Characters ages and relationships have been modified for the purposes of the au. OCs are included. As this is a zombie au please keep in mind that not everything is going to be pretty, sunshine lollipops and daisies, or happy. Proceed with caution to the end.

Dedicated to, based on, and inspired by the Korean film "Train to Busan".

Rings around rosies and pockets full of posies,

with buildings of silver and gold stolen away.

Jack and Jill took a tumble down a hill,

while Mother Goose's children went out to play.

Mary, Mary, quite contrary―Tell me, did you know

that the Black Sheep had no wool,

and that the man who wouldn't say his prayers

wasn't the only fool?

All the king's men and all the king's horses―

see how they run from the butcher's carving knife,

until the bow breaks and the cradles fall.

Now wasn't that a dainty dish set for the farmer's wife?

Ladybird's house and children are gone now,

And Lucy Locket's torn her new gown.

Ashes, ashes

In the end, we all fall down.

"And you say that Hitoka-chan wrote this?"

Kōshi looked up from the paper in his hands and directly into the eyes of his little sister's teacher. Offhandedly, and not for the first time since meeting the woman, he admired the sharp angle in which her eyes curved and allowed for thick, long lashes to accentuate the bold grey color that shone beneath them; sometimes, if he could gather enough courage to continue holding her gaze, then he could often catch traces of cobalt weaving through her eyes as a subtle, yet empowering background to the dominant color. They were beautiful, much the same as the rest of the woman they belonged to. It was one of many things he admired about the woman known as Shimizu Kiyoko.

She shifted, gently sweeping smooth black locks behind her ear as she closed her eyes and gave a slight nod. "It's surprising to me as well. The assignment was to simply write a poem based off of old nursery rhymes― which she went above and beyond on ―but I wasn't expecting hers to be so… dark."

They both glanced at the paper and fell silent. On one side of the table a concerned teacher mulled over her student's work for perhaps the thousandth time since it had been handed in, perfectly proofread, neatly written in small, curly handwriting, and full of dark allusions. Kiyoko knew that Hitoka was smart, even by nine year old standards. Smart enough that she had to have spent time carefully researching what she could about supposedly harmless nursery rhymes, only to find that most of them were connected to more somber parts of the entire world's history. It was endearingly clever on the young girl's part, and Kiyoko was more than impressed, but what confused her more than anything was why such a pleasant yet timid child like Hitoka would write something so utterly morbid. It was, in short, so unlike her.

Worrying had gotten Kiyoko nowhere, though, which had led to seeking out the child's guardian for a chat to make sure everything was alright with the young girl, ending in the quick meeting that was happening in that very moment. She was tempted to ask if he knew what might have brought about such a change in the child, but even from where she sat, she could see that he was struggling to find an answer himself.

On the other side of the table a caring older brother considered many things at once. Kōshi was fairly confident in how well he knew his sister― many would even be tempted to say that he bordered along the lines of having a complex. Hitoka was a happy child, growing up in the best environment he could manage to provide for her while their father served overseas. He tried his hardest to free up what little time he could to spend it with her, always worried that she would become lonely― but even then he was put at ease in knowing that she had good friends that lived nearby no more than a hop, a skip, and a jump away. She was imaginative, intelligent, and well mannered; a good kid.

But Hitoka wasn't made up purely of smiles and joy. Since birth, born prematurely, the young girl had grown up with a weak constitution and suffered through many illnesses. To add on to all of that she was all too easily frightened. The poor child would jump at the sight of her shadow if she didn't know any better. She was clumsy, a crybaby, and easy prey to bullying. In short it was like she was a hazard to her own self.

Which is what made this poem even more puzzling to him. Though his younger sister was all of those things, she also wasn't one to be unnecessarily and excessively negative. Quick to overwork herself and jump to anxiety inducing conclusions, yes, but never on purpose.

Kōshi sighed, running a hand through thick, ashen blonde hair that was a step removed from being an almost sooty grey. "I'm sorry but I honestly have no idea where any of this―," he gestured helplessly at the paper that now sat innocently on the table between the two, "came from. Hitoka-chan is…"

He wanted to say 'Hitoka-chan is fine.' but even he knew that saying things like that so prematurely, despite knowing his little sister, was something that could wind up causing problems for him in the future. The last time he had thought Hitoka was fine then he had found out far too late that she had become the unfortunate target of yet another bullying case…

"I'll talk to her." The young man looked up, finally, and refocused his attention on Kiyoko. Kōshi straightened his back and nodded with more determination, reiterating himself. "I'll talk to her."

