Hayato returned home completely exhausted and collapsed spread-eagled on the living room sofa. He truly hadn't expected Tanaka and Nishinoya to be that hopeless when it came to studying. On the court, they could read the game, predict movements, and execute split-second decisions. But when it came to academics? He felt like pulling his hair out.
And this was with Ennoshita helping. Just imagining Ennoshita tutoring those two alone made Hayato feel guilty.
"Ennoshita, my poor brother. Your training sessions should be shortened from now on."
As if on cue, his stomach let out a pitiful growl. Defeated, Hayato dragged himself to the kitchen and cooked some quick udon. After finishing and cleaning up, he glanced at the calendar.
Only ten days left until exams. Summer vacation would start on July 26th, meaning several more days of academic torture lay ahead.
Shouldering his schoolbag, he sluggishly climbed the stairs, changed into pajamas, and crashed into bed without even showering.
The sound of rain woke him up early.
5:40 AM. Groaning, Hayato rubbed his eyes and reached for his phone. Several unread messages greeted him, mostly from Kiyoko, along with Hinata's usual flurry of training questions and Tanaka's academic SOS.
Kiyoko:
"Tomorrow, do you want egg rolls or hamburger steak?"
🐱❓
"Are you asleep?"
"Looks like you were really tired after practice today. Good night~"
🐱🛏️
Reading her messages made Hayato squirm like a worm under his blanket. But the sweat from last night had stuck to him. With a sigh, he slipped out of bed, grabbed his towel, and shuffled into the bathroom.
The sound of shower water mixed with the steady summer rain outside created a peaceful rhythm.
Fresh out of the shower, towel wrapped around his waist, Hayato poured himself a cold glass of milk and chugged it.
"This really is like in anime. Post-shower milk hits different."
Still early and rainy, he decided to get in some stretches before preparing breakfast.
He whipped up a proper meal: mustard butter toast, scrambled eggs with salt, mountain vegetables blanched and dried, crispy bacon, and a sandwich layered with it all. Pressed for five minutes, sliced, and paired with warm milk — perfection.
After finishing, he sent a reply to Kiyoko:
Hayato:
"Sorry, Kiyoko-nee! I was dead tired after tutoring yesterday and knocked out early. Today, I want hamburger steak! 🙏🤤"
Almost instantly:
Kiyoko:
"Pfft, so it wasn't training that exhausted you, but studying?"
🐱🤣
Hayato:
"Yeah, I underestimated Tanaka and Noya… I have suffered."
Kiyoko:
"You worked hard. Alright, I'll make someone's 'desired' hamburger steak today."
🐱👋
Hayato:
"Looking forward to it~! 💪"
Another school day. Another morning of group studying.
When lunchtime arrived, the rain had cleared, and sunlight sparkled in puddles on the sports field.
Hayato eagerly opened his bento. The lid wasn't foggy with condensation—Kiyoko had packed it only after it had fully cooled, showing her usual attentiveness.
Clasping his hands together, Hayato smiled. "Thanks for the meal!"
Tanaka immediately leaned over, eyes sparkling. "Oi, that's hamburger steak, right? Kiyoko-senpai made that, didn't she?!"
Hayato casually slid the bento away. "Yep. And this one's just for me. Special order."
"WHAT? She made it just for you?!"
Tanaka looked personally betrayed, but Hayato just grinned and enjoyed every bite of his bento.
After polishing it off, he wiped his mouth and teased, "What's with that look, Tanaka? Still sulking?"
He slung an arm over Tanaka's shoulder. Tanaka groaned, head spinning.
Why is Kiyoko-senpai so good to this guy? Is it the childhood friend thing?
Wait... childhood friend? Do I have one too?
Tanaka drifted into deep thought, but was quickly pulled out by Hayato.
"Oi, I'm grabbing something to drink. Want anything?"
"Uh, green tea!"
Just like that, the moment passed.
Afternoon classes were hard to stay awake through, especially after a full belly. The lessons felt more like lullabies. When the final bell rang, a wave of relief swept over everyone.
Tanaka raised a fist in triumph. "I didn't fall asleep in class today! Let's go, Hayato—training time!"
Hayato, already waiting at the classroom door, smirked. "About time, you slowpoke."
Tanaka grabbed his bag, and they headed down the stairs, bumping into Nishinoya en route to the changing room.
Inside, the first-years were already geared up. Hinata practically bounced with excitement.
"Kuroha-senpai! My wipe-off shots are way better now!"
Kageyama followed. "I want to work on our connection today. If you're going to be in the matches, our timing needs to be perfect."
He's already assuming I'll be a starter… Hayato thought, a bit surprised. But he didn't dislike it.
After calming the energetic duo and changing clothes, he followed the others into the gym.
"Please take care of us again today!" everyone shouted in unison as they greeted Coach Ukai.
Warm-ups and drills began.
Karasuno's attack was their strong suit—but when it came to receiving? Other than Daichi and Nishinoya, everyone else was just average. And Hinata… was below average, to put it gently.
After basic drills, Hayato approached Coach Ukai.
"I think the substitute players—Ennoshita, Narita, Kinoshita, and Yamaguchi—should get more targeted training. If anyone gets injured or sick, we can't afford to be caught off guard."
Ukai didn't give an immediate answer.
"I'll think about it."
Hayato didn't push further. His suggestion had been made.
Ukai watched him walk off. He's new, but he's sharp… and ambitious. He respected that.
In school clubs, strong players naturally had more say. Talent brought influence, and schools benefited from successful athletes. If Hayato truly kept improving, Ukai knew he'd have to make space for him in every way.
He's not famous yet, but with that skill… he'll shine anywhere.
-----------------------
POWERSTONE?
Support me at patréon com/Lukas25