"Haikyuu: A Twin's Choice"

8- Aftermath

Shoyo's eyes lifted from the ground, meeting Sora's gaze. There was a vulnerability, a hint of gratitude, and lingering disappointment.

Sora's presence and understanding of Shoyo's emotions reminded them that they were in this together, win or lose.

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Shoyo's lips, a small acknowledgement of Sora's support, "Yeah, you're right, Aniki, there's always a next time."

Koji then wrapped his hands around Shoyo and Sora's shoulders and said, "Cheer up, Sho! As Sora said, there's always a next time!"

As the group continued their walk, Izumi positioned himself next to Sora, his curiosity evident in his brow furrow. "Sora, what happened back there?"

Sora raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "What do you mean?" he replied, a touch of innocence in his voice.

Both Koji and Izumi exchanged knowing glances, their expressions communicating a shared understanding. "You and that guy," Koji interjected with a smirk, "you were staring each other down like you're about to go to war. That's not like you, Sora, showing so much emotion in a sports match."

Sora's response was swift, his tone a mixture of defensiveness and irritation. "H-Hey, I only did that because that guy was pissing me off!" he retorted, his frustration evident in his words. "And what do you mean by it's rare for me to show many emotions?"

Shoyo, Izumi, and Koji couldn't help but laugh at Sora's reply, which made Sora blush from embarrassment.

To add fuel to the fire, Shoyo decided to add in.

"Aniki, I felt more nervous seeing you with that intimidating stare than during the actual volleyball matches itself," Shoyo admitted, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips.

Sora's response was immediate, his hurt evident in how his expression shifted. He turned to Shoyo with a mockingly wounded look. "Not you too, Shoyo!" he exclaimed, a mix of simulated offence and genuine amusement colouring his words.

As their exchange played out, laughter bubbled among them, a shared camaraderie that flourished even amid light-hearted teasing.

Koji's sharp eyes caught sight of the Kitagawa Daiichi members emerging from the gymnasium as they continued walking.

"Hey, look, it's them," Koji pointed out, his tone a mix of curiosity and recognition.

Following Koji's gesture, the trio's gazes turned towards the Kitagawa Daiichi members, their presence a stark reminder of the intense match they had just played. Amidst the crowd, Sora's eyes landed on a familiar figure, his gaze zeroing in on Kageyama.

The sight of Kageyama triggered a visceral reaction within Sora, a surge of irritation that pulsed through his veins. "Tch! It's the king of the court again," Sora muttered, his voice laced with resentment and frustration.

Shoyo heard what Sora said and decided not to talk about it. He did hear the exchange between Sora and the black-haired setter earlier when they gathered for a handshake.

It struck Shoyo odd how Sora's demeanour had shifted to such intense irritation towards the black-haired setter within just a few words exchanged.

Sora's reaction puzzled Shoyo. He had known his older twin brother all his life, and he couldn't recall a single instance where Sora had become visibly irritated by someone, incredibly not so quickly. Sora had always been the type to remain unflappable, often brushing off annoyances with a casual wave.

However, this black-haired setter struck a nerve in Sora that Shoyo couldn't comprehend.

Seeing the black-haired setter, Shoyo uses this chance to not only know how this guy was able to irritate his older twin brother but also to express something brewing within him.