CHAPTER TWO

Akira's PoV

I wake up from my peaceful slumber and awoke in a dimly lit room. I need to get up! I got up my bed and headed to the bathroom. I looked at my messy figure in the mirror and just stared at myself. What was my dream about again?

"Akira, are you okay? You seem clingy today." I buried my head into his chest more. His voice's familiar... I looked up and saw a figure with spiky hair. Time seems to slow down as I gaze upon him and lights shown on his face, revealing his identity. Nishinoya Yuu.

I cupped both my hands on my cheek. Did I just really dreamed of that?! I won't be able to look at him without being weird! Oh, I know! I just won't look at him! That's easy! I proceeded on my task and took a rather long shower. I came out of the bathroom and got dressed in my uniform.

I sat on my chair and faced my vanity mirror. I opened the lights and stared at my face. What kind of hair do I do today? Hmm... I decided on a wavy ponytail and I left a few weaves of hair on my face. I put on light make up on my face, a cheek tint and some colored lip balm for my lips.

I head down for breakfast. I was greeted with the smell of freshly cooked pancakes. I plopped on the chair next to Daichi, who's already eating his breakfast. I took two pancakes and started eating my breakfast.

After we're done, the two of us took our bentos off the kitchen counter and headed out. The morning air is still cold. Dang, I forgot my scarf again. I don't want to go back. We walked on the streets, with a comfortable silence. I let out a sigh from the feeling of the cold and Daichi looked at me. He stopped walking and he took off his scarf. He wrapped it around me and smiled. "Don't forget your things dummy." I shyly nodded.

"Hey, you two!" I heard Daichi shout and looked on the side and saw Tanaka-san and Nishinoya-senpai headed for us. I immediately blushed. No! Don't look at him! Daichi greeted them warmly while I put my head down. Don't make eye contact, Akira. Don't!

"Oh, good morning Akira-san. You're looking especially pretty today. Did you change your look?" Tanaka-san complimented me. At least someone noticed! I looked at him and smiled widely. "Thank you! I did changed my style for the day." I looked at the side and saw Nishinoya-senpai looking at me. I felt my cheeks grow hot. And so, I looked away from him.

Tanaka cleared his throat. "Oh, that's Daichi's scarf isn't it, Akira-san?" He said. He's very observant, I'll give him that. "Yes, it is. It's kinda cold today so he lent me his." I can see from the peripheral vision that Nishinoya-senpai is still looking at me. I blushed harder with the thought.

"Akira, are you okay? Do you have a fever?" Daichi put his hand on my forehead and looked at me worriedly. "You're kind of warm. You can head back home, if you want." He added. No! Stupid self! Just don't think about your dream! It's not real!

"No, no! I'm okay! You don't have to worry about me. Let's go!"

Nishinoya's PoV

Ryu texted me that he wanted to go to school together. Our house are close by so I agreed. We'll meet on the street on the way to school. "Hey, man." He greeted me. "Hey." I answered. I feel off today, I don't know why. This isn't like me!

"You're quiet. Will you stop that?" He said. If I could, I would! I just don't know why I feel this way ever since I woke up. "Stop what? The silence?" I rolled my eyes at him. While walking on the street, we saw Daichi-san and Akira walking. We were about to call them but they stopped walking. Me and Ryu looked curiously at them. Daichi took off his scarf and wrapped it around Akira's neck.

Ugh. The off feeling went worse. I'm feeling some mixed emotions. Sad? Angry? Agitated? Anxious? I don't really know. It just felt bad. I was snapped out of my thoughts when Daichi shouted, finally noticing us. We walked over to them and I just stayed silent.

"Oh, good morning Akira-san. You're looking especially pretty today. Did you change your look?" I felt angry at Ryu. Why does he have to say that? Of course she's pretty, she's a model! Don't he have anything better to do? I don't know, maybe bug Shimizu-senpai? Does he really have to flirt with every girl that he meets? I could go on and on but I heard a soft voice spoke out.

"Thank you! I did changed my style for the day." She said. Her smile made me feel better, as if the world around us went brighter. I felt a sudden sense of comfort and it made me feel warm inside. She looked at me and then looked away. Did I just scared her? Is there anything that I did? I felt bad again, thinking if this girl must have hate me now.

Why do I even care about her opinion? She's dating our captain. I shouldn't think about stuff like this. Ryu seems to have felt the tension and so, he cleared his throat and changed the topic. "Oh, that's Daichi's scarf isn't it, Akira-san?" Way to state the obvious, Ryu. I glared at him and mentally slapped him. I really want to do it but I can't.

