Author's Note:

This takes place way before finals, like 3 weeks prior.

June and July are really packed with events and scenes, and I don't think the timeline is all that accurate… But, it's for the sake of the story. (I may just be getting confused with how the anime goes vs what I've heard about the manga.)

Anyway, I hope you all don't mind too much... It's relatively right after the practice match between Karasuno and Ohgi Nishi and Iwaizumi's birthday.

"Hitoka-chan." Ai walked up to the manager-in-training to request her help for something she had in mind.

"Yes?" Yachi stiffened notably as she was acknowledged by the older female.

Ai smiled. "Relax, you're doing great." She touched the girl's arm and led her to lean against the stage for a quiet moment to talk. After hearing about her artistic creativity, she thought that the daughter of a designer might take up the task; Yachi's background was fortuitous in many ways. Her outstanding poster was already gathering people's attention and awareness, as well as some endorsements. Plus, this would help her form closer relationships with the club members, should she choose to join officially.

"It's Sugawara-senpai's birthday next Wednesday, the vice-captain," Ai started. "I'm planning on making a birthday card for him with my mother's supplies. Would you like to design it with me?"

"M-me?" Yachi seemed surprised to be given such an important job. "R-really? Can I?"

"Of course. I'd love your help," she said, phrasing it like she only had to be her assistant rather than having to do it by herself. Ai smiled reassuringly and continued to tell her the details. "My mother sells craft supplies and is a demonstrator for the products. Come to my house this weekend with a draft of your sketch, and we'll decide on a design together."

Yachi nodded, showing her understanding of the assignment.

"It won't take long, and I'll make the card itself so you don't have to take time out of your studying for finals."

"Oh no, I don't mind! We should make it together so that you'll have time to study, too!" she protested enthusiastically. "It'll be faster with the two of us!"

Ai laughed, surprising Ennoshita and Tanaka who overheard her light giggles. "Okay, we'll see how far we can get."

Yachi grinned, and an idea popped into her head. "Oh, what about Shimizu-senpai?"

"I've asked Kiyoko-senpai about her opinions, so we'll have those to work with, too. This Sunday?"

Yachi nodded at the upshot. "Hinata and Kageyama-kun are coming over to my apartment to study on Saturday, so Sunday's perfect!"

Ai gave her a hug. "You're doing so much for us already. Thank you, I appreciate it."

The blonde gingerly returned the gesture, and they sat back with their shoulders touching. "Now, with you working with Shōyō and Tobio and me with Ryu and Yū, let's see if we can all go to Tokyo after the exams."

———

Ai and Yachi worked on the birthday card on Sunday as promised, and they were able to get a lot done in two hours. After Ai showed her the reins and basics of paper-crafting, she and Yachi discussed ideas and worked efficiently. They got most of it done, save for a few finishing touches for Ai to make.

The two planned to show it to Kiyoko on Monday morning to get her approval and have everyone start signing it as soon as possible. They had made it larger than the average greeting card. The finished product sparkled in silver, orange, and black colors.

.

Their scheme went along swimmingly. The younger managers passed it around the various classes with volleyball players, and Ai took it home the night before to seal the handmade envelope.

———

Tuesday night, Ai parted ways with Narita on her way home and stopped by Shimada Mart to prepare for the second part of her contrivance. There, she bought a few groceries while comparing the ingredients list on her phone with her shopping basket. At the register, she met the owner of the store by chance.

"Welco-... Oh, hello," Shimada greeted her cheerfully.

"Hello, Shimada-san." Ai smiled back.

They chatted about Yamaguchi's practice sessions while Shimada scanned her purchases. The teenage boy had confided to the Karasuno Volleyball Club alumni that he wanted to control his body and the ball like his three peers do, to fight alongside them.

To truly enjoy playing sports, you need to be strong, the former Coach Ukai had once said.

Although it wasn't necessary, Ai asked Shimada if he would continue to teach the younger player. There was only so much she could do, as manager. "I hope you'll find the time to keep practicing with him, and please let me know if there's anything I can do."

The adult hurriedly shook his head. "No, no, it's okay! It's not a problem." He grinned. "Besides, Tadashi's lucky to have such a great team to work with."

Ai smiled. The three of them, including Takinoue, had become Karasuno's spectating buddies at the previous tournament. She thanked him as he handed her the groceries.

"Thank you for shopping at Shimada Mart! Have a good night," he recited.

She nodded to him and exited the store. Walking home with her hands full, she carried her school bag of multiple textbooks and an additional heavy bag of tofu.

.

After eating the dinner her mother had made, Ai replaced her in the kitchen and started her own cooking. She wasn't much for spicy foods, but she hoped for the best.

