Hey guys! Sorry for only updating now. It's been a while, I know. I'm really sorry! But, I managed to finish my major requirements so here's a chapter to celebrate I guess? lol. I hope you guys still enjoy it.

Also, thank you for everyone who dropped by the review section! Greatly appreciated!

Now, I'll leave you guys be.

After a week of continuous club 'emergency' meetings in preparation for the revival of the school's paper all Yukio wanted was a break even for just a day - anything that wasn't school paper related, honestly. So the moment that her best friend asked if she wanted to meet with her, the bluette didn't even need to think twice before she accepted the offer.

Going to the city's cafe like old times certainly sounds like something that would unwind her even just for a little bit. Plus, the person she was going to meet up with certainly sounds like she had something to tell or ask her that could not wait any longer than the soonest weekend at that time. Hence, she was currently commuting to Sendai - hey, if she plans to unwind, might as well do it in the largest city in the prefecture right?

She was pulled out of her musing when she heard the name of her stop being said by the announcer followed by the mechanical sigh of the train's door as it opened. She stepped out along with the crowd and made her way through the station and out in the city. It wasn't her first time there, but it was her first time after graduating from middle school. Yukio weaved through the throng of people easily, knowing fully where she needed to go and which path to take. Soon enough she arrived in front of a pastel yellow colored cafe that read '38 Mitsubachi Kitchen', pushing the door open without further adieu.

Inside, the cafe was a cozy kind of white filled with wooden tables and dark green parson chairs to match. Not much people were in it - it wasn't the most fanciest cafe in the city but she and her friends love the food; affordable and tasty, they put it, especially for students like them.

Scanning around, her blue orbs rested on a certain red-head on the far corner of the building, sitting by herself. She approached the table with a small smile, stopping in front of the redhead who looked up at her with an impatient look.

"About time you got here, Murakami."

"Glad to see you, too, Kaoru."

The bluette sat on the chair parallel to her friend knowing full well her friend didn't meant the greeting.

"So," Yukio began as she settled on her seat. "Why did you want to see me?"

The question seemed rather straightforward, yes, but from the years of friendship, Yukio knew that Kaoru wouldn't call her to meet on the weekend without good reason. She wasn't much of a socialite and it was more likely that it was Yukio who would first set the date for the get together. So when the redhead called her and ask to meet up in their usual spot, she figured that she might've wanted to ask something, or tell her something, perhaps.

As a reply, Yukio was met with a stubborn pout from the female in front of her, making her blink. "Kaoru-chan?" She tried again, only for Kaoru to huff and face the other way, arms cross. This made the bluette raise her brow. "Is anything wrong?"

"You don't tell me stuff anymore."

"What made you say that?"

The redhead shrugged, let out a small huff before sighing while Yukio simply sat there, patient. It wasn't the first time Kaoru acted like that - for someone who has an image of dependable and stoic, Kaoru can be sulky as a child that didn't get what she wanted if she wanted to be. But only the bluette saw that side of her, of course.

After a few moments of silence, Yukio reached for the menu and waved it in front of the redhead. "I'll treat you if you tell me what's wrong?" She tried, a hopeful smile on her lips. "Come on. I know how much you love the food here."

Another huff. "You didn't tell me."

"Tell you what?"

"That you had a boyfriend."

Her eyes widened in surprise for a moment before her eyebrows furrowed in a frown - what is up with people assuming she had a boyfriend these days? Was it a thing?

"Did Ryu put you up to this?" She said aloud - she didn't meant to, but the question was out anyway so why bother mending it?

"Ryu? Of course not!"

Well, she actually knew that - the two weren't close after all.

"So is it true?" Kaoru huffed once again, puffing her cheeks. A sigh escaped the bluette's lips; if she had only knew this was why she wanted to meet up, then maybe Yukio wouldn't have been as eager to accept the offer than she was at first.

"I don't have a boyfriend, Kaoru." The redhead's eyes narrowed skeptically at the female before her. "Liar." She said flatly, her tone impatient.

"Where did you even heard that I had a boyfriend? If I did have one - which I don't - then you would be the first to know."

"Oh yeah? So who did Ayako see the other day? She was visiting her grandparents who live in the same town you moved at and she said she saw you with someone. Y'know - blond, tall, glasses. And in a cafe no less."

A grunt escaped the bluette's lips. Of course it just had to be Kei Tsukishima that her schoolmate back in middle school saw.