"Yes, it is. It's kinda cold today so he lent me his." I looked at her intently. She really does look pretty today. Even the over sized scarf on her neck looked good on her. It almost seemed that it's hers.

"Akira, are you okay? Do you have a fever?" Daichi put his hand on her forehead and looked at her worriedly. Chill out, boyfriend. "You're kind of warm. You can head back home, if you want." I knew yesterday that they live together but it still seems weird to me today. You know those couple that make sure everyone knows they're in love? Yeah, that's Akira and Daichi.

"No, no! I'm okay! You don't have to worry about me. Let's go!" She hurriedly said, trying to ignore Daichi. She marched in front of us, ignoring the rest of us. She was in front of us three, and I'll admit she looks cute when she's flustered. Eh! I told myself I'll stop thinking of this girl. I'll just put my attention to Shimizu-senpai as usual! Yeah, that's the right choice, Yuu!

We reached the gates of Karasuno and Akira stopped on her tracks. We all looked at her and noticed her eyes are shocked. I looked where she was looking and saw a bunch of people with phones on their hand. Most of them are students, but there are some older people with them. The people turned around and smiled widely when they saw Akira.

She walked toward them and put on a smiling face. Or should I say, a facade? It must be annoying to be followed around by literally anyone and you can't do anything about it. If you show your annoyance, your career will be pretty much done. You always have to be friendly and open for everyone even if you don't feel like doing anything. We followed her and stood on the side while she was greeted by everyone, asking for autographs and pictures.

Daichi looked very worried at the girl. Even I felt worried.

"She went back here in Miyagi to get away from her Tokyo life for a while but even that followed her." Daichi said. That's it, I'm stepping up.

I walked towards them and went to Akira's side. I put my arms protectively around her and said, "Alright, that's enough. The girl gotta go study. Show some respect for her, will ya'?" I took her by the hand and dragged her out of the commotion. Some of them scowled at me but most of them understood what I said. Thank god, I don't have to explain anything to these people. We'll be late to class if this went on and on.

Akira smiled at them apologetically and waved good bye. I lead her to where Daichi and Ryu are. Ryu gestured at Akira and I looked at her. She's silent and blushing furiously. I looked down at our hands and realized that I'm still holding her hand. I immediately let go and scratched the back of my neck. "I-I'm sorry, Akira-san." I said.

"I-It's okay, Nishinoya S-Senpai. Thank you for what you did back there." She smiled at me and looked down. She's still calling me Senpai. What is she blushing for? Ryu cleared his throat. "Let's head to class?" I nodded. "See you guys on the gym later. I'll head to class." Daichi said and approached Akira. He flicked her forehead and earned a groan and a scowl from the girl. Moments later, he's nowhere to be seen.

The three of us went to our classroom silently. The girl doesn't seem to be comfortable with me. She looked at the ground the whole way up there. She'll glance at me and then look away. Did I cross a line? Dang! I opened the class door. The whole room looked at the three of us and Ryu used his gangster face to scare everyone off.

Our classmates stopped looking and resumed what they've been doing. I threw my bag on my seat and plopped down. I rested my chin on my hand and doze off to sleep. What a boring day. I can't wait for the practices later.

Akira's PoV

"She's friends with those two?"

"They're delinquents, did she know?"

"Aww, I can't believe she'll hang out with those kind of people. She must be a troublemaker her self." I heard the comments of some people in the class. Basically, arriving in school with Nishinoya-senpai and Tanaka-san stirred thoughts about everyone. They're good people, I don't know what the fuss is all about! Maybe it's because of me...

Someone put their hand on my shoulder and I looked. It's Rinko. "Hey, are you okay? Don't mind them, they've got nothing better to do." I smiled sadly. She noticed that my hands are fidgeting and she put her warm hands on mine. "If you think it's your fault, it's not. Those two had those impression before but never made a move to correct them. They didn't care and so should you."

The bell rang and Rinko went back to her seat. The class started and I looked at the guy in front of me and he's sleeping.

-

"Tanaka nice kill!"

Shouts filled the gymnasium. The team practice is doing very well. Hinata-kun land Kageyama-kun's demon quick attack is just as amazing as I first saw it. They've been practicing it ever since I came inside the gym.

I'm passing along energy drinks to the team players as of now. I handed one to Tanaka-san and our conversation went on and on. Unlike what everyone has been saying about Tanaka-san and Nishinoya-senpai, they've been nothing but kind and friendly to me. To hell with everyone.

Tanaka-san and I approached Nishinoya-senpai who's stretching on the floor. I try not to think about my dream. I don't want to let that keep me away from making strong bonds with everyone. "Noya-san?" Tanaka-san called. He looked up at us and answered back.

