Moonlight

Chapter 36

The whole Karasuno team settled inside the store. Keishin had closed it down in celebration of the team's victories.

Sugawara kept control over Nishinoya and Hinata who were too hyped up. Nishinoya had been mimicking a crow to celebrate the team and was flapping his arms, running around the store. Hinata followed him, like a puppy.

"If you two won't sit back down, you won't be getting any food!" Sugawara said exasperatedly with his hands on his waist.

Nishinoya and Hinata sat down in the speed of light, still flapping their arms in their seats.

Daichi was engaged in a semi-serious conversation with Ennoshita about the upcoming turn-over of responsibilities.

"When it comes to scolding them, scold hardly. These crows don't listen easily, but they do listen." Daichi said.

Ennoshita nodded but contradicted the captain, "I think it's better if we just try to talk to them first before shouting---"

"Scold them!" Daichi roared and Ennoshita clamped his mouth shut, then nodded.

Tanaka and Kiyoko shared a spot, much to Tanaka's excitement.

"Say, Kiyoko, wasn't I cool during the matches?" Tanaka asked, a grin on his face.

"Yeah, you were." Kiyoko replied and Tanaka pumped his fist victoriously under the table. 

"So were the others. Everyone was cool during the matches." Kiyoko added with a cheeky smile. 

Asahi sat beside Narita and Kinoshita, engaging in a bright talk about their futures. The second years admired their friend Ennoshita for stepping up his game.

"I've always known Ennoshita still has his flame for volleyball. Right, Kinoshita?" Narita said.

Kinoshita nodded and laughed, "Coach Ukai was just too scary back then."

Yamaguchi and Takeda sprung a surprising conversation about academics. The teacher had no idea that Yamaguchi had picked up an interest about the Japanese literature.

"Well, Tsukki is quite good with English and I have found my forte to be with the Japanese literature." Yamaguchi admitted sheepishly.

Kageyama and Tsukishima had sat beside each other mainly because they both arrived late and other seats were taken.

"Goodluck with the camp." Tsukishima spoke to the setter.

Kageyama was caught off-guard with the initiation, "Y-you too."

Keishin arrived back with the food and distributed the drinks. Everyone settled properly as they waited for the last person. The curtain ruffled and their eyes went right at it.

Out emerged Akane, in a different kind of glow. The glow that had felt safe and at home. The glow that one can see after unloading their burden in a long while. The glow that makes you warm inside.

She wore denim shorts paired with a comfortable wool sweater. Her hair was let down and she had worn a ribbon headband. She looked cute. She felt cute.

Looking at the people around her, Akane smiled brightly. It was a safe environment to be cute.

"Akane-san! You look nice!" Hinata praised her loudly.

Nishinoya piped up, "That smile looks so pretty, Akane-san!"

Others muttered in agreement and gave her compliments as she sat down beside Keishin. "Thanks everyone." Akane smiled at everyone then Keishin gave a short speech.

"I started to teach you with no intention of staying for long. I thought it's just a land-and-go thing, but you guys have hooked me back into the sport again. Everyone had improved more than you yourselves think. I have seen how you were all a shameful excuse of players but I have also seen how you all grew to be the fearless crows that you are now. So this is for you all." Keishin raised his canned bottle of soda.

"For you who have failed and tried again, for you who have fallen and stood up, for who have broken your wings to fly higher, for you who have molded into better players to fit with your gameplays, and for you who have recognized your enemies to learn how to defeat them. This is for each one of you, for Takeda-sensei, for our managers. This is for Karasuno! " He cheered and everyone erupted in unison to cheer with him.

"Thank you for the food!" They all chanted enthusiastically before digging in on the dishes.

The store was lit with stories and laughter as the moon rose from its hiding. There was a story for every story, branching into different stories. There was enough until they were satiated and satisfied. 

When the energy turned solemnly quiet, they smiled in comfort and relief at the feeling of home. They are all home.

Keishin chose to break the silence to announce an important matter. For the volleyball team, that is.

"As you guys kinda know, Akane here has had her nightmares for more than a healthy span. I am glad to share a small victory that we have as a family." He paused to give Akane a look. 

She nodded and sat up straight, "I have decided to get professional therapy to address it. I am very thankful with your help, I won't ever forget your crazy dates with me. I will do my best to heal so I can be a better friend for everyone."

Everyone gasped and clapped after. They smiled encouragingly at the brave lady. 

"With that, I will announce her resignation from managerial duty. Since we don't have any matches for a while, it is effective immediately. As to her return, it will be up to her." Keishin smiled proudly at his niece. The break she deserved is finally served.

Hinata stood up and struck his chest, "I will also do my best in volleyball so when Akane returns to manage us, she will be prouder!"

The rest of the team held their breath at Hinata's statement and in one flawless chorus, they promised, "We will do our best, too!"

Akane smiled at them. She gets to work on herself now and she's in the hands of a professional. Things are looking bright from where she is at her life right now.

She slipped out to get some fresh air. Tsukishima noticed and excused himself. Takeda had to hold down Keishin as he tried to charge after the two.

"Hey, shortcake." Tsukishima called out.

Akane turned around, "Kei?"

"I'm happy for you." The golden-haired lad spoke but did not look at Akane. A blush smacked right at his face.

Akane hugged him, her heart feeling lighter, "Thank you so much for everything you did. I'm going to miss playing pretend with you. You were a fun actor."

Tsukishima's heart skipped a beat. The road was quiet and there was no danger lurking from the shadows of the night. It was peaceful both for them.

Akane enjoyed the feeling of being in Tsukishima's arms and the sight of the full moon.

"The moon is lovely, isn't it?"

With the gracious moonlight blessed by the celestial body over their head, Tsukishima broke free from the embrace and lifted Akane's chin. His eyes spoke before his lips ever could.

"It is, shortcake. Whatever happens from now on, take comfort by knowing that I am waiting and will wait for you under the moon."

Akane rested her heart from its guard and smiled up at the moon. The safety of the moon still holds true to her. It still looks out for her from afar. She turned to get back inside with Tsukishima behind her.

Her hand rested on the door as she heard the laughter of her family.

She had found herself a nest of crows and it became her home.