It was partially why she chose to make it the night before as opposed to in the morning; if it didn't turn out well, she would have time to make adjustments as needed throughout the night. Luckily, it didn't come down to pulling an all-nighter. Once she was satisfied with a teaspoon of taste testing, she left the dish to cool on the countertop while she finished her homework.

———

June 13

Wednesday

At lunch the next day, Ai waited for her vice-captain outside of his classroom. Daichi went back inside to call for him, and she stood by the windows of the hallway alone. Well, apart from the whispering students who wondered who she was and what she was doing on their third-year floor. She paid them no mind and pretended to look at the conventional view of the schoolyard outside.

"Ai, what's up?" Sugawara crossed the hallway from the classroom door and strode over with his usual warm smile.

She smiled back. "I hope I'm not interrupting." Ai handed him the small paper bag she'd brought with her. "For you, Sugawara-senpai."

"Huh? Really?!" He took it excitedly and peeked inside. There was a lunchbox, topped with a note.

"It's mapo tofu with rice, extra spicy. I made it last night," she explained. Ai didn't think it would spoil very soon, but the temperature was getting warmer every day, and it would be better if he knew the date.

Sugawara's eyes lit up. "Wow, thanks! I can't wait to eat it!" He looked back at her. "Not that I'm complaining, but how come?"

She grinned softly. "Tofu soup is Seijuro's favorite, so I'm used to working with it as an ingredient." She watched his expression, detecting something of a bit of envy as the older setter smiled back.

"You're a great girlfriend to him," he complimented and patted her head as if praising her thoughtfulness. He couldn't see any remaining vestige of her cold-hearted past; it's remarkable how much a person can change in a year.

"But, to think he likes such a simple dish." The vice-captain grinned and shook his head. "I guess people do get tired of being rich."

Ai only shrugged. "I'd hate to keep you from your lunch break. I'll see you at practice."

He nodded, despite wanting to savor their time together. "Yeah, you should go eat, too. Thanks for the food!" He raised the bag in appreciation and waited to go back to his class until Ai rounded the corner towards the staircase.

Sugawara reminisced as he sat at his desk. She'd come so far compared to when she had first joined their club, and he liked to think that he had played a part in it. His quiet recollections didn't last long when Daichi and his other classmates came over to ask about their gorgeous kouhai.

.

After practice, the guys clustered around in the spacious gymnasium and celebrated the older setter's birthday. They gave him the card and other individual presents the guys had prepared in advance for their dear teammate. Ai had even gotten Takeda-sensei and Coach Ukai to sign the handmade card, and Sugawara was overjoyed.

She thought back to the note she'd written and was glad the man of the hour laughed happily.

This was only just the beginning of a year of birthdays.

———

Dear Sugawara-senpai,

Thank you for always helping the team. I admire the things you do as vice-captain and my upperclassman to care for us. You make club practice the highlight of my day, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who's glad to have you. I hope you have the happiest year to come. Happy birthday.

Sincerely,

Ai

Author's Note:

First of all, thank you so much for reading and voting every week!!! It means a lot

And I love reading your comments!!

So, I know you all have been waiting for more crossover scenes with KnB, and they are coming! ToT

It's just hard since Karasuno has such a busy schedule, and I want to make it adequately realistic.

Maybe this would have gone better if the story was based in Tokyo, with Nekoma/Fukurōdani and Seirin/Tōō/Shūtoku/(Kaijō); that would totally make sense for a book full of crossover moments.

But, unfortunately, this is how it's going to be for this story at least. :(

The volleyball teams will start meeting (the rest of) the GoM during the summer training camp, from about episode 2.9!!!

And since multiple people have asked about this…

Yes, I will write about the KnB movie Last Game!!

I'm just trying to figure out when it takes place and how to merge it into the Haikyuu timeline. :)

Reference:

In case you're wondering what the heck I'm talking about by handmade birthday cards, please see the image included in this chapter on Wattpad.

Total Word Count: 1774

Authors Note:

Surprise! I didn't plan on it, but here's an extension for this week's chapter! :)

I admit this is kind of a filler to explain Ai's character, but I didn't know where else to add it. I blindly came up with this after I saw the Kuroko no Basket movie, Last Game.

Hopefully, it describes a little bit about her past and her time at Teikō when Akashi's cold other half ruled over his body (when he still had heterochromatic eyes).

You don't have to read it if it's too obnoxious.

Basically, Ai's personality went cold when Akashi did, but she warmed up again after coming to Karasuno.

Please comment if my KnB facts are wrong!

As always, thanks for voting and reading!!!

Ai remembered when Akashi's personality unmistakably changed in the second year of middle school. His eyes grew cold and stopped showing much emotion. It was around the same time that Aomine was relieved from coming to practice, and Murasakibara and Midorima's true powers awakened.