Kiyoko dipped her head appreciatively and stood up from her perch at the edge of her seat to thank Kōshi for sparing a bit of his time to hear out her concerns. As she watched the young man rise from his seat as well, thanking her for caring about the well being of his kid sister, Kiyoko was at a loss. Perhaps it had been too presumptuous of her to think the mystery of a child's behaviour could be solved in one meeting. Perhaps she was being too doubtful that this one meeting wouldn't solve anything. After all, change was normal in a child Hitoka's age, and sometimes there was no rhyme or reason to it that could be fixed or stopped.

She gave her head a slight shake― which loosed a few strands of silky hair into her eyes ―to clear her mind. As she had thought before: Worrying got her nowhere.

Before Kōshi turned away he lifted his eyes once again to meet with Kiyoko's and he offered her a hesitant smile. He couldn't very well see it, since the woman before him was good at masking everything with a cool, professional facade, but he felt the tension ebb off her in subtle waves. It was almost pathetic on his part, as even his own smile felt uncertain and foreign on his face, but he wanted to put her at ease just as much as he wanted that for himself. Changes were abstract and tricky when it came to children, and more often than not it was frightening for those around them to watch it happen without knowing what to do.

Seeming to understand his unspoken message, almost as if she were glad that somebody had been thinking the same thing as her, the teacher's eyes softened and she returned his gesture with a small one of her own. Warmth spread across Kōshi's face and he ducked his head while rubbing the back of his neck and murmured his thanks once again. Before he could make things any more awkward the young man began to back away, sliding his chair back into place under the desk as he went, while turning to go.

"Oh!" He stopped upon hearing the teacher's gasp, glancing back at her over his shoulder.

"I almost forgot― Will you be coming with Hitoka tomorrow? As a chaperone?"

His brows met in confusion as he tipped his head to the side.

"For the field trip?" she prompted.

For a moment Kōshi remained confused. He couldn't recall a field trip ever having been mentioned to him, and he certainly knew that his schedule hadn't been cleared for such an event. But the moment was brief, as it dawned on him that he had, in fact, been told about a field trip. The date had even been marked on the calendar with one of Hitoka's special stickers specifically meant for reminders. Eyes widening, Kōshi gasped and rubbed the back of his neck; it was quickly followed by a low groan as it fully dawned on him that his work schedule was going to pose a problem. Even if he was just an intern it didn't make his job any less hectic than what the researchers of his department did.

Perhaps he could get Ennoshita to cover his shift― although that would mean he'd have to pay him back through means which included expensive liquor and a month's worth of his favorite food, and if not that then even Kōshi couldn't be certain what he'd have to do to appease his colleague. While the man known as Ennoshita Chikara wasn't exactly petty, per se, he knew how to use his impeccable work ethics to accumulate favors from all kinds of people. And if one didn't pay the Pied Piper, then they were asking for an enemy they couldn't handle. The thought alone was enough to make him shiver.

But even so, he and Ennoshita were friends, and Kōshi was always good at paying his debts.

"When will you be leaving?" he asked. The least he could do was get all the facts in order before making such a last minute request.

"We're hoping to make it to the seven o'clock train, as the earlier we arrive in Tokyo then the more time we have to enjoy all the activities." Kiyoko responded crisply while reaching for a light blue paper and handing it over to him for a look. As he scanned over the itinerary he continuously berated himself on the inside for forgetting such an important thing. Hazel eyes quickly ran up and down the paper to memorize the little pieces of information he could― the attractions they'd visit, the times that they were scheduled for breaks, and the time they would leave Tokyo and return home. All in all the field trip was designed to take up most of the day.

Kōshi looked up and smiled, nodding. "I would love to be of help."

An appreciative light glimmered in the teacher's eyes and her lips quirked a little wider. "Thank you. Then I suppose we'll meet in the morning."

'When she says it like that it almost sounds like we just planned a secret date.' The thought made the young man's face flare with a self-conscious warmth yet again, and he quickly hid it with a half bow.

"Have a good evening, Shimizu-sensei!"

"You as well Sugawara-san." Clasping her hands in front of her Kiyoko returned the bow.