Then again, it's not like she went out a lot with different people. But still.

"Kaoru," She sighed "That wasn't my boyfriend. That was my groupmate, we were waiting for another friend." She pursed her lips for a moment in hesitation before adding: "He's also the annoying guy I told you about the other day." Although, now that she thought about it, Kei wasn't that annoying, was he?

Kaoru raised a brow in question. "The one who was getting on your nerves?"

"Yes."

The redhead gave her a look that said she didn't believe what she was saying for a minute before shrugging. "Oh well, not like I care if you were going to have a boyfriend and not tell me about it."

"You called me out to the city to ask me about it. How is that not caring?" Yukio found herself at the receiving end of a weak glare before Kaoru grabbed the menu that laid on the table.

"Your treat, right?"

The bluette couldn't help but grin a bit, shaking her head in disbelief at her friend. "Yeah. Although I feel like I should be the one being treated after being accused like that."

The redhead ignored her, completely focused on the menu.

The rest of their meeting went smooth so far - Kaoru sharing how Aoba has been, who stayed and who went to another high school while Yukio told her about her experiences in Karasuno in general without, of course, holding back on details especially about Kei as Kaoru still held doubt that he and the bluette weren't a thing.

"So," Kaoru began as she took a sip from her milkshake. "Until what time can you stay here?"

"Oh. Ryu said to wait for him here so I guess whenever he arrives."

"Where from?"

"Practice."

The redhead grinned. "I guess I just have to stay with you until then." And that was Kaoru's plan, really. However, after an hour or so, her phone rang. Yukio had a feeling then that she wouldn't stay any longer. Kaoru's family owned a cafe and while she didn't really work there officially, whenever a waitress would call in sick, she'd take care of the shift.

"What? But I'm with Yuki!" The bluette heard her friend complain to the phone which confirmed her guess.

A few more words, Kaoru sighed in defeat while shooting the girl in front of her an apologetic look as she ended the phone call.

"I'm so sorry. Ayu can't make it to the shop and I need to take over."

Yukio replied with an understanding smile. "It's fine Kao, we can always meet up again." She suggested, watching as the redhead reluctantly stood up. Kaoru then proceeded to pull her wallet from the bag she had on her before taking a couple of yen and placing it on their table. "Tell you what," The redhead slung her bag over her shoulders. "Treat me when we have a whole day for ourselves, yeah?"

The bluette wasn't sure why and how she ended up owing the redhead as she only offered to treat Kaoru to stop her from being sulky but Yukio laughed and nodded anyway.

The redhead was about to leave, paused, looked at Yukio, and hesitated before saying one final thing before she went on her way. A statement that left the bluette's lips parted slightly in disbelief and various emotions more.

When Kaoru left, she figured since Ryu would be expecting her waiting for him anyway, she might as well enjoy the day, right?

Right.

… Unless she enjoyed the day too much and spent her money until she barely had enough left to go home that is.

Yukio ended up binge buying stationary items - pens, notebooks, different kinds of paper, markers and whatnot. Apart from this, the female had a soft spot for ice creams, waffles, crepes and, well, a lot of things if she was to be honest.

Luckily, when she realized that she was running out of money, it was around the time that her and her brother agreed on.

And, as if on cue, her cellphone rang. Yukio answered and could hear the noisy background which sounded like a group of males as she pressed her phone to her ear.

"Oi, Yuki!" Ryu's voice came from the other line. Shortly after, she could hear what could only be her brother's teammates voices.

"Yuki-chaaan!"

"Oh hey is that Yuki?"

"Yooo! Mini-kami!"

"Hey kiddo!"

Yukio couldn't help but smile as she listened to them until Ryu told them to shut their trap.

"Anyway," Her brother continued once his teammates settle down. "Are you still in the city?"

"Yeah…"

"I'll be there in a while. Let's meet at the usual place, yeah?"

When the younger sibling hummed in acknowledgment, Ryu ended the call.

Meanwhile, at the other side of things, Kei was, coincidentally, also in Sendai.

When volleyball practice ended, the blond checked his phone out of habit and saw a text from his mother to go to the city and buy something for her with a promise to pay him back once he got home. Finding that he didn't really had a choice but to follow what his mom wants, he decided to just get it over with as fast as he could.

