his friend in tow. He sat down beside you, and the latter beside him and he turns to you.
"Thanks. If you hadn't done that he'd have complained about being separated."
"Ah, no problem!" you responded a bit too quickly. You still weren't used to talking to males, growing up in an all female household and then attending an all girls high school. But something about these two felt familiar, as though you've seen them before. But you highly doubted it.
"Thanks a lot Kyappu-chan!" the easy-going and cheerful brown male said. It must've been obvious on your face since the black haired male immediately snickered, but your face was a look of pure disdain and unhappiness at the sudden nickname.
"Kyappu-chan?" you repeated in disbelief. You shook your head in the process and the latter nods, "Yup! Cause you're wearing a cap!"
"Whatever you want, Alien-san," you immediately retorted. The male in the middle snorted and Alien-san pouted, "Hey! That's lame!"
"As though Kyappu-chan wasn't lame," you rolled your eyes and then you made eye contact with Iwaizumi and offered your hand, "I'm [L/N] [F/N], a first year."
"Iwaizumi. Iwaizumi Hajime. A second year."
"I'm Oi-"
But poor Oikawa was cut off because lecture had started and you had shifted your attention almost immediately. Oikawa's expression was priceless as he gaped at how quickly you had ignored him in favor for the lecture. A smirk was seen forming on Iwaizumi's face as Oikawa huffed and pouted.
As soon as class ended, everyone rushed out, but you took your time packing while making sure you didn't get in anyone's way. But the two males beside you didn't rush you even though they were clearly done and ready to leave.
"S-Sorry!" you squeaked upon realizing you held them up. Iwaizumi held up his hand, waving it off, "You're fine. We don't have class until another hour anyways."
You open your mouth in an oh and he was about to ask something when Oikawa cut him off, "I never got to properly introduce myself!"
"You did, you're Alien-senpai."
Iwaizumi chuckled at the stupid nickname given to his friend as Oikawa huffed and pouted, complaining it was lame. Oikawa raised an eyebrow though and he mumbled, "So you do know I'm an upperclassman." He smiled brightly at you and offered his hand, "I'm Oikawa Tooru, a second year!"
You hesitantly shook it, and then suddenly it clicked. The two males standing before you were the former captain and vice captain of Aoba Johsai. Your eyes widen and Oikawa teased, "What's wrong? Impressed?"
Your eyes narrowed, and you shook your head. "No, not at all. Just merely surprised that you and Iwaizumi-senpai are going to school here."
They exchange a glance and Iwaizumi asks, "Do you know us?"
"From newspapers and television coverage yeah. You two were pretty popular due to your skills in volleyball," you admitted with a slight nod. You actually looked up to the both of them. Heck, you had even copied Oikawa's serve at one point, only to realize that you didn't have the same physical strength as a male. But that didn't mean that your team mates and your opponents were shocked. You suddenly became the best jump server in your team as a result.
"Oh, do you play Kyappu-chan?" Oikawa asked. His chocolate orbs shined with curiosity and you nodded, "I used to. Wasn't that great at it though."
Oikawa's eyes narrowed, something about it felt off, and he was about to say more before your phone rang and you picked it up, excusing yourself from further interrogation.
"Hello?"
"Hey Joker-chan!" Yumi teased and you almost hung up, if it wasn't for the fact Yumi apologized right afterwards and she said, "There's an exhibition match between the girls volleyball team and the males volleyball team tonight, you wanna go check it out?"
"An exhibition match?" you repeated. Iwaizumi and Oikawa looked over to you immediately, and Iwaizumi muttered, "If our captain decides to do another stupid bet..."
Oikawa sighed, "We're doomed."
"Yeah an exhibition match! It's located at- Ah wait! Sorry, could you just- Oh okay I'll-"
"Yumi?"
"Sorry [F/N]-chi! Gotta run, I just- I said hold on!" You hear the call end and you frowned as you stared at the blank screen, "What the heck?"
