Over 100 follows this is... wow... Thank you so much everyone! :D You've waited Chapter 36 (twice longer than usual), so i'm onyl going to say this: I lsitened to the Ao Haru Ride ost while writing it and there is a particular moment (the end of course) where I listened to the song Saikai on a loop (it may or may not be a suggestion of music to listen to?) and so~ enjoy~

Thank you to everyone who followed and favorited! :D

Lili : Ayaka IS really forgiving - if she wasn't, for what I'm planning, Koutarou would have zero chance. Ayaka definitely needs some time on her own to try to get over him and fortunately (or unfortunately depending onhow fast you want Ayakou together) the Summer break is quite long.

TheGuest : Well, at this point, they're definitely best friends - with a potential for lovers but that's just a potential aslong as Bokuto keeps messing around. Fukui will not appear in this chapter if it can make you appear (new OC though!). Ah, and for me, the 'official' (as official as a fanfiction writer goes at least) shipping name is 'Ayakou'. ^^

SoulXHunter : Well, I noticed something while writing the chapters 40s where all the hurt and angst really comes (it's one of the two biggest angst moments in the whole fanfic) I always add lighter and joyful moments and chapters. Because even in the saddst of times there are bits of happiness as well. :) Fuck that, the truth is I can't write them all sad all the time or I'll go mad to inflict so much pain to my babies. Your rant was so incredibly great and funny that I had to try three times to read it all the while laughing and hitting the table with my hands. Somehow, I can really well imagine you sreaming all of that to Bokuto until he has an expression similar to that after Hinata's feint and the whole team glares at him for teaching that move to sunshine ball. XD

Lomisstra : Une estimation du nombre de chapitres... Argh, je suis terrible à ça. MAIS, je suis à peu près à 1/3 de l'histoire je pense... La fin, je la connais, mais je ne sais pas exactement comment je vais l'écrire pck vu que Bokuto sera en 3ème année, ce sera en parallèle au canon manga/Anime que j'essaie de suivre un maximum donc... il risque d'y avoir des trous de façon à pouvoir mettre le canon final du manga/anime.

CocoaFirefly : Hai, hai, Chapter 36 it is! ;) It's here, so enjoy~

Vamp-Girl27 : I'll try my best adding light-hearted chapters in between angsty ones~ ^^

curlystruggle : I don't know who Amy is in Pitch Perfect and I have not watched this movie but somehow I can very well imagine this 'ENOUGH' thing. :3

Areil408 : Four chapters at once, wow... I hope tings follow each other correctly... ^^"

ThePinkyNinja : Ah, sorry! But by next week, I won't pdate quite as often so... ^^" Yeah, you'd expect the proud Ace to have kissed more girls than one (which was probably more of an accident) And Akaashi agreed to the dare because of the blackmail. ^^ Confess? You want a confession? Ah, well... *shrugs*

Hana : Why would you want Ushijima dead? The poor boy just wants to play volleyball... he's innocent. The real threat is Fukui in this story. Well, if you can call her a 'threat' because IN THE END TRUE LOVE ALWAYS WINS!

FANFICTION

HAIKYUU! : SOWLMATES

CHAPTER XXXVI : Fireworks

"Finding someone you can really connect with is like winning the lottery — It happens basically never, but if it does, you really shouldn't blow it."

— Jessica Verdi

"I could not tell you if I loved you the first moment I saw you, or if it was the second or third or fourth. But I remember the first moment I looked at you walking toward me and realized that somehow the rest of the world seemed to vanish when I was with you."

— Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Prince

"Life is short, right? We both know that. Well, what if you're my chance? What if you are the thing that's actually going to make me happiest?"

— Jojo Moyes, After You

"I still can't believe you beat Bokuto!" Yukie exclaimed, laughing while the girls were putting away their bags, "I'm surprised he didn't get all moody, though. Would it have been anyone else, I'm sure he would have started pouting and crying!"

Ayaka didn't answer, only made sure not to forget anything.

"Is this true that you are in love with Bokuto-san, Kanemoto-san?" Miyanoshita asked curiously.

Ayaka startled and blushed, quickly looking away from the other managers who squealed in delight to know that the rumors about this love story were true.

"It is true~ Too bad Bokuto is an airhead who doesn't understand his own feelings…" Yukie continued thoughtfully before grinning and surrounding her kouhai's shoulders with her arms, "BUT! You will go watch fireworks with him tomorrow night~ Summer festival always are wonderful occasions to share feelings of endless love under the starlight~!"

Yukie chuckled to herself but when Ayaka looked down and didn't answer, she glanced at her curiously. Sitting back on the floor, the second-year manager quickly understood that something was wrong. Miyanoshita and Ootaki glanced at each other then back at Shirofuku who was staring right at Kanemoto.

"You're not coming…" Yukie concluded, eyes narrowed at the youngest girl.

