Chapter 44, Fault

(a/n: nationals arc is nearing along with multi endings )

THIRD POV

"Shi-chan!"

Ameri huffed and tossed the ball to Shirome, who did a feint on Suna. The dark brunette rolled his eyes.

It annoys Suna. He constantly makes himself think what was so special about her, while also having a hard time looking away when she stares.

I get it, jeez. She's pretty and good at volleyball. Girls like her exist. Suna thought as he glanced at Atsumu who just kept smiling at her.

Suna sweatdropped. Although some think it's news. I envy simpletons.

Kita dug for the ball and sent it to Atsumu, who forced the ace to execute a fast spike. Kira semi-rolled on the ground and narrowed her eyes at Shirome. The white haired girl gave her a floaty toss, Kira made a wipe out, but it was yet again saved by Inarizaki's captain.

Hmm. Shirome tsked when Kita shot her a secretive smile.

The rally went on with Kita defending at all times. Atsumu was internally whining everytime he get to see Shirome's perfect tosses. His twin kicked his shin to make him focus.

If we don't win against these girls, it's 'Tsumu's fault. Osamu huffed.

It was rough in the final set. Both teams spent half their stamina, they were working really hard to mess their receives and Shirome's tosses.

Atsumu tossed the ball he got from Kita to Suna who had already ran. Osamu stayed sharp just in case something funny occurs. The coaches of Inarizaki smirked when they saw three middle blockers up against the dark brunette.

Let's see if you can block him, Fushichou. The coaches cackled mentally.

Suna's eyes widened when Shirome matched his flexible spike range, his eye twitched as he scoffed. The eyes of the coaches narrowed when she scored because of the block.

"Woah, your range is really incredible!" Shirome's eyes sparkled as she looked up to Suna who wore a shocked expression, but remained calm. She liked flexible guys.

He huffed and looked away, "Uh, thank you?"

"Oho?" Osamu smirked at him and Atsumu cooed teasing words. Suna narrowed his eyes at them before returning to his position.

Kita sighed as he saw Shirome's confused expression and then retreated to his position again. Both teams rallied once again, and at this point they just wanted to end the match. They didn't mind losing to these girls, it wasn't any serious match after all. Though Atsumu and Osamu were hellbent on winning they eventually agreed.

I can't believe the twins. Always hungry for strong opponents.. this is the female top 1 of Japan's teenage volleyball lineup, y'know?! Aran sighed.

The referee whistled, indicating that the match finally ended when Kira spiked it on the end line.

•

"You're not coming?"

Ameri shook her head, "Not with wonky dude. He creeps me out."

"Seriously? That's it?" Shirome asked, dumfounded.

The cherry head nodded, "Yup. Plus, I haven't done my assignments yet. I won't be able to pass them on time if we play at Nationals."

"You got a point," The snow head nodded in thought. She had already finished her assignments.

"Shirome, I can always go?" Kuro frowned while leaning on the bus.

Ameri hit his arm, "On behalf of Shirome, no. You'll only compete with the guys, Metsuhai."

"As much as I want to, you still need to tend to the team. Sorry, Kuro. Maybe next time?" Shirome sweatdropped.

It's not like Shirome didn't genuinely want him out of the picture. She just wants him to focus on the team more, and not just her. Kita had invited her to go to a café with the twins, she accepted since she missed hanging out with him. Atsumu heard Kita's invitation so he also wanted to go, Osamu wanted to go (and dragged Suna) because he thought it was funny to tease Suna. And Suna, well, he wasn't able to dodge the twins. So he was forced to go.

Kuro hid his sadness behind his eyes— he forced a smile instead, "Oh, right. Well then– we'll get going now."

He dragged Ameri in the bus where the other members were waiting. Shirome almost hesitated, but nodded instead. The ravenette waved at her before looking straight ahead from his seat.

Kita tapped the smaller captain's shoulder, "Hey, you can stay at my place. You don't mind, right?"

"I should be asking you if you didn't mind. Is gran around?" She nervously smiled as Kita looked down at her.

"No problem, really. And yes, gran is more than happy to let you stay but she won't be home for a week since a distant relative wanted to take her to a trip. The house is vacant," Kita said. He frowned, "Are you sure you want to stay for 2 days though? With the nationals coming, shouldn't your team and you be practicing?"

She shook her head, "It's fine. I wanted to catch up with you even if I only got little time."

He smiled a little, "Alright. Let's get you freshened up before going to the café," Kita walked off with her by his side. Shirome nodded and proceeded to follow him to the bus station.

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