"Yeah?"

"What were you doing when you weren't here?"

Where? I think I missed something. After all, I only arrived here until yesterday and I wasn't present to everything. I looked at the two of them as they conversed.

"Hmm... Mainly block follow-ups! I practiced receiving blocked balls. I'm still not that good at it, but if I can learn to do it, it'll make it easier for you guys to spike the ball, right?" He stood up from his position and stretched his back and arms.

Tanaka-san and I noticed the bruises that he has all over his body. "Noya-san, you're so cool!" Tanaka-san started crying and I started to tear up too.

"Why're you crying?" He asked. "Waaah! You're so cool, Nishinoya-senpai! I don't know how you're able to handle all that!" It's true. Being a model, we must be presentable at all times. Not only does bruises look bad, but it hurts a lot. I really admire Nishinoya-senpai for all his efforts.

Nishinoya-senpai looked at me and blushed. Before he could answer, the doors of the gym opened and Takeda-sensei appeared. "Hey, there!"

"Gather around!" Daichi shouted, ordering the team players. The team stood around Takeda-sensei while I'm sitting beside Kiyoko-san.

"Let me introduce your new coach. Mr. Ukai." Everyone on the gym was silent. Ukai... why does it sound so familiar? "C-Coach, Really?" Daichi went forward. I was too distracted yesterday to realize that they do not have a coach. Come to think of it, it was Daichi who's training them yesterday.

"Only for the Nekoma game."

Neko...ma?

...Highschool?

from... Tokyo?

My blood ran cold. I didn't know this! I haven't heard this from Daichi yet! It's not that I have a problem with the practice game! I just don't know what to do. I've made up my mind on coming here to Karasuno and have a fresh start. I'm trying to heal, I'm trying to stop thinking about my life in Tokyo. I just want to be somewhere that felt familiar and home. I'm not sure how I'll be able to face everyone. After disappearing on them and not telling anyone on my plans. I even had the guts on doing that to him. He was my own comfort...

I need to snap out of this! There's no use in dwelling on these type of things! Don't overthink stuff, Akira. Don't! We're focusing on Daichi and the team! This is your team!

"Well..."

"You're the guy at store Sakanoshita. You can coach?" Tanaka-san said. Yeah! He is that guy on the store yesterday! The one who glanced at me when he realized I'm the girl on the magazine!

"He's coach Ukai's grandson and used to play for Karasuno." Coach Ukai? He's that scary trainer of Daichi back when I was in Junior High! He's told me a bunch of scary stories about his training with the coach Ukai. I shuddered as I remembered what Daichi has been telling me. I heard he has crows for pets...

"WHAT?!" Everyone was shocked. Even I was shocked!

"But your store's called Sakonoshita, right?" Hinata-kun asked.

"It belongs to my mom's family. No time to lose. Let's get going! I wanna see what you've got. We play at 6:30. I've arranged a team." His voice is so cool and professional. He's unlike that guy on the store that put his feet up in the counter T_T

"A team?" I looked at the coach, just like everyone.

"The Karasuno town team."

-

"Here we go!"

"Okay!"

"I'm ready!"

The team proceeded on their practice and did warm ups for the surprise practice game. I'm sitting next to Kiyoko-san and stared at the people on the court. Kiyoko-san is writing some things on her notebook so I didn't want to disturb her.

I looked at Yamaguchi, the nervous looking green haired boy. He failed to receive a ball and it came rolling on the doors. Someone appeared on the doors, he's wearing eye glasses and he picked up the ball. He tossed it to Yamaguchi.

"Here." He tossed it to Yamaguchi who gladly took it from him.

"T-Thank you."

Three more men appeared on the open doors beside him.

"Yo!"

"Hey!"

"Whoa!"

"This takes me back!"

"And you are?" Yamaguchi asked them. I just stared at the conversing people and listened to them since I don't have anything better to do.

"The town team." They said 'Hey' in unison. They look very cool! They also don't seem that old, you know. "Thanks for coming with so little notice." Coach Ukai said.

-

"Okay! Let's get started!"

"Yeah!"

"It's a match!"

I shifted my gaze to Coach Ukai who said that the game will be starting. Beside him is Nishinoya-senpai. I looked at the two of them. Why is Nishinoya-senpai so gloomy looking? "What's wrong with you?" Coach Ukai asked. Daichi approached them and explained. "Oh, sorry. He's a little..."

"What? He can't play? Is he injured?"

