- ', [rivals] ꒱ ➳ kuroo x reader

- ', [cheering up] ꒱

The rest of the players were already in the gym, with me and Kenma being the last to arrive.

I took my place next to the coach as the team attempted some last minute practice drills, and I watched as the stands filled up with audience members to support both our team and the other. 

Speaking of the other team... their members had just arrived as well. I sighed to myself, wondering how long it'd be until Nekoma played Karasuno so I could see all my friends again. The thought alone lifted my spirits.

Just a couple minutes to the game's start, the coach called everyone over to huddle, explaining a few things about our opponents and providing encouragement to the members.

Once he finished, I noticed everyone turn to me. 

"Anything to add, y/n?" The coach asked.

"Oh, um..." My eyes widened, "Do your best?"

It was lousy motivation, but the team cheered to that anyways, producing a laugh from me. I had to admit, they had good team spirit. 

The players got in their positions, the ones on the side just as enthusiastic as the ones playing. All the players were at their best after a long week of practice, and it was a tough match. 

Okay, I'll admit it. I was mostly focused on Kuroo.

I had seen him play in real games before, but I was never on his side. Plus, now that I was actually paying attention, his technique was well-established, one of the best I'd seen.

And trust me, I'd seen tons of people play before.

The score was tight the entire time, both teams going neck and neck.

But in the end, Nekoma lost.

Spirits down, the team reluctantly congratulated the other team, leaving the court to get changed, not another word said.

"These boys don't cope well with a loss," The coach sighed, talking to me as we waited for them to come back.

"Maybe they're just not used to it?" I asked him.

"It's true, we're a top team. But in a game, there has to be a losing side, and Nekoma hates being that side."

"So we're gonna have a bunch of moody teen boys on our hand, aren't we?" I grumbled, crossing my arms. 

The coach laughed a little, "Yeah, probably. Hope that doesn't make you want to quit."

I shrugged, "No, not really. I like managing."

"That's good, y/n, because I can tell the boys like you too. Especially our captain."

"Kuroo?" I raised an eyebrow, "I doubt that. I'm gonna be honest with you, coach, we really weren't as close as I said we were."

The coach shrugged in response, but he didn't get a chance to say anything else because the team returned.

It was painfully silent for a moment, but the coach assured them they'd do better next time and to shake it off.  After reminding them about practice tomorrow, he dismissed us.

I took my time gathering my things and putting them in my bag on purpose, wanting to allow for more time for Kuroo to cool off. I wasn't really in the mood to deal with an upset version of him.

When I looked up for him, however, I realized he wasn't in the gym anymore. Was he waiting for me in the car? He would have said something.

I walked over to Kenma, who was helping Lev and Yaku put away the nets.