Haikyuu: Reborn in Karasuno

As Terushima Yūji and his teammates walked off, the quiet one at his side glanced back at Hayato.

"You're bold, huh? Didn't you see that guy was ready to blow?"

"Ah, I didn't think that lovely manager already had a boyfriend… But Hayato Kuroha, that guy's not someone you can underestimate."

When they disappeared from sight, Hayato returned to his usual calm.

"Alright, let's head back. If we're any later, Daichi-senpai will get mad."

"Hayato, thanks for just now," Kiyoko said with a smile.

Hayato smiled back, and Shoyo — standing nearby — suddenly felt like a third wheel.

"Oh, right, Shoyo, you forgot this, didn't you?"

From Shoyo's rushed return earlier, Kiyoko guessed the bento box she'd found in Karasuno's rest area must be his. She handed over the box, wrapped in a cloth printed with tiny cute animals.

"The wrapping is really cute," she remarked.

"Shoyo, you actually use something this adorable?" Hayato teased, resting his arm on Shoyo's head.

Flustered in front of two seniors, Shoyo snatched it and hid it behind his back.

"No, this is my little sister Natsu's! It's not mine!"

Without waiting for their reaction, he bowed, mumbled something about finding his lunch, and bolted.

Watching him flee, Hayato and Kiyoko exchanged amused smiles.

"Just now, you were really manly," Kiyoko said, winking.

"Shoyo was even faster than me. He's manly too."

"Hmm~ true."

As they walked toward the exit, Hayato suddenly stepped behind Kiyoko and rested his forehead on her shoulder. She stopped in surprise, and he muttered from behind her:

"I hate that guy. How dare he hit on Kiyoko-nee? If we're matched with Jozenji, we have to beat them."

His words made Kiyoko laugh despite herself. She ruffled his hair.

"I just praised you for being manly, and here you are acting like a kid again."

"This isn't childish. I'm jealous."

"Alright~ How about I make you croquettes tonight?"

And just like that, his mood was placated by the promise of food.

Meanwhile, outside the gym, Jozenji's group crossed paths with Karasuno at the entrance. Terushima scanned them all like a delinquent sizing up rivals.

Tanaka and Nishinoya bristled.

"Hey, punk, what are you staring at?"

Before it could escalate, Daichi's sharp cough froze them in place. They turned away, chastened.

In Karasuno, the scariest person was Captain Daichi. The runner-up was second-year Ennoshita, who had earlier sent Tanaka and Nishinoya into a panic simply by asking if they'd finished their summer homework. This was partly why the third-years and Coach Ukai agreed Ennoshita should be vice-captain — he and Hayato balanced Daichi's strictness and Sugawara's kindness.

Still, Terushima kept glancing at the team with clear curiosity.

"Sorry, we're late," Hayato said after catching up with Shoyo. Once everyone regrouped, Daichi led them to the bus stop.

That night, Hayato got his croquettes and miso soup from Kiyoko, just as promised. Watching her move around the kitchen in an apron made the day's troubles melt away.

With a week left before school started, club activities paused for rest. Naturally, the two resident troublemakers came knocking on Hayato's door the very next day.

"Ohhh, so this is Hayato's house."

"And next door is Kiyoko-senpai's place, right?"

Hayato sighed. "Enough. How much of your homework is done?"

"…None," came the guilty chorus.

Grabbing them both by the collars, Hayato dragged them upstairs.

They were halfway through copying when Hayato, scrolling on his phone, spoke up.

"Hey, there's a fireworks festival this Saturday. Should we go?"

"Huh? What's the point of a bunch of guys going?" Tanaka said without looking up.

Nishinoya smacked him. "Idiot! Kiyoko-senpai could go too!"

Realization lit up Tanaka's face.

"You mean… we might see Kiyoko-senpai in a yukata?!"

They both stared at Hayato with pleading eyes.

"Hmm, not impossible," Hayato mused. "Oh, I added Takanori yesterday — maybe I should invite her and her friends too."

"Please do!!"

They weren't clueless — they knew Hayato and Kiyoko were close. But Kiyoko would always be their goddess. And if more girls joined, maybe their odds wouldn't be so bad either.

Just then, Kiyoko's voice floated through the open window.

"Hayato, I'm going shopping — want to come?"

Since she knew Tanaka and Nishinoya were over, she'd planned to treat them to lunch.

"Sure, wait for me."

Nishinoya and Tanaka exchanged resigned glances. "Childhood friends are unfair."

"You two stay here and keep working. I'm going shopping with Kiyoko-nee," Hayato said, heading downstairs.

The two sighed in unison.

On the way to the shopping street, Hayato told Kiyoko about the fireworks festival.

"There's a temple fair too — food, games… We've worked hard all summer; it'll be good to relax. What do you think?"

"True. I'll check if my yukata still fits."

"If not, we can rent one. Plenty of time till Saturday."

When they returned, they called the homework duo downstairs for lunch — cold noodles, perfect for the summer heat.

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