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

Chapter 55: Yachi

𝖘𝖚𝖓𝖓𝖞𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖇𝖆𝖇𝖍𝖊'𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞
#110223
•••

The school campus buzzed with an uneasy kind of quiet—the kind that settled in when final examinations were close enough to touch. Students hunched over textbooks, flashcards, and hastily written notes, their lunch breaks turning into makeshift study sessions.

At a table near the courtyard, five friends formed a loose circle, lunchboxes opened but mostly ignored.

Reiko slumped forward dramatically, her forehead resting on her notebook. "I don't even know who I am anymore. Or what day it is."

"Same," Saeko mumbled, rubbing her eyes. "I swear I didn't sleep at all last night."

Airi glanced at the person beside her—a girl curled up on her folded arms, breathing softly. "Poor Aeris," she said, lowering her voice. "She must be exhausted. Should we wake her?"

Aeris had fallen asleep the moment their last morning class ended, her head dropping onto the desk with zero hesitation. Between cramming for exams, attending dance club practices, and training with the volleyball team, even she couldn't keep up with everything. Sleep had become a luxury.

Koharu arrived, sliding into the empty space beside Reiko. "Hey, guys."

"Hey," the others greeted.

Koharu blinked when she noticed the sleeping girl. "Aeris is still knocked out?"

"Yeah," Reiko said. "Just let her sleep for twenty minutes. She barely rests these days."

Airi opened her bento. "Should we start eating?"

Saeko nodded. "Yeah. Slowly. Maybe she'll wake up on her own."

Minutes later, Saeko gently shook Aeris's shoulder. "Aeris... wake up. Lunchtime's almost over."

Aeris stirred, stretching her arms with a small groan. A sudden jolt of pain made her wince.

"You okay?" Koharu asked, concerned.

"Yeah," Aeris muttered. "Just a headache. Did you guys already eat?"

"Already started," Reiko replied. "C'mon, eat something."

Aeris opened her lunch while the conversation shifted to exams and summer plans.

"So after exams, what's everyone doing?" Airi asked between bites.

"For me?" Aeris straightened slightly, trying to look more awake. "There's a dance competition."

"Really?" Airi's eyes brightened. "When?"

"Not sure yet. But it's in Tokyo."

"Tokyo?" Airi gasped. "I want to watch!"

Koharu perked up. "My family and I will be in Tokyo this summer anyway—to visit my cousin. Maybe we can all go together."

"Just tell us the date once you find out," Airi said firmly.

Aeris smiled. "I will, promise."

The bell eventually rang, pulling them back to reality. After classes ended, Aeris made a beeline to the dance studio, barely giving herself time to breathe.

They practiced until sweat dripped down their backs, Tatsuya calling out corrections and encouragements. When the routine ended, he clapped once. "Good job, everyone. See you tomorrow."

The members bowed politely. "Minasan, otsukaresama deshita. Yoi ichinichi o sugoshi te kudasai," they said before dispersing.

Aeris grabbed her bag and jogged out. "Bye, guys! See you tomorrow!"

She didn't slow down until she reached the gym. Bursting through the doors, she spun once—dramatically, almost theatrically. "Hey, guys! I'm here!"

Kiyoko smiled. "Aeris-chan, finally."

"Kiyoko-chan!" Aeris high-fived her, still catching her breath.

"So," Kiyoko said, a hint of excitement in her tone. "I have good news. I found our new manager."

Aeris's eyes widened. "Seriously? Finally! Who is it?"

"Yachi-chan!" Kiyoko called.

A small, nervous-looking girl approached them. "This is Hitoka Yachi."

Yachi bowed politely. Aeris bowed back. "Konnichiwa! I'm Kageyama Aeris."

"Konnichiwa, Kageyama-san..." Yachi said shyly.

"No need for formalities," Aeris said. "Just call me Aeris."

"Or Nanachan," Hinata yelled from the court.

"Yeah, that works too," Aeris added with a laugh.

Coach Ukai blew his whistle. "Alright! Warm up! Let's get to practice!"

The boys scrambled into position, and Kiyoko turned to the new manager. "Okay, Yachi-san. Today, you'll just observe what we do."

Yachi nodded, clearly nervous but eager.

Aeris stood beside her. "Being a manager is kind of like being the nervous system of a body," she explained. "We coordinate everything behind the scenes so the team can function smoothly. It's not glamorous, but it's important."

"We support the players so they can focus on improving," Kiyoko added. "You'll get used to it."

The game heated up quickly, balls flying across the court with speed that made Yachi jump.

"Yachi-chan! Ball!" Aeris shouted.

Yachi froze—but Hinata darted in, saving the stray ball before it hit her.

"Nice save, Hinata!" Suga praised.

Aeris and Kiyoko checked on Yachi. "You okay?" Aeris asked gently.

"I—I'm fine," Yachi said, pressing a hand to her chest. "That was scary... but kind of cool. I've never seen volleyball up close."

"Don't worry," Kiyoko said. "You'll get used to their chaos."

"Yeah," Aeris added, watching the boys. "They've improved so much. It's actually kind of inspiring."

"Cute! They're smiling," Tanaka teased, overhearing them.

"I love girl talk!" Nishinoya chimed in.

"Back in position, you wild clouds!" Coach Ukai barked, and the boys immediately scrambled.

Yachi glanced between Aeris and Kiyoko. "They've... improved?"

Kiyoko nodded. "Back then—even before our third-years—we were one of the powerhouse schools. But things fell apart for a while. We struggled."

"And now?" Yachi asked.

"Now we're rising again," Kiyoko said. "Thanks to Coach Ukai... Takeda-sensei... and Aeris-chan."

"E-Eris-san?" Yachi blinked.

Aeris, unaware of the praise, was busy receiving a fast serve flawlessly, sending it back with determination.

Kiyoko smiled softly. "She's been with the team since the slump. She works hard, helps organize, and pushes everyone to do better. Honestly... she helped this team find its rhythm again."

"Nice receive, Nanachan!" Nishinoya yelled from across the court.

Aeris shot him a quick thumbs-up, her breathing heavy but her grin bright.

Watching the players dive, jump, laugh, and shout, Yachi finally relaxed a little. The chaotic energy was intimidating—but also strangely warm.

"Welcome to Karasuno," Aeris told Yachi, turning to her with a steady, reassuring smile. "It's messy. But you'll love it here."

And for the first time since stepping into the gym, Yachi believed she actually might.

« ֪ ׅ ֹ =͟͞ ♡ 𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗗.

— sidenote
; yes there are two Saeko, Tanaka's sister and Aeris's classmate