"..."

"Mizuki..."

"Mizuki...wake up."

"...Mm...huh?"

"Come on, girl, we're almost there."

I rub my eyes before a yawn slips out. Stretching myself, I then turn to the windows.

[Now arriving at Tokyo Station...Tokyo Station. Please stay clear of the doors.]

🚄🚄FSSSHH~

WHIRR!

"Let's go."

"Un."

Skye and I quickly walk out of the train and stand outside the main entrance to the station.

"We're finally here."

"Hum..."

"Hinata! Akira!"

Hearing our surnames, we look ahead and see Kanato and Kendra waving to us.

"Hey, Kendra! Oops, I mean...captain."

"Don't forget the co-captain, here."

"It's got a nice ring, doesn't it?"

"Alright, enough talking. Let's hurry up before we're late."

We drive the rest of the way in Kendra's car.

"WOAH~!"

But I didn't expect our first meeting would be at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.

"So, this is where we're having the welcoming match?"

"Uh-huh."

"We usually come here to practice, so be sure to get well-acquainted around this area."

"Pro-level sports sure are different."

"Good afternoon, ladies."

"Oh, hey coach!"

I see a dark-brown skinned man walk over. He appears young for his age, about six-foot-tall, has thick eyebrows, and a clean-cut with a goatee on the chin. Honestly, you wouldn't expect him to be a coach with that sharp suit he has on right now.

"Thank you for coming. I'm Ojiro Abner, head coach of the Valiant Paragons."

"Nice to meet you, sir. I'm Hinata Mizuki and this is Akira Skye."

"Hello!"

"I'm pleased to know that you'll be joining our ranks. You know, my nephew is a volleyball player, too."

"Oh yeah? Which school?"

"InarazakI High."

"Oh~ from the Hyogo Prefecture. With a powerhouse like that, I'm not surprised your nephew would be a skilled athlete."

"And I'm sure he'll be shocked to know I've got someone like you on my team."

"Um, coach, we should get going."

"Oops, my bad. I get so caught up in my conversations, I lose track of time."

We follow Mr. Ojiro into the gym. Inside, I notice a familiar face standing in the lobby.

"About time you showed up."

"Says the guy who claimed to be Tohoku's women's volleyball coach."

"You had your fun 'assistant cooach'," Ojiro smirks, "but let's get down to business. Why don't you girls rest for a while. The others will be here shortly."

"Thank you."

"I'm going to the restroom."

"Alright."

"We'll show you the way."

"I'm going to see how things are coming along in Gymnasium(#)."

Everyone except Coach Ojiro and myself stay behind. I look back to the door, staring at the empty space outside.

"Is something wrong, Hinata?"

"Huh? O-Oh, no, I'm fine."

"I know it was an inconvenience to have you leave during the tournament..."

"It's alright, sir. The team understood, so I won't worry too much. In fact, on the train, I had a dream...well, more like remembering the events up till now."

"In that case, why don't you tell me about it? We have time, and I do make it a point to get to know all my members."

"Oh...okay then, sure."

We sit on a bench near a vending machine.

"So, tell me, Hinata...which teams played today?"

"The first match was with Wakutani Miniami and the final match I had to leave halfway was Date Tech vs Aoba Johsai. Either one of those two would've faced Karasuno in the final round."

"I see. Those must've been exciting to watch."

"Actually, I wouldn't know. I had some trouble along the way, that I barely got twenty minutes to watch both matches."

"Oh? What kind of trouble?"

"I'll skip to the important events. Starting with me taking Karasuno's captain to the infirmary."

>>>>>>>EARLIER TODAY>>>>>>>

[Miyagi Municipal Gymnasium...]

I sit beside Daichi as the doctor writes down the information.

"Okay then...despite having the concussion, you seem to be stable. However, it's best if you stay here and rest for a while before returning to your team."

"Thank you, sir."

I bow to him before he leaves the room. I turn back to Daichi, who moves to one of the nurse beds.

"I'm sorry you had to go through all this trouble, Mizuki."

"It's fine. I didn't want Keishin or Takeda-san to leave during the match. Besides, this has happened before."

"Really?"

Mizuki sits across with a stool.

"Shoyo got sick all of a sudden, but mom was too busy at work. So, I decided to leave during a match to take care of him."

"That sounds just like you," Daichi chuckles.

"I wonder how your parents are going react when you tell them you lost a tooth."

"I can already imagine it."

"Putting that aside, I have to thank you for showing the video to everyone. I was worried that my sudden leave would affect them."

"Right now, they're in good hands, so I've got full faith that they'll come through."

"...Yeah, you're right."

We smile at each other.

Ping!

Just then, my phone gets a text.

"It's from Keishin."

"What does it say?"

However, when I read the first few words, my face goes blank.

"...Mizuki?"

"Daichi, you stay here."

"Eh?"

"I'll be right back."

"Wait, where are you going?"

I don't answer as I storm out of the room. I couldn't stay. Not with Daichi around.

Skid!

I take wider strides and head for the restroom. Luckily, no one else was inside, so I take this chance.

C-Click-Click-Click—Click!

I shut and lock every stall, with me in the last one at the corner.

SLAM!

I hear the door open.

"Hurry up before someone else comes in."

"Relax, man, they're too busy watching the game."

Rattle-Rattle!

"Hey, they're locked."

"Bitch must've known we followed her. Check all of them."

I hear them trying to open the stalls from the other end. Taking a risk, I crawl on the floor to the other stall when they try to open the one I was in. I keep crawling till I reach the middle stall and quietly push myself up, my feet planted on one wall and my hands and back on the other.

KICK!

"Shit, man! How the hell is she not here!"

"Dude, shut up. Just—"

"Kyaa! What are you doing in the girl's washroom!?"

'Crap!'

"That ain't your business."

"It is if guys are invading the girl's restroom!"

"We're busy here."

"That's it, I'm calling security!"

CLATTER/HEY!

Peeking into the crack, I see one guy strangling a girl's wrist.

"Hey, get your hands off me!"

FWOOM!

"Ah/Gasp!"

I jump out of the stall and kick the guy's face, making him collide into his friend.

"Go, go, go!"

I push the door open as we run out of the restroom.

"Call security! I'll hold them off!"

"R-Right!"

I stay behind just as those men barge out.

"There's the brat!"

"Hey!"

Suddenly, Daichi comes running in and knocking those two down.

"Daichi!"

"You okay?"

"Damn brat! Stay out of this!"

"So, I was right! You are friends with Kobe! I knew I recognized you during the summer games!"

"Good guess, kid."

"But this is more of a payback."

"Mizuki, who are they?"

"Remember when I told you about my scar?"

"Ah! Y-You mean these guys—"

"That's right...and after all this time, you're still holding a grudge? Talk about childish!"

"You won't be so smug when we wipe it off your pretty face!"

"If you can!"

"Get her!"

The chase is on, as we sprint down the hall.

"Head for the lobby! We'll get help from—"

"Daichi, wait!"

I stop him as we see kids standing outside with a teacher. The last thing I need is a potential risk.

SKID!

We have no choice but to stand our ground here. Those thugs come closer as Dachi shields me.

"What the matter, out of luck?"

"Just come with us if ya don't wanna make a scene."

"No way!"

"Daichi, get out of here!"

"No, I won't leave you!"

"Better listen, boy, or you'll end up just like her when we're through."

"I stood up to you guys before, and I'll do it again."

"Your loss, ya little b—"

"Watch your mouth!"

👊🏼💥💥👊🏼

"Ah!"

My breath snags as if I lost the ability to breathe. I couldn't believe what I'm seeing. Or rather, I'm seeing.

"Bastard! I'll show you!"

FWOOM!

THUD!

In seconds, they're knocked unconscious.

"There they are! That's them!"

The girls came with two-men security.

"Is everyone alright?"

"We are now. Please take them away."

"Yes, sir."

The guards pass me with the perpetrators, but I didn't move from my spot as the man before me stares back with those identical-colored eyes.

"...Mizuki, he's...is that..."

"...I...I'm not dreaming...am I? Please tell me...I'm not dreaming..."

"No...no you're not."

He opens his arms out and smiles.

"I'm here, Mizuki."

"....Hic..."

SKID!

GLOMP!

That's all it took for me to run like a madman right into his strong arms and bawl my eyes out.

"Shh—shh~...it's okay, sweetie."

"You're here, dad...you're really here! I missed you so much!"

"I know, I know...I'm so sorry I kept you waiting."

"B-But, why are you—"

"I had to come, since you and I will be seeing each other more often."

