"......"

"Uh..."

"..."

"Hm-hm~..."

"Should we...go and rescue her?"

The boys in maroon clad whisper amongst themselves as they watch Mizuki and Terushima from two tables across the room.

"She'll be fine," Semi shrugs, "besides, they used to be in the same junior high, right? I'm sure Hinata-san's used to that kind of guy."

"'That'...?"

"You know, the flirtatious type who can't take a hint. Kind of like this guy."

"How dare you, Semi-Semi! I am a mature senior compared to that punk!"

"Shh~!"

Unbeknownst to them, the two were in a conversation.

>>>>>>>Mizuki's POV>>>>>>>

"Feels like old times," Yuji hums.

"How could I forget," I sigh, reluctantly, "every time at lunch, you barge into my homeroom class and try to mooch off my food."

"It wasn't that bad," he laughs, "and if I recall, we made lunch exchanges. Two melons for half of your lovely homemade bentos. Ah, hey, you should make me one."

"No thank you. Besides, I've already promised Yuu that I'd make him meals."

"Who's that?"

"Only one of the best libero's in his grade. Maybe you should get some pointers from him."

"Eh~? How come you're spoiling someone other than me?"

Tap/Ow~!

I whack his hand with the end of my fork before twirling it right-side up.

"Stop whining...and I'm not spoiling anyone. You could say that I took him under my wing for a while, so I'm rewarding him for his hard work."

Yuji recovers with that usual laidback smile of his.

"Well, even if you're now a wing spiker, you're still the best libero I know. So it's not surprise people wanna get lessons from you."

"Huh..."

I twirl my fork, scooping the pasta up and eating it.

"My mom says hi, by the way. She really wants you to come visit."

"And I will, after the preliminaries are done. So...what about you? Are you gonna stick to your dream job?"

"Zeke's already given me a job at his salon. I'm officially his apprentice."

"Good for you."

After eating the last bite of my meal, I notice Yuji staring at me with a huge grin.

"What...?"

"Nothing~...it's just that I'm happy that you're back. I missed you."

"...Well..." I cup my chin and smile back.

"I guess I missed you, too, ya dork."

"Mizuki~!"

"C'mon, you're getting way too emotional, now."

>>>>>>>FAST FORWARD>>>>>>>

JINGLE~

"Yo~ Zeke! You here!"

"Hey, Terushima."

"What's up, Aliya-san! I brought someone over."

I come around and wave to the front desk lady/makeup artist.

"Long time no see."

"Oh my gosh, Hinata-chan! Is that you?"

She goes around the counter and hugs me.

"How are you, sweetie?"

"I'm good, thanks."

"What's all the commotion?"

From the stairs, I see the owner and hairstylist.

"No way...Hinata-chan!"

"Hi, Zeke!"

I give him a hug as he laughs.

"I heard you came back home. What took you so long to come here?"

"Sorry, but I got so wrapped up in other stuff. But I'm here now."

"Let me look at you."

He smiles while standing back as I fans my arms out.

"Look at that, Aliya...our demo-girl has grown up. You look so mature than last time."

"You think?"

"Speaking of demos, I'm about to start one. Would you mind?"

"I would love to!"

"I'll help, too."

[Moments Later...]

"Three...two...start!"

Beep

"Hello, everyone~! And welcome back to another hair tutorial. Today's actually a special event because~...we'll be doing a demo on my original model: Hinata Mizuki! Say hi to the fans, Hinata-chan."

"Good afternoon, everyone."

I wave to the camera on the tripod stand.

"Today we'll be going over another tutorial on proper hair dye routine. Afterwards, my trainee, Terushima, will be demoing a stylish braid for outdoor occasions. This time, I'll be asking the client what she'd prefer. Hinata-chan?"

"Eh...um..."

I ponder for a few seconds.

"I think...I'd like to try pink, please."

"Ooh~ a good choice. I'll add some purple as well. All you other redheads out there, pay close attention, okay? Let's begin..."

At some point, I forgot how much time has passed and just enjoyed the pampering.

FWIP-FWIP

"—bring the remaining strands hanging down from the ponytail above it through the middle of the split section. And that's it! A perfect half-up pull-through braid."

