“ 𝑨𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒅𝒐 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍 !"
.
𝟏
" Woah ! Cool !" Kotei chirped as she tried on Tendo's glasses who sat beside her, showcasing interesting things from his bag.
Ushijima observed the scene from the sidelines finding something intriguing about it. He wanted to admit, it was really weird to see Tendo behave normally with a kid but act strangely around them. Satori noticed his stare on him." You wanna join us, Wakatoshi-kun ? KoKo-rin says she'll show us something interesting."
The latter nodded going with the flow.
Thus the creation of Kotei's make-believe shop.
The girl discovered an empty crate in the store room and rested it in an upturned position. The small pebbles she has been collecting since her first day at kindergarten found place to make their gracious presence known on the wooden surface and she posed as the shopkeeper by placing Tendo's glasses on the bridge of her small nose (it fell off from the side).
Both Tendo and Ushijima crouched down before her shop as customers."So what will you sell us today ?"
" Mud cakes."
" Looks like pebbles to me," Ushijima said with a straight face.
" It's a pretend play."
" Hmmm, doesn't make sense."
" Anyway, can I get this one ?" Tendo asked cheerily, picking up a reddish one examining it under the light.
" Of course. But Aka-chin will have to pay for it," Kotei inferred pushing up her glasses.
" Then how much for this ?"
" One million yen."
"..."
Semi and Goshiki overheard the conversation and the former bent forward to protest," that's too costly. Don't you think ?"
" Okay forget about that. I want this one. How much is this ?"
" That's one million yen."
" That too ? Oh, this looks pretty. How about this one ?"
" One million yen."
" Is there something below one million yen?"
Kotei lowered her head in deep thought before saying brightly,"nope."
" This shop is not radical." (probably Ushijima)
" Then I'll bargain-"
" Uh-huh," Kotei cleared her throat, loudly, before pointing at a sign board where it was written in big letters 'no bargaining' with the a' s and the i's missing.
" There goes my salary," Tendo sighed getting into his role." Oh wait. My salary can't afford it too."
Semi chuckled light heartedly before taking out invisible notes. I mean that's how you play with kids right ? But to his shock she didn't accept it.
" You're seriously asking for real money ?"
" Wait, will a card do ?" Goshiki flashed his student ID and the rest gave him a 'bruh' face.
" Kotei's naive. But Kotei's not dumb," Kotei huffed.
" Oh, I see." Goshiki's smile dropped and he quickly whispered to Reon," I totally thought kids were dumb."
" You must have been living under a rock."
" Alright, let's go back to practice." Ushijima declared before getting up. But when he went to pick up the ball he found it missing." It was here....?"
" This ball costs one million yen too," Kotei said smugly raising the ball higher.
" Hey ! We already own it !" Semi protested.
" Technically, we don't. But whatever. We have other balls."
" You think Coach will let us off the hook with a ball missing ?"
" He can be rather strict about these things."
" Dude, he's always strict. What're you talking !"
" KoKo-rin, please give us that ball," Tendo extended his hands forward but the girl moved it away from his reach and put it under her shirt.
" No, no, no ! No stealing ! Pay for it and it's yours."
" Do we actually have to buy it for one million yen?"
" We have to, it seems."
" Oh no ! I might have to sell myself to get that amount," Tendo yelled, dramatically.
" I don't think anyone's interested in buying you."
" Can we please not engage in futile arguments?" Semi sighed for the umpteenth time and Shirabu who was fidgeting with his phone finally stepped in to save the day.
" If you don't mind...," walking past an annoyed Goshiki, the boy crouched down before Kotei and typed rapidly on his phone before showing her the screen." I would like to do an online transaction."
" Online....trisection ?" Kotei stared at his with a confused smile.
" Transaction. Look." He showed her the page of a random site." I have sent the amount to your account."
" Account ? Amount ?" A big fat question mark hovered above her head.
" It's not my problem if you know it or not. But technically I've purchased that ball. Once you reach your home you'll get your amount," Shirabu said, coolly and his seniors looked up at him, in respect.
