As the summer training camp wrapped up, the captains of Nekoma and Karasuno exchanged firm handshakes, gratitude in their eyes and a friendly yet fierce challenge hanging in the air.
"We'll see you at Nationals," Kuroo said.
"And we'll be the ones standing at the top," Daichi replied with a grin.
Shoyo had made plenty of new friends during the week and enthusiastically waved goodbye to everyone. But before they could leave, Bokuto called out to Hayato.
"Oi, Kuroha! You guys played so many matches against us, so don't even think about losing to Shiratorizawa. You hear me? You better beat Ushijima!"
Hayato smirked, but it was Shoyo who jumped in first, puffing out his chest.
"Don't worry, Bokuto-senpai! We'll beat Shiratorizawa and make it to Nationals!"
Hayato casually leaned an elbow on Shoyo's head. "You sure talk big for the worst receiver on our team."
"Wha—! I've improved, Senpai!"
Hayato chuckled and ruffled Shoyo's hair. "Still got a long way to go."
Meanwhile, the "Kiyoko Fan Club" gained a temporary alliance. Nekoma's Yamamoto and Karasuno's Tanaka clasped hands like soulmates.
"We'll see each other again at Nationals, brother!"
"Definitely, bro!"
Tsukishima, watching from the side, let out a quiet snort. "It's not even goodbye. We'll probably train together again over winter break."
He wasn't wrong. Because Karasuno had made it to the Top 16 before, they only needed to play two early matches during the first round of prefectural qualifiers. Their first game was even a bye. If they made it through, they'd qualify for the Prefectural Selection Tournament in October — the last chance for Daichi and the third-years to reach the Spring High National Tournament.
Unlike the Summer Tournament (All-Japan Inter-High), Spring High was Volleyball-only. Everything was on the line.
The ride home was quiet. Most of the team had passed out in their seats before the bus even left the campgrounds. A full week of nonstop matches and drills had taken its toll.
Hayato didn't sit with Kiyoko this time. Instead, he leaned against the window in an eye mask, catching some much-needed rest.
By the time they reached the school, it was already dark. After unloading luggage, Coach Takeda gave them the best news they could ask for:
"You all worked hard this week. Tomorrow's a rest day. Go home, take care, and get some sleep."
"Yes! Thank you!" they all replied reflexively, only for Takeda to wave them down.
"Quietly! It's late!"
Everyone began heading their separate ways. Shoyo walked Hitoka home on his bike, and the two chatted about — unsurprisingly — volleyball.
Despite the romantic potential of walking a girl home at night, Shoyo's mind remained single-mindedly glued to practice drills. Hitoka, who also had no such intentions, was perfectly happy just talking volleyball.
Hayato and Kiyoko, however, shared a different kind of walk.
With both of their bags slung over his shoulders, Hayato held Kiyoko's hand as they walked under the quiet glow of the streetlights.
"Everyone's really improved this week," Kiyoko remarked.
"You took a ton of notes, didn't you? I don't think I saw you without that notebook once."
She smiled, and they fell into step, her voice softly detailing each player's progress. Hayato listened with quiet interest, letting her talk. Their homes weren't far from school, and it was too late to stop for groceries, but they didn't seem to mind.
Outside his house, Hayato handed over her bag and wrapped her in a gentle hug.
"Night, Kiyoko-nee. Get some rest."
She didn't resist. Instead, she returned the hug and softly rubbed his back. When they pulled apart, she gave him a warm smile.
"Mm. Take a bath and sleep well."
Hayato quickly unpacked, threw a pot of udon on the stove with some leftover shrimp tempura, and filled the bathtub before settling in for a long soak. After dinner and a bit of summer homework, he finally collapsed into bed.
Even for him, all that training had left his muscles aching.
He slept in until 10 AM.
Still groggy, Hayato grabbed his phone and saw a pile of unread messages — mostly from Shoyo and Kageyama, both of whom had apparently texted him at 6 AM asking if he wanted to go practice with Coach Ukai.
He stared at the screen and groaned.
"These volleyball-obsessed idiots... do they even know what rest is?"
He replied, half amused, half exasperated, reminding them to take it easy — though he doubted they would listen. Seconds later, they responded, claiming they'd "just train a little longer."
Shrugging, Hayato got up, cleaned the dishes, ate breakfast, and decided it was time to clean the house. He stepped outside to air out the bedding and — as fate would have it — bumped into Kiyoko.
Dressed in her usual tracksuit, she smiled at him while he smacked the futon with a beater.
"Morning, Hayato."
"It's noon," she teased. "Just woke up?"
"Yup. It's my rest day, so it's still morning in my book."
She laughed, waving a small notebook. "I'm heading to the market to grab some hot pot ingredients for dinner. Want to come?"
The answer was obvious.
"You had me at hot pot. Give me a minute!"
Hayato darted back inside to change and lock up, then rejoined her for a walk to the shopping street.
As they walked, Kiyoko suddenly remembered something.
"Oh right, the Spring High Committee is coming to our school in a few days to collect material."
"Material?"
"Player photos, team data — the usual. No individual interviews or anything. We're not there yet."
"Not yet," Hayato said confidently. "But one day, we will be."
She raised a brow, amused. "You're pretty confident, huh?"
He grinned. "You bet."
"I'll look forward to it."
At the market, they picked out vegetables, broth bases, and plenty of meat — especially since Kiyoko knew how much Hayato could eat. He tried to sneak his share into the cart quietly, but she caught on and added more.
Without hesitation, Hayato insisted on paying for his portion. It was only fair, especially since he planned to eat half the pot.
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1st Bonus Chapter - 150 POWER STONES
2nd Bonus Chapter - 300 POWER STONES
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