The young man quietly turned and walked out of the room, gently sliding the door shut behind him. He sighed, rubbing his cheek in a vain attempt to calm himself down and ease away the ever present heat. In the end, Shimizu Kiyoko's beauty was just too much for him; as appealing of an ideas as it was, a simple, middle-class working guy like himself didn't stand much of a chance at being her boyfriend when she looked amazingly competent on her own. But it didn't dissuade him from musing about the "what if's".

Kōshi breathed in deeply before glancing to his right.

A small row of chairs had been set out next to the classroom door― a small courtesy for those that came in and had to wait for an audience with the teacher, or just if they were tired, or even for the students that had to wait out in the halls until their parents were finished with their meeting. Sitting in the middle of this row was a small girl, her short, golden-wheat hair neatly arranged into a cute side ponytail that was decorated with a little cluster of stars. She fiddled with an object in her hands, which were mostly hidden by the oversized sleeves of the pink sweater she wore, all the while constantly making little anxious faces directed towards her lap. Kōshi tucked his hands in his pockets and strode towards her.

Hitoka jumped when a shadow fell over her, nearly dropping the item in her hands. Her heart thudded painfully against her chest― more so than it had been since her brother had gone in to talk to Kiyoko-sensei.

She wasn't certain why her teacher had wanted to talk with her brother. PTA's weren't scheduled until next month, and Hitoka had made certain she was keeping up with all the assignments and playing well with the other students. The only other reason she knew why teachers called in parents or guardians to talk was because a student had been bad.

And that was what worried her to the point where her stomach coiled itself into knots even as she stared up at her big brother.

Had she been bad? The question rolled around in her mind, accumulating in size and intensity much like a snowball that was sent down a long and winding track without an end to make it stop. She hadn't thought so. Rules were practically sacred to her, so she kept to them borderline religiously― she didn't even dare to eavesdrop at the door when she had been told to wait outside! But now that Kōshi was finished talking with her teacher she couldn't bring herself to put a voice to her question in fear of the answer she might receive.

Hitoka searched her brother's face for an answer, or at least clues to one. All she found, though, were traces of a fading blush and soft hazel eyes probing her own in search of answers for questions he seemed to have as well. It did little to ease the tension building within her chest and, unable to take it much longer, she brought the item in her hands to her lips and pushed down on the button, inhaling deeply.

Kōshi's gaze instantly riveted on the inhaler and a slight frown creased across his face in concern. It worried him whenever she had to use it; he hated hearing the sharp wheeze of her breath as she inhaled the medicine, a constant reminder that her health wasn't perfect, and that there wasn't much he could do to help her.

The child took another puff before settling down with a shaky breath. She reluctantly looked back up at him, the light glancing off her caramel eyes making them appear smaller, more frightened, and utterly guilty. For a split second he wondered what could possibly make Hitoka anxious enough to feel guilty. She hadn't done anything wrong so much as eye catching and concerning, though upon realizing that he understood then that Hitoka probably didn't know what was going on. After all, no one had told her why her teacher had asked to speak with him. Without a reason to go with the cause to keep her rational then it was more than likely she had let her thoughts run away with herself yet again.

Seeing how distressed his sister already was, Kōshi couldn't bring himself to discuss the poem with her― not now, anyways. Instead he offered a soft smile and his hand, now extra warm after having spent time in his pocket. Instinctively, Hitoka reached out and wrapped her smaller hand around his, little fingers tightly curling around the broad frame of his palm. Even at nine years old his baby sister still had the hands of a younger child; it was amazing how she never seemed to grow any bigger, and yet still miraculously managed to fit in his grasp.

This thought caused his grip to tighten ever so slightly as he helped her out of the chair. Even if Hitoka were to never change physically there was always the chance that she could slip through his fingers in other ways. Change was inevitable, of course, but that didn't mean it couldn't― wouldn't ―scare him. And if a change was what Hitoka was going through right now he was afraid of what might happen if he were to let her go.

Kōshi turned and began walking away, Hitoka trailing along, her little black shoes clicking against the tile and filling the silence of the hallway. The young man peeked at the child out of the corner of his eye and then dipped his head.

"Are you excited for tomorrow?" he asked.

The little girl's eyes snapped away from the floor, her gaze focusing on the easy going grin that played with her brother's lips. There was something about the way her brother smiled― it was warm and inviting, the most natural thing in the world and just as equally calming. Even with as nervous as she felt Hitoka couldn't stop herself from being put at ease just by looking at Kōshi's smile, and hesitantly returning it with one of her own.