"You're gonna go to the match?" Iwaizumi awkwardly asked. You had realized that the three of you have been aimlessly wandering on campus after leaving the lecture hall and you stopped walking and mumbled, "Maybe."
"You should come Kyappu-chan!" Oikawa smiled brightly at you. You frowned, "I don't know. Maybe."
"It's not too bad of an experience!" Oikawa continued, and then he laughed, "In fact it's kind of hard to get seats since everyone in school looks forward to it."
Your eyes widen, was it really that big of a deal, an exhibition match? Oikawa smile softened and he pulled out two tickets, "Here, for you and your friend."
"Eh?! But we just met, and-"
"Consider it a welcome gift for coming to this college!" Oikawa lamely added. Iwaizumi immediately whacked his friend and turned to you, "You don't have to listen to Trashykawa. If you want to come, come; if you don't, you don't have to. We won't force you."
"Iwa-chan!" Oikawa whined and then he turned to you, giving you a sheepish smile, "But Iwa-chan's right, it's all up to you."
"Mm, okay," you softly mumble as you read over the ticket. You've never had the chance to properly watch the duo in action. And plus your former teammates from Niiyama were probably going to be there too. You sighed, and a soft smile formed on your lips. I guess I can check it out.
***
"Ah man!" Yumi's whine was heard from outside your shared room and you opened the door, clearly surprised to hear your normally laid back friend sound so frustrated.
"What's up Yumi?"
"[F/N]! The exhibition match was ticketed and I didn't realize that until now! The tickets are already sold out and-"
You waved the tickets you got from Oikawa in the air and Yumi's eyes widened and she smirked, "You sly fox. Look at chu!"
She immediately got up and ruffled your hair and she laughed, "How'd you get them? And you said you weren't interested."
Yumi's playful tease fell as soon as she saw your contemplation and she gently nudged you, "Hey."
"I know," you responded quickly, and in a softer voice, "I know."
"[F/N]." You look up at her and she flicks your forehead. Causing you to stumble backwards slightly and holding your forehead. A pout formed on your face, and you were about to ask her why and she fondly smiled, "Go change. We have a game to catch."
You smiled gratefully at her, and nodded. As soon as you walk past her to your closet you can practically hear and see the teasing smile on her face, "And then you can tell me all about how you got them on the way there!"
***
"Eh, so they come here?" Yumi asked as she rolled the lollipop in her mouth around and she mumbled, "What a coincidence."
You nodded and your eyes practically sparkled eagerly, "I can't wait to see them in action."
"The girls? Or the boys?"
"Both!"
Although you had appeared extremely hesitant and reluctant to return to the volleyball scene, there was no doubt that volleyball was still important to you. Yumi fondly smiled. She nudged you gently and nodded her head, "There it is."
Your eyes widened at the gymnasium and Yumi could basically see the excitement in your eyes. When you started walking again, the slight spring in your steps was more than noticeable to your long time friend and she laughed, "Hey, you're not playing."
You laugh light and airy and you smiled, "I know."
***
"Well, looks like the captains are about to do a stupid bet again."
"Do you think it's about taking one of the volleyball members as a manager again?"
"Didn't that backfire last time?"
"Well, our captain just plays along with Amiya-senpai anyways."
Sounds of laughter were heard from the guys and the girls shook their head, "Captain Amiya really wants a male manager for her last year."
"Just like how we all want a female manager."
Both teams sighed, and Iwaizumi grumbled, "As long as we don't end up getting yelled at by the coaches again..."
Everyone eagerly nodded before resuming to stretch and eavesdrop on their captains. Amiya had poked Murase, the boy's captain, on the cheek and
"So how about it Murase-kun," Amiya teased. Murase frowned and he muttered, "You're insane."
"If we manage to win, we'll be calling dibs on certain males as our possible managers," Amiya stated with a smirk. Murase raised an eyebrow and he smirked, "Oh? If that's how it's going to work, I'll be taking that one first year you're interested in as our manager then."