"I-I'm s-sorry… I-I really wanted to go but… my father…" Ayaka murmured, staring at her hands on her laps.

"Did he forbid you to go?"

"No… But there is a Gala tomorrow night I am expected to attend…"

Yukie kept staring at her kouhai, knowing full well that she had known for a long while now but hadn't said a word in the entire week. She sighed, not wanting to bother herself into acknowledging her annoyance despite it being written all over her face.

"We can't help it then. If you must go. I suppose there will be another summer festival you could attend to at some point." Yukie said, shrugging before taking her bag and leaving the room.

Shinzen and Ubugawa's managers quickly followed Shirofuku, leaving Kanemoto alone. The girl sighed, feeling terrible for not going to the summer festival despite wanting to and the excitement from the team when they had learned she'd initially go. If only her father wasn't quite as much as a stubborn and over-protective man…

Not long after, the Fukurodani Academy's volleyball team, along with Ubugawa and Nekoma, all climbed into their respective buses to go back to their homes. Once arrived at the Academy, Ayaka immediately started walking towards the family car waiting for her aligned with all the other families from the players.

"Kanemoto!"

Ayaka glanced over her shoulder at Bokuto coming towards her. She felt her heart speeding up as he looked down at her sadly.

"Shirofuku said you weren't coming tomorrow night at the summer festival?" he asked, tilting his head on a side.

She wanted to say that yes, she was coming. That it was all she wanted. But instead, she only nodded, lowering her gaze.

"Ah… that's too bad… if… if you change your mind… give us a call, ok?" He said, patting her shoulder and walking away.

Ayaka watched him leave, climbing into his parents' car. She grabbed her bag's strap when she saw the Bokuto family laughing happily and leaving. When had she laughed with her family for the last time? The only times she had laughed recently had been with her friends and the volleyball team.

She climbed her car, glancing at the emotionless driver who barely acknowledged her presence. She sighed and leaned against the window, watching the few members of the team walking home on foot. Tomorrow morning, the guys from Shinzen and Ubugawa would arrive in Tokyo and would spread in Fukurodani and Nekoma's homes for a week-end sleepover.

The next evening, at the Annual Summer Gala…

"Ayaka-chan! You look so lovely tonight!" Abe Yuri, the wife of Abe Osamu, the national volleyball team's coach, exclaimed.

"Thank you, you look beautiful as well," Ayaka answered.

Yuri chuckled, her red and pink kimono suiting her perfectly for her joyful personality. The Abe and Kanemoto families have known each other for many years – Yuri was even Ayaka's godmother. Ayaka glanced at her reflection in the mirror. She was wearing her new kimono – light blue, Fukurodani's color, and so many colorful flowers. Her obi was red and her hair was up in an elegant bun, a silver kanzashi with flowers made from pearls holding up her hair. Ayaka loved wearing kimono, she loved Gala – especially the summer one where every lady wore beautiful kimono. But this year, it didn't feel right to be here, surrounding by gold, jewelry and champagne when her friends were eating yakitori and having the sauce all around their faces.

Ayaka chuckled at the image in her head before remembering that she was in the middle of a conversation. She had come later than the rest of her family and had no idea where the Kanemoto were but she didn't need to be with them to handle such an evening. She was used to these rich and famous people, after all.

"I've always wanted a daughter, to help her dress in a kimono. But I only had two boys!" Yuri continued as the two women walked towards the main room, "I've heard that Akio-san wishes to see you married in a few years and he already has made arrangements. Is this true?" She asked gently.

"A-ah, y-yes," Ayaka answered, blushing and immediately thinking about Ushijima.

Yuri chuckled, sounding a little embarrassed:

"I must admit it, I believe Hayate is on his list – what do you think of him?" She asked, purely out of curiosity.

"A-ah… I'd prefer Hayate-san to the young man my father has chosen for now. Hayate-san and I have known each other for years and we get along well." She answered honestly.

She has known the two Abe boys almost all her life and she had always gotten along well with them, despite being a few years older than her. And Hayate – the youngest of the two – was probably on her father's list. Not for the first time since she had learned about this list, Ayaka wondered if she shouldn't have a look at it to know exactly who her father has chosen for her future husband.

"You don't get along with the young man Akio-san has chosen?" Yuri continued with a sad smile.

"He… he is a kind person. And a strong and powerful player, he has good results in school as well. He is… a great choice. The best choice, I suppose…" Ayaka answered, avoiding looking at her godmother in the eye.

Yuri seemed to hesitate before smiling tenderly and leaning towards the young girl.

"The best choice for your father, yes, but what about you? Is there someone else you'd rather call your fiancé?" She asked, her undertone revealing how much she had read in Ayaka.

The young girl blushed, realizing that Yuri had understood that she was in love with someone else. Yuri smiled just as Akio and Kenta arrived.

