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

Chapter 58: Villager

𝖘𝖚𝖓𝖓𝖞𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖇𝖆𝖇𝖍𝖊'𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞
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⊂•Practice Match•⊃

The gym was abuzz with anticipation as both teams, Karasuno and Ogi Nishi High School, gathered on the court. Daichi, the team captain, stepped forward and called for everyone to line up, signaling that the practice match would begin shortly.

With determination in their eyes, both teams introduced themselves and exchanged respectful bows before heading to their respective benches to prepare for the match.

Aeris and Kiyoko, were busy making sure the players had everything they needed. They handed out water bottles to the players as they got ready for the game. As the Karasuno players started removing their shirts, Yachi couldn't help but feel a bit flustered.

"Sorry about that," Kiyoko said with a reassuring smile. "You just need to get used to it."

Yachi, feeling a bit embarrassed, covered her eyes. "Oh, okay."

Meanwhile, Hinata had accidentally put his shirt on backward, a fact that Aeris couldn't resist pointing out with a teasing tone. Her comment prompted laughter from Suga and Tanaka.

"Shoyo, honey, your shirt is backwards," Aeris said, earning a playful tease from Tanaka. "Baka."

Aeris handed out water bottles to the players, making sure everyone was ready. Tanaka expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thanks, Nanachan."

Suga also thanked her, saying, "Thanks, Ae-chan."

Aeris smiled warmly at the team. "You're all welcome."

As the players geared up and prepared for the match, Aeris briefly left to grab a towel. However, when she returned, she was taken aback by Asahi's new hairstyle. It was a surprising change, and she couldn't help but comment.

"Wow, Asahi, your new hairstyle looks great!" Aeris exclaimed.

Asahi, a bit self-conscious, asked, "Do I look good?"

Aeris playfully teased him, "Yeah, you look like a good samaritan," which elicited laughter from the team. She quickly added, "Just kidding, you look good, you look clean."

Tsukishima couldn't resist making a remark about Tanaka's shirtless appearance. "Tanaka-san, are you going to play the whole game without a shirt?"

Aeris joined in, urging Tanaka to wear his shirt. "Ryu, you look like a caveman, go wear your shirt."

Coach Ukai, having overheard the exchange, called Aeris over to sit with him. "Aeris, sit with me."

Aeris nodded and replied, "Okay, Coach. I'll just distribute these towels."

As the game continued on the court, Coach Ukai, Takeda-sensei, and Aeris engaged in a discussion about Karasuno's strategy. Their voices were hushed as they analyzed the team's performance and planned their next moves.

₊˚⊹ ᰔ

Meanwhile, Yachi, who was still relatively new to the world of volleyball, turned to Kiyoko with a curious expression. "Kiyoko-san, may I ask, why is Aeris-san over there with the coaches?"

Kiyoko, who had been watching the game intently, turned to Yachi and explained, "Well, Ae-chan used to be a volleyball coach for this team. She's incredibly knowledgeable about the game. She usually writes down all of the team's movements and gives Coach Ukai suggestions about Karasuno's strategy, which is a huge help."

Yachi was impressed by Aeris's involvement with the team. "Wow, that's amazing. Aeris-san is so cool. I like her."

Kiyoko smiled warmly, sharing her admiration. "Me too. She's a good friend."

₊˚⊹ ᰔ

As the practice match concluded, the visiting Ogi Nishi High School team bid their farewells and boarded their bus. Takeda-sensei, Coach Ukai, and Aeris walked them out to the bus stop to exchange goodbyes.

Once they returned to the gym, the Karasuno team was engaged in a conversation that caught Aeris's attention. Asahi began by saying, "I was a horse once."

Aeris, perplexed by the statement, inquired, "A what? What are you guys talking about?"

Tsukishima, with a hint of amusement in his voice, clarified, "They're talking about a villager, a horse, and a moon."

Aeris couldn't help but make a playful comment. "Are you guys cosplaying Minecraft?"

The mention of "Minecraft" left Asahi and some others puzzled, but they quickly moved on.

Hinata took a more thoughtful approach. "Well, Yachi-san here is really shy about everything. She's always underestimating herself. I told her that every villager can be a main character."

Aeris was genuinely proud of Hinata's encouragement. "Wow, I am sincerely proud of you, Shoyo. But that's true, Yachi, you're unique in your own ways. If you just go beyond your box, there's a lot of things to see, whether you're a villager, a horse, or a moon. You'll see different perspectives if you just follow your heart," Aeris said with a warm smile.

Yachi was deeply touched by Aeris's words of encouragement and gratitude. "Thank you, Aeris-san. I am truly grateful."

In a spontaneous moment, Aeris gave Yachi a wink, which caught her by surprise and left her feeling a little flustered. Aeris couldn't help but laugh at Yachi's reaction, appreciating the sincerity of their interaction.

Realizing the time, Aeris suddenly exclaimed, "Oh shoot, what time is it?"

Suga checked his watch and replied, "It's 4:30 PM."

Aeris gasped, realizing she was running late. "Dayum, I'm late. I should get going. Tatsuya's gonna be mad at me."

Aeris quickly gathered her bag, bid farewell to Takeda-sensei, Coach Ukai, and the Karasuno team, and hurried off to her next commitment—the dance club.

₊˚⊹ ᰔ

Curious, Yachi turned to the others and asked, "Where is she going?"

Hinata enthusiastically explained, "Dance club!"

Yachi was surprised. "Wait? She has another club? Wow."

Asahi chimed in, "She has two more, actually. Dance club and Karasuno Girls' Volleyball club."

Yachi couldn't hide her amazement. "Eh? How did she do that? She's a volleyball player as well?"

Hinata grinned, "Yeah! We don't know how she manage. She helps here, in the dance club, helps us study, and she's part of the girls' volleyball team."

Yachi was truly impressed. "Wow! Starting now, I am a fan of Aeris-san. I'll look up to her."

Hinata joined in, sharing his admiration. "Me too."

Aeris's dedication to both her clubs and her willingness to support others had left a lasting impression on Yachi and Hinata. The bond between the team and their managers, especially Aeris, continued to strengthen, as they all looked up to her as an inspiration.

₊˚⊹ ᰔ

« ֪ ׅ ֹ =͟͞ ♡
𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗗.
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺, 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 ♡

— sidenote
• 2 chapters in a day