[Haikyuu!!] The Self-Help Guide for a Beloved Manager

--The story is complete--

A slow-burn romance.

Upcoming Haikyuu!! stories: "Oikawa's Underclassman Doesn't Play by the Rules" and "Speedrunning the Bad End in Haikyuu!! Through Sheer Skill." Check my collection for their blurbs~~

What's your dream?

At fifteen, Kawase Hisaka was exceptionally bright. She had been called a genius all her life, yet she couldn't answer that one question.

That's easy, her friend said. Just give them some throwaway answer.

Right. She could just brush it off, the same way she brushed off her life.

First in her class? No big deal.

Piano competition champion? Just practice a little more.

Everyone likes me? That's just something people say.

After all, how could unconditional love possibly exist in this world?

Her privileged family and flawless personal qualities became a curse that hemmed Kawase Hisaka in. She lived behind a ton of masks, becoming a hollow person who could get along with anyone and wanted nothing.

"If this gets any worse, avoidant personality disorder will be your only option."

After her psychologist delivered that unequivocal warning, Kawase Hisaka decided to run away.

She escaped the abyss of family ties and fled the land of self-loathing.

She ran to Karasuno.

Old habits die hard. In her three years at Karasuno, Kawase Hisaka still had no intention of opening her heart to anyone.

But some volleyball idiots wouldn't leave her social mask alone. They tore it open and charged right in.

They barged into her life without a second thought, then raced alongside her toward their dreams.

They looked to her at the countless moments when the volleyball hit the floor, and caught her even as they chased after their dreams time and time again.

Tokyo, Sendai, Hyogo.

What had only been a temporary favor, managing the volleyball club, became the turning point in Kawase Hisaka's life.

-

One night at a training camp, Kawase Hisaka lost a game of King's Game. The manager from the neighboring school told everyone present to give one reason they wanted to be her friend.

It was only a game, yet every pair of eyes looking straight at her shone with enough love to drown her.

The reliable setter from Fukurodani: "How many decades does a person get in their life? We're already family, closer than blood could make us."

A devoted member of the Blood Brotherhood: "I/We still remember the feeling of the autumn wind stirring our hearts the day we met you."

Aoba Johsai's superstar: "The best things are closest to home, and the kitten is waiting for you to come back."

The cocky guy who privately brings strawberry cake and desserts: "You're the one who left without a word and forgot to come back for your umbrella. The umbrella is mine, and so are you."

--Every moment I spend with you, I can hear the melody of love growing wild.

Dear manager, always keep looking up. Someone will come along and save you from the endless wasteland.

--Before You Read--

* The overall timeline has been pushed six years later for the sake of the plot. If that bothers you, please read with caution.

* The original Haikyuu!! plot and ending are respected. Any OOC is on me.

* An all-pairings otome story, featuring a harem and love rival setup, as well as original characters.

* Few matches, lots of everyday life and romance, with a focus on healing.

That's all I can think of for now. If anything doesn't suit your taste while reading, please feel free to stop. I hope everyone gets a delicious meal.

Theme: Love and being loved