"Yamaguchi! Join us at the mixer party later!"

Yamaguchi smiled apologetically "Sorry. I have to turn you down"

"Eh?! Why?" the young man who asked him made a pleading gesture and asked again "Please, man! We are short on numbers right now"

"I really can't. Sorry" he stood up from his seat and collected his notes before proceeding to the next lecture room "I already have a girlfriend"

"Eh?! Since when?!"

A girl slapped the guy's head "Idiot! He already told you before, remember? Ah, Yamaguchi-senpai, I'm sorry about that. Miyauchi-san tends to forget things because of his stupidity. Sorry for disturbing"

"Oi!" Miyauchi complained.

"Ahahaha. It's okay. I know Miyauchi-kun doesn't mean to. You don't have to hit him, Azakawa-san" he smiled "I'll be going on my next class then"

Before leaving the room, his classmates saw him checking his phone while making a small smile. The guy named Miyauchi whistled.

"Uwaaah... To think that he already has a girlfriend...lucky guy"

Another guy named Kirihito nodded "I haven't seen the girlfriend he's speaking of though... in all three years I know him, I never once saw his girlfriend"

Azakawa sighed "That's because senpai's girlfriend is in America right now, as what I hear"

"Eh?! A foreigner?!"

"Nope, she's Japanese. I heard that his girlfriend is there training of some sort. Yamaguchi-senpai doesn't really give us that much detail, which is okay since I understand his intentions" she shrugged.

"Training? The sports training type?"

"Could be. I don't know what type though"

"Uwaaah... his girlfriend sounds cool"

Right after they graduated in high school, they all went their separate ways. They took different universities while certain people didn't take the university path and pursued volleyball.

Ayame belonged to the latter.

It was a shock, especially to the teachers, since she was a bright student, with high grades and amazing performance that could get her to any university she wanted, whether it is in Tokyo or Kyoto. Her teacher told her that it would be a waste to throw away her academic intellect if she chose to study Sports Science instead of other courses.

She only smiled.

I want to continue volleyball. That's all.

When she decided on that, Iwaizume suggested that she should try studying in America, since the both of them are taking the same course and he's already there so, it will be nice to have another familiar face to be with. (Ayame surprisingly knows a few contacts from other players in other schools and she heard that Iwaizume took sports science so she told him about her choice.)

He also told her she can also intern under Takashi Utsui, a Japanese trainer.

After Coach Ukai learned that, she told her it will be a good chance to observe western volleyball up close.

She spoke to her mother about her decision of going to America after high school and surprisingly, her mother allowed her. Follow your passion, is what she told her.

Ayame also talked to Yamaguchi about her decision, while apologizing for her selfishness about going overseas on her own. The freckled teen, of course, was aware of her passion in volleyball. Instead, he assured her that he fully supports her decision but he can't help but worry since America has plenty of hot guys who would surely love to hit on the girl.

It was rest assured when Iwaizume messaged them that he'll take responsibility in protecting her.

I'll punch them if I have to.

Hinata was the first one to travel overseas to Brazil to train beach volleyball. Weeks later, Ayame left to America, specifically to California. Everyone was there to see her off and the couple promised each other to call or text as much as they can despite the time differences.

Which leads us to the current time, where Yamaguchi is in his senior year in college. Unlike his fellow club mates, he stopped playing volleyball to focus on studying.

He still chats with his year mates in their group chat to catch up on things while also, having a private conversation with his girlfriend.

Yamaguchi found an empty seat outside the university building and started a video call with Ayame. Once Ayame's face was on the screen, he broke to a grin.

"Aya-chan!"

"Taa-kun!"

"Sounds lively over there. It's evening in California right now, isn't it?"

"Yes. The boys just finished training and were taking a shower. Some of their bench reserves are with me, chatting up with their friends since some of them are either still high school or college students. Anyway, how are you doing, Taa-kun?"

"All good. University life is hard but I can manage. I'll be starting work at a home electronics company next year"

"Wow, right after graduation, huh? I'll be cheering for you!"

He laughed when she pumped her fist and nearly hit one of the player's jaw, to which she apologized profusely in English.

"Uwaaa...that was embarrassing..." she sighed before facing her boyfriend "I really miss you, Taa-kun... I can't want to get back in Japan so I can be with you..."

He smiled fondly and moved the phone closer to his face "Me too. I want to hug you, Aya-chan... But, just a little more, right? After all, you'll be back within two months after training"

"Yes. Hajime-san as well. It kinda sucks that I can't watch the V. League live over in Japan. I can watch it live stream but I want to observe it up close and... I can be with you when watching other matches"

"I feel the same way. It's already three years but I still can't seem to get used to the idea of watching volleyball without you. Ah, speaking of which, have you heard about Hinata?"

"Ah! Of course! Shoyo-kun said that he'll be joining the MSBY Black Jackal in the V. League. I know that it's Bokuto-san and Atsumu-san's team, right? Uwaa! So exciting!"

"Still a Bokuto-san fan, huh? Yep, that's it. We're planning to pick him up at the airport next week. I have to help him in his paperworks this time since Tsukki's not willing to help him. I'm the only guy with free time to help him after all"

"Taa-kun's so responsible" she giggled "As expected from the former captain. Send my regards to him since Takashi-san's team, the Irvine Polar Bears, will be having a match next week and I can't chat at that time"

"Got it. Good luck, Aya-chan! Or should I say, strategist Ayame?"

She gave another giggle before waving her hand "Yeah. Thank you, Taa-kun! I mean, captain!"

The two laughed shortly before ending the call, just in time for Yamaguchi's next class to start. Their talks are always like these. No matter how ridiculous it is or it about volleyball, they cherish the small amount of time they have to call each other because of the distance and wide time difference.

Two months. They only have to endure for two more months.

*V. League*

"Uwaaaah..." Yamaguchi blinked when he was served by Miya Osamu "It's one of the Miya twins"

"Oh, hey! It's you, uh... from Karasuno! You were the one with that real nasty jump floater" Osamu said after realizing who he was.

"Ah. It's Yamaguchi" he nodded in acknowledgement.

"By the way, I heard that your girlfriend...the assistant coach of yours... she is in America, right? Is she still training to become sports trainer in volleyball?"

"Hai. Her internship is ending and she'll be back after the span of a month and half"

"Is that so? Congrats, then" he smiled "So, you planning on proposing to her?"

He nearly dropped the foods he was carrying. "E-Eh?!"

"Ah, my bad. Didn't mean to surprise you like that." he apologized, but he couldn't hide his amusement after seeing his expression "I mean, you guys are going strong since high school and I just kinda assume you'll propose to her sooner or later. You guys are lovey-dovey since way back."

"A-Ahahaha... I think we're too early for that..."

"Wait a minute, why am I having a conversation with Miya Osamu-san of this...?" he mentally sweat dropped in realization.

"A-Anyway, thank you for the order."

"Yeah, sure. Thanks and come again."

When he left the stall, he gave out a long sigh before going over to Shimada's stall to buy additional snacks.

"Proposing, huh...?" he thought "I mean... what I'll be telling her when she'll come back is almost close to that, right?"

"Ah! Yamaguchi-kun!"

He blinked and saw their former manager in front of him. "Oh, Yachi-san! It's been a while!"

"I could say the same thing! How are you guys doing?"

"All good, I guess. I'll be starting to work next year."

"Me too. I guess I better start finding an apartment to reside in Tokyo..." Yamaguchi could practically see the gloom from Yachi. As always, the blonde is still a nervous and negative person. She suddenly remembered something and grinned.

"By the way, how's Ayame-chan doing? I hope you guys are still really close!"

He nearly forgot that Yachi used to squeal back in high school whenever she sees the couple being romantic. A total opposite from Tsukishima, who would only watch them with his glasses gleaming with light plus a smirk on his lips.