"You've arrived, Ayaka," her father said a smile, showing that he was in a particularly good mood, "It's too bad Ushijima-kun couldn't come to spend the evening with you and keep you company, right?" He continued.

"I-it's unfortunate, indeed…" Ayaka answered, praying her relief wasn't shown too much on her face.

"Your fiancé is Ushijima Wakatoshi-kun?" Yuri asked in surprise, "No wonder you… oh… I see. I understand better now…" She said a little awkwardly.

"Not official – they aren't officially engaged yet and they probably won't be for a few more years if everything goes well. But I expect that by the end of high-school, they would have chosen to show that they are together." Akio explained with a smile.

"Oh…"

"How are you, Yuri-san? And Osamu-san?" Akio continued, as the two walked away.

Ayaka immediately sighed in relief to see her father leaving just as Kenta handed her a flute of champagne. She glanced at him curiously.

"You look like you could use some," he said with a little smile.

"Encouraging minors to drink alcohol, shouldn't you be ashamed?" She mocked, taking the glass of champagne heartily.

"We both know you need more than that to be down. And the evening is far from being over."

"Mm…" She answered, sipping some tasteful alcohol.

Brother and sister walked quietly side-by-side, until the girl stopped and glanced at the window. They were in one of these tall buildings once again, that overlooked the entire city. Even if there were still many cars down there and people chatting together, the guests of the gala couldn't hear anything else but the classical music and the discussions in the background. Ayaka wanted to hear the traditional and rustic sounds of festival music rather than the classical she always heard.

"You look awfully sad, I thought you liked these galas and evening?" Kenta asked his sister who kept staring at the city lights.

"I… I do…" She answered, but it didn't sound convincing, "I haven't seen Sakurako yet? Where is she?" She asked, trying to change the subject and get her mind to stop thinking about her friends having fun at the summer festival.

"She… is feeling unwell… She isn't here tonight." Kenta answered, eyes suddenly cast down.

She blinked but he continued:

"Ayaka, you might– never mind…" He sighed.

"Kenta-nii, can I ask you something?"

He raised his eyebrow – his way of saying that he was listening. So similar to their father.

"Sakurako told me that you and her had been dating long before your engagement was announced. Is this true?"

For the first time in her life, she saw Kenta look almost shy. It quickly vanished and he looked at the city lights with a faraway expression.

"Yes, don't you remember when I always sneaked away from galas and evening? Or spent hours outside before going home?" He answered calmly.

Ayaka thought back to all these times when her brother had gone away, pretending to feel tired or wanting to work on something. If there was one moment for the Kanemoto children to get away from their father's constant surveillance, it was during these evenings and galas – Akio was way too busy to be concerned about them until morning. So many things about Kenta made sense now.

"How come I never noticed anything?" She asked curiously, tilting her head on a side.

Kenta hesitated before sighing.

"Masaru always helped me out. That's probably why he hates me so much now… I didn't – never mind." He finished with a tight voice.

Ayaka stared at her brother, not understanding what he had meant by that. It wasn't surprising that Masaru would help Kenta sneak out – it must have been a lot of fun for him… But what Kenta had added left the young girl perplex and worried.

Ayaka glanced sadly at the window. She couldn't see anything from where she was but she could imagine her friends having fun so easily. Eating food from booths, laughs and happy sounds resonating all around, the lights and fireworks… She'd probably see the festival fireworks from here – or she'd have the gala's fireworks instead.

Kenta stared at his little sister for a long moment. She used to always smile and laugh, whether it was at school or during galas. When the scandal with Masaru had fallen onto the family, she had darkened considerably but after entering Fukurodani Academy… she had seemed more like her usual self. She looked much happier – she was almost glowing and he had a few doubts about the reason why but he had kept his suspicions for himself. And right now, she looked so sad…

"Is there someone you want to see right now?" He asked suddenly.

Ayaka startled and flushed. Kenta sighed deeply. After hesitating for a while, Ayaka finally answered to him:

"My friends… they are at a summer festival right now… they had invited me but…"

Kenta remained silent before turning completely towards the city lights that were enough to snuff out the light from the stars.

"Do you remember that time Masaru had tried to make us all sneak out to go to a summer festival?" Kenta said, sipping absentmindedly his champagne.

Ayaka blinked before chuckling, remembering the colorful lights from when she had been five years-old. It was around the time she had met Kou-chan too.

Uh? Why am I thinking of him now? She wondered to herself.

Kenta glanced around before turning back towards the window.

"If you're looking for the restrooms, it's at the end of the hall – the one with the back-door that happens to lead outside as well." He said, drinking in his glass with a detached expression.

Ayaka blinked and stared at her brother, her heart beating faster.

"Y-you mean…" She whispered hesitantly, not wanting to believe too much in his words.

"No one would notice you disappearing now – most of the evening has gone by already and there is no dinner. You should go with your friends before the summer festival is over." He continued with a little smile.

"K-Kenta-nii…" Ayaka murmured before grinning excitedly.

