Your eyes widened as you stare directly at Tanaka.

Well my nap is ruined now

"Wha-at did you just say?!" you ask in surprise. Tanaka still had that somber expression on his face. It was very unexpected coming from him.

Was he serious? I mean, I get he would fall in love with any girl. But he actually looks like he's in LOVE with Kiyoko.

"I said that I'm in lo-" he repeated but you covered his mouth with your hands. You glance towards the seat across the bus aisle, where Suga sat. He was fast asleep on Asahi's shoulder.

"I know what you said." you say in a low whisper. You peek your head above the seats and look around. Everyone was fast asleep, exhausted from the game. You sit back down and let go of Tanaka'a face.

"You're in love with her." you recited, trying to make sense of it all. You didn't want to believe in what he said. If you spoke any louder, Suga would've heard and tell Daichi.

"I know you're thinking: What about Daichi?" he whispered to you. For once, Tanaka wasn't joking, he was dead serious.

"We dated, if that's what you're going to ask. I even used to have a full head of hair. Crazy what love can do to you" he said as he looked upon your face containing multiple mixed expressions.

No, that can't be right. I clearly remember it was Daichi she was dating.

"Let's just say it didn't work out between us..." he murmured and slumped over in his seat. He directed his gaze towards the bus window, watching the sun set over the horizon. The shadows became more prominent on his face.

He looks sad. Depressed even. He seems to be telling the truth but... why can't I remember him with Kiyoko? As if he read your mind he continues,

"Your dad didn't approve of me. So I told her to break up with me. I knew it was hard for the both of us but, I don't want to make matters worse at home."

He sighed and finally turned to you. Looking into his blue-grey eyes, this time you could tell he was speaking the truth. It was a special skill of yours after all, knowing if someone was lying.

So he was the one on the phone.

"But before we broke up, I had this grand plan that if Daichi could take her out on 'dates', I could continue to secretly date her. Since he's team captain, studious and all that. Unlike me, you know, a slack off. He didn't like the idea at first, but he could tell I wanted this badly..." he murmured, trailing off into his own thoughts.

Wow, he really thought this through.

"But, she ended up falling in love with Daichi" you said putting the pieces together. Everything made sense now. He didn't answer you right away but you could tell by the way he looks out the window, you were spot on.

"She didn't mean to though. I mean, they did end up spending more time together because of me. It's my fault really. Daichi would never do anything to hurt me. He's got a good heart, but that's what made her fall in love with him."

He shuffled his feet and crossed his arms. Leaning back into his seat he closed his eyes and sighed. He whispers,

"I just wish I meant more to her. After she left for that fancy boarding school, she didn't even say goodby-"

"Tanaka-kun." you interrupt him. You were staring into his heartbroken eyes and before you could tell him the truth, the bus came to an abrupt halt. You were flown out of your seat and you fell smack dab in the middle of the aisle.

Oh gosh. That hurts.

You landed on stomach and your cheek was pressed against the cold bus floor.

"(F/N)! Are you okay?"

The turbulence of the bus made your head feel hazy. Your heart unexpectedly beats faster in your chest. You were breathing hard as you remained on the floor too scared to move.

I can't feel my legs.

You could feel yourself sweating as bright lights flash from the windows, reminding you of the accident.

Police cars. Ambulances. Car totalled. No escape. Kiyoko. Dad. Can't move.

"(F/N)! (F/N)!" a voice called out louder to you.

You place your hands over your ears to drown out the terrible ringing, but the sound grew louder and louder.

I can't breathe

A person scoops you up from the floor. He held you tightly as the bus movements became more steadier than earlier. You were gasping for air and croaked,

"Keishin"

"(F/N), it's okay. You're okay." He speaks in a gentle voice.

Your head stops spinning as he places you gently by the window-seat. He then sits beside you with his arm around your shoulders, lulling you sleep. Your breathing was brought back to a steady pace and your eyelids felt heavy. You try to mutter something about Tanaka but Keishin hushes you to sleep; you drift off into your own world.

Tanaka-kun, Kiyoko is here. She's awake. You need to see her.

