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

Chapter 21: Nekoma

𝖘𝖚𝖓𝖓𝖞𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖇𝖆𝖇𝖍𝖊'𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞
#110223
•••

Aeris had been settling into Miyagi for a few weeks now. Her new school, the new neighborhood, and even the volleyball team were starting to feel comfortable. Things were going surprisingly well. She had started forming a routine, made a few friends, and even found little corners of the city she liked to explore. Yet, despite the smooth transition, life still felt a bit busy.

One afternoon during lunch, a couple of her friends leaned over, their eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Hey, there's this really cute café nearby," Reika said. "And there's this guy—he seems super nice. Want to check it out?"

Aeris shook her head quickly, a faint smile on her face. "I can't... I have volleyball practice," she said, almost apologetically.

Saeko frowned slightly. "You've been really busy lately. You never hang out with us anymore."

Aeris felt a pang of guilt. "I know, I know," she said, trying to sound convincing. "I really will make time. I just... volleyball is kind of all over the place right now. The team's trying to get everything sorted, and I have to help."

They exchanged glances and sighed, clearly disappointed, but Aeris quickly added, "But I promise—Friday or Sunday, I'll go with you. Pick either day, and I'll be there. I swear."

Her friends' expressions softened. "Okay," one of them said. They went back to their lunch, chatting and laughing, and Aeris felt a little lighter, glad to have reassured them even if her schedule remained hectic.

After classes that day, Aeris and Tanaka headed straight to the gym. As they walked in, Aeris waved at a few familiar faces. "Hey, what's up, guys? How's it going?"

They waved back and shouted casual greetings. She smiled at their enthusiasm, feeling the faint pride of belonging somewhere again.

Soon, Coach Okai called the team together. "Alright, everyone. Settle down. I have an announcement."

The gym quieted down as the team gathered around.

"We're going to have a practice match with Nekoma."

"Really?" Narita raised an eyebrow.

"That's good. We actually got an invitation from Tokyo," Ennoshita added.

"Wow... so you believe him, but I'm the one who gets accused of stalking?" Takeda-sensei said, half–offended, half-amused.

Everyone burst into laughter.

"I mean... where's the lie?" Asahi said, trying not to smile.

Aeris froze for a moment. Nekoma? She had played against them before, back in her old town, but the name brought a swirl of memories she hadn't expected to revisit.

She hesitated, her brow furrowing. "Do I... have to go?" she asked, uncertainty creeping into her voice.

One of her teammates raised an eyebrow. "Why would it be awkward?"

Aeris took a deep breath. "It's... my dad and uncle used to play there. I've been there a lot. It's just... it feels weird. I don't know, it's like... it's a mellow sort of place for me, personal memories and all. I guess it's just hard to explain."

Coach Okai nodded, giving her a small, understanding look. "Ah, that makes sense. But it'll be good experience. You'll manage."

Hinata, always eager, perked up. "Wait—your father went to Nekoma? So, are you from Nekoma too?"

Aeris laughed lightly, a little embarrassed. "Hinata... I already told you. I'm from Takenodai. Don't worry."

Hinata blinked, realization dawning. "Oh... right! I forgot. Sorry about that."

Kei, never one to hold back, muttered something under his breath. Aeris caught it and let out a soft chuckle.

Hinata didn't hear it, and Kei just shrugged, muttering, "What? I didn't say anything."

"Before that, I need consent from your parents for you to stay overnight at the Karasuno training camp," Takeda-sensei said.

Aeris helped hand out the forms, and the team nodded as they took them.

« ֪ ׅ ֹ =͟͞ ♡ 𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗗.