𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍. 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐃
Bite Back

MINAKO HAS TAGGED ALONG to a few of their practice games, but most of the time she's tried to make it a habit not to attend them. Of course, the exception is when the other team visits their school because she couldn't avoid them even if she tried. Some of it has to do with her disinterest in the sport and the other is because she'll more than likely badmouth the other time. Especially when they referred to them as the fallen champs or the clipped crows. Then Minako is suddenly out of bounds and ready to insult them back with her slew of overly-passive namecalling only to be held back by the second-years or Suga who's practically begging her to stop and to be quiet. Plus, it wasn't exciting if it was only a practice match. Minako likes intensity and fast-paced events where only one can be declared the winner. To her, practice matches were simply a way for one team to psych out the other, a dirty trick that Minako would've otherwise appreciated, but hated when it didn't apply to her.

      The team had always managed to keep their composure and in some ways, Karasuno may be one of the last honorable high school volleyball teams. Maybe she's speaking because of her bias for her school, but in terms of sportsmanship and honor, Minako has never seen anyone more dignified and composed than the boys. Minako could never be like them, her urge to prove everyone wrong and to shut them up was greater than anything else. Perhaps it's because of how different the two sports are. Nevertheless, the calmness that the boys emitted — even Tanaka, though it was often forced — was impressive.

      Hinata's puking was most definitely not impressive.

      Though it does show how pure-hearted the first-year is, but that doesn't excuse the pungent smell that now reeked throughout the bus. Minako was thankful she and Kiyoko had chosen to sit in the middle of the bus rather than the back where Tanaka now suffered.

      Still, at least Hinata was better than her before her first debut. Minako had remembered puking all over Kyoga's new shoes an hour before she was to go on the rink and perform her short program. It was her first-ever competition and though it was just a local showcase for all the skaters who take lessons at her former rink, it was important. Though she wasn't a pair skater at the time and she skated to someone's cover of a pop song, she remembers the adrenaline and the feeling she got. It wasn't anything special, but she remembers how big of an impact the first debut always is. Even though figure skating and volleyball are two different sports, there's this high and this sense of want after your first; You want to continue the feeling of excitement the first has left you, you want to chase the feeling of winning and playing for as long as you can.

      Minako couldn't blame him for being nervous. She once was the same.

      But then she became a winner and suddenly she had nothing to be scared of anymore.

      The second-year manager couldn't hide her smile as she watched Tanaka tie his puke stained sweats in a plastic bag that someone had fished out for him. Although the smell was more than displeasing, his reaction was funny and the fact that it happened to him of all people made it even more hilarious to Minako.

      "I'm sorry!" Hinata apologized profusely as he bowed his head to the second-year. "Tanaka-san, I'm so sorry!"

      "I told you it's fine," Tanaka assured the first-year whose embarrassment has not yet left his face. "What about you? Are you okay?"

      "Yes, I got some rest and I feel fine now that I'm off the bus," Hinata mumbled embarrassedly.

      "Great! Good to hear!" Tanaka cheered as Minako walked towards them to join their conversation. "The outcome of today's game depends on how well you operate!"

      Hinata made a sound before he tensed up immediately and Minako doesn't miss it, unlike her friend.

      Tanaka, oblivious to what was going on, beamed a grin before he aggressively slapped his hand against Hinata's back. "I want you to let me hit the ball freely just like in the three-on-three," he laughed. 

      Minako tsked in disapproval before she elbows Tanaka in the stomach which earned her a cry of pain from her friend. Suga, on the other hand, was more graceful and whispered out Tanaka's name in warning. The vice-captain told him in a hushed voice not to pressure Hinata any further, but the damage has already been done and Hinata looks about ready to dry heave any second.

      "I — I'll do my best!" Hinata sputtered out, his face paling by the second. He stammered a few more random noises before he managed out, "I've gotta go to the restroom!"

      "So it's coming out of both ends? You're a busy guy!" Minako gave Tanaka another elbow to the stomach for that disgusting comment.

