>>>>>>>Mizuki's POV>>>>>>>

"......"

"...(stuttering)..."

I was just walking down the hallways, when Kakugawa's libero was forcibly pushed by two of his teammates when they saw me.

"...Um..."

"Y-yes!"

"Is there something you need?"

"Ah, hai!" He swiftly takes out a square-board and marker.

FWIP!

"Eh?" He bows while pushing the items towards me.

"Please sign this for me!"

"...O-Oh...is that all?"

"Hai! I'm a huge fan, Illusive Deity-san!"

"...Ahaha...sure. I be glad to."

I take the marker and sign my name.

Scribble-Scribble

"There you go." I give back the marker and he smiles with glee.

"And thanks for playing with my team. You guys did great out there."

"T-Thank you very much!"

Ping!

I read the text from Daichi.

'Looks like everyone's heading outside.'

"I have to go, now. It was nice meeting you, Minamida-kun."

"M-Me too!"

He bows to me and runs off. I then take out my phone to call our coach.

"...Ah, Keishin...yeah, I'm on my way. Sure thing...alright then."

After I hang up, I was turning around when...

Bump!

"Oh/Ah!"

I accidentally knock into Nishinoya.

"Sorry, Yuu. I didn't see you there...uh...you okay?"

He was gaping like a wide-eyed fish gasping for air.

"Uh...Yuu?"

FWIP!

"!?"

"I'M SO SORRY, SENPAI!"

All of a sudden, he gets on his knees and bows with his hands folded.

"W-Wait, what are you talking about?"

"How could I have been so blind! After all this time..."

He lifts his head, revealing the tears flowing down his cheeks.

"Why didn't I realize you were the I knew you were famous, but I should've recognized a libero legend! Please forgive me, Mizuki-san~~!!"

"...Ah, geez..." I awkwardly rub the back of my neck.

Back when I was attending Satoshi and Masaki's volleyball classes, even before middle school, I was already making a name for myself as a skilled libero. At least, that's what the spectators were saying. One thing led to another and that's how I became 'Illusive Deity.' I guess I was too focused on playing that titles like that didn't matter to me. And they still don't.

"Again, sorry Yuu...but I just assumed that, you know...you already knew."

I lift him back up and dust his shoulders.

"If it makes you feel any better, why don't I make you some homecooked lunch meals for a month. Sounds fair?"

Yuu quickly wipes his tears and grins with gratitude.

"Thank you, senpai! I'll eat every last one of them! Not a single crumb will be left behind!"

I laugh while ruffling his hair.

"I like your enthusiasm, but try not to get a food coma."

Eventually, we meet up with our friends outside the gym.

"Hey, guys."

"Hey. Are we ready to go?"

"Shoyo and Shimizu are still inside."

"Okay, well, I'm gonna tell Keishin to start th---"

"Huh/Eh?"

Everyone turns to the entrance when someone yells.

"Uh..."

But when I see who it was, my natural defense mechanism kicks in. In the middle of his friends was that blond with the spiky-undercut hairstyle and small tuff over his forehead. His visible black-studs on his ears and pierced-silver-stud-tongue that gapes as big as his almond eyes.

"M-My..."

I slowly back away when he makes that stupid grin.

FWOOM!

I do a straight-kick to his gut. He stumbles back and weakly grins.

"Ha...haha...it is you. I know that famous kick anywhere."

"What is your problem?! Don't go charging in like that!"

"Mi-zu-ki~!"

He instantly hugs me while lifting me up.

"H-Hey! Let go!"

I struggle to break free but to no avail. Dammit, he recovers way too fast!

"I missed you, my honey~!"

"What the hell are you doing to our precious senpai!?"

"You bastard!"

"I heard you were here, so I came to say hi!"

"(Unison)Listen, you!"

I push his face and jump back to escape. I fix my jacket and huff.

"I swear, Yuji, sometimes you are such a nuisance."

"I love it when you're being cold," he coos, "makes me wanna chase after you even more!"

"Pervert—don't even...wait..."

That's when I realize something.

"Yu~ji~..."

"Eek!"

I flex my fingers before curling them into a fist.

"You looked really smug when you came out of the gym just now," I mumble, "did you and Bobata by any chance harass a girl into giving up her number?"