" Really ?"
" I gurantee it."
" Then," she brought out the ball and handed it to him," here you go !"
" Way to go, Shirabu ! Atleast you can do something other than playing volleyball !"
" Was that supposed to be a compliment?"
" Uh, yes."
" It sounded like an insult."
" Kotei became rich !" Kotei yelled in glee." Name yer demands, Kotei will fulfill them for you." She said in an air of might, looking down upon the team members.
" I want a car, KoKo-rin !"
" I want an estate !"
" I wanna start my own company !"
" Please buy me some fashionable clothes. I have no idea of the recent trends but Tendo says I have no fashion sense," Ushijima added at the end, earning an impressed look from Satori.
" Uh..wait, wait, Kotei was kidding !"
" No fair ! You can't go back on your words !"
" Eh ? Boo !" Kotei whined slapping whoever was the nearest (Reon) on his legs.
" Ow, why'd you hit me, kid."
" Ahem."
" Oh ? Who was that ?"
" It's me."
The voice finally settled in their heads as a very familiar one. Almost like wooden dolls their heads turned towards his direction, slowly, and the intimidating face was finally taken notice of. Naturally (if you can understand by their behaviour) it was Coach Washijo.
" What's happening here ? Aren't you supposed to be at practice now ?"
"..."
" DID YOU NOT HEAR ME ?!"
" Hai !"
Everyone rushed to do whatever they were supposed to do while Ushijima was the only one who walked nonchalantly to take his place, not at all affected by the violent outburst.
" Who are you ?"
" Kageyama Kotei here-"
Before she could finish he kicked the crate in one swift move resulting in all her pebbles being scattered everywhere. Tendo winced at the scene, already anticipating this violent outburst.
" I don't care who you are. This is not a child's creche. Collect your belongings and get out of my sight."
Kotei stared at her precious collection. She didn't want to lose them so hurriedly crouched down to pick them up. Tendo looked like he wanted to say something but didn't say anything on second thought.
" Why the hell are you staring at my face ? Get back to practice !"
" Y-yes."
The little girl crawled under the bench to pick up the second last of her collection before putting them in her bag, carefully. But there was a problem. She couldn't find the most precious pebble. It had a weird pattern etched onto the front.
" Hey, pick up the crate and take it outside," Washijo said, glancing at the girl.
Kotei still couldn't understand why he kicked it in the first place. If not for him, her most precious pebble wouldn't be lost right now. She pouted and turned the other way.
" Pick.up. the. crate."
Kotei tried to maintain her composure but this old man seemed scarier than Miwa so she sassily picked up the crate and on reaching outside, tossed it out in the bushes nearby.
" You can leave now."
Kotei hesitated." Kotei's treasure-"
" Get out."
She couldn't say anything more. Seizing her bag she kept glancing over her shoulder as she eventually stepped out of the gym.
𝟐
" Hello ?"
"...."
" Now ?"
"..."
" Okay, I'm coming." Coach Washijo stood up from the bench." You guys can carry on. I have to go somewhere. It's urgent."
" Hai !"
His footsteps were heard on the concrete outside before it completely disappeared. The old man had a sort of presence which immediately attracted a few of their attention. A teacher ran towards him from the staffroom and tried to match his step.
" Call me a taxi."
" On it."
Kotei gazed at his retreating back before stepping out of the bushes she was hiding in. With quick steps she proceeded to enter the gym but was met with Semi at the entrance.
" I thought you'd still be here. Our coach can be a little scary at times but he's good at heart." Kotei pursed her lips and puffed out her cheeks. Semi smiled." Come here. We've got something for you."
He led her inside by her hand and Ushijima specifically handed her the seemingly lost pebble she had been looking for." Is this your treasure?"
" Nii-chan gave it to Kotei," she muttered and took it from his hand with immense care. She handled it like it was some newborn baby.