He rubbed his nape in embarrassment "Aya-chan and I are still close as ever. It's a little sad that we've been only chatting and calling each other through the phone for three years but, I no longer have to wait"

"Ah, that's right. Ayame-chan said that she'll return back to Japan soon. I'm glad for you two!"

"Thanks, Yachi-san. By the way, if you're alone, why don't you sit with us? I'm with Tsukki right now and I'm sure he wouldn't mind"

"Sure!"

Right now, for the Karasuno team, it's definitely a reunion for them since they'll be watching the match of Kageyama's team against Hinata's team. It's a match they cannot miss.

Yamaguchi's phone vibrated and he saw Ayame's message.

Is it okay to start a video call with you?

He immediately replied by starting the call. On the screen, Ayame had her brown bangs clipped to the side and she's wearing glasses.

"Hello, Taa-kun! Ah, thank goodness I can call you before the game starts. It's not starting yet, right?"

"Hey, Aya-chan. Yep, it's not starting yet. What time is it over there in California?"

"Almost 1 in the morning"

"The time difference sure is crazy, huh..." he sweat dropped upon thinking over it again "Ah, Tsukki and Yachi-san are with me"

"Really?! Can I say hi to them?!"

"Sure" he smiled and flashed his screen to where the two are.

"Ayame-chan, hello! Uwaa, is it really past midnight over there?"

Tsukishima noticed her glasses "Huh, didn't know you're wearing glasses recently, Ayame"

She sheepishly laughed "Yeah, I'm usually wearing one when watching gameplays on my tablet and when using my phone for a long time sometimes. I don't want to ruin my eyesight"

"Your eyes are your asset after all"

"Yes. Ah, by the way, is my mom over there?"

"Kazumi-san's here as always." Yamaguchi answers. "She's invited to be a sports analyst in every volleyball match in the V. League again. It's amazing how her senses are still sharp over the years"

She grinned "Volleyball is important to mom as well. She can't just let it go that easily."

"Are you watching the game by yourself?"

"The other guys are already asleep, including Hajime-san. Takashi-san's the only one awake with me. He wants to watch his son's match, you see"

"Aw, that sounds really nice!" Yachi smiles "Who is his son?"

"Hmm... I think it was someone from the Schweiden Adlers. That's all I know." Ayame mentally sweat dropped, and so does Yamaguchi after she vaguely explained the details.

Only she and Yamaguchi know that the person she's interning is Ushijima's father.

Tsukishima's face has the expression of do-you-think-I-wouldn't-know look plus a raised eyebrow. Ushijima told him a year ago when his team and the other's team had a joint practice match that Ayame's interning under his father.

"Since the game hasn't started yet, let's all talk together about our lives! It's been a while since we had a call like this!"

Only a month and half left.

***

"How nostalgic" Daichi chuckles as he and the whole team are waiting outside the airport "The whole team also gathered here to send off Ayame-chan three years ago"

"She's so bold, huh? Deciding to go straight to America after high school and study Sports science and intern directly under a coach with Iwaizume of Seijoh." Sugawara smiles "Speaking of which they are also here today, right, Kageyama?"

"Yes." The raven haired nodded. "Kindaichi, Kunimi and a few of their senpais from Seijoh are here to pick up Iwaizume-san as well"

He gestured at the other group a little close to them.

"There's a lot of us today, huh?" Ennoshita sweat dropped when the whole former Karasuno team, Nekoma plus Bokuto and Akaashi were present, along with a few alumni from Seijoh "Everyone's really staring at us, though..."

"Isn't it fine? I'm sure Aya-chan would love that everyone is here" Kazumi arrives along with Mr. Takeda and Coach Ukai Keishin "Sorry for the delay"

"It's all right, Kazumi-san!" Yamaguchi smiled and bowed in greeting. "Their plane arrived a few minutes ago. I think you are just in time"

"I made sure not to miss my daughter's return after all. Thank you, Tadashi"

"I hope Mizuki-chan doesn't forget how to speak Japanese!" Bokuto laughed.