She wanted to hug him but it'd appear way too suspicious – especially considering the way she was sparkling in excitement right now.

"Thank you!" She said in a low voice as to not be heard by anyone.

She squeezed his arm before turning around to hurry to the hall he had indicated.

"Ayaka," Kenta called, making her turn around, "Tell me all about these summer festivals – I'm really curious."

He smiled and for a moment, she saw her big brother with whom she used to play at hide and seek when they were children. Ayaka laughed and nodded excitedly.

"I will!" She exclaimed before running off.

No one seemed to notice the young Kanemoto girl going into a hall and instead of taking the first-door with written 'restrooms' on it, she continued towards the back door. Despite wearing zori, she ran down the stairs with a huge smile on her face. She pushed open the door that had led her into a back street and she quickly reached the main avenue. She saw a taxi going by and she raised her hand to call for it. She ran inside:

"Nekoma High-School! As fast as possible, please!" She exclaimed to the taxi driver, "Take that!" She continued, pulling out her credit card from her tiny bag.

The driver blinked at the golden credit card and didn't ask any question, only drove the girl to where she wanted to go. While he was driving, she dialed every number of the team's members she had in her phone.

"Come on, come on, just answer…!" She muttered as Konoha didn't answer.

She had no idea where the festival actually was so she had tried calling them, but they probably couldn't hear their phones ringing. She had already tried calling Yukie, Komi, Akaashi, Konoha, even Kuroo and Kohaku.

Ayaka stared at the next name on her list. She hadn't wanted to call him of all people but… she clicked on 'Bokuto Koutarou' and waited while it rang. Once, twice, three times… She was about to end the call when she heard a click.

"Kanemoto?" Bokuto's voice resonated, sounding more mature over the phone.

Her heart almost leapt out of her chest.

"Bokuto-san! I'm coming!" She screamed in the phone.

The taxi driver startled and she was so happy that she felt like laughing.

"What?"

"I'm coming! To the summer festival! I'm on my way to Nekoma High! Where do I go after that?"

"But I thought you had a gala or something?"

"I-I convinced my, uh… family… I-I can come but… I don't know how…?"

There was a moment of silence then, she heard him talking to other people. Finally, his voice came back and she realized she had been holding her breath.

"Kuroo will come get you at Nekoma's entrance then, you two will join us at the festival. Ok?"

Tears of happiness filled Ayaka's eyes and she laughed happily.

"Yes! I-I'm coming!" She said once again before ending the phone call.

She clenched her phone happily and glanced at the city lights she drove by. She was smiling so much her cheeks hurt but she was way too happy.

At the summer festival, Bokuto stared down at his phone, Ayaka's laugh still resonating in his head. He looked up at his friends who smiled at him.

"Sounds like the evening will get a bit more exciting now, uh?" Kuroo said with his usual smirk.

Glad his precious manager was coming after all, Koutarou couldn't help it – he laughed.

Kuroo escaped the group to get the young manager who was waiting at the entrance since the taxi had left her there. Then, the two made their ways to the festival. Ayaka heard the laughs and music long before she even saw the lights. When she saw the booths from afar, she couldn't help it – she laughed and ran excitedly towards it, acting much like a child. It was her first summer festival and this time, there was no one to stop her from going. Kuroo followed her calmly with an amused smile on his face.

"Is this food I smell? It smells wonderful! It smells like nothing I've ever tasted!" She exclaimed as they started walking past people.

Young women were wearing yukata and throwing flirty looks at the boys they liked while the latters were trying to appear tough and strong by winning as many prices as possible.

"So basically, you've lived your life secluded in a golden castle – prisoner of your own family." Kuroo started.

Ayaka snorted at the image but suddenly, the sly young man leaned towards her, hands in his pockets as he murmured in her ears:

"And now~ I know a certain stupid owl who turned into your prince charming and saved you~ am I right?"

Kuroo laughed at his own joke but Ayaka blushed, remembering this one dream she had had once. An owl and after a kiss, the bird had turned into a prince who had looked an awful lot like Bokuto. It was before she had realized her feelings but it should have been clear enough back then of the meaning of this dream.

"You're not that wrong…" She murmured to herself with a soft smile.

"Ah, here they are! Guys!" Kuroo called, waving.

The group of athletes from Fukurodani and Nekoma – with the additions of Yukie, Kohaku and the Captains of Shinzen and Ubugawa – all turned around. All the owls, Yamamoto and Daiki all gasped when they saw Ayaka coming towards them wearing a beautiful kimono. It was obvious the quality was much higher than the other girls' yukata but it didn't seem to occur to the young girl that she was blatantly showing how rich she was. She was smiling way too happily to be with them to notice anything else.

"I'm sorry I'm late!" She exclaimed when she arrived in front of everyone, bowing apologetically.