      They watched as Hinata practically limped to the closest bathroom all while Kageyama rose from the ground with a heavy scowl on his face.

      Minako watched in amusement as Suga and Tanaka had to practically hold the infamous setter from beating up the clearly-distraught Hinata. Compared to Hinata, Kageyama was awfully quiet and calm when it came to games. Perhaps that came with his talent and skills, but it was a refreshing thing to see. It was also ironic how well Kageyama and Hinata worked together.

      She turned her attention back to the bus at the sound of Daichi getting off. He tiredly looked over the scene in front of him before he walked towards her.

      "Well you look ready for a game," she teased as she crossed her arms across her chest to keep warm. "Or overly stressed. I can't tell between the two."

      "Both," Daichi sighed, but the smile on his face told a different story. "Our game plan is good and I know it is, but I'm worried about Hinata."

      "He'll be fine," Minako waved off as Suga began to lead some of the team towards the gym. Minako and Daichi followed in suit. "Besides, if you keep coddling him then he'll never grow, you know? Sometimes he just needs a little push."

      "Wouldn't that be too harsh for his first game?"

      "Daichi-san, may I remind you that you bargained Kageyama's position in the last 3v3 game?" Minako teasingly reminded, her comment earning a laugh from the volleyball captain. "Besides, I'm sure Hinata will be fine."

      Her reassurance and confidence in their team made his lips nearly twitch. Daichi bit back his smile as they continued their — slow — walk to the gym. The flush in his cheeks seemed to go unnoticed by Minako who gaze remained to her front. Forcing himself to tear his eyes off of her, Daichi cleared his throat.

      "You sound sure."

      Minako shrugged her shoulders before she glanced at him, a small smile taking place on her face. "I mean I do go to your practices you know," Minako commented as she adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder. "Besides, Hinata has Tsukishima and Kageyama there too. He's not exactly alone."

      "We do have good first-years," Daichi agreed. He shuddered at the memory of Kageyama and Hinata's first encounter at the gym and how terribly wrong that went. It's a miracle that they work as well as they do on the team.

      "We have a good team," Minako corrected him. She took notice of the surprised look on Daichi's face at her words. "I mean, I don't know much about volleyball, but we're strong. Aren't we?"

      "We are."

      "Besides, you and Suga-kun didn't come up with all these game plans for nothing, right?"

      He scratched the back of his neck as he recalled how he and the vice-captain nearly stayed up last night to go over some strategies and approaches to the lineup. "Let's just hope they go well."

      "They will," Minako insisted persistently. With a small frown, she nudged him gently in the side. "They wouldn't have made you captain if that wasn't true. I mean, you live and breathe volleyball and you practically watch this team more than anyone else. You know them better than anyone else."

      Her words were slightly rushed, but they only proved her sincerity. For as long as he has known Minako, she has never really expressed her opinions on the team. Daichi knows what people say about her being their manager, how she's far too good to be on a losing team like theirs. He isn't sure if she's heard people say this before, but if she did she clearly didn't mind what they said about her. Knowing that she's defended them whenever she can make him happy. Daichi wasn't oblivious to the occasional moments where Minako was ready to fight someone from another school who had spoken badly about them. Her being protective of him only solidifies the idea of her being a part of the team.

      And Daichi has tried to tell himself that this isn't permanent. He really did. Because one of these days Minako will no longer need to watch over her brother and she'll go back to France and continue her life.

      Soon he'll be nothing but a memory to her.

      "Besides, worse comes to worst we put Kyoga out on the court and have him shut them up," Minako proposed with a smirk on her lips. "I'm sure having one of their old teammates beat them would make them feel terrible."

      Daichi raised an eyebrow at her words. "I thought you said you didn't want me to put him in the starting lineup," he reminded her of her request.

      "I don't. But if he's in for a quick minute to serve I wouldn't mind."

