Haikyuu: Reborn at Karasuno

Drip… drip…

Hayato, immersed in reviewing his notes, was distracted by the soft chime of his phone. He picked it up and saw a message from Kiyoko-nee.

"Should I make your bento again tomorrow?"

After thinking it over, Hayato replied with a grateful yes. He still wanted to use his morning time for individual training. With upcoming high-intensity matches, he needed to boost his stamina.

Almost immediately, Kiyoko sent back a sticker—a little kitten making an "OK" sign with its paw.

Hayato chuckled to himself.

"So Kiyoko-nee might seem cool and elegant on the outside, but she actually sends adorable emojis like this when texting..."

Just as he was setting his phone down, another message came in. This time, it was from Hinata.

"Kuroba-senpai! There's something I don't understand from today's training…"

Reading it, Hayato wasn't surprised. His arrival had clearly lit a fire under Hinata. Already self-aware about his limitations, Hinata was now training even harder.

Hayato kindly replied, offering guidance and tips. The two chatted for a while before Hinata finally said goodnight.

Realizing how late it had gotten, Hayato closed his books, hopped into the shower, and went to bed.

The next morning, the familiar alarm rang.

Still in pajamas, Hayato dragged himself out of bed and walked to the window. He pulled open the curtains, letting the soft morning light spill into the room. Then he stepped out onto the balcony, propped his elbows on the railing, and took in the breeze.

"This little balcony and the childhood friend's house across the street… if this were a romcom anime, I'd be catching someone changing right about—"

Before he could finish the thought, he blinked.

Right across the way, Kiyoko had just woken up and was changing into her uniform. She had just put on her bra and was reaching for her white shirt. At that exact moment, their eyes met.

Time froze.

Kiyoko's face turned bright red as she rushed to the window and yanked the curtains shut.

"PERVERT!"

Even her tone had changed from usual—clearly mortified. Since the house next door had been vacant for so long, she'd gotten into the habit of not fully closing the curtains.

Hayato scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"Sorry, Kiyoko-nee! I didn't think you'd be up already!"

Since the houses were close, she could hear him. Hayato shouted in apology—shameless, but honest. Of course, mentally, he was still replaying the image just burned into his memory.

"So... it's white, huh."

A rustling sound came from the other side, and the curtains parted slightly. Kiyoko, now wearing a shirt and sweater vest, peeked out—her cheeks still flushed and her eyes watery with embarrassment.

"…You saw?"

Though she phrased it like a question, her tone made it clear she already knew the answer.

Hayato shook his head like a drum.

Kiyoko gave him a long, silent stare. Then, finally, she sighed and let him off the hook.

Hayato, emboldened, flashed a teasing grin.

"But Kiyoko-nee, white's a good look—but the style's a bit plain. Next time, I'll get you something cuter."

Kiyoko, who had just calmed down, turned scarlet again and slammed the curtains shut with a loud thud.

"DON'T YOU DARE LOOK AGAIN, PERVERT!"

"Got it! I'm heading out for training now I'll come find you later"

Hayato, smug and satisfied with his little victory, grabbed his workout clothes and headed outside.

After finishing his morning run and training, Hayato quickly washed up and made a simple breakfast. Just as he finished eating, the doorbell rang.

It was Kiyoko.

She didn't say a word—just gave him a cold glare and turned to walk ahead. Hayato, sensing the chilly atmosphere, silently followed behind her like a guilty puppy.

"Kiyoko-nee… I was wrong."

She turned around, face unreadable.

"Oh? And what exactly were you wrong about?"

"I shouldn't have teased you."

Satisfied by his sincere tone, Kiyoko walked up and twisted his lower back hard.

"OWW!"

"Serves you right."

"I'm still a teenage guy, you know! Can't I at least make a joke?"

Kiyoko rolled her eyes.

"Hmph. If it didn't hurt, you wouldn't learn. And to me, you're just a little brother—not some random guy."

"Little brother, huh…"

Hayato stepped forward and gently grabbed her hand, pressing his palm against hers.

"Look. I've already grown into a man."

"Tch—yeah, yeah, now let go! Someone might see!"

Realizing they were on a public street, Kiyoko flushed again and yanked her hand back. Hayato rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

Nearby, a few elderly passersby chuckled.

"Ah, youth is such a beautiful thing."

"Such a handsome couple."

"They really suit each other."

"I remember when I was that age…"

Mortified, Hayato and Kiyoko quickly made their escape from the gathering gossip storm.

When they finally reached the school gate, Kiyoko was the first to break into a laugh, thinking back on their embarrassing morning.

Seeing her smile, Hayato gave a small grin and said:

"Kiyoko-nee, you really are beautiful when you smile. You should smile more."

"…Alright, alright. Let's go inside."

This time, she didn't get flustered. Instead, she shot him a playful sideways glance and walked into the schoolyard. Hayato, feeling like he'd been struck by Cupid's arrow, quickly followed after.

"So cute… always frowning will give you wrinkles, y'know."

At the shoe lockers, Kiyoko handed him the bento she made. Hayato thanked her, holding the bento in one hand while putting away his shoes.

"Yo, Hayato! You came to school with Kiyoko-senpai again? Dude, you're living the dream!"

Tanaka's voice echoed from nearby. As if on cue, Kiyoko immediately put on her usual cold and composed expression.

Hayato didn't mind. The fact that Kiyoko showed a different side of herself just for him was something special.

After waving goodbye to her, he and Tanaka walked toward their classroom.

Classes passed quickly.

Though Karasuno's curriculum wasn't particularly complex, Hayato still paid attention and took neat notes. Tanaka, surprisingly, also seemed more focused than usual—likely worried about the upcoming final exams.

After class, the two were first to arrive in the locker room. While changing, they chatted casually.

"Hayato, I saw you taking notes like a pro. How's your studying going?"

"I used to be in the top of my class at my old school."

"Seriously?! My guy! Save me!"

"You worried about the exam?"

"Coach said if we fail, we can't go to the training camp! Please, for the sake of the team!"

"Fine, fine. For the Volleyball Club's honor, I'll help you out."

"THANK YOU!!"

Tanaka dramatically clasped his hands and bowed.

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POWER STONE!!!