“ 𝑲𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒊 𝒉𝒂𝒔 100% 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝑨𝒌𝒂𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊 !”
.
𝟏
Konoha covered his mouth to keep a yawn from escaping as he dragged himself across the campus, unwillingly. As he passed by the storeroom, a light ‘thud’ from inside surprised him, jolting him out of his sleeping stance. He halted in his tracks looking around him. His gaze fell upon the storeroom on his right. Who's that ? He wondered and hesitantly opened the door to reveal....
“ Bokuto !”
The said teenager grinned as he brought a finger to his lips and made a hushing sound. Konoha leaned down towards him and this time whispered,“ What're you doing in there, Bokuto?”
“ What does it look like ?”
Konoha stared at him for a few seconds before replying,“sleepwalking—”
“ No, you idiot ! I'm hiding ! Can't you tell ?”
“ Oh ! But from who ?”
He grinned again and giving his teammate a mischievous look, pushed him out, closing the door lightly, leaving a baffled Konoha standing in the middle of the passage. That was weird.
He shrugged and went on his way. He couldn't help but be curious. Bokuto looked really happy back there. So there's definitely not the possibility of him pissing someone off and the person on his lookout. That's the negative aspect. The positive one would be.....he is playing hide and seek ! But with whom ? He didn't have to wrack his brains to search for the answer. There's just one person who'd be wasting their precious time playing hide-and-seek with that idiot. And that is...
“ Kotei ! The hell are you ?” Konoha sighed as he witnessed a fuming Kageyama pass by him towards the cafeteria. Way to start the morning...
“ Kotei's here !” Kotei suddenly peeked from behind the wall. She seemed to be looking for something or someone but no one understood why she was looking for it or them in the grass. Nevertheless, she ran up to her brother who greeted her with a smack on the head.“ Ow, brother, you smacks are gettin’ sloppy.”
“ You have a death wish, dumbass ?”
“ Kotei has the power of....,” Hinata stepped out of the room, just behind Kageyama and the girl skipped towards him to pull the poor boy before his brother,“.... Shoyo-nii !”
Kageyama glared and Hinata raised his guards up. Holding his hands before him in a protective manner he yelled,“ what's this ? You wanna fight!”
“ Not in the mood,” Kageyama said rubbing his temples. One day, Kotei will specifically built an elevator to heaven and he'll gladly take it. Not that he'll have a choice.“ Please don't run off by yourself. I was worried. Have some pity on your brother, for God's sake !”
Kotei looked up at him confused and Hinata genuinely felt for him. Honestly, there was a time when Natsu had been a pain in the butt for him, too. Kids their age are usually the same. There're only a few exceptions (Mio, for example). “ Don't mind, Kageyama.”
“ Hmph.” The latter dragged Kotei towards the cafeteria. Shoyo, needles to say, was a little surprised at that. But shrugged before following behind.“ Did you have your breakfast?”
“ Not yet.”
In the Cafeteria.....
“ Is that the way to hold your chopsticks?”
“ It's Kotei style !”
Hinata sighed as the brother sister duo bickered beside him. Not a very new thing in the morning...well not for him atleast. The rest of the cafeteria, consisting of half asleep team members, yawned loudly not in the mood to hear their bickering the first thing in the morning. The only gain out of it was that their yelling kept them from falling asleep.
“ I am ashamed of you as your brother.”
“ Same.”
“ You really want me to call Miwa this early ?”
It's true Kotei is scared of Kageyama. But only a few know that the little girl is terrified of her big sister. Under the facade of a sweet, caring, loving sister she's a devil (for Kotei atleast). Kageyama’s smacks are far better than her methods of punishment.
“ Kotei's trying,” she whined as she went to hold the sticks properly but failed miserably. She's usually very mindful in the morning and something didn't sit well with her. Is Kotei forgetting something important ? She asked herself. But shrugged. Maybe it's not that important if Kotei doesn't remember it.