With music blasting from his headphones and a plastic bag hanging lazily from the tips of his fingers, Kei Tsukishima was proud to say that he did his errands in less than 15 minutes and can finally go back home - usually he'd look around the city for a bit but practice was especially hard given the tournament around the corner.

As he was walking back to the direction the train station however, he spotted a familiar dark blue haired, pale blue eyed individual amongst the crowd. His strides slowed for a bit as he continued to gaze at the female who looked like she just came out of… the 100 yen shop. The spectacled teen couldn't help but raise a brow in judgement at the amount of paper bags she was holding.

If he was to be honest, the thought of approaching her (she looked done for the day and alone) crossed his mind. But then it was probably too much effort, he figured, and he also silently decided he had enough socializing for day even though he knew Yukio wouldn't really say much if he did approach her - nothing would probably come out of it, really.

Just when he had decided to just pretend that he didn't notice the female at all, a scene unfolded before him. Two guys, probably older than them, suddenly approached the bluette he had been observing. Now, Kei would normally pay this no mind - nothing wrong with a girl meeting up with her guy friends after all - but the nervous expression that suddenly could be seen in her face made an anxious tug in his gut.

His steps proceeded to halt as he stood just a few feet away from the three, far enough for him to go unnoticed but fortunately near enough to rush her if something happened… not that he intended to do that or anything.

While Kei was watching with eyes narrowed rather dangerously, Yukio, who was part of the scene, wanted to cry. It wasn't the first time that boys from the city tried to hit on her, it was her first time being hit on alone however. Usually, Kaoru took care of them or her brother and his team was near enough to see her (imagine the terror of the guy who made a pass on her), but right now, no one was with her. This is what she got for making the stop on the hundred yen shop despite her protesting wallet - all she needed to do was go straight to the station, wait for Ryu there, and go back home. But no, she couldn't do just that apparently.

The waves of panic and anxiety that came crashing down on her was too much to the point that she couldn't hear whatever they said properly, but it was probably just the same thing like back then; asking for her name, number, to come with them or whatever. So she just shook her head, muttered 'no thanks' repeatedly like a mantra in hopes that they'd leave her alone while slowly taking a step back.

Yukio saw one of the guys raised their hands to reach out for her. She raised her arms in defense as a small yelp left her lips and her eyes clamped close in fear. Instead of a hand wrapping around her wrist, she felt an arm wrapping around her shoulders before being pushed in a warm chest. Which was, in no way, better… not until the one holding her spoke.

Relief washed through her body the moment she heard the voice of who was holding her.

"What do you bastards think you're doing?" It was more of a growl than a question and anybody would have probably felt a shiver down their spine if they were at the receiving end but Yukio could recognize that voice anywhere. The bluette risked opening an eye to peek at the person holding her and boy, did his face look as dangerous as how he sounded like. The warmth, comfort and protection that the person provided soon left her as he retracted his arm back to him and took a step forward while continuing to threaten those who were bothering her.

Just when Yukio thought that that was the last of someone unceremoniously touching her for the day, a vice like grip suddenly closed around her wrist and tugged her roughly that if she had not commanded her legs to run the she probably would've ended getting dragged by whoever it was and the last thing she saw from the scene was the aqua and white jersey that bore the number '1' on its back.

"Toor-!" She tried to call out in hopes that he'd help her but her protest died on her lips when she was just who was it who grabbed her. "T-tsukishima-san?!" The bluette gasped in between pants as she blinked at the spectacled blond before her.

Kei, who has not stopped watching for a second the moment those two guys approached Yukio, actually tried to intervene when one of them tried to touch her but was beaten by a brunet who seemingly came out of nowhere. The brunet was familiar in his eyes but his blood was boiling enough when he was watching the female being terrorized and more so when he saw the newcomer wrap an arm around her like it was second nature. Uncharacteristically, the blond's mind jump into conclusion that the brunet was also part of the duo - thus, when he unhanded the bluette, Kei did not waste one second of grabbing her and sprinting to the direction of the train station; which was, thankfully, not much far from where they came from.

The blond only released her once they arrived at the station. The endless training from volleyball built his endurance that the run didn't even make him break a sweat, the bluette beside him, however, was panting non-stop. The spectacled teen couldn't resist rolling his eyes at her as he took the paper bags from hands and held it for her. "Come on." He said coolly as if nothing had happened prior to their run. He would've asked if she was alright but Kei figured getting out of Sendai was priority as they might've been followed.