      "Has anyone ever told you how competitive you are?" Daichi asked. He didn't miss the smile that slowly blossomed on her face at his choice of words, almost as if he reminded her of something she had long forgotten. "You know if anything you can always play for us."

      Minako snorted at his absurd idea, "Ah yes. Me who totally knows how volleyball work."

      "I think you'd make a nice setter."

      "Is that so?"

      "You just might have Suga beat." Minako couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous his comment is.

      It was odd how close he was getting to his friend's younger sister. Daichi liked to tell himself that it was all out of obligation due to his close friendship with Kyoga, but the middle blocker had only asked for him to walk Minako home that one time. Deep down he knew he was lying to himself and that he was starting to enjoy Minako's presence. Their conversations and their walks home together became something he looked forward to when it does happen. It was then that he discovered the hidden sides of Minako.

      She was different in a way that confused him. Talking to her was natural and for the brief minutes when they interact it was as if all his worries were solved with her blunt and straightforward nature. Minako never beat around the bush nor did she ever try to dance around the subject with him. Her fast-paced lifestyle nerved him, but it also awakened him better than any other caffeine.

      Maybe it's her lack of knowledge in volleyball that made her easy to talk to. She was unbiased and always approached his problems with a logic outside of the sport that made him open his eyes. Talking to her made him feel as though no problem couldn't ever go unsolved because with her there was always an answer no matter how confusing or vague it may be.

      Daichi never expected being friends with Minako Saito to be so easy.

      "Thank you, by the way." Daichi turned his head to look at her in confusion. Minako avoided his eyes as they continued walking. "For asking me if I was okay, I mean."

      "I'm glad that everything's okay now," Daichi said earnestly.

      "I know that you probably had something to do with it so I wanted to thank you," Minako said in a small voice, almost as if she was still recovering from the argument. "Kyo is a bit of a hard head so I know you probably had something to do with him apologizing so early."

     "Don't mention it. It's kind of my job to clean up after the team," he explained. Minako doesn't miss the way he glanced at her even if it was only for a split second. "Even if it that means helping them apologize to their sister."

      Minako bit back her smile that wanted to grow even bigger.

      "Well, the sister says thank you. For helping her. And for being a good friend."

      Good friend. He likes the sound of that. 

      Something was gratifying about being her friend. Perhaps it was the countless new memories and conversations they'll have. Or perhaps it was because he had solidified himself in her life as more than just a brief memory. One day she'll leave, but at least now he won't be just a memory to her. And for him, that was enough.

      Before he could think of something to reply with, Daichi frowned as his eyes finally zeroed to his front. Daichi easily spotted Ennoshita, Narita, Kinoshita, Kiyoko, and Suga. But as for the other first-years — except Hinata — and Tanaka, they were nowhere to be spotted. The hairs on the back of Daichi's neck stood up as his eyes darted in search of Tanaka, Tsukishima, Yamaguchi, and Kageyama.

      He already knew what was about to happen.

      Daichi quickly began to jog off, but remembering that Minako was with him, he looked over his shoulder and gave her an apologetic smile.

      "I'm gonna go look for Tanaka! You can stay with Suga!" he told her as he picked up his pace.

      "Wait — " But before Daichi could even hear her he was too far gone.

      Frowning, Minako continued to walk in the direction he had gone to. Her curiosity got the best of her as she followed Daichi. The slight stress indicated in his tone of voice was easily picked out and knowing Tanaka he was probably doing something Daichi doesn't approve of.

      When she got to the small corner she spotted the backs of black jackets. Standing across from their team are two boys sporting the colors of Aoba Johsai with their winter and mint colored tracksuits. They looked around her age, possibly first-years or second-years. She watched as Daichi lowered Tanaka's head to make him apologize causing her to scowl and cross her arms across her chest. Minako knows Tanaka well enough to know that he would never step out of line if he didn't think it was necessary. After all, she was similarly grouchy and cold when meeting new people because of her inability to lower her guards.

      So those stupid Seijoh boys had to have started it first.

      Or at least that's what Minako likes to believe.