"Really?"

Dad cups my face and wipes my tears. I smile, taking in every facial feature he has, but remembering how much we look alike, down to the last ginger hair.

"Before I left, you mother made me promise that if I was ready to come back, and if we still loved each other, we would never be apart ever again."

"Then, are you and mom..."

"Yes, sweetie. I will take your mother's hand and relive the happiest moment of our lives."

"Oh, dad—I'm so happy! For both of you! Mom loved nobody more than you, so I knew...I-I always knew that...hic-hic..."

"I'm so sorry for everything. But's all over now."

"Geez, right when I move out you move back in. You always did have the worst timing."

"Pfft—haha...you're just like your mother. Always knew what to say to make me laugh."

I gently hug him this time, smiling into his shoulder.

"I love you, dad."

"I love you too, Mizuki. My little sunflower..."

"Mizuki!"

We turn around to see Keishin running towards us.

"Ah! Y-You...you're..."

"Keishin...is that you?"

FWIP!

Out of nowhere, Keishin bows to dad.

"I'm sorry, sir!"

"E-Eh?"

"It was my responsibility to take care of your children! Yet, I...tsk...I let you down! I failed to keep them safe! Please forgive me!"

"Keishin...all this time, you blamed yourself?"

"Heh...I was pretty good at concealing things."

"You don't have to. There's nothing to forgive, Keishin."

Dad grabs his shoulder, making him stand up straight.

"I'm glad to see you're doing well. I'll be sure to come visit you and your grandfather very soon."

I can tell Keishin wanted to cry, but he fights it off with a big toothy grin.

"In that case, I'll get the sake ready."

They laugh it off as I stand beside Daichi.

"Ah."

"What's wrong, Daichi?"

"Your brother...I wonder how he'll take it?"

"Shoyo kept in touch with dad by letter, too. I wouldn't be surprised if he knew this before I did."

"I guess not. Still, I'm happy for you, Miuzki."

"Thanks, Daichi."

"Hey now..."

Dad grabs our attention.

"You all should be getting back to the game."

"What about you?"

"Don't worry, I drove here. I'll be going back to your mom, now."

"It was good to see you, Mr. Hinata."

"Keishin, we're adults. Just call me Kenzou. And you there..."

"Y-Yes, sir?"

"Thank you for looking out for my daughter and being a loyal friend. I'm very grateful."

"Ah, no, it's...it's my pleasure, sir."

"I'll come by when I leave the gym."

"And I'll be sure to visit you whenever I can. Just be careful of those large crosswalks, especially Shibuya."

"(Giggles)Okay, dad, I promise. And dad..."

"Hmm?"

"Welcome home."

"...Un...good to be back."

Dad comes up and kisses my forehead, petting my head.

"Now go be you out there."

"Count on it, dad."

Pitter-Patter—Pitter-Patter!

"Hurry up, Daichi! You're the one who wanted to see the rest of the match!"

"Aha! You're just too fast!"

We come across the open doorway and peek in.

"Hey, look."

We see the scoreboard.

"A one-point difference."

Fweet!

Wakutani's team takes the serve.

WHAM!

Rustle!

The ball hits the net, but it goes over anyway.

BUNT!

On point, Nishinoya receives it with ease.

"It's up!"

"Kageyama!"

"It's off," Daichi notices.

FWIP!

My brother could only tap it over the net when a quick fails.

"Ahh, he pani—"

"HINATA!"

That's when Ennoshita shouts to him.

"Don't flail! A good jump..."

"...starts from good footing!"

I smile in response.

"You don't have to worry, Daichi."

"Eh?"

Wakutani's tries again, with their captain taking the spike, just as Shoyo and Kageyama jump to block.

B-BAM!

A one-touch sends the ball flying to the back.

BUNT!

Trusting his instincts, Ennoshita is there to send it back with a forearm receive.

"Hell yeah!"

SQUEAK!

Shoyo and Kageyama regain their positions.

FWOOM!

BAM/URGH!

It ricochets off #2's arm and to the back.

BOUNCE-BOUNCE—BOUNCE!

.

.

.

"...Hah..."

"YOSHAAA!!"

Karasuno celebrates their win with joy, with me and Daichi grinning with pride.

"(Unison)Thank you very much!"

Once the appreciation ritual is done, we wait until everyone heads our way.