~

Takeda-senpai silences the engine as it parks in front of the school. Keishin nudges you on the forehead and your eyes slowly open. Both of you were the last ones seated on the bus.

"Hey, we're at school. I can drop you off home if you'd like."

You were too tired to respond, so instead you nod your head in agreement. He smiles down at you and brushes you hair away from your face.

He really is a big brother to me.

Exiting the bus, Mika and Suga were waiting for you. Everyone else got their own rides home.

"Suga, you live far away, why didn't you get a ride from someone?" you ask all surprised. He was holding his and your duffle bag.

"He wanted to stay. He saw what happened earlier on the bus and wanted to make sure you were okay." Mika answered for him. He blushed a bit as he held out your duffle bag, covering his face; he offered you to take it.

"Well that's the last of everyone's stuff." Takeda-senpai exclaimed. He dusted off his fingers and double-checked the luggage compartment for any loose items.

"Everyone has a ride home?" Takeda-senpai asked to the four of you. He pressed the button and the bus beeped, locking it up.

"I'll take them home. Thanks for driving us to our first practice match." Keishin thanked him as Takeda-senpai took off to his car in the parking lot, waving goodbye.

"So, where do you live Suga?" he asked smiling mischievously. Keishin was spinning his car keys with his index finger.

Oh I don't like where this is going.

"Near the train station." Suga answered shyly. "It's okay, I know it's out of the way from (F/N)'s house. I don't mind taking the bus."

"Nonsense! A friend of (F/N), is a friend of mine." he wraps his arm around Suga's shoulder, surprising him. Keishin face turns toward you with Suga's in the opposite direction. Keishin makes a face reading, 'he knows where you live huh?'

First my mom, now Keishin. Oh boy.

"Well chop chop, I'm going to miss my shows!" Keishin boasts and walks towards his black Honda in the parkade. Mika walks a bit ahead of you, while you and Suga followed behind.

"Hey (F/N), I know I wanted to treat you after the game, but you must be so tired. Do you want to come to the Light Festival with me this Saturday instead?"

Before you could answer, Mika swiftly turns around and places both her hands on your shoulders. She stops you dead in your tracks and looks up with a pleading face.

"PLEASE GO ON A DOUBLE DATE WITH ME (F/N)!" Mika begged.

DATE? I think this is just a hangout?! Unless...

You look upwards to Suga and back down at Mika. Mika's head hung low and her fingers tightly pressed your shoulders.

"Ah, um..." you stutter. Mika was acting super strange. You never knew that going on a date with Oikawa would bother her so much. You really thought her moodiness was from losing the game. You knew Mika was always competitive. Especially with her brother.

"Of course Mika!" Suga piped up. He smiled down at her and Mika'a eyes lit up with joy. She lets go of you and hugs Suga with all her might. She even lifted him from the ground.

"OH THANK YOU! THANK YOU SUGA! YOU'RE THE BEST!!!"

Is it a date then?

Suga's was flabbergasted as Mika lifted him from the ground like a rag doll. She shook him side to side and Suga's face turned purple.

"Hey would you kids hurry up! Jeopardy starts in 20 minutes!" Keishin hollered from his car door.

Jeopardy? What is he? Retired!?

"OH SUGA YOU WON'T REGRET THIS!" Mika's mood changed in an instant. She let go of him happily skipped to the car. She claimed the drivers seat and started yapping away to Keishin. You and Suga both look at each other and exchange a small laugh. You both approach the car and headed for home.

~

"Mom?" you call out from the living room.

Me and Suga on a date? How crazy is that. This is my very first date. How am I supposed to act? Or wear? Am I supposed to put on make-up? Ugh, if only Kiyoko were here, I wouldn't be so lost. Most things are so straight forward but this... there's no definite answer to a date!

You tap your pen nervously on your empty notebook. You were trying to catch up with some homework that you couldn't finish last Thursday, but you still haven't written anything down. You were lost in your thoughts until your eye catches a photo frame of your mom and dad. Mom was in this big beautiful white dress and your dad was in a ravishing black tuxedo. His hair was gelled in a funny way, but apparently that was the 'trend'. Your mom's smile was so vibrant, it was contagious. This will always be your favourite photo.