"You made it in time, it's what matters! I'm glad you got to spend time with us!" Yukie exclaimed, approaching, wearing a yukata as well, "You are so pretty! Right, boys?" She continued, turning towards the others.

All the ones who had been frozen in shock to see Ayaka in kimono startled and blushed, stammering and trying desperately to give her compliments – it only resulted in tumbling and stuttering as they lost their minds. Ayaka was way too excited to care and quickly turned away from the boys, looking around like a child.

"So, this is a summer festival! I can't wait to go around – can we start now? Please?" She asked with a pleading look on her face.

"Yes, yes~ Come on, everyone! Let's start showing Ayaka around!" Kohaku exclaimed, putting her arm under Ayaka's and pulling her.

Ayaka laughed while the boys tried to follow. Kuroo and Akaashi remained a few steps behind, along with Bokuto. Fukurodani's Ace had remained still and hadn't said a word, eyes wide in awe to see the girl with a beautiful kimono. Seeing his gazed expression, Kuroo chuckled to himself and leaned towards his childhood friend:

"Isn't she pretty, your Ayaka-chan~?" He asked with a smirk.

"Pretty…?" Bokuto repeated in confusion before frowning at Tetsurou, "Have you looked at her properly?! She's not 'pretty'! She's the most beautiful creature around here! She is magnificent! And the blue of her kimono is the same blue of Fukurodani Academy – and all these flowers! Just like her name, it fits her wonderfully! Look how it fits her body perfectly – it shows her thin waist and makes all of her curves unveil as well! And all of these colors – whether it's the light blue or the colorful flowers, it makes her eyes and hair shine and stand out even more than usual under the lanterns' lights…!"

Akaashi and Kuroo stared with slightly widened eyes at their friend who suddenly realized what he had just said. Gasping, Koutarou blushed and quickly covered his mouth with his hand, praying that no one else but his two friends had heard his heartful speech.

"I-I mean… s-she's… hm, y-yeah, v-very pretty…" He murmured awkwardly.

"Wow… Even I had not expected that from you, Bokuto-san…" Akaashi said, blinking in astonishment.

"I knew you had a kimono kink but to that point…" Kuroo added.

"I'm sorry, what? A kimono kink?" Akaashi repeated, frowning lightly.

"I-i-it's not what you think, Akeaashi!" Bokuto exclaimed quickly.

"Oh, look, Kanemoto-san is being hit on by Daiki-san," Akaashi said, turning towards the group of boys.

"What?!" Bokuto shouted, whipping around at once – and seeing absolutely no one hitting on Ayaka.

Realizing he had been played, his expression fell into one of annoyance while Kuroo laughed loudly and Akaashi smirked playfully.

"And you say you only have a crush on her! Just admit it already! You're head over heels for her!" Kuroo shouted between two fits of laugh.

Koutarou – still blushing – snorted and turned away from them, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Let's hurry after them before they get out of sight," he muttered, starting to follow the group ahead of them from quite the distance now.

"Or rather~ Let's hurry after them before Ayaka-darling-chan gets out of my sight and I cannot protect her from the vultures who are sure to soon circle her like a tasteful piece of meat~" Kuroo teased, still smirking at his friend's expression.

After some time when everyone saw Ayaka admiring and getting starry-eyed at everything she were to see or assist to, the group got reduced. Ayaka was only accompanied by Bokuto, Kuroo and Kohaku now – everyone else had gone to play to some booths, or eat something, or were way too tired to follow the over-excited girl any longer.

"Ooooh! What's that?" Ayaka asked as she saw children gathered around a pond.

She approached before the others had had time to blink. They sighed and followed her with a smile.

Ayaka leaned over a little basin of water filled with goldfish, children or adults trying to scoop them with scoopers made of paper.

"Scooping goldfish? You've never tried?" Bokuto asked as they both crouched in front of the basin.

Ayaka shook her head vehemently, staring with vivid eyes the goldfishes. Koutarou couldn't help but smile:

"You want to try?" He proposed as he gave coins to the old man from the booth.

She nodded excitedly and he gave her a paper scooper, explaining the rules.

"You have to scoop the goldfish swiftly so you can put it in the bowl before the paper of the scooper breaks. Here, try," he said, giving her a scooper.

She focused intensely as she held a bowl and a scooper, staring at the goldfish. She aimed at one but as soon as she raised the scooper out of water, the paper broke and the goldfish fell back into the water. Koutarou chuckled and approached his own scooper.

"Look how I do it," he said, scooping up a fish.

But just like Ayaka, it broke and the fish fell in the pond. Water splashed on an astonished Bokuto and after a short moment of silence, Ayaka laughed, quickly followed by the owl.

"Kuroo is a pro of scooping goldfish," he said as the black-haired cat approached.

"Of course he is, he's a cat!" Kohaku said.

Kuroo crouched next to the others, holding bowl and scooper and within seconds, he had scooped up a goldfish, Ayaka applauding at his work.