      "We're so sorry!" Daichi exclaimed as he and Tanaka bowed their heads. The latter tried to resist their captain's death grip on his head to look up and glare at his opponents.

      Minako stepped forward till she was side by side with the first-years and behind Daichi and Tanaka. It wasn't difficult for her to realize the situation before them, if anything it was clear that these preppy, scrubbed-up boys looked down on them. Their image practically screamed their elitist status and compared to their team's . . . modest look, it was obvious that they didn't see them as competition. And now with Daichi's apology, it almost makes them seem like pushovers, the type to play nice where even rabid dogs like Tanaka are held to a standard.

      Little do they know, Minako thought to herself.

      Because the nastiness and intensity of the dog are also because of who leads them. And though he is considered a goodie-two-shoes and the boy next door, Daichi Sawamura is far from calm and conservative.

      After all, he is the only one who can guide and use that rapid dog for his own use.

      "That's okay," the brown-haired Seijoh boy reassured. The embarrassment on his face is probably because he was in the wrong more than Tanaka was and the apology from Daichi only made him feel worse.

      "Tanaka, stop making that face!" Daichi whispered-shouted at the wing-spiker who looked ready to attack. With his grip on Tanaka, Daichi led the team away to diffuse the situation. Minako followed and was about ready to ask for an explanation from Tanaka, but just before they were out of sight from the Seijoh players, the black spikey-haired one spoke up.

      "Long time no see, King." Minako stopped and turned around. She watched as Kageyama stiffen at the nickname and how his shoulders tensed up immediately. Everyone, even Daichi, waited to see how Kageyama would react.

      "I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of dictatorship you're running," the Seijoh boy continued as the smug look on his face only grew.

      Minako grew troubled at his words. They were the same kind of words that would be directed towards her since many believed she practically controlled Mathis in their partnership. It was this guy's tone of voice that made Minako's anger simmer because not only was he looking down on Kageyama, he was looking down on all of them. She wasn't a genius, but anyone could tell that most people believed that Kageyama ran the show in their team with him being a top player and because of their status as fallen champs.

      But what did that make their top players?

      Tanaka is powerful and though she'd never let him know —  in fear it'll brush his nonexistent ego — he was one of their powerhouses for a reason. His mentality and his physicality led their team to an intensity that shook their opponents. Then there was Kyoga whose cockiness pissed off others to the point that it'd throw them off their game. She didn't watch her brother throw his life for volleyball just for people to ignore him.

      And Daichi.

      He is far from the clean-cut player that everyone makes him out to be. Because Daichi is the pillar of the team, the support system that guided them to the right path and motivated him as no one else can. Although he may not be as strong of a player as Kageyama or Kyoga or Asahi, he was stronger than them in terms of mentality.

      Just as Tanaka stepped forward with rolled-up sleeves, Minako did the same with her tongue ready to spit out cruel insults. However, the two second-years were quickly stopped with Daichi pulling onto Tanaka's shoulder and Suga pulling her back. She stared at him and Daichi quizzically, silently questioning why they were stopping her from defending their player and for allowing this big-mouthed opponent to speak badly about their team.

      But to their surprise, Kageyama didn't react much. Instead of an outburst like Minako had expected — especially after learning how he did when Tsukishima called him that — the genius setter is oddly calm. However, it was the type of calm you'd expect before the storm.

      Minako bit on her tongue to stop herself from smiling.

      Kageyama lifted his head and gave them an expressionless nod. "Yeah," he replied cooly before he walked off to where the rest of the team stood. As soon as he got close, Tanaka and Suga both slapped him on the back before they all walked off.

      "What was that for?" Tanaka cried out in shock as he began questioning Kageyama who looked so confused.

      And as the rest of the team grouped up to get ready for the upcoming practice match, Minako couldn't help but look back on the two Seijoh boys who stared at them in astonishment.