"Yes honey? I'm making red bean buns!" your mom responded from the kitchen.

You dust off the photo and smiled down at it.

"You needed something sweetie?" You mom entered the living room as she wiped down her hands with a dishrag. She notices that you picked up their wedding photo.

"H-how did you know..." you try to get out the right words but you were too embarrassed to ask. You never asked your mom about this. You could feel your face getting hotter and your heart beating faster. She looks at you curiously and takes a seat on the couch. Clearing your throat, you say quickly,

"That dad was 'the one'?"

She smiled at you and gestured you to come take a seat beside her. You brought the photo and placed it on the coffee table in front of you.

"Well, that's a long story. But you probably heard it hundreds of times from your father."

She pats her lap and you lie your head on it. You missed this. Spending time with your mom. She was constantly working, so you'd be home alone most times.

"But I bet you he didn't tell you the full story."

You turn your head out of curiosity and your mom runs her fingers through your hair.

"I guess you're old enough now, so you should know."

Know what?

"Your dad, well, he says we were high school sweethearts but, actually..."

Your heart beats out of your chest. What is she talking about?

"I met your dad in my first year of college. However, your dad did go to Karasuno like me."

"But how- "

So many questions were in your head. How can your parents love story be based on a lie?! I always know when someone is lying to me. How did I miss this?!

"Shhh, I'm not finished yet" your mom scolded.

You remained silent and your mom still continued to stroke your hair. She looked upon the photo placed in front of her.

"I did however had a high school sweetheart. That was true, but it wasn't your father. I dated this boy throughout my whole high school life. Man those were the times. Erm, anyway! I thought he was the love of my life, but plot-twist I was wrong!"

Your mom squeezed the dishrag in her hand and brought it near her face. You chuckle at her. You knew your mom was a 'wild child' in high school with all the gangs she's been in. That's why dad liked her so much, because he was a mere simpleton. He was what you'd call 'ordinary'.

Huh, love triangles seem to be a theme here

"Then that day came. When I saw his true colours..."

You couldn't contain your laughter. You mom was being excessively dramatic with her hand gestures.

"Hey, pay attention this is the best part!" she slaps you lightly on the head.

"Okay, okay I'll stop!" You chuckle into your mom's lap.

"Where was I, oh right! Then I saw his true colours! Dun dun dun... he broke up with me because I told him I was pregnant."

"WAIT WHAT!" you got up from her lap and turn to her in shock.

I knew my parents were young and they had Kiyoko early but I can't believe this! Kiyoko then isn't...

"Yes (F/N), she's your half sister."

You were speechless. How can they hide that from me this whole time? But what happened to Kiyoko's father? WHO IS THIS MAN?

"Who is he then? Where is he? Does he even know about what happened to her?!" you were spitting out a billion questions to your mom.

"Hold your horses! I'm not finished yet!" your mom demanded and you shut up so she could continue the story.

"So, he dumped me because he was scared to raise a child at such a young age. I mean, if I was an 18 year old boy, I'd completely understand. But I thought he loved me enough to be there... I thought I had to raise this baby alone and I was terrified and in so much pain. I always wished I'd wake up with amnesia to forget him. But it all turned out eventually, because that's when I met your dad. The Tiny Giant."

She looked at you but you were still wide eyed, unable to process that Kiyoko is your half sister. You knew that your dad was the ACE of Karasuno but, this was just too much.

"And two years later, that's when I had you." she points at your chest and you can see tears in her eyes.

"Wasn't the Tiny Giant's name Udai Tenma? That's not dad's name."

"You know the story The Notebook."

"Mom! You didn't answer-"

"But you know the story, of course you know the story. It was like that with me and your father. But instead, I was the poor girl who was reckless and according to his parents 'too wild to handle'. Your father was filthy rich and his parents forbid him from ever seeing me. But you know what?"

"What?" you were leaning in closer to your mom in disbelief. But you wanted to know more.

"He ran away, changed his name to Shimizu Taiyo, and started a life with me. Because he loved me."

Wow, she really meant 'The Notebook'.

"So to answer your question. That's when I knew he was 'the one'." she sighed. She smiled at the wedding photo and a tear slipped out of her eye.

