The training match on the court was in full swing, each rally fast-paced and intense. Watching from the sidelines, Koyuki couldn't hold back her admiration.
Seeing it from the second-floor stands during an official game had been exciting… but being this close was something else entirely.
"Oh~ everyone's amazing!"
Her arms crossed, she leaned forward slightly, eyes fixed on the ball.
"Of course!" Hitoka beamed beside her. "Our goal this year is Nationals—everyone's working hard for it."
"N-Nationals? That's incredible! The basketball club didn't even get past the first round at Interhigh."
Karasuno's basketball team had never been particularly strong. Koyuki had only become their manager because a friend needed help, so she wasn't there every single day. They trained hard too, but the atmosphere… it wasn't like this.
The match wrapped up quickly. Coach Ukai called the players over, gave his post-game notes, and then announced a short break before individual drills.
Koyuki didn't just stand and watch—she slipped right in to help the managers hand out water bottles and towels.
"Thanks, Takanori!"
"Haha, it's like we suddenly got another manager."
"That makes three now!"
"Oooh, now we're starting to look like one of those powerhouse schools."
Everyone laughed as they took their towels. Thanks to the fireworks festival, Koyuki already knew everyone's names, and whenever someone thanked her, she waved it off with an easy smile.
When Nishinoya made the "three managers" comment, Hinata and Tanaka immediately joined in the teasing. Koyuki didn't mind—it was fun.
Once the players moved into individual training, Koyuki's eyes naturally followed Hayato, who was leading the first-years through their drills.
"Kiyoko-senpai," she asked quietly, "is Hayato the next captain?"
"Eh? That's right… how did you know?"
"Well, he's the one guiding the younger players. In the basketball club, that job always goes to the next captain."
Kiyoko blinked, realizing she hadn't even thought of it that way. She'd wondered if any of the other second-years might take issue with Hayato's leadership role, but looking around at the focused, determined faces…
"If no one's brought it up with Coach Ukai or Takeda-sensei, then maybe they've already accepted it."
She let the thought go.
When practice ended, Koyuki and Hitoka—who lived in the same direction—walked home with Hinata. Hayato left with Kiyoko after changing out of his sportswear.
"I think Takanori would make a great volleyball club manager," Kiyoko said suddenly.
Hayato looked at her curiously. "Why do you say that?"
"She's really good with logistics. And when we third-years graduate, Hitoka-chan will be the only manager left. Having Takanori would help a lot."
Hayato considered it for a moment before shaking his head. "She's already the basketball club's manager and the cheerleading club's president. Asking her to juggle all three would be too much."
"Cheerleading club?"
"Yeah—she started it with two friends. It's not big, since our sports teams aren't exactly famous, but they still practice."
Kiyoko chuckled, remembering how loud Takanori's cheering had been during the preliminaries. "That explains it. She's got experience."
Hayato smiled faintly. "We'll win the championship and get plenty of new recruits."
"Then I'll be looking forward to it," Kiyoko replied, and Hayato's confident "Leave it to me" sealed the promise.
Lately, Hayato's afternoons had been a balancing act between volleyball and the never-ending tasks of the executive committee. Luckily, Koyuki and her friend Uki often pitched in.
"Finally done~" groaned Saruwatari Uki, flopping back in her chair after hours of report-checking.
"You worked hard," Hayato said, stretching. The constant trips to the student council and the endless expense verifications were draining, but he understood the need. The school festival was a big deal, and the PTA would be unforgiving if something went wrong.
"By the way, just call me Uki," she said. "No need for last names."
"Alright—Uki it is."
She glanced out the window at the darkening sky. "It's late. You probably won't make it to volleyball practice today."
"Yeah. Let's just clean up and head out."
They turned to wake Koyuki, who had fallen asleep face-down on her desk.
"Mmm… five more minutes," she mumbled.
"What are you still sleeping for?!" Uki flicked her forehead, earning a yelp. "You slowed us down, you know."
Koyuki laughed sheepishly, rubbing her forehead. "Sorry, Uki. Sorry, Hayato."
He waved it off, and after packing away the materials, the three of them left together.
By the time Hayato reached the gym, practice was wrapping up. He pitched in to help tidy up, then listened as Hinata bounded over, practically vibrating with excitement.
"Hayato-senpai! Kageyama and I landed the new quick attack so many times today!"
Kageyama, deadpan, supplied the missing detail: "Seventy percent success rate."
Hayato grinned, clapping each of them on the shoulder. "Nice work. Meat buns are on me."
That was how the team ended the evening—walking out together, arms full of warm buns from Coach Ukai's store, laughing and chatting all the way.
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