CH 10 - Substitution

2nd POV

"Good morning!" You beamed at the team the moment you opened the gym doors with your hands full with two large lunch bag.

The coaches were surprised as you happily went to the benches with a smile, "What's this, Notabe?"

"I brought food for the members. I cooked lunch enough for all of them and for us on the sidelines. There are two lunch boxes packed for each - one to eat before the match starts, and one after the match ends," You said as you placed the bags down.

The team broke down in tears of joy and some of them started worshipping you like some kind of god. You sweatdropped and just waved them off with a smile.

"It's part of what I want to do as your manager...," You said, embarrassed snd fiddling with the tips of your hair.

"Notabe-chan!" They simultaneously cheered as they clenched their heart.

Kita walked over to you with a smile.

"You seem lively."

You shrugged as you sat down on the bench, watching the gymnasium slowly get packed by people to watch the match for later. The members immediately started eating their lunches that had names plastered on top of the disposable container.

"Are you proud?" You giggled as Kita released a wholehearted laugh and nodded.

"Very. You've improved," He smiled.

Osamu, Atsumu, and Suna had a particularly unique lunch. It had an extra roll of omelette on top of the tonkatsu and a candy. Kita has a larger portion of tonkatsu.

Osamu and Atsumu almost teared up as Suna just rolled his eyes and started eating.

The club has 2 hours to prepare before the other school came for the practice match. You were surprised at how quickly they ate and have showered you with compliments for your cooking.

You fixed the disposable containers as you felt someone beside you help. Osamu was there, as you figured. His scent of vanilla and baby powder was enough to have you recognize him.

The twins have contrasting scent. Osamu was sweet, while Atsumu's was a refreshing mint that wasn't too overwhelming. As for Suna, he smelled like chocolate yet had hints of masculinity. Kita has the scent of cold melon.

"Hey, I got it. Go there with the others," You told Osamu but he just shook his head.

"We have time," He said with his usual deadpanned face.

At this point, you just let him. Shortly after, you and him sat on a bench with 19 minutes left until official game.

"It was really delicious," Osamu started, a small blush was present on his cheeks. It was subtle but it was evident when you look up close.

"I'm glad you enjoy my cooking. It makes me feel really happy," You said as you fiddled with your fingers.

"The guy you like is lucky," Osamu blurted out, "Sorry, that was sudden."

"Not at all..," You hummed as you stared at him in amusement.

You smiled and perked up when the speakers boomed, indicating that both teams should now prepare for the match. The bleachers are full and filled with people who wanted to watch though most of them are girls.

"Do well out there. I'll treat you ice cream if you scored a lot today," You said as you stood up.

His ears perked at the sound of ice cream and faced you with a blank expression. Osamu put his hand out for you to shake and you shook hands, "Deal."

After three shakes, you switched the handshake to cupping his hand with both of your hands. You smiled as you gave it a squeeze.

He had a small smile as he tried to calm himself. His ears were red as his heart beat faster and faster by every second you stared at him.

"'Samu! Get your ass here!" Atsumu yelled, making Osamu look annoyed with an irk on the side of his forehead.

You laughed, "Go."

He nodded and jogged to his team. Your eyes caught Suna's as he smirked at you with a teasing look. You raised a brow in confusion but he just shook his head and looked away.

The match is starting. You sighed as you sat down beside the coaches with a clipboard on your hands.

Players rallied back and forth with the air filled with pressure. People on the bleachers have been cheering nonstop with the exception of Atsumu silencing them whenever he'll serve. It was an intense match but Inarizaki has the odds significantly in their favor regardless.

You panicked as Suna got hit on the face while he was blocking a ball. The referee whistled as you called for a timeout.

Suna groaned and rolled his eyes when he walked back to you as Kita subbed in for him. You sighed as you took some tissues and held it on his nose while slightly pinching it to stop the bleeding.

"You did great... just rest for a while and you'll be fine again," You said as you handed him his energy drink. He paused to drink for a moment and held the tissue close by in case he bleeds again.

"I contemplated earlier whether to move my head out of the way or what. That guy's an ass," He rolled his eyes and scoffed.

You snickered, "At least you got the point, Rin!"

Suna glared at you for laughing.

The match eventually ended after 2 hours.

Osamu asked you if you could wipe his face and neck with his towel as he sipped on his caprisun with his eyes closed. Atsumu pouted and wanted the same treatment but Kita stopped him before it was his turn.

"Did I do well?" He said, staring up at you.

The boy is sitting on the bench while you are standing in front of him, drying his sweat with a towel as he sipped some drinks to keep his sugar and blood pumping. Some members raised their brows in confusion regarding that setup, and your cousin was no exception. They just thought that you both weren't doing anything illegal anyway, so they let you be.

"You did amazing, Osamu," You smiled and pinched his cheek. He blushed and smiled.

"Really? Was I better than 'Tsumu?" He smirked.

You leaned in close by his left ear and whispered, "Better."

Osamu's face burned up in deep crimson color when you pulled away. Folding his towel and putting it inside a small plastic pouch before putting it in a duffel bag for laundry. Atsumu's ear somehow perked and felt that Osamu had said something about him.

Twins are terrifying. You shivered as you fixed your things.

You walked away from them to place the boxes of jersey and towels for laundry. Decision has been made that you will do them early tomorrow since you planned to take your friends to get ice cream.

The players of the opposite team has said their thanks and went to the other building to freshen up. Your members have gone as well, leaving you, some people still in the bleachers, and the coaches.

