The sound of footsteps echoed faintly on the wooden staircase leading to the second floor of the volleyball center.
Y/N was fastening his yukata in front of a small mirror when the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it!” Mayumi called out, her voice light and cheerful as always.
Y/N barely acknowledged her, adjusting the sash around his waist with meticulous care.
Moments later, there was a knock on his door. “Y/N, your friends are here!”
Y/N turned to see Mayumi standing there, her smile brighter than usual.
Behind her, Nishinoya and Kinoshita peeked into the room.
“Happy New Year!” Nishinoya greeted, his grin as wide as ever. “You look good in that, Y/N. Like, really good. Maybe too good. Kinoshita, tell him.”
Kinoshita sighed, clearly used to Nishinoya’s antics. “Yeah, yeah, you look fine. Now let’s get going before Nishinoya starts planning a photoshoot.”
Y/N gave a small nod, grabbing his scarf from the chair. “Let’s go then.”
As they made their way down the narrow street, the cold air nipped at their cheeks.
Nishinoya, as usual, was full of energy, chattering away about the fireworks and how they were the highlight of his year.
“You guys remember last year’s? There was this huge one that looked like a phoenix! I swear, it was amazing,” Nishinoya said, his hands gesturing wildly.
“Don’t you say that every year?” Kinoshita asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Because it’s always amazing!”
Y/N trailed slightly behind, listening to their exchange with quiet amusement.
It was rare for him to feel at ease in social settings, but with these two, it felt natural.
They didn’t expect him to say much or force him to participate in conversations he didn’t care for.
Their companionship was comfortable, like slipping into a well-worn sweater.
The trio arrived at the riverbank as the first hints of twilight began to darken the sky.
Lanterns lined the path, casting a soft glow that reflected off the calm water.
Families and groups of friends were already gathered, some bundled under blankets, others setting up small picnics.
“Looks like we’re not the only ones with this idea,” Kinoshita remarked.
“Of course not!” Nishinoya said, spinning on his heel to face them. “The riverbank is the place to be on New Year’s. It’s tradition!”
Y/N let out a soft hum of agreement, his gaze sweeping over the scene.
There was a certain tranquility to it all, a quiet celebration that resonated with him more than loud parties or extravagant displays.
“Hey,” Nishinoya said, nudging Y/N’s shoulder. “You okay?”
Y/N looked at him, slightly taken aback. “Yeah. Why?”
“You just look… I don’t know. Thoughtful?” Nishinoya shrugged. “I mean, I get it. It’s a big night. New Year and all that. But don’t get too lost in your head, alright? You’ve got us.”
Y/N’s lips quirked into the faintest of smiles. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Good! Now, let’s find the perfect spot before all the good ones are taken!” Nishinoya bounded ahead, leaving Kinoshita to shake his head in exasperation.

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Genius (Haikyuu!! x OP!MaleReader)
Fanfiction"I DON'T NEED VALIDATION," His legacies will be written in the victories he earns, not the praises he receives... "I DON'T NEED SYMPATHY,," Pity doesn't change the game... "AND I DON'T NEED THE SENTIMENTS," They're nothing but distractions on his wa...