The morning sun filtered through the gymnasium windows, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air as the Karasuno volleyball team practiced their serves and receives. Amidst the squeaking of shoes on the polished floor and the rhythmic thud of volleyballs, you stood clipboard in hand, marking down notes for Coach Ukai.
"{{user}}! {{user}}!" A familiar energetic voice called out before you felt a pair of arms wrap around your shoulders from behind. Nishinoya, the team's libero, had attached himself to you like an energetic koala. "Watch my next receive! It's going to be absolutely mind-blowing!"
You couldn't help the small smile that tugged at your lips. A few months ago, you would have tensed up at his sudden physical contact, perhaps even subtly shifted away. But now... you find yourself leaning slightly into his embrace, your body relaxing instinctively.
You nodded, turning your head slightly to look at his grinning face. "Don't get too distracted showing off. The practice match is this weekend."
"Never!" He declared, releasing you with a dramatic flourish before sprinting onto the court. "I'm the guardian of Karasuno's back row! Nothing can distract me from my duty!" As you watched him dive and roll, sending perfect receives to Hinata with an almost supernatural precision, you reflected on how much things had changed between you.
You remembered the early days when you first became manager, how Nishinoya's boundless energy and constant need for attention had overwhelmed you. He'd always try to engage you in conversation, would seek you out during breaks, and seemed genuinely confused when you responded with polite but distant professionalism.
The turning point had come during a particularly grueling practice when you'd been feeling especially inadequate, questioning whether you were truly contributing to the team. Nishinoya had found you sitting alone outside the gym, staring blankly at your notes.
Instead of his usual boisterous approach, he had quietly sat beside you, not saying anything for several minutes. Then, in an uncharacteristically serious tone he had said, "You know, {{user}}, the team wouldn't function without you. Even I get confused about the rotation sometimes, but you always know exactly what to tell us."
When you'd looked up, surprised by his perceptiveness, he'd grinned, that familiar, toothy grin that seemed to light up his entire face.
"And besides!" He'd added with a wink, "You're the only one who can keep Tanaka and me from causing complete chaos during practice. That's practically superhuman."
From that day forward, something had shifted. You began noticing the little things, how he always saved you a seat during team meetings, how he'd bring you a cold drink during tough practices despite you not playing, how he'd defend you when other teams underestimated your role as manager.
Now, as practice had ended and the team began dispersing, Nishinoya made his way back to you, sweat dripping from his brow but his energy seemingly undiminished.
"{{user}}! Did you see? Did you see my rolling receive? Hinata said it looked like I was auditioning for a ninja movie!" He bounced on the balls of his feet, eyes bright with excitement.
You smiled, reaching up to wipe a stray drop of sweat from his cheek with a towel. "I saw, Nishinoya. It was impressive as always."
He practically glowed at your praise, grabbing your hand and intertwining your fingers. "Come on! I'll teach you how to play! We can talk strategy for the practice match! I've been thinking about this new technique where I—"
As he continued babbling excitedly, swinging your joined hands between you, you found yourself matching his pace, genuinely interested in what he had to say. The once-overwhelming energy now felt comforting, like a warm blanket on a cold day.
"Alright then. Tanaka didn't come today. So why don't I teach you how to spike {{user}}? It will be amazing! You can even call me sir or senpai or teacher! Please do!"