A group of tall girls approached you. Your face had confusion written all over it when one of them asks if they could borrow some time and talk by the bleachers. Eventually you agreed.

"May I help you?" You asked, shy.

One of them clears their throat.

"We need your help, Notabe-san."

"Eh?" Your eyes widened as your brows raised at the familiar voice. It was your teammate during elementary to 1st year.

Asare, the girl, grinned, "Yaho! Notabe-san! I didn't expect to see you here."

"Asare!" You mumbled as you stumbled to go and give her a small hug, "I didn't know you'd be in Inarizaki.."

"Ah well my parents moved and I wanted to enroll in a powerhouse to continue playing competitive volleyball," She chirped and pointed her lips.

"I see. What was it you need my help with?" You asked as you eyed them. The shortest was 5'3" and the tallest was 6'3".

Their captain spoke, "Our setter has fallen ill. Our eliminations for Nationals is tomorrow."

"We need you to play in her stead, Notabe-san... if it's okay," Asare sheepishly smiled as she fiddled with the hem of her tracksuit.

Me?? Play?? Setter?? You mentally panicked.

"Ladies- I can't possibly play as your setter! Do you guys not have a substitute for her?" You panicked as they all nervously chuckled in embarrassment.

Their captain gulped, "Our substitute setter is out of town, she said her mother was hospitalized. She'll be fine though but she won't make it.."

"Please, I ask of you," Their vice captain walked to you and held your hands as she pleaded.

"I don't really play anymore... I don't know if I can help you win the eliminations for Nationals," You sweatdropped as you gulped, feeling guilty.

"Notabe-san please. I beg of you. You're one of the best setters in my batch that I know of," Asare said as they all bowed to you.

You panicked and told them to raise their heads, "Please, raise your heads! I-I'll... see what I can do."

You sighed and they cheered.

Asare grinned, "I'll get you back in your play! Once the volleyball boys team finished, it's our turn to practice. Do you have the time?"

You nodded as you looked back to the benches across the court. You saw Kita with his arms crossed and staring right at you.

He must've been the first to finish changing. You nervously gulped as you looked away.

"I guess so.. what about the jersey I'll wear? Also, don't they need the girls to cut their hair short?" You asked.

"Your jersey is ready. Asare happened to know your size. As for the hair, our team doesn't need us to cut it. You just need to tie it in a ponytail," The captain nodded.

"Alright.. I'll inform my coaches and Shinsuke," You nodded back to them as they waved at you before you went back to Kita.

I can't believe I'm going to play again. You nervously sighed.

It wasn't that you weren't confident in your skills. It's just that you planned to stop playing since you lacked passion to play competitively and also experienced burn out. Your strength also didn't help - you were scared to step back in court after you sent a player to a hospital from your spike last year.

"What was that about?" Kita asked as you approached him.

"They need me to play for eliminations as setter," You whispered. His brows shot up.

"... I see. I'll help you," He said as you both walked to the coaches to ask for permission and to clear things up.

"Ah! Sure, Notabe-chan. The boys will just be practicing anyway so you're free to have 1 day off," He grinned as you sighed in relief, "The court is all yours after we leave. Make sure to lock up!"

After that, you went to fix your belongings and set them aside the court. Kita stood beside you as you leaned on the wall.

"I'm nervous," You bit your lip as you looked back on the ground.

He chuckled, "You'll do fine, I'm sure."

"It's not just that. You know what happened last time," You shut your eyes.

"Just hold back, then. Let your teammates do all the offensive attacks."

"Easier said than done...," You sighed. Kita held your shoulder and looked at you in the eyes.

"It'll be over in a blink of an eye. Besides, you missed playing, don't you?" He grinned and started to walk with you to the members who just finished as well.

"I guess so," You frowned.

The coaches made their final words of the day as the team prepared to leave. You smiled at the three boys who approached you.

"Ready to go?" Suna asked, slinging his backpack over his shoulders

"I might have to pass this time," You gulped and glanced back to the girls who were waiting by the bleachers.

"Why?" Osamu raised a brow.

"I'm going to clean the jerseys and stuff. The coaches and Shinsuke already know about it. Besides, the volleyball girls' are waiting so you guys should hurry out," You said as they turned to look at them.

Atsumu rolled his eyes, "And? Just do them tomorrow."

"Atsumu...," You trailed off, not knowing what to say.

"Go home."

The three tensed up as they shivered. Kita was behind them staring with his usual stern eyes.

"But, we're waiting for Sukii...," Osamu said to Kita who pierced his eyes with his gaze.

"I won't tell you again. Go home," Kita sternly said as he walked away.

Suna turned to you, "Do you want me to wait for you?"

You shook your head, "Just go ahead. I'm sorry."

Osamu pouted, "Can't I wait for you outside?"

"No, Osamu. Sorry," You smiled feeling guilty. He frowned as Atsumu patted his back. Osamu slapped his hand away and rolled his eyes.

"Well then, get home safe. Okay?" Suna said as you nodded, giving them each a quick hug.

Osamu held on to you a little longer before pulling away. You waved at them as they exited the gymnasium.

Almost immediately, the girl ran to you in excitement and shared their strategies and information about their play style. Not long after, the coaches for the girls' team appeared and helped out with training.

You stretched with them and thanked the heavens that your friends aren't around to witness you play. That would just be severely embarrassing.

"Woahh! You're so flexible, Notabe-senpai!" A first year gasped as she watched you stretch your legs sideways and leaned forward.

You were nervous but thanked them for their compliments.

I just hope this won't turn out as a disaster.

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