𝟭. 𝙃𝙀𝙍 𝙎𝙄𝘿𝙀 𝙊𝙁 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙍𝙔 || 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐤𝐲𝐮𝐮 [✔]

Chapter 17: Nishinoya & Asahi

𝖘𝖚𝖓𝖓𝖞𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖇𝖆𝖇𝖍𝖊'𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞
#092323
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The next day at Karasuno High School, the atmosphere felt different—tense, almost electric. News of the team's loss to Aoba Johusai had spread like wildfire, and everywhere Aeris looked, whispers and sideways glances followed in the wake of their defeat. The team carried the weight of disappointment like a heavy cloak, and it was clear that the school's morale had taken a hit as well.

As Aeris walked through the crowded hallways, she overheard snippets of conversation.

"I can't believe Karasuno lost so badly."

"Yeah, they really need to step up their game."

"Aren't the embarrassing, the club should disband."

"They're nothing without their ace. He's just a shorty, after all."

Each word felt like a poke to the pride she had already started to feel for the team. Aeris's chest tightened, her fists clenching involuntarily. She could not stand the thought of her new teammates being dismissed, their hard work reduced to gossip. Without thinking, she stepped forward, her voice sharp and unwavering.

"Hey—watch your mouth," she said firmly, her eyes locking on the students whispering and pointing. "Don't underestimate them. They fought hard out there. You can talk all you want, but until you step onto that court and do what they do, maybe save your judgment for your own shortcomings."

The hallway fell silent. A few students shifted uneasily, surprised by her outburst. Aeris didn't pause; she wasn't done. She straightened her shoulders and met their skeptical gazes head-on.

Behind her, Reika, Saeko, and Airi, who had been trailing quietly, stepped up as well.

"She's right," Reika said, her voice calm but firm. "These boys have been working tirelessly. You don't see the hours they put in, the sweat, the effort—it's not something you can just judge from the outside."

Saeko nodded, adding, "And they've got the heart of champions. Don't count them out just because they lost one match. It's just the beginning. They're learning, growing. That matters more than this one game."

The students, caught off guard, exchanged uneasy glances. They hadn't expected this kind of defense from someone new, and it seemed to catch them off balance. Slowly, the judgmental looks faded. A few shrugged, muttering apologies, while others simply turned and walked away, the whispers dying down.

Aeris watched them go, the tension in her shoulders finally easing. She let out a soft sigh, shaking her head slightly. "I've only just transferred here, and I'm already picking fights," she murmured to herself, a small, wry smile tugging at her lips. She realized the irony of it all—new school, new students, and already stepping into a role she hadn't planned on: protector of the underdogs.

Later that day, as Aeris walked through the bustling hallways of Karasuno High, she noticed a small crowd forming near the lockers. Curiosity piqued, she moved closer and spotted Tobio and Hinata deep in what looked like a heated conversation with another student.

"Come on, Asahi-san!" Hinata was saying, bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet. "You're really tall, and your spikes are amazing! You can totally help us practice blocks better!"

Tobio added, his tone more insistent than harsh, "Yeah, Asahi-san, we really need you! Your hits are perfect for us to train against!"

The student looked flustered, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "Well, I... I suppose I can help sometimes," he said, "but I've got my own practice to focus on too..."