Yukio was about to thank him, apologize and explain that she couldn't really leave just yet but something about Kei's expression made her hesitate and decide against it. She knew that look - kinda - it was the same look that he had when she was sure he was annoyed with her for going to his practice that ended up with him having to walk her home, or when she asked about Asahi the other day. And if she had learned anything, it was that she'd rather deal with her brother's temper than Kei's.

So imagine the horror when Yukio, while trying to get money from her wallet to pay for her fare back home, realize that she didn't have enough yen left and didn't really know how to explain it to Kei who was still holding all of that she binge shopped. But she didn't have to say a word, apparently, as the blond hovering just behind her saw exactly what was happening. A weary sigh escaped Kei's lips as he shifted the bags to hang on his arms for a while as he took out his wallet, pulled out some yen and leaned over to slide the money to the cashier on the other side of the window. This made his chest press against her back, making her tense. She watched as Kei handed over the money that obviously looked like it wasn't just for one ticket.

"I don't know about you, Yukio, but that one bit about the Asahi guy story makes me think blondie was actually jealous. Maybe he likes you?" Kaoru's words echoed in her mind. It was supposed to be a tease but Yukio was an overthinker and Kaoru was known for making jokes out of what she thinks are true sometimes but didn't want to say it directly.

She tensed at the sudden body contact. "For two, please." Yukio heard Kei say - or felt it, rather. The low vibrations his chest emitted as he spoke could be felt and that made the female more anxious than she already was, she could also feel her face heating up.

But, despite it, she made no move to pull away. In fact, she was a tad bit disappointed that it ended all too soon - it felt rather nice after all.

"Oh, by the way… you'll tell me when you develop feelings for this blond guy, yeah?" Kaoru's grin that time suggested it was all a jest but her hesitance before she said it told otherwise. Before Yukio could even question how she thought she'll ended up developing feelings for Kei, or even reply to her statement at all, the redhead was out the door.

So why was her best friend's words of wisdom echoing now? Because indecent thoughts like thinking Kei's chest pressed against her back was nice. Sure she also thought being pushed into Tooru's chest earlier was nice but that was because there was possible immediate danger in front of her if the male athlete did not come. With Kei, however…

"Oi, Murakami. Hurry up." Yukio blinked, seeing a train card being waved at her face. Kei must've noticed that she was done zoning out as he tried to give it to her properly instead of waving it around.

"I can carry my bag now, Tsukishima-san. Thank you." The bluette said once the duo stepped into the train's platform. Kei, however, didn't seem to hear her. Or if he did, he didn't show signs of it. The train back arrived shortly after.

Yukio, who felt guilty that Kei still had her belongings - and she knew those weren't really the lightest items she had bought - tried again. As she began to say the same words she said earlier, the blond cut her off mid-sentence. "I heard you the first time," Kei said just before the train door opened in front of them.

He entered without a word and despite the crowd that entered along with the small amount of selection of available seats, he went to the first free seat he saw, hovered over it and glared at anyone who tried to sit on it until Yukio came. "Sit." Kei said curtly, nodding at the free seat he was hovering on.

The trip throughout was silent. Mostly because of Kei's lack of response to… well everything. Yukio probably tried to catch his attention once or twice but no avail. He was busy feeling guilty after all, lost in his own thoughts.

Kei replayed the scene inside his head again and again, feeling bad that he knew he could've intervene the moment those boys have approached her… but no. He was a coward or whatever - whatever he was, he shouldn't have waited that long to try help a… friend.

Unconsciously, a grunt escaped his lips as he internally admitted the budding friendship between them both.

"Tsukishima-san?" Kei felt a tug on the bottom corner of his shirt. Looking down, he locked eyes with Yukio who had a small nervous smile. "Uh. We're here." The bluette informed him sheepishly. Only then did he realised that he was actually blocking her way to stand up and leave.

Awkwardly, the blond cleared his throat before stepping away and out into the train coach. The moment they exited the train, they heard a phone ring. "Oh!" The bluette beside him squeaked as she rummage through her bag. Kei couldn't resist a smirk, "Hey, Sailor Moon, your phone's ringing." He teased, snickering as she shot him a small pout while pulling out her phone.

"Hello?" She answered gingerly. The bluette refused to press her phone to her ear, Kei noticed. At first the blond found this action questionable until even he, who was standing a few steps away from her, heard a rather angry sounding voice originating from the other side of the phone.

