XIV

Okay, so this first part is going to be a flashback of Kita talking to Kurosu Sensei about Isuma joining the team. He talked to him on the day before, Sunday, at school. No, I don't know why they were at school on a Sunday. To clean up the gym or something? Idk. And also, because it's a flashback, it's in italics.

"You want who to manage our team?" Kurosu repeated. Akagi stifled a laugh as Kurosu continued, "The Miyas' sister? Isn't she the shy one?"

"There's something about volleyball that helps her. And her skill to pick up anything on the court is incredible." Kita said. Kurosu raised his eyebrows. "Do you think she could change a little?"

"Maybe. That's just what I think." 

Their sensei didn't say anything for a long time and merely leaned back in his chair. Akagi and Kita exchanged glances as he considered it. "Fine."

Akagi blinked. "Really?"

"On one condition," Kurosu added. Kita asked, "What?"

"I want to talk to Miya Isuma myself first," Kurosu said. Kita shrugged. "If  she wants to then it's fine."

"But will she want to?" Akagi murmured. Then he glanced at Kurosu. "Uh, no offense, Sensei! It's just that she doesn't really talk to people... and even less with people she doesn't know."

"Only for a few minutes. Can you tell her to come by tomorrow morning?"

"...sure."

<<Back to present>>

"Oi, Akagi-san." Suna shook his shoulder. Akagi shook his head, blinking. "Oh, sorry- what were you talking about?"

They were all waiting in the gym for Isuma- and Kita, who, surprisingly, was late. Suna asked, "What were you thinking about?"

Akagi hesitated, recalling the conversation he'd just been thinking about. "Don't you think Isuma-chan will be... overwhelmed about being our manager?"

Ginjima exclaimed, "That's why we're here!"

"Yeah, but-"

Suddenly, Isuma walked into the gym and froze when she saw the volleyball team circled around the door. "...what happened?"

They hesitated, almost surprised that she had shown up. Atsumu answered, "We're just waiting for Kita Senpai."

Just then, Kita entered the gym holding a flat box. "Sorry I'm late. I had to pick this up."

Osamu asked, "What is it?"

Kita set it on the ground and knelt to slice it open. Their hands on their knees, everyone bent down to watch him open it. Atsumu and Osamu crouched on either side of him, while Isuma remained standing, a few steps behind them all. Kita slit open the box and opened the flaps: everyone was startled to see what it was. They all stood up as Kita took it out, getting to his feet. Isuma was puzzled... until he turned around, revealing an Inarizaki High Volleyball Club jacket. 

Kita held it out to Isuma, who took a step back. "Is that..."

"Yours," Atsumu said. Ginjima flashed a peace sign. "You're welcome!"

"It's yours, Isuma-chan." Kita smiled at her as she tentatively took the jacket from him and held it in front of her. "-thanks."

They all bowed to her together. "Welcome!!"

Isuma's hands were gripping her jacket so tightly Atsumu thought it might rip. Her eyes were locked on it as if she couldn't believe she was holding it. Osamu's eyes flicked over to his brother. "Oi. What's wrong?"

Atsumu murmured, "She's already changing, Samu."

Osamu didn't say anything and instead followed Atsumu's gaze. Ginjima was talking to Isuma energetically while Suna listened. Isuma smiled slightly at something he said and nodded.

Kita was standing in front of them, his arms crossed. "How'd you do it, Senpai?" Atsumu looked at Kita, who tilted his head. "I didn't do anything."

"Aren't you the one who talked to Sensei about Isuma?" Osamu asked, surprised. Kita turned around and corrected, "I asked him about it. Isuma was the one who talked to Sensei about it- and convinced him. That was all her."

Okay, so I just want to clear up a few things: this fanfiction revolves around how Isuma gains confidence- something she lost long ago due to family reasons. That's why it focuses on her skills so often. Atsumu and Osamu, of course, want her to be a little bolder, but they're not exactly ready to completely leave her alone either. Kita is really the only one who sees what they all need, and he's kind of the heart of this story because why not. Well, that's a lie. There's a reason. I'm just not sayin.