Akashi was distant and lacked compassion toward his teammates. He focused on schoolwork and basketball, as to not lose to anyone. It was an indescribable amount of pressure from both himself and his father.

Ai had mirrored his attitude, shutting out her own. She acted emotionless and responded to people with an apathetic, monotone voice. Her smile vanished, and she didn't invite interpersonal connections.

She found comfort in numbness, and it showed in her actions and piercing glares. If there was one thing she absolutely detested, it was the incomprehensible way people wasted their time on trivial, meaningless things. The principle applied to herself, as well. She hated herself whenever she didn't do her best and couldn't stand thinking of what could have been. If she didn't push herself to her limits, Akashi would leave her. She wanted to remain rightfully by his side, to be a version of herself that she could be proud of. The moment she let her guard down, she wouldn't be able to face the Emperor, let alone meet his eyes when they spoke.

Unreasonably or not, she expected the same from her peers. Ai didn't waste her time with those who didn't put in the work and disregarded most of her immature classmates. Consequently, she was called names like "Ice Queen".

Paired with the Absolute Emperor, they were the reigning and ultimate, Heartless Couple.

Some Wonderland Teikō Junior High School was.

When the two of them were alone, Akashi still treated her as his girlfriend, but it was without emotion. His hand felt cold upon touch, and the kiss on her knuckles felt more of an obligation.

Only a few words were exchanged between the two when necessary, which was very rare. She learned how to pick up on his desires as much as the others and responded accordingly. Knowing his mother's loss was irreplaceable for him, she made some effort of support but didn't overstep.

Especially with His Majesty, she wanted to stay in her place as his companion outside the court, and nothing more. The most she offered was small, silent physical contact: holding his hand, patting his back, and smoothing out invisible wrinkles in his white blazer jacket.

.

Ai and Akashi continued to play shōgi now and then in their free time at school. However, their conversations exponentially decreased, and the two of them often sat in silence. His comments about her moves during the game ceased, and he didn't offer much advice. Nonetheless, she kept playing with him, and he with her without complaint. Now that she thought back to those times, perhaps she felt the appearance of the original Akashi in the back of her mind, and that was why she insisted on having rematch after rematch.

When she lost, Ai would often silently start resetting the board for a new game. Other times, Akashi would finish studying the pieces' positions and initiate another round, with a single word in English.

"Again."

Her boyfriend didn't mind spending his time with her. They studied together, and their routines at club didn't change. He continued to accept her as his partner, and his Emperor half respected her without argument. He appreciated her attentiveness to him and his needs, as well as her willingness to agree and support him with trust. A reliable companion, and an empress consort to the Emperor.

Ai also sharpened her skills of observation and further honed her talent for reading people's minds. She provided and donated her time and efforts to support the club. Staying busy kept her mind off of things and the negativity at bay. From afar, she may have looked to be a punctilious maid assisting the team, but those who knew her or were otherwise granted with her presence felt the prominent, unfading regality of her aura. Ai wasn't someone they wanted to cross, regardless of her affiliation with Akashi.

Her sharp looks reminded the club members of their rank as subjects to the captain of the basketball team and demanded them to swear an oath of compliance. Although it was Akashi who wore the crown, she was the one who sustained it atop of his head. Behind every powerful man was an even stronger woman. She had no interest in being the center of attention, but she helped him rule and retained his subordinates under his commanding order.

The others asked her if Akashi was okay and what had changed, but she had always diverged from their questions. She could tell they were concerned, but they didn't have the luxury of being worried about anyone other than themselves. Kise needed to improve, Kuroko was still searching for his answer, and Midorima had to practice increasing his range of shots. Regardless, they all kept an eye out for her. Even Aomine was concerned about their precious manager, and he lazily looked out for her well-being with Murasakibara.

.

Ai admired Akashi's unwavering confidence and authoritative atmosphere. Her awe for his undefeated and dominant status for everything was endless. Determined to work hard, she didn't want to be left behind anymore. Not by him. She wondered how he attained the absolute victories and discreetly wished to share his talent for strategizing.

Perhaps then, she could be of more help to Karasuno's winning probabilities.

Her heart gradually thawed after coming to Karasuno, a favor owed to Nishinoya and Sugawara. They, along with Ennoshita and Kinoshita, had helped her remember the importance of warm compassion and empathy. Their kindness was infectious, and although she had never stopped her role of caretaking, they taught her that it was better done with loving thoughts.

I'll talk more about Ai's skills in an additional chapter like this one! Just have to write it up first...

Thanks for all of your insightful questions and comments!!! They've really helped my writing, and I love hearing your opinions!

Keep them coming! :)

Total Word Count: 1151