"You were so fast!" She exclaimed.

Before he could answer, though, they heard a snort from the other side of the pond and saw a young girl, around their age. She had dark hair and glasses and she smirked at Kuroo who immediately felt annoyance rising within him.

"That was pathetic," the girl said, snorting disdainfully.

"Saito Akane. Why am I not surprised that you of all people would be here to ruin the evening?" Kuroo hissed, glaring at the girl.

"Only someone like you would find this sort of pitiful event enjoying." She said, her brown, almost dark red, eyes shining.

"And only someone as disdainful and proud as you would join in just to look down at people."

She opened her lips but then, Kuroo noticed her bowl filled with three fishes. He clicked his tongue in annoyance then quickly scooped two more goldfishes. He smirked at her and she scooped up another one. Kuroo followed the silent challenge while Kohaku sighed behind him, Ayaka glancing nervously at a very amused Bokuto.

"I don't understand, I'm confused?" She whispered to the owl-boy.

"Saito Akane – Kuroo's rival in everything. They love hating each other since Middle-School… Also, she hates cats." Bokuto exclaimed.

"Oh…"

A loud gasp from Akane attracted everyone's attention back to her as Kuroo laughed proudly. Her scooper had broken and she was red in annoyance to know that the annoying cat had win – this time.

"Looks like the usual sore loser has another defeat to her list, uh~?" He mocked, showing off his amount of goldfishes.

He tried to scoop up another one but it was his turn for his scooper to break, making the dark-haired girl snort scornfully.

"Look who's talking."

"Fish face."

"Idiot cat!"

Before Kuroo could open his mouth, Kohaku grabbed his ear and pulled him up and away from Akane.

"I hate her!" He hissed, followed by the couple of owls.

"I know, I know, you always repeat that…" Kohaku sighed with a shrug, "She's a great girl – I'm sure you two would get along well if you tried to talk without killing each other."

"I'd rather die!"

"Wow, he really dislikes her…" Ayaka murmured, a little astonished.

Bokuto snorted at that but when she glanced at him in confusion, he didn't answer her silent question.

"Bokuto! Kuroo!"

The group of four stopped just as Akaashi, Komi and Konoha joined them.

"Having fun?" Konoha asked the manager.

"Yeees~!" She answered, jumping up and down, clapping her hands.

They chuckled at how adorable she was being when a booth attracted their attention.

"Come try the Soulmates' Lottery!" A woman screamed excitedly.

Several couples stopped and turned their heads towards the booths – and among them, Tetsurou and Kohaku, forcefully stopping Koutarou and Ayaka.

"Find out if the person you are with tonight is your Soulmate!" The woman exclaimed once again.

Curious, the seven young people approached the booth. They could see an alignment of many prizes of all sorts in the booth and in front of it, a huge glass box that showed lots of red balls. When she noticed the two couples, the woman excitedly explained the rules:

"The rules are simple: you both grab a ball in the box before pulling them out – if they are linked by a red string like that…"

She pointed to two balls joined by a red string.

"You each win a prize of your choice – there are about forty percents of chances of getting your Soulmates' balls."

"Soulmates' balls doesn't sound like an innocent game, if you get what I mean," Kuroo said with a smirk, earning an elbowing from Kohaku who glared at him while Komi and Konoha snorted.

"Why not?" Ayaka asked.

"Bless your pure and innocent heart, Ayaka-chan…" Kohaku sighed, "Kuroo! Let's try?" She asked excitedly.

They gave a coin to the lady and both dived their hands into the box – it was impossible to see the red strings. They grabbed balls then pulled out – but they weren't linked.

"Aaaw, too bad…" The woman said with a sad smile.

"I'm not the overly romantic airhead who believes in soulmates anyway," Kuroo said, putting the ball back into the box, "Bokuto – give it a try?"

"With who?" He asked, blinking.

"What an idiot…" Kohaku murmured while Kuroo rolled his eyes in perfect harmony.

Kuroo and Minamoto pushed Bokuto and Kanemoto forward and they immediately blushed and stammered.

"W-wait–"

"W-we're not t-together–"

"Y-yes, w-we shouldn't, umm!"

"Just shut up and get a ball!" Kuroo ordered as he gave coins to the woman.

Ayaka and Koutarou ended up in front of each other, at each side of the glass box filled with balls.

"W-well, w-we don't risk anything by giving it a try, r-right…?" She hesitated, still red in the cheeks.

"Y-yeah, y-you're right…"

They glanced at each other hesitantly before putting their hands into the box. They both grabbed a ball deep into the mix of red. They had some difficulty for pulling and after a sudden pull from Koutarou's hand, his red ball came out and Ayaka gasped, suddenly pulled forward. Her own red ball was linked to Koutarou's with a red string. They blushed even more, frozen in shock. Ayaka let go of her ball as the boy looked away in embarrassment.