Meanwhile, Akaashi entered the roo. looking around for a certain owl. He had found his senior’s bed empty, the first thing in the morning and immediately set out to find him, worried on his whereabouts. But the said boy was nowhere in sight. Hinata, Kageyama and Kotei being among the few people in the room, he walked towards their table.
“ Excuse me.”
“ Oh..good morning,” Kageyama nodded as Hinata full on bowed.
“ It's Akaashi !”
The latter smiled at the girl before asking,“ I can't seem to find Bokuto-san since morning. Did you happen to see him anywhere ?”
Kotei was going to take the last bit of her food when she stopped in the process. Her smile gradually faded and she dropped her chopsticks, flustered. Oh no !
“ What's wrong Kotei ?”
Akaashi raised his brow when a smack on his back almost made him lose his balance. It's Konoha. That guy has always been the rowdy type. Saluting him a ‘good morning’ he swung his arm around his shoulder and said,“ I saw him hiding in the storeroom on the far left of the east corridor.”
“ Oh my gawd ! Kotei totally forgot !” She gasped loudly before pushing her chair and hopping off it. She rushed out of the room leaving the rest of group in haze.
“ Kotei, finish your food, you dumbass !”
𝟐
Panting heavily she pushed open the door only to see Bokuto on the verge of falling asleep when the light from outside jolted him awake.“ Hey, hey, hey, Kotei ! Where were you ! I've been hiding for three hours here !” He asked a bit dejected but excited that she finally found him. He was happy about the fact that he had discovered a good hiding place and that the girl had been facing trouble to find him out.
“ Sorry, sorry. Kotei forgot Kou-chan was still hiding,” Kotei said scratching her cheek, nervously.“ But Kou-chan is pretty stupid to wait for this long.”
“ Wh-you forgot about me ?” Bokuto asked as his hair strangely drooped down behind him, the smile dropping from his face. His happy go lucky aura disappeared as he stood up, slowly.
“ Kou-chan ?”
Without replying he walked out of the room. Kotei followed confused. His footsteps echoed in the quiet corridor as did Kotei's tiny, rapid steps. His one big stride equals Kotei's four small steps so she was finding it hard to keep up. What more, the boy had started speed walking, not even glancing back.
“ Ko—”
“ Don't follow me. It's over,” he glared at her behind his shoulder. That's right, Bokuto has entered his emo mode once again. He continued grumpily,“ how could you forget me ? I am the Ace of Fukurodani. The disrespect....I can't handle it!” He huffed with attitude before shooting his nose high up in the air, puffing out his cheeks and stomping away.
“ Ko-Kou-chan !” Kotei ran behind him, dumbfounded.“ Wait, Kou-chan ! Kotei's sorry !”
“ Keep your apology to yourself !”
“ Kou-chan ! Kotei says sorry, okay ?”
“ .....”
She started tearing up and wrapped her arms around his leg. Bokuto paid her no mind and continued on his way dragging Kotei with him who refused to let go.“ Kou-chan, please ! Kotei's sorry, okay ? Okay ?”
“...”
“ WAHHH !!!!!!!” She burst into tears and got dragged around the campus before the boy wiggled free out of her grip and entering the Fukurodani room shut the door from inside.“KOTEI'S SORRY, OK ? OKAY ? KOU-CHAN !” She pounded on the door but in vain.
“ Go away !” Bokuto’s muffled voice resounded from the other side .
Akaashi, who had caught a glimpse of Bokuto dragging a half crying kid across the hall, followed him to see this dramatic view. It's like a scene from a movie.
As he stopped behind Kotei, the girl perked up and facing him threw herself at his feet. Akaashi grew concerned and kneeling down patted her comfortingly on her back.“ What's wrong ?”
“ Kou-chan won't t-talk to me...wahhhhh !!!!” She hiccuped, looking up at the boy with a tear stained face. “ What should Kotei do, Akaashi !”
