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

Chapter 23: Uniform

𝖘𝖚𝖓𝖓𝖞𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖇𝖆𝖇𝖍𝖊'𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞
#070823
•••

On the second day of Karasuno's training camp, Aeris and Kiyoko were already fully absorbed in their roles as team managers. Morning arrived with a heavy list of tasks—preparing breakfast, sorting laundry, organizing equipment, and making sure the boys didn't forget anything essential before practice.

Even with the chaos of players running around, the sound of shoes squeaking across the gym floor, and the occasional crash of a volleyball hitting something it wasn't supposed to, the two girls worked in a quiet, comfortable rhythm. They had only known each other for a short time, but their teamwork felt natural.

By noon, after a long stretch of errands, they headed to a small local shop where the team ordered their uniforms every year. The small bell over the door chimed as they entered.

"Ah, Kiyoko-chan, Aeris-chan," Tomiko-san, the elderly shop owner, greeted them warmly. "The new uniforms are all ready."

She handed the neatly packed sets across the counter. Aeris and Kiyoko bowed in unison, thanking her sincerely before stepping back outside. The heat hit them instantly—dry, bright, and a little exhausting.

As they walked down the quiet street, Aeris glanced at the bags in their hands. "Should we buy some Gatorade for the boys?" she asked casually.

Kiyoko blinked, almost startled. "Eh? We don't really... have funds for that."

Aeris tilted her head. "The school doesn't fund the volleyball team?"

Kiyoko let out a small sigh, as if this was a topic she had explained too many times. "No. Not really. The team doesn't have any sponsors yet, so... most things come out of pocket. We try to manage with what we have."

Aeris nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of that. But instead of looking discouraged, she smiled with quiet determination.

"Then it's fine," she said confidently. "I'll take care of it."

Kiyoko's eyes widened. "Eh? But that's your allowance. You might end up with nothing left."

"It's okay," Aeris replied, waving off her worry. "Just don't tell anyone. Let's keep it between us."

"Aeris..." Kiyoko hesitated, unsure. She admired Aeris's generosity, but she didn't want her to feel pressured.

"Don't ask too many questions," Aeris said with a playful grin, already turning toward the nearest convenience store. "Come on."

Kiyoko followed, though her steps were hesitant. Aeris was unpredictable sometimes—kind, stubborn, and impulsive in a way that was difficult to argue with. It was frustrating, but in an oddly comforting way.

Inside the store, they made their way through the aisles, picking out drinks, energy bars, rice balls, and a few snacks for themselves. Aeris carried the heavier basket, brushing off Kiyoko's attempts to switch.

"They're all practicing so hard," Aeris murmured while checking expiration dates. "They deserve something good. And besides, it's hot today."

Kiyoko watched her for a moment before responding. "You didn't have to do this."

Aeris glanced at her with a small smile. "Yeah. But I want to."

After paying, they stepped back outside with two large bags in hand. The sun was lower now, casting long shadows across the road. Aeris whistled for a passing cab, and one stopped almost immediately.

Aeris and Kiyoko finally returned to the Karasuno training camp, both carrying heavy plastic bags that rustled with every step. The sun had dipped just enough to soften the heat, but they were still tired from the long day of errands.