Kuroo and Kohaku glanced at each other, biting on their lips to not laugh upon seeing the embarrassed looks on their friends' faces.

"Why am I not even surprised?" Komi muttered outloud.

"The other way around would have been surprising," Akaashi said with a sigh.

"You've won! This is amazing! You are soulmates!" The woman from the booth exclaimed.

"In other news, water is wet…" Konoha whispered to the others who snickered behind the awkward couple's backs.

"W-we're not a couple…" Bokuto murmured but he wasn't heard by the excited lady.

"You both get to choose a gift of your choosing on display behind me!" She continued, showing behind her.

The two winners glanced hesitantly around all the prizes – there were some plastic jewelry, plush toys of all kinds and sizes, little games – some for children but most, not so much. Finally, Bokuto and Kanemoto made their choices and spoke up – in complete harmony:

"The owl plush," they said.

They glanced at each other while the woman of the booth blinked and their friends behind were trying not to laugh too loudly.

"I-I mean…" Bokuto hesitated, blushing.

"T-the blue one!" Ayaka and Koutarou both exclaimed in the same time once again.

They stared at each other once again, blushing and stammering, while Konoha and Komi were falling on the ground from laughing too much.

"You have got to be kidding me…" Kuroo sighed, not quite believing the scene before his eyes.

"Have they rehearsed it before or something?" Kohaku asked in incredulity.

"T-there's only one left, y-you should take it…" Bokuto murmured to Ayaka, unable to meet her eyes.

"N-no, y-you love owls, y-you take it…" Ayaka answered, looking at the ground.

"Y-your kimono is blue, s-so…"

"I-it's Fukurodani's colors…"

"N-no, you take it."

"No, I i-insist…"

"W- we have more behind, y-you can both get the blue… plush… owl…" The woman at the booth said hesitantly, not quite believing what just happened.

"Oh…"

"A-ah…"

She disappeared behind the booth and came back a moment later with two blue plush owls. She gave them to the two very embarrassed and blushing people who thanked her and quickly walked away.

Kuroo opened his lips but Bokuto was faster:

"Not. A. Word." He muttered between his teeth, his cheeks so hot he felt feverish.

"And here is another proof that the fate and soulmates' bullshit Bokuto always talks about might be very much real…" Komi said.

"I'm so glad I filmed everything with my phone – no one would have believed us otherwise…" Konoha added, chuckling.

"The fireworks are about to begin, should we get to some place quiet?" Kohaku asked.

"Yes! Fireworks!" Komi exclaimed, jumping up and down.

Ayaka's mind – which had been way too confused to think after the incident with the plush owls – now turned towards the fireworks. Her heart missed a beat in excitement – it had been the one thing that had made her want to go to the summer festival more than anything.

Seeing her excitement, Koutarou watched her with big eyes, loving the way her eyes sparkled.

The group walked towards the nearest park for some quiet, finding the rest of Fukurodani, Nekoma and their friends from Shinzen and Ubugawa on the way. If everyone glanced curiously at the couple of plush owls, the only answers they got were the snickers and 'I'll show you later' from Konoha and Komi.

"We'll get a great view from here," Kohaku said as they approached the big pond.

Waiting for the fireworks, they discussed and chatted on the edge of the pond, throwing pebbles in the water and trying to chase the few fireflies who were floating around. The stars and moon were shining brightly and the volleyball players all laughed and enjoyed their time.

Bokuto looked around but didn't see a light blue and flowery kimono – not near. Ayaka was sitting on a bench, many meters away, looking up at the sky expectantly, as if she didn't want to miss a single second of the fireworks.

"I'll go get drinks," Akaashi announced.

"I'll help you out!" Sarukui exclaimed.

"Me too!"

Bokuto took the opportunity of the little group going away to join Ayaka on the bench. He put down his twin plushy next to hers, on the bench and sat in silence.

He observed the ground – he had wanted to talk to the girl but now, he had no idea what to say. A green firefly flew in front of him and by following it with his gaze, his eyes fell on Ayaka. She was watching him and as soon as she realized he had noticed, she looked away, blushing. Koutarou swallowed, flushing as well.

"I… I never told you why I rejected your confession…" He started awkwardly.

He heard the intake of breath from the girl and slowly, she turned towards him, a confused and hurt look on her face.

"I… the evening was so great, why would you say that…?" She asked with a trembling voice.

"I need to tell you. I need to… explain to you why… I act the way I do…" Koutarou said, a sudden surge of confidence taking over him – he needed to say it, "I didn't reject you because I don't like you… I-it's not that…"

"You rejected me… because you like Fukui-san more… I already know that…" She whispered painfully, eyes filled with sadness.

"That's what you get wrong – I don't like Fukui more because… I can't really figure out who I like more. My Sowlmate – Fukui, or you? I really… don't know…" He murmured, feeling his heart squeeze.