Akaashi went on alert. Don't tell me he has gone into his emo mode this early ? Practice hasn't even started yet ! What are they supposed to do ! Internally panicking he couldn't help but blame Kotei for everything. Yet he couldn't stay mad at an oblivious child for long.“ It's okay, Kotei. He'll come around, eventually.” He said helping her stand to her feet and wiped her face with his hands.“ Don't cry, please. It'll be alright, okay ? I'll talk to him for you, okay ?”
Kotei nodded, sniffling.
“ Your brother said to send you to gym 1 if I find you. You know where that is ?”
Kotei hesitantly pointed towards the end of the passage.
“ Good. Don't worry. Have some faith in me.”
“ Kotei has 100% faith in Akaashi !” She said immediately, holding his one hand with both of hers.
“ Okay....?” He said confused.
“ Kotei will think of something to make Kou-chan happy again,” she said slowly rubbing the tears off her cheek. Akaashi agreed. If Kotei can bring up his mood again then there's a hope that he'll play properly during the matches.
The whole day Kotei sat like a good girl on the benches. Everyone was surprised but nobody questioned it. In between the games she went up to Bokuto to talk to him properly but every time he ignored her.
Akaashi was initially worried that Bokuto will flunk all of it but strangely he has been playing extra well today. More like he's draining his frustration on the ball and the opponents. Both Karasuno and Nekoma had lost to them twice in a row. The ace was unstoppable today.
“ That guy is reckless !” Nishinoya yelled.“ Somehow he's got my respect !”
“ Was that a compliment ?”
“ He looks angry,” Hinata muttered.
Although he's angry, it was more of a childish type. He's the sort to throw tantrums when something doesn't go his way. Similar to the nature, he loves attention. Naturally it hurt his pride when a child ‘disrespected’ him. Looking into the matter it's nothing serious but small things did matter to Bokuto.
“ Give it to me, Akaashi !!!!”
Bam !
“ Alright !” He smirked as the ball hit the opposite court. Volleyball is a medium of escape for him. That's a known fact.
“ Nice, Bokuto !” His team mates jumped over him in joy as the captain enjoyed all the love and praise. Even Akaashi patted him on the back saying a small ‘good work’. The boy's eyes lit up as he pumped his fist in the air.
“ HEY, HEY, HEYYY !!”
He felt much better than earlier.
On the other side, Kotei stuck her tongue out focusing on her work. A sketchpad laid open before her as she scribbled on the blank sheet. Finally applying her marker she leaned back to examine her creation. The whistle blew on cue and she smiled upon it. Quickly getting off the bench she waddled towards Bokuto who sat down leaning against the wall.
Sipping from his water bottle he noticed from the corner of his eyes the little girl approaching him. Picking up his towel he wiped off the sweat that had trickled down his neck. He finally felt content enough to forgive Kotei but he's gonna act for a bit longer. It's fun to watch her flustered reactions.
“ Kou-chan ?” She called, nervously, standing beside him and tugging at his shirt sleeve.
He peered down at her masking his smile with that of an annoyed look. “What ?” He asked, grumpily.
“ Um..Kotei made this for Kou-chan,” she held up her sketchpad. Bokuto’s eyes widened at her drawing skills. In the middle of the paper was drawn a small chibi version of Bokuto with owl like features, spiking a ball. Once again it's not perfect but fits well to the standard of a novice like Bokuto.
He couldn't hide his excitement anymore and took it from her hand to look at it closely. Kotei waited patiently. It really doesn't feel good when Bokuto ignores her. He has become her best friend within a day. So she put her all into it. She didn't wanna lose friends.
“ This is awesome ! Hey, hey, hey ! Everyone come here !” He ran over to his friends to show her sketch leaving her behind.
Kotei stood there with a blank look. ( 0_0 ) ?
After a few minutes he returned and sitting back down, captured her in a headlock to ruffle her hair, violently, messing up her style. “ Kotei, you're so awesome ! I like this sooooo much ! Thank you !” He said happily.
Kotei's face lit up at that and shut her eyes in a close eyed smile, enjoying the affection.
“ Kotei's sorry for earlier.” She said as soon as Bokuto let her go.