"(Whispers) Your intuition is so great, it's scary."

"Ugh....you guys haven't changed at all."

"Um..." Daichi and Asahi approach me from behind.

"Do you know him?"

"That's Terushima Yuji from Johzenji High. He's younger than me, so he's a second-year student. Before I went to America, we used to go to the same junior high."

[Just assume and cause it's my story 😋]

"I'm also Mizuki's future—"

"Not gonna happen."

"Why~?!"

"Puwahaha! Rejected again~!" Bobata was laughing his butt off like usual.

"He may flirt with other girls, but when it comes to Hinata-san..."

"He's like a stray puppy following her everywhere. I don't know why he bothers trying to impress her."

"It's kinda hilarious."

"I can hear you!"

Looking over my shoulder, I notice Nishinoya and Tanaka on the verge of total destruction. I whisper to Asahi.

"Hold them back if they get out of line."

"Sure thing."

He pets my head, making me giggle as he and Sugawara deal with those two.

"Anyway, we're in a hurry to leave, so...uh..."

That's when I see the sour look on Yuji's face. He leans towards me as I raise an eyebrow in confusion.

"...W-What?"

"So, that's how it's gonna be."

"Huh...?"

I curiously watch him walk two yards ahead, before turning his heel.

FWIP!

"Karasuno!" He points at us while bellowing.

"When we see each other on the court, we're gonna play and have lots of fun! However..."

Yuji proudly points his thumb at himself.

"By the end of the match...I, Terushima Yuji, will win over Hinata Mizuki and make her my girlfriend!"

"...😦...?"

"...😶......"

.

.

.

"EEHH~/HAH~?!"

"Just you wait! We'll be together soon, my honey~!"

"H-Hold on! You can't just...Yuji!!"

But he and his friends had already left, leaving the rest of us in shock.

"That punk," Nishinoya hollers, "he's got some nerve!"

"I'll say," Tanaka angrily agrees, "just what is his deal!"

"He didn't even let you explain about your relationship," Ennoshita sighs.

"For crying out loud," I groan, face-palming myself.

'His type is so annoying~!'

>>>>>>>FAST FORWARD>>>>>>>

[Karasuno Gymnasium]

The team had two months left until the qualifiers at the end of October. Each of them was working individually to hone their skills, while the managers collected their progress. And me? Well...Keishin and Shotarou-sensei had a rather special, yet peculiar job for me.

"You want me to do what?"

I give them a funny look like they were crazy, but their eyes were dead-on serious.

"You've done a great job helping me," Keishin thanks, "but it's time you focus on your own training."

"Just think of this as a normal practice joint," Shotarou implies.

I double-take at the list in my hand.

"How~ is working individually with someone from these teams...normal?"

"It's not like you're scouting them," Keishin chuckles, "and you've done it over the summer, so it's no different."

"Are they really okay with this?"

"I informed my colleagues," Shotarou assures, "and they're happy to cooperate. Just stick to the schedule, and you'll be fine."

"...If you say so, sir."

"Skye's in the middle of her training, but you'll see her when the qualifiers begin."

"Just give it your all, Mizuki. That's what you tell the boys every day, right?"

"Ahaha...I can't argue with that."

Keishin playfully ruffles my hair while grinning.

"Make good use of your time."

"I will."

"Then, you better get going."

"Right. See you later."

Before I leave, I turn to Nishinoya.

"Yuu~! I left another bento near your water bottle!"

"Yay~! You're the best, senpai!"

"See ya, sis!"

I wave to them before jogging out of the gym.

'So many surprises left and right.'

"Oh well," I chuckle while heading towards the bus stop.

>>>>>>>FAST FORWARD>>>>>>>

VRROO~OOM

With the bus leaving, I walk the rest of the way. It didn't take long for me to find the school.

"But why did the first stop have to be Aoba Johsai?"

Despite the empty grounds, I wore a newsboy cap to hide my hair just in case someone walks by. I remember the route and make my way around one building to the gymnasium. However, when I reach a foot away, I hear an angry voice.

"Hey! Now that you've finally decided to show up, you should at least announce yourself!"

"Now, now, now. Calm down, Yahaba. It's been a while..."

I carefully stand behind one side and peek into the open doorway.

"Welcome back...Mad Dog-chan."

