The day before the School Festival, Class 2-1's haunted house was finally finished. When the last prop was set in place and the black curtains hung, the entire class burst into cheers, raising their arms as if they had just won Nationals.
"Our haunted house is definitely terrifying!"
"Right? The Snow Woman's costume and the vampire cape I sewed are perfect."
"I can't wait for tomorrow—it's gonna be the best!"
Excitement filled the air as everyone admired the eerie decorations. The class president eventually had to clap his hands and rein them in, reminding everyone to clean up and go over the shift schedules one last time. With everything set, they all left with hearts pounding in anticipation.
The next morning, the school gate had transformed. A handmade arch welcomed visitors with the bold calligraphy: Karasuno High School School Festival. Students at the entrance passed out colorful flyers showing every class's activities and the schedule for stage events in the courtyard.
"Hayato-senpai! We're here to play!"
Hinata and Kageyama came barreling toward the haunted house. Hayato, assigned to morning shift, sat at the entrance in a full-on vampire outfit—cape, fangs, and all. His natural charm made him a perfect choice to lure customers in.
"Welcome, you two," Hayato greeted with a smile.
Hinata and Kageyama had free time before their own class stalls got busy—yakisoba for Kageyama, candied apples for Hinata—so they wanted to check out the Volleyball Club members' displays first.
After paying the small entry fee, Hinata shoved Kageyama forward.
"You go first!"
"Why me? Don't tell me you're scared."
"N-no, I'm not scared!" Hinata insisted, clutching the flashlight like his life depended on it.
As soon as Hayato drew the curtain shut behind them, screams erupted. Hinata shrieked at every shadow, while Kageyama muttered "idiot" so often it almost sounded like a chant. By the time they stumbled back out, Hinata was pale and wobbling, leaning heavily on Tanaka—who was dressed as Frankenstein's monster and laughing so hard he almost dropped him.
"You should've seen him, Hayato! He squeaked like a little mouse!"
"I-I did not! It was a sneak attack!" Hinata protested weakly.
Hayato chuckled, but before long the next batch of customers arrived, and the line didn't stop.
The third-years came next. Sugawara laughed through the scares, Asahi nearly clung to Daichi the whole way, and Daichi himself ended up scaring Tanaka when his face appeared under the dim light. By the end, even Sugawara was doubled over laughing, Daichi sighed in exasperation, and Asahi walked out trembling but alive.
Then came the other second-years—Ennoshita, Narita, Kinoshita, and Nishinoya. Nishinoya was fearless, but the others weren't so lucky. Before leaving, they invited Hayato to stop by their stalls later: Ennoshita and Narita's class had a short film showing, Kinoshita's ran a food stall, and Nishinoya's had a shooting gallery.
Hayato promised he'd visit once his shift ended. With his good looks and cheerful presence, the haunted house kept drawing visitors, including curious girls from other schools—and even some moms. By the time his break came, he stretched his shoulders and slipped out of his vampire cape, changing into a tracksuit.
There was only one place he wanted to go.
Class 3-2's maid café had an impressive line at the door. Clearly, the sight of Karasuno's third-year girls in maid uniforms was attracting plenty of attention.
"Hayato? Oh, good afternoon!"
The one greeting customers at the door was none other than Chika Takahata, Kiyoko's good friend. She spotted Hayato instantly, grinned, and tugged him inside. Instead of seating him in the dining area, she led him straight behind the screen into the kitchen.
"Kiyoko, guess who came to see you~?"
Kiyoko, busy plating food, turned her head. "Chika, what are you—? Hayato, you should've ordered properly! I'll give you a discount, but I'm still working."
The other girls in the kitchen immediately perked up.
"Kiyoko's childhood friend is here?!"
"Where? Where?!"
"Ohhh, so this is Hayato. He's so handsome!"
"He's even more good-looking in person!"
Kiyoko's classmates swarmed around him, chattering and introducing themselves like a flock of excited sparrows. Hayato handled it with an easy smile, bowing politely.
"Nice to meet you all. I'm Hayato Kuroha—Kiyoko-nee's childhood friend."
The simple words nearly caused squeals, until Chika stepped in, hands on her hips. "Alright, alright, back to work! Don't scare him off."
Still giggling, the girls pushed Kiyoko toward him, insisting she take a break since the next shift was coming in anyway. After some protest, Kiyoko finally removed her apron and walked out with Hayato.
From behind them came a chorus of envious sighs.
"Ahh, walking around the festival with your childhood friend… I want that too."
"So, where to first?" Kiyoko asked, glancing at the flyer she'd been handed. Her finger tapped a stall marked: Class 1-5 Sushi Bar.
Hayato grinned. "Then sushi it is. I'm starving, and don't you love fried shrimp sushi, Kiyoko-nee? Let's go check."
Her eyes softened as she realized he'd noticed. "…Alright. Let's go."
The two of them stepped into the bustling hallway, side by side, blending into the colorful swirl of festival life.
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