“ Don't sweat it ! Okay ? I know I can be a brat sometimes,” he admitted, chuckling.
“ Kotei's happy !”
“ Kou-chan’s happy too !!”
The next time Akaashi found the two, Kotei had climbed up Bokuto’s back to peek from behind his shoulder at her drawings which the latter was going through. Her hands were wrapped round his neck as her cheek pressed against Bokuto’s as they went through her creations, together.
“ That's more like it,” Akaashi muttered.
It's a good thing he had suggested it to Kotei.
𝟑
1:00 pm
“ Boys, can you clear this space please ? Thank you.”
“ Is something the matter ?”
“ Actually, yes.”
One corner of the room (that Karasuno was sharing with Nekoma) was cleared up as the Karasuno team moved their things, emptying the space. Coach Nekomata laid a small futon on the ground and the members of the Nekoma stared at their coach in question.
“ Good news. Kumiko is dropping by.”
“ What ! She is !”
“ Why didn't you tell us before ! We would've prepared a surprise welcome or something !”
Team Nekoma appeared to be very familiar with this particular person. Karasuno members shared confused looks, totally unaware.
Apparently, Kumiko is a teacher of Fukurodani. All the other schools are very close to her as she frequently dropped by to their practices. But she couldn't do so these last past months due to being on a maternity leave.
Today will mark the first day of her return.
“ Ooooo is the baby coming ? Is the baby coming?” Inuoka asked excitedly.
“ Yes—”
“ She's here !” A Shinzen team member informed and stepped back. Light giggles filled the air as a woman in her thirties entered the room, a small bundle of blankets in her arms. Bokuto and Konoha were by her side carrying their teacher's bags.
“ Kumiko sensei !” Inuoka yelled as he ran upto her.“ How are you ? Let me see the baby ! The baby !”
“ Step back, idiot. Good grief, you haven't changed a bit,” the teacher chuckled, light-heartedly. She could never forget these faces. She had been in a volleyball team in her teens. And so picked up the habit of watching their games, regularly. Practice sessions grew more fun with her presence as everyone liked her to be around.
Nekomata smiled as he pulled back Inuoka by the shoulder and approached her.“ Are you doing fine now ?” Kumiko nodded and bowed politely. He peered down at the baby boy who giggled up at him, throwing his small chubby hands.“ He looks pretty healthy. Good job, Kumiko.”
Bokuto was too excited to stay still. So dropping the bag he proceeded to yell,“ let me have a look—” but got interrupted by a smack on the back of his head. “ Ow ! Sensei, have you grown strong in these past few months ?”
“ Is that a way to show respect to your teacher, you brat ! Pick up my bag !”
“ S-sorry,” he said pouting and proceeded to pick up the bag.
“ Calm down, sensei. You shouldn't stress yourself too much,” Akaashi suggested as he stood behind her on his guard.
“ Akaashi ! Thanks for the concern. Don't worry about me. I'm perfectly calm as you can see !”
“ Uh...yeah.”
“ And ? Have you completed the assignments I had given to Horitaka sensei ?”
“ Of course.”
“ A studious boy as always. Keep it up,” she smiled at him and turned towards Bokuto with an angry glare.“What about you Bokuto ?”
“ N-not yet.”
“ I see,” she said calmly which scared the Ace further. But confusion clouded his face when Kumiko’s gaze softened.“ What about your volleyball practice ? Is it going good ?”
Honestly, the boy was beyond shocked. Nevertheless he happily said,“ you bet ! I'm in such a good shape these days ! But now that you're here I feel like I can give my hundred percent !”
“ Really ? You cheeky brat,” Kumiko chuckled capturing him in a headlock, almost choking the poor guy in the process. Akaashi was afraid that she'd drop the baby but strangely she managed to hold him with one arm.
She's pretty daring for a woman, Lev thought. Of course this was his first time meeting her.
“ Kumiko, meet Ukai’s grandson. He's coaching Karasuno for the time being,” Nekomata introduced.