"F-for the fieldtrip?" Her stuttering caused her to break eye contact out of embarrassment, but her enthusiasm for the subject quickly overrode such feelings. "Yes! Everyone's been talking about it nonstop. Kei and Tadashi are really looking forward to visiting the museum, and Sho-kun has been researching fish because he wants to name them all off when we go to the aquarium. He found a fish named Tobio too!"

Kōshi chuckled as his sister rambled on, and they exited the building, leaving their tension behind. They crossed the parking lot, Hitoka hopping across the white lines while tightly clinging to his hand to keep her balance. Pulling his keys out of his pocket, he clicked a button that caused the lights on a small blue car to flash in response. Kōshi hurried to open the back door on the passenger's side and just as quickly the little girl disappeared into the vehicle. He shut the door and ran around the car and hopped in.

Glancing at the rearview mirror, Kōshi waited with a lopsided grin, saying, "Then let's hurry home so we can prepare lunches for tomorrow. Are you ready?"

The buckle clicked into place just as Hitoka looked up in surprise. "You're coming with me tomorrow?"

He nodded. To his delight a wide smile broke across the little girl's face, revealing a missing canine on the bottom row and a tiny dimple on her left cheek. She pressed the heels of her hands into her cheeks as if they could somehow suppress the overflowing giddiness within. A breathy giggle escaped her, causing her smile to broaden at the mere thought that she would get to spend an entire day with her older brother.

Glad― and mostly relieved ―to see Hitoka cheerful once again, Kōshi turned the key in the ignition, the machine growling to life.

x❌x

A low rumbling slowly crawled through the dim hallway, bouncing off the white walls, echoing the beat of a drum. Heavy footsteps intermingled with the sound, a sharp tap-tap-tap that effortlessly kept in time with the grating noise. Between each step and amidst the rumbling papers were constantly being shifted and followed by an inconsistent stream of discontent hums.

Dark eyes poured over the information that bombarded each sheet, narrowing more and more for each and every paragraph they scanned over.

"Gas leaks in Miyagi's Genetics Division resulted in several staff casualties; contamination of local rivers and lakes in Hyogo, Okayama, and Hiroshima leading to a decrease in the aquatics population; strikes in the Hokkaido and Chiba branches; no communication from Okinawa in the past two weeks…"

Ennoshita clucked in disapproval, lowering the papers away from his face. Too many problems were starting to occur at the same time and suddenly it was all his responsibility to take care of it. He was starting to think that he had become a private secretary rather than just a simple intern, though he supposed that's what he got for being so efficient at his job. As great as the unofficial raise was, Chikara didn't want to deal with all the extra work― especially when it required him to speak with a multitude of disagreeable people. From calling repair technicians and clean up crews to arguing with insurance agencies, right down to getting the media crews to mind their own business― all things he could do without. He didn't need any more grey hairs than what he had already accumulated from working this job.

Rounding a corner, Ennoshita entered a large, square lobby. It was by far the most plainest part of the building he had ever been in, and was usually the most emptiest as well, as most everyone remained wholed up in their labs. It did nothing to compare to the one on the level above, which was more directly open to the public if one was rich enough and had important political power. There all the business parts of Ashworth Bio Division were taken care of in neat looking conference rooms and pristine cafeterias. But it was on the second level where all the real work was taken care of― where doctors and scientists worked in controlled labs to find cures to all kinds of diseases, dissect individual functions of the body down to a single nerve, and explore the capabilities of the mind.

He often felt like a bridge between the two worlds, although maybe the correct term was an errand boy. From the moment he had started working for this company he had done nothing but run errands between the first level and the second level back and forth without so much as a pause in between. Though he wasn't the only intern around he seemed to be the only one that did this frequently, thus making him favorite to use.

Even his friend and co-worker, Sugawara, didn't get nearly as busy as he did.

A heavy, tired pressure pushed down on his chest and he sighed, slowing to a stop in the middle of the room. 'From the way things are shaping out,' he thought, 'I don't think I'm going to be getting much sleep for the next couple of weeks.'

His pocket buzzed, jolting him out of his self-pitying. Ennoshita dug into his pocket, pulling out a shabby grey flip phone― the cheapest he had managed to buy ―flipping it open and immediately answering the call without so much as a glance at the ID.

"Ennoshita," he said, voice cool and collected, the exact opposite of how he felt.

The person on the other end of the line chuckled and he recognized the voice immediately.

