Chapter 29: A Volleyball Reunion

Part 3: Chapter 24

Today was the day of Karasuno's annual cultural festival and you were overwhelmed with excitement at the thought of seeing your volleyball friends again. You have woken up with a giant grin on your face, nearly splitting your cheeks in half.

You left home for school, skipping and humming along the way – not a single worry in the world.

Yesterday, the entire class 1-4 stayed back to help set up – transforming a plain classroom into a vibrant volleyball-themed café.

You stood in front of your class door, hesitating to enter. What if something went wrong during the festival? What if your class didn't receive any customers when your classmates work so hard? What if none of your volleyball friends enjoys themselves?

All the "what ifs" floated in your mind, chasing away your cheery mood – replacing it with anxiety.

"Are you going to enter or just stand there blocking the way?"

You jumped out of the way, apologising to the person. "I'm so sorry..."

You trailed off as you lifted your head to see who it was. It was none other than Tsukishima who was standing there with a brow raised.

"O-oh, it's just you Kei-kun. Sorry, I didn't hear you coming." You replied distractedly.

Tsukishima frowned, worried was written all over his face as he saw how distracted and fidgety you were. Placing a concerned hand on your shoulder, he softly asked. "Are you okay? You seem distracted by something."

You snapped out of it, blinking your eyes. Silence settled between the two of you as you didn't reply the blonde immediately. Tsukishima waited patiently for you to collect and sort out your thoughts before replying him.

Thoughts appeared left and right, forming a small headache. You placed a hand on your chest, feeling how fast your heart was beating. You could feel worried golden orbs staring at you and that caused a small smile to appear on your face.

Calmness washed over you as your heartbeat returned to normal. You inhale and exhale, feeling completely relaxed.

The volleyball player just had that sort of effect on you.

Turning around, your head was down as (e/c) orbs focused on your shoes. Wrapping your arms around yourself, you softly spoke. "Kei-kun, do you think our café will be a success?"

Tsukishima's furrowed his brow in confusion. Was this what you were so upset about?

"Was this what you are brooding over?"

Shrugging, you replied. "Yea, I mean everyone worked so hard yesterday in transforming our class into a café. I won't be able to forgive myself if I see the disappointed looks on our classmates' faces if we failed."

Tsukishima's lips curled into a smile, his eyes shone with fondness. He knew that he should've seen this coming, considering this is you he is talking about. It's natural for you to worry about the event, not because you were worried that your hard work will go to waste, rather you were worried about your classmates.

Your selflessness was one of the reasons why he fell for you.

You felt Tsukishima placing a hand on your shoulder, causing you to lift your head – (e/c) meeting gold.

"Hey, there's nothing to worry about. The café will succeed, trust me." Tsukishima gave you an assured smile.

"How do you know for sure? It's not like you can predict the future." You whispered worriedly.

Rolling his eyes, Tsukishima hit you lightly on the head. "Has playing volleyball since young taught you nothing about teamwork? Have you forgotten that everyone on your side of the net is your ally?"

(e/c) eyes widened in realization.

How could you have forgotten that you weren't alone in this? You have your classmates' support and you know that they will have your back 100%.

Tsukishima smiled when he saw the fire rekindled in your eyes, burning with determination. He was glad that you were back to normal.

"Shall we get going? I'm sure everyone's waiting for us- "

The blond cut off mid-sentence, golden orbs widening in surprise.

You stood on tippy-toe, your eyes closed as you pecked Tsukishima on the cheek – your cheeks a pale pink.

The kiss disappeared as quickly as it appeared.

When Tsukishima regained his senses, you had already opened the door and entered the class, your "thank you" lingering in his ears.

The middle blocker could feel his heart threatening to escape from his chest. Butterflies danced in his stomach as his ears and cheeks resembled ripen tomatoes.

Despite that, Tsukishima couldn't help but smile as he shook his fondly, entering the class.

Hopefully, I'll be able to tell you how much you mean to me tonight.

***

"Ukai-san! Can you please get me a cloth?!"

"Ukai-chan! We need you to attend to the customers!!"

"(NICKNAME)-CHAN! I ACCIDENTALLY BURNED THE FOOD! WHAT DO I DO?!"