"Well, that's all for now, fans. Be sure to like and subscribe this video. And feel free to stop by at the shop with an appointment. We're always ready to bring some style into your life."

"(Both)See you soon~."

I hear the camera stop and turn around.

"Phew~ finally done."

"Here, Hinata."

Terushima hovers a mirror from behind. I see the upside-down heart bubble-braids down the middle and half of my hair dyed pink and most of the purple showing on the tips.

"I love it. Thank you, guys."

"You're welcome, Hinata-chan."

I go downstairs and pay for this makeover. Aliya insisted I shouldn't, but I'll be paying anyway now that I'll be coming more often.

🔔JINGLE~

"See you/Take care."

Terushima and I leave the salon.

"You should probably take the bus home now, Yuji. Isn't your home that way?"

"I said I would escort you home, didn't I?"

We cross the street and turn right.

"It's funny."

"Hm...what is," I ask, curiously.

"Zeke and I did your hair last time...only it wasn't a mishap like before."

"But the blue dye did turn out good."

"Can't believe that crazy bitch squirted it right in your face."

"Watch your mouth."

"But it's the truth."

I chuckle, shaking my head at how pissed he is just thinking about it. That's when I notice the hill leading to my neighborhood.

"Alright, you can head back home from here."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine."

"...Hey, Hinata?"

"Yeah?"

"That guy I saw..."

"What guy?"

"The scary-looking one."

"H-Hey, it's not his fault people always think that, but he isn't, okay?"

"But my hunch is right, isn't it?"

His face becomes blank.

"You and him, I mean..."

"...Are you really bugged by that?"

"Of course I am. Someone so scary-looking with a cute girl like you is so unnatural."

"Are you trying to piss me off?"

"I'm not."

"Not with that face."

I sweat-drop at the way he's pouting. Same old Terushima.

"The thing is," I imply, "there's a difference between you and him."

"Like what?"

"Well, for one thing, between your way of volleyball and his is one a different level. In other words, we're dedicated to the sport."

"So is my team," he grins, "we're at our best when having fun."

"You're still not getting it."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

I turn around and start walking.

"It's a long-shot...but maybe then you'll finally understand when playing against Karasuno."

"Eh~? Can't you just tell me right now?"

"See ya."

"Aw, come on, Hinata! What is it~?"

I shrug with a smile as I leave him be.

C-Click

"I'm home~."

"Welcome back, onee-chan. Ah, your hair looks so pretty!"

"Thanks, Natsu. Is mom here?"

"She's still working."

"I see. Guess I'm making dinner, tonight."

"I'll tell, onii-chan."

My sister runs up the stairs while I go prep everything.

[Next Day...]

"We're off~!"

"Have a good day you two!"

Shoyo has his bike while we walk together.

"Your hair is really cool, though, nee-san."

"Again, thanks," I giggle.

"So, where are you headed this time?"

"Tokyo. I'll be staying there for the week training with Nekoma and Fukurodani."

"Lucky...(awkwardly)but now that you're not hanging out at our school's gym, I think Asahi-san's getting a little lonely."

"That so," I sweat-drop, "I'm sure he's not hiding his anxiety, either. This one time, he called me asking all sorts of questions just like mom would. He got scolded by the others for getting distracted."

"Ahaha...still, what are you gonna do in the meantime? Tokyo's only 4 hours away by train, so they'll still be in school."

"Oh~ I've got that covered."

>>>>>>>FAST FORWARD>>>>>>>

Once I approach the school gate, I notice my friends waving to me.

"Hey, Mizuki!"

"Hey, Masaki...Satoshi. Am I on time?"

"Yup. C'mon, we'll take you to the gym."

As we walk together, I notice some student staring.

"Lunchtime's about to end," Masaki informs.

"Oh, okay. So, who's class are we teaching today?"

"Class (#/letter)."

"And get this: one of the girls freaked out when we mentioned you'd be joining us, today."

"She wouldn't stop talking about volleyball related stuff. Reminds me of you back then."

"Oh really," I laugh, "then I'm sure we're gonna get along just fine."

By the time we reach one of the gyms, I can hear voices.

