After enduring her father's lecture on returning home so late, the only desire the brunette had was to melt into her mattress and hide under the covers. She had meant to text her father earlier, but her mind was far too consumed by the chaos to remember such a mundane task. Perhaps it was time to introduce him to Oikawa, it would certainly help. That way she would no longer have to create a dozen excuses for remaining out longer than usual. Further, it was unfair that her absentee parent had met him before the one who was actually present.

When Mina captured her phone to determine a possible date to have the two meet, she did not expect to find a message from Kirei Suzuki.

'Hi Mina, sorry for the late notice, but would you be able to come tomorrow evening instead? I'll have the car fetch you in the morning. I have to be in Germany Saturday morning, unfortunately due to a family emergency.'

"Are you kidding me? There's no win in this situation." Inhaling a deep breath, Mina dropped her face onto the pillow, seeking comfort from the inanimate object. Could she really do this to her friends? The betrayal!?

Before responding to the message, she found herself inviting Sugawara over and instructing her father to meet her in the living room for a 'family meeting'. Ten minutes later, Mina announced the meeting would be beginning. Karasuno's vice-captain and Mr. Saito were sat on separate couches, confusion clear in their expressions. What kind of person calls an emergency family meeting at 11:30pm on a school-night?

Not a single breath was inhaled as she rushed through the details due to the anxiety chewing away at her conscience. The noise that had vibrated within Sugawara's throat had given away his internal conflict, of course he wanted her to be there but this was her future they were talking about. Mr. Saito on the other hand was thoroughly upset by the sudden change of schedule, particularly because it was disrespectful for an adult to act so carelessly in regards to a child.

"I have to admit this does suck. But Mina, it's obvious what you need to do. This won't be our last game. We will go to Nationals." The vice-captain's confidence was fabricated for her benefit and tied together with a large smile.

"I agree. Volleyball is your calling. While I do not agree with his sloppy etiquette, I think it is clear that you must go." The older male had his lips pressed into a grim line, not bothering to conceal his emotions.

"I hate this so much." Roughly, the brunette brushed her fingers through her bangs to release the irritation that was circling inside of her.

"Hey, don't worry. I'll explain to the others. Just go and kill that interview." Hoisting himself off of the couch, the silver-haired male went to join his best friend who was sulking against the wall. "Make us proud, okay?"

There was no withholding the loud wail that Mina had been struggling to swallow as she threw her arms around him. She was so lucky to have him.

Kuroo had agreed to meet Mina for lunch at a large shopping center located conveniently five minutes away from her hotel. Kirei had arranged for her to stay at one of the most luxurious establishments in Tokyo – a fact that had earned her some credit in the Karasuno group chat. Sugawara had promised to provide her a play-by-play, and if he were to be subbed in, Ennoshita vowed to continue on his behalf. It would not replace an in person viewing, but it would have to do.

"Oi. Bunny, you made it." The Nekoma captain acknowledged her with a nonchalant wave, attempting not to screen the happiness she brought him.

"This place is huge; there was no way I could miss it." If she had secured a job with Kirei after graduation, Tokyo could become her new home. Lunch meetings with Kuroo or the Fukurodani boys could become her norm. The thought had initially prompted excitement to swell up inside of her chest, but then she remembered it also meant leaving everyone behind in Miyagi.

"Earth to Saito. Anyone in there?"

The black haired male curled a finger and gently knocked on the girl's forehead to gain her attention, his last response had fallen on closed ears, an assumption that was confirmed by the dazed expression that had washed over her features.

"Hmmm. Oops. Sorry." A beam accompanied the apology, although Kuroo had rejected it with a sigh.

"I make time for you out of my busy schedule and this is how you repay me? I'm hurt." Pinching the bridge of his nose, the captain bit back the laughter bubbling inside of him.

"I said sorry! Come on, lunch is on me. Well… technically it's on the guy who brought me here. But same thing!" After completing a dismissive hand movement, she still did not receive the response she was seeking. Lifting a knee, she lightly nudged his behind, prompting him to jump forward.

"HEY! Abuse!"

"I said let's go! I also need to find an outfit for the interview, so let's goo!" Pressing her palms against his back, she led him in a random direction, hoping they would stumble into a restaurant sooner or later.

Kirei's office was located on the eleventh floor of an art-deco styled skyscraper. The interview was set for 6pm, but for good measure the pair arrived twenty minutes early. Rather than pace around and accidentally run into him on the eleventh floor, they decided to wait in the lobby. Mina tugged at the ends of her sleeves, pondering if she had put on enough perfume.

"You're going to be fine. If Karasuno could beat Shiratorizawa, I'm sure you can ace this interview." Kuroo was slouched on the modern couch, with an arm hooked along the back pillows casually. His cat-like irises scanned the various people who sauntered in and out of the glass doors, the likelihood of him recognizing someone was low, but people watching served as a form of entertainment for him.

"You sound surprised that they won, I thought you had faith in us!" With her index finger, the brunette poked his thigh twice.

"Eh? You're reading into my words too much." His focus landed on her hand, yet he chose not to counter her 'attack'.

Mina was about to object to his accusation until a familiar figure had stepped out of the elevator, running a hand through the mop he called hair. There was no way it could be him. Nope. No. If her mother had returned home – which she did, Mina checked to confirm – how the hell was he still here?

Then her mothers words echoed in the back of her head – someone was interested in her 'boys'. That someone was Kirei.

A/N: be careful what you wish for! also ya'll I think I will be ending this soon. things have picked up for me, so I think I'll do a few more chaps and then finish with a time-skip.