Kyotani's back was facing me as the others stare at him.

"I wish you'd stop calling me that," Kyotani retorts.

"Ah~ I'm so happy I got to play on the team while Oikawa-san was still here."

Right after Oikawa states those words, he gives off this creepy vibe through his smile.

"I'll make you feel that way."

"Ngh!"

FWOOP!

As if on instincts, Kyotani jumps back with his guard up.

"Now, come on, little puppy. Let's play fetch."

FWOOM/BAM!

"ACK!"

I couldn't take it! I just had to chuck my volleyball at that smug setter!

"Seriously..." I step forward.

"I don't get why girls like you when you say creepy stuff like that."

"Eh...Mizuki?!"

"H-Hinata-san..."

"Hi, Kyo-chan."

"Dah!" I give him a big hug and pet his head.

"How's my favorite fan doing?"

"I-I told you not to call me that! And get the hell off me!"

"Aw~ you're so cute when you're being shy."

I didn't care if the others were shocked. I was too happy teasing this rowdy junior as his face turns pink with that same childish scowl.

"U-Um...Mizuki?"

"Yes?" I turn to Hajime.

"Why are you here?"

"Oh, right. Irihata-sensei and Sadayuki never told you."

I let go of Kyotani and bow to them.

"Starting from now till the end of October, I'll be coming here for a joint practice."

"(Unison)Eh~?!"

"Are you serious?"

"She is." And que the coaches coming our way.

"Prior to her own individual training program," Irihata explains, "she must work alongside one of you each time she visits."

"Which is only one or two days of training," I add, "at least within each week."

"Anyway" Sadayuki intervenes, "which of our members are you working with?"

"Oh, that's easy." I jump over to their first string ace.

"It's Hajime-niichan!"

"(First/Second-years)Nii-chan?"

"M-Mizuki! Don't call me that in front of the juniors!"

"Sorry," I playfully hum, "it just slipped out."

"You little..."

Stretch~

"H-Hey, cut it out!"

"You started it. So, stop laughing."

"Then why are you laughing?"

Grinning at each other, I break free before he tries to turn my cheeks into taffy.

"You really do act like siblings."

"You guys are funny."

"No fair~! Pair up with me, Mizuki!"

"Ah."

Like the overprotective-brother-figure he is, Hajime kicks Oikawa before he could tackle me. You can imagine today and the next just like this; practice and occasional antics.

"Aw come on~! I wanna practice with Mizuki, too!"

"It's her last day with us before she has to practice with another team."

"Do you wanna get your ass kicked by Mizoguchi-san or Iwaizumi, again?"

I sweat-drop at Hanamaki and Matsukawa as they effortlessly hold back Oikawa on the bench. Sighing, I get back to work. This time, Kyotani and Watari join us.

"Okay, you guys ready?"

"You're not getting past us again," Hajime smirks.

I smile as I toss the ball to the junior setter.

FWOOM!

"Hup!"

B-BAM!

"Urgh!"

The ball bounces off Kyotani's arm and on the court.

"You were saying Hajime?"

"Pfft, don't get smug."

"I can if I make twenty-five consecutive spikes...which I just did. Thanks, Watari."

"You're welcome, senpai."

I then notice Kyotani getting more frustrated with himself. Well, he's gonna have to learn that power isn't everything.

"Okay, it's your turn."

"Alright."

Hajime stays at the net as Kyotani takes position.

"Here it comes!"

TOSS!

The ball fly towards Hajime for the set as Kyotani runs straight ahead. Carefully analyzing his movements, I see him going for the jump.

SQUEAK!

FWOOM!

"Ngh!"

I jump a second after him as he reaches out to swing.

BAM!

"Ah/Gasp!"

.

.

.

.

"...ki..."

.

.

"Mizuki!...Mizuki, can you hear me?"

"Urgh..."

I'm not sure, but I think I blacked out for a second. I feel my back on the floor and see the ceiling lights and everyone else circling around. That's when Irihata-sensei grabs my arm, pulling me up.

"Are you alright, Mizuki?"

"Y-Yeah, yeah...I'm fine."

Drip

"Ah/Eh..."

I feel something warm come down my lips. I touch it and see the red on my fingers.

"...Huh..."

"B-B-Bleeding! She's bleeding!"