Amiya gasped and she hissed, "You wouldn't!"
"I would," Murase responded. His shit-eating grin at full force and Amiya huffed before sticking out her hand, "Deal?"
"Deal."
Iwaizumi sighed and Oikawa fondly shook his head. The brown haired setter looked around the crowd, obviously seeing the clear split between male and females, although it seemed as though the female volleyball team had a more diverse fan base than the males. His eyes fall upon your figure, your trademark lavender and black snapback still attached to your head, your [h/c]-head pulled into a loose ponytail. And he waved, hoping to get your attention.
You were mid-conversation with Yumi when the latter was distracted by a certain boy on the volleyball team waving at their direction.
"What a strange guy," Yumi commented as she pulled out her lollipop, twisting it around in the air before popping it back in. She casually nods her head at Oikawa, seeing as you were confused as to who she was referring too. As soon as you turn your head you hear, a faint but distinct, "KYAPPU-CHAN!" and your expression drops into one of pure disgust and Yumi laughs aloud at the sudden expression.
"I've never," she pauses for air, "I've never seen you look so annoyed before!" She calms down and asks, "Is that the guy?"
"Yeah," you sighed and mumbled, "How loud."
Oikawa smiled brightly when he saw you look his way, before he could call out your name again, a resounding "thwack!" is heard and the male is sent tumbling forward slightly. He turns around, his puppy face on and he whines, "Iwa-chan!"
Iwaizumi shoots him a glare and he growls, "Stretch already! You've spent the entire time searching for her since we got onto the court!"
"I invited a cute girl! Of course I'm going to hope she comes to watch me!" Oikawa playfully laughs, but he had another motive. He swears he knows you from somewhere, but he just couldn't find out where.
***
Throughout the entire match, you were in awe. College volleyball seemed so much more intense than high school volleyball. And top it off with how fluid the male's team was, especially the combination of Iwaizumi and Oikawa.
Whether it was from their past volleyball experiences with each other, or their never-ending friendship, the way they were able to synchronize with each other, passing perfectly flawless receives and tosses and then earning kill after kill with each spike. It motivated you more than anything. It wasn't as though the remaining members weren't amazing, but the amazing intensity and tenacity they held about themselves were far higher than the rest of the team.
"Anyone interested in joining the volleyball teams will now be allowed to ask questions for the next hour before we are required to leave the building." The announcement rang through. Since both male and female volleyball members were mingled with each other, many non-members were lost and scared as to who to approach. Yumi casually bumped you, and asked, "Not gonna ask questions?"
"It's not like I have any," you mumble and then you sighed, "I want to play."
"[F/N]." The sharp and curt tone made you flinch, and you grumbled, "I know." Yumi patted your shoulder and she whispered, "Oh, here comes the captains."
"Hey! You!" Amiya fought her way through the crowd, with an amused Murase following behind. Your face twitched in urge to express your immediate disdain for being found so quickly. You haven't even left the bleachers yet. You try to turn away, but the quick and swift, "Joker-chan!" causes you to freeze. Those who were familiar with the nickname also turned to look at their overly excited female captain.
You stiffly turn and you muttered, "I have a name." You turned to her, [e/c] eyes meeting hers, you open your mouth, about to introduce yourself, when another hated nickname resounds in the gym.
"Kyappu-chan!"
"Did Oikawa call her a kappa...?"
"Is he blind? She's so pretty!"
"I think he said 'kyachu.'"
"Like, Tikachu kind of Kyachu?"
You facepalm and Murase chuckles, offers a hand, "Murase Agito. 4th year and captain of the male's volleyball team."
You spare a glance at the hand and you firmly grip it, "[L/N] [F/N]." You hesitated, and Amiya asks, "From?"
You bit the inside of your cheek, releasing Murase's hand, and you softly mumbled, "From Niiyama."