I still have so many questions...

"What about those tapes? The ones that you recorded of dad?"

"I was actually recording my former boyfriend, but I tried to cut out the parts where I zoomed in specifically to him. I was just petty like that. Anyway! Your dad and my ex-boyfriend did play for the same volleyball team. My ex-boyfriend was supposed to be the ACE of the team, but your father surpassed him. They were rivals ever since."

"Wait so what about college? How did you manage?" you urged.

"The first year of having Kiyoko I was at home but I was still in college. I took a lot of online classes but I managed being a mom and a student. It was difficult but your dad would help me out. I eventually had to hire a baby-sitter so I could attend the seminars, but 'BAM' four years later and I got a degree in teaching. If anything, that wasn't even the hardest part of my life."

Your mom let out a sigh and laughed at the thought.

"Your dad was on a full scholarship for volleyball. Money didn't bother him at the time, but I really drained his wallet. Anyway, it's getting late. Time to head to bed now"

She let out a yawn and smiled at you.

"But wait I still have so many questions! Who's Kiyoko's father?!" you were begging her to give you an answer but she crossed her arms and said,

"For another day (F/N)."

You didn't want to argue with her because you knew she hasn't slept in for a long time. Plus, you were just as tired. The game really drained you. Heading to your room you jump on your bed and stare into the ceiling.

There were so many things to think about. Maybe I should talk to someone.

Pulling out your phone you go through your contacts. Usually you would've called Mika but you didn't want to disturb her. She was probably gaming or sleeping.

Maybe she's overthinking about the date too.

The bright screen illuminated the dark bedroom. You keep scrolling until you hit, 'Kindachi'.

Text: Kindaichi

(F/N): Hey!

Kindachi: Sup

(F/N) Do you know?

Kindachi: Huh, know what? LOL you're so broad dude

You take a deep breath, unsure if you should tell him that Kiyoko is your half sibling. Usually if it's a family thing, Kindachi would know all the gossip. He was that cousin. After a long period of silence he types,

Kindachi: know that Hajime is gay?

Your eyes widened at the words 'Hajime' and 'gay'. You type right away with,

(F/N): WHAT?

Kindaichi: OH... Are we not talking about the same thing? It's just a rumour I heard though. Could be just a joke for him to loosen up HAHA.

Oh it's just a joke. I'm overreacting again. Mika wouldn't punched Kindachi for that comment.

(F/N): HA HA very funny cous. Haha never mind then.

Kindachi: are you okay? Something wrong?

(F/N): nono. Imma just head to bed now. pce!

You turn off your phone and place it face down on your bedside table. You try closing your eyes to drown out everything around you.

Tanaka. Suga. Dad. Hajime?

You open your eyes again. You couldn't sleep with all these questions in your head. All these thoughts were giving you anxiety. Turning on your phone again, you search for Suga's phone number.

Oh right, his number isn't on this phone.

You open your school bag and grab your chemistry notebook. Flipping through the pages, you finally found his number. You added it on your contacts and started texting.

Text: Suga

(F/N): Hey are you up?

Suga: hello who's this?

(F/N): it's Shimizu (F/N)? Isn't this Suga?

Suga: no? this is Kozume Kenma? Who are you?

(F/N): oh sorry! I must've gotten the wrong number.

Kenma: it's alright. Do you play animal crossing?

Oh how random

(F/N): ya i do! Add me!

You exchanged information and started talking to this random stranger like he was your best friend. It calmed your nerves a lot. Knowing that someone was there listening in to your problems. Even if he was a complete stranger. After a few hours of Animal crossing and talking he types,

Kenma: I'm from Tokyo by the way, where are you from?

(F/N): I'm from the Miyagi prefecture. I go to Karasuno! What about you?

Kenma: Nekoma. I play for the school's volleyball team

(F/N): oh hay! Me too :3. Maybe we'll see each other someday.

Kenma: that would be cool.

It was getting late and both of you agreed to call it a night. You place your Nintendo switch and your phone on the bedside table. Smiling at the ceiling, you're grateful for meeting a new friend. You eventually fell asleep, leaving your worries behind.

----------------- end p. 31------------