"Hey, you! Get some tissue! Someone grab an icepack for her head, too!"

"C-Calm down, Iwa-chan!"

"Oh for the love of...will you all calm down before I sucker-punch you all with a volleyball to the face!"

"Alright, that's enough," Mizoguchi groans, "we're almost done with practice, so everyone please get back to it? Thanks."

Hajime gives me a packet of tissues as we sit on a bench. After a few minutes, the bleeding stops.

"All good now?"

"Hai. Thanks, again."

I look around the gym.

"Hey, um...where's Kyotani?"

"Oh, well...after he knocked you out, Yahaba was chewing him out for it which led to Kyotani to storm out of the gym."

"Hah~...Yahaba-kun!"

"Y-Yes?"

I can see how tense he is.

"I know you don't like the guy, but you should've known better than to blame him for something that was clearly an accident. He's got a conscience, too, you know. No reason to make someone feel even more guilty than they already are."

"...Right...I'm sorry, senpai."

"That's okay. I'm gonna end practice today, Hajime."

"Alright. Get back safe."

"I'll see you next week. Bye everyone!"

"Bye/Good work today/See you later!"

Packing my things, I now head out to go home. But as soon as I reach the gates, I see that blonde leaning on the right end wall. He only looks at me for a split second before shifting his eyes down. Smiling in sympathy, I stand in front of him.

"Don't worry about what Yahaba-kun said."

"...You're leaving now?"

"Yeah~ I don't wanna worry everyone if I stay too long. Oh, shoot, I almost left without giving this."

I take out a container and hand it to him.

"What is it?"

"I made some cookies last night. You can head back and share it with everyone else. Anyway, I gotta run...but I'll see you next time."

"Uh...sure."

I walk past him and head for the crosswalk.

"Senpai."

I turn around and see his scowl turn into an anxious stare.

"I-I...I'm sorry about...you know."

I smile and walk back over to pat his head.

"Thanks for being so concerned."

"Y-Yeah..."

"Well, I'll be seeing you."

I wave as I head for a bus stop. I then look back to the list.

"Alright...where to next?"

>>>>>>>September: First Week>>>>>>>

"I'm gonna die!"

"Stop complaining will you? We're almost to the cafeteria."

"You're one to talk! You can barely lift an arm up!"

"Says the guy who' limping on his senior like a dead corpse."

"Now, now, you two. Don't get fussy."

"You guys are pretty rowdy for an ace team like yourselves."

It's been a while since I started my training plan. And can you believe that a couple sessions are with the Shiratorizawa team? Crazy, I know, but this is all part of the experience.

"Senpai...are you some kind of other worldly being?"

"Y-Yeah...how is it you have so much energy to keep walking?"

I sweat-drop at Shirabu and Goshiki who're looking exhausted more than the others.

"It's not that I don't have more energy than everyone else. I just know how to conserve it better. Doing that helps me focus, I guess...besides..."

I glance away from Goshiki.

"You're the one who kept telling me how great and strong your team was and that nobody could match your skills. So~ I thought I'd put your cocky and careless judgment to the test by doubling the training my brother's team wouldn't normally do."

"So basically..."

"It's your fault."

"Eek~!"

Most of us awkwardly smile as the second-years burn with anger towards their youngest member.

"I hate to see what you're like in a real match if we go against you," Tendou teases.

"Well, don't go collapsing on me just yet," I laugh, "I'm making your meals today."

"Alright! Your cooking is awesome."

"Ooh~ I wanna try that dish you told us last time."

"The Bruschetta chicken pasta? I think I saw the ingredients needed for that in storage."

Ushijima and Semi each open a door leading us inside the cafeteria.

"Maybe for dessert, there's—"

"Hi-na-ta~."

"Huh......HAH~?!"

I gawk when seeing Yuuji sitting at one of the tables.

"Y-Yuuji...what are you doing here!"

"Hey, how did you get on campus?! Are you some trespasser!"

"Relax, kid."

"K-Kid...?"

"Well, duh...you got that first-year look all over your face."

Goshiki looks pretty ticked off as Terushima stands up.

"But I'm no intruder. In fact, your coach said I could wait here for Hinata."

"He did," I ask, utterly shocked, "or better yet...how did you know I was here?"