Tsunderes

1

"You need a manager? And, you want... me?"

Goshiki bit his bottom lip. "Please, L/n-san! It can only be you! You get the top scores in our year. You're the hardest worker there is. And - and! You're the most organized person I know! Please join us as the volleyball club's manager! I'm begging you!" He bends himself in half, bowing so deeply.

You could tell just how desperate he was. "Um... well, I guess I could. I have plenty of free time. I only really go to my dorm and study when I'm not in class."

He shoots straight up. "Really?! You'll actually do it?!"

You sigh, nodding. "Yeah. Why not? What's the worst that can happen?"

"Let me show you to the gym, then. Once you talk to the coach, I bet he'll arrange to help you get all of your team gear. Like the track suit and other clothes, so you won't have to always wear your school uniform."

You follow him, keeping enough of a distance so people wouldn't think you two were close. "What are the other members like?"

"Oh, well... it's mainly the senpai. I'm the only first year even being considered for the starting lineup. Um... the third years are nice. Tendou can be a little weird, though. The second years are pretty quiet. Oh, but Shirabu-san is actually really mean. Maybe it'll be best not to try starting conversations with him that much."

You raise an eyebrow. "Oh? And what would happen if I talked to him whenever I wanted?"

Goshiki shuddered. "He'll probably get really mad. I can only imagine the rude things he'd yell at you for bothering him."

You scoff. "So he's full of himself. He needs to be humbled."

The ravenette chuckles nervously. "Please don't do anything, L/n-san. Just stay to yourself, or come to me whenever and everything should be fine."

"I'm not gonna let some snotty senpai be a bitch to me."

"Please calm down. We're here. Just be your usual self. Ok?"

You roll your eyes. "Fine. I'll play nice, Goshiki."

You two walk into the gym, not yet gaining attention. The first year boy walks you over to the coaches, beginning to introduce you to the older men.

You look over at the court, eventually spotting a boy with sandy blond hair with bangs cut at an angle. You can't help but stare at him, interested to know how a boy can be so pretty.

"Uh, L/n-san?" Goshiki's voice rings out near your ear.

You flinch and quickly turn to face him. "Yes?"

"This is coach Washijo. He'd like to talk to you for a moment. I need to get back to practice."

You wave him off. "Go. Do your stuff. I've got this taken care of."

Coach Washijo looks you up and down. "Alright, so you're the top student among the first years. I see you also seem to be popular among the boys in the school."

"I have no interest in romance, sir. This is strictly professional. I'm only doing an extracurricular to better spend my time instead of risk fooling around like most people my age. I feel like I can seriously contribute something to this team if I'm given the opportunity."

The old man grins. "Alright, then. I leave the boys in your hands. Take good care of them and keep them focused and motivated. I don't need weak players. Only the strongest deserve a spot on the court."

"I completely agree with you, sir. I'll do everything I can to keep this team the best in the prefecture."

The coaches walk away, briefly explaining what you're supposed to be doing. They handed you a pencil and a blank notebook, then left you to your own devices.

You weren't too sure about what was going on. You barely knew a thing about volleyball. You thought that you could ask a few players during the break later.

***

"Um, excuse me..."

"What do you want? Actually, who even are you?"

You blink slowly. "I'm L/n Y/n. I'm a first year here and now I'm the new manager for this club. I'm guessing that you're Shirabu-san based on your attitude."

Shirabu huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. But inside, he found you pretty cute. "I am. Now, what do you want from me?"

"Well, I know next to nothing about volleyball. I was wondering if you could at least tell me the basics."

The setter scoffs. "Why would I waste my time doing that? Leave me alone right now. It's the only break I get during practice." He takes his water bottle and walks away.

You purse your lips. "I see why Goshiki advised to stay away from him. Great. Now, how am I supposed to learn about this sport?"

Semi overhears you talking to yourself. "Hey, um... I'm the third year setter and pinch server, Semi Eita. Do you need help? I'd be willing to teach you anything you don't know."

You slowly turn to him. "That would be great. Thanks."

The older boy explains the basics of volleyball, going slowly so you can keep up and take your notes. He smiles the whole time he's talking to you, occasionally stumbling over his words as he gets flustered by how pretty you are when you're focused. His cheeks tint pink, and he has to look away to refocus himself.

You nod, snapping the notebook shut once he finishes. "Thank you, Semi-senpai. I appreciate the help in your free time. Oh, it looks like the break is over. I'll let you get back to practice."

"Alright. Just let me know if you need anything else!" He heads back to the court, giving you one last look.

Shirabu was watching from afar with narrowed eyes. "Really? He's flirting with her now? I get she's pretty, but it's pathetic to flirt so openly like that." Somewhere deep inside, unknown to him, he would've preferred being the one that you talked to instead.