Ayaka furrowed lightly her eyebrows, confusion on her features. She looked away, her breathing short before looking back at the boy, something close to hope shining in her eyes.

"Y-you mean…" She breathed.

"I like you…"

Koutarou's heart started beating so fast, he almost fell over. Ayaka's eyes widened and her heart went crazy, she started trembling and quickly looked away, hands fumbling together.

Did she hear right? Did he just… say what she hoped he had just said?

Koutarou had not meant to say it so suddenly, so bluntly – he had never even said it to himself, but now that it was out in the open, it felt so right.

"I like you," he repeated, almost out of breath and turning towards Ayaka.

He blushed and moved forward, breaking the little bit of space separating them so he'd get to look her straight in the eyes.

"I like you and… I also like Fukui… I just don't know which one of you feels more… like love, and which one feels like a crush…" He continued, his throat dry, "But what I do know is that I keep messing up."

"You do…" She murmured, still too astonished to wrap her mind around his confession.

"I also know that I care a lot about each and every one of you – you are all my friends and… more, probably. And I know that I respect all of you, so much… Which is why I didn't answer to your confession the right way… I… I need some time to figure out how I feel – truly feel… for you… Ayaka…" He whispered, praying she wouldn't slap him.

Ayaka hesitated, not knowing what to think. All this time she had thought he didn't like her when… he was only trying to figure out how he felt. But all this time she had been the one with a broken heart, trying desperately to mend it while he tried kissing her and looked at her as if she was everything in the universe – the same way he was looking at her right now…

She opened her lips without even knowing what to say but Koutarou interrupted her, taking her hands in his gently.

"I'm not asking you to wait for me to figure it out – it would be… too cruel to ask this of you… B-but I-I don't want you to think I don't like you because… you are exceptional and you deserve so much happiness… A happiness I'm not sure I have the right to give you, even if I want to…" He murmured, hoping she'd see in his eyes how sincere he was.

Each beating of his heart was torture waiting for her words. Each trembling breath she took was crushing his heart but making it feel so alive in the same time.

Slowly, Ayaka swallowed and turned back towards Koutarou, tears shining in her eyes and despite all the hurt and confusion, he could see a little bit of hope – a hope she didn't want to hold on in fear to get even more heartbroken, but a hope she couldn't let go of because… what if…?

"You had promised…" She said, her voice breaking and smiling sadly, "You had promised you wouldn't do this sort of things anymore… How am I supposed to get over you when you say such sweet things…?"

Despite the tears in her eyes and her broken voice, Koutarou couldn't help but chuckle, although a little sadly:

"I only promised not to try kissing you anymore…" He whispered.

Without realizing it, they leaned towards each other. Sparkly silvery eyes staring intensely into glowing golden ones. They were holding their breaths and their hands tightly.

"You… you have to stop doing a-and saying this sort of t-thing…" She breathed, her eyes starting to close.

"I'm terrible at keeping… promises…" He added, out of breath.

Their eyes were almost closed and their lips were only inches apart now… They were so close, not even realizing what they were doing. Only knowing that they were following their hearts and instincts.

"Bokuto! Kanemoto!" Akaashi called, coming closer.

The two jumped and quickly pulled away from each other, blushing terribly. Bokuto, in his sudden clumsiness, hit the plush owls that fell from the bench. He quickly leaned down to put them back on the bench while Akaashi blinked in confusion, holding three drinks in his hands.

"Did I interrupt something?" He asked, tilting his head on a side.

Ayaka looked away while Koutarou glared at the ignorant setter.

Before anyone could add anything though, they heard the sudden explosion of fireworks in the sky. Everyone held their breath, turning towards the sky as myriads of colors appeared and exploded, resonating all around.

Despite all the confusion Ayaka felt, she couldn't help it and laughed happily, getting up as the fireworks continued to display their beauty. Bokuto got up as well, joining the young girl as she looked up at the fireworks blissfully. Even if there was a beautiful show of colors and fire in the sky, the only thing Koutarou could see was how beautiful Ayaka was when the colors of the explosions in the sky were reflecting on her face and how her eyes sparkled and shone with the thousands of flowers lighting up the sky.

He smiled softly, glad that, even if he hadn't kept his promise and had tried to kiss her again, that even if he had made her cry again… he had told her how he felt. He liked her. He just needed to figure out whether or not Ayaka was the one or if it was someone else.

I think we can all add Akaashi to the list of people we want... I was about to write 'dead' but I love Akaashi too much and it'd be too cruel. So, let's just say he's added to the list of people 'who should not have the right to intervene when a moment happens between two others'. (I hesitated with "unable to move and talk as to not interrupt precious moments" but it might involve him injured and he wouldn't play volleyball so that's too cruel as well)

I hope you liked it~

NEXT CHAPTER: GLIMPSE OF FOREVER (ah I had completely forgotten this one, but yay~ cute fluff~)

Yours Truly,

May