Haikyuu: Reborn in Karasuno

"Oh, Shimizu-chan, good afternoon! Out shopping with your boyfriend again?"

The familiar auntie at the seasoning shop grinned as she greeted them.

Kiyoko only nodded with her usual graceful smile, having long grown used to the shopping street folks' teasing. Without saying a word, she silently accepted the title of "boyfriend" for Hayato.

"Auntie Kijima, good afternoon. I'll take a bottle of soy sauce, mirin, and one can of shichimi powder, please."

"The usual, huh? Got it."

As Auntie Kijima bustled around the shop, Kiyoko turned to Hayato and said quietly, "Since we're already here, I figured I'd restock a few seasonings we ran out of."

With a casual smile, Hayato flexed the arm holding the shopping bag. "Leave it to me~"

After finishing their errands, they made their way back to the Shimizu household, arms full of grocery bags. As they entered the front door, Kiyoko's mother was tidying the entranceway.

Ever since her return from Hawaii, Kiyoko's mom had been keeping a subtle watch over her daughter's relationship. Once she learned Hayato was respectful and never crossed any lines, she became even more fond of the polite young man who had practically grown up in their home.

When she heard he'd be staying for hot pot dinner, she welcomed him warmly. After setting a time, Hayato bowed his thanks and returned home to tidy up.

While dusting and folding his futon, Hayato couldn't help but recall how comfortable it felt in the Shimizu household. It wasn't just about being welcome—it was about feeling at home.

Later that evening, right at 6 PM, Hayato arrived as promised.

Kiyoko guided him inside, and waiting in the living room was her father, Seiichi Shimizu, who had just returned from work.

"Hayato, you're here. Come on in, make yourself at home."

"Good evening, Uncle Seiichi."

Seiichi Shimizu, a section chief at a track-and-field equipment company, had known Hayato since childhood. With his calm demeanor and warm tone, he put Hayato at ease immediately.

"I heard you made the starting lineup? When's your first match? Your aunt and I will come cheer for you."

"Thank you! Our first match is tomorrow."

As father and daughter brought the hot pot ingredients to the table, Seiichi ended the small talk and ushered everyone to sit and eat.

Dinner was casual and lively. Hayato helped himself comfortably, while Kiyoko subtly looked after him—refilling his glass, placing food in his bowl. To her parents, it was like watching a preview of their future daughter-in-law.

After dinner, Seiichi called Hayato over to the couch for some quiet conversation while Kiyoko and her mother cleared the table.

"You know," Seiichi began, lowering his voice, "Kiyoko's always been good at looking after you. And you're the type who appreciates her efforts. Honestly, I have no complaints about your relationship… so, for the ceremony, are you leaning toward a Western style or traditional Japanese?"

Hayato nearly choked.

From the kitchen came Kiyoko's embarrassed cry, "Dad!"

Hayato coughed violently before managing to reply, "U-Uncle Seiichi… isn't that a bit early to be talking about?"

"Not really," Seiichi replied calmly. "You two aren't kids anymore. Kiyoko graduates soon. If she goes to university, and you join the pro circuit… that's a year apart. It's not too soon to think about planning."

Hayato, still flustered, scratched the back of his neck.

"Well… Kiyoko-nee and I have talked a little. She wants to study to become a nutritionist. I'll go pro after graduation. Once she finishes university, she plans to work as a nutritionist for my team."

"Oh?" Seiichi raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "So you two have thought it through. That's good."

Kiyoko's parents exchanged a quiet glance. There was no need to say more.

After some more casual chat, Hayato bid farewell. Kiyoko saw him out to the door.

"Don't take what Dad said too seriously," she murmured, trying to sound stern. "Focus on your match tomorrow, okay?"

Hayato nodded. "Yes Yes"

"One 'yes' is enough," she said, folding her arms. But her flushed ears betrayed her embarrassment. Her mind, unwillingly, replayed her father's words—white dresses and ceremonial vows.

Hayato grinned and turned as he reached his gate.

"Kiyoko-nee would look stunning in a wedding dress or a shiromuku! Good night!"

Before she could respond, he waved and disappeared inside.

Kiyoko stood still for a few moments, face glowing red. "…This guy…"

Smiling to herself, she waited until her cheeks cooled before returning indoors.

The Next Day: August 11th

All-Japan High School Volleyball Tournament (Spring High)

Miyagi Prefecture Representative Selection Tournament – First Round Preliminaries

Club activities had resumed and routines returned to normal. Training, homework, and the occasional evening date became Hayato and Kiyoko's rhythm. The only recent "event" was when the Spring High Committee came to record team data—basic photos and player registration. Karasuno still wasn't famous enough for individual interviews, but it would come.

Before practice the day before their first qualifier match, Takeda-sensei gathered the team.

"Everyone, this is the updated bracket. Our first game is tomorrow. This is your moment to shine. Let's give it everything we've got."

The team responded in unison, spirits high.

During training, Takeda reviewed the data files he'd received that day. Coach Ukai walked over, towel draped around his neck.

"Takeda-sensei, what's caught your attention?"

"These… player profiles from Kakugawa High School. Look at this one—he's nearly two meters tall and already built like a pro."

Coach Ukai gave a low whistle. "Yeah, I've seen him play. He's the real deal."

Both men turned to watch the Karasuno team train.

"But," Ukai added, "I wouldn't trade our team for anyone else."

Takeda smiled. "You're right. We have to believe in them."

On the court, Hayato's spikes were landing with new force.

"So heavy—your spikes are even stronger now," said Nishinoya, catching his breath after digging one of them.

"You still received it. But the next one…? You'll have to level up again!"

"Bring it on!"

That night, Hayato placed his folded uniform neatly in his bag, then stepped out onto his balcony to look at the sky. The stars shimmered—silent, infinite.

"The road to Nationals begins tomorrow…"

Across the gap, a familiar voice called out.

"You're not asleep yet?"

Hayato looked up to see Kiyoko on her own balcony.

"Could say the same for you."

"I couldn't sleep. Tomorrow's a big day. Our last tournament as third-years."

"Mm…"

They stood quietly for a moment, stargazing.

"Hayato," Kiyoko said gently.

"Yeah?"

"Do your best."

He smiled. "Of course. Just believe in me."

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