"Ah...Daichi-san!"

"Gasp/Ahh!"

"Uh, um...I'm sorry."

"Pfft! Why are you getting embarrassed all of a sudden, dummy."

"DAICHI~!!"

I awkwardly grin as Koushi punches Daichi's gut out of excitement.

"D-Daichi-san! A-Are..."

"He's fine, Ryuu."

"I'm better now that I got plenty of rest. I'll work twice as hard in the next match."

Everyone smiles knowing that their captain is back.

"You guys must be exhausted from playing a full set. Go on and get some rest."

With the juniors out of the way, Daichi looks to Ennoshita.

"We were watching when you got through the 20-point mark."

"Uh?"

"At first, I wanted to get back as soon as possible, but...I saw you guys and thought you'd be okay. I thought I'd actually destroy your rhythm if I showed up. That last one..."

He smiles at him with gratitude.

"Nice receive, Ennoshita."

"...Right."

I walk with Daichi to join the others.

"Now that we've got a seat in the next round," I inform, "let's see who will be our next opponent."

"They're both strong teams, so either one could win."

"Oh."

Just then, I notice a handkerchief on the ground and pick it up.

"Did one of the guys drop it?"

"Ah, wait...I saw this earlier. I think I know who it belongs to. I'll meet you later, okay?"

"I'll save you a seat!"

"Thanks!"

Creak~

I exit and head outside, looking around.

"Hey, Takeru! It's time for the meeting."

There I spot Wakutani's captain and #2 wing spiker near the stairs.

"Hey—"

"You know..."

"Huh?"

I stay quiet when the captain starts talking.

"That last bit was in slow motion. I met eyes with their #10 at that moment, and I could tell that he figured out where I was aiming for the wipe. That was the first time I was able to see that much. It gave me chills."

I can hear his voice crack as he stands up, clenching his fists.

"Once more. Let me do it once more!"

A sigh escapes me as I smile. Quietly, I stroll over and poke his back.

"Uh!"

When he turns around, I take this chance to wipe his tears.

"Good thing I found your handkerchief in time."

"E-Eh...um..."

Though confused, he stays still as I finish cleaning his face.

"That's better. Good as new."

I give him his handkerchief back.

"Um...you're..."

"Hinata Mizuki. #10's older sister."

"N-No way! You're that famous athlete overseas!"

"That's sort of exaggerating a bit," I laugh.

"I thought your face looked familiar when you left with Karasuno's captain."

"I didn't catch your names."

"I-I'm Kawatabi Shunki! And that's our captain, Nakashima Takeru."

"I'm sorry I couldn't stay long enough to watch, but the end results were good, for both teams."

I pinch Nakashima's cheek and grin.

"You played well out there, Nakashima-san. You two should be proud to have come this far."

I turn my heel, heading back.

"Hinata-san!"

Glancing over my shoulder, I see them bowing.

"Thank you very much!"

"...Hehe...no, thank you! It was a lot of fun!"

>>>>>>>INTERMISSION>>>>>>>

"And that's what happened during the first round."

"I didn't know you went through so much today."

"But you should've seen Ennoshita out there. The way he dived to save that shot really put the team's coordination back in place. All in all, no one else could've done a better job as the sub-captain than him."

"A sudden disruption can change the flow of everything and everyone in either way. I'm glad it worked out for the team...as well as your family."

"So am I."

GRUMBLE~!

"Ah/Irk..."

I sheepishly grin when my stomach comes-a-howling.

"Sorry, I didn't get to eat lunch."

"After the long trip, I can understand. I'm also getting a little hungry."

"I brought at least five bentos, on account of Skye's appetite. I can share one if you'd like."

"Oh, you don't—"

GRUMBLE~!

"Ah...ehehe..."

"Don't worry, I can sacrifice another."

"Ahaha...thank you very much."

I give him his share and watch him take the first bite.

"Mmph!"

"Dah!"

His eye bulge out, startling me with a muffled shock.

"W-What's wrong, sir? Is it the meat? Did I undercook it or..."

"Hinata..."

"Uh...y-yes?"

"Did you make this?"

"Umm...yes, but is something wrong? Is it the meat? Did I undercook or overcook it or..."

FWIP!

"YOU'LL BE OUR CHEF!"

"Wait—what?! W-What do you mean chef? I'm a volleyball player."