"That's funny," Satoshi hums, "there shouldn't be anyone inside, yet."

SLIDE~

He opens the door.

"Wuahh/Ahh!"

All of a sudden, we get the jump on a group of girls.

"It's really her!"

"Please give me your autograph!"

"I wanna shake your hand!"

"W-What's going on?"

"Don't look at me."

"I'm so sorry!"

"Eh?"

I turn to a girl bowing to me. Her eyes and hair are the same color and had a cute cat-clip on the right of her head.

"I bragged about you coming during lunch and other fans started to hear my conversation that...well...I'm so sorry!"

"H-Hey, it's okay. I'm not blaming you or any...hm?"

"Huh?"

I come closer, getting a good look at her face.

"Uh...is something wrong?"

"You look familiar. What's your name?"

She smiles and gives me a salute.

"I'm Yamamoto, Akane! 2nd year, Class (#/letter) here at Nekoma Junior High!"

"Oh~ so that's why. You're Yama-kun's sister. The one he talked about over summer."

"H-Hai! I was so jealous when oni-chan said you were training with him at the Summer Camp. And he didn't even invite me to come see you play during the local games."

"Aw~ you're so cute!"

I hug her after seeing her pout like that.

"It's so nice to meet you, Akane-chan. And don't worry, I'll be sure to scold your brother once I see him later."

"E-Eh...t-thank...you?"

"Oh, I'm sorry." I back up, sheepishly rubbing my neck.

"I didn't mean to overstep the boundaries. I got so used to that greeting from America with my friends and teammates that it's become natural thing to me, I guess."

"No, no, no! I'm flattered, really!"

"No fair, Akane-chan."

"You're so lucky~!"

"I'm sorry girls," Masaki aplogizes, "but if you're not in Yamamoto's class for this period, you'll need to leave."

"(Girls)Aw~/No way!"

DING DONG~

"Lunch has ended, girls. Please go to class."

"But it was nice to see you all. Thank you for supporting me."

"Kyaa~/Hinata-sama~!!"

I wave as those girls leave the gym.

"You should get ready for P.E., Akane-chan."

"Right! Can't wait to start!"

She jogs off as Satoshi and Masaki stand beside me.

"Told ya she's a volleyball fanatic."

"Akane and her brother are so alike," I chuckle.

[Moments Later...]

B-BAM!

"Good swing, but your foot went over the line."

"Ah, shoot. My bad."

"Just make sure to time your steps at a steady pace before serving. Alright, who's next?"

I took a quick glance at Masaki and Satoshi tutoring the boys, before returning to my group.

"Alright, girls, let's work on receiving. Who wants to go first?"

"Me, please!"

I smile towards Akane, eagerly raising her arm up. I then look to the student who'll be setting the ball for me. She nods and I toss the ball to her.

TOSS!

SQUEAK/FWOOM!

"Wuaah!/Kyaa!"

I jump high as Akane readies herself.

TAP!

"Eh?! A-A-Ahh!"

Thump!

Bounce...Bounce-Bounce-Bounce

I land after tricking her with a feint move. I go under the net and help Akane up on her feet.

"In a real match, you never know what your opponent will do, even if it wasn't intentional. But good reflexes on that dive."

"Thank you, Hinata-senpai."

"Okay, let's keep going, girls. Who's next?"

After the P.E. period, I say goodbye to Akane and my older friends.

"Okay...I've got some time before heading to the high school. I'll go get some lunch."

And the first place that came to mind is Shotarou's favorite eating spot.

Clack-Clack

I enter the shop. Surprisingly, the place was almost empty.

"Welcome~!"

"Hey, Shinjou-san!"

"Well, if it isn't Hinata-chan. Good to see you."

"You too, sir. Can I have a glass of water, please?"

"Sure thing. And the food?"

"Hm~...I'll just have some pork dumplings."

"Coming right up. Take a seat anywhere you'd like."

"So, where is everyone?"

"Oh, the rush hour came in early. Something about a project with those big incorporate workers, ya know..."

"Well, at least no one's gonna bother me. Remember the last time I came here?"

"How could I forget," Shinjou huffs, "that guy was such a sleazebag."

"Anyway, about what I asked earlier on the phone..."