"Well no, not exactly." Huh? Why is Nishinoya-senpai skipping a game? From what I've heard, he's a very good libero and he loves volleyball so much. I've noticed that too on our game yesterday. But I haven't seen him in action yet! I really want to see him play!

"You're not injured?" He looked at Nishinoya-senpai. Uh oh. Don't tell me he's like the previous coach Ukai?! Nishinoya-senpai, just do what he wants already! "If that's the case, join the town team. Our libero's at work and can't come."

"Okay then." Daichi looked at Nishinoya-senpai worriedly. Nishinoya-senpai looked at him and walked away. I feel bad on what's happening. It's as if I'm feeling what Nishinoya-senpai is feeling. How could I possibly know? But my heart's breaking at the sight before me.

"We still need two more. Who else can I get?"

"Hey! It's Asahi-san!" Nishinoya-senpai stopped on his tracks. Was it because of Asahi-senpai? Come to think of it... I didn't saw Asahi-senpai yesterday. Did he quit volleyball?! Why didn't I noticed his absence yesterday?! Stupid Akira! You should have known that the four third years aren't complete! "What?" Everyone looked around.

"Asahi-san!" Hinata-kun shouted while holding the railings on the window, prompting himself up. He looks cute like that. "Asahi-san?" Tanaka-san went to check out the window. Coach Ukai ran to the door. "You're late, huh? What's your position?" Coach Ukai said. Asahi-senpai answered but I couldn't hear.

"We need someone. Come in and warm up! Get a move on!"

Everyone looked excitedly at the door. What really happened on the past month? I don't know anything! Asahi-senpai appeared on the door, carrying his shoes. He looked down at the ground. It's been too long! I stood up from my seat and ran to him. My face collided with his chest and it kinda hurt but I didn't care.

He's down, and I just came back from Tokyo. I'll comfort him as much as I can! He tensed up while I was hugging him. I pulled away and he suddenly realized who I am. He squished my cheeks and I just smiled cheerfully at him. I looked around and saw Nishinoya-senpai looking at us.

Are they fighting? I need to find a way to clear the tension between them and make them stop fighting. Asahi-senpai is like a brother figure to me and Nishinoya-senpai helped me earlier in the morning! I want to show my gratitude!

Everyone was smiling when they saw Asahi-senpai enter the gym. Even Daichi's smiling. I better ask him about what's happening later on. "We need another setter. I want to do it, but I need to watch. Lend us a setter." Coach Ukai looked at Kageyama-kun and Suga-san. They looked troubled.

It must be hard to be picking someone from the other. It's almost as if they need to compete with each other. Suga-san stepped forward. "Sugawara-san. You don't have to do that."

"Listen. Since you joined, rather than wanting to compete for setter, I felt relieved. A setter is the key to a team's attack. He's gotta be tough. But I'm... scared of tossing the ball. Scared that because of my tosses the spikers will be blocked. I've been happy hiding behind Kageyama's talent. Even now I'm still scared that the spikers will get blocked. Even so, let me toss again, Asahi! That's why I'm on this team. Kageyama." He said and turned around to Kageyama-kun. "Watch out!"

"Same to you." Kageyama replied. It's really good that there's some friendly rivalry in here. It makes the team more motivated as long as there's no real bad blood that's going to happen.

"Nishinoya, give me some good receives."

"Of course." Nishinoya-senpai turned to him. Finally! I'll be able to see him play!

-

Kiyoko-san and Yamaguchi-kun's standing at the scoring card so I'm left alone on the benches. The game started and both teams have one point. I'm happily looking at my brother who's so serious looking while on the game. I miss seeing him like this. Suga-san did a quick set and the town's team scored a point. "Don't forget he's an experienced setter." My brother said so proudly.

I miss all of this. I miss seeing how close Daichi and Suga-san during games and when they hang out on our house. He has a positive glow today. He's brighter than yesterday. It must be because Asahi-san is back on the team. I'm not that slow to not catch up that Asahi-san left. Given that he's not here yesterday. I just don't know why he left, or why Tanaka-san asked Nishinoya-senpai about what he does when he's not in the gym.

"Nice toss, Suga-san."

"Oh, it wasn't that good. The guys on the town team made something out of it. They're real veterans. I've got a lot to learn. Even so, we've got to attack to inconvenience them. We don't want to depend totally on Ace again."

"Suga-san, you've grown strong." Nishinoya-senpai complimented him.

"I have? Praise from you makes me happy."

"Why's that?"

"Well..."