      Like most, they'll soon discover that Karasuno is far different than what they assumed. Because they were more than just a former powerhouse school and more than just some average school team, they were fighters who have already reached the bottom. And there was nowhere lower they can sink leaving the only place they can go being upwards.

      "Minako-chan," Suga called her name, "let's go."

      With one more look at their opponents, Minako stuck her nose in the air and turned around to follow the rest of her team. A surge of confidence and fire ran through her veins as she found herself more focused than before. It reminded her of the feeling she got before competitions, the same feeling she got when she saw her other fellow skaters who looked down upon her. Because they hoped that with some streak of luck she'll lose, that she'll lower her guard because she thinks she got it in the bag. 

      But she's not one to give up just because the competition is weak. If anything, that just meant she needs to try harder because winning this time around only means shutting them up for good. To remind them where their place is and to not underestimate a winner like her.

      Even for a 'retired' champion like her, the same spark of competitiveness still flowed in daily life.

      "Let's go."

THERE WAS ONE BIG DIFFERENCE WHEN it came to Seijoh's volleyball team and theirs. The first being their numbers and physicality. Right when they stepped foot in one of their many gyms, it was hard to miss the number of players they have and how incredibly athletic they all are. Minako found it annoying how they had to practically spike the ball so hard that the sound echoed after impact. To her, it was almost as if they wanted to show off and prove something that Minako could give less than two fucks about. As for their physicality, the players stuck out with their tall stature and their athletic figure. In some regards, many of them were similar to players like Daichi and Kyoga who are athletically bigger than most.

      Kyoga.

      Minako couldn't help but glance at her older brother to see how he feels. But to her surprise, her brother is oddly calm and seemingly happy. She'll admit that she was slightly nervous for him during this game. After all, he was going to play against former teammates from middle school and he also isn't on the starting lineup for this game. Though she now slightly regrets telling Daichi to hold her brother off for this game, she knew it was best for him to just watch and take care of himself from the sidelines. Still, Minako is well aware of her brother's competitive nature and just like her, part of him wants to shut them all up about his school's volleyball team and to show that they're still just as good as before.

      She can't imagine how he feels. While most of his former teammates are now considered elite players in their prefecture, Kyoga remains in the shadow of an unknown team as he watches all his old friends rise. Though there probably isn't animosity between Kyoga and his old friends, she knows there's probably a distance between them now.

      "Greeting," Daichi ordered loudly.

      They all bowed their heads and collectively greeted with 'nice to meet you.' In return, the boys with the turquoise shirts and white shirts bowed and repeated back their words. But compared to their small team, the sound was much louder than when they did it.

      A shame they don't have any managers, Minako thought to herself after trying to spot one. She unfolded her arms and sighed in disappointment. And to think, she was ready to handle an elite team's manager and possibly rile her up. After all, it's what she does best.

      "Aoba Johsai is known for each of its members being highly skilled equally in offense and defense," Daichi spoke up, breaking her from her train of thoughts. The look in both his and Suga's eyes hardened as the reality of things settled.

      "These guys could go to any school and become the ace," Daichi finished as they watched them practice blocking, receiving, and serving. Minako understood what he meant right away. It was clear to anyone that they were all strong and perhaps on the same level as one another which in turn makes them able to work well with one another. 

      "Their powerful blocks are famous," Suga added wistfully.

      "And most of the team are scouted in their middle school days," sighed Kyoga as he shoved his hands in his pockets.

      "Weren't you also scouted?"

      Kyoga gave a sheepish smile as everyone turned their eyes on him. He scratched his neck before he chuckled, "Yeah, but I kinda wanted to do my own thing you know? Plus, Karasuno is closer to home."

      Minako rolled her eyes at her brother's words. Of course, her brother would give up something as important as an elite team for the sake of comfort. Then again she's partially glad he did, after all, she wouldn't have been able to go to Karasuno. Instead, she probably would've been a student at Aoba Johsai and most likely a manager for them. The thought itself was a headache because being a manager for a group of 13 was already hard. But for more? Impossible.

