Everything has changed

Chapter 23: Growing Up

Time had passed swiftly.

The world had moved forward, and so had Yachi. The once timid, shy girl from Karasuno was now a university student, living in the hustle and bustle of campus life. It was strange, really, how much had changed in such a short time. Sometimes, it felt as though it had all happened in the blink of an eye-those days at Karasuno, the friendships, the laughter, the triumphs and losses. They were now just memories, warm but distant. Now, she was carving out her own path, one that was uniquely hers.

University life had its own rhythm, a steady beat that kept her busy. She had chosen to pursue a degree in graphic design, following in her mother's footsteps, although she often found herself wondering if she was truly living up to the legacy Madoka Yachi had built in the design world. It was a career path that had always felt natural to her-she had spent years growing up surrounded by her mother's work, watching her bring ideas to life with nothing more than her creativity and determination. But now, as Yachi started to find her footing in her own design projects, the pressure of following in those footsteps sometimes felt overwhelming.

She had quickly found her rhythm in university, balancing her studies, internships, and social life. She'd thrown herself into her coursework, pushing herself to learn everything she could. But there was always that quiet nagging feeling in the back of her mind-could she really do this? Was she good enough? She didn't know if it was imposter syndrome or just her usual self-doubt, but it had become something she battled with regularly.

Still, she moved forward. She had made new friends in university, people who didn't know her as the shy girl from Karasuno. With them, she was just Yachi-the ambitious student working towards her dreams. Her friends were kind, supportive, and understanding, But sometimes, when she missed the people she had once called family, she found herself retreating into her memories of Karasuno and the others.

The old friends-the ones who had meant the world to her, and still did, even from a distance. She had kept in touch with Hinata, of course, who was always full of energy and excitement, even years later. He'd send her updates about his life, his new volleyball team, and all the challenges that came with it. She had also heard from Kageyama, who was quieter as always but still shared the occasional message or call. They were both doing well in their respective paths, and Yachi was proud of them, though she missed the days when they had all been together, just trying to make their dreams come true.

Yachi was happy in the present, but sometimes she wondered if things would have turned out differently if she had said what was on her mind when she had the chance.

But for now, she focused on the present- on the last year of studies, her last projects, and her friendships. She had job interviews lined up for the summer, opportunities to dive deeper into the world of graphic design. She was excited but also nervous.

She didn't have everything figured out yet, and she didn't need to. She was learning to trust herself more, to let go of the fears that had held her back in the past. Maybe one day, she would find herself working for a big design firm, or maybe she'd strike out on her own. Whatever happened, she was determined to make it happen, just like her mother had.

But for now, it was enough to focus on her studies and the friendships that continued to shape her. She knew she wasn't the same girl who had nervously walked into that training camp years ago. She had changed, grown, and matured in ways she couldn't even put into words.

And maybe, just maybe, she would cross paths with the people from her past again. She could only hope. But for now, she was okay with where she was-on her own, carving out her own future.

And as she walked through the bustling campus, the sun shining down on her, she couldn't help but smile. The world was wide, and her journey had only just begun.

---

After months of competing and hard work, Yachi had finally secured a job at a graphic design company in the heart of Tokyo, a bustling city where creativity and innovation were paramount. The company had made a name for itself by handling high-profile orders from various organizations within the sports industry. From designing promotional material for sports teams to creating dynamic branding campaigns, it was clear that the company's focus was on bringing a competitive edge to its clients through striking visuals and bold designs.

In the beginning, Yachi struggled to find her footing. The fast-paced environment, coupled with the high expectations of her colleagues and clients, had felt overwhelming. She often found herself questioning whether she belonged in such a dynamic setting. But as the months passed, Yachi grew more accustomed to the rhythm of her new role. She learned to navigate the pressure, refining her design skills and gaining the confidence to contribute her ideas during team meetings. Her colleagues, noticing her quiet determination, began to offer more guidance and support, helping her settle into her place within the team.

Now, nearly a year into her position, Yachi had become a familiar face in the office. She no longer shied away from discussions but instead actively participated, offering her own unique perspectives on design projects. Despite the occasional moments of doubt, she had proven to herself that she could thrive in the creative world she had always aspired to join. Her work was beginning to be recognized, not only by her colleagues but by the clients who trusted her to bring their visions to life. It was no longer just a job; it was the beginning of a promising career.

---

The glow of the early morning sun streamed through the large windows of the design studio, casting soft light on the sleek, modern furniture that filled the space. The quiet hum of computers and the low murmur of conversation were the backdrop to the bustling energy that had become routine for Yachi. It had only been a few months since she started working at the graphic design company, but every day felt like a new opportunity to prove herself.

Her phone buzzed on the desk, a small, unassuming vibration that nonetheless sent her heart racing. Yachi's fingers hesitated for a moment before picking it up, her eyes scanning the email that had come through. It was from her boss, Miho Iwakura.

**"Yachi, I have some exciting news. The Japanese Volleyball Association is hosting a charity event in three months, and they've asked for your help with the marketing design. We've been booked for the project. This will be a great opportunity for you to get more involved with the field and improve your communication with clients. I want you to be fully immersed in this, so please be prepared for an intensive schedule."**

Yachi reread the email, her pulse quickening with excitement and a tinge of nervousness. The Japanese Volleyball Association-the very name sent a thrill through her. This was the kind of project that could put her name on the map, one that could define her career. But with the excitement also came the weight of responsibility. It wasn't just a casual job; it was a three-month commitment, and the stakes were high.

She quickly typed a reply, her fingers trembling slightly.

**"Thank you! I'm so excited for this opportunity. I will make sure to give my best effort."**

Yachi set the phone down and took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. This was the moment she'd been waiting for, the moment where everything she had learned so far would be put to the test. The volleyball community, with its fierce competition and intense passion, was about to become her new reality