I saw Asahi-san looking at them sadly. I stood up from my seat and approached him. What's happening? I mean, I know Asahi-senpai is kind of an introvert but he's not this silent. "Are you okay? You're not usually this quiet, Asahi-senpai. Did I miss something?" I asked him. I've known the four of them, Daichi, Suga-san, Asahi-san, and Kiyoko-san ever since their first year in Karasuno. Out of the four of them, Suga-senpai spends a lot of time at home when I was in Junior High. He used to bring me ice cream whenever he and Daichi spends their time studying at home.

"It's just that... I don't want to burden anyone. I'm not the ace. They should replace me."

I took his hand and rested it into mine. I want to comfort him. He's like a big brother to me. Sure, he's not like Suga-senpai that went to our house but he's always friendly at me and makes me feel at home when I tag along on their practice.

"You're their ace, Asahi-senpai. I've known you for years and I know that only you could have the strength of taking this responsibility. But... I just want to say that you don't always have to be the one they should depend on. It takes six people to make a team, not one. Trust them the way they trust you." I smiled at him, let go of his hand and squeezed his shoulder. I took my leave before I could be hit by a volleyball on the face.

As I sat on the bench, Hinata-kun and Kageyama-kun did their demon quick attack and the town players were shocked. Coach Ukai's jaw dropped and Takeda-sensei's smiling behind him. I looked at Asahi-san and his then sad face was replaced with a shocked one.

"Well done, Hinata, Kageyama!" Daichi praised.

"Good, Hinata!" Tanaka complimented Hinata-kun. His voice is just as loud as always but I think it's growing on me. His tough guy look really makes him unique.

"Thanks!"

"Hinata, it's your serve."

I looked at Asahi-san again and saw Nishinoya-senpai walking behind him.

"Of course I do." Asahi-san said, making Nishinoya-senpai turned around to face him. Are they making up now?! I haven't even done anything yet! I want to help! "I may fail, but I want to strike again." Nishinoya-senpai looked shocked. Is Asahi-san going back to the team now?!

"That's good. That's all I wanted to hear." He smiled. His face became... gentle. He looked more dashing when I first saw him yesterday. Wait, wait! Did I say dashing?! No I didn't! I didn't even think that! This must be because of that stupid dream! In any case, I should be thinking about someone else, not Nishinoya! Ugh!

They diverted their attention back to the game. Hinata-kun served and it barely went above the net. It fell on the other side and one of the town's team guys received it from the floor. "It's up to you, long-hair guy!" Everyone watched in suspense as the ball fly towards Asahi-san's direction. Asahi-san ran and spiked the ball but the other team managed to block it.

The ball started to go down, just as Nishinoya-senpai saved the ball. I was stunned. Completely speechless. So this is what they say about Nishinoya-senpai's abilities! Everyone's just as stunned as I am. The ball went flying towards the other side of the net and is headed to Tanaka-san.

"Noya-san!" Tanaka-san cried again just like earlier. He's such a baby, that he's making me cry too! This doesn't really go with his gangster facade, really! Nishinoya-senpai got up from the floor and positioned himself once more. "I'll catch even a ball that's been bounced off the wall. So call for the toss again! Ace!" Shivers went through my spine as Nishinoya-senpai's voice rang through the walls of the gym. He's speaking his hearts out and I'm here, being able to listen to it.

Tears rolled my cheek as I watched them before me. I realized that the game is still happening. Suga-san ran to the ball and thinking of who he should toss it to. "Suga-san! Don't give up on him!" Even the quiet Kageyama shouted. This is really a sight. I can't stop crying. The gym is full of emotions that I can't describe. Meanwhile, Nishinoya-senpai was full of determination and passion to the point that it's radiating off of him.

"Suga! One more!" Asahi-san shouted. Daichi looked like he's going to cry. Suga-san made a high toss, a little bit away from the net. Asahi-san started to run towards it and jumped. His hand met the ball and it went flying back down, knocking the block of the players of the opposing team. It landed on the floor with a loud 'thud'.

Everyone's happy. Daichi's smiling, Suga-san's smiling, Nishinoya-san looks very proud. The rest was very shocked on the power the ball has. I'm very happy for Asahi-san.

"Wow, what a great sound!" Takeda-sensei commented.

"Well done, Asahi. Nishinoya!" Suga-san said. Asahi-san looked sad. He sheepishly scratched his nape. "Nice toss, Suga. Great receive, Nishinoya." The two smiled in unison. They looked adorable. I stood up from my seat and went to the three. I jumped up and down on the excitement.

"That spike is so good, Asahi-senpai! The bell went whoosh!" I even made some sound effects and the long haired man just laughed at me and ruffled my hair. "I told you to stop calling me Senpai, Akira-san." He said back. I pouted at him and nodded. I turned to Suga-san. "That was a great toss, Suga-san! The ball went so high!" He just smiled at him.