You could be seen running around the class as people kept calling for your presence left and right.

Right now, you were trying to calm Michiko down, reassuring her that no one's blaming her for her mistake.

"Mi-chan, calm down. I'm not blaming you, so stop saying you're sorry."

"B-but I could've set the classroom on fire and ruined everyone's hard work!" Michiko sobbed as she clung to you, fat tears running down her face.

You let out a sigh, feeling as though you were trying to pacify a child. Why was she nominated for class president again?

Nonetheless, you were able to calm her down completely and reassured for the last time that it wasn't her fault. Michiko thanked you and apologized for the last time before helping another classmate with the washing.

Collapsing on a nearby chair, you rubbed your eyes and let out a yawn. It has been an hour since Karasuno's cultural festival started and Class 1-4 had been busy running the café.

Apparently, your class was a hit among the visitors. Words spread that there was a volleyball-themed café where famous volleyball teams from Tokyo and the Miyagi prefecture will be coming.

Maybe it had been a mistake to invite your volleyball friends.

"Ukai-san! You've customers looking for you."

Without opening your eyes, you shouted. "I'm not the only one on waiter duty, call someone else."

"Is this how you treat your invited guests, kitten?"

Your eyes shot open at the familiar voice coming from above. Leaning over you with a smirk on his face, his famous bed-head hair blocking out the light was none other than Nekoma's captain – Kuroo Testuro.

"Kuroo-nii!'' You squealed with delight as you threw yourself into the captain's open arms.

Kuroo brought you closer to his chest, snuggling his face into your hair. "It's nice to see you again, kitten. I miss you."

Pulling back, you grinned. "I see you made it here safely, Kuroo-nii. I don't suppose a certain owl came with you?"

Kuroo gave you a mysterious grin, not saying anything.

You spent the next ten minutes catching up with your Nekoma friends, laughing at their usual rowdiness.

Tsukishima watched as you laughed at something Yamamoto said, a fond look in his eyes.

"She looks beautiful, doesn't she?"

Tsukishima turned his head towards the voice, seeing Kuroo standing next to him. His attention was focused on you, a soft smile on his face. In the past, the middle blocker would have been jealous of the cat captain's words.

Now, Tsukishima knew that Kuroo simply cared for you as an older brother.

"Yeah, she does."

The two of them fixed their eyes on you, seeing you glowing with happiness. They could only imagine how delightful you will be when you're surrounded by the rest of your volleyball friends who were making their way over to you.

Time skipped brought to you by Ushijima's pet cow

"Sorry, we're booked for the next two hours. Please come back after that." You apologized to the customers queuing in front of Class 1-4.

They let out disappointed groans but promised that they will be back later after the two hours are up. You bid them goodbye, saying that there will be free desserts to thank them for their understandings.

You entered the class, closing the door. Your hand rested on the door's handle, remaining on the spot.

In the background, you could hear shouting filling the entire classroom.

"Ushiwaka! My team will win against you in the Spring Tournament! Mark my words!"

"Do not be so quick to think you'll win, Oikawa-san. Many times, your team have lost against me, this time round is no exception."

"Why you! I swear I'll-OUCH! IWA-CHAN, WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!"

"SHUT UP SHITTYKAWA!"

As usual, the captain of Aoba Johsai just had to pick a fight with the captain of Shiratorizawa, their old-time rival.

Meanwhile, you could hear a certain owl and cat harassing a poor crow.

"Daichi-san, what do you say after this – me, you and Bokuto-san go for a 'special' training of our own? Ya know, captain to captain?"

"Hey, hey, hey!"

"I-I'm good, thank you very much."

Class 1-4 was a chaotic mess as all five volleyball teams from Karasuno, Aoba Johsai, Shiratorizawa, Nekoma and Fukurodani interacted with one another.

In one corner of the classroom, you could see Iwaizumi holding Oikawa back who kept taunting Ushijima who simply stood there unmoving with his usual stoic expression. Instead, Tendou was the one who kept agitating Oikawa's team.

On the other side, Daichi was being cornered by Bokuto and Kuroo when the mothers of their teams came to his rescue.

