Double Take

Unlikely Connections

As I arrived at school and settled into my seat, anticipation bubbled within me for the upcoming exam. When Kuroo, now my teacher, handed out the papers, I eagerly scanned the questions, hoping to ace it. But as I glanced at my score, disappointment flooded over me—48%. Kuroo's words only added to my frustration. "Looks like you have to work on it," he said, his tone neutral as he continued distributing papers to the other students.

Sighing heavily, I slumped in my seat, feeling the weight of my failure pressing down on me. How was I supposed to graduate when I couldn't even remember the basics of high school curriculum? Biology class, with Kuroo as the teacher, passed in a blur as I zoned out, lost in my own thoughts.

As the lesson ended and my classmates filed out of the classroom, Kuroo stopped me before I could make my escape. His expression was serious, and a pang of apprehension shot through me. "It's serious, y/n," he began, his voice tinged with concern. "You failed three tests this past week."

I shrugged nonchalantly, trying to downplay the severity of the situation. 

But Kuroo wasn't about to let me off the hook so easily. "Maybe you should come over to me, and I'll teach you," he suggested, his gaze piercing as he met my eyes.

At first, I balked at the idea, reluctant to accept help from someone who had once been little more than a distant acquaintance. But as I mulled it over, the realization dawned on me—I did need help, whether I wanted to admit it or not. With a reluctant nod, I agreed to his offer, feeling a sense of resignation settle over me as I followed him out of the classroom.

As I made my way to my locker, the halls were eerily quiet, devoid of the usual chatter and laughter of my classmates. It was then that it hit me—I was Mya, the girl who had isolated herself from her peers with her careless attitude and apathy towards her studies. With a frustrated sigh, I retrieved my books and headed to the cafeteria usally full with people but now it's quiet and I can finally relax. 

As I sat in the cafeteria, trying to focus on my lunch despite the lingering unease from my encounter with Kuroo earlier, a guy approached me. It was the same guy who had tried to kiss me in the nurse office before Kuroo intervened. My heart quickened with apprehension as he took a seat in front of me.

"Hey," he said, his voice tentative.

"Um, hi," I replied, feeling a nervous knot form in my stomach.

"Look, Mya, I'm sorry," he began, his expression earnest.

My mind raced, trying to piece together the events of that day. What had Mya done? What had he done? I couldn't bring myself to respond, unsure of what to say.

"It's fine, I guess," I finally replied, mimicking what I imagined Mya's response would be. But inside, doubts and questions swirled, leaving me feeling more confused than ever.

As Rin took my hand, a rush of uncertainty washed over me. His touch was warm, his eyes searching mine for a response. Rin—I finally remembered his name. We engaged in conversation, the awkward tension gradually dissipating as we talked. But all too soon, he excused himself, citing the need to head to his next class.

Left to wander the halls of the school once more, my gaze wandered until it landed on a bustling hall where students were engaged in various physical activities. Some played dodgeball, while others were engrossed in a game of volleyball. I found myself drawn to the latter, the rhythmic sound of the ball echoing through the air.

Peering inside, I couldn't help but notice the attractive figures of the players, their athletic prowess on full display. On one side, a group of guys dominated the court with their strength and agility, while on the other side, a team of girls showcased their skills with finesse and determination.