Finally, I looked at Nishinoya-senpai with stars in my eyes. I'm very worried at him because of his bruises but I guess everything worked out for the best. He improved because of those. "You received that ball, Nishinoya-senpai! That was really hard to do!" He blushed and laughed at me while scratching his head. "Eh? Senpai? Aren't the two of you the same year?" Asahi-san looked at me. My cheeks flushed and I just laughed nervously.

"Hehe... About that..." I started fidgeting my fingers.

"After skipping a month's training, it's no wonder you can't jump!" Nishinoya-senpai scolded him. It's kind of funny and cool in a way. Asahi-san's being scolded by someone younger than him. And he's bigger too. I chuckled at the sight of them. Suga-san laughed along side me. "Nishinoya, that's harsh." He said.

Tanaka-san from the other side of the net was excited and kind of blushing. "Daichi-san?" He said. "Well. We're not only facing the experienced town team but Asahi, too. It's going to be tough on us."

"What do you mean? You've got-"

"You've got me!" Hinata-kun burst in as Tanaka-san's going to brag about himself. I laughed harder. I'm clutching my stomach on how funny this is.

"Hey, what?" Daichi said. Tanaka-san's shouting at Hinata-kun for busting in and they both look really goofy. "Don't butt in, Hinata! You ruined my cool line, idiot!" As I was laughing, Nishinoya-senpai's looking at me. I felt like being nervous and weird all of a sudden but I still can't stop laughing.

I managed to stop myself and saw Nishinoya-senpai's real reaction. He's smiling at me. I smiled back at him and made a winky face. "By the way... Nishinoya-senpai. Can you come over to the benches after the game?" I said while playing with my fingers. I can't face him, he'll see how red my face is. I glanced at him and saw him nod with a smile. I waved good bye on him since the game will be resuming and I need to stay on the sides.

Hinata-kun and Kageyama-kun made another demon quick attack and I saw Nishinoya-senpai and Asahi-san gaping at them with their jaws dropped. "That was awesome Shoyo! I couldn't believe my eyes!" Nishinoya-senpai complimented. Hinata-kun just laughed sheepishly.

Coach Ukai said something about how did Hinata-kun and Kageyama-kun did their demon quick. I don't even know how they did it. They just do, I guess. I can't hear their entire conversation but I heard something about 'squirt' and 'weirdos'.

-

Night came and the game ended. Sadly, the Karasuno Volleyball team lost and the Town team won. It's still a great game though. We're now on the doors bidding good byes to the other team.

"Whoa, that was like relieving my youth."

"'Call the toss, Ace!' It's good to be young."

"'With me, you're unbeatable.' What a cool line! High school kids rock."

The two who said those words, Kageyama-kun and Nishinoya-senpai, are looking really embarrassed. Who wouldn't be? Don't laugh, Akira. It's rude!

But I did. They heard my chuckle and the town guys looked at me. One of them came to the realization of who I am. "Oh! You're that model Aria, right?" I smiled softly at him. "Nice job on your career. You're being more popular lately. My sister is such a fan that she's buying the clothes you promote." He sighed. I don't really know what to say so I just sheepishly scratched my head.

"We're feeling a little washed up." The blonde one said.

"S-sorry." Suga-san replied.

"How should I put it? You're a mish mash. But if you work at it, you could be a good team."

Everyone gasped in relief.

-

Coach Ukai instructed the players to stretch and stuff. After that, we scattered to clean the gym. I'm preparing the first aid and ice packs on the bench. As I said earlier, I asked Nishinoya-senpai to come see me after practice. I saw him across the gym and made eye contact. I blushed but I fixed my eyes at him. He made his way to me.

"What do you need me for, Akira-san?" He said. He's close... Can I really manage to pull this off? You can do it, Akira! "U-uhm... I noticed your bruises earlier N-Nishinoya-senpai. I'm thinking of treating it." Can he see my blush? I can't look away now. It'll be very rude.

"You don't have to do that, Akira-san. Really."

"But I want to thank you for what you did this morning. It's really a nice gesture." He sat next to me. He rolled his shirt and I got a better view of all his bruises. He has them all over his arms and shoulders. I'm tearing up at this sight.

Before I could stop myself from crying, I was too late. Tears rolled down my cheek and Nishinoya-senpai panicked. He went closer to me and pulled me close. My forehead rested on his shoulders as he smooths my hair. "A-Akira-san, is there something wrong? Why are you crying?" He worriedly asked. Would it be weird if I answered him truthfully and told him that seeing him on this state worries me?