Bokuto and Kuroo could be seen being dragged away by Akaashi and Yaku while Suga fretted over his captain, worried for him.

The rest of the volleyball teams were either catching up or arguing about the most useless thing in the world. For example, Kageyama and Hinata were arguing about which bun tasted better – pork or curry.

Yamamoto, Nishinoya and Tanaka were surrounding Yachi, threatening to crush those who dare to approach them. The poor first-year was half-frightened to death until Kiyoko came to her rescue, smacking the three boys.

Your classmates were simply staring in bewilderment, unsure of what to do.

You were starting to regret inviting them in the first place.

As the volumes increases, irk marks appeared on your forehead – your eyes twitching in anger. You reached your boiling point as you turned around and smacked your hand on a nearby desk, the sound resounding throughout the class.

"SHUT UP!"

Immediately, everyone shut their mouths and froze on the spot, not daring to breathe. They could feel waves of anger rolling off you as you approached them.

Each step you took, they took a step back. Most of them have either witnessed your wrath or be on the receiving end of your wrath and neither of them wants to go through it again.

Your classmates watched in amusement as the group of boys were plastered against the wall, completely fearful of the petite girl standing in front of them.

It was quite a comical sight, since most of them were towering over you in great heights, yet they were so fearful of you – a girl that was even shorter than Nishinoya who was the shortest among them all.

(e/c) orbs glanced from left to right, meeting everyone's eyes who flinched when they met your gaze. Your eyes narrowed when they landed on the captains of all five teams who were standing together in the middle, hugging one another.

Their eyes screamed fear, even the usual stoic Ushijima who was trying so hard to hide it.

"(N-nickname)-chan, we're simply just playing? Right, guys?" Oikawa stuttered, his eyes looking at his teammates for help.

Everyone nodded their heads quickly.

"There, there (name)-chan. I'm sure they didn't mean to be so rowdy." Suga placed a hand on your shoulder, a reassured smile on his face.

You turned to face the silver-haired setter, the anger ebbing away at the angelic smile directed at you.

"What if they became rowdy again? Maybe I shouldn't have invited everyone." A pout formed on your face.

Yaku approached you, giving you a fond smile. "I know we're rowdy, but deep down, we're actually happy to see one another again. We simply just don't know how to show it since whenever we meet, we're always fighting."

"Besides, we're here to ensure that they'll be on their best behaviour. So, don't worry." Iwaizumi gave you a rare grin, ruffling your (e/c) mops.

Akaashi gave you a small smile while Semi simply nodded. (a/n: I'm unsure who is the mom of Shiratorizawa :/)

"You can count on us, so relax and have fun with your friends today, (nickname)-chan." Suga patted you on the head.

Your lips curled into a giant grin as you hugged Suga, mumbling. "Thank you so much, Suga-senpai. You've no idea how grateful I am."

"I'm your senpai after all."

You were thankful towards the mom squad. They were the only people on the team who can keep the members in place.

You faced everyone again, a stern look on your face. "I invited everyone here because I wanted to see my friends again and I know that this is probably the only time everyone can gather and have fun without tearing each other throats out like you usually do on a court. So, don't make me regret this choice."

Everyone could only nod so that they will come out of this alive. You were scary alone, but having the mom squad backing you up made it ten times more terrifying.

Turning on your heels, you went to help your classmates to set up food for your volleyball friends.

"Remind me to never get on (name)-chan's bad side again." Daichi's voice trembled.

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.

"Don't forget that you've us too." came a sing-song voice also known as Suga.

The hairs on their necks stiffened when they hear the threat, knowing that they still must be on guard if they want to make out of this alive.

They weren't called the mom squad for no reasons.

For the next two hours, you had fun with your volleyball friends and classmates – laughing, smiling, arguing and making new memories.

You were hanging in the back of the class, watching everyone with a fond look. You wished this picture would last forever, but for now, you will simply imprint it into your mind – treasuring it forever.

"You did a good job, munchkin-chan."

"Yea, I did." You softly replied Tsukishima, (e/c) orbs lifting to meet golden orbs.

The blond was glancing down at you, a small smile directed at you.

You smiled back.

There was a small distance between the two of you.