"Sugawara-san? What is it? You don't usually call this late." The young man glanced at the watch on his wrist, the papers in his hand crinkling as his fingers pressed together tightly to keep them from falling out of his grasp. It was already well into the evening, and Sugawara had been off work since three to pick his kid sister up from school.

"No need to be so formal, it is just me after all." Still chuckling, Kōshi slipped right into a casual conversation, instantly causing Chikara to loosen up. It didn't take his co-worker long to get to the point, however. "I was wondering if you could do me a favor and cover for me tomorrow? Hitoka-chan has a field trip and I'm attending as a chaperone."

Ennoshita exhaled deeply through his nose, taking a few steps towards a wall in an attempt to make the conversation feel less open in the big space. Just when he had thought his workload couldn't get any bigger…

"I know this is incredibly last minute and that you're already busy, but I promise I'll make it up to you. Just name your price and I'll cover it."

He scratched his forehead and sighed again. Taking on even more work was a drag, simple as that. But when Sugawara― and usually anyone else ―asked him to help cover their shifts then he also wasn't one to say no all that often. And unlike a few people, when Sugawara promised to repay him he always kept his word― doing a damn good job while he was at it.

He pinched the bridge of his nose for a good moment, allowing the static from the phone line and the little homely sounds occurring on the other side to mingle with all the background noise of his current surroundings. A door opened further down the hall and someone began shuffling around. Ennoshita barely looked up from his intense stare-off with the floor as the footsteps drew closer, only catching a brief glimpse of a white lab coat as the person it was attached to slowly passed him by.

"You are going to owe me big time then," he finally answered, voice growing stern. "Ashworth is already breathing down my neck as it is due to the influx of problems in several different regions and he's pushing for everything to be resolved by―"

A heavy thud interrupted him and he pulled the receiver away from his ear. Taking a couple steps backwards, Ennoshita peered down the hallway he had come from and spied the doctor that had walked by a few moments ago leaning face first against the wall next to the elevator. The back of the man's head was balding, pale and shiny, as if slick with fresh sweat. He coughed several times, each one deepening to the point where it almost sounded like he was quite literally trying to expel his lungs. Ennoshita took a cautious step in the man's direction and called out to him.

"Sir, are you alright? Would you like for me to call for help?"

The doctor jumped at his voice and violently shook his head. He waved Ennoshita off, rasping, "I'm― I'm just feeling a little ill. I'll be going home soon, so don't worry about me. Have a good evening."

The elevator door opened and the doctor stumbled inside before Ennoshita could protest. His shoulders dropped as the door closed and he looked in the opposite direction to see if he could guess which lab the doctor had come from, brows knitting in concern as he placed the receiver to his ear once again.

He failed to notice the reddish streak that covered the buttons to the elevator.

"Is everything alright?" Kōshi's voice pulled him away from his search and he looked down at the floor once again.

"I don't know…," he responded slowly. "A doctor just left a few seconds ago and he didn't look too good. We've been having a strange case of gas leakages since you got off work, and then there are the different problems occurring in other prefectures― it's all very odd."

Ennoshita shook his head, peering at the papers in his grasp. "Anyways, I have things that I need to take care of right now, so we'll have to discuss this later. I'll see you Thursday, Sugawara-san."

"Ah, thanks Chikara. I'll bring you something back from Tokyo too, sound okay?"

He snorted. "Only if you really want to. You and Hitoka-chan have fun for me, because God knows that I'd rather being going on a field trip to Tokyo than play at being Ashworth's personal work dog."

Sugawara laughed. "Alright, take care. And thanks again. I really do owe you big time."

Ennoshita hummed and the line clicked silent. Snapping his phone shut, the young man whirled around and the balls of his feet and began stalking away down the hallway the doctor had come from, all the while cursing himself for having maintained such perfect work ethics.

x❌x

Hitoka led her brother down the aisle, pulling him into a row of two empty seats near the front of the car― placing herself by the window and him closer to the aisle. He had been constantly looking at his phone, whether it was because he had received messages from work or because he was expecting a call, she couldn't be certain. She knew that work was important to him, as well as vital to their way of living, but sometimes Hitoka wished that her brother didn't have to be so glued to his job. Although she also knew that his boss― a haughty American named Jared Ashworth, head of the Ashworth Bio Division ―was a very rude and demanding person and could very well fire her brother whenever he felt like it. (The one time encounter she had had when she had gone to work with Kōshi on one occasion still left a bad taste in her mouth, even to this day.)