      "What's the matter, you three?" Tanaka nervously laughed. "Hinata's here to throw them for a loop, right?"

      His comment earned a sharp look from the others and a slap in the arm from Minako who stared at him as if he is an idiot.

      "I already know how much you suck so I'll be there to cover for you," Tanaka said with a laugh and a smile, almost as if it was a joke. But he seemed to have missed how the tension has shifted and how Hinata was ready to hurl.

      However, Hinata quickly realized what Tanaka had said and loosened up. Even Suga and Daichi stared in awe at Tanaka who for once said the right thing. But before the moment could last, Tanaka decided to continue.

      "But remember you're all alone when you serve. So don't fumble it!" They all pulled a face at his choice of words and how incredibly and terribly blunt he is. While Tanaka might have had good intentions it was clear to everyone how sensitive and on edge Hinata was.

      "You're an idiot," Minako declared as she elbowed him in the gut once more. "Read the room. I'm begging you."

      "What I was kidding," Tanaka defended himself. "Fumbling a serve is no big deal! Don't let it get to you and just keep smashing that sucker — Huh? Where'd Hinata go?"

      "Hopefully to a new team where they don't have idiots like you on the team," sassed Minako. She set her hands on her hips as she gave her friend a knowing look. "You couldn't have been a bit more sensitive?"

      "He went to the washroom," Yamaguchi informed as he pointed to the hallway to the left of the gym.

      "Not again!" groaned Tanaka.

      Noticing how stressed and tired Daichi looks, Kyoga pushed his sister forward. Confused, Minako was ready to ask what he wanted, but before she could, Kyoga brought her arm up in the air to catch everyone's attention.

      "Miko-chan can look after Hinata while we warm up," Kyoga volunteered cheerfully. Before Minako could even protest or argue, he bopped her nose to shut her up. "You're a manager, so, manage us. Shimizu can help with all the others, you can save Daichi the headache by looking after Hinata."

      "But I — " At a loss for words, Minako gave up and grumbled in agreement.

      "Are you sure?" Daichi asked her.

      "Don't worry, captain," Minako drawled out as she began heading for the bathroom. "I'll be back with your player."

      Still, Minako was flustered. Of course, she would never admit that out loud. It was preposterous, after all, she's Minako Saito for crying out loud. There should be nothing that scared her. She was one of the youngest to compete in the French Figure Skating Championships and she created breaking records — albeit small records — that people still fawned over her for. But when it came to mundane things such as school, boys, and friends, she was far behind from the rest of her peers. 

      For one, she was shit when it came to comforting others. Kyoga liked to joke that she has a heart of steel that is impenetrable — if only that was the case back in France — and that her idea of taking care of others is the equivalent of a robot. She never fought him on that because even she knew it was true. Hell, when one of the girls from the rink cried her heart out because she sprained her ankle, they weren't exactly friends, Minako could only pat her back before heading back on the rink to practice her routine.

      Minako isn't quite sure what they wanted her to say to Hinata. After all, she barely knew the kid, not to mention they probably only ever had one conversation in which he suggested that she coach Seina Arashima. Maybe it was because of their slight similarities. And if this is Kyoga's poor attempt to remind Minako how terribly nervous she was in her first competition then he automatically just got himself banned from brother privileges for a month.

      Just as she rounded the corner to what she could only hope is the boys' restroom, Minako stopped at the mention of her school's name.

      "What's with those Karasuno guys? They act so damn arrogant!"

      "That's for sure."

      Arrogant? Them?

      Minako's hands formed into fists as she peeked around the corner. It was those boys from earlier on, the ones who got Tanaka into trouble. She was ready to step forward and to mouth back at them for that comment, but before she could, Hinata had already beaten her to the chase.

      She listened carefully to their conversation. The bitterness and cold tone in the black-haired player's voice indicated a level of hatred that she could only detect as jealousy and resentment. Judging by their early interaction, maybe he was one of Kageyama's former teammates from middle school. From what Kyoga had told her, Kageyama didn't exactly have the best reputation back then and his last year at Kitagawa Daiichi was an indicator of his poor attitude.

