After a long day at school, Y/N finally returned home, feeling a mix of exhaustion and excitement. The scent of home-cooked food filled the air as she entered the kitchen, where her mother was setting the table.
"Welcome home, sweetie," her mother said with a warm smile. "How was your day?"
"It was good," Y/N replied, sliding into her seat. "I checked out the volleyball team today."
Her mother raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. "Oh? Did you meet the players?"
"Yeah, they were all really nice," Y/N said, picking at her dinner. "One of them, Hinata, even asked if I wanted to be their manager."
Her mother paused mid-bite, looking at her daughter with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Manager? That sounds like a big responsibility."
Y/N nodded, still processing the offer. "It does, but... I don't know, Mom. It's been so long since I've been involved with volleyball, and I thought I was done with it after my injury. But today, being in the gym, watching them play... It made me realize how much I've missed it."
Her mother reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand on Y/N's. "It's okay to take your time and think about it. You don't have to rush into anything. But if it's something that makes you happy, then maybe it's worth giving it a try."
Y/N smiled, feeling comforted by her mother's words. After dinner, she retreated to her room, still deep in thought. She plopped down on her bed, staring at the ceiling as her mind raced.
Being the team's manager... What would that even be like? It wasn't the same as playing, but it would still keep her connected to the sport she loved. And the team—well, they seemed like a good group of people. Hinata's enthusiasm was contagious, and the idea of supporting them from the sidelines was starting to sound more appealing.
But could she really handle it? What if she wasn't good enough? What if she let the team down?
She tossed and turned, mulling over the possibilities. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that she didn't want to let fear hold her back. The injury had taken a lot from her, but it didn't have to take everything. Maybe, just maybe, this was her chance to reclaim a part of herself that she thought she'd lost.
"I'll do it," Y/N whispered to herself, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. The decision felt right, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a spark of excitement about what the future might hold.
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The next day, Y/N headed to the gym after school with newfound determination. As she approached the entrance, the familiar sounds of volleyball practice reached her ears. She peeked inside and saw the boys hard at work, their focus and dedication evident in every move.
But it wasn't the boys who caught her eye this time. It was a girl—a third-year student with long, dark hair and an air of calm confidence. She was standing on the sidelines, observing the practice with a gentle smile. Y/N recognized her immediately as Shimizu Kiyoko, the team's current manager.
Y/N felt a bit nervous as she quietly tiptoed toward her, not wanting to disturb the practice. When she was close enough, she cleared her throat softly to get Shimizu's attention.
Shimizu turned to her, her eyes warm and welcoming. "Hello, can I help you?"
Y/N nodded, trying to keep her voice steady. "Um, I'm Y/N. I was wondering... if I could apply for the manager's position?"
Shimizu's expression brightened instantly, and she looked genuinely pleased. "Really? That's wonderful! I'm so glad to hear that."
Y/N was taken aback by Shimizu's enthusiasm. "You are?"
"Absolutely," Shimizu said, her smile growing wider. "I'm in my third year, so I'll be graduating soon. I've been worried about leaving the team without a manager, but if you're interested, it would mean so much to them—and to me."
Y/N felt a surge of relief and happiness. Shimizu's support was exactly what she needed to hear. "I'll do my best," Y/N said sincerely.
As the two talked, the boys started noticing their conversation. Hinata, always quick to catch on to things, stopped mid-jump and excitedly pointed toward Y/N and Shimizu. "Hey, guys! Look! Y/N's talking to Shimizu-san!"
The entire team turned their attention to Y/N and Shimizu, curiosity written all over their faces. Coach Ukai, who had been observing the practice from the sidelines, also joined the group.
"What's going on here?" Coach Ukai asked, his eyes narrowing playfully as he looked between Y/N and Shimizu.
Shimizu gestured to Y/N, her smile never fading. "Everyone, I'd like to introduce Y/N. She's a first-year student, and she's interested in becoming your new manager."
For a moment, there was stunned silence. Then, as if on cue, the entire team erupted into cheers. They quickly gathered around Y/N, their excitement palpable.
"Welcome to the team, Y/N!" Hinata exclaimed, practically bouncing on his feet.
"We're lucky to have you," Kageyama added with a rare smile.
Even Tsukishima, who usually kept his distance, nodded in approval. "Good luck keeping these idiots in line."
Y/N blushed, overwhelmed by the warm welcome. She hadn't expected this much enthusiasm, but it only made her more determined to do her best.
Coach Ukai grinned and clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone, let's make it official."
The boys quickly formed their signature pose, standing in a line with their fists raised in unison. "Welcome to the Karasuno Boys' Volleyball Club, Miss Manager!" they shouted in perfect synchronization, their voices echoing through the gym.
Y/N's face turned even redder, and she quickly bowed down, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement. "I'll promise to do my best!" she declared, her voice filled with determination.
The team cheered again, clearly impressed by her resolve. As they returned to their practice, Y/N couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging she hadn't felt in a long time. This was her new beginning, and she was ready to face whatever challenges came her way.
YOU ARE READING
Bouncing Hearts (Hinata shoyo x Reader)
RomanceY/N, a first-year student who recently moved from Osaka, finds herself drawn to Karasuno High's renowned volleyball team despite her past injury. While trying to watch their practice from the sidelines, she accidentally causes a commotion. Hinata Sh...