The outside world faded as both of you kept staring at one another.

The distance became shorter.

Butterflies danced, hearts were racing.

Tsukishima and you inched closer to one another until there was no space left between the both of you.

No words were needed as Tsukishima put his arm around your waist, pulling you flushed against his side – his arm staying put.

You rest your head against Tsukishima's chest, his heart pounding steadily in your ear.

The middle blocker leaned his head on yours, the soft scent of your (h/c) locks brushing against his nose.

The two of you stood there, embracing each other's warmth, watching your friends with a smile that reached the corners of your eyes.

Your volleyball reunion was a huge success and you couldn't have been happier.

***

(nickname)-chan, Tsukishima-san, your shifts are over. You're free to go now. So, go and enjoy the rest of the day at the school festival." Michiko informed the two volleyball players.

You stopped mid-way in picking up an empty place, a surprised look on your face. "Since when? I thought we're supposed to stay until the café closes?"

"I thought so too, considering we're the representatives of class 1-4." Tsukishima frowned.

"Hahaha, nope! You don't have to! The two of you have worked hard in planning and setting up plus running the café. You deserve a break. Besides, the café can survive without you two." Michiko explained, taking the clearing tray away from you and took your spot at the table you were originally cleaning.

Tsukishima simply shrugged and went to wash up, removing the apron from around his waist.

However, you remained unmoving, a concerned look on your face. "Are you sure you can handle everything, Mi-chan? I mean you burnt the food earlier on."

Michiko waved your worries away, replying. "I'll be fine. Besides, you said yourself that it wasn't my fault."

"But- "

"No buts. I'm serious, (nickname)-chan. Go and enjoy yourself. You deserve the rest. By the way, don't you have a date with a certain blond?"

"W-what?!" You spluttered, your face turning red.

Michiko gave you a mischievous wink. "Don't think I didn't notice you giving Tsukishima sideway glances the entire time you're working."

Turning around, your back faced your best friend. Blowing the stray hair out of your face, you mumbled. "I hate you, Mi-chan."

"No, you don't. You love me. Besides, you'll thank me later. Now, shoo! I've work to do."

You let out a sigh, shaking your head in disbelief. Making your way to the back of the classroom where your school bag was, you removed the apron and adjusted your uniform.

"Now what?" You muttered, unsure of what to do now that you're off-duty.

To be honest, you knew what you wanted to do – enjoyed the festival for the rest of the day with a certain volleyball player, but you were just too shy to approach him.

Your doubts were cleared when the person himself appeared next to you, asking with a blunt voice.

"Let's go. I know you're looking forward to the festival."

You lifted a brow, an amused smirk on your face. "Is this how you ask a girl out on a date, string bean?"

Tsukishima face burst into a million shades of red, stuttering. "I-If you aren't interested, you could've said no!"

You burst into laughter as the blond turned his face to the face, refusing to meet your eyes.

You found it endearing the way how he asked you out.

Wiping the tears away, you calmed down, saying. "Come on, Kei-kun. I was just joking. You don't have to get angry at me."

"...I just thought that you may want a proper date, unlike the last time when Yui and Kagami-san interrupted us..."

(e/c) orbs softened, your cheeks pinking at his words. You let out a soft chuckle as you approached Tsukishima and stopped when you reached his back.

Turning around, you leaned against the first year – back to back, saying. "I'll glad to go on this date with you, string bean."

You didn't anyone to tell you that there was a small smile on Tsukishima's face.

Once a tsundere, always a tsundere.

With that, both of you grabbed your things and bid everyone farewell before leaving the class, hands in hands to enjoy your date at the cultural festival.

***

A/N: Hello! Sorry, I haven't updated this story in a long ass time. I was busy with school since I'm in the second half of my second semester. I wanna thank all of you for sticking by and waiting patiently for me to upload the next chapter. I have some happy and sad news. The sad news is that this story has only one chapter left and it will be completed. I know, I know many of you will be sad but all great things have to come to an end someday. Hopefully, the happy news will make lift the mood. The love confession is going to take place in the last chapter, so keep an eye on it! I have great plans in store for the last chapter! Until then, I hope you'll look forward to it and I'll see you guys in the next chapter! :)