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

Chapter 22: Crows

𝖘𝖚𝖓𝖓𝖞𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖇𝖆𝖇𝖍𝖊'𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞
#121922
•••

⊂•Karasuno Training Camp•⊃

"Okay, everyone, settle all of your things down, and let's have dinner afterwards," Coach Ukai announced as practice came to a close.

The team members nodded in agreement.

Aeris is in the kitchen, with Kiyoko assisting her, while Takeda-sensei is setting the table.

Meanwhile, the Karasuno team is exploring the training camp building, with Hinata being particularly enthusiastic about the experience. Each member is occupied with their own interests.

𖤐 — ᡴꪫ ִ₊‧⁺˖๋࣭ ⭑ ᡴꪫ — ִ ࣪𖤐

⊂•An Hour Later•⊃

Takeda-sensei announces "dinner is ready"

Prompting everyone to quickly make their way downstairs to eat. Kiyoko, Aeris, and Takeda-sensei are busy preparing and serving the food.

"You should eat Kiyoko" Tanaka and Nishinoya encourage Kiyoko to eat first 

"Ah no I'll eat later, you guys should eat first" she politely declines. Tanaka insists and serves her a generous portion, 

"Ay you two monkeys stop botherin Kiyoko and eat your food" Aeris intervenes, scolding them playfully. 

The two teammates back off, feeling chastised.

𖤐 — ᡴꪫ ִ₊‧⁺˖๋࣭ ⭑ ᡴꪫ — ִ ࣪𖤐

⊂•After a messy dinner•⊃

Aeris takes charge and instructs everyone to wash up and be in their rooms with lights out by 11 PM. 

The team thanks Kiyoko, Aeris, and Takeda-sensei for the meal before heading to the baths.

Once the players have left, Aeris, Kiyoko, and Takeda-sensei reflect on the dinner chaos.

Aeris comments, "It feels like I'm feeding 100 toddlers," and both Kiyoko and Takeda-sensei agree.

Takeda-sensei suggests that Kiyoko and Aeris wash the dishes while he takes care of cleaning the dining area. 

The two women agree, and after finishing their kitchen duties, they head to their room to change and visit the sento.

In the bath, Aeris expresses how relaxing the experience is, and Kiyoko enjoys the warmth of the water. Aeris then muses, "So, this is what it feels like when you're a parent."

Confused, Kiyoko asks for clarification "What do you mean?"

Prompting Aeris to share a personal anecdote "I lived with my aunt for a year during my break from volleyball, and she has three kids. It was quite an experience."

As they soak in the bath, Aeris initiates a conversation "So.. why did you became a manger?"

Kiyoko leaned back in the soothing water, considering her response. "Well," she began, "it's quite simple, really. I've always loved watching and being around volleyball. When I saw the Karasuno volleyball team, I was inspired by their determination and teamwork. I wanted to be a part of that in any way I could. "

"How about you? Why did you became a volleyball player?" Kiyoko, now intrigued by Aeris' story, leaned in slightly as Aeris began to share her reasons for wanting to become a volleyball player.

"Well, it all started," Aeris began, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia, "when I was just a little girl. My dad and uncles were my heroes. They were amazing at volleyball, and I wanted to be just like them."

As Aeris spoke, she painted a vivid picture of her childhood memories in Kiyoko's mind. she continued, "whether it was at the local gym or our backyard. I watched every game, learned every rule, and tried to mimic their moves when no one was looking. Me, Tobio, our grandfather and Tobio's older sister Miwa-neechan used to teach him how to play"

Kiyoko listened intently, captivated by Aeris' heartfelt story.

"I played with various of people, and that how I met Coach Nekomata," Aeris recounted, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "The Nekoma coach invited my dad and uncles to play in a practice match against Nekoma High School."

Aeris' eyes sparkled with excitement as she described that fateful day.

"Imagine," she continued, "I was just a young girl, standing beside my father, my eyes wide with awe as I watched the Nekoma players"

Aeris' father explained to her the significance of the match, emphasizing its educational value.

"That day," Aeris said, her voice filled with emotion, "watching my dad and uncles play against Nekoma, I knew what I wanted. I wanted to play volleyball at that level, to feel the same rush they did on the court. That's why I started playing, and that's why I'm here now, giving it my all."

"And look what you've become," Kiyoko said. Aeris smiled, recognizing the significance of the connection between her friend and their revered coach.

Aeris, always curious and observant, couldn't help but notice a scar on Kiyoko's leg. With genuine curiosity and a hint of concern, she asked, "I don't want to be rude or anything, I just noticed, what's that scar on your leg?" Aeris's question made Kiyoko feel a little embarrassed, but she quickly reassured her, "I'm sorry, I—"

"It's fine," Kiyoko said, smiling warmly. She went on to explain the story behind the scar, describing how it had happened during her time as a hurdler.

Aeris, genuinely interested in Kiyoko's background, asked, "You were an athlete as well? Why did you stop?"

Kiyoko paused for a moment, hesitating before answering, "I just... I'm afraid of showing it. I'm also injured, and I've been trying my best to hide it, but you have good eyes." She chuckled lightly and made a self-deprecating joke. 

"Sorry, I'm nosy." Aeris, however, offered Kiyoko words of encouragement and support. "You're the first person who's seen it," Kiyoko admitted, her fingers gently tracing the scar on her leg.

Aeris looked at Kiyoko with empathy and shared a heartfelt perspective. "Every scar tells a story of resilience, determination, and growth. Don't hide your scars; wear them proudly as a testament to your journey as an athlete. Each scar represents a challenge you've faced and overcome, making you stronger and more skilled. Embrace your scars, for they are the proof of your dedication and the roadmaps to your success." Her words touched Kiyoko's heart, and she couldn't hold back her tears.

"I'm not like you," Kiyoko confessed. "I'm afraid and scared to show this to anyone."

Aeris shook her head gently, offering a comforting smile. "Hey, I didn't say that you'll show it to everyone. Right here, right now, I'm just saying that you shouldn't feel ashamed. Always be proud of yourself," she reassured her. Kiyoko's smile returned, appreciating Aeris's support.

Their conversation deepened, and the two continued to bond over their shared experiences and stories, learning more about each other during their time in the Sento. The warm atmosphere and shared vulnerability strengthened their connection, and they found solace in each other's presence.

« ֪ ׅ ֹ =͟͞ ♡
(sorry for the grammar and typos. I'll check it again after ;) please don't forget to comment and like my story)

— translation

▪︎ Sento (銭湯): Sento are public bathhouses in Japan. They offer a place for people to take baths and relax. Like onsen, sento also have gender-segregated bathing areas, usually labeled as "男湯" (men's bath) and "女湯" (women's bath). While sento water is not typically sourced from natural hot springs like onsen, it's still a popular and affordable option for bathing.