“ Are you serious ? It's a pleasure to make acquaintance with you,” Kumiko said flustered. She added, shyly,“ I have actually heard a lot about Karasuno. Is the team here ?”
Daichi stepped forward to introduce themselves and the lady couldn't be happier.“ You guys are like celebrities. Mind if I have a picture ?” She asked, excitedly.
All the members from Karasuno were beyond flustered at the lady’s enthusiasm, but complied anyways.
“ Sensei, you're embarassing us,” Konoha whispered from the side.
“ Shut up ! It's a once-in-a-lifetime offer !” She suddenly remembered something and handed the baby to whoever was near.“ Here, please take care of Haru for me. I must meet the others ! Konoha, lead the way !” And ran off by herself.
“ Sensei, wait !!”
The occupants of the room sweatdropped. She's pretty energetic.
“ Why me ?” Yamaguchi’s legs trembled as he held the blankets carefully. He was so scared that he'd drop him. The child made grabby hands towards him, fidgeting in his place, making the latter lose his balance and before he could cause a blunder, Nekomata quickly took the baby in his arms.
Kotei peeked from behind Kageyama’s leg but couldn't get a clear view.
“ So cute,” Daichi smiled as he looked at Haru who peered up at him, sucking his finger. He proceeded to move his hand from his mouth when the child held his one finger with his palm. Daichi chuckled.
Kotei looked up at Daichi in awe. He's always scolding her so this is the first time she's seeing his soft side. Throwing herself on his legs she yelled,“ let Kotei see ! Let Kotei see the baby !”
Daichi smiled down at her, nervously and stepped back for Coach Nekomata to crouch down before her. She got a glimpse of Haru. With cute little chubby arms, he was sucking on his thumb, looking up at her like she was some foreign creature, examining her under his lashes. His cheeks were puffed out and his dark brown eyes peeked from under the cap he was wearing. A few strands of his hair peeked out of it. He looked like a literal doll.
“ A baby is so cool,” Kotei let out in awe as she poked his cheeks with her finger. It was so soft just like feather and she went on poking him. “ Kotei wanna hold him !” She finally declared extending her arms out.
The Coach almost fainted hearing that. No way was he giving her to hold the kid.“ You're too small for that. You can't handle the weight. Look from there.”
“ No, no, no ! Give Kotei Haru !” She puffed out her cheeks.
“ Kotei, be a good girl okay ? It's for your own good,” Daichi scolded from behind her.
“ Brother ?” She looked up at Kageyama who looked back at her with a ‘no’ glare.
“ Then let me hold him !” Bokuto said butting in.
Once again Nekomata felt like fainting. Kotei is still better than Bokuto. He'd probably mistake Haru for a ball and play volleyball with him. Yes, he's that much of an idiot.“Uh....”
“ What ?” Bokuto looked at him expectantly and the Coach sighed.
“ Okay. But only for a minute.”
“ Yay !”
Kotei stood there dumbfounded. The betrayal ! Well she's not letting Haru go without holding him at least once. She'll make sure of that.
“ Hey, hey, hey, baby ! You like volleyball ?” Bokuto yelled loudly as he took the bundle in his arm. But just in case Akaashi, Kuroo and Konoha stood surrounding him like bodyguards.
“ Bokuto-san, he can't talk.”
“ Why not ! That's a bummer !”
“ This idiot,” Kuroo sighed rubbing his temple. He looked down at Haru. Raising a hand he rested it on top of his chest. To his amazement his chest was the size of his entire palm. He chuckled. “ He's so small.” Haru tried to hold his hand above his chest peering up at Kuroo in awe.
“ Was Kotei like that once ?” Kotei asked Kageyama.
“ Yes you were. But you were a brat who always cried and threw tantrums,” Kageyama said remembering his childhood. He walked down his memory lane.
11-year old Kageyama ran down the steps as the car wheels screeched to a halt before their house. Miwa was already waiting downstairs and smiled up at Kageyama who stood beside her, in anticipation.
“ Is she here ?”