"Ryu, I'm fine! Calm down." Her voice was soothing. Kei even found himself relaxing his posture a little. The blond didn't knew how she does it but perhaps it was a skill you learn if you lived with a protective brother with temperamental issues.

Lo and behold, apparently Yukio just chiding her brother to calm down actually works as the female was now holding the phone to her ear.

"I'm… I'm on my way home." … "Yes. I know. I'm sorry." … "I… panicked?"

Not wanting to look like he was eavesdropping, Kei decided to go on without her and just wait for his companion on the other side of the gate. He could hear her follow suite.

Like their usual walks together, a comfortable kind of silence dawned on them… or that's what they want to think. Yukio felt awkward that Kei was still carrying her bags. Meanwhile, Kei was, well, in a bit of an inner conflict with himself. It didn't get better when halfway through their route, Yukio, who couldn't stop feeling bad, tried to retrieved the bags from the blond which earned her a pointed look from him.

A sigh escaped his lips afterwards. He was only so persistent in helping her because guilt was still there - it was always guilt when it's about this particular bluette. Always. From the crying and now to this. Sure Kei experienced guilt once and awhile but not this strong for just one person in particular.

He hated to admit it but if this keeps up, he might just believe Yamaguchi that he did have a soft spot for her.

Kei walked her all the way to her house. He was hesitant at first, wondering if her older brother was gonna give him shit for it but did it anyway.

"Here." The blond handed Yukio her shopping bags. There was a pause between the two before he spoke while looking away to avoid eye contact. "Be more careful next time."

"Oh. Uh, thanks, Tsukishima-san." Warmth spread in Yukio, her cheeks flushing as she smiled at Kei's direction.

Not long after, the blond left. The female wondered if it was best that she hadn't told him that she was actually safe by the time he tried to save her. Tooru came before him after all.

It didn't matter, she told herself. It's not like Kei and Tooru was going to meet anytime soon. With a small smile, Yukio took her phone from her bag and texted someone immediately.

"Thank you again, Tsukishima-san" The bluette hit sent before going inside their house. Apparently, the blond wasn't so cold after all.

Bonus (?) ~

Tooru Oikawa felt a sense of pride at the moment - that was such a good entrance, he even hugged Yukio for effect. But, if he was to be honest, the volleyball player was indeed pissed; how dare these guys act so disgustingly - especially towards one of his favorite female?

Once he released the bluette from his arms, Oikawa planned to reprimand them - he would beat them up but he didn't feel like hurting his precious hands that he needed for sports. Not even Yukio can top his sport.

However, when he was about to start talking, Oikawa noticed that the two males he was going to lecture wasn't focusing on him anymore but behind him instead.

He was about to call on them but his curiosity trumped pride as he turned around. Now he knew why they were gaping - the bluette, which he was sure he left there, was missing.

Oikawa faced back front to inquire the two guys about the female's whereabouts as they obviously saw what happened, but alas, both of them were running away from him.

Quickly, he looked back at where Yukio was supposed to be, but this time he eyed the crowd - silently praying he'd see her. But no, the only thing he saw was a swarm of people and if he was to be asked if there was something slightly out of place, it was the back of a tall blond running - no bluette in sight, though.

He pulled his phone out with the intent to call the female. Unfortunately, the setter actually changed phones recently and the contacts that he has were mostly his teammates and people from Aoba.

Panicking, he pressed call to the number of the person he trusted the most.

"Iwa-chan!" Oikawa cried as soon he heard him pick up. "You're still with Ryu, right?!"

"Murakami? Yeah. Why? Wanna talk to him?" He felt his face pale as he listened to the other line. "Hey, Murakami! Oikawa wants to talk to you!"

"No, no! Iwa, you need to stall Ryu! Yukio suddenly disappeared and I need to find her first!" Oikawa didn't want to deal with the older Murakami's wrath, especially since his protectiveness was at an all time high because of something Ryu refused to share - he just knew it involved Yukio.

"Yukio's what…?" The setter froze.

That wasn't Iwaizumi's voice.

Heya~ Last minute notes. I just want to confirm that Yukio did forget what sports Oikawa plays. She just knows he's good at what he does. ( I needed to say this bcoz idk if I delivered it well? whatevs.)

Anyway, thanks for reading guys! Drop by the review/comment section and say hi, maybe?

See you till next update~ (Which is not sure yet but I will... One day. jk. Soon, probably.)