More kids and their guardians began to fill up the car. Two blurs raced to the front, a stark contrast between them as one was bright orange while the other was darker. Hinata and Kageyama collapsed into the seats in front of her, bickering as per usual about who beat whom first. In Hinata's opinion he had come in first, as he had rounded the corner faster and had claimed the window seat before Kageyama. Whereas in Kageyama's eyes the one who had won the race was himself, as he had sat down before Hinata.

Though Hitoka often tried to prevent them from fighting, she was particularly unwilling to get between them on this one. Neither of them had set a clear goal, and if she intervened then they would ask her to be the judge. If that were to happen then her choice would be unfair, and then a whole new argument would begin.

All before seven in the morning.

Further back in the car three boys took their seats; two tall, gangly looking boys― siblings, if one were to base it off their matching honey-blonde hair, amber eyes, and familiar attitudes with each other ―slid into the forward facing chairs, while the smaller in the green shirt one sat facing them.

"It'll be awhile before we get to Tokyo, so you can use my shoulder if you're still sleepy~." The oldest boy reached out and pinched his younger brother's cheek, causing the thick glasses to tilt awkwardly on his face. Kei slapped his brother's hand away accompanied with a scowl meant for burning holes.

"I'm not! And I won't get tired either!" he protested, stubbornly crossing his arms over his chest. Akiteru snickered at his brother's attempt at bravado, seeing right through him as he tried to cover up a yawn.

"Tsukki, did you remember to bring your DS? You still owe me a rematch on Mario Kart." The boy across from Kei reached for his backpack, pulling it into his lap before rifling around the contents inside. Within seconds he retrieved an old, smudged, blue DS and held it up eagerly, grinning at his best friend.

Kei nodded, leaning over to grab the bag he had placed behind his legs, only to stop and reconsider. He leaned back and settled himself into a comfortable position. "Let's wait. If we play now then the batteries won't last on the trip back."

Tadashi considered this, slowly putting the DS back in his backpack. He hadn't really thought about that, mostly concerned with killing time now than with what he would do later, but when Tsukki mentioned it then it made a lot of sense. Putting the backpack behind his legs like his friend had done (since he wasn't tall enough to reach the shelf above, and he didn't want to ask Akiteru to do it for him) Tadashi wiggled in his seat until he too was comfortable. He turned to look out the window, wondering how much longer it would be before the train departed for Tokyo.

Across the aisle a large man wondered the exact same thing, checking the near empty train station in hopes that he might catch sight of the station master signaling their departure. The attendants had already boarded the train and were due to make an announcement for their leave at anytime, he assumed.

A broad hand suddenly gripped his shoulder and he jumped.

He missed seeing a lone straggler running past his window, stumbling every other step while constantly looking over their shoulder with wild eyes.

"Did you guys see what I just saw? Tell me I wasn't dreaming!" A young man with a close shaved head looked down the aisle with an enchanted expression, a rosy tint blooming along his tan complexion. Directly across from him his spiky haired companion spun around in his seat, sitting on his knees as he peered over the edge.

"If you mean that goddess that walked by just now then hell yes I saw what you just saw!" He looked over his shoulder and grinned, the same pinkish color darkening his cheeks as well, an enamored sparkle glimmering in his wood-hued eyes.

Asahi stretched in his spot to see who it was they were talking about. It wasn't difficult, as the pretty woman stood at the front of the car with a clipboard in her hands, tilting her head slightly in different directions to count over the seats filled with children. He felt his face grow warm, understanding the well deserved nickname Nishinoya had given her without any need for an explanation. She was truly beautiful. With shoulder length ebony hair that glowed with health, a perfectly rounded face that complimented symmetrical features, the sleek yet professional look her grey button up shirt provided to her form― it was like she came from a modern fairytale.

Asahi shook his head and quickly looked away, nervously scratching his cheek. A woman like that was bound to have an equally impressive boyfriend, and besides, they were strangers that most likely would never see each other again, let alone even have a single conversation.

"Try not to bother her, okay guys?" He said, reaching out between the two as if the action could possibly stop them from doing something stupid. At most he was afraid that their mouths would run away with themselves and they'd overdo it with compliments should the pretty lady happen to pass by. He couldn't bear to have another incident like the other day…

"What are you talking about Asahi?" Tanaka turned and wrapped his arm around the big man's shoulders, grinning mischievously.