“ She's here.”
On cue, loud bawling erupted from outside the house and Tobio’s breath hitched. He was so nervous that his hands felt sweaty. It'll be his first time seeing his baby sister.
The door opened as their grandfather walked in with a small bundle in his arms and greeted the pair with a smile.
Let's go back to Kageyama’s family history. Apparently, his mother was in college when she first had Miwa. She was terrified to know what she had done. The father, of course not expecting it, promised to look after both her and Miwa. He was a good fellow and couldn't really leave them hanging in the middle of nowhere. But their mother was traumatized. She was thankful towards him but wasn't ready to take responsibility of the child.
After two years they had married and settled down together. By this time she had coped up with the fact and ready to start somewhere. She realised she couldn't abandon her own child and so decided to pay attention to her family.
Then she had Tobio. This time there was no regret. Their father was really happy as was their mother too.
Things were going smoothly until the next few years. Their father was facing problems at work and was really depressed about it. He thought he couldn't afford to risk his family for his job and sent his wife and children to her father's house. He got fired from his work soon after and began living alone, relieved at the fact that atleast his family was safe and have someone to rely on.
Many things happened after that. Their mother frequently visited their father. She genuinely loved him and couldn't leave him alone. It's embarassing to admit but she loved her husband more than her kids. So transferring their responsibility to her father she went to live with her husband again.
Kageyama’s grandfather thought it was foolish of her. He loved his grandkids and it hurt him to see that her first priority was her husband. But he couldn't blame her. In the meantime, Miwa had grown to hate her parents and as far as Kageyama was concerned, he had seldom seen their faces and by the time he grew up he couldn't remember their faces at all. Thus, he remained indifferent to the entire situation.
After many years, their grandfather got a call from his daughter. He was so happy and surprised. Did his daughter finally decide to come back and renew communication ? But alas that was not the case. Apparently she had given birth to Kotei and wanted her father to take her responsibility.
That day in hospital there was a big row.
His daughter clearly stated that she had nothing to do with the kids and that she loved her husband more than anything. So, she's not ready to take Kotei's responsibility. Even the husband tried to assure her that he'd be fine on his own and that she should give her full attention to the kids. But she refused.
Angry beyond wits her grandfather totally cut ties that day, and brought little Kotei home with him. She was crying and in a mess, probably wanting the warmth of her mother but there was none. All she got from her was the name.
From that day on he got no call from from his daughter and didn't know her whereabouts.
Back to the story, their grandfather set Kotei down on the small bed Miwa had prepared beforehand, in the bedroom, and leaned back to look down at her. It took quite some time to make her stop crying but eventually they succeeded. He smiled warmly at her.“ Isn't she beautiful ?”
Kotei had fallen asleep already.
Miwa nodded and rested her hand on her chest to feel her heartbeat. Small snores left her body and she couldn't help but break out of her usual cold outlook to giggle at the sight.“ Tobio, her name is Kotei. Remember that, okay ?”
Kageyama nodded. He leaned over the child. Gulping, he raised his hand and very carefully poked her in the cheeks. Kotei moved in her place a bit before going still, again.
Kageyama's eyes lit up as he gushed at her cuteness, inwardly. “ I will teach her volleyball when she grows up !” He declared.
“ Let her grow up first.”
“ C-can I hold her ?” He looked up at their grandfather for permission.
“ Go ahead.”
She felt so small and tiny in his arms. Picking her up, he looked down at the duo in awe who chuckled at his childish behaviour. He was usually so calm and collected. Yet, now he's like a kid who got a candy.“ Kotei.”
The said baby moved at that in response and unknowingly clutched his shirt with her little fingers. Kageyama was beyond flustered. He could't wait for her to grow up.“ From today....,” he gazed up at them as his face brightened,“...I am a big brother.”
It was a matter of pride for him, to get the opportunity to be Kotei's big brother.
Well, of course he won't admit that now.
______________________________________
“ 𝑇𝒉𝑎𝑛𝑘𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 !”