"So you are from Niiyama!" You turn to see Oikawa approaching you with Iwaizumi in tow and you can practically feel him inspecting you. "Hm, but I don't think I've ever seen you on court though."
You didn't respond, the atmosphere becoming slightly tense, and Yumi cleared her throat, "[F/N]-chi was their ace during her last year."
You head whipped to turn to Yumi and she smirked, "Don't be so modest. They're just curious about you."
"I don't play anymore," you whispered. Oikawa raised his eyebrow, and gauged the reaction on the captains' faces. Murase was clearly amused, and Amiya pouted, "No! You can't not play! I want you on our team!"
Your eyes widen, and you stutter, "E-eh!? B-but I-"
"No but's I want-"
"You lost the bet Amiya."
"Geh!" Amiya turns away from Murase and Murase smiles at you, but you wanted to shrink away. Something about this upperclassman was not rubbing you in the right way.
"Amiya and I had a bet that whoever she was interested in to join her team would have to join the male's team as manager instead."
"Eh?! But I don't-"
"Don't do it Joker-chan!"
"I-"
"Didn't you enjoy watching Oikawa-senpai and Iwaizumi-senpai though?" Yumi leaned in and whispered in your ear. Your cheeks were faintly painted pink and you slapped her arm hard, causing her to wince. You bowed in apology to the volleyball captains and you firmly state, "I'm sorry, but please give me some time to consider it."
You made your way out of the gym, ignoring the stares and the whispers. Oikawa spared a glance with Murase and he shrugged, but the knowing smirk on his face told Oikawa otherwise.
***
"Why did you say that?"
You had just finished showering and your best friend was scrolling through her phone and she doesn't even glance at you and she mumbles, "You're going to run away if I don't."
"You know I-"
"Aren't you smittened with their playstyle? Just go be their manager." Yumi points at a blank paper on your desk. You walk over, one hand holding the towel up that was on your head and the other delicately picking up the paper. Your eyes widened and she laughs, "You want to be their manager huh? To see them play."
You almost nod, and your grip on the paper tightens. But as soon as Yumi sees you sit down at your desk with the application and a pen, she smiles fondly and shakes her head.
You'd never be able to escape the wonderful world of volleyball.
***
"Alien-senpai! Iwaizumi-senpai!"
Oikawa and Iwaizumi immediately turned around. They had just left the campus cafe, preparing to head to another lecture that was on the other end of the university when your flustered appearance stopped them. Although Oikawa shot you a look of pure shock when you called Iwaizumi by his name instead of some lame nickname.
You were bowed at a 90 degree angle. A beanie sat upon your small head, but it was slipping and looked as though it would fall off any moment. From the cry of "senpai," it was obvious to the well-known second year college duo that you were an underclassmen.
You held out a piece of paper to them. Iwaizumi almost wanted to laugh at the wave of nostalgia at the sight. It was reminding him so much of those days back in high school when Oikawa was constantly confessed to, day in and day out. Iwaizumi teasingly rolled his eyes and nudged Oikawa. The chocolate haired setter pouted, but accepted it anyways despite knowing that he was probably going to turn you down. But that was before he saw the paper. As soon as he flipped the paper around his eyes widen and Iwaizumi's eyes soon do too.
"You're really applying to be our manager?!"
"Y-Yes! Regardless of the bet!" you softly muttered the last part. You peek up, and then slowly stand up, adjusting your beanie while you were at it. You tucked a strand of loose hair behind your ear and you smiled brightly, "I used to play volleyball!" You paused, and you gave them a bright grin, "And plus I really like your play styles!"
Iwaizumi chuckles and Oikawa smiles, "Kyappu-chan." You look at him, your [e/c] orbs meeting his chocolate brown orbs and he smiles, "We'll see you at practice then."
A bright smile immediately blossoms over your face and you respond cheerfully, "Yes!"