"Hm?...ah~ that. Don't worry, Hinata-chan, I made sure to reserve those spots when you come back."

"Thank you, sir."

"Hello~!"

"Oh, welcome ladies!"

"Hm?"

When I turn around, I see my friends from Aoba Johsai.

"(All)Mizuki!"

"Hey, girl, long time no se--!"

I grip Matsuko's face with a deadpan glare.

"You got some nerve talking like this after you all fooled me."

"Uwa chu ha mee? (Muffled Translation: What do ya mean?)

"I overheard Shotarou-sensei on the phone talking with you guys."

"Eh/Uh-oh..."

"So I'm right, aren't I?"

"Ehehe...ugh. We're really sorry."

I slump my shoulders as they sit around me.

"But at least all of us are applying to the same university...even Kimura-kun."

"Unfortunately, she has to ask us for tips on studying."

"Oh shut up, Matsuko! And I'm not that bad!"

"Just be glad cooking isn't one of the entrance exams."

I sweat-drop as Miyu blushes with embarrassment.

"By the way, you're hair looks amazing. Is that pink and purple dye?"

"Yup. I'm thinking about keeping this looks."

"You should."

"Think so? Hey, maybe you should dye your hair, too, Rin. I think shades of blue would totally suit you."

"Well, since we're practically adults now, a new look would be nice."

"Have you heard of a guy named Zeke? I get my hair done by him."

"No way! I love his tutorials! And I even saw you being included in the video, too!"

"Just book an appointment and I'll give a heads up to Zeke."

"Thanks, girl!"

"Anyway, I'm here for some individual training. And you guys?"

"We're here to compete in a music contest. Kimura's our official band manager."

"Oh yeah?"

"I'm not just a pretty face," Miyu proudly states, "I have good organization skills."

"So, you're still gonna be in a band when enrolling in college?"

"Heck yeah," Rin beams, "of course, you're gonna join us, too."

"Huh?"

"When we performed during that summer festival, a lot of people were talking about you."

"We also heard rumors about people forming a Tenacious Hearts fan-club."

"O-Oh, really...I hadn't noticed."

"Here you go, Hinata-chan."

"Thanks, Shinjou-san."

I pick up one pot-sticker with the chopsticks and start eating.

"That being said..."

CLAP!

Matsuko, Rin, and Hana put their hands together and bow.

"(Trio)Could you please perform with us?"

"...Huh?"

"Matsuko wrote the song, but she didn't realize they needed another vocalist."

"And I don't wanna do the main vocals," Matsuko whines.

"Isn't that just you being lazy," Hana retorts.

"Just because I'm the leader, doesn't mean I should be singing all the time."

Miyu gestures to the brunette with a look and I shrug.

"Alright, alright, I'll stay with the band...but once we enroll in college, don't expect me to come all the time."

"Thanks, Mizuki! You're the best!"

"Um, that's great and all, but what about our outfits?"

"Aw, shoot! I forgot about that!"

"Well, we have to think of something. There's only a week till the competition."

"Augh~ you have to remind me?!"

Tug-Tug

I turn to Miyu when she gets my attention.

"So, uh...did you tell anyone else about that you-know-what?"

"Only my boyfriend and Iwaizumi Hajime from your school's volleyball team. To be honest, I don't know how I'm gonna tell everyone else. I mean it's kind of late..."

"Hmm.....oh! Then, why not make a video?"

"A video?"

"Yeah. We can help you compose a cd when you're not busy training. When do you meet your brother's team again?"

"They start their first round in the Main Preliminaries in late October."

"Hey, that's plenty of time. I can ask my mom to borrow her camera."

"Is that okay?"

"Yeah."

"Well, in that case, I'll have one of my friends make the finished product. He's a wiz at composing videos on his laptop."

"Here's your order, miss."

"Thank you."

"Soy-sauce karaage, huh?"

"It's one of my favorite chicken dishes. So, about the video...do you have an idea already?"

"Sort of. For one thing, I'd like it if we..."

Miyu and I mostly talked for an hour while eating. And trust me, I had a lot on my plate than these dumplings. Even so, this fast-pace life of mine is my kind of leisure.