𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐋. hq

「8th set」: green tea

星野 実
m i n o r u    h o s h i n o
— year 3 class 6 —

Oikawa was a one of a kind captain. He was never cocky about his position, he never blamed his teammates for what he failed to accomplish, he always made sure to bring out the best in each team he played in. If this were a kingdom, he would have been, no doubt, a king.

It was infuriating to admit it, but in all honesty there was no one else who would have been that great of a leader.

That's why, when the so-called trouble maker of the team finally returned to the club, I couldn't help but wonder what in the world Oikawa could possibly do to make him work alongside them.

"Hey!" Yahaba called out to the boy who just entered the gymnasium, "Now that you've finally decided to show up, you should at least announce yourself!".

"Now, now, now" their captain intruded on their conversation, "Calm down, Yahaba".

"Oikawa-san..." the second year acknowledged his presence, despite the pissed off look he still had when looking at his batch mate. The so-called Kyotani looked like he didn't give a fuck.

"It's been awhile. I've been waiting for you" Oikawa trailed on as he greeted the male with dyed blonde hair, "Welcome back, Mad Dog-chan".

"Wait, who's this Mad Dog?" Kindaichi couldn't help but ask as he turned to Yahaba and inquired.

"A second year named Kyotani Kentaro. Oikawa-san just decided to call him Mad Dog" the other male answered. "He was pretty famous in junior high, remember?"

"Oh, yeah. I remember" I overheard Kindaichi recall as I listened to the rest of their conversation "Minamisan Junior High was strong just that year"

"He was never a team player, but his abilities were superb for our grade. As soon as he joined the club, he had a chance to be in a practice match but he suddenly butted heads with the third-years. What he said might have been accurate but the way he said it..." Yahaba trailed on, "His attitude towards third-years didn't change, and eventually stopped showing up".

"What the hell?" were the first words Kyotani uttered, "There are still third-years around? I thought all of you would have retired after losing in the Inter-High prelims"

The two second years alongside Kindaichi flinched at his tactlessness, whereas the remaining third years with the exception of Oikawa had their veins pop in irritation, despite the not so friendly smiles on their faces.

"You're as funny as always, Mad Dog-chan" Oikawa seemed like he completely disregarded his junior's previous statement as he talked to him one on one.

"I wish you'd stop calling me that" the blonde mutters in dissatisfaction.

"Ah, I'm so happy I got to play on the team while Oikawa-san was still here' I'll make you feel that way" their once frivoulous captain says in a serious and rather darker tone causing Kyotani to jump a step backwards eyeing the captain like how a wild animal would.

I found myself fond of this side of Oikawa. Not because of how dark it was, but because of how much serious and down to earth he becomes. He was dead set on what he said, unlike his usual frivolous attitude I find so hard to trust.

▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬

The following week wasn't exactly what you'd call a good one. Because the next thing I knew, the new returnee happened to be way brattier than my very own brother. I was almost sure that he definitely spited me alongside their previous managers. And thus, the remaining days consisted of absolute pettiness.

Like today, for example, I thought as I handed him the remaining croquette provided by the other third years of the batch.

"I don't want any" he insisted as he slapped my hand away earning an outraged chorus from the other guys. At that moment, everything else didn't matter other than the food on the ground.

"Hey" I called Kyotani out, irritation evident in my voice as everybody else jolted at my tone.

"You can hate me if you want. You can assume I'm one of your old managers who'd disrupt practice because of your stupid captain. You can take out all your frustration unto me. But don't you dare take it out on the food." I trailed on, "I'm not the only one wasting my time on you, these were from the cooking club, cheering us on for the next competition. The least you can do is respect them".

"You're not my mom" he retorted stubbornly.

"Trust me, I sure as hell won't have a son like you. But I'll make sure to drill it in your head that I am your bloody senior, so stop acting like a brat and if you don't want to eat get back to practice" I blew my whistle only to have everyone resume the match immediately.

"That's rare of you" Oikawa, who unlike everybody else, stayed on break and even commented at the incident.

"What are you talking about?" I lifted an eyebrow as I turned to him.

"Getting riled up because of someone other than me, I mean" he points out only to have me sigh in exhaustion.

"Believe me, it is. I never thought there'd be a more infuriating person than you"

"This is exactly why I think you and your sister really are alike when your mad" he laughs, only to have me roll my eyes at him, but smile at the thought of Nao working as hard as I am as Karasuno's manager.

"There you go, that's the Noru-chan I know" He laughs even more as I look back at him. "Well, I hope that cooled your head, I'll be getting back to practice. I can tell him off if you want me to—".

"No thanks" I immediately declined. Knowing more than anyone else that if I want the kid to respect me, I'd have to do it my own way.

"Of course you won't" he grins frivolously before waving his hand as he heads back towards the court.

I stare at him wondering what in the world did he do to be captain, but at the same time I can't help but think, I like this side of him too.