I was never good at lying and I don't intend to. "It's just that... aren't you hurt, Nishinoya-senpai? Your body's full of bruises." He pulled away from me and wiped the tears off my face using his fingers. He chuckled and ruffled my hair. People seem to like doing that. I pouted at him.

"Don't be worried at me, Akira-san. Your senpai's a strong person." He smiled at me. I really liked how his smile is trying to encourage and comfort me. I took some ice pack and pressed it to his arm. I'll need to do this for 20 minutes and then apply a light compression bandage.

"I'm thinking... maybe I should treat you an ice cream later? I'm still not satisfied with how I'm repaying you for earlier." I said while holding the ice pack. I should make conversation while I'm treating his bruises. It'll be awkward.

"You really don't have to. You're already helping me so much." I blushed. Why do I blush like crazy when I'm around him? The atmosphere always feel weird whenever he's around.

"Your street's around ours, right? I'm planning on heading to Sakonoshita's later anyway." I smiled at him. Don't you dare try to escape me, Nishinoya-senpai. He sighed and then chuckled. I took my phone using my other hand and opened the group Suga-san have added me in.

I clicked Nishinoya-senpai's account and followed him back. Wait? So he already followed my account? I smiled at the thought. Nishinoya-senpai noticed me smiling and checked my phone screen. "H-Hey! What are you smiling about?! Do I look funny on my posts?!"

"Don't move too much, Nishinoya-senpai! And no, you don't! ...you actually looked cute." I looked down after lowering my voice in that part because I felt my cheeks growing hot. This is a cycle that I can't escape. I'm always blushing and it's only been what? 2 days?

He looked at me and blushed. He started to stutter his words. "D-Don't joke around like that, Akira-san!" He covered his face. For someone like him who has a tough guy act, he looks very cute whenever he does that.

"I'm not joking! Anyway..." I put my hands firmly on the ice pack on his arm. There's this uncomfortable silence between the two of us. "So uh... How are you and Daichi-san?" Huh? Is he asking about our well being? Do we both looked like we're not fine?

"We're okay, we've been apart for too long. It's really hard being away from someone you love, you know?" I said. Out of all the people in this world, Daichi is the closest person to me. Mom and Dad used to work late when we were children and Daichi took the responsibility of taking care of me.

He became a parent too soon and I'm thankful for that.

"How long have you two known each other?" What is he saying? I don't really get it. Aren't siblings supposed to know each other from the moment they were born? Huh?

"Ever since we were babies of course. We're basically inseparable, you know. But because of my job, I had to move away for a year." I stared at the air. I remembered the days when I used to live in Tokyo. Waking up alone in your apartment sucks. Most of the time, I'll buy take outs or dine in at restaurants. I didn't have the time to cook for myself. I'll go to school and then skip the next day because of work. I'm hardly a student and I'm struggling in balancing those two.

But at least... someone was there for me in Tokyo. He made my days in school precious. He helped me catch up with my studies even though he's busy with his own schedule. I was not the best person to date, really. I still am. But he put up with me and my hectic life. Even though people will bother him during breaks just because they knew that he and I are close, he still put up with me. He stayed with me.

I never wanted him to go through all that. I don't want him to be miserable because of me.

"Wow, that's long." Silence again. The sky outside is getting more darker. I took off the ice pack and started wrapping the bandage on his arm lightly. He's surprisingly still while I worked. I know those bruises hurt but he's a really tough guy.

I finished my job and stood up from the bench. I gathered my things and put on my back pack. Nishinoya-senpai stood up and stretched while he waited me to finish up. I gave him a soft smile and I looked at our surroundings.

Daichi is speaking with Suga-san and we headed over there. "Nishinoya's back too." He said. I smiled after I heard those words. So he's back for good! "Yes!" Nishinoya-senpai answered while bringing his arms up. "Just don't bowl the Vice Principal over again!" Ehhh?? I looked at him with wide eyes and he suddenly stopped his cheering.

"Nishinoya-senpai, you did what?!" I asked him. Did he got suspended?!

"U-uhm... hehe... you s-see, Akira-san... Asahi-san and I was arguing and I accidentally knocked the Vice Principal's wig off..." He said while scratching his head and nervously laughing at me. I thought that he really is a delinquent, thank god! I chuckled at him and he laughed along with me.

We went back to our senses when Coach Ukai clapped. I stood next to Kiyoko-san while the players made a circle. "Karasuno! Fight!" Daichi shouted. It's been a year ever since I heard him shout that. I felt like crying again but I received a small smile from Kiyoko-san

"Yeah!"