" Why are you crying ? Please don't cry." Tendo rubbed her back as Kotei lightly sniffled. He sighed." You wanna know who found it for you?"
" Wwo (who) ?"
Semi and Tendo shared knowing looks as Ushijima gave a straight answer, without creating any suspicion," it was our coach. He felt bad for shouting at you earlier."
" Huh ?"
" Wipe your tears first." On Instinct Semi took out his handkerchief and rubbed her already red eyes. Goshiki who witnessed everything teared up at the scene. Poor kid ! I hope Kageyama doesn't beat her up anymore.
" Kawanishi, move away ! You're blocking my camera !"
" Why the hell are you recording this ?"
" Time pass."
Ushijima's fingers trembled a bit. He didn't know why but he didn't want some child to cry because of Shiratorizawa. Reputation was a major factor for him. So bending down he awkwardly kept a big hand over her head (which covered her entire head) and patted her, carefully.
Kotei looked up at him and hugged his legs to express her gratitude. Ushijima froze.
" You're doing good, Wakatoshi-kun, keep it up," Tendo showed him a thumbs up.
" Arigatooo !" Kotei let out through her sniffing and sobbing.
" Welcome."
𝟑
" So it's all straight?"
" Yeah, just straight."
" Are you sure you will be fine on your own ?"
Kotei nodded. Kawanishi rested a hand on Semi's shoulder to pull him back." It's okay. She's saying it's all straight way. Besides Karasuno is pretty near us if you ask me."
" That's true. But...."
In the meantime Goshiki dragged Kotei to a side and glancing around, cautiously, he looked down at her with a worried gaze. He forcibly put a small piece of paper in her tiny hand and folded it." If you face any problem call this number. You can do that right?"
" Uh, okie.....? "
" If your brother beats you up too much you just ring this number and help will be there, asap."
" Uh, Kotei doesn't understand but fine."
" Hey, what're you doing there ?" Tendo pulled Goshiki back by his collar." I was kidding before. There's no way you can kidnap her."
" I wasn't planning to."
" Bye bye, KoKo-rin," Satori waved at her, kneeling down to reach her height, completely ignoring Goshiki.
" Bye-bye, Aka-chin !"
" Do remember to feed us with some Karasuno secrets next time," he whispered.
" Roger," Kotei whispered back.
" Oi !"
" I know I'll not be there, next year. But I have to look out for my dear juniors."
" it's okay, senpai. We're very honest unlike you."
" You suck, Shirabu. Boooo."
" Can Kotei take that ?" Everyone looked to where she was pointing at and found the big pedestral fan from earlier.
" No," Ushijima replied, bluntly.
" You have one million yen, man. You're so rich. Just buy one yourself," Kawanishi suggested.
" Oh, right !" And they shared a fist bump.
" Okay, okay. Enough of that. Kotei, be careful on the way back. And go straight to Karasuno. No detours." He led her to the exit and waved back when Kotei did the same from a distance before skipping back on her way back to the familiar place." Back now, team. You don't wanna get scolded by Coach later, do you ?"
" Sometimes Semi acts more like the Captain than our actual one."
" He worries."
" He frets."
...
" Kotei's back !"
" Kotei, why so late ?"
" Everything okay ?"
" You had any after-school activity ?"
Strangely, besides Kageyama, everyone looked worried for the girl's late arrival. Tsukishima sighed and shook his head, disappointed. Suga and Ennoshita were the most concerned out of them all.
" Kotei, you were playing in the park again, weren't you?" Kageyama asked with a stoic face.
" Um..y-yes."
"..."
" How did you know that Kageyama ?"
" They're siblings.....?"
" That doesn't explain shit !"
" So you knew it all along, you jerk !"
" I didn't want you to worry so much."
" Well, we became worried than ever."
Kotei smiled up at them as they bickered among themselves before taking a seat beside Takeda who greeted her with a bright wave. She took out her art supplies and started scribbling on her notebook in peace.
...