      But from what Minako has seen so far, it simply looked like he was stuck in a rut.

      Surprisingly, both Hinata and the Seijoh boy began talking about Kageyama and his poor and impatient attitude. Granted, Minako didn't know him well enough to make a judgment, but she was surprised that Hinata had joined in. However, there was one thing that the pair disagreed on and that was Kageyama's tosses.

      "He's a self-serving king," the black-haired boy commented as his eyes narrowed at the mere thought of the setter. "He's supposed to be a setter, but he can't set up a ball for the spiker at all. What he wants is a mindless pawn who does whatever he wants. Anyone he can't use for his own victory goes in the trash."

      Okay, that's enough of his internal monologue, Minako decided as she stepped forward.

      The boys seemed surprised by her appearance, but what caught them off guard was how harsh her expression was. Most considered her face to be something of delicate beauty, and yet the way she glared down at them was beyond ladylike nor was it delicate by any means. Minako had learned during her years of figure skating to never wear your anger on your face in front of others. Because no matter how mad you are, the person who skates the best will always get the last word. In this case, the one who wins will always get the last say when words matter least.

      "You know, for boys from a powerhouse school, you sure do talk an awful lot," Minako stated in a monotone voice. Hinata couldn't help but yelp at the graveness of her voice and stepped back, allowing his manager to take over the situation.

      "I — You," the black-haired boy was at a loss for words.

      "I mean, you keep going on and on about Kageyama and our team," Minako continued as her face pulled a mocking smile.

      Tanaka, who rounded the corner and heard most of the conversation, was quick to rush to her side and nodded in agreement. Although he knew better than anyone that Minako could hold her own ground when it came to arguments, he was ready to attack if they dared cross the lines.

      "Maybe you should save all that talk for the court and stop worrying about our team because believe me, we're doing just fine," Minako concluded in a sickly sweet tone.

      "You'll have to play to find out if Kageyama has changed or not since middle school, Onion-Top," Tanaka retorted with a laugh.

      "Huh?" 'Onion-Top' said in confusion.

      Tanaka pushed himself off the wall and grinned at both Minako and Hinata. The former wanted to hit him for ruining the perfectly crafted and snarky remarks she had planned, but at least he tied it all up in a way that prevented her from getting in trouble with her crude language.

      "Isn't that right, Hinata?" the wing-spiker asked the orange-haired middle-blocker, wanting the first-year to prove them wrong, especially with the knowledge of their quick.

      But with his back facing towards them, Minako already knew that Onion-Top's words had already gotten to him. The way he tensed up was a sign of how nervous he is as well as how fruitless her and Tanaka's words were to him.

      The sound of Hinata's stomach was audible as he raced back into the restroom with his hand over his mouth. Minako bit down on her cheek as she tried to bite back her frustrations.

      With a smug look on his face, Onion-Top gave both Tanaka and Minako a smirk as if he had won their silent battle. "Okay, we're looking forward to it," he said to the two.

      The manager felt her blood boil and the sudden urge to cross the line with her words. However, right as she opened her mouth and ready to spew more insults, the appearance of a painfully familiar girl had her clamp her mouth shut. 

      Minako felt like she wanted to pull Hinata out of the restroom just so she could puke.

      Anything to get away from Shiori Kihara; the same girl who told her about her retirement.

      Dressed in the same uniform that Minako had seen her in last time, it suddenly clicked in her mind that this is the school that Shiori goes to. She could only hope that she doesn't run into Akina because Minako just might commit homicide by the look of things. 

      Unlike Minako, Shiori was awfully composed and nonchalant like before. The expressionless look on her face made her seem much older and a drastic comparison to what skaters are told to look like. Compared to the stereotypical cheery and happy persona they're told to put on, Shiori was the opposite of the standards made for them. Minako hates how composed Shiori looks compared to her. 

