Strategy of the Heart (Kuroo x Reader)

It had been a few weeks since Nekoma's intense training had kicked into high gear for their upcoming tournament against Nohebi. The pressure to secure a spot in the next stage was evident, and the team's practices had become much more grueling than usual. Despite this, Kuroo managed to balance his busy schedule, still making time to hang out with Y/N, much to the surprise of his teammates.

The team had noticed a change in their captain. Kuroo seemed lighter, happier—better, even—though none of them could put a finger on exactly what had shifted. They had their suspicions, though. It wasn't hard to figure out that Y/N had something to do with it, especially since Kuroo and Y/N had been spending more time together. Even Rika, Y/N's best friend, noticed the difference.

Rika, who had known Y/N, found it strange that Y/N was hanging out with someone other than her. Normally, Y/N turned down every invitation to go out, preferring to spend her time at home. But with Kuroo, it was different, and Rika couldn't help but wonder if there was more to their relationship than either of them realized.

One afternoon, during a break in practice, Yamamoto, the ever-blunt member of the team, finally voiced what everyone had been thinking. "Oi, Kuroo! You've been hanging out with Y/N a lot lately. You got something to tell us?"

Kenma, who was sitting on the floor playing his game, glanced up lazily. "Yeah, what's going on? You've been acting weird... but like, in a good way."

Kuroo blinked, looking genuinely confused. "What? No, we're just friends. I don't know what you guys are talking about."

Yaku crossed his arms, grinning. "Sure, sure. Just friends, huh? Then why do you look like a lovesick puppy every time she's around?"

Lev leaned over with a mischievous smile. "You've totally fallen for her, haven't you, captain?"

Kuroo, flustered, sputtered out, "I have not! We're just—ugh, you guys are impossible!"

"Yeah, right," Yamamoto snickered. "And I'm the king of Tokyo."

Kenma raised an eyebrow. "You're not?"

The whole team erupted into laughter while Kuroo buried his face in his hands, clearly embarrassed but unable to hide the slight smile on his lips.

A few days later, tournament day arrived. It was a Saturday, and Nekoma was set to face Nohebi in a crucial match. Kuroo had practically begged Y/N to come and watch, insisting that her presence would bring them luck. And so, here she was, walking into the stadium with Rika by her side.

The moment Y/N stepped into the venue, murmurs spread through the crowd like wildfire. Heads turned, and whispers echoed throughout the stands. Y/N, with her striking looks and cool demeanor, unintentionally drew everyone's attention as if she were a celebrity. Rika, ever the loyal friend, tried to shield her from the stares, acting as her unofficial bodyguard.

"Ugh, why does everyone have to stare?" Y/N muttered under her breath. I'm just here to watch the game and leave. That's it.

Rika nudged her playfully. "Well, you do look like a goddess descended from the heavens. Of course, they're going to stare."

Y/N sighed but couldn't argue. They took their seats on Nekoma's side, settling in just as both teams entered the court.

Kuroo, ever the observant captain, immediately scanned the crowd. His eyes locked onto Y/N, seated among the spectators. He couldn't help but smile when she caught his gaze and, in her usual stoic fashion, gave him a thumbs up. She didn't smile, of course, but that simple gesture was enough for Kuroo. He returned the thumbs up, grinning widely.

The team noticed the exchange and immediately pounced.

"Oi, did you see that?" Lev grinned. "Y/N gave Kuroo a thumbs up! She likes him!"