Kageyama sat leaning against the wall of his room staring straight ahead. It was out of nowhere but suddenly he felt like rethinking his life decisions. It's not anything serious but then again it's not totally trivial. His eye lids grew heavy from all the pressure on his brain but before he could doze off the door opened with a bam. He let out a huff.
" Nii-chan ! Let Kotei sleep on yer biiiiiiiiiiig bed !"
" Not now, Kotei-"
" Pwease ! Kotei says pwease ?" She fluttered her lashes and the brother gave her a weird look.
" You know that doesn't work on me, right ?"
Puffing out her cheeks, she climbed up his bed and placing herself behind Kageyama, began kicking, thrashing and pushing him off it.
" Kotei wanna sleep on big bed ! For today!"
" Do you want me to break your skull?"
She whined loudly. Kageyama eventually let her do as she pleased by getting down and Kotei let out a 'yay' before rolling over. He looked around the room and eventually laid his futon on the floor. There's no use arguing with the girl and he was too tired to smack some sense into her pea-sized brain.
" Okay, you happy? Now go to sleep."
" Haiiii !" She pulled the covers closer and Kageyama switched off the lights.
One hour later....
" Zeke, you beach !" (beach = bitch)
Kotei yelled out of nowhere in her sleep and began preparing for a rolling thunder kick. Tobio, who was still wide awake, got up with a start. His eyes widened to see his sister almost reaching the edge of the bed. In a fluid move, he picked up his pillow and threw it like an expert (shinobi). It hit against the bed stand and dropped right where Kotei rolled off the bed and landed on it, a second later.
Kageyama was panting crazily. Still not feeling his heart-beat calm down, he laid back. With his red eyes wide open he stared up at the ceiling. Never in his life he had felt things like nervousness, fright, anxiety in volleyball as much as he felt it around Kotei, literally every second.
" Rolling thunderrrr Kotei edition !" The girl shouted in her sleep before rolling off the pillow and kicking her brother straight in his guts.
" Oof !"
He groaned bringing his head and knees closer, clutching his stomach, shrinking away in pain.
Ping !
" Early morning practice on Thursday."
-Daichi
In a few days, Kageyama is leaving for the national camp. The captain, fully aware of his responsibilities, called for the proposed practice session so that both Tsukishima and Kageyama could attend it.
Grunting and groaning, he typed a reply before getting up. Rubbing his stomache under his shirt he peered outside to take a glimpse at the full moon. The view was breathtaking but he was not in the mood to bask in its beauty. Scratching his head he pulled the curtains to block the light and picked Kotei up to put her back on the bed.
With second thoughts, he stared down at his hijacked bed. It took some time to take a decision. Getting under the covers beside Kotei he got comfortable on the soft sheets. It was definitely better than the floor.
" Mi...ka...sa...."
Kotei muttered as she buried her face into his chest. She wrapped her arms around his torso although it didn't quite reach his back.
Tobio glanced at her peaceful face. How can this brat sleep so peacefully after making him go through hell yet again ? It's almost surprising how she comes up with new techniques to irritate him each and every day. Only one word comes to the mind-
Mischievous.
Yet, he doesn't mind being irritated. He gets annoyed but atleast she's the guarantee that he'd wake up to another lively morning of the year. His heart swelled inside as he pulled her closer towards himself. Deprived of parental love since his childhood he couldn't help but earn for someone to express his suffocating feelings on. Same goes for Miwa.
Atleast she's here now.
Yes, he's scared of losing her too.
But can you blame him ?
" Nii-chan ?" She asked in a groggy voice.
" Go back to sleep."
In her half asleep state she managed to give him a sweet smile. Nuzzling her head against him, she closed her eyes again," luv you, nii-chan."
Now these abrupt sweetnesses are one of the many things he didn't like.
It sounded like she's saying her last words.
" I hate you."
______________________________________
Sorry for the late update 😢
I was so sick, I had totally forgotten about uploading the second part.
I feel a lot better now so expect a bonus update soon.
That's it for today. Thanks for reading !!!!