"We're absolute saints!" Noya declared. He winked before returning to his vigil of admiring the pretty woman. It was only a matter of seconds before Tanaka's grip loosened, arm slipping away from his shoulders, and he too joined Nishinoya in his watch.

He sighed and eyed the station beyond the window once again, ready to leave.

A few cars down the line a high school volleyball team eagerly awaited their next challenge: a mini training camp with several of Tokyo's elite high schools. It was only one of many dreams come true for members of Aoba Johsai's team, but they were glad all their hard work had paid off to bring them such an opportunity. The third years in particular were most pleased as it proved that they were capable of achieving many things, and if they could accomplish this, then there was greater hope for them to defeat their ultimate rival, Shiratorizawa.

"Alright, alright. Settle down everyone. We'll be leaving any minute now." Coach Mizoguchi called, eyeing the players that hadn't sat down yet with a particular thin eyed glare. Once everyone had found their seats he sat beside his senior and head coach of the team and promptly followed his example, folding his arms over his chest and letting his eyes droop themselves closed. It was going to be a long trip to Tokyo, so he might as well get what sleep he can.

A couple seats ahead a wavy haired brunette pressed his face against the cool glass, his breath faintly fogging the clear surface. Excitement pooled within his core, filling him to the brim, infiltrating his bones until it felt like he was buzzing. Beside him his childhood friend browsed through social media on his phone, silent as ever but also feeling the hype course through his veins. They'd been a team for as long as they could remember and finally, finally, their efforts were paying off.

"We're finally being recognized, Iwa-chan." Oikawa pulled himself away from the window and leaned against Iwaizumi's shoulder, attempting to sneak a peek at the phone's contents, and failing miserably at that.

Iwaizumi tilted the phone away from the setter's prying eyes, simultaneously shoving the brunette off of him― though he could have done without the whining. "In the end hard our hard work got us somewhere."

"I bet we'll learn some sort of secret technique that'll absolutely destroy Shiratorizawa at the Inter High." A tuft of pinkish-brown hair popped over the seat in front of them, accompanied with slanted eyes and a sly smile. Seconds later the monkey like boy was joined by a messy haired sloth.

"No, if anything our ace will get a magical girl power up that'll destroy the court and permanently blind our enemies― because some things are just not meant to be seen."

Iwaizumi leaned forward to cuff the duo and they ducked behind their seats, cackling. The sharp eyed young man grumbled before turning to his friend, who was struggling to contain his laughter behind his hand, and settled for punishing the one that couldn't hide behind his chair. He reached out and pulled Oikawa's ear and the setter yelped in a mixture of surprise and pain. The brunette retaliated, whining as he fought to get Iwaizumi's hands away from his face.

Matsukawa and Hanamaki resurfaced from behind their seats, a new debate taking place.

"How much do you wanna bet Oikawa ends up on the bottom?" Matsukawa rubbed his chin in a scholarly fashion as he scrutinized the pair before him.

Hanamaki shook his head. "No, Iwaizumi's too soft and he'll eventually let Oikawa off the hook, effectively giving him the upper hand that will place the ace in the compromising position."

"Kinky."

"Oi! Stop making it sound like we're in a porno!" Iwaizumi hissed, his face turning fifty shades of red as he held Oikawa's hands a safe distance away from himself. The duo snickered, sinking behind their seats again to avoid any potential harm from the now embarrassed ace.

"I better not be hearing what I think I'm hearing," came the low yet threatening drawl a few rows behind. A shiver ran up the third years spines' and they immediately withdrew from the discussion, Iwaizumi releasing Oikawa as the two resettled themselves, while Hanamaki and Matsukawa occasionally made eye contact that sent them into silent bouts of laughter.

Beyond the walls of the train they faintly heard the sound of whistle blowing, and the car lurched forward and then backwards. No one paid any attention to the passenger that stumbled into the vestibule at the last second, or saw how she blindly ran into a wall. No one watched as she staggered her way towards the empty washrooms, dragging herself inside and promptly locking the door behind her.

No one saw anything, save for what they wanted to see. And what they wanted to see was far more blinding than anything else, often the reason why nobody noticed that change had already made its appearance, and unlike many beliefs it wasn't grand, as it ought to have been. But the consequences of change would always make themselves known, one way or another.

The early morning train to Tokyo began its departure, the time before normality shattered short, and the unaware remained blissfully so.