"Bokuto-san, there's no way a person would forget speaking in Japanese after staying overseas for three years." Akaashi told him.

"As if the genius Ayame would forget something as simple as that" Kenma says while scrolling through his phone.

"That's right~" Kuroo grinned "She's not stupid like a certain owl here~"

"Oi, Kuroo, you bastard!"

Kenma sighed "Kuroo, don't rile him"

Akaashi pulled the player by his collar "Bokuto-san, please don't cause a scene in the airport"

Yamaguchi sweat dropped when he saw them argue "Please make sure not a single incident happen until Aya-chan finally arrives..."

It didn't take long until the glass doors opened and out poured the passengers. Karasuno and the group were standing out too much to make sure Ayame sees them, but it also caused other people to look at them weirdly.

Karasuno were raising a banner with a "Welcome back, Ayame" on a black banner with white paint 5 meters high. Yachi was the one who prepared per request of the team.

Nekoma also prepared some other flashy signs for her to notice, which Kenma volunteered on covering the expenses.

Bokuto was being loud for her to find them quickly and Akaashi had to shush him every 30 seconds to not be reported.

Seijoh pretended that they didn't exist.

In the end, it was Yamaguchi who saw her first and waved his hand. Iwaizume was the one who noticed the extravagant efforts Karasuno and the group pulled off (and sweat dropped after seeing it). Ayame noticed the teen and her face brightened up.

"Taa-kun!!"

She came running to him and he wrapped her in an embrace while laughing.

"Aya-chan! Welcome back!"

"Hehehe. I'm back!"

It feels so good to be back in Japan.

The whole group was grinning upon seeing the couple together emitting a flowery aura. Iwaizume was chuckling as he went to Seijoh's side when she called out to him.

"Oh, Hajime-san. Thank you for looking after me in California" Ayame bowed to her senior who ruffled her hair back in response.

"No problem. We help each other out after all"

"Thank you for protecting her as well, Iwaizume-san" Yamaguchi bowed.

"I promised to take responsibility of protecting her after all" he grinned "She reminds me of a little sister that needs to be protected so no problem. Well, I'm off to see my old team. Later"

When he left, Ayame beamed to the group in front of them.

"Everyone, I'm back!"

"Aya-chan~!!" Kazumi nearly pounced to hug her and rubbed her cheeks on her daughter's cheeks in an affectionate way. "Oh how I missed my cute daughter!!"

"Mhmm. I miss you too, mom!" she grinned and hugged her back before turning her attention to her childhood friend/onii-chan. "Daichi-nii-chan, it's been a while!! Uwaa!! You're a policeman now!"

She ran to Daichi and he squeezed her in a bear hug.

"I really miss you, Ayame-chan! Three years! Three years without your nii-chan by your side is making me restless!" he pulled back and ruffled her hair "But... I'm pretty sure you are already capable now since you're no longer the little girl from back then"

"Thank you, nii-chan" she smiled "I'm really grateful you are all here. I really appreciate it!"

"Of course" Shimizu smiled "Everyone loves you after all, Ayame-chan"

Ayame's violet eyes widened when she saw the ring on Shimizu's left ring finger "S-Shimizu-san?! T-That ring...?!"

"Ah, you didn't know, huh, Ayame-chan?" Tanaka grinned and she saw a ring on his left ring finger as well.

"Eh?! R-Ryu-senpai has a ring, too?! Eh?! W-Wait. Could it be..."

They could practically hear the gears turning in her head. Yamaguchi chuckled in amusement when he recalled that they kept it a secret from her.

"That's right" Shimizu, who now goes by Tanaka, smiles as the married couple raised their left hand.

"We're married"

.

.

.

.

.

.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEH?!?!?!"

The whole airport could practically hear her scream.