-

The same bunch as last time, but add Asahi-san, walked home with us. I'm standing next to Nishinoya-senpai as we walked together. He's a really energetic and positive guy. His stories are very interesting to listen to because of the way he says things. We neared Sakonoshita store and I dragged him inside it. The rest of the team followed us shortly after.

I'm picking some small ice cream tubs for everyone when I saw some Pocky sticks on the shelf. I remember the Pocky game that we did on my party with a bunch of friends back in Tokyo. Seeing these made me want to throw a party for the team. What if I did? The training camp will start tomorrow and maybe I could surprise the team for their hard work on the day before the game? I nodded to myself and Nishinoya-senpai went over to me. "What are you nodding for, Akira-san?"

"U-Uhm, nothing! What flavor do you want, Nishinoya-senpai?"

"Vanilla is fine."

I gathered the small tubs of ice cream and snagged a box of Almond Pocky sticks on the shelf. Nishinoya-senpai helped me carry the tubs on the counter and I paid for it. The team didn't know I'm getting everyone food so when I handed everyone their tubs, they were surprised.

"Are you sure I got one, Akira-senpai?!" Hinata-kun shouted. "That's not how you thank someone, boke!" Kageyama-kun interrupted. I chuckled at them and patted Hinata in the head. "Yes, because you're such a good kouhei, Hinata-kun."

I'm eating my pocky sticks alongside Nishinoya-senpai who's devouring his tub of ice cream. "Eh? Why didn't you got one yourself?" He asked. "It's okay. I can't finish that much of ice cream in one sitting. I need to watch my weight, you know."

"But I'm not gonna let you not eat even just a little bit. Here." He took a spoonful and looked at me expectantly. I pouted at him and ate the ice cream on his spoon. He smiled widely once I did and I just playfully rolled my eyes at him.

We walked in comfortable silence. I really liked how I'm this comfortable with Nishinoya-senpai than I did earlier this morning. I'm finally getting along with everyone. I took a Pocky stick and dipped it on his ice cream tub. He looked surprised but his eyes widened when I put the Pocky stick on his mouth.

I burst out laughing. His face is so funny! I wanted to make him look like a walrus but I know I won't be able to do that the second time. The team turned around and laughed with me as they looked at Nishinoya-senpai's grumpy face.

"Akira, you're so childish." Daichi rolled his eyes at me. I stuck my tongue out at him in response. He's such a dad! "You're such kill joy, Dadchi." The team laughed at my response and they all received a death glare from Daichi.

We reached our street and I turned to Nishinoya-senpai. "I'll go home now." I gave him a short hug and waved good bye from everyone. "Bye, everyone! Bye, Nishinoya-senpai!"

-

Nishinoya's PoV

I love how I've managed to become friends with Akira-san. I looked back on what happened today. Did I just really butt in with her fans? Did she really gotten worried when she saw my bruises? Did she really cried over me? Did we really hugged? Did she really treated my bruises personally? Everything felt like a dream.

I was kind of disappointed with the answers that I got from Akira-san earlier when I asked her about her and Daichi-san. Not that I'm jealous! it's just that her answers are too short for me to accept, I guess? I feel like her answers are incomplete.

So... basically, her and Daichi-san have known each other since they were toddlers. I confirmed that they're a couple when she said that she loves Daichi-san. It's just kind of confusing on how she behaved towards me earlier.

She was clingy. And she already has a boyfriend. I don't know If I'm misreading things, but does she like me? There's no way that's possible because I heard it from herself that she loves Daichi-san. When she made fun of me earlier, Daichi-san looked pissed. Was he jealous? I think so.

She's the only one who has the guts to make fun of Daichi-san and that says a lot. I just wish that I could be closer to her, but not to the point that I'll get accused of trying to steal someone's girlfriend. She's different. The way I acted with her is different from the way I acted with Shimizu-senpai. She was never interested in me to begin with so I think that I really should stop fangirling over her. Ryu can have her to himself now. But still... I don't know.

I guess I'm not ready to let go of my crush of Shimizu-senpai yet to a girl I know nothing about, and who also has a boyfriend already, that happens to be our captain.

I was nervous earlier of what Akira-san would think of me once she's heard that I've gotten suspended. Ryu and I never really cared about the rumors floating around the room that we're both gangsters but I felt nervous on how Akira will react. Will she hate me?

Thankfully, I don't think she does. She was more friendly with me after, even. I thought I'm the only one she'll treat but I guess she thought it'll be rude not to get everyone anything.

What's happening, Yuu? Why are we this confused? The only feeling that I'm sure about today, is that I want to see her tomorrow.