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

Chapter 63: Tokyo

𝖘𝖚𝖓𝖓𝖞𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖇𝖆𝖇𝖍𝖊'𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞
#110223
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The hum of the engine filled the bus as it rolled steadily toward Tokyo. Coach Ukai and Takeda-sensei took turns at the wheel, switching seats during the occasional stop.

Most of the Karasuno boys were asleep or half-asleep, sprawled across seats in the clumsiest positions possible. Aeris, who had insisted on sitting in the middle of the bus for "balance," stirred awake with a stiff groan, rubbing the back of her neck as sunlight spilled through the window.

She reached forward, trying to grab her bag from the overhead rack, but the bus rattled and she struggled. Suga, whose eyes had been open the whole time, leaned over with a soft smile.

"You want your bag?"

Aeris lowered her hands, embarrassed. "Sorry for waking you up."

"Nah, it's okay. I couldn't sleep anyway."

She studied him for a moment. His shoulders were tense, eyes unfocused, fingers tapping anxiously against his knee. "You nervous?" she asked. "Why are you guys nervous? It's just a practice match."

Suga let out a breath. "I don't know. Maybe because we might lose again... or maybe it's the pressure of trying to carry the team. We're getting better, but I don't know what to do sometimes, Ae-chan. It feels like I'm filled to the brim with anxiety."

Aeris softened. She knew that feeling far too well.

"You know, Koshi," she said gently, "I've told you guys over and over — volleyball isn't a one-man show. When you play as individuals, the game always punishes you. Trust me, I know. I used to play like I was the only one who mattered. And because of that, I messed up more than I helped."

Suga turned to her, really listening now.

"When I joined the Karasuno Girls' Volleyball Team," Aeris continued, "I realized the weight of past defeats can feel heavier than anything else. It makes you scared of repeating mistakes, scared of disappointing people. But that vulnerability — that fear — it's also where you find strength. It's what pushes you to rise again."

Suga blinked at her, stunned. "Why are you wiser than me?"

Aeris shrugged in mock pride. "Because I'm older than you, obviously."

"That so?" he laughed. "What year were you born?"

"Ninety-four. February."

"Oh." Suga chuckled. "You really are older than me."

Aeris flicked his forehead. "Now bow to me."

He bowed exaggeratedly. "Thank you, great-sensei."

They both laughed, and the tension in Suga's shoulders eased, even just a little.

"Thanks," he said more softly. "For real."

Aeris reached out and squeezed his hand. "Always."

Their conversation faded into a quiet, comforting silence. The rhythmic motion of the bus lulled them both to sleep, Suga leaning slightly against the window and Aeris leaning slightly toward him without noticing.

Some time later, Aeris felt someone nudging her shoulder.

"Ae-chan," Suga whispered. "We're here."

She sat up, blinking groggily. "Ugh... my neck hurts. My whole body hurts." She stretched as she stepped out of the bus, squinting at the early morning brightness. "Good morning, everyone."