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

Chapter 73: Memories To Cherish

𝖘𝖚𝖓𝖓𝖞𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖇𝖆𝖇𝖍𝖊'𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞
#110523
•••

Bokuto was the first one to break the quiet of the late afternoon, practically exploding with excitement the moment he saw Karasuno gathered around the grill. His voice echoed across the open field. "Karasuno! You guys are crazy on the court! I love it!"

Hinata shot up straight like he'd been plugged into an outlet. "You too, Bokuto-san! Your spikes are insane!" His admiration was loud enough that even Kageyama nudged him to tone it down.

Suguru from Nohebi strolled over with a lazy grin, hands stuffed in his pockets. "You know, we've got a few tricks of our own," he said casually.

Kuroo leaned in like a cat about to pounce. "Tricks? Now that sounds interesting. Want to share?"

Suguru smirked, tapping his chin. "We could tell you... but then we'd have to use them against you."

The small crowd of players burst into laughter, and the comfortable noise of four different volleyball teams blended into the soft crackling of the grill. The scent of sizzling meat drifted through the air, mixing with shouts, teasing, and the clatter of tongs flipping food.

Aeris moved between groups with practiced ease, carrying plates, passing drinks, and checking on the food. She enjoyed gatherings like this—loud, chaotic, full of energy that made her feel alive.

"You guys need more meat?" she called out, already grabbing extra servings.

"Thank you, Aeris-san," Akaashi said politely while Bokuto offered a thumbs-up with a full mouth.

"You all better eat a lot," Aeris teased. "This is the only time I'll let you eat more than humanly possible."

A few of the Fukurodani boys laughed at that, shaking their heads as they accepted whatever she handed them.

When she was sure no one was going to starve—or fall into the grill—Aeris returned to where Yukie and Kaori were preparing vegetables. Their cutting board was already piled with chopped onions, and Kaori's eyes were watery enough to make it look like she'd just watched a tragic romance movie.

"You okay, Kaochan?" Aeris asked, chuckling at the dramatic scene.

Kaori sniffed loudly, wiping tears with the back of her wrist. "Help—Aechan, help," she whined, her voice cracking.

Aeris's smile faded when she noticed how Kaori's desperate rubbing made the knife wobble dangerously in her hand. "Kaochan, careful! You're holding a knife—hey—"

Kaori gasped, startled, and the knife slipped from her fingers.

Without thinking, Aeris reached out and snatched the falling blade midair.

"Aechan! Don't catch the knife!" Mako shouted at the exact moment Aeris realized she'd been an idiot.

A thin cut opened across her palm. It wasn't severe, but the sting hit fast.

"AHHHHHHH!" all three girls yelled at once—Kaori out of guilt, Yukie out of shock, and Aeris out of pain and pure regret for her life choices.

The cry attracted everyone nearby. Heads turned, voices rose, and in seconds players from all four schools hurried toward them.

Coach Ukai stared at Aeris like she had just confessed to eating the volleyballs. "Who in the world is stupid enough to catch a knife?"

Kaori broke into fresh tears. "I'm so—so sorry, Aechan!"

"I'm the one who grabbed it," Aeris said, attempting a brave smile. "It's okay."

Aeris honestly didn't want a crowd watching her bleed, but she couldn't stop the chaos. And somehow, while Kaori panicked and Mako kept saying "WHY would you do that?", Aeris lifted her good hand behind her back and discreetly took a quick video of the chaos—everyone's shocked faces, Bokuto flailing, Hinata hovering like a worried bird.