The Conniving Crow

Chapter 70: Progress

As the Karasuno team prepared for their match against Fukurodani, Keishin gathered the boys for another one of his lectures, emphasizing the importance of their performance on the court. (Y/n) stood silently behind him, a small, threatening smile playing on her lips. The team instinctively shifted away from her, well aware of the consequences if they were to disappoint her.

Just as Keishin spoke about the need to at least get their hands on Bokuto's spikes, Tsukishima, usually quiet during these moments, surprised everyone with a question. The shock on their faces was evident, but Keishin saw this as a golden opportunity not to be missed.

"Well, technically speaking, no," Keishin began, addressing Tsukishima's question. "But if you can shut him out, do it. Nothing would be better."

As Keishin continued to address the team, (y/n) felt a surge of pride welling up within her. Yamaguchi's words seemed to have struck a chord with Tsukishima, igniting a spark of interest in the usually apathetic player. Her eyes grew teary as she witnessed this rare moment of participation and determination.

Unable to contain her emotions, (y/n) spoke up, her voice slightly choked with pride. "I'm just so proud right now," she confessed. "String Bean is actually participating for once."

Tsukishima, ever the master of deadpan, shot her a look that clearly conveyed his annoyance. "(Y/n), don't be weird," he retorted.

With a playful smirk, (y/n) didn't back down. "Oh, shut up and go make yourself useful!" she retorted, her words laced with affectionate teasing.

Back on the court, Tsukishima's newfound determination became evident as he managed to force Bokuto into using a feint. The ace's surprise at Tsukishima's block was palpable, and (y/n) couldn't help but beam with pride. It was a testament to the progress Tsukishima had made, a reflection of his growing commitment to the game.

"That's the way to do it, String Bean!" (y/n) exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. Her smile grew wider, radiating with genuine joy. The sight of Tsukishima stepping up and making a difference filled her with a sense of accomplishment.

...

As (y/n) hobbled into the gymnasium, a scene unfolded before her that left her both perplexed and concerned. Tsukishima, Hinata, and Lev were engaged in a practice game, but the teams seemed unbalanced. On one side stood Kuroo, Lev, and Tsukishima, while on the other side were Bokuto, Akaashi, and Hinata.

Akaashi, the only one who seemed to realize the imbalance, voiced his concerns. "(Y/n), aren't these teams a little unbalanced?" he questioned, his voice filled with unease.

Dismay washed over (y/n)'s face as she observed the mismatched teams. She couldn't help but sympathize with Akaashi's sentiment. It was clear that the teams were unevenly distributed, potentially leading to a frustrating and unfair practice game.

Unable to hold back her thoughts, (y/n) spoke up, her voice carrying a tone of disapproval. "Um, guys?" she interjected. "Your teams are... stupid."

Kuroo, never one to mince words, muttered under his breath, "Well, that's just rude."

Before (y/n) could say anything else, the two Fukurodani managers entered the gymnasium, announcing the impending closure of the cafeteria. The news of the closing sent the boys into a frenzy, their hunger driving them to bolt out of the gymnasium at lightning speed, eager to secure their meal. However, one individual remained behind.

"Oi, Munchkin-san," the tall blonde called out to (y/n) as she turned around, trying to contain her laughter at Tsukishima's futile attempts to free his shoelaces from Kenta's playful grip.

"S-sure," (y/n) agreed, her amusement evident in her voice. "But don't you want to get some food?"

"I'm not stupid," he retorted matter-of-factly. "I know you can get us food anytime since you're an assistant coach."

"...Touché," (y/n) mumbled, acknowledging his observation with a hint of a smile.

An awkward silence hung in the air as (y/n) absentmindedly played with the grass, waiting for Tsukishima to express his thoughts. The tension seemed to thicken, but (y/n) could sense there was something different in the blonde's demeanor—an undercurrent of vulnerability.

"Yamaguchi said he told you about my brother," Tsukishima finally began, his voice carrying a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

A soft squeak escaped (y/n) as she glanced over at him, her eyes filled with empathy. He appeared calm, yet his amber orbs shimmered with unspoken emotions.

"Y-yeah," (y/n) confirmed gently, her voice laced with understanding. "I won't tell anyone. It's none of my business, really. You don't need to talk about it, but if you ever want to, I'm here to listen."

More silence ensued, but this time it carried a different weight. Tsukishima remained reticent, opting instead to divert his attention to Kenta, who was blissfully engaged in his playful antics. Minutes ticked by before he spoke again, his voice tinged with a newfound vulnerability.

"You're the first person we've opened up to," he admitted, his words punctuated by a mix of hesitation and trust. "Yamaguchi also mentioned that you told him I trust him. But the fact that I'm not angry about him sharing our secret means I trust you too, I suppose, even if you're an idiot."

"Gee, thanks. Feeling the love, String Bean," (y/n) replied, rolling her eyes playfully. "You were doing so well until you called me an idiot."

Tsukishima's familiar smirk graced his lips as he turned towards her. "Awe, did I make the little Munchkin-san sad?" he mockingly taunted. "How unfortunate. You don't even realize you're an idiot, poor thing."

"Oh, I'm the idiot?" (y/n) raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "That's cute, coming from the one who doesn't realize he has a mischievous pup eating through his shirt."

A choked sound escaped Tsukishima's lips as he glanced down to see Kenta playfully nibbling at the corner of his shirt. Grumbling in mild annoyance, he lifted the red and black pup up to his face, eyeing him with a mixture of exasperation and affection.

"She trained you to do this, didn't she?" he accused Kenta with a playful glare. Then, turning his attention back to (y/n), he added with a mischievous grin, "Ah, I guess Munchkin-san likes me so much she wants to see me shirtless. How desperate."

"...I will end you, you stupid blond String Bean," (y/n) retorted with a laugh, her eyes glinting mischievously.

With a burst of energy, (y/n) playfully lunged at Tsukishima, causing both of them to tumble over in the grass, their laughter filling the air. As they rolled and teased each other, (y/n) found herself caught in his grasp, her arms playfully pinned by his strong grip.

"Looks like the poor Munchkin-san is trapped," Tsukishima whispered teasingly into her ear, his warm breath tickling her skin. "Now, should I keep you trapped or let you go?"

Blushing profusely, (y/n) squirmed free from his playful hold, her injured leg causing her to hobble awkwardly as she attempted to regain her balance. Turning back to face Tsukishima, she stuck her tongue out at him before calling Kenta to her side.

"Night, you stupid String Bean," (y/n) called out with a playful grin.

"Later, Munchkin-san," he replied, his voice filled with amusement. "Might want to try and get your face back to its normal shade."

"I hate you," (y/n) playfully grumbled, their banter leaving a trail of warmth and lightheartedness behind.

Tsukishima chuckled softly as he watched (y/n) hobble away, appreciating the spirited dynamic between them. The playful exchange had brought them closer, deepening their bond beyond the confines of the volleyball court. And as the evening came to an end, both (y/n) and Tsukishima couldn't help but feel a growing fondness for each other, intertwined with their shared love for the sport and the unspoken promise of a beautiful journey ahead.