      She hates how Shiori doesn't know about the suffering she went through after that date, she hates how Shiori shattered her bubble of safety, and she hates how Shiori goes to this school of all places. It was almost like the universe wanted to shake the comfort of her reality, to punish her for something she did wrong.

      Minako's mouth grew dry at the sight of her and suddenly all the comebacks she had created flew right over her head.

      All because of stupid Shiori Kihara.

      "You know I didn't think you'd be the type of person to be all bark and no bite," Shiori exposed as she stepped in front of the Seijoh volleyball players, almost acting as a shield in some way. "I watched some of your interviews by the way and all I could think about when I watched them was how awfully cocky you are."

      The eldest Saito daughter felt like all the air in her body rushed out. Even Tanaka was taken aback by Shiori — who's clearly pretty, but not Kiyoko-level pretty — who spoke ill about Minako. The same Minako who always had the last say in every argument. 

      "Cocky? You seem to have forgotten that I always win," Minako shot back, her ability to keep her composure slowly lowering as her anger seeped through her tone of voice.

      "Individually, yes. But as for your team you and I both can't argue on who wins now can we?" Shiori addressed cooly, earning awe and thumbs up from Onion-Top and his friend. The older girl shrugged before she glanced over to look at the boys, "Our team has won, what, a few dozen more times?"

      "Yes!" Onion-Top proudly boasted.

      Shiori returned to face Minako. "That's your answer right there. So maybe instead of harassing our team, you should focus on your own."

      Minako clenched her jaw at her words. She forced a smile on her face before she let out a deep breath. But Tanaka didn't miss the way that her hands were nearly white from her fists or that her shoulders were almost shaking with rage at the strange girl's words. Her ears were almost ringing, her hands cramping from how hard she was tightening her grip, and her heart ready to jump out of her chest. Hell, even her ears were warm from all the blood rush.  No one was really able to provoke Minako, not the girls at their school or any boys who wanted to knock her down a few notches.

      Nevertheless, this is Minako Saito. The same Minako who will always have the last say and the same one who refuses to let anyone else get the best of her. Even if that someone is Shiori who is on the same level as her, someone who once had the same amount — if not more — gold surround her name. However, in Minako's eyes, there was one thing that separated Shiori from her, that made her shine brighter than Shiori ever could.

      Because unlike Shiori, Minako could at least shine even off the ice.

      And she'll happily prove it.

      With her hands folded and an overly saturated look of false happiness on her face, Minako tilted her head to the side. "You're very right, Shiori. Thank you for the advice," Minako gritted through her teeth. "Well, we'll see you on the court."

      Before allowing them to reply, Minako grabbed Tanaka by the wrist and spun them around in the direction of the gym. Practically storming off, Tanaka allowed himself to get dragged by the now seething manager who, if you looked closely, almost had steamed out of her ears. The last time he saw Minako this mad was when she fought against Kyoga, which Tanaka had refrained from asking her about. However, the only difference is that this was a different type of anger. It was anger for them, for the team, and a want to prove someone wrong.

      "Tanaka."

      "Yeah . . ."

      "Crush them."

A/N;

someone else: fuck your team
minako:

shiori & seijoh : fuck your team
minako: 凸ಠ益ಠ)凸

AH THIS IS THE LAST UPDATE FOR MY DAICHI BASH! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE LOVE OF MY ANIME LIFE, DAICHI SAWAMURA! I wanted to do something special for his birthday and what better way than to give not one, but TWO, updates for Black Swan!

I hope you all enjoy these updates! I want to thank you all for the support and love you've given me in 2020 and I cannot wait to show you all what I have in store for not just #Maichi but for all my future anime books, specifically my Haikyuu series: Lovesick Girls!

Big thank you to Rika for all the help! I appreciate you so so so much!

Once again I will be adding links to different carrds on everything that is going on in our world so please feel free to check them out!

Much Love Guys.

( written: december 30, 2020 )
( published: december 31, 2020 )